WKOW: Local DoorDash Driver Chased by Cows

According to a report on WKOW, Payton Zech, a local DoorDash driver, encountered a herd of cows running towards his vehicle on Highway P. “I don’t know what to do in this situation,” he said as the cows trotted toward him. “I’m just gonna keep going backwards, I suppose.”

The video report may be viewed here. Click on the second image for the video.

Winter Storm Warning Fri. 6 a.m. – Sat. noon; 8-12″ of Snow Expected

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday through noon on Saturday. They are projecting in the range of 8-12″ of snow in the Whitewater area. If that sounds familiar, it’s similar to the range that they had anticipated earlier this week, when we actually received approximately 3-4″. They indicate that lower than anticipated snow was related, among other things, to the warmer temperature. This time the temperature is expected to be lower, including the roads, and NWS claims that they tried to estimate conservatively.

Wind gusts on Friday and Saturday are expected to cause blowing/drifting snow. The Wisconsin State Patrol advises people to postpone their Friday and Saturday travels as another winter storm and low temperatures roll through the state. Trooper Wameng Van said people should limit their traveling if possible on Friday and Saturday during an expected winter snowstorm. ”If you can postpone it, I would advise to do so,” he said. ”With single and sub-zero temperatures, you think about frostbite; just within 30 minutes or so, frostbite can start kicking in already. You want to try to avoid that.”

Wind Chill Advisories may be issued next week, as the wind chill on Sunday and Monday may fall to -30F.

WHS Student Chosen to Attend WI Leadership Seminar


Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from Pamela Sonmor-Wintz, WHS counselor.

Akamion McHenry has been chosen by the faculty at Whitewater High School to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha June 14-16, 2024!

Akamion will participate in team-building activities, hear motivational speakers, and participate in small group discussions designed to develop additional leadership skills in sophomores across the state of Wisconsin.  Congratulations Akamion!!

UW-W Administration Changes Announced

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted on January 4.

Sara Deschner Named Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer named

Campus community,

I am pleased to announce that Sara Deschner has been named Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer. Sara has been part of the UW-Whitewater community for 17 years, serving in several roles, including Assistant Director in ICIT, lecturer and Assistant Dean in the College of Business and Economics.  

As the Interim CIO and leader of our IT Services Department since April 2023, Sara has begun working to reimagine the information technology capabilities and support services for the Whitewater and Rock campuses. Her proven leadership experience — along with the collaborative efforts she has already set in motion — make me confident that she is the best choice for our campuses.

Sara officially began her new role on December 31, 2023.   

I would like to thank Paul Waelchli, Library Director, for leading the search, along with the members of the search and screen committee for their dedicated time and commitment to successfully recruiting and reviewing the candidates. 

Brenda Jones
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Affairs 

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted at UW-W on December 26.

Artanya Wesley Departs for University of Tennesee at Chattanooga

Today it was announced that Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Artanya Wesley was named the next vice chancellor of enrollment management and student affairs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Wesley.

During her tenure on campus, Dr. Wesley has led with her heart. She is a servant leader whose passion is to ensure all students — in particular those that came from humble communities as she did — see their potential and believe in themselves.

Wesley joined the university in July 2016 as dean of students. She was appointed vice chancellor of student affairs in April of 2020, having served in the role as interim since July 2019.

She previously served in various student affairs leadership roles at the Universities of Wisconsin and UW-Platteville. Her professional experience includes presentations at the local and national level on topics ranging from university housing to Title IX to student recruitment and retention.

The Universities of Wisconsin System honored Dr. Wesley with the Outstanding Woman of Color award twice — in 2009 and 2019.

She earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Capella University and two degrees from UW-Platteville: Master of Science in Education in Counselor Education and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Dr. Wesley’s last day on campus will be Jan. 5, 2024. Please know I have meetings arranged with Student Affairs leadership and will name an interim leader by the end of January. We will ensure a thoughtful approach in a permanent hire for this role with a continued focus on student excellence.

Again, please join me in congratulating Dr. Wesley and thanking her for her strong leadership and dedicated service to UW-Whitewater. 

Sincerely,

Corey A. King
Chancellor

Local Student Recognized on St. Norbert College Dean’s List

The following student has been named to the 2023 fall semester dean’s list at St. Norbert College. A minimum 3.5 grade-point average is required for academic eligibility.

St. Norbert College – celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2023 – is known for its academic excellence, focus on international awareness, and leadership and service opportunities. The academic excellence and character-building qualities of the college are nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Princeton Review and others. 

The college is in the midst of the Support What Matters campaign, a $125 million fundraising initiative timed to align with the college’s 125th anniversary that focuses on preserving, enhancing and amplifying the things that make a St. Norbert education unique. Find more information at www.snc.edu.

HOMETOWN – Whitewater, Wis.

 Lauren Francl

Food Pantry Closed Wednesday

Editor’s note: The following announcement was submitted by Pat Chaput.

The Whitewater Community Food Pantry will be closed Wednesday, January 10 due to inclement weather. The pantry will be open Thursday at 8:30 a.m.


Christmas Tree Collection Extended Another Week Due to Weather Forecast

Previously it was announced that the final Christmas tree collection, without an appointment, would take place on Tuesday, January 9. Brian Neumeister, streets superintendent, told the Banner that, due to the weather forecast, it is uncertain as to whether the collection will be performed tomorrow. Due to this uncertainty a Christmas tree collection will be scheduled for Tuesday, January 16. After that date residents will need to call the Department of Public Works at 262-473-0560 before Tuesday at 5 a.m. to schedule a brush pickup.

Trees that have been flocked or contain wire will not be collected. Please place these trees for collection by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month, your bulk pick up day.

Snow Prediction Lowered to 6-10″; Will Peak in the Afternoon (Updated)

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Update 1/9 @ 4:20 p.m. – The Weather Service expects an additional 3-5″ of snow for the Whitewater area. The Winter Weather Warning continues until 3 a.m. Also, see the bottom of this post for two additional anticipated systems later in the week.

As of Tuesday morning’s 10:00 briefing, the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office is predicting that the Whitewater area’s total snow accumulation will be in the range of 6-10″. Accumulation this afternoon may be up to 1″ per hour at times. Anyone who is going to be shoveling is advised to be very cautious, as moving the wet, heavy snow puts quite a toll on the body and can contribute to a heart attack. In the evening the snow is expected to change over from the wet, compacted snow to a more dry, fluffy snow.

Two more rounds of snow are in the forecast, for Wednesday night and Friday to Saturday.

Wednesday Night

  • Light powdery snowfall expected late Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning. 
  • 1-2 inches of snowfall is expected across southern Wisconsin

    Next System This Weekend

  • Another potentially potent system for Friday into Saturday
    • System could bring several inches of moderate to heavy snowfall
    • Uncertainty in system track (small shifts will influence potential weather impacts)
  • Much colder air expected to move in behind this system for Sunday into Monday

This Week’s City & WUSD Meetings (Updated)

Editor’s note: Updated on 1/9 at 11:30 p.m. to add two WUSD notices.

City of Whitewater Spring Election Candidates/Ballot Draw – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Ballot draw for at large Common Council seat
Whitewater Municipal Building , Community Room
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8140860175pwd=1jukmOSlmqORjlLSd0Dp2SWEiCbp0A.lTocz9sieOBVSfZ5
Passcode: 503011
Or Telephone +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 814 0860 1750

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Conditional Use Permit for sign package for Starbucks, Public Hearing Regarding Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for zero lot line condominiums on Meadow View (off Indian Mounds Parkway), Possible Consideration and Approval of the Preliminary Plat and Possible Consideration and Approval of Final Plat for Meadow View project.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/997301941
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 997-301-941
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Ethics Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes executive session to Consider complaints against elected officials, possibly followed by open session.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83773150974?pwd=XQN0MAk3BjZ01oMA9ldLdLvXMFjn8g.zHzIaEt32XxXnX
Sl

Passcode: 195569
Or Telephone:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 837 7315 0974
Passcode: 195569

WUSD Notices

Members of the Whitewater School Board will be attending the WUSD Unplugged session at Lincoln Elementary on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 beginning at 4:00 p.m. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.

Whitewater School Board members and other Whitewater Unified School District officials will be attending the Crossing Guard & Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast at Whitewater High School on Thursday, January 11, 2024. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during this event.

Registration Open for the 12th Annual Discover Whitewater Series

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, and 5k is excited to announce that registration is now open for its 12th annual race. The upcoming Discover Whitewater Series is set to be held on September 22, 2024.

Since its establishment in 2013, the DWS has hosted 11 successful races, raising $274,500 for local charities. The DWS partners with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the City of Whitewater to make this race a premium community event. Once again, the DWS plans to host a fun and safe event the entire community can enjoy. 

This year, the DWS will be maintaining fan-favorite events from years past such as: Kids Korral childcare, Half Marathon Team Event, and its Post Race Celebration at 841 Brewhouse.

“We’d like to invite runners of all capacities to join us in our 12th Annual DWS, begin training now and join us for another successful race this year!” said Race Director, Dawson Miller. 

The DWS is offering an early bird special through the end of the month where registration rates are at their lowest of the year. The DWS team looks forward to another successful race, and is excited to see all the runners come together once again!

“The DWS does so much for the Whitewater community, it brings everyone together and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” said GWC Chairman, Crystal Singer. 

To get signed up while early bird rates still apply, visit: www.RunWhitewater.com/Register

About the DWS: The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.