News

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

With the 72-hour extension in the filing deadline for Common Council seats having passed at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 5, the April 2 ballot has now been finalized. City Clerk Heather Boehm indicated that the candidates are as follows.

At large seat (Shown here in alphabetical order; the draw for placement on the ballot will be held on Monday, January 8.)

Greg Majkrzak, 1294 Tower Hill Pass
Keith Staebler, 542 E. Clay Street

Aldermanic District 2

Orin Smith, 901 W. Starin Rd., #502A

Aldermanic District 4

Brian Schanen, 441 S. Buckingham Blvd.

There will be no primary election for either the Common Council or the School Board. The general election will be held on April 2. As was previously announced on The Whitewater Banner, there are three candidates for two seats on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Walworth County Public Health. After that article is a press release on the same subject from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Walworth County Public Health Providing $5 Radon Test Kits with a Food Pantry Donation

Sixty Percent of Walworth County Homes Tested for Radon Had Higher Levels than the EPA Deems Safe

The Walworth County Division of Public Health is offering $5 radon test kits throughout Radon Action Month in January to anyone who donates a non-perishable food item. There is a limit of one kit per person. All food donations will go to the Walworth County Food and Diaper Bank.

Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that is the nation’s second leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for roughly 20,000 deaths each year. Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services indicates that about 6 in 10 homes in Walworth County have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action limit. “January is the ideal time to see if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” said Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.

Testing is offered locally through the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center, funded through a Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant. Normally, the cost is $15 per kit.

The test kit includes a small vial that must be left open to the air in the lowest livable level of a home — usually the basement — for 48 to 96 hours. The vial is then capped and mailed to Accustar Labs, which generally provides the results via mail, email, or telephone within three days. Shipping and analysis of the kit are included in the $5 price.

Those whose homes test at an elevated level of radon are encouraged to contact the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center for more information about mitigation options.

The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable January 1 to 31, 2024, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn. After that date the kits may be purchased at the same location for $15.

Visit the Walworth County Division of Public Health’s website for more information about radon. 

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Child Care Centers to Test for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

During National Radon Action Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging home and building owners, along with child care providers, to test their buildings for radon.

Radon, an odorless, radioactive gas naturally present in the ground, is found across Wisconsin, and enters buildings through their foundations. Approximately one in 10 homes in our state have elevated radon levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s action level for safety is 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L). Last March, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) enacted rule changes which require licensed family and group child care providers to test for radon and install a mitigation system if radon levels exceed the EPA action level.

“Reducing radon exposure is a top environmental health concern,” said Paula Tran, State Health Officer. “DHS applauds DCF for taking this important step toward protecting all Wisconsinites from exposure to radon by putting children, and their caretakers, first.”

This National Radon Action Month, DHS encourages all Wisconsinites to test their homes and business locations for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and it is estimated to cause over 21,000 deaths each year in the United States. Approximately 962 of these deaths are in Wisconsin. High radon levels are especially dangerous for people who smoke; their risk of lung cancer is 10 times higher than non-smokers.

Fortunately, this cause of lung cancer is largely preventable, and the first step is to test your house, apartment, or business location for radon. The cost of mitigation can be a barrier for some families and businesses; Wisconsin residents can visit lowradon.org to find their Radon Information Centers (RIC) in Wisconsin or speak with local public health department radon experts by calling 888 LOW-RADON to discuss available options. Reduced-cost test kits are available through RICs and test kit promotions are happening throughout January.

Any house or building can be at risk for high radon levels, including apartments and commercial buildings. Landlords have a responsibility to provide safe living and working conditions to their tenants and should work with a certified radon testing and mitigation contractor to get started on addressing the issue for their tenants. DHS maintains a list of certified radon professionals that can provide radon measurement and mitigation, and encourages homeowners and property owners to prioritize using a certified contractor.

More information can be found at lowradon.org.  

The image on the homepage “radon” by oparvez is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Marquette University.

Maddie Arnett of Whitewater, WI, has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Arnett is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology.

To make the Dean’s List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the fall 2023 semester and have no disqualifying grades. The GPA threshold varies by college – for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean’s List. 

The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administration, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum.

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws over 7,600 undergraduate and 3,700 graduate and professional students from nearly all states and more than 60 countries. In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. We have a tradition of posting winter-related photos in January and here is the first of four featuring the downtown. This image is from a post card, probably from the 1960s before the old city hall was torn down. It is a popular view from across Cravath Lake, possibly taken from Hillside Cemetery. The bare branches make for a very artistic winter view.

Join us next week for another vintage winter scene of downtown Whitewater.

(5090PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The photo on the homepage was taken in November, 2020, the only occasion when the election was held in the UW-W Kachel Fieldhouse. Although most poll workers are likely motivated primarily by civic service, a modest hourly wage is paid.

The City of Whitewater is urgently seeking dedicated and civic-minded individuals to volunteer as poll workers for the upcoming election. With election day drawing near, this is a critical opportunity for our fellow citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure a smooth voting experience for all.

Poll workers play an essential role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of our elections. As trusted individuals who oversee polling sites, they help in guaranteeing the fundamental right to vote for every eligible citizen. Their involvement is crucial in upholding the democratic values that shape our great nation.

The City of Whitewater invites all community members, from eager first-timers to seasoned professionals, to lend their time, skills, and enthusiasm to this essential civic duty. By volunteering as a poll worker, you will gain firsthand experience in democracy at work, fostering a deeper understanding of the electoral process and contributing directly to the success of our elections.

The City of Whitewater also strongly encourages bilingual individuals who are fluent in both Spanish and English to reach out. It is important to ensure that all members of our diverse community have access to accurate information and support in their preferred language. This is an opportunity for bilingual residents to make a meaningful impact and provide assistance to voters who may require language assistance.

If you are interested please contact the City Clerk’s office at 262-473-0102.

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

A total of 3,757 students earned a spot on the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 fall semester.

The following students [who consider Whitewater to be their home] were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester:

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Teaghan Carter

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Thomas McCulloch

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashlee Steed

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Keisha Cummings

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Holland Engele

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Keller

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jocelin Beecroft

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kianna Doerr

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Devin Fitzer

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Bennett Grzeszczak

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gaby Islas

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Callie Knoll

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Rylan Maly

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Destiny Mitchell

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Partoll

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Haskins

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Wagner

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Conner Young

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Chris Abts

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas Ackman

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Carlson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Dahl

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Christian Derenne

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gia Donofrio

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tanner Engeseth

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Myles Fannin

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cooper Gosse

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ruth Hammer

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Hanlon

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jackson Hollander

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Kloskey

– Whitewater, WI 53190: David Kneiser

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Josh Loiacono

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Miller

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabella Miscevich

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Nelson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Rachel Nelson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Nitka

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Benjamin Oldenburg

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Annika Potter

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayden Radloff

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Reinhardt

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gunner Schlender

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lili Templeman

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Dayna Wendelberger

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mackenzie Wesoloski

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Zimdars

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Godek

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Christopher Gomez

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Smith

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Molly Wade

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Yasmin Palomec-Garcia

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madelyn Hillesheim

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hailey Zaal

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Match Clark

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Welsh

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Pergande

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Chase Zimmerman

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Colton Meuret

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aurora Leonhard

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lexi Nelson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Sims

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jace Bezzo

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caden Schlender

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Marc Jones

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Matthew Gumenyuk

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lila Glatczak

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brock Grosinske

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caden Leutner

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reilly Grasso

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jaciel Flores

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caleb Karlson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cj Keating

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Savannah Schmieder

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jacob Veeder

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mason Baker

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aiden Murray

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrew Swartz

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Wade

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madelynn Buehler

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Michael Lange

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Sharlow

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Viktor Martinson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alissa LoCicero-Geraths

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Carlos Baez

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Satterfield

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Grace Baker

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tania Verduzco

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aubrey Church

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Anders Clarksen

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Steven Gyenes

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Martin

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mel Prince

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cj Tomomitsu

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aidan Allamian

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Schneider

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madeline Church

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Bianca Housworth

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Hammons

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Payton Lowe

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Natasha Footland

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Abi Hartwig

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Jordan

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Emily O’Donnell

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Dejaney Valles

These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.

“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”

The Registrar’s Office reports 3,757 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the fall semester. More than 11,500 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.

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

Under normal circumstances the ballot for the April 2 Common Council election would now be finalized, as January 2 was the deadline for nomination papers to be filed. Unusual circumstances regarding two of the seats have resulted, per state statute, for the filing deadline to be extended to Friday, January 5 at 5:00 p.m. City Clerk Heather Boehm, who was recently appointed to the position after the resignation of Karri Anderberg, indicated that extension is effective for the At large position as well as for Aldermanic District 4.

At large seat

The only person to have completed the nomination process is Greg Majkrzak, 1294 Tower Hill Pass. Majkrzak previously served on the council in a district position.

Boehm indicates that Keith Staebler has filed a Declaration of Candidacy statement but has not yet submitted the required nomination papers.

The At large seat was held by the late James D. Allen, who passed away on December 23. The filing deadline was extended for this seat due to that occurrence.

Aldermanic District 2

Orin Smith, 901 W. Starin Rd., #502A, is the only person who has filed for this seat, for which there is no filing extension.

This seat is being vacated by Lukas Schreiber, a UW-W ’23 graduate who chose not to run for re-election.

Aldermanic District 4

Brian Schanen, 441 S. Buckingham Blvd., is the only person to have filed for this seat.

This seat is currently held by Jill Gerber, who did not file a Noncandidacy Statement nor a Declaration of Candidacy. The filing deadline was consequently extended except for the incumbent.

How to file

Persons who may be interested in running for the At large or District 4 seat may find information about the process here. Candidacy and nomination papers must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 5. Signatures must be obtained from at least 25 people for a district seat or 50 persons for the At large seat. Forms can be printed off at www.elections.wi.gov or picked up and returned to the City of Whitewater Clerk’s office, 312 W Whitewater St. The Declaration of Candidacy may be found here. The Nomination Paper may be found here. In case of questions, the phone number for the Clerk’s office is 262-473-0102.

Since John’s Disposal was closed on New Year’s Day, all routes will be delayed by one day. The city routes will be picked up on Friday, January 5.

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

City Manager John Weidl announced on January 2 that in a letter to the city clerk dated December 27, David Stone resigned immediately from the Common Council, due to an “emergency situation.” Stone has represented District 1 since last April. Per a Common Council policy that was adopted in 2012, at its next meeting on January 16 the council is expected to ask the city clerk to advertise for applicants for the vacant position, while setting a deadline for such applications to be received. The council would then interview the applicants in an open meeting, and may decide to appoint a new council member by a vote of the members. Per state statute 17.23(1)(am), such a member could serve until the term expires in April, 2025, or until a special election is held. It might be expected that if such an election was called, it would likely be scheduled coinciding with the fall primary or general election, with the term still ending in April, 2025.

With the passing in December of Jim Allen, the Common Council now has two vacancies in its seven seats. The members are expected to consider advertising for applicants to fill Allen’s at large seat at the January 16 meeting. If appointed, such an individual would only serve until April 16, since that seat’s term expires on that date. For the present, if more than one member of the council is absent at a meeting, the lack of a quorum will prevent any action from taking place.