News

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Rock County Historical Society.

The grand opening of the Rock County Legacies exhibit, focusing on the history of local employees of General Motors, JATCO, Fisher Body, and the UAW in Janesville, is Wednesday, August 31 from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Rock County Historical Society (RCHS). The public is invited to attend, and exhibit admission will be waived for this one evening. Located in the lower level of the RCHS Museum & Visitor Center at 426 N. Jackson Street, the exhibit will run through September, 2023. The grand opening event includes live music by Jeremiah Fox and the Odd Company Band, food trucks, a “Janesville made” car show, and more.

The Rock County Legacies exhibit was developed through a partnership with Blackhawk Community Credit Union (BHCCU) and RCHS. Planned as a series, this first Rock County Legacies exhibit will focus on the history of General Motors in Janesville from its beginnings in 1919 as the Janesville Machine Company to its closing in 2008-2009. It will include employees’ stories, a large collage of employee photographs, and more than 100 artifacts dating from 1900 – 2005. Some of the artifacts that will be on display include artillery shells the plant produced in World War II, original union buttons from the 1930s, and employee tags from Fisher Body and Chevrolet. Photographs, stories and many artifacts have been shared or donated by community members.

A highlight of the display is the 100 millionth vehicle built by General Motors in the U.S. The 1967 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Coupe, which rolled off the assembly line on April 21, 1967, was built at the Chevrolet-Fisher Body Assembly Plant in Janesville. The vehicle is on loan to RCHS from the Sloan Longway Museum in Flint, Michigan.

RCHS’ Assistant Director and Curator Cara Kinzelman says the exhibit is especially meaningful because it tells a story about our community.

“The thing that makes this exhibit so special is that it is really about the men and women who worked at the plant. As much as possible, the history is told with excerpts from interviews with employees who worked there as far back as the 1920s and as recently as the 2000s,” Kinzelman said. “When you walk through the exhibit you will read their own words what it was like to work at the plant and what General Motors meant to them and their families. It is a story of determination, perseverance, grit, and pride, and it’s a story that I think will resonate with all visitors, whether or not they or their family had a connection to the plant, because it is ultimately the story of our community. We are so proud to present this history and to celebrate these individuals.” 

Kinzelman added that she feels the final visual in the exhibit, which is titled “I Am the Legacy,” is impactful, as it is a photo collage of roughly 100 photos of former employees, including each person’s name and dates of employment. The photos were submitted by their family members as a way to honor their memory.

The Rock County Legacies Exhibit was developed in a collaboration with BHCCU, which was founded within the walls of the GM plant 56 years ago. The credit union has been collecting stories, artifacts, and mementos from the community and the plant for many years. They have been working with RCHS for more than a year to help share this history with the community and future generations.

“RCHS is honored to share the history of the thousands of people who worked at the Janesville General Motors family of businesses and the UAW through the Rock County Legacies exhibit,” said RCHS Executive Director Tim Maahs. “Thanks to BHCCU and all the community members who shared artifacts, stories and photographs, the history of GM employees is captured, not lost.”

Following the grand opening, the Rock County Legacies exhibit will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the RCHS Visitor & Museum Center, 426 N. Jackson Street in Janesville. Tickets prices are $15 for adults, $11 for children ages 6 – 17; free for children age 5 and under; and free for RCHS members.

RCHS has been welcoming the community to its campus since 1950 when William Tallman’s Italianate-style mansion was donated to the city of Janesville, with the agreement that it serve as a museum for the community. RCHS operates the Lincoln-Tallman House, along with a Museum & Visitor Center; the Tallman Carriage House; the RCHS Archives; the Frances Willard School House; and the Wilson King Stone House. A nonprofit organization, RCHS offers tours to people of all ages, provides thought-provoking programs, and hosts many events each year, including an annual awards gala and a holiday tree show.

The history of GM in Janesville dates back to 1918, when the company branched out into farm vehicles by buying the Samson Tractor Co. Within 12 months after the purchase, nearly 150 tractors per day were rolling off the production line. Car production at the Janesville plant began in 1923, but the Great Depression shuttered the plant from 1932 to 1934. The plant made 16 million 105 mm artillery shells during World War II, then returned to automotive production. after the war. The Janesville GM plant ceased all production in April, 2009.

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Home to six uniquely different historic sites on a 3.5-acre campus in the historic Look West Neighborhood, the Rock County Historical Society’s mission is to bridge past and present through capturing and sharing stories about Rock County, Wisconsin. Its sites include the award-winning Lincoln-Tallman House, Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, RCHS Archives and Preservation Facility, Tallman Carriage House, Wilson-King Stone House, and the Frances Willard Schoolhouse.

Whitewater Unified School District Staff Kick-Off – Monday @ 7:15 a.m.
Members of the Whitewater School Board will be attending the 2022 WUSD Staff Kick-Off at Whitewater High School on Monday, August 29, 2022 beginning at 7:15 a.m. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room – 2nd Floor – Whitewater Municipal Building
312 W. Whitewater St.
4:30 p.m. In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/676854973
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (571) 317-3112
Access Code: 676-854-973

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room
312 Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/502496797
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 502-496-797

Honest Thief: Hoping to cut a deal, a professional bank robber agrees to return all the money he stole in exchange for a reduced sentence. But when two FBI agents set him up for murder, he must now go on the run to clear his name and bring them to justice.
Action, mystery and thriller
PG-13 (Crude references, brief strong language, strong violence)
99 minutes

Tuesday, August 30, 1 p.m., Seniors in the Park

Editor’s Note: This information was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club

The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Top Dog fundraising contest kicks off September 10, when all dog owners are encouraged to submit cute photos of their dogs. Participants will vote for the cutest and/or coolest dog and the dogs with the most votes will win a prize. 

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 at least age 21 to win 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 4^th of July Parade with the Kiwanis.

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

Revision. 8/26 @ 1:10 p.m. The organization that was the primary source for this article was previously referred to as The Badger Report. That has been corrected to The Badger Project. The Banner regrets this error.

According to an analysis by The Badger Project, which uses the tagline “Nonpartisan, nonprofit, investigative journalism in Wisconsin,” since 2013, law enforcement officers in Wisconsin have killed at least 149 people. That amounts to about 2.7 annual deaths per one million residents, compared with a national average of approximately 3.3 deaths per one million people during the same timeframe. Marinette and Walworth Counties, and the cities of Green Bay, Eau Claire, and Waukesha have higher rates.

The analysis states that “Among people killed by police in Wisconsin since 2013, about 27% were Black, although Black residents make up just 6.2% of Wisconsin’s population, according to data Mapping Police Violence prepared for The Badger Project. All but four of the 149 killed were men.

Most have been deemed justified by an outside agency or a district attorney and have not resulted in criminal charges against the officer, according to the cases gathered by Mapping Police Violence. Law enforcement said the victims were armed in more than 75% of the deaths. Nearly all were killed after being shot by police; a few died by other means.”

A report on the analysis by The Badger Project was published on August 16. The complete article may be found here.

The section of the report on the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office reads as follows:
“Similarly, deputies from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department have shot and killed five people in the last decade.

One was incarcerated at the county jail. Deputy Richard Lagle shot 18-year-old Alfredo Emilio Villarreal, saying the man had attacked him and was trying to escape while at the hospital. In another case, Kris Kristl aimed a BB gun at a county deputy and an Elkhorn Police officer.

In an email, Undersheriff Dave Gerber wrote, “Every case of a fatal shooting involving one of our deputies has been reviewed by a District Attorney, and in every case the District Attorney has determined that the enforcement was privileged and a reasonable exercise of self-defense and/or the defense of others pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes.”

Two of the victims were driving vehicles when they were shot and killed. Gerber said in both situations, the deputy was unable to get out of the way. Law enforcement are generally trained to approach vehicles from the rear or side to avoid standing in its path, experts say.

“These situations evolve rapidly and although not specifically stated in our Use of Force Policy, our deputies are allowed to defend themselves (or another person) when the deputy reasonably believes they are in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm,” Gerber wrote in an email. “A vehicle about to strike them is an imminent danger of death or great bodily harm.”

Some law enforcement agencies have restricted the practice of firing at a moving vehicle, because shooting the driver doesn’t always stop the vehicle and could make the situation worse. An officer can shoot passengers, for example, or hit the driver and turn the vehicle into a battering ram, endangering bystanders.

This practice is “increasingly viewed as an unnecessary risk,” Stroshine said.

“Many reformers have called for a complete ban on shooting at moving vehicles, and some departments have moved in this direction,” she said. “Restrictions are necessary; however, a ban may go too far. Officers should be required to retreat or avoid shooting at moving vehicles whenever possible.

But, Stroshine added, “there may be situations when an officer reasonably believes there is no other alternative or the vehicle has taken aim at the officer or others.” She cited the 2021 case of Waukesha Police who shot at Darrell Brooks as he barreled through the city’s Christmas parade, killing six and wounding more than 60 others with his SUV.

“It should be the last resort,” Stroshine said, “but officers should have that option if they deem it necessary.” [The quotes from The Badger Project end here.]

Walworth County’s population in 2020 was reported to be 103,391, so the Banner calculated that the county’s average annual rate of killings by the Sheriff’s Department for the period was approximately 4.8 per million, compared with 2.7 in the state and 3.3 in the nation. Since it started with 2013, the analysis barely missed an additional fatal shooting by the department in 2012 that would have made a total of six. Reported fatalities occurred in the following years: 2012, 2013 (2 fatalities), 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Additionally, however, in 2016 there was a fatal shooting by two town of Geneva police officers. If that incident was included in the analysis, the total police-related deaths that occurred within the county would have averaged approximately 5.8 per million, over double the reported state average.

The complete Badger Project article may be found here. The article includes the sections “New approaches eyed to lower deaths” and “Avoiding use of force.”

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having been given permission from The Badger Project to quote from their article. We also appreciate the use of the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.,

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

This photograph is another from the Scholl collection of glass plate negatives taken between 1895-1910. Several of these glass plates are identified as being taken at Lake Koshkonong, and this is probably one of them. Taken around 1900, the photo shows a boating excursion with the participants enjoying wading in the lake. A nice outing during the “dog days” of summer!

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

(3715GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the city of Whitewater Department of Public Works.

On Monday, August 29, 2022, work is scheduled to begin around 7:00 a.m. at the intersection of Tratt Street
and Walton Drive. The contractor will be removing the temporary patch and repaving the area with hot mix
asphalt. This work will require Tratt Street to be reduced to one lane with the use of flaggers. Walton Drive at
Tratt Street will be closed. The intersection is anticipated to be completed and fully back open by 12 noon.
This work is weather dependent. If the work is not completed on Monday, August 29 due to weather, it will be
completed on Tuesday, August 30.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) announces that
award-winning watercolor artist Ron Stocke’s workshop from September 23-25, 2022 at
the Cravath Lakefront Center is, unfortunately, canceled. The registration ended on
August 23 and not enough participants were signed up for the workshop to
continue. There are currently conversations between the WAA manager and Ron Stocke
to potentially have the workshop return in 2023 or 2024. If there is interest, the
Whitewater Arts Alliance urges viewers to join our email club to obtain future updates.
Our email club can be found on our website at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/email-
club.

Those who were signed up for the workshop will be receiving their refunds soon. If there
are questions, please reach out to the WAA manager, Ashe McDarison at
wwartsalliance@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the University of Wisconsin System. Information about the Wisconsin Tuition Promise at UW-Whitewater is also available at this website.

Program starting in fall 2023 will help underserved students obtain a degree tuition-free

University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman recently announced the creation of the Wisconsin Tuition Promise, a new initiative starting in fall 2023 to ensure underserved Wisconsin students can attend any UW System university without paying tuition or fees.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of state residents who graduate with a bachelor’s degree – especially first-generation students and those from low-to-moderate income families throughout Wisconsin – thereby improving individual lives and communities and helping meet the state’s workforce needs.

“The benefits of a college education are unassailable,” Rothman said. “A college degree needs to be within reach for every Wisconsin citizen as a path to a better life, and the Wisconsin Tuition Promise will provide these opportunities. It is also how we can close the skills gap that now limits Wisconsin’s potential to thrive in a global economy.”

Rothman said an estimated 8,000 students will be supported through the program once it is fully implemented over four years. Eligible students will be awarded an average of $4,500 over four years. The UW System intends to fund the first year of the program in academic year 2023-24 at $13.8 million and seek state investment for subsequent years.

“The Wisconsin Tuition Promise comes at a pivotal time for our students and families who are faced with increasingly challenging economic circumstances. At UW-Milwaukee, we have the highest numbers of Pell Grant recipients, military and veteran students, and students with unmet financial needs,” said UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone. “Our promise will enable access to the quality of life that so many in our population deserve.”

“We’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity to students in our region that aligns with our mission to provide equitable access to a college education,” said UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford. “The Wisconsin Tuition Promise will help remove a financial barrier that has kept many students, particularly historically underrepresented and underserved students, from attending UW-Parkside. UW-Parkside students display drive and determination when given the opportunity. There are thousands of ‘if not for Parkside’ success stories. For those stories to take shape, however, students need affordable access to the benefits of education.”

“At UW-Whitewater, the Wisconsin Tuition Promise builds upon our legacy as a university where students from all backgrounds can access a high-quality education at an affordable price,” said interim UW-Whitewater Chancellor John Chenoweth. “By guaranteeing that tuition and fees are covered for even more students, this program is a game changer. At the Whitewater and Rock County campuses, we are passionate about student success. From achievements in the classroom to the playing field, and through coveted internships and research opportunities, Warhawks are thriving — and the Wisconsin Tuition Promise will mean more students can experience a UW-Whitewater education.”

Modeled on Bucky’s Tuition Promise at UW-Madison, the Wisconsin Tuition Promise would provide up to four years of tuition and fee funding for students coming from families earning less than $62,000 annually and enrolling at any of the other 12 public universities within the UW System. The program would be structured to provide “last dollar” financial support after federal and state grant aid is accounted for; as a result, Tuition Promise awards will vary.

Eligible students will be Wisconsin residents, first-time enrollees or transfers, and attending full-time. They will need to make sufficient academic progress each year and attest that they were employed at some point during the previous year.

Rothman said the affordability review he sought shows a UW System education is the most affordable in the Midwest and is very affordable nationally compared to peers. However, fewer low-to-moderate-income and first-generation students are attending UW System universities, suggesting that despite a tuition freeze in place since 2013, a state college education is increasingly out of reach for some, he said.

“Education unlocks success in Wisconsin,” Rothman said. “By ensuring that every Wisconsin student is given the full opportunity to get a higher education, we will improve those lives directly while building the economic engine and community prosperity that benefit all Wisconsinites.”

Students will be automatically considered for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise when they apply for federal financial aid. A full publicity campaign led by the universities will begin later this fall. Current information can be found at: wisconsin.edu/tuition-promise/.

Multifamily Garage Sale
1241 W. Satinwood Lane
Whitewater

Thursday, Aug 25 to Saturday, Aug 27
8:30 – 5:00

$5 bag of kid clothes
$2 jeans of every size
baby, teen and adult clothes and shoes
books, toys, puzzles
fish tank, computer desk
and many more things

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MULTI  FAMILY GARAGE SALE-   AUGUST 26 AND 27.  8 TO 4

801 E Clay St.   EASTWARD Apt. C2, WHITEWATER

Schwinn Airdyne Stationary  bike.  Corner hutch. Bookcases. Blue Ox brake buddy towing system.  Old records.  Old comic books.  Kids STEM educational toys.  Kids craft items.  Brand name clothes. Household items.  Packer prints.  Books.  Much much more.  

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A Banner Service – Garage Sale Ads

As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property. There is no charge for these ads.

Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address.