Our thanks to Steve Watson for another amazing compilation of nature photos.
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MADISON, Wis. (December 1, 2023) – Just over 1,300 students received doctoral, bachelor’s, master’s and professional degrees in August 2023 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
While there is no commencement ceremony in August, many of the graduates take part in the ceremonies the previous spring or in December.
Here is the degree recipient from your area:
Whitewater, WI
Jan Maroske, College of Engineering, Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
From left, UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King and Athletic Director Ryan Callahan met with, from left, PremierBank executive vice-president and chief operating officer Peggy Stebbins ’08 MPA ’09, executive vice president and chief operating officer Joel Kohl ’01, first vice president and chief lending officer Matt Zastrow and chairman/CEO Russ Turk, to celebrate the partnership between the two institutions. They are pictured at Perkins Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
By Kristine Zaballos Asst. Director University Marketing & Communications
Fort Atkinson-based PremierBank, a community bank with nine locations in southeastern Wisconsin, has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Several key leadership roles at the bank are filled by Warhawk alumni. The bank offers internships to students and first jobs to newly minted graduates. And the bank supports Warhawk Athletics — most notably as a sponsor of game previews and of the PremierBank recap.
On Wednesday, Nov. 29, Chancellor Corey A. King and Athletic Director Ryan Callahan met with PremierBank Chairman/CEO Russ Turk and other bank leaders to celebrate the funding that will deepen that partnership in 2024.
“UW-Whitewater is such an important part of the community, not only as an employer and educational resource but also as a community-building resource offering so many programs that enrich Whitewater and beyond,” said Turk. “Supporting the Athletics Department allows us to show our support of the institution and reach a wide range of stakeholders.”
“We are grateful for our partnership with PremierBank,” Callahan said. “UW-Whitewater shares a commitment to the betterment of the local community with PremierBank. We feel we can successfully prepare our student-athletes to pursue excellence inside and outside of competition and, as graduates, make a positive impact on their communities thanks to the support of PremierBank.”
Three PremierBank leaders who are UW-Whitewater alumni also attended. Joel Kohl, who earned a BBA in economics in 2001, is a vice president and loan officer for the bank, where he has worked for more than seven years. Peggy Stebbins, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the bank, earned a BBA in accounting in 2008 and an MPA in 2009. She joined the bank in early 2023 after working in several other financial institutions.
“When I was a student at UW-Whitewater, I did my internship at what is now referred to as Baker Tilly — then it was Virchow Krause — and I had the opportunity to work with several local community banks in Southeastern Wisconsin,” said Stebbins. “ I am so thankful that UWW incorporated an internship program into the curriculum — it set me up for long-term success in my career.”
Matt Zastrow, first vice president and chief lending officer, is also an alumnus, having earned a BBA in operations management in 2001.
“My degree helped me get into a small community bank setting where I started as a credit analyst and, as I grew in that role, I was given the opportunity to get into commercial lending,” said Zastrow. “After 16 years, I had an opportunity to take on a leadership role with PremierBank.”
“I enjoyed my time at UW-Whitewater because it had the small town feel, yet its graduates can compete with anyone out there,” said Zastrow, who has been working at the bank for more than five years.
“That is very similar to PremierBank; we are a community bank serving smaller communities — but we have all the products and services of the big banks.”
Update 12/5/23 @ 9:45 p.m. – In the Common Council meeting on this date, John Weidl, city manager, indicated that the presentation will be streamed as well as recorded.
The City of Whitewater will be hosting a presentation entitled “Pathway to Participation” on December 12th at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
The City of Whitewater is pleased to announce an upcoming educational presentation aimed at informing potential candidates, current council members, and residents about the various ways they can actively participate in city government. As nomination papers for Common Council were made available on December 1st, it is crucial for individuals to be well-prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to engage effectively in the local decision-making process.
The presentation will make clear the essential role of the city manager in government affairs, familiarizing attendees with the powers vested in the City Council, and emphasizing the significant impact that boards, commissions, and committees can have on shaping the community. Furthermore, the session will provide valuable insights into the resources and tools that entrust individuals with the power to effect positive change within the city.
The city manager’s office cordially extends an invitation to all interested parties to attend this presentation. By participating in the event, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of city government, enabling them to make informed decisions and potentially contribute to the betterment of the City of Whitewater.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
U.S. News & World Report has named Washington Elementary to its list of the 2024 Best Elementary Schools across the United States.
Washington earned a spot at number 290 out of the 951 elementary schools that U.S. News analyzed in Wisconsin.
The publication analyzed and ranked elementary schools’ proficiency in mathematics, reading, and language arts based on state assessment data. The rankings are not based on the test scores alone, as they also take into consideration local socioeconomic demographics. This two-part calculation ensures schools listed are serving all students.
“This is a recognition to be celebrated for our staff, students, and families of Washington Elementary,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “These results show the success of our teaching models and initiatives to make our schools more inclusive and equitable for all students. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to best prepare our students for their continued educational journey.”
Washington Elementary scored 69.58 out of 100 overall. The school ranked 305 in reading proficiency and 456 in math proficiency, out of 951 Wisconsin schools.
Additionally, about 88 percent of Washington Elementary teachers have three or more years of experience. About 42 percent of students scored at or above proficient in both math and reading, compared to the state average of 36 and 37 percent, respectively.
Updated (twice) on 12/4/23 with agenda for Board of Zoning Appeals. The full packet has now been provided.
City of Whitewater Police & Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Recognition Of Police & Fire Commission Member Dr. Glenn Hayes For His Service To The City of Whitewater and closed session (to be followed by open session) including interview of Detective Lieutenant candidate 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: Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/430445381 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 430-445-381 United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes closed session to Discuss Bargaining and Negotiation strategy related to the contract with the Police Union, 2024 salary resolution, first reading of an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction Standards Adopted, and Discussion and possible action regarding the Proposed Nonconforming Use Agreement for Kienbaum Iron & Metal. 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 click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85173798964?pwd=MnEg8oCuovzvPXye11bTMqeJCT_gA.pBZXd8Utj5U9Bv22 Or Telephone: 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 851 7379 8964 Passcode: 518542
The Landmarks Commission meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, December 7 has been canceled due to lack of a quorum.
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes appeal by Jes Cisneros, 421 Indian Mound Parkway, to exceed the four foot height in street yard. 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/624685101 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 624-685-101 United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will deliver sand on Monday, December 4, 2023. Residents who wish to receive a quantity of sand for placement on public sidewalks, during the winter months, are asked to have a sturdy container at the curbside by 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 4. City officials stress that a cardboard box is not considered a sturdy container.
If there is a snowstorm or some other unpredictable occurrence that prevents delivery that week, the sand will be delivered as soon as weather permits.
As a reminder, the owner, occupant, and person in charge of any building or lot fronting upon or adjoining any sidewalk shall remove all snow and ice from the sidewalk no later than twenty-four hours after a snow or ice event. When any ice is so formed on any sidewalk that it cannot be removed, then the responsible party shall keep the same sprinkled with salt or sand.
For additional questions or concerns contact the Streets Department at (262) 473-0560.
