News

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

Another $56,000 has been awarded to vaccinated University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students as part of the ongoing efforts to keep the campus community as safe and healthy as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The latest round of scholarships comes as UW System announced Tuesday that 70 students have been selected through a random drawing to receive a $7,000 scholarship under the System’s Vax Up! “70 for 70” campaign. Eight Warhawks were chosen. 

“I got vaccinated to keep those around me safe. I completely isolated myself during quarantine, and it affected my mental health tremendously,” said Sydnie Holmes of Kenosha County, a women’s and gender studies major and one of UW-Whitewater’s scholarship winners. “Getting vaccinated meant I could see family and friends again without having the anxiety that something bad would happen to them. I was extremely proud of our campus for reaching the 70% goal. It gives me more hope that our society can bounce back from the pandemic and return to ‘normal.’”

Scholarship winner Hannah Mayer of Oak Forest, Illinois, a human resource management major, got vaccinated to protect her family and classmates and was excited to do her part to help UW-Whitewater surpass the vaccination goal.

“Knowing that enough of my fellow classmates took protecting their peers seriously showed me that I chose this school for a reason. I will always be proud to be a Warhawk, and this just adds to my pride!” Hannah said.

In addition to the $7,000 scholarships, earlier this semester UW-Whitewater was able to award $500 each to 40 vaccinated students as part of a weekly drawing. University Housing is also awarding first-assignment rights to two randomly selected vaccinated students, who will get first choice of their residence hall next year.

“All of the vaccination incentives — funded by UW System and generous donors to UW-Whitewater — made it possible for us to have a vibrant university experience this year with in-person classes and events,” said Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson. “It’s a win-win situation for our university community in that we are encouraging safe behaviors to combat the pandemic and also helping our students financially.”

The university’s vaccination rate is currently 77% for students and 91% for employees. Students, faculty and staff who have not yet done so are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated if they are able, and to report it to UW-Whitewater as soon as possible.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the WHS Players.

Everybody cut loose as the WHS Players burst onto the stage with the explosive movie musical Footloose! Based on the 1984 film, this Oscar and Tony-nominated Top Forty score will keep audiences rockin’ from start to finish!

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the strict local laws, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher. Reverend Moore is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth, including his rebellious daughter who sets her sights on Ren. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

Performances of Footloose will be held at the Whitewater high school auditorium on November 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and November 21 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. All seats are reserved and can be purchased by calling the box office at 262-472-8178.

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will be making the final pickups of leaf and yard waste beginning on Wednesday, November 17. All bags must be brought to the curb by that date.

For residents who miss the deadline, a dumpster will be available at the City garage (150 E. Starin Rd.) between November 22 – December 3, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note our facility will be closed on Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26. Spring collection will be dependent on weather conditions.

Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 30 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not property bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags, in the fall only, at the Finance Department.

Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste. The compost site will be open this Wednesday from 2-6 p.m., which is its final day for the season.
Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 by Tuesday at 5 a.m. to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays. A request may also be made online.

For additional questions or concerns, contact the Streets Department at (262) 473-0560.

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes discussion of a Land Acknowledgement Statement.

This meeting will be both in-person and virtual.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84535237552?pwd=M2xsWm1rbHlzYTY3VFdpNkE5dTV6QT09
Meeting ID: 845 3523 7552
Passcode: 1cP5eZ8C
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,84535237552#,,,,45663309# US (New York) +13017158592,,84535237552#,,,,45663309# US (Washington DC)
Or telephone 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 845 3523 7552
Passcode: 45663309

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes adoption of 2022-23 biennial budget, adoption of aldermanic districts, resolution confirming financial support for Irvin L. Young Library addition, ordinance prohibiting feeding of wild animals, and award of bid for lake dredging project.

This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83145943794?pwd=Ym8zcWNlOTFaNHhkeGtwQmU0ek1Udz09
Passcode: 033812
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13017158592,,83145943794#,,,,033812# or +13126266799,,83145943794#,,,,033812#
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 1 877 853 5257 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 831 4594 3794
Passcode: 033812

City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes 2021/22 WAFC Fee Schedule.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/435658965
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 435-658-965

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
This will be an IN‐PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Citizens are welcome and encouraged to join us in person, or via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88696515774
Or Telephone
Dial US: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 886 9651 5774

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

David W. Ring, Kwik Trip Community Relations Manager, addressed the Greater Whitewater Committee on November 11 with an overview of the company’s history and operations, as well as their plans for their two upcoming Whitewater stores. As had previously been announced, Ring confirmed that the roundabout location will open on December 9, with the grand opening on December 15. The Janesville Street/Highway 59 location will open on January 20. Although both stores are expected to be open 24/7, Ring indicated that early morning hours might ultimately be adjusted depending upon traffic counts. As “Generation 3 stores,” the buildings will both be approximately 9200 square feet and will include car washes. 50-60 people will be employed, about 40% of whom will be fulltime. Hiring is still underway, with Ring particularly emphasizing that they are seeking three assistant managers, with excellent advancement opportunities.

Kwik Trip was founded in 1965 by the Hansen and Zietlow families in Eau Claire. Since 2000 it has been owned entirely by the Zietlow family, with the fourth generation now part of the management. The company has experienced rapid growth: in 1986 there were 100 stores; 2000 – 300 stores; 2016 – 500 stores. By the end of the year over 800 stores will be in operation. 467 stores are currently in Wisconsin, with only two in Illinois and the remainder in Minnesota or Iowa. The Iowa and Illinois stores are named Kwik Star in order to avoid confusion with the Quik Trip brand. Employment totals 32,000 people, serving an average of 9.5 million “guests” per week. The average store sells 850 baked goods, 200 hot beverages, and 170 cold beverages per day.

Significant developments in recent years include the introduction of hot food in 2003, the major expansion in the Madison market in 2017-20 with the purchase of the PDQ and Stop & Go chains, and the entry into take home meals and fried chicken beginning in 2020.

According to Ring, CEO Don Zietlow is so insistent on the importance of clean, well-stocked restrooms that it’s the only place in the store where his name and phone number are posted. Air pumps are provided at no charge, and there is no fee to use the ATMs.

The company’s vertical integration is unusual in the convenience store market. Zietlow likes to say, “we make it, deliver it, and sell it,” as it’s claimed that the company makes 80% of the products sold. Ring acknowledged that they have experienced some “supply chain” issues recently. The 130 acre headquarters in La Crosse has 14 buildings and 85 loading docks, with a bakery employing 395 people, a dairy with 155, and a kitchen with 530. A fulltime USDA inspector is onsite, and the 7 day per week inhouse lab facility conducts over 3000 tests weekly. The 550 truck drivers log 32 million miles per year.

Employees share 40% of the profits, including through an annual bonus. “Coworkers” are told “you’re empowered to make it right,” and many voluntarily participate in a payroll deduction that provides funds for fellow employees who are in need due to something like a fire or a health crisis. The company employs a social worker to administer the program.

Ring admitted that as he drove around Whitewater he was “surprised that we aren’t already here.” It won’t be long before local residents have the opportunity to hear “see you next time.”

Our Readers Share

Carol McCormick writes, “A pair of Bald Eagles overlooking Trippe Lake restoration. Thumbs (talons ) up!”

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing another interesting 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 Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member business, ReVamp Nutrition, to the business community in Whitewater.

Revamp Nutrition is a new Smoothie and Juice bar that is providing healthy and tasty meal options for
residents of Whitewater. “We’re thrilled to welcome ReVamp Nutrition to our community and as a new
member of the Chamber,” says Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kellie
Carper. “The store is beautiful and welcoming and is just what we need to help our get downtown
reenergized after the challenges of the last year and a half.”

The Chamber and its ambassadors welcomed owner Jerrica Newby and her staff with an official ribbon
cutting on November 8th. The business held its official grand opening on Saturday, November 6th and Newby expressed that she “is excited to meet more of the community as we navigate the
challenges and rewards of starting a new business.”

“Revamp Nutrition looks forward to partnering with the Whitewater Chamber and strengthening our
relationship with the Whitewater Community” says Newby. “We invite the community to come and
enjoy the healthy drinks and snacks we are crafting. We are looking forward to meeting you!”

ReVamp Nutrition is located in the heart of downtown Whitewater at 133 W. Center Street, Suite C. They
are open Monday – Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They have just what you need to fill
you with healthy energy and get your day started right!

For additional information about the newest Chamber member and learn what they area all about,
contact Newby at jnewby254@gmail.com or stop by to get in on the good vibes!