WHS senior, Anderson Waelchli, performed at the Overture Center in Madison with the Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Choir on Thursday evening. Anderson was chosen last February to sing as one of the 25 tenors from around the state selected to perform in the Honors Mixed Choir under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson. The concert was held in Overture Hall along with the Honor Treble Choir. Congratulations to Anderson on a fantastic performance!
Whitewater Whippet Cheerleading is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser
beginning on October 31st, 2022, and running through December 30th, 2022, to raise funds for
uniforms. Whippet Cheerleading will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn,
used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those
dollars will benefit Whippet Cheerleading. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new
shoes at UWW University Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, First English Lutheran Church, Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools, Middle and High Schools.
All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise
(small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create,
maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are
limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed,
clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her
son to law school.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Jorie Raudenbush, Coach. “We know that most people
have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for our
growing program’s uniform needs, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who
need economic opportunities. Shoes will also be donated locally. It’s a win for everyone.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Whippet Cheerleading, the shoes will be given a
second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world and in our own community.
[From the Funds2Orgs website] Funds2Orgs accepts all gently worn, used and new shoes, sneakers, and even cleats. However, there are some restrictions, which are as follows:
If possible it would be helpful if you could rubber-band the shoes together or tie the laces together to prevent the pairs from separating.
About Whippet Cheerleading
The Whippet Cheerleading program is for students in grades 6-12 who attend Whitewater public
schools. Currently the program includes approximately 30 cheerleaders who cheer for middle and high
school basketball teams and the high school football team. Our cheerleading program provides
students opportunities to improve upon their athleticism, and build communication, teamwork, and
leadership skills.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Dim Hou from Pixabay.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes First reading of ordinance regarding Unnecessary or Preventable Calls for Emergency Services; discussion/direction regarding minimum housing sizes; discussion/direction regarding Starin Road neighborhood development plan; discussion regarding request to increase quota of beer/liquor Class A (off premises) licenses; presentation of 2022-23 budgets.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person).
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85202017406?pwd=eDBFUENaT1VIM1BFR2grRWNnRmhwQT09
Passcode: 966725
Or Telephone:
1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 852 0201 7406
Passcode: 966725
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission (In Person and Virtual) – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Landmark Hotel restoration update, Converse House nomination as a local landmark, Starin Park water tower update.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/452658125
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 452-658-125
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that there are a lot of fun activities surrounding
Halloween and encourages everyone to prioritize safety. Children and youth look forward to Trick
or Treating, and we want everyone to enjoy the festivities. Below are some Halloween safety tips.
Trick or Treaters
• Do not Trick or Treat alone.
• An adult should accompany kids under 12 years old.
• Trick or Treat at lit houses. Do not approach a dark residence.
• Look both ways before crossing a road, and do not run.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks to be more visible.
• Fasten reflective tape to candy bags and costumes.
• Take a cellphone and call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious.
• Do not enter any residence. Remain outside.
• Wait to eat any treats until after an adult checks them for safety.
Do not eat any treats that are not in factory-sealed packaging.
Drivers
• Drive slow and watch your surroundings. Turn your headlights on.
• Take extra time to check for kids at intersections and when entering and exiting driveways.
• Avoid using electronic devices; focus on driving.
• Do not drink and drive. If you drink, get a sober ride home.
We wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween!
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by M. Harris from Pixabay.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As evidenced by the list below, many communities in Southeast Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday, October 30 from 1-4 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls.
How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!
Saturday, Oct. 29
Bay View (Milwaukee): 5 to 8 p.m.
Campbellsport: 2 to 4 p.m.
Cedarburg: 5 to 8 p.m.
Dousman: 4 to 7 p.m.
Elkhart Lake: Track & Treat at Road America: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Elm Grove: 5 to 7:30 pm.
Grafton: 5 to 8 p.m. Participating homes must have their porch light(s) on
Lisbon: 5 to 8 p.m.
Lyons: 3 to 5 p.m.
Merton: 5 to 8 p.m.
Oconomowoc: 6 to 8 p.m.
Pewaukee (city and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Port Washington: 4 to 7 p.m.
Richfield: 3 to 6 p.m.
Sussex: 6 to 8 p.m.
Trenton: 4 to 6 p.m.
Watertown: 4 to 7 p.m.
Waupun: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Allis: 4 to 7 p.m. Leave your porch light on if you are participating
West Bend: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Milwaukee: 4 to 7 p.m. Residents should turn on a porch light if participating
Sunday, Oct. 30
Addison: 3 to 6 p.m.
Bayside: 1 to 4 p.m.
Belgium: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brown Deer: 1 to 4 p.m.
Butler: 4 to 6 p.m.
Cudahy: 5 to 7 p.m.
Fort Atkinson: 1 to 4 p.m.
Fox Lake
Fox Point: 1 to 4 p.m.
Franklin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Glendale: 1 to 4 p.m.
Greendale: 4 to 7 p.m.
Greenfield: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hales Corners: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hartford: 4 to 6 p.m.
Jackson (village): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Lake Geneva: Noon to 5 p.m.
Lannon: 2 to 5 p.m.
Mequon: 4 to 7 p.m.
Milwaukee: 1 to 4 p.m.
Mukwonago (town and village): 4 to 6 p.m.
Neosho: 1 to 4 p.m.
New Berlin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Oak Creek: 4 to 7 p.m.
Pleasant Prairie: 3 to 6 p.m.
Plymouth: 3 to 5 p.m.
Random Lake: 3 to 5 p.m.
Rochester: 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Francis: 5 to 7 p.m.
Saukville: 4 to 7 p.m.
Shorewood: 1 to 4 p.m.
Theresa: 2 to 4 p.m.
Thiensville: 3 to 6 p.m.
Wales: 4 to 6 p.m.
Wauwatosa: 1 to 4 pm. Neighborhood associations may have varying hours
Wheatland: 2 to 5 p.m.
Whitefish Bay: 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31
Big Bend: 6 to 8 p.m.
Bristol: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brookfield (city): 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Burlington (city and town): 6 to 8 p.m.
Caledonia: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Grove: 4 to 6 p.m.
Delafield (city and town): 4 to 7 p.m.
Delavan (city): 4 to 6 p.m.
Dover: 6 to 8 p.m.
East Troy: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Elkhorn: 5 to 7 p.m.
Genoa City: 4 to 7 p.m.
Germantown: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kenosha: 4 to 7 p.m.
Menomonee Falls: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Mount Pleasant: 5 to 7 p.m.
Muskego: 6 to 8 p.m.
Nashotah: 4 to 7 p.m.
North Prairie: 4 to 7 p.m.
Town of Norway: 5 to 7 p.m.
Paddock Lake: 4 to 7 p.m.
Racine: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Randall: 4 to 7 p.m.
Salem Lakes: 4 to 8 p.m.
Sheboygan: 4 to 7 p.m.: People are asked to turn on a light outdoors if they are taking part
Sheboygan Falls: 4 to 7 p.m.
Sturtevant: 5 to 7 p.m.
South Milwaukee: 5:30 to 7;30 p.m.
Somers (town and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Summit: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Twin Lakes: 4 to 7 p.m.
Union Grove: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (town) 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (village) 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waukesha (city): 5 to 7 p.m.
Yorkville: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for 2022 Fall Community Action Grants.
Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater
community. Please spread the word to groups working to effect positive change in the Whitewater area.
Qualified projects should be intended for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes that will
benefit and improve the greater Whitewater community. Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. We
look forward to working with leaders who are striving to make our community a greater place to live, work, and learn.
Interested organizations can find more information and fill out an application at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/
The deadline for submitting applications is October 31, 2022.
About WCF: The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “Enhance the quality of life
in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures” through
scholarships and community action grants. Donations can be made by sending a check made
payable to Whitewater Community Foundation to P.O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI, 53190, or
donate online at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org by hitting the “Donate” button on top of
the contact page. For tax purposes, the Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization.
By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) efforts that were initiated decades ago have broadened the City of
Whitewater’s tax base significantly and the result is anticipated generally lower property tax bills next
year even with the passage of two upcoming referendums and higher property assessments according
to recent information mailed to city residents.
“Most taxpayers will see a net reduction in (2022) tax bills thanks in large part to $75 million of growth
in the City’s tax base,” according to information recently provided by the city. A second information
piece goes as far as to predict that “Even with a yes vote, more than 81% of residential property owners
will see their tax bills decline.” A huge increase in taxable property responsible for the decrease is largely attributable to the recent closure of a TIF funded district that includes the city’s business park.
“It’s a story that needs to be told,” said former Community Development Authority member Jim
Caldwell when asked to comment on the predictions. “Years ago, we set a goal of having more
employees in our business park than we have at the university. Attracting more families with children
is the key to sustainable community growth for our community,” he added.
Taxes generated within a TIF district go toward infrastructure development and marketing efforts while
the district is under development. When the district is closed, taxes generated by the new development
go back on the city’s tax rolls benefitting all property owners.
Many Whitewater homeowners were shocked earlier this year by updated property assessed values that averaged an increase of nearly 8%. Commercial and industrial property assessments went up even higher. Generally, a property’s increased assessed value results in a higher annual individual property tax bill. That is, unless government expenses go down or total valuation of all city property goes up significantly.
The TIF closure has produced a scenario where the amount that each small piece of the overall
operating funding that the individual taxpayer is responsible for (“your slice of the pie”) goes down — as the overall size of the funding “pie” goes up. As long as increased annual operating costs don’t go up
significantly, each individual homeowner’s tax obligation goes down. The increased assessed values
citywide, along with large scale developments like the growing Prairie Village neighborhood are also
major contributing factors to the overall growth in the “size of the pie.”
The TIF benefit comes at a critical time with the City of Whitewater residents being asked if they are
willing to increase total city spending for modernization of fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). City estimates are that updating fire and EMS services and putting money aside for Fire/EMS equipment replacement will cost $1.1 million per year in the future.
Earlier city predictions of the impact to homeowners of an approved EMS referendum ranged from a
$52 to a $67 dollar increase for a newly re-assessed home with a $100,000 value. Updated predictions,
as all the taxing entities’ spending plans were updated, are reportedly the reason for the more optimistic
predictions.
Essentially, city homeowners are being given a choice between improved ambulance response times
with a modest average property tax bill reduction, or a larger reduction in their average property tax bill.
The numbers will vary depending on which county you live in. Tax rates are different for Whitewater
residents in Walworth County than for Whitewater residents in Jefferson. Property tax bills are mailed
out by the City of Whitewater, but the city’s share represents only approximately 30% of the total tax levy. The remaining tax revenue funds the school district, county and technical college budgets.
What happens if the EMS referendum fails? Interim Whitewater City Manager John Weidl, who was
appointed as permanent city manager by the Common Council on October 26, offered the following projection.
“Emergency Medical Service response times would dramatically increase as emergency medical response capability would be reduced to one ambulance” according to Weidl. “It is likely a waste/recycling fee would be enacted to increase the general fund’s ability to cover the costs of a (reduced) base-level on-site EMS staffing,” he added.
The news release also suggested that on top of a waste/recycling fee the city would have to continue
borrowing at high interest rates to purchase necessary fire and EMS equipment as opposed to
referendum-provided annual equipment replacement set-asides.
According to Wisconsin Public Radio, Whitewater is one of twenty municipalities in the state that are conducting public safety referendums on November 8. Seven of eight such referendums passed in the April general election. Many of these referendums are a result of small town fire departments being forced to move away from largely volunteer based service models.
The City of Whitewater’s Volunteer Fire Department was created in 1871 according to the Whitewater
Fire Department (WFD, Inc.) website. Ambulance service was added with the growth in the use of
automobiles in the early 1900s.
Earlier this year city leaders authorized the hiring of paid on-premise Emergency Medical Technicians
(EMTs) in response to difficulties in responding to the growing number of emergency calls combined
with the rapidly diminishing number of volunteer paid on-call volunteers. Call response times often
exceeded five minutes just for responders to travel to the fire station. A growing number of calls had to
be referred to surrounding communities, such as Jefferson, if a two-person crew could not be assembled.
That prolonged response times even further.
The city currently has on-premises EMTs stationed at the Fire Department 24 hours per day seven days
per week. Bunk facilities in the basement of the Municipal Building/Fire Department complex have been provided for years as volunteer EMT’s had the option of being at the station when on call.
The City of Whitewater is posting details on the need for improved EMS service and the impact it is
expected to have on homeowners at www.whitewater-wi.gov/582/referendum.
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive for students, staff, and community members of Whitewater. All are welcome, please make an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from The Friends of Lorine Niedecker.
Hear The Solitary Plover
Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Friends of Lorine Niedecker invites you to this special poetry event. The poets published in the Summer 2022 issue of “The Solitary Plover” will join us for a reading of their work. This reading will be moderated by Plover poetry editor Tom Montag, who will also read from his latest work.
Poets who will be reading are:
Lauren Carlson, Margaret Coombs, Tyler Farrell, Donna Fleischer, Mary Fry, Ronnie Hess, Angela Hoffman, Jeffrey Leisgang, Stephen Manuel, John Martone, Marilyn K. Moody, Elizabeth Harmatys Park, Jean Preston, Mary Rowin, Jeanie Tomasko, and Michael Dylan Welch.
You can join us by clicking on this Zoom link at the time of the program.
The Solitary Plover is the newsletter of the Friends of Lorine Niedecker. It is issued twice each year, in winter and in summer. You can sign up to receive The Plover in your email, read the Summer 2022 issue and previous issues on the Friends of Lorine Niedecker website here.
VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT
Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may submit a request to vote an absentee ballot to their municipal clerk. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:
The elector must also be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued*.
Making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail
Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may make written application to your municipal clerk for an absentee ballot in person, by mail, by fax, by email or at MyVote.wi.gov.
Your written request must include:
The deadline for making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail is 5 pm on the fifth day before the election, November 3, 2022.
*Voters who are indefinitely confined due to age, illness, infirmity, or disability may not be required to provide photo ID. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
**Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
Voting an absentee ballot in person
You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person.
CITY OF WHITEWATER
Michele R. Smith, Clerk
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
(Phone) 262 473-0102
Hours: Mon – Fri
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
TOWN OF COLD SPRING
Lisa Griep, Clerk
W3497 Vannoy Rd.
Whitewater, WI I 53190
(262) 473-6228
Absentee Hours by Appt.
TOWN OF LAGRANGE
Crystal Hoffmann, Clerk
P.O. Box 359
Whitewater, WI 53190
(262) 495-8200
Absentee Hours by Appt.
TOWN OF LIMA
Pam Hookstead, Clerk
11053 Willow Drive
Whitewater, WI 53190
(262) 473-8515
Absentee Hours by Appt.
TOWN OF RICHMOND
Barb Ceas, Clerk
Mail: W8776 Territorial Rd.
Whitewater, WI 53190
(608) 883-2017
Town Hall W9046 County Road A
Thursday, 11/3, 6 to 8 pm
Saturday, 11/5, 9 am to 12 pm
Or by appointment
TOWN OF WHITEWATER
(Also see the larger announcement at end of this article.)
Jorja Boiley, Clerk
W8590 Willis Ray Road
Whitewater, WI 53190
(262) 473-4639
10/27/22: 10 am – 2 pm
10/29/22: 9 am – 12 pm
11/1/22: 12 pm – 3 pm
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: October 25, 2022
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: November 5, 2022
No in-person absentee voting may occur on the day before the election. The municipal clerk will deliver voted ballots returned on or before Election Day to the proper polling place or counting location before the polls close on November 8, 2022 Any ballots received after the polls close will not be counted.
BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 1 & 2 (PDF)
BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 3, 4, 5 (PDF)
BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 6, 7, 8 (PDF)
BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 9 & 10 (PDF)
BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 11, 12, 13 (PDF)
