THIRD UPDATE: “They’re phenomenal:’ Pilot of crashed plane in Whitewater credits rescuers” – article from channel 27 – WKOW.COM SECOND UPDATE: A more comprehensive report on the rescue is available here.
All images from Whitewater Fire Department Facebook page. Many more images are available there.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Per the Whitewater Fire Department Facebook page, the department was notified at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 of a single engine plane crash. The crash was located in the Kettle Moraine Forest in the Town of Whitewater, with rescue efforts causing sections of Highway P south of Whitewater to temporarily close. Multiple other departments, including Janesville and Lauderdale LaGrange, responded. As of 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, all three persons had been removed from the aircraft and were reporting no injuries.
An unnamed reliable source told the Banner that the plane itself was equipped with a parachute which opened, and the plane descended into a 75′ oak tree with the pilot, reportedly in his 50’s, and two passengers in their 20’s, trapped inside. The plane was wedged in a crotch of the tree, fairly high off the ground, and it is unknown how it may be removed.
An article in Air & Space dated May 15, 2018, titled, “Those parachutes for small airplanes really do save lives,” claimed that a study found that 380 lives had been saved by the parachutes. This Youtube video, “Are planes with parachutes really safer,” provides a description of the system, which has been available for over twenty years, apparently only on the Cirrus line of aircraft. Per the video, in the early years the fatality rate for equipped planes was actually higher than the average for general aviation, but more recently use of the system appears to have contributed to preventing deaths or serious injuries.
Press release from Whitewater Fire Department posted to Facebook page approximately 3 p.m. on May 16:
#FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society!
This mid-twentieth century postcard image depicts one of Whitewater’s downtown landmarks: the Masonic Temple on the corner of Main and Fremont Streets. First chartered in 1855, St. John’s Lodge #57 has met there since the building’s construction in 1904. It is one of the best examples of the Classical Revival style of architecture in the area. Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!
(5000PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!
(Press release) – Roberta’s Art Gallery is welcoming a unique collection of art made during Covid-19 isolation by Milwaukee artist Francisco Ramirez. “This is Coming Along Just As I Expected, Unfortunately” is at Roberta’s Art Gallery from Wednesday, May 12 – June 2, 2021. The exhibit consists of printed and painted pieces created in the past year of the pandemic.
In the past year of the pandemic, Ramirez has made composite drawing prints, stations panels, and lone figure waiting prints. “This is Coming Along Just As I Expected, Unfortunately,” at Roberta’s Art Gallery features all of those forms of art. Ramirez says about living through the pandemic in the past year: “I have not had much interaction with others, I spend my days either with my daughter or in my printshop alone.”
Ramirez is based out of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area and has been printing for over a decade, mostly creating posters.
Roberta’s Art Gallery will be open all summer. The gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW-Whitewater. The gallery hosts multiple exhibits and workshops each semester by collaborating with the artists–both locally and regionally. Many of our events were held virtually this semester. If you’ll be off campus for the summer, you can also virtually view this exhibit at uww.edu/rag.
Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself on all of their exhibits being free and open to the public. Whether you’re a student, a Whitewater community member, or someone wanting to support the artist, stop on by to support! For questions or further information, contact Roberta’s Art Gallery at (262) 472-3193 or ucart@uww.edu or visit our website.
(ELKHORN, WI): More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County and Aurora Health Care. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate use of medication, exercise and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences and help each other solve problems.
Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held on Tuesdays (9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) from May 18, 2021 -June 22, 2021 via Zoom. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10.
For questions or to register for the program, contact Anna Blamer, RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
The Whitewater High School Drama Department will be staging the spring musical, “Summer Shorts,” on May 21, at 7 p.m., and May 22-23, at 2 p.m., at the new Cravath Lakefront Amphitheater.
This will be the first live performance for the Whitewater Unified School District theater program since the WHS Players production of “Tales of Poe” Feb. 27-29 and Mar. 1, 2020. Fortunately, the persistent squawk of “Nevermore!” by the raven in the first terrifying tale performed then has proved to be incorrect when it comes to live plays in Whitewater—back again despite the pandemic.
Live music, singing, and dancing is what “Summer Shorts” is all about, offering a patchwork of whimsical and touching stories, skits, and songs about friendship, family, and summer fun from beloved movies and Broadway shows.
Laugh ‘til you cry, or cry ‘til you laugh. Either way, “Summer Shorts” has something for every member of the family to enjoy. What better way to celebrate the return of live entertainment than outdoors on Whitewater’s newest stage.
The show is directed by Jim McCulloch, with musical direction by Elizabeth Elliott and technical support by Kat Dunham and Tony Hansen.
The talented ensemble includes: Maggie Jay, Ella Willman, Lauren Rollette, Marco Wence, Madison Strickler, Josh Kirley, Skylar Staebler, Chloe Prince, Ben McCulloch, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Carter Waelchli, Anderson Waelchli, Haley Street, Ilana Lothes, Ayden Clark, Alex Sullivan, and Payton Bunger.
Stage crew members are Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Claire Tourdot, Sammie VanDaele, Lucas Scherer, Lucy Troxel, Emma Weigel, Cole Schlicher, Kayla Mikos, Abby Olsen, Gwen Yeager, and Keith Cameron.
Band members include keyboard Liz Elliott (keyboard), Tim Hummel (drums), and Caleigh Judd (bass).
Admission to “Summer Shorts” is free, but reservations are required. Patrons must reserve a private “pod” to attend this event. Pods are 8′ x 8′ square outlines painted on the grass. Each pod can seat up to 8 guests, and pods are spaced apart to help maintain social distancing. Blankets, lawn chairs, non-alcoholic beverages, and picnics are encouraged. There are two points of entry to the performance space where guests can check in upon arrival. Ushers will then take them to their pods. Pods open one hour prior to the performance.
Admission is free; however, donations will be gladly accepted. All proceeds will go to the Anne and Lane Kuske Drama Scholarship fund. This annual scholarship is awarded to a WHS graduate who is pursuing a degree in theatre. Shows will be moved to the WHS Auditorium in case of bad weather.
To make reservations, call the WHS box office at 262-472-8178, or email: jmcculloch@wwusd.org for more information.
According to McCulloch, the primary reason for producing “Summer Shorts” is to keep the drama program relevant and to give students, especially seniors, an opportunity to perform live on stage.
“It has been a difficult year for everyone,” McCulloch said. “This year’s graduates were at risk of losing out on the final performances of their high school careers. I can’t tell you how inspiring it has been to hear voices echoing through the halls of the school once again.”
“Bringing people together again to share the joy of music, laughter, and a sense of community was another goal we wanted to achieve though this production,” McCulloch added.
“By performing at the new Cravath Lakefront Amphitheater I feel that we are providing our audiences with a safe and memorable experience as well as a reassurance that there are better days ahead.”
Elizabeth Elliott described this show as “a great experience for all of us, myself included, because it has allowed us to work together again, make music together again, and create something again.”
“As an artist,” Elliott continued, “you notice when those things are missing, and it has been so amazing working with these students. The joy and energy they bring has been incredibly fun, and has raised spirits despite the trying times of this pandemic. Because this show is not our typical musical, it has allowed many students to have solos, small group ensembles, and a variety of monologues. It has provided an outlet for students to work and mentor others, whether it’s helping with learning singing parts, dances, or making new friends and connections.”
Actors Payton Bunger (Grade 8), Haley Street (Grade 11), and Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman (Grade 9), point out that “Summer Shorts” is a collection of short skits and songs rather than a full play.
“It’s very different for me,” Bunger shared, “because it doesn’t revolve around a single musical but multiple songs from different musicals.”
Likewise, Street noted, “I think the biggest challenge is that it’s not just one musical. It’s songs and skits from a whole bunch of them. So where we usually all got one character to play we now each have several.”
After having participated in virtual schooling “for a long time,” Wildermuth-Breitzman commented, “it is great to connect with people again.” She also picked neopolitan as an ice cream flavor to represent “Summer Shorts” because “we do a little bit of everything” and orange as a color because it is “fun and bright.”
The color that comes to mind to Street for the entire production is “a bright grass green. It’s so lively and wonderful that every time I picture it, I can almost see rolling hills and people running around enjoying the best days of summer. I hope everyone else sees it like that too, because that’s what we’re going for. Haley Street.”
“’Summer Shorts’ is such a unique opportunity for everyone to shine. We are all so excited to share some of the first live theater in a while with the community!” stated Senior Ella Willman, who has performed in nine plays or musicals in Whitewater.
Looking ahead, the WUSD Summer School Playhouse will be performing “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr.” July 8-9 at 7 p.m. and July 10 at 2 p.m.
(Ripon College press release) — Ripon College held its annual Awards Convocation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 21. As one of Ripon’s most prestigious events, the event honored outstanding students, faculty, and staff. The list of award recipients is available for viewing at ripon.edu/awards-convocation.
Clarice Bergman of Whitewater, Wisconsin, majoring in English and Politics and Government with a minor in Communication, joined the Ripon College Laurels honor society.
Lydia Wiley Deal of Whitewater, Wisconsin, majoring in Music and Physics , was awarded the Bruce Martz Endowed Music Award and joined the Ripon College Laurels honor society.
Jacob Zuehlke of Whitewater, Wisconsin, majoring in Music and Business Management , was awarded the Lucile Mosling Grams Music Scholarship and joined the Ripon College Laurels honor society.
(UW-W press release) The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Collegiate DECA chapter ended its competitive season on a high note at the International Career Development Conference, held virtually April 9-12, 2021. Twenty-five Warhawks participated in the international competition, 15 advanced to event finals and 13 students were top-10 international finalists.
The central mission of collegiate DECA — and the focus of the ICDC event — is to prepare students for their careers by developing the skills needed to become leaders and innovators.
Michelle Anderson, a marketing major from Oconomowoc and the chapter’s vice president of external relations, earned second place overall in the Emerging Technology–Marketing Strategy international competition. She described DECA’s impact on her college experience and career development.
“I have been able to take concepts that I have learned in the classroom and apply them to real world case studies in competition,” she said. “The events also allowed me to explore different parts of business that I wasn’t sure I was interested in. Overall, DECA helped with my confidence, professionalism and ability to create marketing campaigns effectively. I believe that without my experience with the UW-Whitewater Collegiate DECA chapter, I would not have been able to secure my past internship and my future job.”
UW-Whitewater was distinguished for outstanding commitment and impact throughout the year. Earned by only seven of the 250 collegiate chapters in 2020-21, the Chapter Community Service Award recognized students’ work with statewide food banks, the local Warhawk Pantry and the annual toy drive for the Ronald McDonald House.
“Our vice president of community events, Evan Nightingale, was able to put on numerous events throughout the year,” said Treise Langhammer, chapter president and marketing major from Brooklyn, Wisconsin. “He was also able to give members a chance to get involved fully, instead of just attending weekly meetings.”
The DECA Leadership Passport Program celebrates chapter and individual activities that build personal and professional skills. UW-Whitewater received a Chapter Leadership Passport Award — a distinction that was given to just 20 chapters. Seven student members completed the Individual Passport Leadership program, including Michelle Anderson, Brendan Clementi, Tayler Jones, Treise Langhammer, Evan Nightingale, Lauren Reid and Devontae Sisk. Only 50 students from the 1,500 international collegiate members were able to complete the program this year.
Rounding out the non-competitive awards, Treise Langhammer and Evan Nightingale earned individual Student Leadership awards for their chapter leadership, community service and competitive success. Tayler Jones, Treise Langhammer and Devontae Sisk were each recognized with an Academic Honor Award for holding a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
All competitive events leading up to ICDC took place with pre-recorded presentations followed by live interactions with judges. The final rounds were conducted live by web conference. Despite this unusual format and an increased international presence drawn by the virtual performances, the chapter performed exceptionally.
“Competing at this level is stressful, but every member that gets there is ready for it,” said Langhammer. “We focus on teamwork and always provide resources for newer members. The hard work by our vice president of competition, Tayler Jones, also allows every competitor to succeed. We are proud of anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and try competition.”
UW-Whitewater DECA 2021 International Career Development Conference competitive award recap:
Michelle Anderson: 2nd place in the Emerging Technology–Marketing Strategies event
Team of Kelsey Clark and Lauren Reid: 6th-place tiein the Event Planning event
Brendan Clementi: 7th place in the Corporate Finance event
Mary Domich: international finalist in the Hotel and Lodging event
Lydia Forney: 9th place in the Advertising Campaign event
Grayden Gruchow: 6th place in the Human Resource Management event
Lauren Hanson and Treise Langhammer: 6th-place tie in the Event Planning event
Tayler Jones: 6th place in the Advertising Campaign event
Sammi Nelson: international finalist in the Corporate Finance event
Evan Nightingale: 5th place in the Entrepreneurship Operations event
Melanie Thiede: 8th place in the Advertising Campaign event
Team of John Weber and David Zehner: 4th place in the International Marketing event
Prior to the ICDC event, three DECA students also performed strongly in the national Stock Market Game, which simulates the global capital market to engage students in economics, investing and personal finance.
Victoria Celsor: 2nd place finish in the spring semester event
Evan Hoier: 8th place finish in the fall semester event
Zach Zaharias: 4th place finish in fall semester event
For information about the UW-Whitewater Collegiate DECA Chapter, visit uwwdeca.com.
United Way Ride United Transportation Program Now Offering Free Rides to Vaccination Appointments
Fort Atkinson, WI – May 12, 2021 – The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is proud to announce their Ride United transportation program has temporarily expanded to cover free rides to vaccination appointments in the communities of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Whitewater & Watertown.
“Our United Way is honored to be in a position to expand our Ride United program to provide assistance to those in our communities who have a transportation barrier which prohibits them from accessing vaccination appointments” states Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director. “These are very difficult communities to live in if you don’t have reliable access to quality transportation, so we are so pleased to be doing our small part to help bring that access to individuals in need, and also help increase the vaccination rates across our county.”
Ride United is serviced by Brown Cab Company (serving Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Whitewater & Lake Mills) and Watertown Passenger Transit (serving Watertown). Individuals simply need to call the company for their community and schedule their ride. Ride availability is based on the schedule of each company and rides must be scheduled in advance. Rides are limited to within city limits and cannot accommodate travel between different cities.
“We truly wish we were able to offer the free ride service to every individual in every community and that we could accommodate travel across cities,” Hartwick adds. “However, we have to work within the logistical capabilities of the service providers and within our financial resources available. Although we know this expanded service won’t reach every person in need, we are still excited to offer it to many who will benefit from it.”
The service will be provided for riders to the following vaccination appointment locations: Fort Atkinson (Fort Healthcare Hospital, Fort Healthcare Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, Fort Atkinson Hometown Pharmacy and Walgreens), Jefferson (The Drug Store and Walmart), Lake Mills (WRMC Lake Mills Clinic, Lake Mills Hometown Pharmacy and Walgreens), Whitewater (UW-Whitewater Health Services, McCullough’s LTC Pharmacy, Walmart and Walgreens), and Watertown (Watertown Department of Public Health, Watertown Hometown Pharmacy, WRMC Doctor’s Court Clinic, Walmart and Walgreens).
“We are so grateful to each and every person, organization and company that supported our 2020 campaign efforts, which allowed us to expand our Ride United service to assist with this immediate need in our communities,” Hartwick states. “Without the generosity of our donors, none of this would be possible. Each and every dollar we receive in support of our Ride United program has such a positive impact on those who utilize the service to access food pantries, free medical clinics, and now for those who will be able to access vaccination appointments.”
United Way encourages any residents who could benefit from this service, to call Brown Cab (920.563.6303) to schedule their ride. If anyone is interested in supporting this service, donations can be made online using the following link and noting “Ride United” in the comments section: https://uwjnwc.com/get-involved/give/. Donations can also be mailed to 734 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.
United Way will support this program expansion for as long as resources allow and for as long as there remains a community need.
“Our United Way will evaluate the vaccination rides on a monthly basis and will continue to offer the service as resources allow and as the community needs persist,” Hartwick adds. “We appreciate any and all continued support for this important United Way program.”
Any questions regarding the Ride United program can be directed to the United Way office at 920.563.8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com.
228 S. Dann Street – Whitewater Rummage sale and food sale to benefit K9 Tilla and his new ride. Saturday May 15th and Sunday May 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are raising funds to help with getting Tilla a very much needed vehicle. Rummage items and the kids will have a lemonade stand with brats, hotdogs, chips and baked goods. All proceeds from both sales go to K9 Tilla. If you have items to donate for the sale and to help Tilla out please message me or call me at 262-473-9727. Some items that are for sale: Girls clothes 6/6x to 10/12. Collector dolls, fire pit. knickknacks, books, scrubs and much more.
400 S. Rice St., #31 (Trippe Lake Condos by Super 8) HUGE SALE May 14,15 &16 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Generator, tools, ladder & much more. Ph. 414-975-5646 John Anzivino
351 S Wisconsin St Condo #16 (Waters Edge North, end unit on cul-de-sac) Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15. 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. both days Longtime collector’s garage sale of antique, household, garden and decorative items. Antiques include walnut bed, lamps, spool art wall shelves, framed prints, glassware, garden gate, country primitives to Victoriana. Household includes twin-king size bedspreads with shams, lamps, rugs, decorative objects. Much more!
WEST SIDE
401 W. Main Street The Thrift Shoppe would like to let the City of Whitewater know it will be joining the city wide yard sale in the First English Lutheran Church parking lot on May 14th 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. & 15th 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
511 N. Tratt St. Huge yard sale This Friday thru Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Adult, Children/Teenage clothes (name brands) Home Furniture, house hold appliances , PS3 games, PS4 games, lawn furniture, Swimming Pool, Tanning Bed, 4 Wheeler, and much More…
626 Foxglove Lane HUGE Garage Sale: Fri., May 14, 8-6 Sat. 15, 8-4 Sun. 16, 8-12 -Household Items- glasses all type, platters including Holiday Platters -Tools- Pipe wrenches, skill saw and other miscellaneous tools -Prints & Large Pier One canvases -Mirrors (Pier One) & Contemporary Mirror -Books- Including cookbooks, woodworking books and craft patterns -XL Dog Crates 2 with zippered insulated covers -Hunting & Camping gear- Including Boots, Backpacks, clothing, heater, lantern and chair -Harley Davidson Gear- Including bike bags, helmets, seat, leather coats and jackets -Ducks Unlimited (1974-75 full Bourbon Whiskey bottle) -AND MORE
630 Foxglove Ln FRI. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; SAT. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; SUN. 8 a.m.-Noon Poulan Gas Weed Trimmer; Love Seat, Double Bed with mattress and bedding, Hotel collection queen size bedspread with bolsters, 2 single maple bed frames, Oak coffee table. Beatrix Potter 8-3D Plate Set with Book and COA; Vintage Durgin-Park Market Dining Rooms Bean Pot; Nikko Christmastime 5-Piece Serving Set; “Chocolat Au Lait” Original Canvas Painting; Lena Liu “Holiday Angels” 8-Plate Set with COA; 3-Picture “Coral Fish” by Paragon Picture Gallery; “Teapots” Framed and Matted Picture; Gas Patio Heater; Clay Pigeon Skeet Thrower.
515 S. Elizabeth St. – Multi-Family Garage Sale May 13-15 @ 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Lots of decorations, womens clothes, purses/accessories, baby items, baby girl/boy clothes (fill a bag for $5), kitchen items, & more. All items in great condition and priced to sell!! Look for the bright pink signs!
225 S. Hazelyn Court One Day Only – Saturday, May 15 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Furniture (shelves, a couch, TV stand — lots of IKEA), household items, mid-century items, electronics including a laptop computer, and more. Refreshments available for sale, too.
1107 W. South Street(street is across from the high school last house on the dead end block) Friday May 14th from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m., Saturday 8 – noon. Furniture, Household decor, Kids toys, Kids clothes
1145 W South Street May 13-15; Thursday 8-3, Friday 8-3, Saturday 8-12 Junior girl clothing, twin bedding, Christmas decorations, household items
340 S Woodland Dr Friday May 14th 9 a.m.-3p.m. Saturday May 15th 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Multi Family Sale. Clothing (women’s, men’s, girl’s, and infant boy’s), toys for all ages, DVD/Blu-rays, board games, books, household items, bedding, seasonal decorations, and much more.
250 Indian Mound Parkway, Unit no. 9 Friday, May 14, 8 to 4. Saturday, May 15, 8 to 2. Rummage Sale. Multi family. Clothes, books, toys, men’s Trek Bike, King size comforter set, A little jewelry, and a few tools. Household goods. A little bit of everything. Free stuff!! Please park on the road to not interfere with the other residents.
457 S. Buckingham Blvd. Saturday, May 15 from 8 am – 4 pm. IKEA futon, baby jogger, American Eagle jeans, Samsung stainless steel stove, many teaching items, board games, books, toys. Household and kitchen items & more! Everything in great condition.
Whitewater Grocery Co, the “future” locally owned grocery store, continues to THANK the many volunteers of both the Community Space and the Whitewater Food Pantry for their many hours of service here in Whitewater. Along with the WHITEWATER FOOD WARRIOR Certificates, Topper’s Pizza also gives them either a free pizza or Toppers Stiks. April’s recipients are:
Community Space: Janet Morrow; Cindy Robers, Co-Director; and Sandy Johnson
Whitewater Food Pantry: Judy Malone and Steve Malone
