Welcome back to #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society! Pictured here is a train wreck that most likely occurred on the outskirts of Whitewater on September 30, 1901. An event like this would have been the talk of the town, as evidenced by the amount of people watching the clean up process undertaken by Chicago, Milwaukee, & Saint Paul railroad crews. Interestingly enough, in the 1890s through the 1930s, train wrecks were purposely staged for public entertainment and proved to be rather popular spectacles throughout the country.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!
(2984GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!
Are you in 5th through 8th grade? Do you know someone who is and enjoys history and writing? This year, to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 11, the American History Essay contest for grades 5-8 focuses on the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The essay topic is, “Imagine you had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during WWI. You and your family attended the Nov. 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. Describe what this meant to you and your family. Why is it important to remember those who gave their lives to serve our nation? “ The length is 300-600 words for 5th grade and 600-1,000 words for grades 6-8.
For those in high school, a “Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest” is being offered . The topic this year is, “ Select a figure from the American Revolution era (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. “ Your figure may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small. The word length for this essay is 800-1200 words.
Please contact Vicki Schicker of the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce DAR Chapter (Schicker@hotmail.com) for further guidelines, information or with questions about the contest. The deadline for entering an essay this year is December 17th. Prizes are awarded at the Chapter, State, Division and National levels. These contests are open to all students in public, private or parochial schools as well as those who are home schooled.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Whitewater resident Caryl Yasko was recently commissioned to restore the bicentennial mural “The Stonecutters” which she painted in the Village of Lemont, Illinois in 1975. Per the village Facebook page, “After week one of the restoration, the colors are starting to POP! Caryl Yasko and team, Harrison Halaska and Ingrid Kallick are working on the mural most weekdays beginning in early afternoon. Rob Moriarty joins them early evenings, and they all work on the mural as long as daylight allows. Stop by and watch them restore this beautiful mural on the Digs on Canal building at 316 Canal Street in Budnik Plaza – don’t be shy – go right on up to the front of the mural and watch them at work. Be sure to leave a note on the paper pad located on the side of the scaffolding. Caryl would LOVE to HEAR for YOU! ”
Yasko is particularly known in Whitewater for the Prairie Tillers mural she painted on the east exterior wall of 119 W. Center Street in 1980. (See last image below.) Per Community Built Organization, “Caryl Yasko has been a leading figure in the American Public Art Movement for more than forty years. She is well published internationally. She was a founding artist in the Chicago Mural Group and taught mural techniques at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and many colleges and universities, mostly in the Midwest. She developed a concrete fresco technique and a line-drawing system for public participation. Caryl’s works include building filigree windmills and prairie, 60′ foot poles with airplane beacon, and colorful murals in all situations and locations, often with a cast of thousands in the spirit of public participation.”
Caryl Yasko pictured with her team
Stonecutters mural taken May, 2021 before restoration efforts began. (Source: Lemont, IL Facebook page) The Prairie Tillers mural in Whitewater (1980 original, 2004 restoration)
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m. Agenda includes Arboretum Report: DNR Grant update and next steps; Purple Martin Report: Funding of PM house #3 Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor 312 W. Whitewater St. (This will be a hybrid meeting) Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/940598565 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 940-598-565
Whitewater Unified School District Board – Monday @ 7:00 p.m. ——————————————– Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner) includes Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment Whitewater Unified School District Central Office William D. Kyle Board Room 419 South Elizabeth Street 7:00 p.m. ———————————————- 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82811372039?pwd=bGJmdzBCRVpkK3VIY0RoQXZ6VTEvUT09 – Passcode: 509411 ———————————————- – Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 828 1137 2039 – Passcode: 509411
PUBLIC NOTICE: The health and safety of District employees, School Board, and the community is a top priority. As such, some Board members may participate virtually. Members of the public may attend in-person on a first come, first serve basis by submitting a Google Form: https://forms.gle/FVTddjN1GNyDm5kx8, 24 hours prior to the meeting time. A capacity of 20 individuals is set for in-person attendance. Additionally the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those individuals unable to attend in-person. – If participants wish to speak on Agenda Items they may speak regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. A Citizen Comment Request should be filled out prior to speaking. In accordance to Board Policy 187, personal criticism and/or derogatory remarks directed at School Board members or employees of the district will not be tolerated. Should there be a number of citizens planning to speak, the President will announce the total time for citizen comments and divide the time between speakers equally with no more than three minutes allotted to each participant. –
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m. Agenda includes development of Capital Improvement Program for 2022-23 City of Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager’s Conference Room (2nd Floor) Meeting will be held in a BLENDED format (in-person and Virtual). You may join the meeting in person in the City Manager’s Conference Room located on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building or from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/530273725 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: 1 (312) 757-3121 Access Code: 530-273-725
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wed. @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes 2021/22 WAFC Fee Schedule, Halloween Program And Events Discussion And Recommendation, No Mow May Discussion (Virtual Meeting) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/650006053 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (786) 535-3211 Access Code: 650-006-053
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Dept. of Health & Human Services.
Free Financial, Legal & Safety Resource Session for Older Adults and Their Families
The Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ (WCDHHS) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will host the annual Safe and Savvy Senior Day, a free, in-person information and resource session for older adults and their families. The Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held on Saturday, October 9th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn.
“Many older adults and their family members are not aware of the important legal documents and actions that should be taken care of as they age,” says WCDHHS Adult Protective Services Specialist Karen Gillingham. “Safe and Savvy Senior Day will help them understand some of the essentials, such as advance directives, power of attorney for health care and finance, and burial trusts.”
During the event, attendees can learn about current scams and ways to protect themselves and their assets; meet with Veteran Services staff; complete a free memory screen; drop off unused medications; receive a flu, shingles or COVID-19 vaccination; get valuable information from the ADRC and/or Lakeland Health Care Center; and check out the new Mobile Health Hub.
Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366 or emailing kgillingham@co.walworth.wi.us. Current CDC guidelines suggest wearing a mask indoors in public settings if you are in an area of high transmission to maximize protection from the Delta variant and possibly prevent spreading it to others. If you are unable to attend in person and would like more information, please contact the ADRC at (262) 741-3400.
About the ADRC:The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the general public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and help provide options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have reported a 70% COVID-19 vaccination rate as of Sept. 24 — reaching the milestone five weeks ahead of the recently extended UW System deadline of Oct. 31. Vaccinated UW-Whitewater students are now eligible for the UW System drawing of 70 scholarships valued at $7,000 each that will take place later in the fall. UW-Whitewater students who have not yet been vaccinated or reported their vaccination can still be eligible for the scholarship drawing, as long as they complete the vaccination series and report their record by Oct. 31.
“Congratulations to our Warhawks for achieving the 70% vaccination rate. This is a university-wide accomplishment, and I’d like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the students, faculty and staff who have participated in our vaccination efforts,” said Jim Henderson, interim chancellor. “We also received generous support from alumni and donors to fund weekly $500 drawings, totaling an additional $20,000 in vaccine incentives.”
Employees, including faculty and staff, report a 91% vaccination rate. All of these figures are based on vaccination records submitted by students, faculty and staff to UW-Whitewater and verified by staff.
“From the beginning of the pandemic, the UW-Whitewater community has prioritized the wellbeing of the entire Warhawk family and that helped us chart a successful path through this challenging time,” Henderson said. “Our efforts do not stop at this milestone. I strongly encourage students, faculty and staff who have not yet done so to get vaccinated if they are able, and to report it to UW-Whitewater as soon as possible.”
Banner note: The following vaccination rates were reported by the UW System as of September 22. On September 24, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater both reported having achieved the 70% level.
Starting this Saturday, the Wisconsin National Guard is returning to Jefferson County to help boost access to testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
PCR testing will be available at the Jefferson County Health Department every Saturday from Sept. 25 to Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Jefferson County Health Department is located at 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson.
Pre-registration at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov is recommended, but not required. Anyone 12 months of age or older is eligible for testing.
County health officials say that persons with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status. Those who get tested because they have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of their health-care provider or a public health professional.
The following individuals should get tested:
• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• People who are fully vaccinated should get tested three to five days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
• People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in five to seven days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, or local health department.
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms, do not need to get tested after a known exposure to COVID-19.
Health officials remind the public that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing illness, hospitalization and death.
“Wisconsin surveillance data clearly support this and show the surge in COVID-19 cases continues to be driven by cases among people who are not fully vaccinated,” said Jefferson County epidemiologist Samroz Jakvani. “Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19.”
To find a COVID-19 vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 211.
People also may call (844) 684-1064 or (800) 232-0233.
Many pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or your local pharmacy chain) might offer walk-in vaccinations. Call ahead to ensure availability.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Young Auditorium.
Whitewater’s premier performing arts facility prepares for a full schedule of LIVE in-person events.
The time is here! With an exciting new season about to begin, tickets are NOW on sale for all Young Auditorium 2021-2022 season performances. Join us for live concerts, comedy shows, professional theatre, family friendly entertainment and more as Whitewater’s premier performing arts center returns with an amazing performance lineup.
Young Auditorium season highlights include a side-splitting comedy show from Wisconsin’s own Charlie Berens, and the triumphant return of a Young Auditorium favorite, the Church Basement Ladies. With additional performances by rock supergroup The Hit Men, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (not peppers), the National Players Theatre and more…there truly is something for everyone. There’s even a performance by America’s Got Talent finalists Catapult: Magic Shadows and That Golden Girls Show, an adults-only salute to the classic television show…using puppets!
To purchase your tickets TODAY, or for a complete listing of season performances including dates, times, and ticket prices, please visit the Young Auditorium website at www.youngauditorium.com. • The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra performance scheduled for October 2nd has transitioned from a ticketed event to a MEMBER EXCLUSIVE concert. This event will not be open to the general public. • The EmiSunshine performance originally scheduled for October 7th has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.
Social distancing measures are currently in place for all performances. Please visit the War Hawks 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. Banner note: As is indicated on the above website, currently facial coverings are required at the auditorium as part of the UW-W campus. Ticketholders should plan to check the website for possible changes before each performance.
Young Auditorium 2021-2022 Season-At-A-Glance MARQUEE PERFORMANCES The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra – Member Exclusive Concert – Saturday, October 2 Catapult: Magic Shadows – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 – 7:30pm Charlie Berens – Saturday, November 6, 2021 – 7:30pm Griffin Theatre: Letters Home – Tuesday, November 9, 2021 – 7:30pm Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas – Sunday, December 12, 2021 – 3:00pm & 7:00pm Mamma Mia! Sing Along Film – Saturday, January 22, 2022 – 3:00pm John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party – Friday, February 11, 2022 – 7:30pm Church Basement Ladies: 20th Anniversary Tour – Sunday, February 27, 2022 – 2:00pm & 6:00pm Red Hot Chilli Pipers – Thursday, March 31, 2022 – 7:30pm That Golden Girls Show – Sunday, April 10, 2022 – 7:30pm Borealis Dance: id.ego – Tuesday, April 12, 2022 – 7:30pm National Players Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Tuesday, April 19, 2022 – 7:30pm National Players Theatre: A Raisin In The Sun – Wednesday, April 20, 2022 – 7:30pm The Hit Men – Saturday, April 30, 2022 – 7:30pm Emi Sunshine – Rescheduled Date TBD
FAMILY SHOWS Magic Morgan & Lilliana – Saturday, October 9, 2021 – 3:00pm The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) – Sunday, November 14, 2021 – 3:00pm Florentine Children’s Opera: Hansel & Gretel – Sunday, January 23, 2022 – 3:00pm Missoula Children’s Theatre Residency & Show – Saturday, February 5, 2022 – 2:00pm Family Fun Day – Saturday, February 12, 2022 – 1:00pm School House Rock LIVE! – Friday, February 18, 2022 – 6:30pm The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Saturday, April 23, 2022 – 3:00pm
Once again, tickets for all Young Auditorium 2021-2022 performances can be purchased online at http://www.youngauditorium.com. Tickets will also be available by phone (262-472-2222) or in-person or at the main box office located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts atrium on the UW-Whitewater campus. UW Whitewater Ticket Services 950 West Main Street – located inside the Greenhill Center of the Arts – (262) 472-2222 (Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 3pm)
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the governor.
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg Who Lost His Life During the Attack on Pearl Harbor
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #133 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021, in honor of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, who lost his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“As Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg is finally laid to rest in the place he once called home, we reflect on and remember his sacrifice in service to our country,” said Gov. Evers. “We honor his memory and join in mourning his loss.”
Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, lost his life on Dec. 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, was attacked by Japanese aircraft and sustained multiple torpedo hits that quickly capsized the boat, claiming the lives of 429 crewmen, including Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg. Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew between 1941 and 1944 and interred unidentified remains, including those of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) exhumed USS Oklahoma Unknowns in 2015 for scientific analysis and possible identification and the DPAA laboratory identified Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, who was accounted for on March 25, 2021.
Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg will be laid to rest with full military honors at Elmwood Cemetery in his hometown of Antigo, Wisconsin on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021.
