Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
News
Police Investigate Newborn Found Deceased – UPDATE / La policía investiga el hallazgo de un recién nacido fallecido – ACTUALIZACIÓN
Whitewater, WI – March 13, 2023 – The following information is being released by the Whitewater Police Department
to inform the public of the status of this ongoing investigation. The newborn found on March 4, 2023 is an unidentified
male. The deceased newborn was located in a plastic bag inside a cardboard box, wrapped in a light-colored shirt and
wearing no additional clothing. It is believed that the newborn was placed in the field less than 48 hours before he was
located. The Police Department is seeking any information related to the circumstances of the newborn’s death, and any
information that would help to identify the mother or father. The Police Department is urging community members with any
information to contact 262-473-0555 option #4, or contact our Detective Bureau directly at jbrock@whitewater-wi.gov
(Detective Justin Brock) and aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov (Detective Anthony Heilberger). Anonymous tips may also
be shared using P3Tips.com.
La policía de Whitewater investiga el hallazgo de un recién nacido fallecido – ACTUALIZACIÓN
Whitewater, WI – 13 de marzo de 2023 – La siguiente información está siendo publicada por el Departamento de
Policía de Whitewater para informar al público sobre el estado de esta investigación en curso. El recién nacido
encontrado el 4 de marzo de 2023 es un varón no identificado. El recién nacido fallecido fue localizado en una bolsa de
plástico dentro de una caja de cartón, envuelto en una camisa de color claro y sin ropa adicional. Se cree que el recién
nacido fue colocado en el campo menos de 48 horas antes de ser hallado. El Departamento de Policía está buscando
cualquier información relacionada con las circunstancias de la muerte del recién nacido, así como cualquier información
que pueda ayudar a identificar a la madre o al padre. El Departamento de Policía invita a los miembros de la comunidad
que tengan alguna información a que se pongan en contacto con el 262-473-0555 opción no 4, o directamente con
nuestra Oficina de Detectives en jbrock@whitewater-wi.gov (Detective Justin Brock) y aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov
(Detective Anthony Heilberger). Para compartir información en español por favor envie correo electrónico al oficial
Valadez a svaladez@whitewater-wi.gov. Los reportes anónimos también pueden compartirse a través de P3Tips.com.
This Week’s City & School Board Meetings (Update: Common Council WAFC Subcommittee & WUSD School Board Special Mtg added)
City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing Regarding Consideration Of A Conditional Use Permit For A Proposed
Outdoor Café/Beer Garden At 156 W Whitewater Street, For Steve O’s LLC (Stephen Fairchild) and
Public Hearing For A Proposed Conditional Use Permit To Sell And Serve Beer And Liquor (For A Class “B” Liquor License) At 804 W. Walworth Avenue, Parcel #BIR 00014, For Mobin Ahmad.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/516779973
You can also dial in using your phone.
+1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code:
516-779-973
UPDATE 3/13/23 @ 11:30 p.m. – Whitewater Unified School District School Board & District Leadership Team Retreat – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater School Board members and other Whitewater Unified School District officials will be attending the School
Board and District Leadership Team Retreat at Whitewater High School on March 14, 2023. A quorum of the School Board
will be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during this event.
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Strand Task Order 23-04 For The Design Of Water Main To Serve Johns Disposal, Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Strand Amendment To Task Order 22-05 For Performing Construction Related Services For The Installation Of The Southwest Water Main Extension, Proposals for design work on Walworth Ave. and Innovation Drive.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room – 2 Floor
312 W. Whitewater St
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Meeting Agenda – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Combining Pedestrian And Bicycle Committee Into Park Board andEffigy Mounds And Walton Oaks Management Updates
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Room- 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82192422207?pwd=dThRYk94NEdhMUhhMnhiVHJoVmdXUT09
Meeting ID: 821 9242 2207
Passcode: 020643
Or dial
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 821 9242 2207
Passcode: 020643
UPDATE 3/13/23 @ 11:30 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Thursday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda – Click on meetings in upper right corner
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
UPDATE 3/15/23 @ 6:45 p.m.
Whitewater School Board – Special Meeting – Thursday @ 5:15 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
5:15 p.m. via Zoom Online
– Passcode: 248511
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 828 0728 2338
– Passcode: 248511
Closed Session to discuss a specific Board Member’s conduct.
Reconvene into Open Session via Zoom Online
– Passcode: 228927
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 838 9583 4030
– Passcode: 228927
UPDATE 3/13/23 @ 11:34 P.M.
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
AGENDA includes CDA director recruitment, affordable housing policy, and closed session – possibly followed by open session: Deliberate Development Agreement with Becker & Bolton, LLC for further recommendation to Common Council for review and approval regarding proposed project to be located at 501 North Prospect Drive.
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.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81234148608?pwd=dUJmMm1lUzdrWTl0ZmVST0xIanNpZz09
Passcode: 775379
Or join by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 812 3414 8608
Passcode: 775379
City of Whitewater Strategic Planning Session for Council and city management staff – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This Notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater has contracted with UW-Extension to host a
Strategic Planning Session / Retreat for the Councilmembers and the City of Whitewater Management Staff. The sessions will
be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on both March 8, 2023 and March 16, 2023, in the Cravath Lakefront Room, City of
Whitewater Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street. A quorum of the Common Council will be present. This notice
is given to inform the public that there will be no formal action taken at this meeting. The retreat process is open to the public.
(Update: 3/15/23 @ 5:22 p.m.) City of Whitewater Common Council Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Subcommittee – Friday @ 10:00 a.m.
AMENDED NOTICE OF CITY OF WHITEWATER
SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Agenda for meeting of the City of Whitewater Common Council Whitewater
Aquatic and Fitness Center Subcommittee
Friday, March 17th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Cravath Lakefront Room
312 W. Whitewater Street
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL.
- Waiver of the 72-hour notice, as required by City of Whitewater
Transparency Ordinance. - ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION. Adjournment to Closed Session, not to
reconvene, per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85 (1) (e): “Deliberating or
negotiating the purchase of public properties, the investing of public funds,
or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or
bargaining reasons require a closed session.
a. Item to be discussed: Suggested strategy and recommendations for
City of Whitewater negotiations concerning the agreements with the
Whitewater Unified School District related to the Whitewater
Aquatic and Fitness Center.
NOTE: The body that is meeting is the subcommittee appointed by the City of Whitewater
Common Council to represent the City of Whitewater Common Council in meetings with the
Whitewater Unified School District. This meeting will not include individuals appointed by the
Whitewater Unified School District to represent it in meetings with the City of Whitewater
concerning the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. There are separate meetings planned
that will include both this subcommittee of the City of Whitewater Common Council and the
individuals appointed by the Whitewater Unified School District to represent it.
WI Academic & Technical Excellence Scholarship Winners Announced
Whitewater High School seniors Josh Demrow and Brandon Haas have each won Whitewater High $6,750 Wisconsin Technical Excellence Scholarship this year! Josh and Brandon have the highest demonstrated level of proficiency in technical education subjects at WHS and each completed over four Career & Technical Education credits. The Technical Excellence Scholarships are only for use at a WisconsinTechnical College. Josh will be attending Blackhawk Technical College and Brandon will be attending Madison Area Technical College in the fall. Congratulations Josh and Brandon!!
Whitewater High School Seniors Emma Weigel and Ashlynn Prah have each won a $9,000 Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship this year! The State of Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship provides $2250 per year for tuition at a Wisconsin college or university for up to four years. In order to be eligible for this award, students must have acquired senior status, completed at least three semesters at Whitewater High School, and have the highest cumulative grade point average in all subjects taken for credit at the end of the seventh semester. In the event of a tie, students are chosen based on their highest composite score earned on the ACT. Other tiebreakers include the highest subscores on the ACT, the number of Advanced Placement tests passed with a score of “3” or higher, and the number of AP tests passed. Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to alternate winners if the top recipients choose to attend college in another state. Congratulations Emma and Ashlynn!!
City Property Reassessment Notices are Being Mailed: Average residential increase 10.5%
According to City Clerk Michele Smith, property reassessment notices were due to be sent out by the city’s assessor, Accurate Assessor, during the week of March 6. It is indicated that the average residential increase is 10.5% and the average commercial increase is 8-10%. The assessments are based on property sales during 2022. Last year residential assessments generally increased by 7-11%, with commercial and large residential properties increasing by an average of 15%.
The fact that a property assessment is increased does not indicate that the property taxes will increase by a similar percentage. If a property’s assessment increases at a rate equal to the citywide average, then the total property tax bill should change at the same rate of change for the tax rates of all taxing entities (city, county, school district, technical school district).
Property owners with questions or concerns about their assessment are encouraged to attend Open Book with the assessor in person at the Cravath Lakefront Room, second floor in the Municipal Building, on March 20 between 2-4 p.m. Appointments may be made online. Occasionally this conversation may result in a change being made in the assessment. Ultimately, however, if a property owner objects to the assessment they must file a “Form of Objection” with the Whitewater City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours before a city established “Board of Review” meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 at 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Many Honored the Deceased Newborn at a Candlelight Vigil
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As was previously reported on the Banner, on Saturday, March 4, Whitewater Police and EMS responded to the Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park on Tratt Street for the report of a deceased newborn located in a field. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information has been released. Police are seeking any information that may assist in the investigation; please see the link above for contact information.
On the evening of Saturday, March 11, a diverse group numbering about 70 people, including teens, adults, and families with young children, gathered to pay respects and to express their grief over the situation. The brief remembrance was opened by Pastor Kevin Tranel, who spoke of the consolation that God offers to the broken-hearted and led a prayer. Several recorded songs were then played, ending with Amazing Grace. Father Pedro Lana offered a closing prayer in Spanish and English, asking for support for those involved as well as the entire community.
UW-W Basketball: FINAL FOUR BOUND – Warhawk Men Punch Ticket to Fort Wayne
UW-Whitewater Basketball: FINAL FOUR BOUND — Warhawk Men Punch Ticket to Fort Wayne
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball is still dancing as they knocked off sixth-ranked Oswego State 77-74 in Ashland, Virginia Saturday evening. The Warhawks’ Cinderella season will continue in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the Final Four. UWW will play the second of the two semifinals Thursday, March 16 against Mount Union (OH). Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The Warhawks (25-7) will take on the Purple Raiders (29-2) who defeated UW-Oshkosh 78-67 Saturday. The first semifinal, slated for a 4:30 p.m. tipoff March 16, features Christopher Newport (VA) (28-3) and Swarthmore (PA) (28-3). More information regarding tickets and live coverage will be provided soon.
History was on UW-Whitewater’s side Saturday. The Warhawks have won every Elite 8 game they’ve played in – advancing to the Final Four in 2014, 2012, 1989, 1984 and 1983. UWW went on to win the national title in four of those seasons (2014, 2012, 1989, 1984). Pat Miller was part of three of the program’s four national titles — hoisting the trophy as a player and twice as the head coach.
The Warhawks held the lead for the majority of the first half. A 6-0 run for Oswego State to close the period sent the teams into the locker room with UW-Whitewater facing a 34-30 deficit.
UWW narrowed the gap and eventually knotted the game at 39 on a Carter Capstran (Franklin, Wis./Franklin) triple with 17:24 on the clock. From that point, UW-Whitewater rattled off 12 of the next 17 to open up a seven-point advantage, 51-44, with just under 13 to play.
The Warhawks’ lead ballooned into double digits where it hovered for the nearly nine minutes. With under five minutes to go, UWW enjoyed a 70-60 advantage. Oswego State whittled away eventually pulling to within three, 74-71 with just over a minute left.
Miles Barnstable (Sheboygan, Wis./Howards Grove) hit a pair from the free throw line with 26 seconds on the clock to push the lead to five, but a foul was called on a three-point attempt for Oswego. Knocking down all three, the gap was cut to two, 76-74 with 14 seconds to play.
A foul on the inbounds sent UWW to the line but a missed pair gave Oswego a chance trailing by two. A jumper in the paint bounced high off the rim and Jameer Barker (Racine, Wis./St. Catherine’s) skied in for the rebound. He was fouled on the rebound with 1.4 seconds on the clock.
Barker drained the first of the pair and missed the second with time expiring before either team gained complete possession.
Barnstable led UWW with 23 points on 7-13 from the floor, 3-5 from downtown and a perfect 6-6 from the charity stripe. Capstran registered a double-double with 21 points on 9-15 from the field and 15 boards. Delvin Barnstable (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Lutheran) added 12 points and 10 boards while Barker dished out a game-high five assists.
UW-W Track & Field: Men 8th, Women 23rd as Three Warhawks Earn All-America Honors Saturday; Shinhoster Claims Second Consecutive National Title at 184 Pounds
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Birmingham, Ala. — UW-Whitewater Track and Field: Men 8th, Women 23rd as Three Warhawks Earn All-America Honors Saturday
Three University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s track and field athletes captured All-America honors at the 2023 NCAA Division III Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Ala. Saturday. The Warhawk men finished eighth in the final team standings marking the program’s 10th top 10 finish at the indoor championships since 2010. The Warhawk women were 23rd with 10 points from Gracie Holland’s (Marshfield, Wis./Marshfield) individual title in the pole vault.
Sophomore distance runner Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights) claimed his second All-America honor of the indoor championship with a fourth-place finish in the 3,000. A day after capturing the national title in the 5,000 in championship record time, Patzka competed in a race where the top nine finishers all bested the previous championship record. His time of 8:05.50 was shy of the top three by .21 seconds.
Fellow distance runner Justin Krause (Ixonia, Wis./Pewaukee) posted a personal record in the mile run. He crossed the line in 4:07.76 to secure All-America honors for the second consecutive track season — he finished fourth in the 1,500-meter run outdoors a year ago.
Two Warhawks represented UW-Whitewater in the men’s triple jump Saturday. Shelvin Garrett became a two-time indoor All-American with a leap of 14.85 meters (48-8.75) for fifth place. Garrett claimed bronze last season. Teammate Brayden Zettle (Monroe, Wis./Monroe) registered a distance of 14.41 meters (47-3.5) to finish 13th.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Sports Director for Sports Information
Roanoke, Va. — Jaritt Shinhoster Claims Second Consecutive National Title at 184 Pounds
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior Jaritt Shinhoster (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Barrington) successfully defended his national title to claim the crown at 184 pounds once again at the 2023 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships in Roanoke, Virginia.
In a rematch of the 2022 national championship bout, Shinhoster defeated Shane Liegel of Loras College by 9-2 decision Saturday evening to secure the title for the second consecutive season. The title bout was the rubber match between the two brawlers, as the pair had each registered a win against the other this season. Shinhoster was a perfect 4-0 at the national championships this season. After opening with a fall, he posted back-to-back major decisions to advance to the title bout.
Shinhoster is the third back-to-back champion in program history joining Rob Llorca from 1990 and 1991 at 158 pounds and fellow 184-pounder Jordan Newman who secured titles in 2017 and 2018. Overall, he is the fifth wrestler to win a national title as a Warhawk.
The fifth-year senior has recorded a phenomenal career as Warhawk. His 33 wins this season is the most in his five years (including a shortened season due to the pandemic) as he wrapped up the season at 33-2. For his storied career, Shinhoster is 112-15 with 57 pins, 9 technical falls and 28 major decisions. With a streak of five consecutive pins through regionals and into the first round of the national tournament this season, it is no surprise that Shinhoster has a fall-rate nearing 50-percent for his career.
SATURDAY MORNING SESSION RECAP
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater brawler Jaritt Shinhoster (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Barrington) has advanced to the title bout at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. The senior will defend his 2022 national title against Loras’ Shane Liegel in the Saturday evening session slated to begin with the parade of All-Americans at 6:30 pm ET.
The 184 title bout will be a rematch of the 2022 national championship. Shinhoster defeated then top-ranked Liegel by major decision 13-5. This season, the brawlers have met twice. Liegel won in sudden victory in the title bout of the Concordia Wisconsin Open back in November. That loss marked Shinhoster’s first of the season – his lone other came to a Division I opponent in the annual Midlands Championships where he finished as the runner-up against all Division I competition. Shinhoster took the second meeting this season by decision, 4-0, in a dual against Loras in January.
Shinhoster defeated Donovan Corn of Luther College by 12-0 major decision in Saturday morning’s semifinal.
Shinhoster is 32-2 on the season with half of his victories coming by fall. He three technical falls and seven major decision for a total of 26 bonus point wins of his 32 victories.
Attached photo: Shinhoster claims second straight 184 pound national title at 2023 NCAA DIII Wrestling Championships courtesy of Kodiak Creative
Water Superintendent: “Water issues on westside of town addressed”
Editor’s note: The following was posted to the city website.
Over the past few months some of you may have been experiencing brownish colored water in your home at times. I would like to explain why you have experienced this issue.
As you know, the City of Whitewater installed a new water tower just south of the Highway 12 bypass. Adjacent to the new tower is one of five water wells within our system. During the construction of the new tower, this well stayed in service to pump water into the water distribution system. However, during the construction of the water tower we began to notice the well pump was starting to lose some pumping capacity. The decision was made to take the well offline to perform an inspection, which verified iron was blocking the suction screen and some of the well casing had begun to go soft and develop holes. Arrangements were made to repair the well pump motor, clean the suction screen, and replace the well casing. The project was expedited to get the well back in service as soon as possible.
Before the new water tower the water in the water mains typically traveled in one direction from the well toward the water tower in Starin Park. With the new water tower online and the well out of service, water in the water mains had to reverse and flow toward the new water tower in order to fill it when needed and then flow back to serve homes. This back and forth action, of the water in the water mains, caused some dislodging of minerals that formed on the inside of the pipes. The mineral buildup is very typical and is not hazardous or harmful.
Some residents who notified us about their concerns allowed us into their homes. We removed their water meter and flushed the lateral for a number of minutes until the water was clear. This seemed to have worked with positive results.
With the well back in operation now, we will use this well as much as possible to fill the new water tower to avoid the back and forth turbulence of the water in the water mains. Additionally, we will do a directional hydrant flushing in the areas that have been impacted during our normal hydrant flushing scheduled for April. If the need warrants us to do flushing sooner or again after April, we will. Also planned for this year is the installation of a new water main connecting the new water tower to a dead end watermain to the east. This watermain will loop the water system and help with the water quality and supplying water to the water tower.
Please continue to contact the Water Utility (262-473-0560) if you are experiencing any water quality issues, and we will do our best to respond in a timely matter. We apologize for the inconvenience you may have experienced in the last few months.
Thank you,
Jim A. Bergner
Water Utility Superintendent