Rummage sale 228 S Dann St, Whitewater Movies, video games, electronics, comic books, collectibles, board games, computer parts, household items, Christmas stuff, 18 inch doll stuff (American girl size), women’s and kids clothes, shoes, books and lots of new stuff. And more possibly coming. July 29, 30th, and 31st 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day
Rummage Sale Post-Moving-In Sale. 401 S Buckingham Blvd, Whitewater Saturday July 30, 2022 8-4 p.m. Curio Cabinet, curtains, valances and rods, some sporting goods, books, furniture, table lamps, dishes, older bikes, some gardening tools, lots of misc. treasures. Something for everyone.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The agenda for a special joint meeting of the City of Whitewater Common Council and the Whitewater Fire Department at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday includes 1) An update on financial outlook for City as it relates to adoption of Agreement with Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc. to provide fire and rescue services, and 2) Discussion and possible action on Agreement between City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc., relating to fire and rescue services. The second item is to be discussed in a closed session, followed by possible action in open session.
The city and fire department began discussions last fall regarding the possibility of the fire department becoming a department of the city. A memorandum of understanding towards that goal was signed in May, with the indication at that time that, “All groups are anticipating a mid-summer date for a complete merger between the city and WFD, Inc.”
On July 25 the Police and Fire Commission approved the Command Staff roster which is to take effect upon completion of the merger. That list is shown below. It was indicated that the current chief, Mike Higgins, would remain in that position until the integration is completed, and then will stay on with WFD, Inc. until January, 2023, when he will retire from service.
Chief of WW Fire & EMS
Kelly Freeman
1st Assistant Chief Fire
Ryan Dion
2nd Assistant Chief Fire
Joseph Uselding
Captain Fire
Andrew Beckman
Captain Fire
Christ Christon
Lieutenant Fire
Justin Sachse
Lieutenant Fire
Carl Strait
Lieutenant Fire
Kyle Strait
EMS Chief
Ashley Vickers
Captain EMS
Jason Dean
Lieutenant EMS
Andrew Rowland
Lieutenant EMS
Dustin Tomlinson
There was also an approved motion for an officer eligibility list for Whitewater Fire and EMS. The list will have an effective date of 08-01-2022 and will remain in effect for two years, or until exhausted, following certification by the City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission. James Lewis and Jacob Maas will be eligible for promotion pending Fire Chief and PFC approval as spots become available providing they are in good standing and have met internal and state requirements for officer per SPS330.
Ken Kilian Combo – Killer & the Salty Dogs at Savory Sounds, July 28, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm, 402 W Main Street Our final concert in the 2022 Savory Sounds series is tomorrow, Thursday, July 28 and it features Ken Kilian Combo, Killer and the Salty Dogs. They play everything from Dixieland to soft rock to jazz. The concert starts at 11:30 a.m. and runs to 12:45 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center (CAC), 402 W Main Street in Whitewater. Don’t miss out on our final musical performance!
Our food vendor will be The Black Sheep. Many thanks to our sponsors First Citizens State Bank, Premier Bank, Fort Community Credit Union, Olm & Associates, Fairhaven Senior Services, Associated Bank, and a Special Sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous. Many thanks as well to Christine Hayes for arranging and managing Savory Sounds each summer, and sharing these wonderful bands with the community.
Editor’s note: The above information was provided by the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to a press release issued on July 26 by the Whitewater Police Department, on July 22, 2022 at around 10 p.m., officers of the department responded to E. Clay Street and S. Wisconsin Street for a report of a male with a mental health emergency. The individual, identified as Anthony P. Hansen, 34, of Whitewater, was upon further investigation determined to have been in an ongoing sexual relationship with a minor. It was also found that Hansen was an employee of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD).
Whitewater Police Department staff swiftly began an investigation, and are working closely with WUSD staff as the investigation continues. Hansen was arrested, and a charge of Sexual Assault of a Child by a School Staff Person has been forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office. It was indicated that additional charges may be forwarded pending results of the investigation. The department did not release any details regarding the nature of the alleged relationship.
The police department expressed thanks to those who came forward to report their concerns, and strongly encouraged others who have information relevant to the case to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555, option 4, or by contacting Detective Jacob Hintz directly at jhintz@whitewater-wi.gov. Anonymous tips may also be shared using P3Tips.com.
In a separate joint statement on July 26, the district and police said that Hansen was an employee in the district’s instructional technology department. “Although we cannot share further details at this time due to the ongoing investigation, the District takes this matter extremely seriously,” the statement said. “We are assisting the Whitewater Police Department’s investigation, and we encourage students and families who need extra support to contact the District for counseling services. Counselors will be available at Whitewater High School in the Student Services Office for any students who need extra support or someone to talk to on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00-3:00.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock County.
The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock County and SW Wisconsin will host former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber, a panel of male caregivers and brunch at the Kelch Aviation Museum, N2463 Airport Road in Brodhead on Thursday August 4th. Registration starts at 10 a.m. Brunch service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber
Mr. Schreiber, author of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver will provide opening remarks for the group followed by a panel of local male caregivers who will share their stories and lessons learned in caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s or other related dementia. The panel will be moderated by Tim Harrington, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Wisconsin Chapter.
Reports from the National Family Caregiver Association and AARP indicate that upwards of 45% of family caregivers are male. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 2/3s of all those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are women. Consequently, men will continue to be caregivers in large number. Statistics also indicate that men are less likely to reach out and ask for help. Karen Tennyson, dementia care specialist of Rock County, states, “My role is to provide assistance and education to all those in Rock County with a dementia diagnosis and their caregivers. We want this targeted program to be a step in that process. I hope this opens more doors for male caregivers to reach out and know they are not alone.”
The program is completely free and will include a brunch from Knute’s. Attendees are welcome to tour the Kelch Aviation Museum after the program. The museum is open until 4 p.m. Preregistration is required by July 29th. Please contact Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 for more information and to register.
For more information on the dementia care specialist program and services available in Rock County, please contact Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us or visit www.co.rock.wi.us/adrc.
UW-Whitewater Athletics on July 25 announced via Twitter that they are mourning the loss of student-athlete Derek Gray, indicating he passed away “playing the game he loved.”
Gray played two seasons with the Warhawks and was named a first team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honoree this past season. He was also a standout player during his high school career at Madison La Follette.
Gray, a psychology major, passed away unexpectedly on July 24, 2022.
The UW-Whitewater flag will fly at half-staff on Friday, July 29, 2022, in Derek’s memory.
Update 7/27/22: Comments from Coach Pat Miller may be found in this article on Fox47 here.
Police and Fire Commission Special Session – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda: Nominations And Potential Approval Of Fire Department Command Staff Positions and Interview Of Chief Of Police Candidate City of Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room- First Floor 312 W. Whitewater St. This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/774289949 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: 1 (571) 317-3122 Access Code: 774-289-949
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. (Adjourn to closed session) Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street Agenda includes Resolution Providing for a Referendum Election on the Question of the Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $4,400,000 Per Year for Four Years for Non-Recurring Purposes
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m. Agenda includes Review Fire/EMS Transition Into Municipal Department City of Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager’s Conference Room – 2nd Floor 312 W. Whitewater St. This will be a blended meeting. Please join in person at above address or from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/943573557 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: 1 (646) 749-3122 Access Code: 943-573-557
Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. AGENDA 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. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83033541274?pwd=T1VaM01KeFUvbUNMRlk5ZHd1QzBJQT09 Passcode: 481880 Or Telephone: US: 1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 830 3354 1274 Passcode: 481880
City of Whitewater Common Council Special Meeting with Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc. – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Update on Financial Outlook for City as it relates to adoption of Agreement with Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc. to provide fire and rescue services, followed by closed and open session Item to be Discussed: Agreement between City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Fire Department, Inc., relating to fire and rescue services. City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room 312 W. Whitewater St. 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.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At a special meeting on July 25 the City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission unanimously approved the appointment of Daniel “Dan” A. Meyer as police chief, subject to negotiation of salary and benefits with city staff and the approval of the Common Council. Per state statute, the hiring of a police chief is the responsibility of the Police & Fire Commission; however, the Common Council has sole responsibility for approving significant financial matters such as wages. Meyer is currently the deputy chief and has been acting chief since Aaron Raap, who had served as chief since June, 2018, was placed on administrative leave in December, 2021. Raap resigned and retired effective June 30, 2022.
Meyer graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2009 from UW-Platteville with a B.S. in Criminal Justice, with minors in psychology and Spanish. There he was a four year letter winner in track and field. The same year he graduated from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy. Meyer joined the Whitewater Police Department as a patrol officer in January of 2010. He served as a detective from January 2013 to August, 2014. Meyer then rose through the ranks as follows: Detective Sergeant, August, 2014; Detective Lieutenant, September, 2015; Captain, November, 2015, and Deputy Chief, April, 2019.
Meyer earned an M.S. in Public Administration, with a criminology and criminal justice specialization from University of Nebraska – Omaha in 2019.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in 2020 after eight years of service.
In his current position Meyer is responsible for a wide range of roles, including direct supervision of the captain and the support services manager and oversight of 35 employees. He is the public information officer, manages critical incidents and major events, and coordinates internal and citizen complaint investigations. He has also managed the accreditation process. Last year the department received its seventh accreditation from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group. He is currently vice president of the Wisconsin Police Accreditation Coalition.
Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574, wrapped up their summer off-season competitions with a championship at MROC, the Mukwonago Robotics Off-Season Competition, on Sunday, July 24, at Mukwonago High School. This was the second weekend in a row in which Ferradermis was part of the winning alliance after leading the championship alliance at the Lakeshore Invite in Manitowoc on July 16.
Sunday’s competition brought together 18 high school robotics teams with 20 robots from across Wisconsin and Illinois. Both Ferradermis and host the Mukwonago Bears fielded two robots, having done summer projects to experiment with a different type of drive base. Among the 18 teams were five teams that had won a regional championship during the regular season, so the competition was intense all day long.
Ferradermis’ main robot was ranked #2 after the qualification rounds and was invited to join the #1-seeded alliance led by the #1 ranked team, Team #2202 BEAST Robotics from Brookfield Central and Brookfield East. The two teams then invited Team #1792 Round Table Robotics from Oak Creek to round out the alliance. The alliance earned a bye in the quarterfinals, and then went 2-0 in each of the best of three semifinals and finals to claim the championship.
Ferradermis’ second robot (operating as #9574) was ranked in the low teens after qualifications and was the second pick of the #4-seeded alliance, joining alliance captain Team #2451 PWNAGE from St. Charles, Illinois, and Team #1732 Hilltopper Robotics from Marquette University High School. This alliance fell to the #1 alliance in the semi-finals as the two Ferradermis robots faced off.
Summer off-season competitions are a great way for younger members to get more hands on with the robots and gain some experience as part of a drive team. Ferradermis will welcome new members in September. Freshmen will be able to indicate their interest during the Freshman Activities Fair on the first day of school, and older students should watch for signs and announcements or reach out to a current member. Parents or students with questions can email Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer lmasbruch@wwusd.org
