News

John Chenoweth Named UW-W Interim Chancellor Following Resignation of Jim Henderson

John Chenoweth – UW-W Photo by Craig Schreiner

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System Interim President Michael J. Falbo today announced that John Chenoweth will take over as interim chancellor of UW-Whitewater effective Tuesday, April 5. Chenoweth, the university’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, replaces Jim Henderson, who resigned as interim chancellor effective today.

“This is an unexpected situation, but I am confident that Provost Chenoweth will maintain continuity at UW-Whitewater,” Falbo said. “I thank Jim for his service.”

UW System Board of Regents President Edmund Manydeeds III is expected this week to provide an update on a search for a new permanent chancellor at UW-Whitewater.

Chenoweth began as UW-Whitewater provost on July 1, 2021. He previously was dean of the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, the largest AACSB-accredited business school in Wisconsin, where he led 184 faculty and staff in a college with more than 4,000 students enrolled in 15 bachelor’s degree programs, seven master’s degree programs, and a doctoral program.

A tenured faculty member in the Department of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management, Chenoweth arrived at UW-Whitewater in 2002. He received his Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from East Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in computer science from the University of South Dakota, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Augustana University.

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The following announcement was made at UW-Whitewater on April 4.

Message from Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson

Dear Colleagues:

One of my three goals for my time as interim chancellor has been to help this campus hire the best chancellor possible who will be here for the long term.  Over the past few days it has become clear to me that I cannot make progress on that goal.  Given that, I feel that it is in both the best interest of UW-Whitewater and me personally that I resign my position as interim chancellor, and I have submitted my resignation effective at the end of the day today. 

I have greatly enjoyed my time with you. I so admire all of you and what you are accomplishing for the students at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses.  I wish you the best going forward and thank you all for the incredible support that you’ve given me over the past 9 months.

With deep appreciation,
Jim Henderson

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The following announcement was also posted on April 4:

Message from the Vice Chancellors

Dear university community,

We know today’s resignation of Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson was unexpected — and that you may have many questions. At this time, we do not have additional details, but please know we are in close contact with UW System and will share information on next steps as soon as we can.

It’s understandable to feel a sense of disappointment at this time, having gone through multiple leadership transitions over the past few years.

The vice chancellors are united in our passionate dedication to this university — to serving all of you, our students, faculty and staff members — and we are united in our fierce commitment in moving the Whitewater and Rock County campuses forward.

Please remember the outstanding work we have collectively accomplished. This past fall, we welcomed our largest freshman class in four years and our largest graduate class in the history of UW-Whitewater. We have addressed our budget deficit and our fiscal house is in much stronger shape for the future. Our entrepreneurial spirit, nimbleness and caring culture helped us successfully navigate a global pandemic, and campus life is thriving once again.

As we navigate this leadership transition, thank you for wholeheartedly supporting one another as we carry on our important work of providing a transformational university education and experience to our students. During a time of unprecedented challenges, our university family has shown strong resilience and achieved important successes. We deeply appreciate you. 

With gratitude,

John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs
Artanya Wesley, vice chancellor for student affairs
Jeff Arnold, interim vice chancellor for administrative affairs
Katie Kuznacic, interim vice chancellor for university relations

Whitewater Middle School presents “Shrek the Musical Jr.” April 7-9

Editor’s note: The following information and photos were provided by Tom Ganser.

What’s a great way to shake off the last of the winter blaahs?  Why, of course, taking in a performance of Whitewater Middle School’s production of “Shrek The Musical Jr.” April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 2 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Auditorium.

April 7 is “Pay what you can night” and general admission tickets for April 8 and April 9 are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, and free for children 5 and under.  The Box Office will open 60 minutes before the performances.

Beginning about 30 minutes before the curtain opens some of Tom Ganser’s photos from the WMS productions of “Alice in Wonderland” (2017), “The Wizard of Oz” (2018), and “Guys & Dolls” (2019) will be shown.

“Shrek The Musical Jr.,” is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the popular Broadway musical.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek.  One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

The cast of 35 is directed by Liz Elliott and assistant director Alyssa Orlowski.  Whitewater High School actors Madison Strickler and Anderson Waelchli serve as director assistants.

“It has been so incredible working with all these students, some returning, and many new to the theater,” Elliot said.

“We have seen so much excitement from these students and have seen so many of them growing and coming out of their shells through their hard work, motivation to work on their parts, learn the choreography, and understand their characters.”

The talented cast includes Kiani Aranda, Jade Baumeister, Deven Bawden, Isabella Cohen, Anna Coleman, Grace Coleman, Lucy Davis, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Alexa Downs, Danny Fuller, Charlotte Hajewski, Jalayne Hanson, Nina Heim, Miles Hutchison, Jimmy Kinson, Izzy Lawton, Pamela LeQuire, Ameera Lin, Maggie Maas, Genevieve Miranda, Kiana Moore, Virginia Nelson, Sophia Noonan, Teegan Patterson, Hailey Peterson, Hayleigh Pond, Lia Ramirez, Jaylynn Rappold, Marcus Roselle, Taryn Rothwell, Josie Selby, Letty Trautman, Ava Van Daele, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, and Zoe Zei.

In asking to share some of their thoughts about being part of the “Shrek” cast, eighth graders Grace Coleman, Isabella Cohen, and Lucy Davis often used “fun” to describe their experiences.

Cast as a Storyteller, Davis said, “It’s been very fun to be with people from your school and have the opportunity to have fun together for a good cause.”  She also said being in “Shrek” is different from other plays in which she has appeared, noting, “This one is different because I have more solo scenes, so it’s been very fun to express myself in that way.”

Cohen, also appearing as a Storyteller, said, “‘Shrek’ is a great way to learn and become a better actor and get more involved with your school,” adding, “This is new for me because it’s the first time I’m in a musical for the middle school.”

Coleman appears on stage for a first time in a leading role as Lord Farquaad.  She appreciates the opportunity “to open up and be more expressive.”  Coleman finds that as an actor “you don’t have to be yourself.  You can be a character.”  Coleman admits that being a lead is a little nerve racking, “but also not too much because I know what I’m doing.”

As Technical Director, Kat Dunham shepherds the skillful backstage crew that includes Ian Agen, Caitlin Alford, Henry Brockwell, Kora Davis, Maya Davis, Morgan Lahaie, Jacob McLaughlin, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock, Kendra Serrano.

Thanks to Whitewater High School students Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Abby Olson, Skylar Staebler, Haley Street, Claire Tourdot, Lucy Troxel, Sami Van Daele, Emma Weigel, and Matt Zingsheim for helping to create the magic of this production.

Drawing on their deep theatrical talents, Kerry Ramsden serves as Set Designer, Jim McCulloch as Lighting Designer, and Tony Hansen as Sound Technician.

Iron Pour Returns to Wisconsin Makers on Saturday, April 9

Wisconsin Makers will host its fifth annual iron pour on Saturday, April 9. The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. The doors to the event, which is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will open at 9 a.m.

Spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — Teresa “Tree” Lind, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lecturer of art and design, and her students — melt cast iron in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand scratch molds with the molten metal. Those wishing to make their own casting may buy a scratch mold square to personalize with their design that day. Each scratch mold must be completed no later than 11:15 a.m. At noon, Lind and her students will begin pouring the cast iron into the molds. They will present the completed castings to participants by mid-afternoon.

“Your unique design will be preserved in cast iron for ages to come,” said Wisconsin Makers member Ron Binning, adding that past years’ iron pours each have drawn more than 100 people. “Your iron mold sculpture will make a truly unique one-of-a-kind design of your own making.”

Scratch Mold Workshop Set

Persons wishing to get a head start on their squares may attend a scratch mold workshop at the makerspace Wednesday, April 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The per-person cost is $25 to participate in both the scratch mold workshop and the iron pour ($15 for Wisconsin Makers members) and $20 for the mold and pour without the workshop. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. During the iron pour, brats will be available for $3, and chips and soda, for $1 each.

Modern Woodmen of America Youth Service Club 5005-1 is co-sponsoring this fundraiser. All proceeds raised from the project will be matched by Modern Woodmen up to $500.

Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop) offering an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators by unlocking their skills through continual experimentation and training. Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts, quilting/fabric arts, matting/framing and more. 

For more information on the iron pour or scratch mold workshop, or to learn about memberships, visit the makerspace’s Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call Binning at (262) 203-3247.

Ferradermis Ranks 5th out of 46 at Seven Rivers Regional

Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Team #6574 Ferradermis completed their third and final regional competition for the 2022 season at the Seven Rivers Regional in La Crosse from March 30 – April 2. Teams traveled to the event from four states including Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and all over Wisconsin. Ferradermis’ robot, Chief of the Jungle, performed very well on the field, with the drive team of Elijah Grall, Andrew O’Toole, Jazmin Cederberg, and Calvin Baker. Brolin Cliver once again served as the team’s Safety Captain. The team finished ranked 5th out of 46 teams during qualifications, with an 8 – 3 match record. Rankings are based not only on the win-loss record, but also on tasks accomplished during matches.

Drive Team
Chairman’s Presentation Team

The team ended qualifications with the 5th highest Offensive Power Rating (OPR), contributing an estimated average of nearly 39 points per match to their alliance’s score. The average winning score for an alliance was 70 points, so Ferradermis provided a lot of offensive power to each alliance of three robots to which they were randomly assigned for the qualification schedule.

During alliance selections for the playoffs, Ferradermis moved up to become captain of the #3 seeded alliance and invited Team 7619 – illumiBOTi from Manitowoc and Team 8700 – W.I.R.E.D from Waupaca to join their alliance. The scouting team of Shane Kinson, Peter Portwine, Emerson Dunham, Zoe Olson, Maddi LaHaie, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Andrew Zimmermann, and Arson Webster-Barczak had worked tirelessly throughout the event to gather data about other teams that helped Ferradermis make their decisions about whom to invite to their playoff alliance.

The Ferradermis-led alliance fell in the quarterfinals to the alliance of Team 4009 – Denfeld DNA Robotics from Duluth, Team 1306 – BadgerBots from Middleton, and Team 2977 – Sir Lancer Bots from La Crescent, Minnesota, winning the first match 65-62, but coming up just short in the other two of the best of three series, 51-57 and 69-72, after experiencing some technical problems with field communication.

Ferradermis will now begin the off-season portion of their schedule by celebrating Robotics Week this week at the high school. With many presentations and demonstrations already scheduled for the Spring, including the Rock Valley Conference Student Councils, UW-Whitewater’s Tech Savvy, and a day at the public library, Ferradermis members will have the opportunity to share what they’ve learned with Whitewater and surrounding communities. Ferradermis will take to the field again this summer with one-day competitions at Kettle Moraine High School, Mukwonago High School, and potentially in Manitowoc that will give younger members an opportunity to take on new roles. Students wishing to join the team, including incoming freshmen, should watch for information on the team’s annual summer boot camp.

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Attn Singers: Would You Enjoy Performing a “Mamma Mia” Medley with a Choir in Mukwonago?

Kelly Clemens, who is active in community theatre in SE Wisconsin, is working with Gracenotes Orchestra and their spring concert. She states, “They would like a choir to perform a Mamma Mia medley at the end of the performance and I am looking for a few additional people that would like to participate to round out the parts. The piece is about 10 minutes, plus encore with full orchestra at the Mukwonago PAC for the performance venue on 5/14. Rehearsals from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays starting on 4/6. We will have a run through with the Orchestra on 5/3, dress rehearsal on 5/13 and then the 7 p.m. performance on 5/14. If you’re interested please contact me at 262-720-5993 or kellyaclemens23@gmail.com.”

The image on the homepage, “Mamma Mia program cover” by yumiang is marked with CC BY 2.0.

Introducing Jefferson & Walworth County Board of Supervisors Candidates

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Banner reached out to all of the candidates in the April 5 election for the two Walworth County and two Jefferson County supervisory districts that represent portions of the city of Whitewater, offering them the opportunity to share with our readers their background, what they feel they would bring (or already bring) to the board, reasons for running, what they believe should be primary goals for the county, etc.

For information on all of the candidates on your ballot, visit vote411.org

Jefferson County

District 24 represents wards 11 and 12 in the Jefferson County portion of the city. Roger Lind, 525 N. Fremont, is running unopposed. He did not provide a statement to the Banner.

District 25 represents ward 10 in the Jefferson County portion of the city, together with the town of Cold Spring; Wards 1 & 2 Town of Hebron; Ward 3 Town of Koshkonong, and Ward 2 Town of Palmyra. Matthew Foelker, W3467 Lower Hebron Road, Fort Atkinson, is running unopposed. He did not provide a statement to the Banner.

Walworth County

District 3 represents most of the eastern part of the city, together with the townships of Whitewater, LaGrange, and Sugar Creek. This map shows the boundaries after 2021 redistricting. Brian Holt, W6873 Sugar Creek Road, Elkhorn, is running unopposed.

Brian Holt, while writing that we should “save space for contested races,” indicated that he is “a 34 year old farmer from Sugar Creek who is looking forward to continuing my term on the board.” He offered for us to provide his email address, brian.e.holt@gmail.com, and his phone number, 414-520-2620.

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District 4: Jerry Grant, Vice Chair of the County Board, has chosen not to run for re-election. The district represents primarily the western portion of the city that is located in Walworth County. This map shows the boundaries after 2021 redistricting. Running for the seat are Curt Knull, 404 E. Cravath, Whitewater; and Al Stanek, 415 S. Douglas Court, Whitewater.

Curt Knull, Candidate for Walworth County Board of Supervisors, District 4

My name is Curt Knull. I am running for the Walworth County Board of Supervisors. I’m a disabled veteran and, other than my time in the US Air Force and a brief time in Oklahoma, for work, am a lifelong Walworth County resident.

I grew up on a farm in Millard and graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1990. I joined the Air Force immediately after graduation and I’ve seen a fair portion of the world and served in Desert Storm.

I’m blue collar, through and through and made a living as a sheet metal fabricator until the doctor advised me against it, due to the damage my back sustained while in service.

I’m running because I still believe in serving my country and community. I believe in accountability and our representative government. What that means is, while I refuse to betray my principles, my personal tastes or preferences take a back seat to the people who may elect me. Lowering taxes and a positive environment for entreprenurship are important to me.

I can be reached on Facebook at Curt Knull 4 County Supervisor and at statelinetoo@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and hope you will give me that opportunity April 5th. Thank you.

Al Stanek, Candidate for Walworth County Board of Supervisors, District 4

Thank-you for extending the opportunity to me and others to provide voters some background information regarding our qualifications for various local elected offices.

I have lived in Whitewater for over 26 years and am asking Whitewater Walworth County District 4 voters to consider me as their representative on the county board of supervisors.

I was a senior level transportation planner in the Tommy Thompson administration where I learned how a government by the people can overcome obstacles, make positive changes and responsibly manage our tax dollars. I also served two years developing and coordinating a cost-effective way of responding to the transportation needs of Walworth County’s elderly and disabled citizens while also providing a trip to work option for others that need one.

I represent Walworth County on the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Authority, a multicounty agency working to maintain safe and efficient rail service to area businesses which helps to keep our employers competitive. As a former member and Chair of the Whitewater Community Development Authority I know how important it is that we expand our tax base.

No one is born with the desire or the capacity to spend hours in long meetings considering complex and often contentious public issues. A commitment to be a County Board Supervisor includes long hours reviewing complex materials and regular attendance at a half dozen or more committee meetings along with regular County Board meetings and hours working with the people that you represent.

Educated and trained as a journalist, I understand the importance of listening and paying attention to the positions of all participants as critical decisions are made. I have years of experience making sense out of often conflicting viewpoints and finding a way to solve problems.

I consider myself a fiscal conservative but hold no allegiance to any political party.

For more information simply type www.stanekcountyboard.org into the address bar of your computer. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE and THANK-YOU for your consideration.

Lauderdale Lake Boat Explosion Kills Man Installing Pier; Two Others Injured (Update: Victim Identified)

According to a press release from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, a report of a boat explosion on Lauderdale Lake in the town of La Grange was received on Friday, April 1 at 12:33 p.m. A pontoon boat located off the shoreline of Stewart Drive was found with significant damage.

Three male victims were located. One was transported to a hospital with serious injuries, another male was treated for his injuries and released, and a third male was pronounced dead at the scene by the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The victims worked for a local pier service company and were installing a new pier when the explosion occurred. Their names have not yet been released.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, OSHA, and Walworth County authorities. The Walworth County Hazardous Materials Unit assisted with the fuel spillage from the boat.

Update: Although no further information has been officially released, according to a gofundme post the man whose life was lost is Jesse Perry.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: 1910 Postcard

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Greetings from Whitewater!! This post card dates to around 1910 and features some of the most modern buildings of that era. The Walworth Hotel was built in 1890 and the railroad depot was completed in 1891. The photo of Old Main features the 1897 front addition and City Hall was completed in 1899. The Masonic Temple and the White Library both date from 1904 and the hospital was opened in 1909. The downtown photo has a couple of early 20th century automobiles on Main St. Clearly, this post card was meant to show that Whitewater was a “modern” 20th century city.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(2757PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Local Resident Named to MSOE Honors List

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Gwynne Sahyun, from Whitewater, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Honors List for the 2022 Winter Quarter. Sahyun is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Undergraduate students who have earned a GPA of 3.20 or higher (out of 4.0) for this quarter are on the Honors List.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,700 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.