News

Whitewater 4th of July Committee Update: No Carnival After All, but Fireworks Still On

By the Whitewater 4th of July Committee

It is with sadness that we must announce to the Whitewater community that our carnival owner will be unable to come this year due to financial reasons. As the Christman family has been part of our festival family for more than 15 years, we will sincerely miss their presence on this holiday. 2020 has been a year unlike anything that most of us have seen, and we appreciate their need to preserve their financial stability in making this hard decision. We look forward to their return in 2021. 


Fireworks will still continue at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th and will be visible in the Cravath Lakefront Park as well as the grassy hill commonly known as “killer hill.” We would ask that all community members choosing to enjoy the fireworks still follow social distancing guidelines in remaining six feet away from individuals not a part of their household and strongly advise that all attendees of the show wear a face cover.

U.S. Small Business Administration Reopens Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) & EIDL Advance Programs – Agricultural Businesses Included

Derek D’Auria, Executive Director of the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, recently published information regarding another round of COVID-19 economic disaster relief: “If you didn’t apply the first time around, you may want to do so now. There is up to $10,000 advance that can be forgivable, $1000 per employee.” It covers small businesses, agricultural businesses, and non-profit organizations and the interest rate is 2.75%.

To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.

“The SBA is strongly committed to working around the clock, providing dedicated emergency assistance to the small businesses and non-profits that are facing economic disruption due to the COVID-19 impact.  With the reopening of the EIDL assistance and EIDL Advance application portal to all new applicants, additional small businesses and non-profits will be able to receive these long-term, low interest loans and emergency grants – reducing the economic impacts for their businesses, employees and communities they support,” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.  “Since EIDL assistance due to the pandemic first became available to small businesses located in every state and territory, SBA has worked to provide the greatest amount of emergency economic relief possible.  To meet the unprecedented need, the SBA has made numerous improvements to the application and loan closing process, including deploying new technology and automated tools.”

Contact information:
Derek D’Auria
Executive Director
Walworth County Economic Development Alliance
262-741-8134– Office 
derek@walworthbusiness.com | www.walworthbusiness.com

UW-W Athletics Reveals 2020 Hall of Fame Class

By Chris Lindeke
Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
lindekec@uww.edu


The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 56th Hall of Fame Class.

Former student-athletes Brenda Brooks ’01, Abbie Mueller Fuller ’07, Heather Wendt Ghilani ’02 MSE ’09, Riley Kehoe ’04, Stacey Hornickel-Kincaid, Jim Leszczynski ’05, Greg Reinhard ’08 and Kevin Tomasiewicz ’05 will be inducted. Former athletic director Dr. Paul Plinske will be inducted under the category of staff/coach, and longtime Warhawk supporter Dr. Richard P. Haven will be inducted for his distinguished service to the institution.

The 1985 women’s golf team, which claimed the second national championship in the school’s history, will be inducted under the team category. It is the second team ever inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletics Hall of Fame.

All 10 individuals and the 1985 women’s golf team will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-River Falls on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., and be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame banquet, which begins following the contest at 5:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room.

More information on the Hall of Fame Banquet will be announced in the coming weeks.

Brenda Brooks competed for the UW-Whitewater softball team from 1998-2001 and the women’s basketball team from 1997-2001. In softball, the Manitowoc native was a three-time first team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection who helped the Warhawks claim three trips to the NCAA Tournament (1998, 1999, 2000) and sweep the WIAC regular season and tournament championships in 1999. The second baseman was a two-time team Defensive Player of the Year and who served as a captain in 2001. On the basketball court, Brooks was named honorable mention All-WIAC as a senior in 2000-01. One of the most prolific shooters in program history, she holds the program record for 3-pointers made in one game (8) and held the record for career 3-pointers made (202) until 2016. Brooks graduated with a bachelor’s in marketing in 2001.

Abbie Mueller Fuller was a member of the UW-Whitewater volleyball program from 2002-05. She was a part of the team’s 2002 and 2005 national championships as well as four NCAA Tournament appearances, three WIAC regular season championships (2002, 2004, 2005) and one conference tournament title (2002). As a senior in 2005, the setter set a program record for assists in one season (1,723) on her way to WIAC Player of the Year, All-Region, second team All-America and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player accolades. For her career, Fuller ranks among the top 20 in program history in service aces (205), assists (3,238), digs (1,383) and blocks (296). A graduate of West Bend East High School, Fuller graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in social work.

Heather Wendt Ghilani was a four-time all-conference selection, including a three-time first team honoree, for the UW-Whitewater softball team from 1999-2002. The pitcher helped the Warhawks reach the NCAA Tournament in 1999 and 2000 and sweep the WIAC regular season and tournament championships in 1999. She ranks among the top five in program history in career complete games (65), career strikeouts (421), career wins (61), career innings pitched (523 2/3), career saves (4) and career earned run average, minimum 300 innings (1.38). Ghilani’s name is also littered throughout the team’s game and season records. As a sophomore in 2000, when she was tabbed second team All-Region, Ghilani tossed a no-hitter in an 8-0 win over Beloit. The Hampshire, Ill., native earned her bachelor’s in physical education in 2002 and her master’s in professional development from UW-Whitewater in 2009.

Riley Kehoe was a standout distance runner for the UW-Whitewater men’s cross country and track and field programs between 1999-2004. He was a part of three NCAA Championship qualifying cross country teams, which placed fifth in 1999, sixth in 2000 and 17th in 2003. In his final season, Kehoe garnered All-Region accolades after running a career-best 25:41 at the 2003 NCAA Midwest Regional. On the track, he was a three-time All-American, including in the 5,000-meter run and the distance medley relay as a senior in 2004. Kehoe recorded six All-WIAC finishes, including first place in the 3,000-meter run and the distance medley relay at the 2004 WIAC Indoor Championships. He holds the indoor school record in the 1,500-meter run (3:54.59) and ranks among the program’s top five all time in the outdoor 1,500 (3:52.18), the indoor mile (4:13.36), the 3,000 (8:25.69) and the 5,000 (14:33.44). A Milwaukee native and graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Kehoe graduated with a degree in management computer systems in 2004.

Stacey Hornickel-Kincaid earned 10 All-WIAC medals and was an All-American in the triple jump during her career with the UW-Whitewater women’s track and field team from 1997-2000. The Whitewater native helped the Warhawks placed sixth at the 1999 NCAA Outdoor Championships with a third-place finish in the triple jump, and qualified four other times for the national meet in the event. In 1999, Hornickel-Kincaid was also part of the team’s WIAC championship distance medley (indoor) and sprint medley (outdoor) relays. She currently holds school records in the 200-meter hurdles (30.26), distance medley relay (12:03.81) and sprint medley relay (4:07.46 – also a WIAC record). Hornickel-Kincaid graduated from UW-Stout in 2001 with a bachelor’s in retail merchandising and management and a minor in business administration.

Jim Leszczynski was a wide receiver for the 2005 national runner-up and WIAC championship team during his four-year career with the UW-Whitewater football team from 2002-05. A captain of the 2005 team, the first in program history to reach the Stagg Bowl, Leszczynski earned honorable mention All-America honors from Football Gazette and second team All-Region accolades during that season. The Franklin native was a three-time All-WIAC selection, including a first team nod in 2005 after posting 80 receptions for 1,217 yards and 12 touchdowns. Leszczynski ranks among the top five in the program record book in career receptions (162), receiving yards (2,547) and receiving touchdowns (25). He graduated with a bachelor’s in finance in 2005.

Greg Reinhard was a part of three WIAC regular season championships, two conference tournament titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances, two trips to the Division III World Series and the baseball program’s first-ever national championship (2005) during his career from 2003-05. In 2005, he was named National Pitcher of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association, first team All-America and WIAC Pitcher of the Year after tallying a 12-0 record in 103 2/3 innings with three shutouts and 146 strikeouts, the most in one season in program history and a number that includes a program-record 19 strikeouts in one game. A two-time first team All-WIAC and All-Region pitcher, Reinhard ranks among the program’s all-time top 10 in career shutouts (4), walks allowed per nine innings (1.52), strikeouts (223), win-loss record (24-2), innings pitched (218), hits allowed per nine innings (6.93) and earned run average (2.72). Reinhard was taken in the sixth round by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2005 MLB First-Year Player Draft and played six years professionally, reaching the Triple-A level on two different occasions. In 2012, the Marinette native was selected to the WIAC’s All-Time Baseball Team as part of the league’s Centennial Celebration. Reinhard earned his degree in history from UW-Whitewater in 2008.

Kevin Tomasiewicz was a two-time All-American pitcher for the UW-Whitewater baseball team during his four-year career from 2002-05. He was a part of three WIAC regular season championships, two conference tournament titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances, two trips to the Division III World Series and the program’s first-ever national championship (2005). Tomasiewicz was a first team All-Region and All-WIAC selection in both 2003 and 2005, when he pitched a program-record 108 innings with a 15-1 record, the most wins on one season in program history. He finished his career among the top five in school history in win-loss record (35-5), innings pitched (253 1/3), shutouts (3) and strikeouts (232), and among the top 10 in earned run average (3.09). Tomasiewicz was taken the 26th round of the 2005 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the New York Mets and enjoyed a four-year professional career. He was named to the WIAC’s All-Time Baseball Team in 2012 as part of the conference’s Centennial Celebration. A native of Sleepy Hollow, Ill., Tomasiewicz graduated with a degree in marketing in 2005.

Dr. Paul Plinske served as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UW-Whitewater from 2004-13. During his tenure, the Warhawks claimed nine national championships and finished among the top 15 in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings in six straight years, including fourth place in 2012-13. UW-Whitewater also won the WIAC All-Sports Award four times in his last six years, and in 2012-13, became the first school in league history to sweep the combined, men’s and women’s All-Sports Awards. Plinske also championed the Warhawks’ work in the classroom and the community, as UW-W teams earned the WIAC All-Academic Award for nine straight years and were highly involved in numerous community service projects in the Whitewater area and the state, including Make A Difference Day, Reading With The Warhawks and the Special Olympics. Plinske raised more than $12 million for facility upgrades, which included renovations to Fiskum Field and Foster Track, installation of FieldTurf, new video board and lighting at Perkins Stadium, synthetic turf and lighting at Miller Stadium, improvements to van Steenderen Softball Complex and new video board installation in Kachel Gymnasium. His fundraising efforts also increased the department’s operating funds and opportunities for women through additional staff positions. Plinske served a three-year term as Chair of the NCAA Gymnastics Committee and was Chairman of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties during his UW-W career.

Dr. Richard P. Haven was a Professor of Communication at UW-Whitewater from 1972-2011, when he also held positions of Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Communication (2007-10), Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Communication (1998-2007), Chair of the Communication Department (1993-98), Assistant to the Chancellor (1991-93) and Chancellor’s Speechwriter (1991-2007). He has been a supporter of UW-Whitewater Intercollegiate Athletics for many years. He has served as the men’s and women’s basketball shot-clock operator since the late 1990s and the football play-clock operator since 2002. Dr. Haven also served as public address announcer in numerous sports, working in that capacity at the 2004 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship held at Kachel Fieldhouse and the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championships hosted by UW-Whitewater in 2007 and 2013. In 2014, Dr. Haven served as the color commentator on the WKCH radio broadcasts during the baseball team’s national championship run. He has also provided coaches with academic assistance in recruiting and provided academic advising for student-athletes in the College of Arts and Communication. In addition to these activities, in 2003, Dr. Haven negotiated the Charter Communication contract that enabled UWW-TV to broadcast athletic events live throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and parts of Northern Illinois. Dr. Haven served as the emcee of the Athletics Hall of Fame banquet for 14 years and hosted the radio program “Inside the University” during half-time of football and men’s and women’s basketball games for five years.  He also hosted half-time radio interviews at five of the football team’s Stagg Bowl appearances. Finally, Dr. Haven has been a regular financial contributor to intercollegiate athletics through golf outings, annual team contributions and on-going donations to the overall intercollegiate athletic program.

The 1985 women’s golf team claimed the first women’s national championship in school history. UW-Whitewater, coached by Chris Voeller, won the Division III section of the National Golf Coaches Association Division II-III Championship in Tallahassee, Fla., on April 15-17, 1985. The top 10 Division II and III teams in the NCAA’s computer formula qualified for the tournament, sponsored by the National Golf Coaches Association. UW-W’s win at the NGCA capped a three-year streak of defeating every Division III team it faced. Beth St. Thomas, a junior, was the Division III medalist with rounds of 77-77-86. UW-W’s Mary Benkert, as the top rated Division III player in the NCAA’s formula, was named an alternate for the NCAA Championship, an open meet primarily featuring participants from Division I teams.

UW-Green Bay Announces Spring Semester Honors


GREEN BAY, Wis. (June 15, 2020) – The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has made public the names of undergraduate students receiving semester honors for the spring 2020 semester. Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average, which represents all “A” grades, receive highest honors. High honors go to students earning 3.99 to 3.75 grade point averages. Honors are given to students earning 3.74 to 3.50 grade point averages. Students are listed by the county claimed as place of permanent residence. All were full-time students in the spring term, earning 12 or more credits of graded coursework. This list includes students attending all four UW-Green Bay campuses (Green Bay, Marinette, Manitowoc, Sheboygan).


Whitewater (County shown)
 Stephanie Farrey, Semester Highest Honors, Rock
 Alayna Mikulski, Semester Honors, Walworth
 David Nehlsen, Semester Highest Honors, Jefferson

Michael Rule, age 61, of Whitewater was both a man of nature and force of nature, who lost his battle with ALS on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Michael Rule, age 61, of Whitewater, WI was both a man of nature and force of nature, who lost his battle with ALS on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Mike was born on March 15, 1959 to Donald and Frances Rule in Chicago, IL. He was raised in Racine, WI and graduated from J.I. Case High School. Mike attended Winona State University and later earned his M.A. in Recreation Administration from Washington State University.

Mike’s passion in life was the outdoors, which garnered him the nickname “Mountain Mike.” He spent most of his career at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp in Mukwonago, WI where his gentle leadership influenced the lives of campers and staffers for decades. In the 70’s he was a counselor and Tripping Director, in the 80’s he was the Program Director and in the 90’s he became the Camp Director and Associate Director. He was also the Camp Director at Bluff Lake YMCA Camp in Big Bear, CA and YMCA Camp Benson in Mount Carroll, IL. Mike later returned to Phantom Lake as Executive Director and finished his career at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Mike had a kind and humble nature, a warm smile and a clever sense of humor. He was creative, playful, adventurous and had the gift of making everyone feel important. He loved sports, puns, filmmaking and telling a great campfire story. He loved Racine pizza and banana splits. He listened. He inspired all through his belief in them, his guidance, his loyalty, his example and his sense of wonder. His legacy is to remind us that one good person makes a genuine difference in every life they touch.

Mike shared his life and adventures with his loving wife of twenty-three years, Jenny (Brightbill) Rule. He was a passionate and dedicated father to their two sons Luke (18) and Josh (16). They spent many sojourns together hiking, biking, camping, kayaking and canoeing. Mike also coached and supported the boys through a variety of sports and was the self-appointed, wildly enthusiastic, statistician for their soccer teams.

Mike is also survived by his siblings Joe (Rhonda) of Phoenix, AZ and Dona of Chandler, AZ, beloved nieces and nephews and other treasured relatives. His love for them was steadfast and true. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Bill and Scott.

Mike will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI in a small family ceremony. A celebration of Mike’s life will take place at a later, safer date. Please see www.olsen-gibson.com for updated memorial information.

With deep appreciation, the family thanks the staff of Agrace Hospice and the ALS Association of Wisconsin for their kindness, compassion and unyielding support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you go paddle a canoe, jump in a lake or find any other way to enjoy nature. If you absolutely must find a way to donate in Mike’s name, Jenny has created the Mountain Mike Memorial Fund. Donations will be used to put Aldo Leopold benches in beautiful places, fulfill camp wish lists and send kids to camp.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/mountain-mike-memorial-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

U.S. Humane Society’s State Director on Whitewater’s First-in-the-state ban on dog, cat & rabbit sales in pet shops: “We are extremely proud of Whitewater”

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner.com

On June 2, 2020, Whitewater became the first municipality in the state of Wisconsin to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores. Similar laws are on the books in many states and municipalities around the nation. Council member Brienne Brown, who initially introduced an ordinance that would only prohibit the sales of cats and dogs, indicated that the prohibition was supported by Me & My Pets, Albert’s Dog Lounge, Community Cat, Touched by a Paw, and the Jefferson County Humane Society. Currently there are no pet stores selling those animals in the city, but Ms. Brown felt that it was appropriate to be proactive on this issue. Local citizens and representatives of several organizations spoke in favor of the ordinance, with no one speaking against.

It was indicated that most of the dogs and cats that are sold in pet stores come from “puppy mills” and “kitten mills,” where the animals are held in confined conditions with little socialization. Oftentimes purchasers buy on impulse, even on credit at a high interest rate, and end up with an animal that is unhealthy and requires large expenditures in vet care, and behavior issues are also frequent. In the course of discussion, it was proposed to add rabbits to the prohibition, as the State Director of the U.S. Humane Society, Megan Nicholson, indicated that especially at Easter time, parents buy rabbits for their children, not recognizing that a rabbit can live for ten years. Ultimately many of the rabbits are surrendered to shelters.

Per the online news site, OnFocus, Megan Nicholson, State Director for the U.S. Humane Society, stated, “We are extremely proud of Whitewater. Residents, local businesses and area rescues and shelters came together to proactively protect their community from puppy-selling pet stores and their predatory lending practices. Pet stores that sell puppies often source them for puppy mills. The good citizens of Whitewater have made it clear that they do not support the cruel puppy mill industry and we hope that more localities follow their lead.” For the article, click here.

Whitewater Students Named to Marquette University Spring Dean’s List

MILWAUKEE Wis. (June 15, 2020) – The following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

To make the Dean’s List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the spring 2020 semester and have no disqualifying graces. The GPA threshold varies by college – for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean’s List.

The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administration, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum.

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws its more than 11,500 students from all 50 states and more than 84 different countries. Marquette is ranked in the top 10 nationally for job placement.

In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu.

Emily Marquardt, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Allison Sedmak, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Ursula Puerling (nee Butzin) of Whitewater, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away on June 8, 2020 at Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care Center in Janesville after a two year battle with cancer

Ursula Puerling (nee Butzin) formerly of Milwaukee, passed away on June 8, 2020, at Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care Center in Janesville after a two year battle with cancer. She was born on January 6, 1946, in Germany.

Ursula is survived by her mother, Lillian Marckx of Summit Lake, WI; sister, Beverly (Mark) Mangerson of Rhinelander; brother, Thomas (Juanita) Butzin of Horicon; son, Terry Galecki of Milwaukee; grandson, Tyler; close friend, Mary Leichtfuss of Muskego; and her very closest friend, her cat, Callie, who was with her until the end.

A private family service will be held at a later date. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Robert “Bob” Kingsley Miles, 72, of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family

Robert “Bob” Kingsley Miles, 72, of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on January 22, 1948 in Elkhorn to Theodore “Tony” and Hazel (Channing) Miles. On December 16, 1967, Bob married the love of his life, Kay Sarow, and together they had two boys. Bob was a career truck driver, working for Tim Hoffmann and Jeff Stettner, and retired after 52 years of driving.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching kids and grandkids in sporting events. Above all else, he loved his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kay Miles; sons, Jeffrey (Inger) Miles, Brian (Amy) Miles; grandchildren, Ethan Miles, Garrett Miles, Zachary Miles, Taylor Castillo, Jake Willey, Haylee Miles, Bennett Miles, Morgan Miles, Madison Miles; siblings, James “Jesse” (Caroline) Miles of Elkhorn, Jean Loback of Delavan, and Frank (Ginny) Miles of Bonifay, FL.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Hazel Miles; Joseph (Susan Green) Miles of Warrens, and Joyce Gleiter of Delavan.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com