News

The Polar Plunge is just under 2 months away. We only have a few spots left for our chili cook off. It is FREE to enter, and you have a chance to win some great prizes. This year we will be indoors at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center.

We will have our tables set up in the large meeting/party room. If you are interested in participating please fill out the form above and send it back to Jennifer French by Friday, February 16^th. If you know of anyone else that may be interested please send them either my information or the information attached to this email. You can also sign up at https://whitewater.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=2.

Please let me know if you have any questions my phone number is 262-473-0535.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Jennifer French, Adult Program Coordinator for the city Parks & Recreation Department.

The City of Whitewater Police Department announced that on January 22 the Police and Fire Commission approved the promotion of Taylor Krahn to Patrol Lieutenant. According to the announcement, “In that role, Lt. Krahn will oversee one of our four patrol shifts. Taylor has served the Whitewater community as a sworn officer since 2020. He is a handgun and rifle instructor as well as a pistol-mounted optics instructor. Taylor also serves as a field training officer and as a member of the department’s Search Warrant Response team. Congratulations, Taylor!”

All reactions:

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Tests now encouraged for children ages 1 and 2, and those aged 3-5 who have not been previously tested

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends universal blood lead testing for children living in Wisconsin. Universal testing means all children should receive a blood lead test at ages 1 and 2 as well as any child between ages 3 and 5 who has not had a previous test. Children under 6 residing in the city of Milwaukee require additional testing per local health department guidelines.

Childhood lead poisoning remains a serious public health threat, despite significant progress in recent decades. Every year, thousands of children in Wisconsin are poisoned by exposure to lead in their environment. Lead, a toxic metal, can cause irreversible damage to a child’s developing brain, affecting their learning, behavior, and future potential. A simple blood test can detect lead exposure early, allowing parents and health care providers to take crucial steps to protect a child’s health. Depending on the child’s blood lead level, these crucial next steps could include:

• Finding and removing lead hazards from the child’s environment.
• Providing the child a diet high in iron and calcium.
• Connecting the child to early educational services.
• Scheduling follow-up blood lead testing.

“Early detection is key in preventing devastating consequences of lead poisoning,” said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. “A blood test is a quick procedure that can provide invaluable information about a child’s exposure to lead. With early intervention, we can minimize the long-term effects and ensure children reach their full potential.”

Why early detection matters:

• It’s not obvious: Lead poisoning often shows no obvious symptoms, making early detection through blood tests crucial.
• It can help minimize harm: Early identification of lead poisoning, through the testing of young children, allows for prompt action to eliminate sources of lead exposure and minimize harm.
• It can improve outcomes: With early action and support, children exposed to lead can achieve better developmental outcomes.

Early detection and intervention are critical in protecting children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. Parents and caregivers should talk with their child’s health care provider today and get a blood lead test scheduled. Visit CDC’s Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level page for additional information on follow-up and case management of children who have lead levels above the blood lead reference value.

Get more information about pediatric lead testing and reporting and the DHS universal blood lead testing recommendation on our website.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by bess.hamiti@gmail.com from Pixabay.

Update 1/24/24 @ 10:10 a.m. – The weather service has extended the dense fog advisory for our area to noon. Fog may limit visibility to one quarter mile or less at times.

According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, a Dense Fog Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Areas of dense fog will limit visibility to one quarter mile or less at times. Together with the dense fog, some light rain/drizzle is expected during the Wednesday morning commute. With temperatures hovering around freezing, there is the possibility of a glaze of ice once again on Wednesday morning.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Joe from Pixabay.

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

According to an article on wpr.org and various other news outlets, four people dressed in red and black created a disturbance on Sunday evening, January 21 near the Knilans residence hall. They bellowed racist remarks, including, “We are everywhere. There will be blood, blood, blood,” and a swastika was projected on a wall of the building. Students were in the process of returning to campus, with classes resuming on Monday after the winter break. Campus police responded at approximately 5:40 p.m. and did not find the people. It is believed that they are not UW-Whitewater students but rather may be part of a group that has caused similar disturbances on other campuses.

According to The Hill, “The incident follows a large increase in antisemitic activity on college campuses since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Between Oct. 7 and 23, 312 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S., according to the Anti-Defamation League. In the same time period in 2022, only 64 antisemitic incidents were reported.”

Chancellor Corey A. King posted the following message to the university community:

Message from Chancellor King

Dear students, faculty and staff,

On Sunday, Jan. 21, at around 5:40 p.m., UW-Whitewater police received reports of four people outside of Knilans residence hall chanting racist words, lighting what appeared to be road flares and displaying antisemitic symbols.

Police quickly responded to the scene. The group had already left the area, confirmed by video surveillance, and no further sightings were reported. We have no reason to believe there is any current threat to safety on campus. The actions of the individuals are consistent with a group that has been visiting other campuses, and has no affiliation with UW-Whitewater whatsoever. In an abundance of caution, we have increased police patrol on campus.  

The actions of the group last night are abhorrent and go against our core values. At UW-Whitewater, we strive to create a safe community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We take pride in our Warhawk family. We reject hate in all its forms.

I know this incident is disturbing and has impacted members of our university community. Please know that counseling services are available to you….Warhawks, look out for one another — especially individuals who may have felt especially targeted by this event. 

Anyone with information about the incident last night is asked to contact University Police at police@uww.edu or 262-472-4660. We will continue to remain vigilant and inform you if there are any developments. I want to reassure everyone of our ongoing commitment to safety. UW-Whitewater Police are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In an emergency situation, please call 911. Any campus member can arrange to have an officer walk with them on campus by calling the non-emergency line, 262-472-4660.

On this first day of the new semester, I ask all of us to reaffirm our commitment to our core values and not let the actions of an outside group that seeks to incite hate, division and fear take us off course. I am confident that we will have ongoing campus conversations in this space. I welcome these conversations as we continue to create an inclusive community. Let’s support each other the Warhawk way.

Corey A. King
Chancellor

Come learn about the U.S. National Parks with Mike Oswald, creator of three U.S. National Park guidebooks (plus a journal!). He hopes you’ll bring your National Park travel dreams and/or stories to have an interactive conversation about these cherished public lands. Along the way, he’ll share photos and stories—from hollering at a grizzly in Glacier National Park to trying to sleep in the middle of a turf war between the crabs and rats of Dry Tortugas’ Jefferson Key—from his tours across the country.

Mike Oswald has been exploring and writing about the U.S. National Parks since 2008. Over the course of hundreds of national park visits, he’s hiked, paddled, and pedaled thousands of miles across America’s most treasured lands. He loves watching prairie dogs, making natural tripods, and sharing a smile with fellow park enthusiasts as they enjoy a beautiful day in a beautiful place. His goal is to help others make the most of their national park trips.

Join us on Tuesday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. to learn about the U.S. National Parks with Mike Oswald! Bring your National Park travel dreams and/or stories! There is no cost or registration.

Mina Truesdale of Whitewater, was named to the Dean’s Honor List at Cedarville University for Fall 2023. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Editor’s comment: The following press release was received from the Office of the Governor.

Gov. Tony Evers on January 22 announced his appointment of Kathleen Kostock to serve as Walworth County Register of Deeds. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Michele Jacobs, effective December 10, 2023. Kostock will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term ending January 5, 2025.

“Kathleen Kostock’s background in public service makes her well-qualified to carry out the duties as register of deeds for Walworth County,” said Gov. Evers. “She will lead the office and serve the people of Walworth County well in this role.”

Kostock has been a resident of Walworth County for over 24 years and currently serves as a member of the Elkhorn Area School Board.

“I am pleased to accept the appointment of Walworth County Register of Deeds and look forward to continuing the outstanding work of my predecessor Michele Jacobs and her team,” said Kostock. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Walworth County and maintain the high level of professionalism and customer service to which you’ve become accustomed. Thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues for your continued encouragement.”

Update 1/23/24 @ 9 a.m. – Many roads and sidewalks in town are very icy. Travel is actually much more difficult than yesterday in many areas.

Update 1/23/24 @ 6:30 a.m. – As of 4:30 a.m., the National Weather Service indicates that they are still expecting a wintry mix of freezing rain, snow and rain today. However, warmer surface temperatures are reducing the chance of ice in the Whitewater area from about 60% to about 10%. Fog and freezing fog has developed in some areas.

[Previous announcement] According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, “Wintry precipitation starts late tonight and continues through Tuesday, with all precipitation types possible. Freezing rain with ice accumulations of a glaze to 0.1″ possible along with some light snow late tonight into Tuesday morning, which will likely impact the Tuesday morning commute.”

Slippery roads are likely, especially during the Tuesday morning commute time.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Bonnie Kolarik from Pixabay.

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes discussion of landscape plans for Dollar Tree, Aldi, and Starbucks; Future of Territorial Oak felled timber and possible projects relating to it; protection of oaks from library expansion
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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/519418125
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 519-418-125
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School
Agenda: WUSD Organizational Chart

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes report on Assistant Fire Chief Transition from Part-Time to Full-Time Position; closed session, to reconvene, for interviews of FTE EMT/Firefighter candidate, patrol officer candidate, and patrol lieutenant candidate.
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 the webinar:
https://meet.goto.com/326407381
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 326-407-381

Whitewater School Board – Monday @ 6:30 (Closed Session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
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6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82039500370?pwd=K0pkN0l4dW5BQWM4bVplbE1SOE0zUT09
– Passcode: 304438
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 820 3950 0370
– Passcode: 304438
———————————————–
Closed Session Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes: discuss circumstances related to restrictions placed on a community member’s access to District property; discuss and prepare for the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center negotiations.
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online — Open Session
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes WUSD Strategic Planning & Scorecard Review, Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary School (Informational);  Establish 2024-25 Regular and Special Education Open Enrollment Space Limitations (Action Item); 2024-25 High School Curriculum Course Proposal: Earth Science (Action Item).
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87078321810?pwd=QllRL2tWNEQ1bk0yWTVwQ2pzQVExUT09
– Passcode: 330848
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 870 7832 1810
– Passcode: 330848

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Shared-Ride Taxi Rate Increases.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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/770646165
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 770-646-165
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Thursday @ 5:00
Agenda includes committee goals and objectives.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82117796832?pwd=WVpXUHI4WC9STFVLRmwyZXFhVWtiZz09
Meeting ID: 821 1779 6832
Passcode: 417810
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US

City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda – Applicant: RLA Properties
Property: 355 W. James Street
Relative Code: 19.15.060 Yard Requirements Side yard of 10 feet.
Variance Requested: To place new structure on old structure location that is only 4.5 feet
from side property line.
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/305001373
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 305-001-373
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install