By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As was previously announced on the Banner, the Common Council on May 1 appointed John William Nelson to serve as Municipal Judge on an interim basis as a result of the resignation of Judge Patrick Taylor effective June 1. At that meeting the two other candidates, Art Coleman and Jonathan McDonell, expressed possible interest in filing for the special election to be held on November 5 to fill on a “permanent” basis the unexpired term that will expire in May, 2027. However, with the filing deadline of June 3 having passed, City Clerk Heather Boehm told the Banner that only Nelson submitted nomination papers to appear on the ballot. Consequently only a write-in candidate would have the opportunity to compete with Nelson for the position.
Updated 6/3/24 @ 2:30 p.m. to address whether they will be offering food. Response from Albert’s: “We will occasionally have some small amounts of dog food, but our goal is to bridge the gap that our local food pantry can not provide. From time to time, the food pantry will get some things donated they can dispense, but for all intents and purposes, our local food pantry can only give pet food. We feel that things like new collars, shampoos, blankets, leashes, etc. are also equally important in a pet’s quality of life and the ability for families to help keep their pets in their homes when they are struggling financially. That will be our primary focus.”
Hope that helps! And thank you so much for sharing our story. We look forward to being able to help many people!
In honor of Clyde, a beloved dog whose journey touched the hearts of many, we are proud to announce the grand opening of Clyde’s Closet, a unique little free pet pantry dedicated to supporting pets and their devoted owners in our community. Clyde’s Closet will officially be available to the public on May 29, 2024, providing a wide range of essential pet supplies to those in need. Clyde’s Closet is located at N7285 Woodfield Lane, Whitewater, Wisconsin at the headquarters of Albert’s Dog Lounge Rescue.
Inspired by Clyde’s story, Clyde’s Closet aims to ensure that no pet or pet owner has to go without the necessary resources they need to thrive, and that no dog be surrendered to a rescue or shelter for lack of resources. Founded out of compassion and a deep understanding of the bond between humans and their animal companions, Clyde’s Closet goes beyond traditional food pantries by offering a variety of items that are often unavailable, but essential for the well-being of pets.
“At Clyde’s Closet, we believe that every pet deserves to be loved and cared for, regardless of their owner’s financial circumstances,” said Mandy Lewis, founder of Clyde’s Closet and Albert’s Dog Lounge Rescue. “Our mission is to provide a helping hand to those facing hardships, ensuring that both pets and their owners have access to the supplies they need to lead happy and healthy lives together.”
Clyde’s Closet will offer an array of items including diapers, shampoos, leashes, collars, dishes, dog waste bags, grooming supplies, and more. These items, generously donated by members of the community will be available free of charge to anyone in need.
The opening of Clyde’s Closet represents a beacon of hope and compassion in our community, reflecting the spirit of generosity and unity that defines us.
For more information about Clyde’s Closet, follow Clyde’s Closet on Facebook.
About Clyde’s Closet:
Clyde’s Closet is a little free pet pantry founded in honor of Clyde, a beloved dog whose journey inspired the creation of this initiative. Dedicated to supporting pets and their devoted owners in times of need, Clyde’s Closet offers a variety of essential pet supplies free of charge, ensuring that no pet or pet owner goes without the resources they need to thrive.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Albert’s Dog Lounge Rescue.
Milwaukee School of Engineering congratulates the following students:
Grace Alderman of Whitewater was named to the Spring Semester 2024 Dean’s List . Alderman is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Daniel Portwine of Whitewater was named to the Spring Semester 2024 Dean’s List . Portwine is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
MSOE encourages excellence in academic achievement and, as a result, publishes the Dean’s List and Honors List each fall and spring semester. Students taking undergraduate courses who have earned at least 12 credits in residence at MSOE, are in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher are on the Dean’s List.
Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,800 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton), who has represented the Walworth County portion of the City of Whitewater in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2022, announced on May 31 that she will not seek re-election. As the Banner indicated in an article posted on February 20 regarding the recent redistricting of the State Assembly and Senate, Schutt does not live in the new Assembly district #43, which will include the entire city. The filing deadline was June 1, and, assuming that they have submitted valid nomination papers, the candidates are expected to be Brienne Brown (D), Scott Johnson (R) and Dylan Kurtz (R). Johnson and Kurtz will face off in a primary on August 13. The general election will be held on November 5.
By the way, Sen. Steve Nass (R), who currently represents the city, does not live in our new district, but will continue to represent Whitewater until his term expires in 2026.
Rep. Schutt released the following statement:
“I have been honored and humbled by all of the support that I have received to run for reelection. And, although I know our campaign would have been successful, I have made the decision not to seek reelection this fall.
This was not an easy decision to make but one that was made with thoughtful consideration and conversations with my family, friends, and neighbors.
I want my constituents to know that I will continue to advocate for them and their needs. I know that I can, and will, still make a difference for our community in other ways. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve my hometown and our community, and I will be forever grateful to everyone that put their faith in me.”
Editor’s Note: The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.
Born in Darmstadt, Germany, Susanne Maroske and her husband Dirk were originally going to stay in Whitewater for three years and have now made Whitewater their home for 24 years.
“Coming to a small city was a big change,” she said. Darmstadt was a city of 160,000 people. But over the years, Susanne has grown to love Whitewater.
“I really like the neighborhood and the people who live here and the friends we have met. It has a lot to offer. I like living in a university town,” she said.
Susanne Maroske
In 2000, Dirk was transferred from Germany to Whitewater to work for Schenck Process, and Susanne, who did not have a work visa, was busy raising their two children, ages 2 years and 9 months. She enjoyed meeting people through playgroups and was able to send the children for a few hours to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Children’s Center, where the kids were able to learn English without an accent. She said that has really helped them as they pursue their education and work. The family continued to speak German at home, so they are all bi-lingual.
She recommends that all newcomers get involved in activities in the community so that they can meet people. She was very involved as a soccer mom and tennis mom with her children at school.
She says she “shops locally and thinks globally.” She supports local businesses as much as possible.
Becoming a United States citizen was a lengthy process, but Susanne is grateful and proud to be an American. “I am glad I have citizenship now. You have more rights and feel like a full member of society,” she said.
At the same time, she says she is privileged to have dual citizenship with Germany.
Tears in her eyes, she said, “The day we became United States citizens was very moving.” She said that people do not have to give up who they are to become a citizen. She said the judge was very welcoming.
She said one of the scariest moments in her life was when she received her citizenship certificate in the mail and then had to put it back in the mail to get a passport. She was really worried because she had to send the original and was not able to make copies.
Susanne earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre and her Bachelor of Science in Education in German from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and her Master of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion online from the Academy of Art in San Francisco in California. She worked for more than 17 years in the fashion industry and as a costumer, including work at the Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson and the Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee (see below for photographs of some of her work).
She taught at Mount Mary University and Albion College in Michigan before teaching German, Creative Sewing, and Housing and Interior Design at Fort Atkinson High School.
In addition to German and English, she speaks French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. She says she wishes that children could learn multiple languages at a younger age, when it would be easier for them to become more fluent.
Under cloudy skies and a steady, gentle rain, junior Traysen Thomason settled into the blocks for the final of the 100m dash one last time. Once the gun fired, Traysen lived up to the phrase “shot out of the blocks” as he easily had the best, and most explosive, start in the field. Traysen then began to put together his most complete race of the season over 100m. His drive phase was smooth and he battled as the finish line neared. His ability to stay loose through the finish line, rather than tightening up and forcing it, allowed him to be faster than Eli Kerner from Northland Pines as both athletes finished in 11.14, and the officials needed to go the 1000th of a second to break the tie. Traysen was faster, 11.134 to 11.139, and earned himself a spot on the podium for the first time in his career in 4th overall. Traysen finished his season as the fourth fastest 100m sprinter in school history with his season best time of 10.93 at the WIAA Sectional Meet. Traysen is the highest finisher in this event for the Whippets since Matt Gordy finished 3rd in 2006.
Boys’ 4 x 400m Relay: Jack Hefty, Nate Holden, Quincy Boudreau, Ethan Dugan
The rain had stopped moments before junior Jack Hefty stepped onto the track in an attempt to defend his state title from one year ago. After a physical start that saw Jack get tripped up, he regained his footing and settled into the back 1/3 of the race. Like an African lion hunting his prey, Jack methodically made moves throughout the race, first moving up from 11th after lap one to 6th place after two laps. Still eyeing his prey, and knowing it would take every ounce of his ability to earn another title, he moved up after three laps into 4th place. Moving onto the shoulder of Owen Clark of Lakeland and Cam Weiland of Lakeside Lutheran with 300m to go, the race was truly on. Cam was soon left behind, and it became a two-horse race at that point. With 120 to go, and the over 6,000 fans in attendance beginning to roar, Jack sprang into attack mode and went for the jugular. They were neck and neck down the homestretch before Jack was able to inch away and secure his second straight state title. To make the victory even sweeter, Jack ran a new lifetime best by over 3 seconds, lowering his school record from one year ago, down to 4:13.00. Across all divisions, Jack’s time was the fourth fastest and earned him All-State Honors in this event. The top six individuals in each event earn this honor.
Senior Ethan Dugan was ready to take on the 400m dash final one last time in his career. Having finished eighth last year, he was ready to make his first appearance on the podium and see how much he had in him as he tried to take down Addison Uddin from Osceola. As the second fastest seed in the final, Ethan was lined up with Addison to his (left) inside lane and would not see him due to the stagger, but rather Addison had the advantage to see him to his right, on the outside lane. As the race unfolded. Ethan got out quickly trying to distance himself from Addison. Ethan did just that and later said he felt Addison coming up on his left, and he continued to press on the accelerator. Ethan continued to fly down the backstretch and final curve before going into overdrive to put all he had left in the final 100 meters. Ethan charged across the finish line to secure a silver medal and ran a lifetime best, lowering his school record. Ethan’s time of 48.61 was the 5th fastest across all divisions, and like Jack, earned All-State recognition. Ethan is the highest Whippet finisher since Matt Ninneman was 2nd in 1999.
Ethan DuganQuincy BoudreauJack HeftyNate HoldenOn the Podium
The 4x400m relay was the final race of the day on the track, and the Whippets did not disappoint. Ethan Dugan started very well and made up the stagger on the field early on. He stormed down the front stretch splitting a 49.4 second relay leg as he handed off to teammate Quincy Boudreau with the lead. Quincy took the stick around the track uncontested as the team held the lead. Quincy ran a lifetime best of 51.6 as he handed off to Jack Hefty. Jack then took off around the first curve trying to run away from a storming Lakeside Lutheran athlete before battling down the front stretch to hand off the baton for the final time to Nate Holden with the relay in second place. Jack also ran a lifetime best, a 50.93 fully automatic timed split. Nate Holden ran with guts and determination and chased the Lakeside Lutheran athlete as he rounded the curve for the final time in a Whippet uniform. Nate was only passed by one runner as he, like Quincy and Jack, also ran a lifetime best in his leg of the race, a 51.29 second fully automatic split. The team secured the third position and a spot on the podium to cap off a terrific day. Their time of 3:23.52 was just .10 seconds off the school record, but the third best time in school history. This is the highest relay finish in the 4×400 since 2008 when the relay team of Aaron Holschbach, Sam Moffatt, Alex Adkinson, and Grant Bughman won the state title.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
Wisconsin author, Michael T. Sullivan, will be at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m. He will speak about his book, “The Congdon Brothers and Significant Others: Their Civil War Times” — a story about three brothers from Palmyra who enlisted in the Union Army and became combat soldiers in the Civil War.
Sullivan will be available for questions after his presentation and copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing. The presentation will be held in the library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The public is invited to attend this free event and no registration is required. For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.
Editor’s note: The following was provided by the author:
I’ve written the above titled book which is about three brothers from Palmyra who enlisted the Union army. The brothers’ bravery in defense of the Union is obvious. Just as importantly, it’s about the people who helped them after the war. I’ve written about two women in the family and their experiences on the home front. Finally, it’s about the beauty of this place, Southeastern WI, which is in stark contrast to the landscapes of the Shiloh battlefield. The 48-page book is supported by 167 footnotes. There’s a number of color pictures. The book advances a life affirming perspective from the horror of war.
The presentation includes enlarged health care, court and pension documents that are in the public domain. I also have pictures, (copies) of family members along with part of a handwritten letter, also enlarged, by one of the soldiers.
The book is now on sale at the iconic Jim and Judy’s grocery store in Palmyra, at the DNR gift shop operated by the Kettle Moraine Association in Eagle, at the Dust Bunny bookstore in Lake Geneva and at Espresso Love Coffee in Mukwonago. For individuals the book can be purchased for $10.00. If mailed the price is $12.67. For organizations the price is $12.00 without mailing.
There is no cost, except for your time, to attend the seminar and there is absolutely no need to buy the book at the presentation. The main purpose for the presentation is for interactive discussion.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Whitewater school district families in need will benefit from generous donations from the community. Donations have been accepted at the UCC Congregational Church for the Mind the Gap program for Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL). The goal of $13,000 has been exceeded, thanks to our generous community. Walmart gift cards are being purchased through the Scrip program at the First United Methodist Church and will be distributed twice this summer to families in need to purchase lunch food for their children. The goal of the program is to help families when school is not in session. The Whitewater Unified School District provides lunches during the summer school as well as the regular school year so the goal is to help families when school is not in session.
Thank you to all of the donors who made this possible! For more information please contact whitewateruniteslives@gmail.com.
City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m. Agenda includes Combination of Disability Right Committee and Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/761866341 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 761-866-341 United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Police & Fire Commission Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/709264645 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 709-264-645 United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes assessment process update, second reading of Ordinance allowing Board of Absentee Canvassers (Allowing Central Count for Absentee Ballots), Discussion and Possible Action regarding bids for mechanical dredging of Cravath & Trippe Lake Cattails, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Spring Splash Task Force. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85112050058?pwd=Ap6zAO3aekhYc5DclWWBSSqnm7QyhA.4vOxz75RGIe5615n Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 Webinar ID: 851 1205 0058 Passcode: 019249
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Commission – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. The agenda has not been published as of June 2.
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission –Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. The agenda has not been published as of June 2.
