Free Rummage Event Tools, fishing/hunting items, household goods. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Sept. 8, 9, and 10th. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – No early giveaways 652 Foxglove Lane in Whitewater
Multi-Family Yard Sale N 252 Cold Spring Road, Whitewater Friday, Sept 9th, and Saturday Sept 10th 10:00 – 5:00. Cancelled if it rains
Household items, small appliances, bedding, small tables, metal filing cabinet, high chairs, pack ‘n play, games, puzzles, jewelry, clothing mainly ladies small and medium, scarves, snow blower, and many more items to numerous to mention.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
A representative from TDS Telecom (TDS) announced at the September 6 meeting of the Whitewater Common Council that the company has plans to bury a 56 mile digital fiber network that would allow it to serve 98% of the city with internet, television, and phone service. TDS, headquartered in Madison, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc, and is the seventh-largest local exchange carrier in the U.S., serving approximately 1100 cities. US Cellular is another of the subsidiaries. The majority of the company, which was founded in 1969, is still owned by the Carlson family.
TDS intends to install a network that it considers to be “future proof.” It is claimed that fiber is virtually immune to interference and doesn’t falter under extreme weather conditions. Symmetrical internet speeds for residential start at 300 MB x 300 MB and are offered up to ultra-fast 2Gig. Up to 10Gig is dedicated to business customers. Ultimately the fiber will potentially be capable of providing 20 to 100Gig as electronic components above ground are upgraded. Spectrum is currently the only residential high speed broadband and cable TV provider in the city. It does not have a fiber network here. According to Spectrum’s website, its current maximum internet speed is 1Gig.
No timeline for construction and introduction of service was provided by TDS. Next steps include requests for proposals, signing of a franchise agreement with the city, and architectural design. It was acknowledged that inconveniences will be resulting from the construction, but the representative indicated that the company is committed to safety and to prompt resolution of complaints. Connections to service would be offered on an area by area basis as the installation proceeds. TDS recently built out a fiber network in Sun Prairie, with population over 35,000, in 16 months. Installation of a fiber network is currently underway in Janesville.
No information was given regarding the pricing for the services. It was claimed that within a matter of weeks residents and businesses will be able to enter their address into a website in order to get an estimate for when service is expected to be available, and may even be able to sign on to a waiting list.
Steve Johnson looking forward to retirement “with a huge measure of gratitude and some sadness”
Winchester True Value Hardware is the oldest operating business in Whitewater, WI, serving the community and surrounding area for over 152 years. Forty-six years ago, Steve Johnson began working at Winchester True Value Hardware, while attending the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Three years after graduating Steve purchased the store and began his dream of running his own hardware store.
Steve’s heritage is rooted in the hardware business, growing up and working in his parents’ family business, the Village True Value Hardware in Western Springs, IL. Combining the business acumen learned at UWW and skills and knowledge acquired at his family business, Steve applied it to Winchester True Value Hardware, expanding the business into the successful enterprise it is today.
Under Steve’s leadership and direction, the business outgrew the downtown location and moved in 1995 to its current location, 1415 W. Main Street. The store expanded in every product category, and added a rewards program, full rental program, and a greenhouse. To the delight of the customer base, the store began selling chicks every spring.
As Steve and the business grew, his team grew with him with many working side-by-side for decades. Steve and his team offer product knowledge, repair insights, and hands-on assistance. As a pillar in the community, Steve and his team have made lifelong friends among the large customer base, counting these customer relationships built as the true measure of success. As an active participant in the community, Winchester True Value provides many philanthropic services to the community to support fundraisers and community events, as well as the University, local high schools and numerous other organizations including the Lions Club, churches, farmers market, and boy and girl scouts.
After serving as its owner/manager for 42 years, Steve is pleased to report that Winchester True Value Hardware has been purchased by Niemann Foods, Inc. (NFI), and will continue as a hardware and rental location. NRI is an associate-owned company whose retail establishments include several Ace hardware stores in the greater Madison area. Though it is not known whether the Whitewater store will continue to bear the Winchester name, it will change to the Ace brand.
“I sincerely thank all of our customers and employees for their business and their loyalty,” stated Steve. “As I contemplated retirement, I wanted to be sure that the Winchester True Value’s legacy that has been built over the last 152 years continues with an organization that values community and its people. I look forward to retirement knowing that the Winchester True Value is in good hands.”
Steve Johnson told the Banner that the last day of operation under his ownership is this Friday, September 9. Meanwhile all “private label” merchandise is being offered at 50% off. These are items that indicate they are distributed by the True Value company, which may be shown in fine print. The store will be closed on Saturday, and is expected to reopen under the Ace name on Sunday. Steve indicates that he’s looking forward to having more time for bicycling in the city and surrounding areas.
Editor’s note: We appreciate that Steve Johnson provided most of this article for The Banner.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
After a difficult start to the season last Saturday when the Warhawks fell to host Saint John’s University (MN), 24-10, UW-W dropped from #4 to #6 in the D3football.com poll. The Banner article on that game may be found here.
The Warhawks continue their tough non-conference slate this Saturday, September 10 against top-ranked Mary-Hardin Baylor (TX) at Perkins Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. A great turnout will give the team a boost as they dig deep to get back on track. Tickets may be purchased here. Advance tickets, at a savings of $2 over the gate price, for adults are $13 and for youth (under 18) and senior adults (65+) are $8. Children age 3 and under are free.
The Dang-Its is a four piece band founded in 1998 whose tag line, “Western Swing, Honky Tonk, & Americana,” barely begins to describe the range of styles that comprise their repertoire. Folk, country, blues, Cajun, bluegrass, classic country, rockabilly, country swing, and more. Thursday, September 8 @ 7:00 p.m., Cravath Lakefront Park
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes introduction of Interim City Manager John Weidl; report on library addition fundraising efforts; update by police chief on increase in new members to the community, opportunities to connect with new members, and safety issues; presentation from representatives of TDS relating to installation of fiber in community; recreational fire regulations in community and discussion and possible direction regarding its effect on B-2 district; hours of operation for Bird scooters; status of ride share program; golf cart use on city streets; and possible sale of land near roundabout to City Lumber. Editor’s note: We have reported to the city that there appears to be an issue with the agenda that is posted on the city website. City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room 312 W. Whitewater St. This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person). Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88492493591?pwd=b21zSHRIYUFBaUhpZ2FPcXIxcmJqdz09 Passcode: 138910 Or Telephone: 1 877 853 5257 (Toll Free) Webinar ID: 884 9249 3591 Passcode: 138910
There is no charge for the evening session; however, preregistration is required by Monday, September 26. There is a limit of 250 persons. Register here.
Preceding the conversation, a workshop on Alzheimer’s 101 Workshop will be offered. This workshop, led by UW- Whitewater gerontology and biology faculty, will examine Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias from social and biological perspectives. In addition, we will explore the demographics of those living with these diseases and the services needed to assist them and discuss the role of the caregiver and support they need. This event is suitable for professionals in social work, healthcare, human services, and anyone interested in learning more about the subject. Cost includes 0.5 CEUs for successful completion of the workshop.
