News

Milwaukee School of Engineering congratulates students named to the Fall Semester 2023 Dean’s and Honors Lists.

Grace Alderman of Whitewater was named to the Dean’s List . Alderman is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Daniel Portwine of Whitewater was named to the Dean’s List. Portwine is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Gwynne Sahyun was named to the Honors List. Sahyun is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

MSOE encourages excellence in academic achievement and, as a result, publishes the Dean’s List and Honors List each fall and spring semester. Students taking undergraduate courses who have earned at least 12 credits in residence at MSOE, are in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher are on the Dean’s List. Students on that list who have maintained a 3.70 or higher receive “high honors.” Students with a term GPA of 3.20 or higher, who are not on the Dean’s List, are on the Honors List.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,800 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, actuarial science, business, computer science, machine learning, nursing, perfusion and user experience. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.

“The Illinois Tollway is continuing to adopt new tolling technology as it evolves, and I-PASS Sticker Tags mark the latest development in toll collection,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Sticker tags are being adopted by toll agencies across the country and by the Illinois Tollway as they provide a convenient, reliable and less expensive travel experience for our customers.”

By the end of January, I-PASS Sticker Tags will be available at customer service centers at the Tollway’s headquarters and oases. Later on in February, customers will be able to pick up I-PASS Sticker Tags at Jewel-Osco stores and Road Rangers, in the Rockford area, as well as order online. The Tollway also plans to offer stickers at the Chicago Auto Show next month.

The introduction of I-PASS Sticker Tags is being done in coordination with other E-ZPass agencies and will ensure that beginning in 2024 our customers have continuity in service wherever they travel in the 19 states that are a part of the E-ZPass consortium.

There will be no deposit fee for the I-PASS Sticker Tags. For customers with current transponders, the $10 transponder deposit will be applied to the I-PASS customers account once a new I-PASS Sticker Tag is registered to the account.

When customers receive I-PASS Sticker Tags, they will be able to add the new Sticker Tag number immediately to their new or existing I-PASS account via the Official Tollway App, getipass.com website or phone. Once registered to the account, the I-PASS Sticker Tag will be ready for use on the Illinois Tollway and within 24 hours on the Chicago Skyway or other E-ZPass roadway. 

Existing transponders will continue to work as designed on the Tollway and our E-ZPass partners’ facilities. Customers will not be required to switch an I-PASS Sticker Tag as long as they have a working transponder.

Toll rates, whether with the I-PASS Sticker Tag or traditional transponder, remain the same for cars.

The I-PASS Sticker Tags should not be moved between vehicles. Because I-PASS Sticker Tags will be available without a deposit, customers can obtain Sticker Tags for each vehicle tied to the same I-PASS account at no additional charge.

I-PASS Sticker Tags use radio frequency identification (RFID) to communicate with toll collection technology.

I-PASS customers should dispose of old transponders in an environmentally sound way, not discarded in the trash.

Editor’s note: The above information was provided to The Banner by the Illinois Tollway.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) for the City of Whitewater is excited to announce a unique business competition in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Whitewater (UWW) Enactus, a student-led organization that harnesses business strategies for social good.

This innovative competition, backed by a generous allocation of $160,000 from the CDA, aims to foster entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth within Whitewater. The competition will be a platform for budding entrepreneurs to receive essential support and training in business planning and other critical areas. Over several weeks, participants will be guided through a series of development stages, culminating in a public presentation where their business concepts will be evaluated.

City Manager, John Weidl, commented on the initiative, “This is exactly the type of bold initiative that will position Whitewater as a credible hub for innovation and public-private collaborations. It’s about bringing community-driven business ideas to life and catalyzing real change.”

A unique feature of this competition is the entire community’s direct involvement. Alongside a panel of expert judges, interested community members will have a say in the ranking and scoring of the business presentations via web-based application. This approach not only empowers local voices but also ensures that the selected businesses align with the community’s needs and aspirations.

Eligibility for the competition is focused on startups and new business ideas within key areas of the community, including the downtown sector and other economically significant locations in Whitewater. The competition is open to reimbursement for projects that lead to successful location in Whitewater and startup, encompassing a variety of activities, from interior and exterior improvements, equipment, and rent or down payment reimbursement. The aim is to bring innovative and impactful business ideas to fruition, boosting the local economy.

While detailed programmatic aspects will be finalized in an upcoming CDA meeting, this initiative marks a significant step towards cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Whitewater, in collaboration with the dynamic and forward-thinking students of UWW Enactus. If you have initial interest in this program please fill out our interest form here: https://forms.gle/ZoNtyXLTUbphkUtDA

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Paul Brennan from Pixabay.

The Polar Plunge is just under 2 months away. We only have a few spots left for our chili cook off. It is FREE to enter, and you have a chance to win some great prizes. This year we will be indoors at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center.

We will have our tables set up in the large meeting/party room. If you are interested in participating please fill out the form above and send it back to Jennifer French by Friday, February 16^th. If you know of anyone else that may be interested please send them either my information or the information attached to this email. You can also sign up at https://whitewater.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=2.

Please let me know if you have any questions my phone number is 262-473-0535.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Jennifer French, Adult Program Coordinator for the city Parks & Recreation Department.

The City of Whitewater Police Department announced that on January 22 the Police and Fire Commission approved the promotion of Taylor Krahn to Patrol Lieutenant. According to the announcement, “In that role, Lt. Krahn will oversee one of our four patrol shifts. Taylor has served the Whitewater community as a sworn officer since 2020. He is a handgun and rifle instructor as well as a pistol-mounted optics instructor. Taylor also serves as a field training officer and as a member of the department’s Search Warrant Response team. Congratulations, Taylor!”

All reactions:

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Tests now encouraged for children ages 1 and 2, and those aged 3-5 who have not been previously tested

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends universal blood lead testing for children living in Wisconsin. Universal testing means all children should receive a blood lead test at ages 1 and 2 as well as any child between ages 3 and 5 who has not had a previous test. Children under 6 residing in the city of Milwaukee require additional testing per local health department guidelines.

Childhood lead poisoning remains a serious public health threat, despite significant progress in recent decades. Every year, thousands of children in Wisconsin are poisoned by exposure to lead in their environment. Lead, a toxic metal, can cause irreversible damage to a child’s developing brain, affecting their learning, behavior, and future potential. A simple blood test can detect lead exposure early, allowing parents and health care providers to take crucial steps to protect a child’s health. Depending on the child’s blood lead level, these crucial next steps could include:

• Finding and removing lead hazards from the child’s environment.
• Providing the child a diet high in iron and calcium.
• Connecting the child to early educational services.
• Scheduling follow-up blood lead testing.

“Early detection is key in preventing devastating consequences of lead poisoning,” said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. “A blood test is a quick procedure that can provide invaluable information about a child’s exposure to lead. With early intervention, we can minimize the long-term effects and ensure children reach their full potential.”

Why early detection matters:

• It’s not obvious: Lead poisoning often shows no obvious symptoms, making early detection through blood tests crucial.
• It can help minimize harm: Early identification of lead poisoning, through the testing of young children, allows for prompt action to eliminate sources of lead exposure and minimize harm.
• It can improve outcomes: With early action and support, children exposed to lead can achieve better developmental outcomes.

Early detection and intervention are critical in protecting children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. Parents and caregivers should talk with their child’s health care provider today and get a blood lead test scheduled. Visit CDC’s Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level page for additional information on follow-up and case management of children who have lead levels above the blood lead reference value.

Get more information about pediatric lead testing and reporting and the DHS universal blood lead testing recommendation on our website.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by bess.hamiti@gmail.com from Pixabay.

Update 1/24/24 @ 10:10 a.m. – The weather service has extended the dense fog advisory for our area to noon. Fog may limit visibility to one quarter mile or less at times.

According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, a Dense Fog Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Areas of dense fog will limit visibility to one quarter mile or less at times. Together with the dense fog, some light rain/drizzle is expected during the Wednesday morning commute. With temperatures hovering around freezing, there is the possibility of a glaze of ice once again on Wednesday morning.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Joe from Pixabay.

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

According to an article on wpr.org and various other news outlets, four people dressed in red and black created a disturbance on Sunday evening, January 21 near the Knilans residence hall. They bellowed racist remarks, including, “We are everywhere. There will be blood, blood, blood,” and a swastika was projected on a wall of the building. Students were in the process of returning to campus, with classes resuming on Monday after the winter break. Campus police responded at approximately 5:40 p.m. and did not find the people. It is believed that they are not UW-Whitewater students but rather may be part of a group that has caused similar disturbances on other campuses.

According to The Hill, “The incident follows a large increase in antisemitic activity on college campuses since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Between Oct. 7 and 23, 312 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S., according to the Anti-Defamation League. In the same time period in 2022, only 64 antisemitic incidents were reported.”

Chancellor Corey A. King posted the following message to the university community:

Message from Chancellor King

Dear students, faculty and staff,

On Sunday, Jan. 21, at around 5:40 p.m., UW-Whitewater police received reports of four people outside of Knilans residence hall chanting racist words, lighting what appeared to be road flares and displaying antisemitic symbols.

Police quickly responded to the scene. The group had already left the area, confirmed by video surveillance, and no further sightings were reported. We have no reason to believe there is any current threat to safety on campus. The actions of the individuals are consistent with a group that has been visiting other campuses, and has no affiliation with UW-Whitewater whatsoever. In an abundance of caution, we have increased police patrol on campus.  

The actions of the group last night are abhorrent and go against our core values. At UW-Whitewater, we strive to create a safe community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We take pride in our Warhawk family. We reject hate in all its forms.

I know this incident is disturbing and has impacted members of our university community. Please know that counseling services are available to you….Warhawks, look out for one another — especially individuals who may have felt especially targeted by this event. 

Anyone with information about the incident last night is asked to contact University Police at police@uww.edu or 262-472-4660. We will continue to remain vigilant and inform you if there are any developments. I want to reassure everyone of our ongoing commitment to safety. UW-Whitewater Police are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In an emergency situation, please call 911. Any campus member can arrange to have an officer walk with them on campus by calling the non-emergency line, 262-472-4660.

On this first day of the new semester, I ask all of us to reaffirm our commitment to our core values and not let the actions of an outside group that seeks to incite hate, division and fear take us off course. I am confident that we will have ongoing campus conversations in this space. I welcome these conversations as we continue to create an inclusive community. Let’s support each other the Warhawk way.

Corey A. King
Chancellor

Come learn about the U.S. National Parks with Mike Oswald, creator of three U.S. National Park guidebooks (plus a journal!). He hopes you’ll bring your National Park travel dreams and/or stories to have an interactive conversation about these cherished public lands. Along the way, he’ll share photos and stories—from hollering at a grizzly in Glacier National Park to trying to sleep in the middle of a turf war between the crabs and rats of Dry Tortugas’ Jefferson Key—from his tours across the country.

Mike Oswald has been exploring and writing about the U.S. National Parks since 2008. Over the course of hundreds of national park visits, he’s hiked, paddled, and pedaled thousands of miles across America’s most treasured lands. He loves watching prairie dogs, making natural tripods, and sharing a smile with fellow park enthusiasts as they enjoy a beautiful day in a beautiful place. His goal is to help others make the most of their national park trips.

Join us on Tuesday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. to learn about the U.S. National Parks with Mike Oswald! Bring your National Park travel dreams and/or stories! There is no cost or registration.