News

UW-Whitewater to hold public hearing on new mission statement on June 22

(UW-W press release) Everyone is invited and encouraged to join a public hearing as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks feedback on its proposed new mission statement. The event is 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, and will be held virtually. The live video stream link is available online at uww.edu/strategic-plan/public-hearing. Closed captioning will be available.  The following phone number is also provided: Toll Free 1-855-749-4750Event number: 177 642 9612
Event password: mMPmeJ82bS2

“UW-Whitewater is very proud to provide high-quality educational and cultural opportunities for citizens in our region,” said Greg Cook, interim provost. “As a public steward of this responsibility, we are continuously striving to improve and adapt to the needs of the region. As part of that promise, we are updating our mission statement to reflect our current goals and aspirations as a regional comprehensive university.”

The Banner is providing the proposed mission statement and current mission statement at the end of this article.

As part of the university’s 2021-2022 strategic plan, a revised mission statement was drafted by members of the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee. This committee includes more than 40 members representing all areas of the university, including all employees and students. The committee also includes the Whitewater City Manager, connecting to the needs of the city and local region. Numerous open listening sessions were conducted to gather feedback and suggestions from members of the university and local community. The statement was approved by the Committee, all university governance groups, and the Chancellor. After the June 22 final public hearing, the final draft will be presented to the UW System Board of Regents for review and approval.

PROPOSED NEW MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. As part of the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Whitewater embraces the Wisconsin Idea and is an economic and cultural driver of our region. We are nationally and internationally recognized for the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Grounded in a rigorous core curriculum, students receive a well-rounded education, and every academic program prepares students to be creative, innovative and adaptable in dynamic and diverse work and life environments.

We are an inclusive educational community with a deep commitment to access that inspires us to serve students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. We have a longstanding special mission to serve students with disabilities. By supporting all students, we champion education, opportunity and prosperity for all. As engaged global citizens, members of our community make positive contributions to the State of Wisconsin, to our nation, and to the world.

Our academic programs serve undergraduate and graduate students, including online learners, and span the disciplines, from the theoretical to the applied, and encompass study in the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and professional and interdisciplinary programs. High-quality programs are offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners who lead successful lives and enjoy productive careers.

CURRENT MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to the development of the individual, the growth of personal and professional integrity and respect for diversity and global perspectives. These are met by providing academic and cocurricular programs that emphasize the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and a commitment to service within a safe and secure environment.

The mission of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is:

  1. To provide a range of undergraduate programs and degrees, including interdisciplinary programs, in letters, sciences, and the arts as well as programs and degrees leading to professional specialization.
  2. To offer graduate education built clearly upon its undergraduate emphases and strengths with particular emphasis in the fields of business, education, communication, and human services.
  3. To engage in scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the associate and baccalaureate degree level, its graduate programs, and its select mission.
  4. To create and maintain a positive and inviting environment for multicultural students, students with disabilities, and nontraditional students, and provide support services and programs for them.
  5. To serve as a regional cultural and economic resource center through its service initiatives.
  6. To provide continuing education and outreach programs as integrated institutional activities.
  7. To provide a variety of co-curricular activities to enhance out-of-class learning opportunities.
  8. To encourage and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity in all University life and activities.

Fort Atkinson Resident Charged with Homicide and Arson of House; Defendant Alleges Grandmother Died by Mercy Killing

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

Fort Atkinson resident Elizabeth Durkee, 36, was charged in Jefferson County Circuit Court on June 15 with first-degree intentional homicide; strangulation and suffocation; arson of a building without the owner’s consent, and mutilating a corpse.

Crews were called to a house fire at 415 Foster Street in Fort on Friday, June 11 at 10:44 a.m. A 72-year-old woman, yet unnamed, but described as the grandmother of Elizabeth Durkee, was found deceased in the home. Investigators allege that Durkee told them that her grandmother was in ill health and “did not want to live anymore and wanted to be with her late husband.” They further allege that Durkee indicated that on June 7 the victim talked to the defendant about the defendant helping the victim end her life, and Durkee put duct tape on her nose and mouth. The body was apparently left to decompose until June 11, when Durkee allegedly set fire to the house. She and her two-year-old daughter were seen leaving the home minutes before the fire was discovered.

According to the criminal complaint, if convicted, Durkee faces sentences including life in prison and fines up to $100,000. She is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with a $1 million cash bond. Her preliminary hearing was set for August 6.

A report from WKOW-27 may be found here.

Articles on fortatkinsononline.com are at this link and this link.

Library and Family Equality Council offer virtual session on LGBTQ terminology

(Whitewater Public Library submission) Community members are invited to earn about LGBTQ terminology and discover new resources by tuning in to the Library’s YouTube channel for messages from the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center and the Family Equality Council on resources that can be accessed by Whitewater community members. The event will be available for all, with no registration required, on Thursday, June 17 at 3 p.m. via the YouTube channel, and will also be archived for later viewing on the channel.

Liesl Schultz Hying is a Hometown Hero

(Whitewater Unites Lives submission) Liesl Schultz Hying is a WUL Hometown Hero for creating and nurturing the Lincoln School Growing and Learning Garden, giving more than 1,000 Lincoln Elementary students many positive memories of planting seeds, tending the garden, discovering insects and birds, and, most importantly, enjoying the harvest.

Liesl Schultz Hying is a Hometown Hero

The nomination includes that the garden has been growing strong for the past seven years due to Ms. Liesl, and “Recess is a favorite time to nibble on chives or kale, play tic-tac-toe on the tree stump furniture and use the garden area to explore with friends. Ms. Liesl has also connected the garden to the Whitewater community by coordinating the Summer Garden Gatherings on Monday evenings. Families have the opportunity to build community around the garden and enjoy the harvest.”

What do Lincoln students say about Ms. Liesl?

● We love our garden and you are amazing to all of us!

● Thank you for teaching us about plants and letting us plant some and eat them, too!

● Thank you for letting us plant all the stuff.

● I still remember the name of the butterfly we caught. It was Emma.

● You inspired me to make my own garden. I’m growing carrots, tomatoes and flowers.

● I remember when we planted flowers for Mother’s Day.

● Thank you so, so much.

● My favorite time planting was when we made those tiny cups and put soil and seeds in them.

● Thank you for taking care of the garden.

● The garden shows the school the pretty place (that) it is.

● It is a good place to relax.

● I love the tall sunflowers.

● If it wasn’t for you we probably wouldn’t have a garden.

● Thank you for inspiring me to have a garden and eat more nutritional snacks.

● You inspired me to try new foods in the garden.

● You are a wonderful person.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Kwik Trip Store at Roundabout Scheduled to Open in December

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

Shari Meyer, Real Estate Administrative Coordinator at Kwik Trip’s headquarters in La Crosse, told the Banner that the first of the company’s Whitewater stores, to be located at the roundabout on Elkhorn Road, is scheduled to have its “soft opening” on December 9. Ribbon cutting/grand opening is planned for December 15. The second store, at Janesville Street and Highway 59, is expected to open in January, 2022. Meyer was unable to provide construction start dates, but expected it would be soon, since construction generally takes 3-6 months. Although there had been a local comment to the effect that Kwik Trip’s construction personnel are inhouse, Meyer indicated that general contractors are normally used, who in many cases have already had experience with their stores. She stated that the company is usually on target with their opening dates, except if there are extenuating circumstances such as raw material or labor shortages, which she acknowledged could be a factor this year.

Meyer described the planned models as “generation three stores,” which carry more take home food such as sandwiches and entrees than previous store models.

Gateway Virtual Workshops on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Gateway Technical College will hold a series of dynamic workshops, “Communicating Respectfully in a Diverse World,” providing attendees ways to have hard, meaningful and respectful dialogue about diversity, equity and inclusion.

  • Ouch, that Stereotype Hurts – Attendees will learn how to build confidence and skills to speak up and interrupt disrespectful comments. This workshop will be offered on the following three dates: Wed., June 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Mon., July 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; or Fri., Aug. 3, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • A Holistic Approach to Managing Self in the Midst of Societal Uncertainties – Wed., June 30, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This program will offer ways to discover the impact of societal uncertainties caused by incidents of racial tension and unrest.
  • Civil Dialogue: Facilitating Structured Conversations – Tues., July 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop will focus on how to handle structured conversations about sensitive topics through models and skill building. This model will prepare facilitators for holding meaningful conversations betwen those with opposing viewpoints.

All workshops are free, open to community members and will be held virtually via Zoom. To register, visit gtc.edu/diversity-workshops.

Source: Offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community and Government Relations at Gateway Technical College.

The image on the homepage, “Diversity quilt” by OregonDOT is licensed under CC BY 2.0

This Week’s City Meetings (Updated with WUSD Retirement Celebration)

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
In-person and virtual meeting
Agenda includes waiving alcohol prohibition on certain dates in Cravath Lakefront Park and other areas; approval of contract for southwest elevated water tank; authorization to contract for development of Starin Road master residential development plan; retention of law firm to represent city in lawsuit filed by Allef Partners LLC (Walmart) claiming city excessively assessed its property; authorizing sale of city owned property to Midwest WI LLC.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/95574203457?pwd=Q2NpYVVPVmprYXF6WDZOcFRpbTlLQT09
Passcode: 792094
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 1 888 475 4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 955 7420 3457
Passcode: 79209

WHITEWATER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT RETIREMENT CELEBRATION – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Whitewater School Board members will be attending the Whitewater Unified School District Retirement Celebration at Whitewater High School on June 16, 2021 beginning at 4:00 p.m. A quorum of the School Board may be present;
however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.
If you require special accommodations to fully participate, please notify the School Board Secretary by phone (262) 472-8702 or in writing at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time.

It’s Flag Day, Celebrating Adoption of Our Flag on June 14, 1777

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.[1] The Flag Resolution, passed on June 14, 1777, stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”[2][3]

The United States Army also celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date; Congress adopted “the American continental army” after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.[4][5]

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; on August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1, § 110[6] is the official statute on Flag Day; however, it is at the president’s discretion to officially proclaim the observance. On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale.[1] New York Statutes designate the second Sunday in June as Flag Day, a state holiday.[7]

Perhaps the oldest continuing Flag Day parade is in Fairfield, Washington.[8] Beginning in 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since, with the possible exception of 1918, and celebrated the “Centennial” parade in 2010, along with some other commemorative events. Appleton, Wisconsin, claims to be the oldest National Flag Day parade in the nation, held annually since 1950.[9]

Quincy, Massachusetts, has had an annual Flag Day parade since 1952 and claims it “is the longest-running parade of its kind” in the U.S.[10] The largest Flag Day parade had been held annually in Troy, New York until 2017, which based its parade on the Quincy parade and typically draws 50,000 spectators.[1][11][12] In addition, the Three Oaks, Michigan, Flag Day Parade is held annually on the weekend of Flag Day and is a three-day event and they claim to have the largest flag day parade in the nation as well as the oldest.[13] In Washington, D.C., Flag Day is celebrated heavily through the 7th and 8th Wards of the city. It is said that Clyde Thompson is the “Godfather of Flag Day”. It is tradition in these wards to slow-smoke various meats and vegetables.

Source: Wikipedia

The image on the home page, “Flag Day” by arbyreed, is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

“Virtual Mummies” offered by the Milwaukee Public Museum and the library on June 21

(Whitewater Public Library submission) “Virtual Mummies” will be presented by the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, June 21st at 3:30 p.m. Community members can register at whitewaterlibrary.org.

Guests are invited to explore the mysteries of mummies and learn how and why Ancient Egyptians mummified their dead. Participants will get a chance to help in the mummification process of a life-size model. This program is recommended for children 3rd grade and older.