News

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

Governor Evers Visits Lincoln Elementary to Celebrate the Success of Multilingual Learners and Literacy Programming for all

Lincoln Elementary School welcomed Governor Tony Evers on Thursday, February 15. The Governor’s time was limited, so he was only able to visit one of the three elementary schools collectively implementing new literacy programming and practices aligned with the Science of Reading (SOR) and supporting our multilingual students. However, “It was an honor to have Governor Evers visit Lincoln Elementary and witness firsthand the incredible impact the programming and practice aligned with the Science of Reading program is making in our elementary schools,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District. “Our staff have been instrumental in enhancing our student’s literacy skills and providing them with the foundation for lifelong learning. We appreciate the governor stopping by to share in this success.” 

Since adopting the SOR program in the fall, all three elementary schools have seen notable advancements in student literacy outcomes. Recent data from the school’s Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment (DIBELS) reveal positive trends in students’ foundational skills, including fluency and comprehension.

The DIBELS assessments, administered to elementary students in September 2023 as part of the transition to the SOR-aligned instructional model, serve as a benchmark for measuring progress in literacy development. Students underwent reassessment in January 2024, four months after the program’s implementation, to monitor the impact of the new SOR-aligned approach.

Members of Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, have been working tirelessly since learning of the 2024 game requirements at the season kickoff event on January 6. On Sunday, February 18, they were able to put their invention on a full field for the first time at the Sussex Week 0 Scrimmage at Sussex Hamilton High School.

The team’s robot this year measures 26×26 inches and weighs approximately 120 pounds. The drive train is a swerve drive, which allows the robot to go in any direction facing any position at any time. The game piece (an orange foam ring) is picked up from the ground using a 4-bar linkage intake, which is then placed into the shooter. The shooter is on an elevator and arm which allows it to rise up and down and rotate, giving the robot almost full control of the shooting and scoring positions. 

In addition to playing practice matches at Sussex, members of Ferradermis were able to attend morning workshops for Dean’s List candidates, Impact presentation preparation, and match scouting ideas.  During matches, students not in the pit or on the drive team were in the stands testing the scouting system the team will be using at competition.

Members of Ferradermis will leave for their first Regional event in Duluth on February 28. Two weeks later, they will be competing in Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Regional, and over Spring Break they will be in Chicago for the Midwest Regional. Each regional hosts 50-60 teams, and the Chicago event will feature teams from 6 countries and 10 states. Four teams from each regional will qualify for Championships in Houston in mid-April.

Are you a supporter of the robotics program in the Whitewater Unified School District? If so, consider joining an organizational meeting for the new WUSD Robotics Booster Club on Tuesday, February 20, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 301 at the high school. Enter through Door #38 for the meeting. The Booster Club’s goals are to find ways to help support FIRST Lego League Challenge programs in 4th and 5th grade, the new FIRST Tech Challenge Team forming at the middle school in the fall, and the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team at the high school. For questions about the Booster Club, reach out to Sue Wildermuth at wilderms@uww.edu.

Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch and Andrew O’Toole
Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Rich Grosse and Laura Masbruch

Chancellor Corey King and Provost John Chenoweth invite you to join this year’s UWW Inclusivity Forum. Prominent area alum will share company perspectives in a panel on Thursday, February 22, in the James R. Connor University Center Ballroom. The first forum from 10-11:30 a.m. is open to all, and the second forum scheduled for 1-2 p. m., is a student-focused forum.

The forum will feature panelists from Wisconsin businesses and organizations with focus on inclusivity in Wisconsin’s workplaces. Panelists include:
 Steven Brown ’90, ’98, Vice President of Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Talent Acquisition, Molson Coors Beverage Company
 Willie Jude II, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation
 Jermaine Murry, Chief Diversity Officer, Milwaukee Repertory Theater
 Katie Wesner, DEI Program Manager, Molson Coors Beverage Company
 Shary Tran ’99, Global Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Generac Power Systems

Questions about the forum or logistics can be directed Diane Bahmann in the Provost’s Office at bahmannd@uww.edu or 262-472-1672.

Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided.  

The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.

In the history of Jazz music, there is only one bandleader that has the distinction of having his orchestra still performing sold out concerts all over the world, with members personally chosen by him, for over 30 years after his passing. Pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie was and still is an American institution that personifies the grandeur and excellence of Jazz. The Count Basie Orchestra, today directed by Scotty Barnhart, has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, won 18 Grammy Awards, performed for kings, queens, and other world royalty, appeared in several movies, television shows, at every major jazz festival and major concert hall in the world.

Thursday, February 22, 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater

Tickets are $45 and may be ordered here. There is an additional $2 per ticket fee at the door.

Hawk Bowl Demolition for Aldi

The City of Whitewater is delighted to announce the commencement of a pivotal development project, following the recent demolition start at the site of the former Hawk Bowl and Hawk Bowl Apartments. This marks a significant advancement in the city’s growth, with the construction of a new ALDI grocery store already receiving site plan approval.

The ALDI store, set to be located at 1380 and 1398 West Main St. on the city’s west side, will occupy a 20,000- square-foot area. This project, managed by Pinnacle Engineering Group on behalf of ALDI, not only introduces a much-needed grocery option for residents but also signifies a broader development initiative. The project includes a pad ready for development adjacent to the new ALDI and adjacent to Culver’s, effectively transforming the ALDI development into a dual-project venture for the community.

City Manager, John Weidl, shared his excitement about the project’s progress: “The approval of the ALDI site plan is a major milestone for Whitewater. We are not only looking forward to the benefits the ALDI store will bring but are also thrilled about the additional development opportunities this project will unlock. We are particularly excited about the additional pad ready site for development between the new ALDI and Culver’s. This means our community can look forward to not just one, but two new projects that will drive economic growth and vitality in the city.” Council President Neil Hicks shares similar excitement, “Great collaboration has brought great results to the residents in and around the City of Whitewater. Whether it’s good jobs, good food
or a sense of community belonging, this is a great step forward for our city.” From CDA Chair* Patrick Singer: “The ALDI project is a clear signal of progress. It shows we’re not just planning for a better Whitewater; we’re actively building it, starting with essential services like this grocery store.”

With the project’s value estimated between $3.2 and $3.5 million, it is expected to generate substantial tax revenue for the city, ranging between $700,000 and $1.1 million over the next 15 years. Moreover, this development is particularly significant as it addresses Whitewater’s designation by the USDA as a food desert, promising enhanced access to fresh and affordable food.

The City of Whitewater extends our sincere thanks to everyone who played a pivotal role in making this transformative project possible. Our gratitude goes to the Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA) and the Whitewater Common Council for their unwavering support and dedication to the city’s growth. A special acknowledgment is due to DLK Enterprises for their continued commitment and partnership with the city, which has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Additionally, we pay tribute to the late Council President Jim Allen, whose tireless advocacy for a grocery store during his tenure on both the CDA and Common Council has been a driving force behind this achievement. His dedication to Whitewater’s welfare has laid the groundwork for this and many other community enhancements.

As Whitewater moves forward with these promising developments, city officials remain committed to ensuring that all aspects of the project align with the city’s strategic goals and community needs.

• Singer recently vacated his role as CDA Chair to accept an appointment to the common council through April 2025.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The photo on the homepage is by Lynn Binnie.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the first of three Book Club discussions on Thursday evening, February 22, 6PM-8PM, in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater. The first three chapters of Poverty, by America, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Matthew Desmond, will be discussed.

Desmond draws upon history, research and original reporting to argue that poverty in America persists because the rest of us benefit from it. Please join us to investigate new ways of imagining solutions to a morally urgent problem and engage in how to usher in an age of shared prosperity.

Books have been reserved at Irvin L Young Memorial Library for the group’s use during the study. Please ask at the front desk for a copy. Additional discussions will be held on March 21 and April 18 at the same time and location.

The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate! Please contact Deb Gamble (262-583-1946 or shebagam@gmail.com) for questions or further information.

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the City of Elkhorn Police Department on February 16.

Thomas Allen Routt, Jr., 57-years old, Elkhorn, has been arrested in connection with the early morning shooting on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Sports Page Barr in downtown Elkhorn, which claimed the lives of Emerson and Gina Weingart.

Initial investigation focused on eyewitness evidence, including an eyewitness that was inside the bar at the time of the shooting. That eyewitness said a male, now believed by law enforcement to be Routt, came into the bar and began playing the gaming machines. After approximately 30 minutes, the eyewitness said it was just the eyewitness, Emerson, Gina, and Routt in the bar. The eyewitness said Routt brandished a handgun and pointed it at Gina, the bartender, and ordered them not to move. The eyewitness said they instinctively got up off their barstool and Routt pointed the gun at the eyewitness and ordered the eyewitness not to move. The eyewitness said they sat back down and said Routt subsequently fired the gun at Gina and the eyewitness immediately fled out the door, calling 9-1-1 after distancing themself from the scene.

Routt was taken into custody without incident by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 3:40 AM on a Department of Corrections hold as Routt was on parole for arson.

Routt subsequently admitted to shooting both Emerson and Gina Weingart and following the eyewitness out the back door and shooting at the eyewitness as they fled. Routt indicated that his motive was robbery and said after chasing and shooting at the eyewitness, he returned to the bar and took $120 – $140 from the open cash drawer and fled in his vehicle to his residence in Elkhorn. Routt said the next morning he discarded the weapon and ammunition in a trash receptacle at the Handi-Mart in Lake Como. Officers subsequently retrieved a 9mm handgun and ammunition from the trash at the Handi-Mart.

Routt has been charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon, one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The investigation is on-going, however there is no indication that anyone other than Routt was directly involved in the crime.

The Elkhorn Police Department was assisted by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office, Delavan Police Department, Town of Delavan Police Department, Lake Geneva Police Department, Town of Geneva Police Department, Kenosha Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Wauwatosa Police Department, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.

A critical meeting was held today [February 15] at 3:00 p.m. in Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, where Whitewater’s City Manager John Weidl, Police Chief Dan Meyer, and Council President Neil Hicks met with Governor Tony Evers and his team. The focus was on pressing issues facing Whitewater, particularly the challenges of immigration and the impact of reduced state revenue and university funding on local law enforcement. A PowerPoint presentation provided by city officials, highlighting recent policing statistics, showed an increase in unlicensed driving and other issues, against a backdrop of decreased capacity for proactive policing.

Police Chief Dan Meyer shared insights into the increased migration to Whitewater, notably from Nicaragua and Venezuela, starting in early 2022. He detailed incidents that highlighted the migrants’ struggles, including a family found living in a small shed during winter, a teenager forced into labor, and young children left alone during a fire. These examples underscored the need for increased community support and resources.

Chief Meyer emphasized, “It’s crucial that we approach these issues without casting blame or vilifying any group. Our goal is to identify and address the root causes, focusing on problem-solving and public safety rather than politics. We’re committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure Whitewater is safe and inclusive.”

The discussion also covered the reasons migrants are drawn to Whitewater, particularly the availability of housing due to changes at the university brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to a significant increase in the migrant population, highlighting the need for coordinated community responses.

On the topic of law enforcement funding, city officials pointed out the financial challenges faced over the past year. Despite an increase in shared revenue for Whitewater and other municipalities, this was offset by cuts in the Municipal Services Payment (MSP) program and the end of reimbursements from the University for dispatch services. These changes have resulted in a funding shortfall of over $400,000 for the 2024 fiscal year, effectively negating the benefits of the increased shared revenue.

In addition, City Manager John Weidl expressed gratitude towards the Whitewater elected officials for their steadfast commitment to enhancing law enforcement capabilities within the city. “Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to install license plate cameras at every entrance point to Whitewater, we employ drone technology, and have proactively funded a comprehensive staffing study. We’re also prepared to pursue a referendum if necessary. Our elected officials have truly risen to the challenge, demonstrating their dedication by allocating the necessary funds to address our concerns. This level of commitment is crucial for driving meaningful change in our community,” stated Weidl.

Governor Evers expressed his commitment to collaborating with Whitewater officials to address the city’s concerns. The meeting concluded with an agreement to explore and implement strategies to support not only the migrant population but also to strengthen the city’s overall public safety and community infrastructure.

Council President Neil Hicks added, “Our communication with legislators at all levels about Whitewater’s immigration issues has led to meaningful discussions. We’re grateful for the constructive dialogue with Governor Evers and others, focusing on collaborative solutions for our community.”