News

On Saturday, February 8 at approximately 7:40 a.m., Rock County deputies and Milton EMS responded to a crash in the 8000 block of North Cty Highway KK, north of Hwy 59, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

A 65-year-old male from Whitewater was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox northbound on KK when it is believed “he suffered a medical event” before losing control, resulting in the car overturning. He and a 64-year-old Whitewater woman were trapped in the car. The woman did not suffer serious injuries. The man, who has not been identified pending notification of next of kin, died after being transported to a hospital.

Sterling H. M. Espinoza, 20, of Whitewater, died on Monday, February 3 after a rollover crash nearby on Hwy 59.

Whitewater resident Lola Myszewski donated her hair to an organization called Wigs 4 Kids. The non-profit helps outfit young people — cancer patients, burn victims, etc.,– with wigs made from donations like Lola’s.

For the story, including video, from WMTV, please click here.

The Wisconsin Board of Regents at its meeting on Friday, February 7 approved UW-Whitewater’s proposal to increase undergraduate tuition for nonresidents by .99% and for both resident and nonresident graduate students by 2%. The increases are effective for the 2020-21 academic year. Tuition for resident undergraduates remains unchanged as it has since 2013 due to a mandate from the legislature.

UW-W’s request of the Board of Regents is shown below.

UW-Whitewater UW-Whitewater proposes to increase tuition for resident graduate, audit, business, and computer science and nonresident undergraduate, graduate, audit, business, and computer science programs for the 2020-21 academic year. The increase is two percent for the graduate programs and one percent for nonresident undergraduate.

The proposed nonresident undergraduate rate increases would keep UW-Whitewater rates in line with the market rates charged by peer UW System comprehensives. UW-Whitewater rates would be within $30 of the average of nonresident undergraduate rates across all comprehensives. UW-Whitewater rates would also keep UW-Whitewater in the middle tier of the comprehensives undergraduate nonresident rates. This placement keeps UWWhitewater rates affordable and reflective of the value provided by the education amongst these institutions.

The proposed graduate rate increases would keep UW-Whitewater a great value compared to a comprehensive list of six regional competitors. The proposed rate increase would keep UW-Whitewater residents’ rates at less than 70 percent of the rates charged by these competitors. While most competitors do not charge a separate nonresident rate, the increase of nonresident graduate rates is consistent with UW-Whitewater’s service to the state of Wisconsin and still represents a competitive rate with regional competition.

The increases would generate an additional $533,518 in revenue and would be used to offset pay plan fringe costs and support overall increases in supplier charges and costs as detailed in the five-year financial model.

At the Common Council meeting on February 4, Rick Lien was congratulated on his retirement after 35 years of service to the City of Whitewater. He served as Water Superintendent since 2001. The following proclamation was read by City Manager Cameron Clapper.

Gradreports.com’s college rankings are based on data published by the U.S. Department of Education in November 2019. Schools are ranked in descending order of their graduates’ median salary. Salaries are specific to the degree level and the program of each list.

Median annual salaries for Bachelor’s graduates in music ranged from $33,400 to $49,200. UW-W, at $36,700, was #15 on the list.

Median debt of music graduates ranged from $21,213 to $31,000. UW-W’s median debt was tied for highest at $31,000.

Annual tuition ranged from $9,117 to $41,020. UW-W’s annual tuition was reported as $16,235, the second lowest of the group. It is unknown why the average UW-W student graduates with the most debt when their tuition is one of the lowest.

Gradreports received ratings and comments from 16 graduates of various majors between 2015-2018. 100% said that their degree improved their career prospects. 94% said they would recommend the school to others. The most recent comments are shown below.

A.E Jackson – 9/26/2018 Degree: Physical Education Graduation Year: 2008 “Whitewater is a backpack school surrounded by a great community. The sports programs and facilities are impeccable the business and education programs are the crowned jewels however you can obtain a quality education from whitewater in any field that they offer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the university. the food the atmosphere, playing football, the bars and restaurants (pumpers and Mitchell’s & Gus Pizza and Chicken) many memories and overall a good place worth checking out on your journey to find the undergraduate institution that fits you best.“

Joanna Beukema – 3/4/2018 Degree: Health SciencesGraduation Year: 2018 “UW-Whitewater has been a great college for me the last four years. The campus is smaller, with all buildings less than 15 minutes away. Class size is relatively small (depending on major) so the one-to-one feeling with professors is great. Whitewater is the perfect little town for those that don’t want a huge city feel!“

Summer Pehl – 3/1/2018 Degree: Health Sciences Graduation Year: 2018 “I loved my experience at UW-Whitewater. While I learned so much in the classroom, Whitewater benefited me most outside of the classroom. UWW is the perfect size; it is large enough that there are ample opportunities, but small enough so that each person can thrive in these opportunities. Each student at UWW has a face and a name; your professors will know and care about you. Whitewater is also the perfect location – located in the middle of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison. Access to these three major cities allows for excellent career opportunities. I loved my experience at UW-Whitewater and I know you will too. Go Warhawks!“

Morgan Parker – 2/19/2018 Degree: Health Sciences Graduation Year: 2017“I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and I loved every minute of my time there. As a small program, all my professors went out of their way to help me succeed in the classroom and achieve my career goals. All my professors knew who I was and genuinely got to know me on a personal level. As a four year student athlete my professors, coaches, and advisors communicated seamlessly in order to provide me with positive outcomes in the classroom and on the court. Being a student athlete provided me with opportunities that I never dreamed of including competing and traveling to Costa Rica, 4 trips to the NCAA tournament, regularly volunteering at a local nursing home, and friendships that will last a lifetime.“

Meghan Pollex – 12/22/2017 Degree: Art & Design Graduation Year: 2017 “UW-Whitewater provided high quality resources for students with special needs. With the accommodations they have provided, they assisted students in job opportunities, exam spaces, and individualized education plans. The cultural atmosphere in the Art Department is authentic, sincere, and compassionate. The technical aspects taught in each of my courses provided a high amount of versatility, strength, and personal growth.“

Jenae Stolarzyzk – 3/23/2017 Degree: Political Science Graduation Year: 2012 “I was a transfer student to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Spring of 2008. The transfer process between a private school to a public school was extremely easy. I had a student advisor who met with me for freshman orientation, showed me around campus, and even introduced me to my Resident Advisor. I was able to integrate very fast since the campus is on the smaller side. My professors were all very knowledgeable and willing to help in all areas of course work. I would recommend joining a group or program on campus as it makes your college time much more enjoyable. I was a member of the University Cheerleading All Girls team and a member of the ROTC program. I would recommend the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater to anyone who wants a small town feel for college with ample amounts of opportunities.“

Chelsea Indra – 3/2/2017 Degree: Accounting Graduation Year: 2012 “The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an accredited, wonderful school to attend if you are interested in pursuing an accounting degree. A majority of the Accounting department at Whitewater has worked in public accounting, and provide students with a wealth of real-life experiences and hands on training. The school offers an amazing internship program to Juniors, where you earn credits AND get paid during a twelve week experience. I was able to secure a job a year ahead of graduating through this program. I’d recommend this school time and time again to anyone serious about a career in accounting.“

Complete Business Liquidation
American Legion Post 173
292 S. Wisconsin Street
Whitewater, WI
Monday, February 10, 10:00 A.M.
Viewing Begins at 8:00 A.M.

NOTE: Building has been sold. (Clarification: The American Legion will continue to exist, but they can no longer afford to maintain their building.) All kitchen, bar and banquet hall related items will be sold Absolute! Majority is clean and in good condition.

Kitchen/Bar Related:  Vulcan 10 4 burner gas stove, Grate top gas grill, flat top gas grill, Frymaster deep fryers, Tru Temp and Delfield freezers, Crosley & Blue Air refrigeration units, True & Adv. Edge unit (needs work), GE freezer, Conserver dishwasher, Scotsman ice maker, Hobart food slicer, Matco food prep table, Duke warming table, Seco salad bar, (2) stainless food prep tables,  stainless prep tables, stainless sink (4 basin), stainless serving carts, (4) stainless bar sink, Avantco cooler key, neon bar lights and signs and much more.

Banquet Room Related:  Tables (+/- wood top-metal frame, 18+/- plastic top-metal legs,13 round wood top tables,  (37) metal folding chairs, (276+/-) cushioned chairs, (18+/-) bar stools, (170+/-) 9″ circular plates, lg. qty. of other dishware-coffee cups-water glasses & more, (8) security cameras and controller, (11) exit lights, 20 ft. straight bar, lg. horseshoe shaped bar, storage bar cabinets, qty. of ceiling tile, (15+/-) wagon wheel light chandeliers, Proficient auto brand speakers and much more.

Miscellaneous:  Hoveround-Rascal-Amiga-Jet 3 elec. mobility chairs and much more.

Pictures/Details at www.badgerstateauction.com

Terms: 10% Buyer’s Fee when paying with Cash or Check. 5.5% Sales Tax. All other types of payment will be an additional 4%. MasterCard, Visa and Discover are welcome. All sales are final and must be settled for on day of sale. Not responsible for accidents or misprints if any. Once sold, items are your responsibility. No warranties or guarantees granted unless otherwise stated on sale day. All announcements on sale day take precedence over any prior verbal or printed material.

For Further Information Contact:
BADGER STATE AUCTION & REAL ESTATE LLC

BOB JOHNSON – AUCTIONEER
REGISTERED WISCONSIN AUCTIONEER #800
REGISTERED ILLINOIS AUCTIONEER #441000422
4128 HWY KK MILTON, WI
(608) 868-2199

Per an article posted on gazettextra.com on February 4, Beverly Kopper, who resigned from her position as UW-Whitewater Chancellor in December, 2018, and retired from the university effective January 5, 2020, “spent most of the fall semester on paid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, according to records the university released Tuesday.” The records were released to The Gazette five months after it filed an open records request.

For the article in The Gazette, click here.

Per a media release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, Feb. 3 at approximately 6:34 p.m. deputies were dispatched to Highways 59 and KK in Lima Center Township for the report of a single vehicle roll over crash. The initial investigation indicated that the vehicle, driven by a 20-year-old female of Whitewater, was eastbound on Hwy 59, apparently at a high rate of speed. The vehicle came upon another vehicle traveling the same direction, and abruptly swerved to the left to avoid a rear end collision, entering the north ditch where the vehicle rolled an unknown number of times. The driver, who was not wearing her seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle.

There were a total of four occupants in the vehicle. The driver, along with two passengers, a 19 year old male and an 18 year old female, were transported to Mercy Hospital. A fourth passenger, a 19 year old male, was not transported. At the hospital the driver was pronounced deceased. The three passengers, who were wearing seat belts, sustained non-life threatening injuries. Deputies stated that it did not appear that alcohol was a factor in the crash. The Rock County Reconstruction Team will be conducting an investigation. The driver’s name has not yet been released pending notification of the family.

2/5/20 – Update: The woman who died in the crash has been identified as Sterling H. M. Espinoza, 20, of Whitewater, the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office announced.