“The Father” – Tuesday, June 22, 1 p.m. Drama; Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 37 minutes (2020) A man (Anthony Hopkins) refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages and succumbs to dementia. Also stars Olivia Colman. Sir Anthony Hopkins won the Best Actor Oscar for this performance.
Seniors in the Park is located in the Starin Park Community Building. We are now able to seat 15 people. Please register in advance online, by email (dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov), or phone (473-0535). Facial coverings are no longer required for those who are fully vaccinated..
Several local students have earned high honors and/or are on the Dean’s at the following four universities.
UW-Green Bay announces spring 2021 semester honors. Local students are:
Justin Brantmeier, Semester High Honors Mai Cheng, Semester High Honors Steffi Farrey, Semester High Honors David Nehlsen, Semester Highest Honors
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,270 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. Local students are:
Sage Babcock, Senior, Honors Allison Ceranske, Sophomore, High Honors Kathryn Schramm, Post-Bacc, High Honors
Central College Dean’s List for Spring 2021 includes Nash Christian, whose parents are from Whitewater.
Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin announced local students who are on the Dean’s List:
Maddie Arnett is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. Emily Marquardt is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History. Odessa Sonn is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
On June 17, 2021 President Joe Biden signed a law designating June 19 as a federal holiday to celebrate Juneteenth. Former Gov. Jim Doyle made Juneteenth Day a legal holiday in Wisconsin in 2009.
President Abraham Lincoln‘s Emancipation Proclamation of 1862 had officially outlawed slavery in Texas and the other states that had rebelled against the Union almost two and a half years earlier. Enforcement of the Proclamation generally relied on the advance of Union troops. Texas, as the most remote of the slave states had seen an expansion of slavery, and had a low presence of Union troops as the American Civil War ended; thus enforcement there had been slow and inconsistent prior to Granger’s announcement.[9] Although the Emancipation Proclamation declared an end to slavery in the Confederate States, slavery was still legal and practiced in two Union border states – Delaware and Kentucky – until December 6, 1865, when ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution abolished chattel slavery nationwide. Additionally, Indian Territories that had sided with the Confederacy, namely the Choctaw, were the last to release those enslaved, in 1866.[10][11][12][b][13]“
USPS Operating Status for June 18 and 19, 2021
Since June 19, 2021 is a Saturday, federal offices will be closed on Friday, June 18. However, per the following statement from the U.S. Postal Service, in 2021 the mail will still be delivered on June 18 and 19.
(June 17) “The U.S. Postal Service is fully supportive of the new Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and making June 19 a federal holiday. Unfortunately, it is not possible to cease the operations of the Postal Service to accommodate an observance over the next 24-48 hours. We are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure and our customers are relying on us to deliver our essential services. Closing down our operations without providing appropriate time would lead to operational disruptions and be a disservice to our customers and those who rely upon us. For that reason, the Postal Service will be operating on June 18 and 19, 2021, on a normal schedule, serving our customers to the best of our ability.
The Postal Service will discuss future recognition of this significant new holiday with our national Unions, Management Associations, and other stakeholders, consistent with our collective bargaining and consultative obligations.”
The Juneteenth image on the homepage is copyrighted by gograph. Used by permission.
MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today that UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dwight Watson has resigned, citing health concerns. Thompson appointed former UW System Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Jim Henderson as interim chancellor.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Dwight’s personal health challenges, and I thank him for his service to UW-Whitewater during a difficult period,” Thompson said. “We are incredibly fortunate that Jim Henderson has agreed to lead the university at this challenging time. He is a personable and thoughtful academic leader with exceptional experience that will benefit UW-Whitewater greatly.”
Henderson served as UW System Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs from 2016-2018. Prior to that he held the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, from 2014–2016, and was dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences at California State University, Los Angeles, from 2008–2013. Among his other administrative and faculty roles, Henderson was UW-Madison interim provost during summer 2019.
“I’m excited to join the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater community as the University moves forward with planning and shaping its academic program to meet the needs of its studnts and the State of Wisconsin,” said Henderson. “UW-Whitewater is a gem, and I’m looking forward to working with the University community, the larger Whitewater and Rock County communities, the UW System, and other stakeholders in Wisconsin to help set the University on a course that will provide a strong foundation for the selection of the next Chancellor.”
Watson disclosed in his resignation letter that he was recently diagnosed with cancer. His resignation is effective June 30. He will serve in a transitional role assisting Henderson until Oct. 31 and then will become a tenured faculty member in the College of Education and Professional Studies, per the terms of his contract, at an annual salary of $92,325. Henderson will serve for an indefinite period starting July 1 and will earn $245,000 annually.
Source: UW System press release
UPDATED June 17 @ 9:15 p.m. – Per madison.com, “Watson submitted a resignation letter on Wednesday, explaining that he was recently diagnosed with stomach and intestinal cancer. ‘This type of cancer is exacerbated by stress,” he wrote. “The stress in the role of the chancellor is plentiful.’ “
Also from madison.com, “Watson will help Henderson during the transition through Oct. 31 under his current salary, which is $249,696 annually. He can then join the College of Education and Professional Studies as a tenured faculty member at an annual salary of $92,325 and begin teaching no later than the spring 2022 semester, according to the terms of his contract….’We are deeply saddened to hear of Chancellor Watson’s health issues,’ Faculty Senate chair Tracy Hawkins said. ‘We will rally together to support him through this difficult period, and we will look forward to seeing him in the classroom in Spring 2022.’ “
UPDATED June 17 @ 9:30 p.m. – The following announcement was made today to the campus community:
Message from Chancellor Watson
Dear Warhawk family,
I have always lived by the adage that a life worth living is one that is lived for others. Due to this belief, I became an educator. I sought positions in which I could do the most good as a servant leader. By following this belief, I often neglect myself. Over the course of the pandemic, I have encouraged all of you to prioritize your health and well-being. I must do the same.
Recently, I was diagnosed with stomach and intestinal cancer. I have upcoming treatments that I must adhere to. This will take me away from my job responsibilities; therefore, I will be resigning as chancellor of UW-Whitewater effective June 30, 2021.
I appreciate all of the support that you have given me over the last two years. Serving as chancellor of this legacy institution has been one of the great highlights of my personal and professional life.
As I transition back into the ranks of a professor in the College of Education and Professional Studies, I welcome the opportunity to engage with my beloved Warhawk family in other ways.
UW System President Tommy Thompson will be sending out a message this morning to share the next steps of this transition. Please let us all work together to enthusiastically and wholeheartedly support the interim chancellor as we continue to embrace our shared purpose, which is to be a public institution that serves the public good.
Warhawks, we are a strong and resilient community, and UW-Whitewater is in very capable hands — you have an outstanding group of leaders and supporters who will continue to move the university forward.
By Al Stanek Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Whitewater Common Council amended an existing City Ordinance and created a new one that will allow alcohol to be consumed in public places including Cravath Lakefront Park but on a limited basis. Currently alcohol is not allowed in public parks without a permit. Starin Park has been, till now, the single exception to the prohibition of individual public alcohol consumption. The exclusive ability to sell and consume beer in a restricted area during the Fourth of July annual celebration has also been allowed.
The Common Council action comes in response to a request to allow individuals to purchase alcohol from vendors at the Tuesday night City Market and carry it over to the lawn of the new Cravath Lakefront Park Amphitheater for this summer’s “Concerts in the Park.” The City Market is held on Tuesday afternoons in the area of the historic Whitewater Train Depot across from City Hall. This summer the concerts are being scheduled afterward on Tuesday evenings, rather than the previous Thursdays, in Cravath Lakefront Park, which is across a small portion of Fremont Street from the Depot.
A newly created ordinance also allows the City Manager or a designee to “…authorize the sales, service, possession and consumption of alcohol on any street, sidewalk or public grounds in the City of Whitewater for a temporary period of time.”
In other action the Common Council approved the sale for $251,000 of a small city-owned parcel across the street from the new eastside Kwik Trip being constructed in the area known as “the roundabout.” The Elkhorn Road property that includes the Kwik Trip site had been designated as the site of a grocery store until the financial reaction to the 2007-2008 Great Recession. An unnamed retail establishment is reportedly planned for the triangular shaped parcel across from the Kwik Trip.
The Council also heard from City Attorney Wallace McDonell that Allef Partners, LLC, the owners of the Whitewater Walmart, are contesting its property assessment, currently set at $5,657,300. They claim that the assessed value should be $4,500,000. McDonell will attempt to reach a settlement with the owners, but was authorized by the Council to hire outside legal counsel if needed. If ultimately a settlement is not agreed upon the matter would be litigated in Walworth County Circuit Court.
It is the second time in as many years that the Walmart assessment has been contested. On July 15, 2019 Walmart sued the City of Whitewater, alleging that its property had been inappropriately assessed for 2019 at $5,970,000. Walmart claimed that the assessed value should have been $4,500,000. If it had been granted that reduction, Walmart would have been entitled to a refund of approximately $30,884, of which $9,830 would have been the city’s share after charging back the school district, the county, and the technical college for their share. The city’s legal counsel engaged in negotiations with Walmart’s counsel in an effort to reach a settlement that would avoid the substantial appraisal and legal fees that would be required for a trial. At the Common Council meeting on January 21, 2020 attorney McDonell recommended that the city settle for an assessed value of $5,657,300, which had been accepted by Walmart. This reduction in assessment would result in a refund of $6,576, with the city’s portion being $2,093. The Council voted unanimously to accept this settlement.
Owners of property where so-called “big-box” stores are located have in recent years argued that they should be assessed based on the value of a vacant store as opposed to a fully occupied facility. The WI League of Municipalities, of which the city is a member, has campaigned against the efforts of property owners using this strategy known as the “Dark Store Theory” to take municipalities to court over contested assessments. The ‘Municipal Law Newsletter’ reports that the Village of Plover won a WI Court of Appeals case last year involving the “Dark Store Theory” and the ‘Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’ reported in 2019 that a similar case in West Bend was dropped just before trial. It is not clear if the Whitewater case is based on the “Dark Store Theory.”
W6915 Bluff Rd, Whitewater Friday 6/18/21 from 9 a.m. -4 p.m. and Saturday 6/19/21 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Something for everyone. Hunting, tools, household items, furniture, Christmas decorations, antiques, many vintage toys. No early sales.
N7008 Oakwood Road (Near Whitewater Lake) This Friday and Saturday 8 to 4 (June 18 and 19) Hunting and fishing gear, power and hand tools, garden tools, kitchen, toys and games, lots of miscellaneous items.
Advance notice for next week: Rummage Sale Friday 6/25/21 9am – 6pm Saturday 6/26/21 8am -11am
12240 E. Bradley Road Whitewater, Wi 53190 Look for the signs!
Adult Clothing, Children’s clothing (girls: newborn-size 16, boys: 6 month-24 month, size 7/8- 16) Most children’s clothing is $1.00! Household items, kitchen, decorations and bedding, garden and woodworking tools and much more.
June 16, 2021- Effective immediately, the City of Whitewater is issuing a burn ban within city limits until further notice.
Warm weather and inadequate rainfall are putting southeast Wisconsin in severe drought conditions. Vegetation is drying out, which increases the risk of wildfires.
The city is suspending the issuance of burn permits. There is to be no burning of organic yard waste. Recreational burning, such as campfires or bonfires is also prohibited.
Outdoor grills and open flames are only to be used for cooking purposes. Dispose of any ashes properly and do not leave fires unattended.
As a reminder, the use of fireworks is illegal and prohibited by law within the city limits.
Citizens found to be in violation of the burn ban will be subject to fines, penalties and costs related to prosecution. Those in violation might also be responsible for reimbursing the city for costs related to extinguishing the fire by the Whitewater Volunteer Fire Department.
For additional questions or concerns, contact Neighborhood Services Director, Chris Bennett at (262) 473-0143 or cbennett@whitewater-wi.gov.
(UW-W press release) Everyone is invited and encouraged to join a public hearing as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks feedback on its proposed new mission statement. The event is 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, and will be held virtually. The live video stream link is available online at uww.edu/strategic-plan/public-hearing. Closed captioning will be available. The following phone number is also provided: Toll Free 1-855-749-4750Event number: 177 642 9612 Event password: mMPmeJ82bS2
“UW-Whitewater is very proud to provide high-quality educational and cultural opportunities for citizens in our region,” said Greg Cook, interim provost. “As a public steward of this responsibility, we are continuously striving to improve and adapt to the needs of the region. As part of that promise, we are updating our mission statement to reflect our current goals and aspirations as a regional comprehensive university.”
The Banner is providing the proposed mission statement and current mission statement at the end of this article.
As part of the university’s 2021-2022 strategic plan, a revised mission statement was drafted by members of the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee. This committee includes more than 40 members representing all areas of the university, including all employees and students. The committee also includes the Whitewater City Manager, connecting to the needs of the city and local region. Numerous open listening sessions were conducted to gather feedback and suggestions from members of the university and local community. The statement was approved by the Committee, all university governance groups, and the Chancellor. After the June 22 final public hearing, the final draft will be presented to the UW System Board of Regents for review and approval.
PROPOSED NEW MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. As part of the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Whitewater embraces the Wisconsin Idea and is an economic and cultural driver of our region. We are nationally and internationally recognized for the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Grounded in a rigorous core curriculum, students receive a well-rounded education, and every academic program prepares students to be creative, innovative and adaptable in dynamic and diverse work and life environments.
We are an inclusive educational community with a deep commitment to access that inspires us to serve students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. We have a longstanding special mission to serve students with disabilities. By supporting all students, we champion education, opportunity and prosperity for all. As engaged global citizens, members of our community make positive contributions to the State of Wisconsin, to our nation, and to the world.
Our academic programs serve undergraduate and graduate students, including online learners, and span the disciplines, from the theoretical to the applied, and encompass study in the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and professional and interdisciplinary programs. High-quality programs are offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners who lead successful lives and enjoy productive careers.
CURRENT MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to the development of the individual, the growth of personal and professional integrity and respect for diversity and global perspectives. These are met by providing academic and cocurricular programs that emphasize the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and a commitment to service within a safe and secure environment.
The mission of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is:
To provide a range of undergraduate programs and degrees, including interdisciplinary programs, in letters, sciences, and the arts as well as programs and degrees leading to professional specialization.
To offer graduate education built clearly upon its undergraduate emphases and strengths with particular emphasis in the fields of business, education, communication, and human services.
To engage in scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the associate and baccalaureate degree level, its graduate programs, and its select mission.
To create and maintain a positive and inviting environment for multicultural students, students with disabilities, and nontraditional students, and provide support services and programs for them.
To serve as a regional cultural and economic resource center through its service initiatives.
To provide continuing education and outreach programs as integrated institutional activities.
To provide a variety of co-curricular activities to enhance out-of-class learning opportunities.
To encourage and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity in all University life and activities.
