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This Week’s City & School Board Meetings (Update: Board of Zoning Appeals agenda added)
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30
Agenda includes Title IX policy
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. – CLOSED SESSION
Agenda: discuss the superintendent evaluation and discuss board governance
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87288261629?pwd=uNe5w0Ci1qAZ8z31HW67hSmA35psuL.1
– Passcode: 978719
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 872 8826 1629
– Passcode: 978719
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Review draft of community survey and facilities study (review and give feedback)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387538099?pwd=VDVKdU9uajNzRDhVODlWL2U3eHJnUT09
– Passcode: 104745
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 873 8753 8099
– Passcode: 104745
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. == This meeting was canceled.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Construction Costs and Financing, Resolution Authorizing Referendum Question for the Starin Park Water Tower for the 2024 General Election, First reading of Ordinance 2024-O-13 an ordinance creating Section 16.04.255 Lead Water Service Replacement Program-Public Works
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
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81052726226?pwd=SE6yF1a4rLSrzbk5Eh3CI5m6sXItbD.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 810 5272 6226
Passcode: 964142
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: PARK TOUR
The purpose of this park tour is for the board members to directly observe and assess the current
conditions of our city parks. This tour will enable the board to gather firsthand information that is crucial
for developing informed budgets, strategic plans, and long-term goals for the city park system.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. (Agenda added 8/21/24 @ 3:30 p.m.)
Agenda includes Property Location: 187 W Main St
Applicable Code: 19.30.030(g) A ground floor residence is prohibited.
Variance Requested: To allow a first-floor apartment in a B2 Central Business District.
Reason for Request: To allow for continue remodeling of the Bowers House.
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/83246954390?pwd=ihGMt0wxYaNFi2XyRxew4oMA2h7hsX.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 832 4695 4390
Passcode: 687832
Our Readers Share: Jeff & Lin Tortomasi – This is one family that enjoyed our “secret garden”
Jeff and Lin Tortomasi write, “This is one family that enjoyed our “secret garden.”
“Our thanks to Jeff and Lin Tortomasi for sharing this beautiful sandhill cranes photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Whippet Cross Country Teams Launch Annual Water Softener Salt Fundraiser
The annual Whitewater Whippet Cross Country water softener salt fundraiser is currently accepting orders! This wildly popular fundraiser looks to take the less-than-exciting chore of going to the store, loading bags of salt, and heading to the register before loading them into your vehicle. Let’s not forget the unloading at home and taking them down your stairs. What a hassle, but not anymore!
The team hopes the heaviest thing you lift when buying salt this year is your pen as you write a check to let us do all the hauling and stacking at your home. Check out the sales flyer linked below to find out all the details about the price per bag and delivery date. We will accept orders through Friday, August 30th. If you have any questions, reach out to any athlete on the team or to Coach Chad Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org
A special thank you to Dalee Water Conditioning for supplying the salt for our event!
Link to flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RNE1_bdszMsmXri7aZB69flYgOB7PvX_9oLNju6_A0E/edit?usp=sharing
Obituary: Barbara Lynn (Bressler) Robbins, 62, of Dubuque, IA
Barbara Lynn (Bressler) Robbins, 62, Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully, August 16, 2024.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant and Rev. Michael Tess as the homilist. A graveside service will follow the same afternoon at 3:00 pm at Maple Ridge Cemetery adjoining the First Lutheran Church of Jordan on Hwy 40, north of Sterling IL, followed by a gathering of friends & family in the church.
Born August 2, 1962 to Mary Jo (Bickford) and Neal Bressler in Sterling, IL. Barbara married Thomas Robbins on July 11, 1998, in Whitewater, WI.
Barbara graduated from Sterling High School in 1980 and matriculated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1988. She served as a graphic designer for a variety of employers including Panoramic Inc. in Janesville WI, Getter Press in Whitewater WI, and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Barbara’s marriage to Tom found their family relocating to various tri-state area locations from Whitewater WI to DeKalb IL to Hartford WI to Dubuque IA over a period of 25+ years.
Barbara was a consummate graphic artist, illustrator, and creative thinker. Her award-winning artwork has been featured in numerous art galleries and museums. Besides her two children, her life masterpieces were her Hearts Across America Children’s Memorial Art/Quilt Project commemorating the tragedy of 9/11 (permanently displayed at the U.S. Pentagon) as well as her 2022 published anthology entitled, “Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness Revealed.”
Barbara was a warrior and fighter, tenacious to the end battling various illnesses and health setbacks with grace and determination. Nothing stopped her especially when her mind was set on helping others stating, “if I could help one person in one way…then life was worth living.” Faith, country, family, nature, and the arts were her life passions.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Thomas Robbins; her sons Andrew Marnocha (fiancée Hannah Madrzak) of New Bern, NC, and Alexander Robbins (fiancée Lyric Strickland) of Dubuque, IA; her father Neal Bressler of Palm Harbor, FL; her twin sister Beth (John) Metzler of DeKalb, IL; her brother Scott Bressler of Clearwater, FL; her sister-in-law Crysty (Matt) Schultz of Dubuque, IA; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Jo Bressler, her father-in-law, Jerome “Jerry” Robbins, her mother-in-law, Mary Kay Robbins, her brothers-in-law Jerome Jr., Charles, and William Robbins, and her grandparents.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for their gentle care of Barbara.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Barbara’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
Town of Richmond Treasurer Recall Election Results
The Town of Richmond conducted a treasurer recall election on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
According to the Town of Richmond website, the unofficial results are follows:
Emmily Taylor 232
Ann Seaver 177
Editor’s note: Ann Seaver is the incumbent. Based on the unofficial results, it is expected that she will be removed from office.
Fremont St. Construction Update
The Fremont Street contractor is scheduled to pulverize the existing asphalt pavement between Whitewater Creek and Lauderdale Drive on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Travel on the pulverized material can be difficult until it is shaped, rolled and compacted. The first layer of asphalt is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024 between Starin Road and Whitewater Creek. Motorists are advised to avoid this section of Fremont Street the next two weeks as crews continue to work on gravel shoulders, restoration, and placing the final lift of asphalt. As a reminder, Fremont Street between Starin Road and Whitewater Creek is closed to thru traffic.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Brad Marquardt, public works director.
Congregational United Church of Christ to Disband
The Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Church Street, will disband effective at the end of next April. A concluding service of worship is being planned for Sunday, 27 April, at the church.
Founded in 1840, the Congregational Church has been one of the oldest continuing organizations in the city. It joined the United Church of Christ in 1957. Recent pastors have included the Rev. Kendall Nordstrom, the Rev. Christine Stack, the Rev. Phil Milam, and the Rev. Blair Hull. The Rev. Dr. David Mc Donald has been pastor since 2020.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by The Rev. Dr. David McDonald.
Obituary: Brenda L. Transue, 59
Brenda L. Transue Obituary
On Monday, February 19, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. Brenda Lea Transue of Whitewater, Wis., passed away at Alden Meadow Park Health Care Center, Clinton, Wis. She was age 59. She was born on January 18, 1965, in Fort Atkinson, Wis., the daughter of Charles and Betty Boyer.
Brenda graduated from Whitewater High School in 1983 and went on to study nursing at MATC. She was employed as an LPN at Rock Haven Nursing Home for many years.
Brenda married Blake Transue on November 18, 1988. He preceded her in death.
Brenda loved to play pool and go camping. She enjoyed her gardens, thrifting and crafting as well as being outside with her dogs.
Brenda is survived by her daughter, Aryn; her son, Alex (Melissa); granddaughters, Amaryana and Brooke; her sisters, Karen and Rita; her brother, David; and her best childhood friend, Mary.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and her goddaughter, Angelina.
A celebration of life has been planned for Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 1 pm to 4-5 pm at Natureland Park shelter, W8338 Territorial Rd, Whitewater. A potluck luncheon is planned—please bring a dish or dessert to pass—sandwiches, chips and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Please wear your favorite tie-dye in memory of Brenda or bring something white to make it tie-dye if you don’t have anything tie-dye already. The family is accepting donations to go toward the cost of the celebration of life in lieu of other expressions of sympathy.
HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.
Ferradermis Fields Two Bots for Eau Claire Competition
Seventeen members of Ferradermis headed to Eau Claire on August 16 and 17 for the inaugural Leviathans Robotics Rampage held at the Pablo Center at the Confluence. What made this event so unique? The competition field was on a theater stage! This allowed for some creative uses of lighting to highlight wins by the red and blue alliances as well as many other theater amenities, such as a superb sound system and comfortable seats. Spectators were also able to get an eye-level view of the robots competing on the field. Wisconsin is testing out new venues for events as they prepare for a possible move to a district competition system, which would look more like a high school athletic playoff system and crown a state champion.
Ferradermis team members had been working diligently prior to the competition to manufacture, assemble, wire, and program their second robot for the year, a robot affectionately named Creamsicle because of the many pastel colors of its 3D printed parts. Creamsicle took the field wearing the official Ferradermis team number of 6574, and the team’s regular season bot, Chief Lee the Tangerine switched to wearing number 9996 for the competition. The two bots were able to play against each other in one match and together on the same alliance in another. Fielding two robots also allowed for twice as many students to get drive team experience.
Since many teams arrived on Friday afternoon to set up, students from various teams were able to spend some social time together, including a huge 3-team game of Marco Polo in the hotel pool. Ferradermis members also had time to explore the trails and outdoor art exhibits along the Chippewa River and the Eau Claire River, which meet just outside the Pablo Center.
On the field, Creamsicle struggled, but hung in there and made it to all of its matches. Tangerine had a much better day, ranking 6th out of the 14 bots at the end of the qualification round. Tangerine (#9996) was selected as the first pick of the fourth seed for the playoffs. That alliance captain was the second robot fielded by Team 930 The Mukwonago Bears with a robot nicknamed “Baby Bear.” Baby Bear and Tangerine then invited Team 6381 Red Raider Robotics from Sheboygan North High School to join the alliance. The alliance played well together but finished the event in fourth place.
Students representing Ferradermis in Eau Claire included recent graduates Kay Mikos and Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, incoming seniors Andrew O’Toole, Andrew Zimmermann, and Maddison LaHaie, incoming juniors Rae Breisath, Chacha Binagi, Ace Hudec, Margaret Brown, Nina Heim, Erison Dreksler, and Georgia Esch, incoming sophomores Carson Miller, Preston Miller, and Cyrus Hudec, and incoming freshmen Vivian Harris and Cooper O’Neal.
Ferradermis will take a short break before starting up again in September. Any Whitewater High School student interested in joining the team (veterans and new members alike) should attend the annual parent meeting with at least one parent or guardian at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 11 in the high school library.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org