News

Baha’is and Friends Artist Gathering in Whitewater Sept. 17

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Suzanne Popke.

Art, crafts, music, poetry, and more – everyone is welcome to this open house gathering to meet the artists at the Baha’is and Friends Artist Gathering in Whitewater Sept. 17.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 17, 1 PM thru 5 PM   (Drop in any time.)

Place: Historic Nelson Salisbury House at 404 W. North St., Whitewater, WI

(Public parking in the city lot across the street from house and next to the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center)


Artists:

Robert Malouf– Wisconsin published poet

Manijeh Khorshidi– visual artist/writer from Iran

Tom Wilbur– 25 yrs. of stained glass

Sue Wilbur– fabric artist from Evansville, WI


Joah Greengus– keyboard musician/composer from Madison, WI

Deborah Griffin– musician from Madison, WI

Loralee Uhlenhake– musician and artist from New Berlin, WI

Phyllis Peterson– poet/speaker from Illinois and the world

Connor McAllister– digital game music composer from Mlwk

Caroline Juzenas– poet/orator from Racine, WI

Ellen Wallen– visual/fabric artist from the Midwest

Uda Miller– abstract artist from Germany and Georgia, USA

(Host) Suzanne Popke– writer/artist from Whitewater, WI

For additional info contact S. Popke at intsim@idcnet.com

September is National Preparedness Month

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management.

September is National Preparedness Month one of FEMA’s premier initiatives in setting the standard of what it really means to be prepared.

The 2022 theme is A Lasting Legacy:  The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. 

In 2021, FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council broke ground by producing the first-ever national preparedness campaign specifically targeting the Latino community for National Preparedness Month. Released during Hispanic Heritage month, the advertisements centered around the Latino community’s commitment to personal planning for occasions and family milestones as a bridge to also planning for disasters.

This one-of-a-kind campaign is committed to putting people first and reaching communities where they are. To continue these efforts, this year’s National Preparedness Month campaign will feature a call to action for the Black and African American communities.

Disasters can happen anywhere, any time. That’s why it’s important you’re prepared. Do you have a plan for yourself, your pets, and your family? Consider the specific needs you might have in an emergency. Ready.gov/plan

Follow along as we provide our best advice about the ways you and your family can stay safe and be prepared for disasters!
More: http://ready.gov/september #LastingLegacy

This month, we challenge you and your loved ones to serve as preparedness champions. You can do this by taking three simple actions and encouraging your loved ones to do the same. 

  • First, sit down with your family and write an emergency plan unique to your needs. Visit Ready.gov/plan for more information.
  • Second, download the FEMA App for a suite of resources you may need before, during, and after disasters. The free app is available for iOS or Android devices.
  • Third, build an emergency supplies kit – An emergency supplies kit should contain enough non-perishable food and bottled water (one gallon per person per day) to last three to seven days. Kits also should include copies of insurance papers and

identification, a first aid kit, weather radio and batteries, prescription medicine, bedding, weather-appropriate clothing, hygiene items, and cash.

Kids

  • Children are the future & an important part of building a national culture of preparedness. Teach your kids how to #BeReady this hurricane season! Find fun activities & safety tips: ready.gov/kids
  • Build a #LastingLegacy: Prepare your kids for disasters and emergencies. Take time to make a plan and have conversations about preparedness. Help them know how to stay safe and navigate potentially scary situations. Ready.gov/kids #NPM2022
  • Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It’s important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions. #NPM2022 https://www.ready.gov/helping-children-cope

Pets

Your pets are also part of your legacy! Add these items in your emergency bag in case you need to evacuate with your four-legged buddies:

  • A selfie with them in case you get separated.
  • Medicine & grooming items.
  • Collar with an ID & a leash.

For more information on National Preparedness Month visit: National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov

W3 Supports Question, Persuade and Refer Training

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3.)

Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3) is supporting Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training for groups and organizations in the Whitewater community in partnership with Walworth County Health and Human Services (HHS). Recently, W3 Board members received QPR training from two instructors from HHS to gain a deeper understanding of what QPR is and what the training session provides. W3 Board President, Lorelei Bowen, said “QPR training provided tools to effectively communicate with a person contemplating suicide or experiencing a crisis. I think the best part of the program is that it reminds you that ordinary people are capable of providing hope and help to those around them. It is a small way we can look out for each other.”

Question, Persuade, and Refer are the 3 steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to: recognize the warning signs of suicide, know how to offer hope, and know how to get help and save a life. To learn more about QPR visit their website: https://qprinstitute.com/

This collaboration stemmed from a subgroup of W3, The Healthy Minds workgroup. The Healthy Minds workgroup is a group of mental health advocates in the Whitewater community that work to end stigma around mental health and increase awareness on the importance of mental health and well-being. One of the goals of the Healthy Minds workgroup was to establish regular suicide prevention training opportunities.

Walworth County HHS will be providing FREE QPR training to anyone in the county. W3 can provide financial assistance to groups or organizations in the Whitewater area to incentivize participation including food, childcare, transportation, or assistance with other program costs. To learn more about hosting QPR training in Whitewater and W3’s support visit our website: https://www.w3wellness.org/qpr-training or email whitewaterwellness@gmail.com.

Whitewater Student Named to SNHU Summer President’s List

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Southern New Hampshire University.

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2022 President’s List:

Michelle Czlapinski of Whitewater

Holly Schwaller of Whitewater

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 165,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the “Most Innovative” regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

Starin Park Water Tower Condition to be Assessed: Repair vs. Demolish

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the city of Whitewater.

On Monday, August 29th, the City of Whitewater sent a Request for
Proposal (RFP) to four structural engineering firms on behalf of the city’s Starin Park Water Tower. The water
tower sits atop a hill in Whitewater’s Starin Park, on the northern edge of the city, and has served Whitewater
for 133 years. It was constructed with locally quarried limestone and has been a Local Landmark, protected by
City ordinance, since 2015.

City Public Works Director, Brad Marquardt, requested proposals to:

  1. assess the tower’s current structural viability to determine if it can be repaired or must be
    demolished;
  2. provide potential solutions for repairing the tower, or for demolishing the tower, if necessary;
  3. provide cost estimates for all potential solutions; and
  4. identify public safety measures to implement while awaiting restoration or demolition and removal, if
    necessary.

    Proposals, including costs, are due to the City on September 23rd, with a completed report due to the City by
    December 2, 2022. Marquardt told the Landmarks Commission at its meeting September 1st, that funding for
    these professional services is available in the Water Utility’s current operating budget. He expects to
    recommend a successful proposal to the Common Council at its meeting on October 18th, for approval.

    The Starin Park water tower has provided water for city residents since its construction in 1889. The City has
    been planning to stop using this tower around the end of this year, once the new blue water tower on the far
    southwest side of Whitewater is successfully operational and supplying water to meet the City’s needs.
    Concern about the tower’s physical condition arose from a report by Cornerstone Restoration, a masonry
    firm in Sullivan, Wisconsin, to the Common Council on August 2nd. Cornerstone reported the tower’s limestone
    and mortar have failed sufficiently, and in their opinion, would require an estimated one million dollars of
    masonry restoration in order to keep the tower standing. The firm indicated concern that the tower could fall at
    any time without restoration. Approximately $200,000 would be needed to take down the tower and remove it,
    per Cornerstone.

    According to the Architectural & Historical Survey of Whitewater (Cartwright, 2008; pg. 50), “The best example
    of stone construction in the city is the water tower in Starin Park, built in 1889. The regularly coursed rusticated
    limestone walls are laid up in stepped sections that expand from larger to smaller as the structure rises. The
    walls are accented with belt courses and round arches. Also historically significant, the water tower is
    distinctive for its stone construction and potentially eligible for the National Register.”

    The Whitewater Landmarks Commission, appointed by the city’s Common Council and informed by Municipal
    Code Chapter 17, was directed by the Common Council at its August 2nd meeting to research restoration costs
    and potential funding sources to rehabilitate the tower. In response, the Commission asked the Council to first
    secure professional structural analysis to determine if the water tower can be saved. Members of the
    Commission include Ben Adamitis, Patricia Blackmer, Karen Coburn, Kori Oberle, and Dan Richardson. City
    Council representative is Lukas Schreiber and City staff representative is Olivia Pratt. Currently there is one
    vacant citizen member position.

    For more information, contact Brad Marquardt, Public Works Director, City of Whitewater, 312 W. Whitewater
    Street, 262-473-0139, bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov or Patricia Blackmer, Whitewater Landmarks
    Commission Chair, 262-458-2178, blackmerpa@aol.com.

Obituary: Shirley Ann Stone Hapka, 82

WHITEWATER — Shirley Ann Stone Hapka entered into eternal life on Wednesday, September 6, at her home, where she had resided since 1962.

Shirley was born in Whitewater on February 27, 1940 to Ralph and Eleanor (Jacobs) Stone. She graduated from what is now the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Education in 1988.

Shirley married John D. Hapka on July 28, 1962, and moved to their home on Jefferson Street where she lived until her death.

Shirley proudly worked at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library for 30 years, retiring at the age of 80. Shirley served as a local history expert, proudly provided books for the homebound, and worked with volunteers and played a critical role in the library’s used book sales. Prior to her library job, Shirley also worked for the City of Whitewater as an assistant to Wava Jean Nelson, City Clerk. Before joining the city, Shirley worked as a bookkeeper at Winchester True Value Hardware on Main Street.

Faith and community service were extremely important to Shirley. She was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Washington School Parents and Teachers organization when her children attended school there. Shirley was also a member of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s book club.

Shirley’s passion was her family. She was a very proud grandma of Melody Brady Martin and Ian Jon Brady, and enthusiastically attended all their musical and sporting events with their grandpa, John. Her happiest moments were when she was interacting with her two great-grandchildren, Maxwell and Amelia Martin.

She is survived by her two children, Kathy Brady and Thomas Hapka, both of Whitewater; son-in-law, Paul Brady of Fort Atkinson; granddaughter, Melody Brady Martin, and her husband, Aaron, and their children, Maxwell and Amelia, of Fort Atkinson; grandson, Ian Brady of Oshkosh; and her sisters, Sharon Hapka of Milwaukee and Sharlene Chapman of Brookfield. She also is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Shirley also is survived by her cherished cats, Bootsie and Packer, as well as her grand-dog, Winston.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws Angeline and Jon Hapka, husband John; and her beloved brothers-in-law Julius, Robert, Daniel, and Anthony Hapka and George Chapman. Shirley was also preceded in death by generations of beloved cats, including Kitter, Fluffy, Jac, Henrietta, Garf, Fuzzy, Trouble, Roserock, Felix, Vinnie, Smokie, Buddy, Spatz, Rose Rock, and Mama.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to LifeBeyondBrainInjury.org, a fund established for Shirley’s son, Thomas, a brain injury survivor.

A visitation will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, September 23 from 9:30 – 11 a.m., with a funeral mass to immediately follow.

John 14:1-3

“Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you myself, so that you will be where I am.”

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda (In Person and Virtual) includes Public Hearing For Consideration And Action On An Ordinance Amending The Make-Up Of The City Of Whitewater Planning & Architectural Review Commission, Public Hearing For Consideration Of A Conditional Use Permit For Phase II, Development Of A 45-Unit Multifamily Building At Parcel ID #/WUP 00153A For Adam Coyle And Ryan Hughes Doing Business As ARCH DEVELOPMENT, LLC, Public Hearing For Consideration And Action On An Ordinance Creating The Residential Zoning District R1-S.
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/324766541
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 324-766-54


Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Special Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Closed session to discuss conduct of certain public officials.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
AGENDA includes closed session regarding possible acquisition of real estate in the area of the library for a redevelopment project.
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.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87160878551?pwd=RmZRRE4vMWJyOVExKzJYUG02WnJDQT09
Passcode: 450018
Or Telephone:
US: 1 301 715 8592

Whippets Sweep Big Foot on Educator Appreciation and Youth Night

You could feel the energy in the gym the minute the Whippet Varsity Volleyball team took to the court on Thursday, September 8! The Whippets were honoring something bigger than volleyball, the inspirational educators who have made a difference in their lives. As Kindyl Kilar spoke to the crowd at the beginning of the match, “You have been chosen not only for the subject you teach, or the lessons you have created, but for the meaningful relationships you have created with each one of us. You have cared for us, inspired us, and allowed us to see potential in our futures. So tonight, we honor you!” Each member of the program chose an inspirational educator that touched their lives in some way. Whether a grade school educator, a coach or a counselor, they have made an impact and were honored.

Kilar shared, “Showing gratitude for people in our lives who have made a difference is bigger than volleyball. The wins are nice, but understanding in this world that honoring people who have touched our lives in a positive way is so much bigger than volleyball. Tonight, there were some true educators who have been called to a vocation and those educators touched each of our athletes in some way. We were honored to have so many educators in the gym with us, and I was honored to be able to highlight them with our athletes.”

The Whippets went on to sweep the Chiefs in three straight sets behind a very loud and energetic crowd. “This was such a fun night. The fans were awesome, the youth came out and supported us, our educators were here, and it was great to bring home a win,” said Kilar.

This was a program win for the Whippet teams as all three levels defeated Big Foot. “As a coaching staff, we are so proud of what our athletes are doing. They are working hard in the gym and weight room, and it is producing positive results,” said Kilar.

Kindyl Kilar

Statistical leaders on the night included Calli Grosinske with 26 assists, Ella Spear with 12 digs, Jenna Pope with 2 blocks, Cali Kopecky, Grosinke, and Pope with 3 aces and Kindyl Kilar with 26 kills. The Whippets won 25-16, 25-19, and 25-23.

Article and Group Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Kiwanis “Top Dog” Contest to run September 10 to October 2 – Dogs with the Most Votes Win Prizes

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Top Dog fundraising contest kicks off September 10 and runs through October 2, 2022. Participants will vote for the cutest and/or coolest dog and the winner will be the dog with the most votes. Beginning September 10, dog owners can go to the contest website at wwtopdog.net (see QR code below) and donate $5 to enter a photo of their dog (showing the dog only-no humans) to enter the contest. After registration, contestants will encourage their friends and family to vote for their canine companion (votes are just $1 each). Contestants can also vote multiple times. At the end of the contest, the top eight dogs with the most votes will have the choice of some great prizes.

Many thanks to First Citizens State Bank for being the major sponsor of this event.  Thanks, also, to the following sponsors for contributing prizes:  Second Salem Brewing, the Cooper family, Katy Daixon Photography, K-9 Hair Care, Animal Medical Center of Whitewater, Studio 84, and Whitewater Veterinary Hospital.

Following is a list of the current prizes and additional sponsors:

Grand Prize

Second Salem Brewing will work with the winner to have a beer brewed that will display a photo of the dog on the can along with naming the beer. Must be 21 years of age to be eligible for this prize.

Additional Prizes and sponsors are as follows:

A weekend at the Buckhorn Resort overlooking Hovey Lake in the Hiawatha National Forest from Ben Cooper and family.

Katy Daixon Photography photo-shoot for a portrait. K-9 Hair Care gift basket of services and gifts.

Animal Medical Center of Whitewater vaccine or office visit.

Dog portrait by Studio 84 artist, Jessica Barren.

Whitewater Veterinary Hospital Office visit and vaccine gift card.

The Top Dog and owner will ride in the 4th of July Parade with the Kiwanis.

Rick Halvorson, Kiwanian and Chair of the Top Dog contest, said, “As a retired vet, I am very enthusiastic about this program that combines our love of our pets with our love of community and helping the children of Whitewater and the world.”

This fun contest will support youth activities in our Whitewater community. If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Patrick Taylor at Petaylor.law@gmail.com.

Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100% of funds raised going directly to youth projects and zero to administrative costs. Over the past five years the club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park.  Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world

one child and one community at a time.