News

On Saturday, October 22nd, a group gathered for the first in a series of three fall workshops at the Arboretum at Starin Park to learn more about trees, the arboretum there and the history of the Salisbury and Chopp Arboreta on the campus of UW-Whitewater. Jim Nies, Vice Chair of the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission and Wes Enterline, Director of the UW-Whitewater Sustainability Office presented histories of and stories about all three of these outdoor classrooms. They then led the group through some exercises such a tree identification game, estimating the age of a tree while it’s still standing and growing, and also estimating the height of a tree. It was very interesting and fun was had by all! It was a beautiful fall day to be out at the park!

Join us next Saturday, October 29th at 2:00 p.m. at the Lower Shelter at Starin Park for our next workshop titled, Remarkable Trees: Tales From Wisconsin and Beyond, for a fun introduction to the fascinating world of trees! All are welcome from elementary age children to any age beyond! The only thing you need to bring is your desire to learn more about this wonderful world around us. Hope to see you at the Arboretum!

The City of Whitewater Common Council will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cravath Lakefront Room on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building. Per the agenda, the Council will immediately adjourn to closed session, after which there will be an open session with “possible action on appointment of City Manager and possible action on City Manager Employment Contract.” As was previously announced on the Banner, three finalists, James “Jim” Palenick, David R. Porter and John S. Weidl, were to be interviewed on Saturday, October 22. Weidl is currently serving as Interim City Manager, following the resignation of Cameron Clapper.

Common Council Meeting
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Cravath Lakefront Room – 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – 6:30 p.m.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84799778927?pwd=aEJHNVNTTnh5eUE4dFcwdG5DL0w1Zz09
Passcode: 081144
Or Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 847 9977 8927
Passcode: 081144

Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is by Lynn Binnie.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the UW-W Instructional, Communication & Information Technology (ICIT) Facebook page and website.

The UW-W Tech Surplus Sale concludes on Wednesday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Engagement Center, next to Walmart.

Come take advantage of amazing deals on tech hardware including, laptops, desktops, projectors, monitors, cameras, hard drives, RAM/memory, and more!

Typical Sale Items:

Apple Laptops – $75.00*

Apple Desktops – $50.00*

PC Laptops – $50.00
PC All-In-Ones – $50.00

PC Desktops – $25.00

Projectors – $50.00

Monitors -$10.00

Cameras – $5.00

Hard Drives – $1.00

RAM/Memory – $1.00

Misc. Devices – $5.00-$75.00

All pricing includes tax.

*Limit 1 Apple device per customer*

*Desktop PC’s sold without installed operating system*

Accepted payment options:

• Cash
• Check
• Credit Card / Debit Card
• Purple Points

Receipts will be provided for all purchases. Individuals with tax exempt status should bring in a physical copy of their signed tax exemption form to process tax exempt purchase.

Items are not reserved and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All devices are sold as-is and may not be returned or used at UW-Whitewater for any reason. Devices are not subject to warranty, support or return once sale is processed.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Fort Atkinson Community Theatre.

Join us for a night of extraordinary talent! Fort Atkinson Community Theatre (FACT) is thrilled to be hosting our first talent show, which celebrates performers of all ages from Fort Atkinson and beyond. Singing, dancing, drama, and comedy – there’s a little something for everyone! Families are encouraged to attend.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Come early to create a shout-out for your favorite performer, grab a snack, get in on our 50/50 raffle, and snap some silly pictures at our photo booth! General admission at the door – $5 per person. Children 5 and under – Free.

Please park in the Grove St. lot and enter through the nearest door (#16). Can’t wait to see you at the show! Saturday, November 5, 2022 – 7 p.m. – Luther Elementary School, 205 Park St., Fort Atkinson

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

UW-Whitewater awards more than $2.5 million in scholarships for 2022-2023

The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 2022-23 academic year.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Ashley Afah, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Asobo Afah, who is studying Computer Science, won the following scholarship(s): Christina N Outlay Information Technology Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Mariana Aranda, who is studying General Management, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; DLK Scholarship; King Chavez Scholarship (Admissions); King Chavez Scholarship (Foundation); Minority Business Scholarship; WP & L Minority Business Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jace Bezzo, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Kacie Carollo, who is studying Integrated ScienceDBusiness, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R & Zoe E Connor Scholarship; Walter & Louise Buell Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jaden Condon, who is studying General Business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Marcos Contreras, who is studying Entrepreneurship, won the following scholarship(s): Carroll Pomplin Scholarship; DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Alan Cortes, who is studying Finance, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Ivan Cortez, who is studying Marketing, won the following scholarship(s): AMA/Peltier Marketing Award

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Montserrat Cuevas, who is studying Spanish, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Kianna Doerr, who is studying Women’s and Gender Studies, won the following scholarship(s): Joyce & William Wartmann Scholarship – UW-Whitewater at Rock County

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Brennan Fox-Simes, who is studying Political Science, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Christopher Gomez, who is studying Occupational Safety, won the following scholarship(s): Kerry College of Business and Economics Scholarship; Richard D McDonald Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Brock Grosinske, who is studying Finance, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Madison Hawkins, who is studying Elementary Education, won the following scholarship(s): Laura Ferris Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Margaret Helbig, who is studying Public Policy and Administraion, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; Daniele D. DiPiazza Political Science Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Joshua Hetz, who is studying Journalism, won the following scholarship(s): Joyce & William Wartmann Scholarship – UW-Whitewater at Rock County

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jake Hintz, who is studying Business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; John Tincher Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Elbee-Fae Ascherl, who is studying Women’s and Gender Studies, won the following scholarship(s): David W Adamany Scholarship; Edie Thornton Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Marc Jones, who is studying Business Analytics, won the following scholarship(s): College of Business and Economics Admissions Scholarship; DLK Scholarship; Minority Business Scholarship; Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Emma Jordan, who is studying Psychology, won the following scholarship(s): Edann Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Cally Julson, who is studying History Education, won the following scholarship(s): Donald Graham History Scholarship; Jack Filipiak Memorial History Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Cj Kaegi, who is studying Art, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; Greenhill Endowment

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sarah Keller, who is studying Music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship; McMonagle Studio Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Danielle Klais, who is studying Environmental Science, won the following scholarship(s): Margery Folkerth Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Felicity Knabenbauer, who is studying liberal arts, won the following scholarship(s): Martino Journalism Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Taylor Koehler, who is studying Criminology, won the following scholarship(s): Warhawks Thrive Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Natalie LaBreche, who is studying English Education, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R & Zoe E Connor Scholarship; R/M Burrows English Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jake Martin, who is studying Early Childhood Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sam Mckelvey, who is studying Film Studies, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Warhawks Thrive Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sabrina Morales, who is studying Art Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sam Morton, who is studying Undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Irene Krueger Scholarship; Warhawks Thrive Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Maci Parrish, who is studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Transfer Excellence Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Miguel Penaloza, who is studying Criminology, won the following scholarship(s): College of Letters and Sciences Endowment (Strategic Priority); Student Opportunities Fund

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Connor Rohde, who is studying Chemistry, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Julia Russ, who is studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; Dyer Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jesse Sagrero, who is studying Accounting, won the following scholarship(s): College of Business and Economics Admissions Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Lukas Schreiber, who is studying Finance & Political Science, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Molly Schwieger, who is studying Counseling (master’s degree), won the following scholarship(s): Lefler Guidance & Counseling Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Iemorlice Thou, who is studying Communication, won the following scholarship(s): Promise Endowment – College of Arts and Communication

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jonce Tolley, who is studying Computer Science, won the following scholarship(s): Transfer Excellence Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Carter Waelchli, who is studying Theatre Education, won the following scholarship(s): Fannie Hicklin Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Mackenzie Wesoloski, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): UW Credit Union Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Elora Whidden, who is studying Art Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Keith and Lorna Collins Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Donovan Winn, who is studying Undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): General Merit Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – April Wright, who is studying art, won the following scholarship(s): Spirit of Whitewater Energy Awards

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Conner Young, who is studying Legal Studies, won the following scholarship(s): Lambda Chi Alpha Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Marissa Zaehringer, who is studying Special Education, won the following scholarship(s): Walworth County Area Retired Educators Association Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Trenten Zahn, who is studying Business, won the following scholarship(s): Walter & Louise Buell Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jon Zheng, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Brianna Zimdars, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): James R & Zoe E Connor Scholarship; Whitewater Community Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Kaylee Zwerenz, who is studying Mathematics, won the following scholarship(s): Transfer Excellence Scholarship

“On behalf of the UW-Whitewater Foundation, we send our deepest congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners, who represent the very best in academic, co-curricular and service excellence across all of our colleges and departments,” said Sandy Dunst, interim president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. “Over the years, many people and organizations have donated funds to make these financial awards a reality. Their kindness and generosity have contributed to the success of our Warhawks and we’re extremely grateful for their support.”

The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to students. More information can be found at uww.edu/scholarships.

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

Whitewater Unified School District taxpayers will realize a lower-than-expected levy rate after the School Board approved the district’s 2022-23 budget on Monday evening.

As a result, the tax levy will decrease by about 7 percent from the previous year, with a mill rate of $8.76 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This marks a decrease from the current rate of $11 per $1,000. The originally projected rate was $9.91 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The budget and the district’s mill rate will remain in place if residents approve the operational referendum question on Tuesday, November 8.

“We are pleased to share with our community that, thanks to increasing enrollment and sound fiscal management, the board has been able to decrease the projected levy for residents this school year,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “This is great news for our district and the property taxpayers who support our schools. We look forward to continuing to engage our community around our district’s needs and the solution on the ballot November 8.”

If approved, the November 8 operational referendum would renew a similar measure voters passed in 2018. That non-recurring operational referendum, which will expire in June 2023, has allowed WUSD to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit to fund critical programs and services for students. 

WUSD was able to realize an increase in state aid based on increased enrollment of 52 students this school year, property valuations, spending per student, and total expenditures across the state. 

With the proposed referendum, the district and board are not asking the community for additional funding, despite rising costs over the past several years. 

For more information on the referendum, please visit www.wwusd.org/page/referendum.