News
Local Student Graduates from UW-Madison
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from UW-Madison.
Just over 1,750 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during a commencement ceremony at the Kohl Center on Dec. 18, 2022.
About 1,200 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center. Total attendance, including graduates, was 6,609. The ceremony was livestreamed so that friends and family from around the world could join in.
“Student speaker Kirstan Gimse, of Republic, Michigan related to the graduates about how she earned a PhD in cellular and molecular pathology after dropping out of high school.
“We have all come from different places, taken different paths and have different perspectives,” Gimse said from the stage. “It is the culmination of our differences that makes UW-Madison so great.”
Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, participating in her first UW-Madison commencement, encouraged graduates to give themselves and others a little grace in the years ahead. If they take the kinds of risks needed to do big things, she told them, there will be moments when they drop the ball.
To put those moments in perspective, Mnookin shared some advice that she said came from her younger sister.
“Many of the balls you’ll have to juggle are rubber, but some are crystal,” Mnookin said. “Those rubber balls, they bounce. If you drop one, you can pick it up on the next bounce and try again.”
But the crystal balls don’t bounce, Mnookin said. They break, and there’s just no way to put them back together.
“So in your work life and in the rest of your life, be sure you’re prioritizing what’s critically important – your family, your health, your closest friends, the things at work that really matter – so that when you drop a ball or two, the balls you drop are the rubber ones.”
Comedian Charlie Berens, the keynote speaker, told the graduates he worked many jobs – bike mechanic, salesman, model for ShopKo, news reporter – before eventually hitting it big with “Manitowoc Minute.”
“Time will move fast,” he told graduates. “Your job isn’t to slow it down. Your job is to fill your days with what lights your soul. And don’t worry if you can’t see the path. Once your soul is lit, the path will reveal itself. And on your path – and this is most important – make sure you watch out for deer.”
For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu. View the ceremony at https://www.wisc.edu/commencement/ and read about it at https://news.wisc.edu/winter-commencement-2022-pomp-poignancy-and-geez-louise-charlie-berens/.
Here is the degree recipient from your area:
Whitewater, WI
Yuan Chen, College of Letters and Science, Master of Science-Computer Sciences
Hunter Safety Education Courses Offered by Rock Co. Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer two Hunter
Safety Education Courses this spring at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road,
Edgerton, WI 53534. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter
Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants be at
least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly following completion of the class.
Hunter Safety Education Courses:
Class #1
Mandatory Registration: March 14, at 6 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class: April 1, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. & April 2, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
@ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class #2
Mandatory Registration: April 4, at 6 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class: April 22, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. & April 23, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
@ Edgerton Conservation Club
Online enrollment is now open for Class #1. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a
seat. Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the online enrollment form,
the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with information on the mandatory in-person registration meeting.
Online enrollment for Class #2 will open on March 20, 2023.
Enroll At:
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education
A class fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the in-person registration meeting. The
student, and a parent or legal guardian if the student is underage, must attend the mandatory
registration meeting for the student to take the course. Students will receive course materials at
the in-person registration meeting.
Please direct any questions to Deputy Terry Borgwardt at terry.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us
Editor’s note: The sheriff’s office has told the Banner that Rock County residency is not required in order to enroll in any of their classes.
WUSD Welcomed Legislators to a Discussion Over Breakfast
The annual WUSD Legislative Breakfast was held on February 15 in the Whitewater High School Library Media Center. Legislators in attendance were Sen. Steve Nass, Rep. Ellen Schutt, and Rep. Scott Johnson. In addition there were a number of guests, including city and UW-W representatives.
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, WUSD superintendent, provided the following opening remarks, “Thank you all for coming. I appreciate the time you have decided to hear the needs of public schools.
With respect, we want you to know that students and staff in Wisconsin and specifically Whitewater Unified School District, deserve more than zero. Zero budget increase. The current budget simply does not meet the needs required in public schools to educate students and show growth and improvement.
Per-pupil spending on public education nationwide grew by 23% from 2008 to 2018, but only 15% in Wisconsin, an increase that places Wisconsin 38th in the nation in public education spending. That speaks poorly about the value we place on education for our children in our state. 38th?
I was shocked coming from Illinois to see the low rates of categorical aid that are provided to schools in Wisconsin. You should know as you listen today that Whitewater Unified School District is disproportionately impacted by that lack of funding. Here is why- We are classified as a rural district that covers over 200 square miles with 2000 students. About 50% of our enrolled students’ families are at the poverty level. Meaning our students need a higher level of intervention and support.
21.1% of our students are identified as ELL (that has grown significantly in recent years, ending last year with approximately 125 students who were newcomers from Nicaragua), requiring additional staffing and support. That is the highest in the region.
19.4% of our students are identified as having IEP’s, (also significantly over the regional and national average), requiring special education supports and services that are extremely costly.
Sustaining fiscal strength is necessary for the vitality of our schools and community. We ask you to consider funding and policy decisions that will support WUSD schools.
Increase the categorical aid reimbursement rates to 45% in FY24 and 60% in FY25, 75% in FY26 and 90% by FY27. Prior to the 19-21 increase, this appropriation had been frozen for 11 years. Providing categorical aid (spendable dollars) vs. state aid (tax relief) ensures that every district in the state receives the same increase based on the number of students enrolled in their schools.
Please help Whitewater Unified to continue to support the needs of ALL students.”
The district had solicited topics of discussion from staff and board members, and a variety of them addressed the following topics:
Mental health supports & funding – Dr. Lanora Heim, director of pupil services
The Forward Assessment – Caroline Pate-Hefty urged the legislators to look into the costs and benefits of the Forward exam. Although federal accountability requires the adoption of an assessment to evaluate school/district outcomes, Pate-Hefty enumerated some of the implications of the assessment that Wisconsin has chosen. For e.g., although the exam is given in March, results are not available until late July or even in August, which is too late to use the data to support instructional planning/practice. Fourth graders take 11 tests, which span 10 days! Accommodations required for special education and English learners are intensive and consume weeks. There are other assessments that meet the federal standards.
Special Education Funding – Ben Prather, director of business services, indicated that the current state reimbursement rate only covers about 32% of aidable costs. Wisconsin school districts collectively transfer more than $1 billion annually from district general funds to cover the funding gap between required special education costs and current state special education funding, he stated.
Thayer Coburn, president, spoke to the fact that the Legislative Fiscal Bureau recently projected that the state’s budget surplus will hit $7.1 billion by July 2023. He asked, “Will the legislature commit to dipping into that to address educational needs in the state?”
Larry Kachel, treasurer, addressed state funding specifically toward immigration growth and needs. He also encouraged the development of grant programs for industrial arts/technology education courses and equipment.
Brent Mansky, high school principal, addressed the need for state funding for post-secondary options for students.
As the meeting moved towards concluding, the legislators responded to the questions that had been posed, without making any specific commitments.
UW-W to Host National Wheelchair Basketball Championships
By Jeff Angileri
Executive Director, University Marketing & Communications
UW-Whitewater
The finest wheelchair basketball athletes from around the nation will travel to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on March 16-18 for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association men’s intercollegiate championships. [The image above indicates the championship begins on March 15; however, the schedule indicates that date is only for shootarounds.]
Eleven universities will participate: UW-Whitewater: University of Alabama, University of Arizona, Auburn University, City University of New York, Eastern Washington University, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, Southwest Minnesota State University, and University of Texas-Arlington.
“UW-Whitewater is proud to partner with the National Wheelchair Basketball Association to host the men’s collegiate championships,” said Corey King, chancellor. “Hosting such a prestigious event builds upon our legacy as an institution of excellence in adaptive learning, engagement and athletics. On behalf of everyone at the university and in the Whitewater community, the Warhawk family sincerely welcomes you and we hope you enjoy the games!”
All games will take place in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center. Seeding and matchups are expected to be determined the week of March 6 and will be posted on the tournament website.
Admission is free and complimentary parking is available in lots 11 and 24. Donations to support UW-Whitewater’s wheelchair athletics program are greatly appreciated.
For those unable to cheer on the teams in person, games will be livestreamed by UWW-TV.
“There is a tremendous amount of pride in hosting the national tournament on our home court,” said Jake Williams, men’s head coach and two-time Parlympic gold medalist. “Our athletes work extremely hard to be at the top of their game and this competition is sure to be exciting. We’ve always had incredible fan support from Warhawks across the region and we look forward to having a good crowd to cheer on the teams as they compete for the national title.”
The UW-Whitewater men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams have won 13 national championships and 3 national championships, respectively, and produced numerous Paralympic athletes and medalists.
Aquatic Center Operating & Lease Agreement Negotiations Between WUSD & City Continue
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
WAFC Operating & Lease Agreement Negotiations Continue
The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) will begin negotiations regarding the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center (WAFC).
For individuals, families, students, seniors, and commuters in Whitewater and beyond, the WAFC provides an affordable, convenient recreational fitness environment with a variety of amenities including: fitness center, aquatic center, group classes, locker rooms, and concessions. The WAFC is located adjacent to the Whitewater High School.
Eric Boettcher, the parks and recreation director, shares, “Thank you for your continued support. Since COVID-19 we have focused on rebuilding membership and creating new ways to access our facility. We are currently in the process of implementing 24/7 access for the fitness center.”
Comparing January 2022 to January 2023, the WAFC increased total membership revenue from $16,789 to $24,719, day pass revenue from $5,887 to $8,963, and total active memberships from 1,488 to 2,176. In 2023, the WAFC aims to add another 300 new members and increase revenue by $20,000.
In 2016, the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board took over the operation of the WAFC with the school district. The 2016 agreement has expired. To determine the direction and future operation of the facility, a new agreement will be discussed.
John Weidl, the city manager, shares, “To continue the operation of the WAFC, the City of Whitewater will be working with the WUSD School Board to outline an operating and lease agreement. Our goal is to keep the public and membership informed of this process and negotiations. If you would like to get involved or provide a comment, we encourage you to attend the WAFC Subcommittee meeting on Thursday.”
The Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Subcommittee meeting will serve as the initial meeting for WAFC negotiations. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Whitewater Municipal Building, located at 312 W. Whitewater St.
This is an open public meeting that you may attend in person or virtually. For agenda and meeting information, visit
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/AgendaCenter/Parks-Recreation-Board-30/?#_03022023-1660
This Week’s City & School Board Meetings (Aquatic meeting added)
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room-2nd Floor – 4:30 p.m. and Virtual
312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/274387045
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
274-387-045
United States:
+1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting – Closed session: Monday @ 6:00 p.m.; Open session: 7:00 p.m.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/wwusd/Board.nsf/public (click on meetings in upper right corner)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (Closed session)
- URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89212795076?pwd=dW1USlVVcFFkek5xQVhra1phVUdhUT09
– Passcode: 283724
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 892 1279 5076
– Passcode: 283724
Closed Session
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (Open session)
- URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88453417209?pwd=VnpTS0RyejRpTGxsOWFueTJ0YytEQT09
– Passcode: 688446
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 884 5341 7209
– Passcode: 688446
SCHOOL BOARD PRIMARY ELECTION CANVASS – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 8:30 a.m.
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lake Front Room
312 Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/633483757
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 633-483-757 United States: +1 (669) 224-3412
UPDATED
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Subcommittee Meeting – Thursday @ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
or Virtual
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84632353300?pwd=SUkrTTRqV0I2d2YxMlY3bVVER000UT09
Passcode: 826380
Or telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 846 3235 3300
Passcode: 826380
Our Readers Share: Steve Watson – Many species on Cravath Lake, Some locals, some passing through
Steve Watson writes, “My grandson Beckett and I had an interesting Sunday morning walkabout. Cravath Lake is abundant with birds. The sunshine and warmth brought out many species. Some locals, some passing through.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing more of his beautiful nature photos.
— 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 or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage. Thanks for thinking about this!
City Water Rates Increase Effective April 28
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the Whitewater Municipal Water Utility application to increase water rates. Effective April 28, 2023, the average residential water customer with a ⅝-inch or ¾-inch meter who uses ~3,000 gallons per month can expect a $7.27 increase in their monthly water charges. The average water bill will increase from $24.55 to $31.82.
Due to water utility infrastructure costs, the water rate case was filed with the PSC on July 31, 2022. The PSC regulates water utilities in Wisconsin and determines rates. After reviewing the rate case, the PSC determined a 30% increase was necessary and issued its final decision on February 15, 2023. The PSC requires the Whitewater Municipal Water Utility to implement the new rates within 90 days. Rates are typically implemented at the end of a billing period. The last of the billing periods that fall within that 90-day window is April 28th, 2023. A meter reading will take place on April 28th. Water used after this date will be billed at the new rate.
This rate increase is, in part, due to the need to replace the two 100-plus-year-old reservoirs with a new water tower. This
replacement has been on the capital planning horizon for several years. Due to the historically low interest rates, the availability of ARPA grant funding, and support of the newly established Tax Increment District, the planned replacement of these reservoirs was pulled forward into the 2022-2023 biennial budget. Unless significant new projects are undertaken, an additional rate increase is not expected for some time.
The approved rate increase provides an additional $687,376 in annual revenue, which will result in an estimated overall rate increase of 30.07 percent over the water utility’s present revenue. This revenue is required to enable repayment of project borrowing while maintaining compliance with bond covenants. These rates are expected to produce a rate of return on the utility’s net investment of 6.6%. This rate of return is used by the PSC as a requirement to maintain confidence in the Utility’s financial integrity. The PSC updates its required rate of return periodically based on a three month rolling average of municipal bond rates.
Editor’s note: The above notice was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Farm Toy Show Photo Gallery – FFA Alumni Expresses Appreciation
| Whitewater FFA alumni 30th annual farm toy show What a day – we got another toy show in the books. First off I want to thank all the people in the background; without you we could not have pulled this off. Thank you Alice in Dairyland for coming. A big thank you to all the businesses that donated to the show with door prizes and funds to support our show . A big thank you to Whitewater Culver’s for the scoopie coupons; I wish you were there to see the kids’ faces. PRICELESS. A big thanks to the vendors and the people that set up displays. A lot of hard work went in to them. And thank you to all the people that came to look, buy and visit with us; this makes the day worthwhile. Many thanks. Tom Nielsen Show host |