Tune in to the library’s Facebook page, Monday, June 22nd at 10 a.m. for a new craft video. Register to reserve your craft kit on the library’s website. A staff member will call and schedule a curbside pick-up time for craft kits.
Banner note: since the announcement states, “craft video released,” we assume that it will also be available after the stated time.
WCF News Release – The Whitewater Community Foundation was approached by an
anonymous donor wishing to raise more funds for the COVID-19 Community Recovery
Fund. This fund supports non-profits and government agencies that have been affected
by COVID-19. The Foundation has already given a round of grants to non-profits in
Whitewater, but we know that more is needed. The anonymous donor is willing to match all donations to the COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund up to $5,000 for donations made between now and July 6th.
Please help the Foundation benefit from this match offer by donating today at
https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/donate/. Donations can also be mailed to the
Foundation at: Whitewater Community Foundation
PO Box 428
Whitewater, WI 53190
By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner Staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The City of Whitewater Common Council met virtually on June 16, with a number of citizens also participating.
City Manager Cameron Clapper announced that another free COVID-19 testing event will take place in Elkhorn on June 22 and 23. He also introduced Cathy Anderson, the new Economic Development Director for the Community Development Authority. Ms. Anderson comes to the position from Granite Falls, MN, where she served for over three years as Executive Director for the Granite Falls Economic Development Authority. Previous to that she served as Executive Assistant for the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance for over six years. The Discover Whitewater Series half marathon and 5K are still scheduled for September 20; however, there will be a cap of 150 runners on each race. The Fit Kid Shuffle, Half Marathon Relay, Pre-race Dinner, Whitewater Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, and other events will not be held this year. The race route is being changed somewhat, partially due to road construction.
The sale of $5,195,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds was authorized. Ehlers Inc. representative Greg Johnson reported that it had been a competitive sale, with six bidders. The low bid, which was accepted, was offered by Bankers Bank of Madison in cooperation with First Citizens State Bank. The true annual interest cost for the 20 year bonds will be 1.6699%, a very attractive rate that will result in $549,000 in savings in principal and interest compared with the pre-sale projections. The proceeds will pay for capital projects, particularly road and utilities reconstruction, and will also help to pay off two previous borrowings at lower interest rates.
The City Manager’s March 18, 2020 Declaration of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic was ratified, with an ending date of December 31, 2020 unless canceled or extended before that date. This declaration is intended to help qualify the city for any state and federal emergency funding that may be available.
The Wastewater Treatment Compliance Maintenance Annual Report to the state was adopted. Congratulations was expressed to Superintendent Tim Reel and his staff for another excellent report, with all grades of A except for one B.
The first reading of an ordinance repealing the R-2A Residential Increased Occupancy Overlay District was approved. This ordinance, enacted in 2016, has allowed property owners in a specific district generally to the south of the university to apply for increased occupancy designed to accommodate student renters. It was indicated that due to the declines in university enrollment in recent years there is no longer a need for increases in student housing. There was no public comment on the matter. City Attorney Wallace McDonell provided an opinion regarding the legal nonconforming use that would continue under specified conditions for properties that already received the R-2A zoning.
An agreement for professional services related to the lakes dredging project with Ayres Associates was approved. Council member Jim Allen requested that in view of current economic conditions, the State Department of Natural Resources be contacted to determine whether they would be willing to extend their approval of our project for one year.
This being the fifth virtual meeting for the Council, President Lynn Binnie requested a discussion regarding rationale for and effective use of virtual City meetings. A wide variety of opinions was expressed, with Jim Allen being the strongest proponent of resuming in person meetings for the next meeting on July 21. Other members expressed concerns regarding the potential for an increase in COVID-19 infections after the 4th of July holiday, and questioned whether it was too early to return to normal practice. All seemed to agree that when in-person meetings resume, everyone present in the room will be required to wear a mask, and that the capacity of the chambers would have to be limited. City Attorney McDonell indicated that the Council typically allows public comment on many matters that do not require this under state law. Mr. Binnie indicated that virtual meetings are actually more convenient for many members of the public, for e.g., seniors who do not drive at night or do not wish to risk exposure to the virus, parents with young children, people who may be interested in only one agenda item that is late in the meeting. Though not everyone is able to view/participate in the meetings online, virtually everyone has a telephone. A motion was made by Mr. Allen to begin “hybrid” meetings (a combination of in-person and virtual) effective July 21. The motion did not pass, with three votes in favor, three votes opposed, and Brienne Brown abstaining. The question was then asked as to how many members would currently expect to attend a meeting in person. Only Jim Allen answered in the affirmative, with other members referring to health concerns of their own and their families. Two other members indicated that they live with family members who are health care professionals who are at risk for being exposed, and they felt that it would be inappropriate for them to run the risk of exposing others in a meeting.
City Manager Clapper and Parks & Recreation Director Eric Boettcher reported on reopening plans for the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Their current plan was to open the fitness center and the lap pool effective July 6. There are a number of CDC requirements that must be followed, including frequent sanitation of surfaces. The locker rooms will not be open. Concerns regarding opening the leisure pool included safety of lifeguards who are frequently called upon to assist young children exiting from the slide, and a question as to how revenues would compare with expenses. It was reported that the summer is typically not a strong utilization period for the leisure area unless temperatures are unusually cool or hot. A motion to recommend to the Parks & Recreation Commission to open the fitness center and the lap pool effective July 1 was passed unanimously.
In view of recent national events and local protests, Lynn Binnie introduced a Resolution in Support of Racial Justice. The Banner will publish a separate article on this subject by June 20.
President Binnie jested that after more than three and a half hours it must be time to end the meeting, as his second cordless telephone was running out of charge. The meeting adjourned slightly after 10 p.m.
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.
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
The UCC Congregational Church has agreed to once again serve as the conduit for donations, which may be tax deductible. Checks may be made out to the church with WUL Lunch Fixings in the memo line, and may be dropped off on Saturday or mailed.
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.
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, 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.
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.