News

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by The League of Women Voters-Whitewater.

League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area Invites All to Conversation on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area invites its members and the public to participate in its newly formed book club. To become more informed advocates, the club will explore the League’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy through meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League.

The inaugural book will be “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson. In “Caste” Wilkerson “examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.” The book will be discussed via Zoom over two meetings, Thursday, March 10, and Thursday, March 31 from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. The League has made special arrangements with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library for those who need to reserve a copy of the book.

Books will be available to check out beginning February 17. Contact Deb Gamble at shebagam@gmail.com or (262) 458-0077 with questions, to reserve a book, or to sign up for the Zoom meetings. Remember, you do not need to be a member of the League (or a woman!) to join the book discussions. We look forward to beginning this new adventure with you!

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Men and women gamblers!  Are you a constant loser because of your gambling?  Are you losing your income, self-respect and loved ones?  Compulsive gambling is an addictive, progressive disease.  If you want help for you or someone you love, you are welcome to attend:

Gamblers Anonymous Whitewater

First United Methodist Church—In the Library

145 S. Prairie St.

Whitewater, WI

Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

For information, call (608) 283-5800.

There is no cost to attend G.A.

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

One of downtown Whitewater’s most prominent buildings is likely to get some major renovations and improvements including an entirely new outside look. Greg Aprahamian, the owner of the building at the corner of W. Main and S. 2nd Street, and the City of Whitewater have agreed to a Development Agreement that could lead to an over $2 million improvement to the building most recently known as “The White Elephant.”

The Whitewater Common Council approved the agreement Tuesday, February 1 which will allow Aprahamian and the Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA) to proceed with an application for a $250,000 WI Economic Development Authority (WEDA) grant to assist the developer. Plans call for the creation of new retail space on the ground level along with twelve “higher end” one and two bedroom residential units.

Specified improvements call for restoration efforts to get “…closer to its original appearance as an important and historical building in Walworth County.” The agreement calls for removing the existing stucco covering on the front and side elevations and replacing it with an “historic fitting” facade, opening of window spaces and replacement of existing windows with modern windows of the same size and appearance of the original structure along with repair and replacement of all mechanical systems to meet current code requirements.

Once referred to as “Bower’s House,” the property dates back to the 1850’s according to documents contained in a Facade Improvement Loan that the Whitewater CDA is offering as an additional incentive to the developer. Additional financing for the project will come from First Citizens State Bank of Whitewater.

CDA Director Cathy Anderson told the Common Council that the assessed value of the building will likely increase to over $2 million after completion compared to the current assessed value of under $200,000.

The Common Council also was informed that dredging of the city’s two downtown lakes is scheduled to accelerate to a 24 hour per day schedule through Saturday,February 5 and scheduled a review of a long awaited City of Whitewater Housing Study on February 9. Whitewater’s status as a relatively small community with a medium sized college campus makes it unique in that it reportedly has the lowest statewide percentage of owner-occupied homes.

In addition the Council approved the issuance of over $5 million of borrowing to support previously approved Capital Improvement Program projects. The list of projects includes contribution toward the replacement of a WWFD Inc. ladder truck, street reconstruction and stormwater improvements projects, payment for the Lakes Drawdown Project and other miscellaneous items.

Wisconsin prohibits municipalities from incurring debt that amounts to more than 5% of
a community’s equalized valuation and the Whitewater policy is to not borrow more than 70% of that figure. After this bond issue, which could be retracted if financial conditions are not favorable, the City will have borrowed up to an estimated 58% of its limit.

Editor’s Note: The following request was made by Our House Senior Living in Whitewater:

“We are so excited to announce our Valentines Day event!! Our residents would love to be YOUR Valentines We have 11 amazing residents here at Our House and we would love everyone to spread love and kindness to them all. We are located at: 945 E Chicago St, Whitewater, WI 53190.. Feel free send as much love as possible to our residents. If you would like to stop by and drop off treats or cards — anything you are comfortable sending is so appreciated. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Angela (Director) or Brandy (Assistant Director) Please share this post We would like to say thank you for all the and support we receive from our community.”

Contact: Angela Lyman, Executive Director, Our House Senior Living, 945 E. Chicago St. ,Whitewater, WI; Phone: (262) 473-1011; Fax: (262) 473-9782; Cell:  (608) 449-4890.

The image on the homepage, “Be My Valentine, lettering” by karen horton is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Editor’s note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Gage Sugden from Whitewater, WI, who is studying English at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was selected to serve on the Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee for 2021-2. Sugden is representing Residence Hall Association.

SUFAC approves budgets to fund more than 100 activities, programs, and student organizations on campus.

“Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee is committed to ensuring the success of our student organizations and departments while maintaining the affordability of our university. Committee members are responsible for the allocation of more than $500,000 in student fees,” said Matthew Schweinert, chair of SUFAC. “When making budget recommendations on the distribution of segregated fees, members of the committee develop their skills as critical thinkers and communicators, as well as financial acumen.”

Students on the committee are selected from different university areas, including appointments from each college, Residence Hall Association, and Whitewater Student Government.

Carol McCormick writes, “Today (Wednesday) was the first scoop of silt taken out of Trippe Lake! Hope to see many more!” When asked how long she had to watch to be sure to catch the first scoop, she responded, “My husband has an eagle eye!”

Trucks were also seen leaving Cravath Lake with sediment on Wednesday. Per the City, work is expected to continue twenty-four hours a day for the remainder of this week until Saturday at 7 p.m.

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing another timely photo.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Young Auditorium.

The spirit of 1950’s rock-and-roll music is alive and well at Young Auditorium. Join us on Friday, February 11th at 7:30 p.m. for John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party”®, an unparalleled live concert tribute featuring the music of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. Tickets are $34.25.

John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party” is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era: That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh, Boy, Rave on, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, and many, many more.

John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the U.S. touring version of the London/Broadway hit musical “Buddy…the Buddy Holly Story,” performs as Buddy Holly with Linwood Sasser as the Big Bopper and Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens. The very authentic and energetic four-piece band (guitar, drums, stand-up bass and sax) includes Grammy award winning Mike Acosta on saxophone.

Tickets for Winter Dance Party are $34.25 apiece. Purchase tickets for all Young Auditorium season performances online at http://www.youngauditorium.com … or by connecting with the UW-Whitewater Ticket Services department, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 inside the Greenhill Center of the Arts. They can be reached at (262) 472-2222 (Limited Hours.)

First Citizens State Bank is the sponsor.

Masks will be required for attendees of this performance. Please visit the Warhawks Are Back! website, which outlines operating practices for the UW-Whitewater campus. Modifications of these practices should be anticipated. UW-Whitewater will continue to use information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Wisconsin, county health departments and the University of Wisconsin System to guide the decision-making processes across campuses. – https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-are-back

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Office of Continuing Education and Fairhaven Senior Services announce “American Profiles” as the theme for their spring lecture series. Since 1983, UW-Whitewater faculty and staff and community and business leaders have offered free presentations on topics ranging from art and literature to history and politics.  

Politicians, activists, musicians, and every day citizens.  Systems, inventions, and tragedies. This spring, we will spend an hour each week, putting the spotlight on changemakers that have made history.  From local stories to those that made a global impact, join us as we take a closer look at some fascinating American profiles.

The titles and presenters of the lectures for the spring series are:

Monday, February 7 at 3:00 pm

Who are the Supremes? A Discussion of the Lives of Supreme Court Justices

Presented by Monica Lineberger, Assistant Professor, Political Science

Monday, February 14 at 3:00 pm

Educational Innovators:  Profiles from the American Past

Presented by Anne Durst, Associate Professor, Educational Foundations

Monday, February 21 at 3:00 pm

An Opportunity and a Burden: The Lives of Loyalist Women in Revolutionary Philadelphia

Presented by Kimberly Nath, Associate Professor, History

Monday, February 28 at 3:00 pm

Life at the Intersections: The Labor, Activism, and Legacy of Pauli Murray

Presented by Ashley Barnes-Gilbert, Lecturer, Women’s and Gender Studies

Monday, March 7 at 3:00 pm

Forgetting and Remembering the “Spanish” Flu Pandemic

Presented by Karl Brown, Associate Professor, History

Monday, March 14 at 3:00 pm

Flaco Jiménez and the Accordion: Global Intersections

Presented by Erin Bauer, Assistant Professor, Music

Monday, March 21 at 3:00 pm

Profile of Wisconsin Mass Media History

Presented by Brian Schanen, Lecturer, Communication

Monday, March 28 at 3:00 pm

The Poison Widow of Whitewater: Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder

Presented by Jennifer Motszko, Digital Scholarship & Preservation Archivist

Monday, April 11 at 3:00 pm

Wendell Willkie and the We Want Willke Campaign

Presented by Dick Haven, Professor Emeritus, Communication

Lectures in the Spring Fairhaven Lecture Series, “American Profiles” are currently open to residents of Fairhaven but may be open to the public later in the semester.  They will live-streamed via Facebook at www.facebook.com/UWWFairhavenLecture/  and will be recorded and posted to our website and YouTube channel. Videos of lectures from this and previous series can be accessed for free any time after they are posted online.

Please visit www.uww.edu/ce/fairhaven and www.facebook.com/UWWFairhavenLecture/ for videos, descriptions of each lecture, and updates on the status of each lecture.  Contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information or to request accommodations.   

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Office of the Governor, State of Wisconsin

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #154 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Wed., Feb. 2, 2022, in honor of firefighter Robert “Bob” A. Stevens of the Fremont-Wolf River Fire Department, who passed away on Jan. 27, 2022, at the age of 66, due to complications from contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. 

“Whether defending health and safety, being there for folks in times of need, or helping others enjoy the great outdoors, Bob dedicated more than half of his life to serving the people of his community and he will be forever remembered for his dedication,” said Gov. Evers. “Our thoughts are with the Stevens’ family, everyone at the Fremont-Wolf River Fire Department, and all of his colleagues, friends, and fellow community members in Fremont as they mourn this loss.”

Services for firefighter Robert A. Stevens will be held on Wed., Feb. 2, 2022, in Fremont. 

Executive Order #154 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Wed., Feb. 2, 2022, and is available here.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the City of Whitewater.

Week of January 31, 2022
Work Schedule for week of January 31-February 5

No work scheduled for Monday or Tuesday due to warm temperatures and snow.
Wednesday – Saturday – 24 hours
Saturday work to finish by 7 pm
*All work is dependent on weather and the worksite conditions.

Cravath Lake

Construction crews will continue to lay down matting on the lake bed to prep for dredging. Due to a few wet areas, mats have been put in a variety of places along the dredging area on Cravath. Dredging will start as soon as enough frost builds up in the ground along the dredging area to allow for work to commence. Once dredging starts, the hope is to work around the clock including some potential weekends in the near future. Dredged material will be removed through Cravath Lakefront Park boat launch area.

Trippe Lake

Mats have been put into place and dredging should start on Wednesday, February 2. Construction crews plan to work around the clock to start dredging. Dredged material will be hauled through the Southeast directly to HWY 12 over by the new Kwik Trip. The images below were taken of Trippe Lake on January 28, 2022 to show the dredging area.