News

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Residents of the City of Whitewater or Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) have an opportunity to have a positive impact on their community as candidates are being sought for four Common Council positions and two School Board positions.

The seven-member Common Council has four seats up for election in April with nomination papers due by January 5. Two of the WUSD seven seats are open with the same filing deadline. The process for submitting an interest is slightly different for each body. This article will concentrate on Common Council seats and a separate ‘WW Banner’ article will detail with WUSD seats.

Common Council representation is designed with one individual representing each of five different geographic areas that are elected by just residents of that individual area as well as two “at-large” council members that are elected by a citywide vote. In April voters will elect one of the two at-large members and council representatives for District 1, 3 and 5. Information on district boundaries is available from the City Clerk’s office at (262) 473-0102 or at msmith@whitewater-wi.gov . The City Clerk’s office can also explain the paperwork and circulation of signature requirements which are slightly different for the citywide at-large position than for the individual numbered district spots.

A name that will NOT be appearing on the ballot in April for the first time in 14 years is that of current at-large member Patrick Singer. Singer, a former Common Council President for 12 of his 14 years, indicated in November that the increasing demands of a growing young family have led him to decide to not seek reelection. To date only one potential candidate, Lisa Dawsey Smith, has taken out nomination paperwork for Singer’s at-large position.

Incumbents in Districts 1, 3 and 5 are reportedly running for reelection. District 1 incumbent Carol McCormick, District 3 incumbent Brienne Brown and District 5 incumbent Greg Majrkzak (pronounced my shock) have all reportedly filed or intend to file candidacy paperwork.

In District 5, Majrkzak, who was recently appointed to fill a vacancy will potentially have opposition from Neil Hicks who reportedly is circulating nomination papers as well.

Any resident interested in serving on the Common Council is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office well in advance of the January 5 deadline for submitting nomination papers. Council members are elected for two-year terms beginning in April. Evening meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of each month and Common Council members also serve on various city boards and commissions that meet less frequently. A stipend of $300 per month is provided to council members.

Banner note: The Banner is pleased to welcome Al Stanek as a new staff member. Al’s primary beat will be the Common Council. He joins our all-volunteer team of Lynn Binnie, Laura Masbruch, Lisa Dawsey Smith, and Marjorie Stoneman.

(UW-Whitewater submission) The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 2020-21 academic year:

Whitewater, WI — Ashley Afah, who is studying accounting, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Hannah Keziah Agustin, who is studying film studies and English, won the following scholarship(s): Bud and Avia Arndt Scholarship; Jack Heide Creative Writing Award; Kristine Grimsrud Memorial Scholarship; Ray Griffith Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Audrey Bouland, who is studying marketing, won the following scholarship(s): UW-Whitewater Institute for Sales Excellence

Whitewater, WI — Garrett Calebaugh, who is studying cccupational safety, won the following scholarship(s): PRIMA Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Kyle Casasola, who is studying criminology, won the following scholarship(s): Criminology Scholarship Fund – Malone

Whitewater, WI — Cassie Coenen, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Elyssah Cook, who is studying elementary education, won the following scholarship(s): Russell E. Gabrielson Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Montserrat Cuevas, who is studying international studies, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Caryana Dominguez, who is studying music and art, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Grace Ejnik, who is studying mathematics, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Acacia Fossum, who is studying environmental science, won the following scholarship(s): Geography/Geology/Environmental Science Department

Whitewater, WI — Taylor Hammerstad, who is studying elementary education, won the following scholarship(s): Walworth County Area Retired Educators Association

Whitewater, WI — Margaret Helbig, who is studying public policy and administration, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Gage Hergert, who is studying accounting, won the following scholarship(s): Accounting

Whitewater, WI — Kelsey Herold, who is studying general management, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars James R & Zoe E Connor

Whitewater, WI — Jonathan Heubner, who is studying school psychology, won the following scholarship(s): Barbara Ann Hersko Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Abigail Hummel, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship; Promise Endowment – Arts and Communication; Schuh Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Karrigan Hunt, who is studying psychology, won the following scholarship(s): Janesville Promise Fund

Whitewater, WI — Gaby Islas, who is studying general business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Tessa Jaskolski, who is studying art, won the following scholarship(s): Mark Palmer Gray Jr.; Robert W. Deaton; Spirit of Whitewater Energy Award

Whitewater, WI — Sarah Keller, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Jessica Kienbaum, who is studying physics and chemistry, won the following scholarship(s): AA Upham Science Scholarship; Dr. Ernella Hunziker; Metcalf Family Endowment; Physics Excellence Award

Whitewater, WI — Anthony Klahn, who is studying accounting, won the following scholarship(s): General Merit

Whitewater, WI — Halden Kreklow, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Grace A Prugger

Whitewater, WI — Natalie LaBreche, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R. & Zoe E. Connor; Raymond, Beulah & Marian James Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Benjamin Lamberty, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): R/M Burrows English Scholarship; The Dale N. Stettler Education Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Cassidy Laue, who is studying communication sciences and disorders, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; John Tincher Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Krystal Leon, who is studying psychology and Spanish, won the following scholarship(s): Gender & LGBTQ Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Jonathan Lotti, who is studying theatre, won the following scholarship(s): Raymond E & Zenobia R Light Memorial; Sally Marks Scholarship; Wynett Barnett Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Tyler Marinkovic, who is studying computer science, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Dylan McCool, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Bailey McDonald, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — LaDae’meona McDowell, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Promise Endowment – Letters and Sciences

Whitewater, WI — Raquel Ortiz, who is studying early childhood education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Kaitlyn Partoll, who is studying art, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Irene Krueger

Whitewater, WI — Cassidy Pinkowski, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Kyong Pyun, who is studying business education, won the following scholarship(s): Carl Behrend & Ada Nancy Stoda

Whitewater, WI — Cristian Reyes, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Melanie Reyes, who is studying social work, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Cody Rupke, who is studying computer science, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Alexsia Saldaris, who is studying business education, won the following scholarship(s): Carl Behrend & Ada Nancy Stoda; Marie Benson Memorial

Whitewater, WI — Emmanuel Sama, who is studying biology and pre-professional, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Kachel Family Science

Whitewater, WI — Lukas Schreiber, who is studying finance and political science, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Jane Shallcross, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Corinne E. Forster Endowment; Transfer Excellence Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Casey Skindingsrude, who is studying integrated science and business, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R. & Zoe E. Connor

Whitewater, WI — Lindsi Starrett, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship; McMonagle Studio Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Davin Stavroplos, who is studying political science, won the following scholarship(s): WSG Education Payment

Whitewater, WI — Whitney Treder, who is studying general management, won the following scholarship(s): Albert Barty

Whitewater, WI — Heaven Washington, who is studying psychology and social work, won the following scholarship(s): Dorothy L. Brown Memorial Social Work; Promise Endowment – Letters and Sciences

Whitewater, WI — Cole Weber, who is studying geography, won the following scholarship(s): Geography Activities

Whitewater, WI — Mackenzie Wesoloski, who is studying biology and pre-professional, won the following scholarship(s): UW Credit Union

Whitewater, WI — Anna Yeazel, who is studying physical education, won the following scholarship(s): Vonderau/Clark Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Jonathan Zheng, who is studying biology, won the following scholarship(s): Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Brianna Zimdars, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; James R. & Zoe E. Connor; Whitewater Community Scholarship

“Our scholarship winners represent the very best in academic, co-curricular and service excellence across all of our colleges and departments,” said Greg Rutzen, president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. “We’re grateful to the many people and organizations – past and present – who have generously donated funds to make these awards a reality. Some of these scholarships were endowed more than 80 years ago, leaving a lasting legacy that has contributed to the success of generations of Warhawks.”

The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded nearly $2.2 million in scholarships to students. The application period for next year’s scholarships is now open. More information can be found at uww.edu/scholarships.

(Whitewater Historical Society submission) In November 1946, the Whitewater Register featured a promotion following the Uglow family of Heart Prairie on their “Saturday Shopping Tour of Stores in the Business District.” Let’s check out some of the stores that Ellis and Dorothy, along with their children, Charlotte, Thane, and Bonnie, visited on their trip into town!

Pictured here is Anne Marhank and Marie Callahan showing Dorothy, Charlotte, and Bonnie the latest trends in sweaters and handbags at The Smart Shop. Anne and Marie opened the women’s clothing store in February 1946. The store was later owned by Lucille Heagney and her husband, Walter, for sixteen years between 1950-1966. In 1966, the Heagneys sold the business to Mona Reese and Shelby Reese, who managed the Main Street store until its closing in December 1968. Join us next week for more from the Uglow family’s downtown shopping trip and the Whitewater Historical Society collections!

(WAFC press release) The WAFC along the Friends of the WAFC group and the Whitewater Optimist Club will be hosting a drive thru Santa and Friends event on Saturday December 5^th from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.  Folks will drive through our parking lot to see festive lights/displays with Holiday characters and receive a Holiday goodie bag at the end. Participants are encouraged to bring along a nonperishable food donation. We will be donating all of the collected food items to the local food pantry.

(From the Whitewater Fire Dept. Facebook page)

At approximately 2:10 p.m. on Dec 3rd, the Whitewater Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a subject stuck in the mud, by the boat launch on Trippe Lake. Upon arrival, crews found an elderly female person trapped in the mud along the waterline, up to her waist. The individual became trapped while assisting another family member. Crews requested assistance from the Whitewater Department of Public Works for plywood and additional shovels. The Whitewater Police Department was on scene and secured the person with a rope. Crews worked for approximately 50 minutes to free the victim from mud and sediment. The female was transported to an area hospital suffering from exposure to the cold. We would like to remind people to please use caution during the lake draw down. Exposed areas may be soft and pose risks to individuals.We would also like to thank the Whitewater Police Department and Whitewater DPW workers for their assistance in this rescue.

(UW-Whitewater submission) Pat Slane, who earned a BSE in physics education with a second major in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1977, was recently named director of the Chandra X-ray Center, which controls science and flight operations for NASA’s flagship X-ray telescope, housed at the Smithsonian’s Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Chandra X-ray Observatory is one of the remaining NASA “Great Observatories,” along with the Hubble Space Telescope. The satellite was launched into space on the Space Shuttle Columbia on July 23, 1999, at a cost of $1.65 billion. The telescope is specially designed to detect X-ray emission from very hot regions of the universe; because X-rays are absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere, Chandra must orbit above it, up to an altitude of 86,500 miles in space. At Chandra, Slane oversees the staff who operate the satellite, process the data and distribute it to scientists around the world for analysis.

Slane has been involved with Chandra since before its launch, including leading the mission planning team, and served as assistant director for science since 2015. His research interests include the study of supernova remnants, young neutron stars and pulsar wind nebulae.

“I have been working in high-energy astrophysics, and specifically X-ray astronomy, for much of my professional career,” said Slane. “It is an honor to be taking over as director of Chandra, which is one of the crown jewels of NASA and all of astrophysics.”

Slane’s path to becoming a director of a key NASA observatory included studying education as an undergraduate, several years teaching in a high school, a graduate degree in mathematics from UW-Milwaukee and a Ph.D. in physics from UW-Madison.

“If you look at it, I was on a very linear path,” said Slane, who was born in Milwaukee and grew up in New Berlin. “Once I made the decision to go to UW-Whitewater to be a high school math teacher — which I made before I got there — that’s what I did. I didn’t know at any step of the way, honestly, what was to come five years down the road. It wasn’t a discrete plan from beginning to end; at each step of the way it was ‘OK, this is what I am going to do now.’”

As a student at UW-Whitewater, Slane found unexpected opportunities.

“For reasons that remain mysterious to this day, the physics faculty recognized potential in this young, quiet, long-haired kid and embraced me as part of the department,” said Slane. “Hugo Tscharnack offered serious advice. Elmer Redford arranged a job as a tutor in the campus tutorial center, where I got my first real experience teaching. Ron Bergsten picked me out of the class of students to do independent research, leading to my first publication. These are debts that I’ve spent a career to repay.”

Professor Emeritus Ron Bergsten remembers working with Slane as a young student.

“At the time that I first met Pat, I had for many years been considering the possibility of conducting the research for a paper on Fourier Transform Spectroscopy,” said Bergsten. “But I felt that the project could serve as an independent study project for a worthy student, and thus waited for such a student to enroll in the physics program at UW-Whitewater. Upon meeting Pat, I was impressed with his interest in and enthusiasm for the project, so I invited him to collaborate. He willingly and proficiently executed the project, which resulted in the writing and publication of “Fourier-transform spectroscopy with inexpensive interferometers” in the American Journal of Physics in December 1978.”

Slane started out teaching after college, before going on to graduate school, describing it as “where I learned the depths of responsibility, effort, and knowledge required to do an honest job of educating students — and just how rewarding that endeavor can be.”

Along the way, he kept his ties to UW-Whitewater.

“Pat has been a very active alumnus, particularly when he was serving on the College of Letters and Sciences Dean’s Council and Science Alliance,” said Robert Benjamin, professor of physics. “He has done many seminars for our students over the years, and the students are always interested.”

Slane has also served as an alumni mentor, including to one of Benjamin’s students, Heidi Watry.

“The alumni mentor program was for upper-level undergraduates to be paired with alumni,” said Watry. “I was studying a ‘space math’ emphasis, which was a way to apply science to math, to use math outside of the teaching realm. I was paired with Pat Slane, an astrophysicist.”

Benjamin and Slane conceived a plan for Watry to go to Chandra X-ray Observatory and work with both X-ray data and the Spitzer infrared data she had already been studying.

“It merged my existing research project experience with Dr. Benjamin with my mentorship with Pat,” she said. “That summer, I toured Chandra’s facilities, worked under Pat, and compared data sets. I got to experience what it would be like to be a researcher under Pat’s tutelage as well as learn about the other jobs at a telescope center. I ended my UW-Whitewater experience knowing that I had a real interest in astronomy, though telescope jobs are rare to come by, so after graduation I got a job at Epic.”

Watry, who graduated in 2005, soon got the opportunity to pursue that telescope job.

“Nine months into my job at Epic, Pat said, ‘By the way, I have a job opening for a data specialist.’ I applied, moved to Boston and went to work at Chandra in 2007. I worked there 4.5 years, working on Pat’s team with five other data specialists, planning out the schedule for what the telescope could observe.”

“Nearly 10 years after leaving my job at Chandra, I can still feel the excitement of working for the Chandra planning team, due the experience of working for Pat,” Watry said. “Pat meets you where you are and always has time. He pulls up the white board, pulls out the graph paper. He always left room in our job responsibilities and time in the workday to explore and find out what we are going to be passionate about. I was into scheduling optimization. Pat gave me the room to come to that niche.”

Reflecting on his continuing work as a mentor, Slane said, “Part of it is a payback thing. Part of it is that something special happened at Whitewater, something that made a difference that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”

Ever the educator, Slane continues to relish opportunities to teach.

“One of the things I enjoy about coming back to campus is that I’m back to being that kid. I like engaging with students from anywhere. They ask questions that set me back into thinking, ‘That’s right, not everyone knows this. Oh yeah — this is an exciting thing to talk about!’ It gives you a new appreciation for what you are doing, to be able to explain it to others.”

Slane will talk about some of those exciting things in a virtual public lecture, “All About NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory (Whitewater Observatory Lecture),” including how the Chandra X-ray Observatory operates, some of the things that this telescope has discovered in its 20+ year mission, and some of his own personal observations about using and managing this flagship X-ray telescope. The lecture, which is free, takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.

(UWW/Community Optimist submission) For 26 years, UWW/Community Optimist Club has been hosting the annual Mitten Tree collection during the holiday season for the kids in our community!

As everyone is painfully aware, the COVID 19 virus pandemic has caused the Optimist Club to rethink this year’s collection procedures. First Citizens State Bank, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) and First English Lutheran Church will be collection places this year but in a much more limited fashion. First Citizens State Bank will be taking collections from their employees and First English Lutheran Church will only collect from their church members indirectly. The Whitewater branch of Fort Community Credit Union’s lobby is open, and they will serve as a collection site for the public. Donations will be accepted now through Friday, December 18th by 4 p.m.

The main needs are mittens, hats, and scarves. In addition, underwear and socks are encouraged as they are used for emergency items for the area children throughout the year.  Gift cards are also valuable and will help local agencies to purchase items as needed.

There is a large need for smaller sizes since there are more than 300 children under age 5 in the Whitewater Unified School District.

Many thanks to all three collection sites for continuing to sponsor this worthwhile program.