News

This Week’s City Meetings

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes update on capital campaign.
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: EzXQ7vJz
Dial by your location or 312-626-6799
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Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
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City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Spectrum TV station update, action plan Aquatic Center, ordinance amending Chapter 5.36 mobile homes and mobile home parks, discussion regarding Twin Oaks annual mobile home permit, discussion regarding Affordable Housing Incentive Policy, and purchase of Badger Books for voting. Also, closed session: Items to be
discussed: 1) Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District 2) Aldi Development Agreement and 3) Bargaining Negotiation with Police Union.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 West Whitewater St
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Passcode: 716379
Or dial 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 873 6460 1150
Passcode: 716379

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Updates to Commercial Façade Loan Program Manual, Status of Vacant Land listing Contract for sale of City‐owned properties, Status of Recruitment for Economic Development Director Position. Also closed session, followed by open session: ALDI’s development agreement.
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84275444343?pwd=aTZGSnpuZmhpNCtzQ1FrNUZuWVh4Zz09
Passcode: 947960
Or join by phone: 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 842 7544 4343
Passcode: 947960

Local Students Graduate from UW-W

The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 13, 2023.

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Asobo Afah graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Ault graduated with the following degree: Accounting – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Eric Barber graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Doctor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Bezzo graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madeline Born graduated with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alex Bretl graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Brodel graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Master of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jake Burford graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Occupational Safety – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Burger graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ariana Christianson graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Michael Coates graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ivan Cortez graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Justin Cox graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Dylan DuClos graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Esparza graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Sophia Fenger graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elizabeth Gomez graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ralph Hahn graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madison Hawkins graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Margaret Helbig graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Public Policy and Administration – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tyler Hentrich graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elbee-Fae Ascherl graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Danielle Klais graduated with the following degree: Environmental Science – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Felicity Knabenbauer graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Abigail Much graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jackie Lin graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Amy Moore graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Applied Arts and Sciences – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Miriam Navejas graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Nobles graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Norton graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Meaghan O’Hara graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Malayna Oswald graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zachary Paneitz graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bryce Parrish graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Montana Petersen graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Corey Puttkamer graduated with the following degree: Information Technology – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zach Reimann graduated with the following degree: General Business – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Rickgauer graduated with the following degree: Sociology – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alyssa Riley graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Connor Rohde graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Chemistry – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Sackett graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jacob Sadler graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alexsia Saldaris graduated with the following degree: Business Education – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Lukas Schreiber graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Juan Schultz graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Schwieger graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bridget Thompson graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, Wis. : Salmai Valadez graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Vedner graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ashley Vorndran graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Wade graduated with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tayler Walter graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies Without a Minor – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : LuAnnabelle Wieseman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Catherine Yang graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jon Zheng graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – Bachelor of Science

More than 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.

Included in the graduates are 98 students who are veterans, 9 international students and 180 nontraditional undergraduate students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 167 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees. Eight graduates of the university’s LIFE Program, which provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability, earned an advanced certificate.

New Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Whitewater

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Samuel Schulz will be ordained into the Christian ministry and installed as the new pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Whitewater in a special service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 23.  Schulz graduated in May of this year with a M. Div. degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin.  He will serve the congregation and conduct its campus ministry.

Pastor Schulz was born in Baraboo and later grew up in the Madison area.  He attended Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills and Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota prior to his seminary training.

Samuel, Maddie and Dot Schulz

Mrs. Schulz is Maddie and they have an infant daughter Dot.  They have moved into the congregation’s parsonage and look forward to getting to know the residents of the community.

St. John’s has served the Whitewater area since 1865.  It is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.  The church is located at 116 South Church Street.

Obituary: Steven Alan Meisner, 62 (Updated with arrangements)

Steven Alan Meisner, 62, of Whitewater, WI passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI following a brief illness.

Steve was born on April 17, 1961, in Beloit, WI to LaVerne and Judith (Kutz) Meisner. He married Barbara Lindl on May 19, 1985, at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

Steve was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band. He first picked up a squeezebox at age five. After mastering the accordion, he took on the trumpet, tuba, bass guitar, button box, and occasionally drums and banjo. During his over 50-year career he performed with the nation’s top accordionists, polka icons and musicians, sometimes averaging over 250 performances annually. He has either produced, performed on or created nearly 50 projects, including LPs, CDs, singles, jingles, commercials, movies, and videos – including appearing as a guest on other artists’ recordings. He appeared in two movies, countless times on radio and on national, regional and local television. His tireless effort resulted in numerous awards from nearly every polka and ethnic organization including the International Polka Association (IPA), National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI), Iron World Polka Hall of Fame, Maryland Accordion Club, and many others.  

If he wasn’t entertaining audiences with his music, he was spending time with his wife, three children and six grandchildren, working on his many classic cars, enjoying life on Whitewater Lake, by the pool or on his boat, bird and squirrel watching from his favorite couch in his sunroom, or having a Korbel at his tiki bar with family and friends. His immense love for his family and friends was unmatched. He was always willing to help anyone out in time of need, give sound advice, answer any question or just listen and talk. Everyone knew that Steve was a true friend and would always be there for them. He was a surrogate father and brother to so many as well as a true one-of-a-kind friend to all. As such his care for all had lovingly been dubbed “MeisnerCare” by those close to him.

He is survived by his wife Barb Meisner, Whitewater; children Whitney Meisner, Whitewater, Lindsey Meisner (Nik Martin), Whitewater, Austin Meisner (Madison Holverson), Whitewater; siblings Daniel Meisner, Vashon, WA and Michelle (John) Bush, Milton. He is also survived by his grandchildren Evan, Jacob & Rosalia Copeland (Whitney Meisner) along with Sam, Eli & Jack Martin (Lindsey Meisner & Nik Martin). He was preceded in death by his parents.

The dates have been set and plans are underway for two special events following the passing of Steve Meisner on June 1, 2023. The first will take place on Thursday, August 17, at 3:00 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W Main St, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. This will be a church service that will include special music in honor of Steve. There will be no visitation preceding the service. Then, on August 19, a celebration of epic proportions will happen at The Schwabenhof, 14750 Silver Spring Dr, in Menomonee Falls. The pavilion will open at 12:00 noon with music, dancing, food, beverages, and fun lasting until the evening. A short presentation will be made during the day. Photos and other memorabilia will be displayed. Most of all, this will be an epic party that Steve would truly be proud of. Already scheduled to perform is the Eddie Rodick Band, Klancnik & Friends, LynnMarie along with Kathy from Canada, the Mike Schneider Band, Jeff Winard, the Jimmy Monsen Band, Brian McCarty, Garrett Tatano, the Steve Meisner Legacy Band, plus others (performers are subject to change). This memorable event will give Steve’s family, friends, and fans, a chance to be together, share stories, and enjoy the day – all in honor of Steve Meisner. More details will be provided as both of these events draw closer. Although no formal hotel blocks have been established, here are a few area hotels near the Schwabenhof you may consider: 

Hyatt Place, 11777 W. Silver Spring Dr., 414-462-3500
Holiday Inn Express, 10831 W. Park Pl., 414-979-0250
Hampton by Hilton, 5601 N. Lovers Ln., 414-466-8881
Hilton Garden Inn, 11600 W. Park Place, 414-359-9823

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

UW-Whitewater Chancellor Recognizes Scholar-Athletes

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The following students, who are shown as being from Whitewater, were recognized by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Chancellor’s Scholar-Athletes.

Margaret Helbig who is studying Public Policy and Administration, and is on the Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field team.

Kyle Gallagher who is studying Finance, and is on the Football team.

Meg McGinley who is studying Elementary Education, and is on the Gymnastics team.

Jake Burford who is studying Occupational Safety, and is on the Wrestling team.

Ryan Vedner who is studying History Education, and is on the Wrestling team.

In partnership with the athletic department, Chancellor Corey King recognized 51 Warhawks for the honor this year.

To be recognized as Scholar-Athletes, students must have maintained a 3.25 cumulative grade point average or above through the end of the 2022 fall semester. Honorees must have participated in a varsity sport for two years, must be of senior academic status and must have accumulated at least 90 degree credits.

Each Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete was recognized during a banquet at the James R. Connor University Center by Director of Athletics Ryan Callahan and Chancellor King and was given a commemorative gift.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Summer Scene on Fremont Street

It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the second in our series of summer photos of Whitewater streets. This view is another rare postcard showing Fremont Street. By the vintage of the car in the image, it must have been taken around 1900. Or, the car was put into the photo by the postcard company to give the scene more ambience. In any event, its a great view!

Join us next week for another historic street scene from the Whitewater Historical Society.

#2333PC, Whitewater Historical Society

Reminder: City Brush Collection Policy


COLLECTION SCHEDULE
The City will collect brush every Tuesday unless otherwise announced. Residents are asked to call the Department of Public Works at (262)473-0560 to make an appointment. Appointments must be made by 5 a.m. of the Tuesday collection so route scheduling can be completed.

COLLECTION FEES
Brush located at the curbside will be collected and chipped. The first 10 minutes of chipping will be free of charge if an appointment has been received by the DPW. Any chipping after the first ten minutes will be charged to the property owner at a rate of $30 per ten-minute increments.

ALL BRUSH PLACED AT THE CURB WILL BE COLLECTED ON THE DAY OF APPOINTMENT. NO EXCEPTIONS!

COLLECTION PROCEDURE
Brush must be brought to the curbside and placed with the cut ends facing the street. Brush cannot be brought to the curbside before 4 p.m. on the Sunday prior to the scheduled Tuesday for collection. Brush must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

*In addition, the Compost Site is open for residents on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

BRUSH TO BE ACCEPTED OR NOT ACCEPTED
Brush must be a minimum of 3/4″ and a maximum 6” in diameter. The brush must be a minimum of 3 feet in length.
Vines, rakings, roots, and root balls will not be accepted. Property owners can dispose of vines, rakings, roots, and root balls at the compost site. The City reserves the right to not collect brush for just cause.

MAJOR STORM DAMAGE BRUSH COLLECTION
Major storm damage brush collection will be done at no charge. The City will determine and announce emergency storm related brush collections.

Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.

City of Whitewater Seeks Bids for Dredging; Seeks Takers of Dredged Materials

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.

The City of Whitewater will be accepting bids for the following: 12,300 square feet of mechanical dredging of Cravath Lake and 4000 square feet of mechanical dredging of Trippe Lake. Bids will be accepted until July 26,2023 at 3:00 pm. At that time the bids received will be publicly opened and publicly recorded. Bid packets can be obtained from the City Clerk, located at the City Municipal building, 312 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI, between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. For further information contact Eric Boettcher, Parks and Recreation Director at 262-473-0122. The City of Whitewater receives the right to reject any and all bids, waive any informalities in bidding, and to accept the bid deemed most advantageous to the City of Whitewater,

The City of Whitewater has a stockpile of dredged material from Cravath and Trippe Lake at the property located on the corner of Innovation Drive and Howard Road. The City wishes to have the dredged material removed by October 30, 2023. Anyone interested in the dredged material should call Parks and Recreation Director Eric Boettcher at 262-473-0122 by July 20,2023 to indicate their interest and obtain additional information.

Jared Janovec is a Hometown Hero

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Jared Janovec has been nominated as a WUL Hometown Hero by John Chenoweth for, “Organizing year-round, indoor and outdoor soccer for high schoolers, young adults, and older adults, for the past several years. They play soccer twice a week throughout the year.  He sends out weekly reminders, works with the school district to get access to the facilities, encourages new members to join, and also provides equipment. Many people have benefited from his generous gift of time and efforts through the years. Thank you Jared!”

Jared Janovec (center) received the Hometown Hero award. John Chenoweth (to Jared’s right) nominated Jared, and he presented the award along with other soccer players.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

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