Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, age 69, has been elected as pope. Born in Chicago, he is the first American-born man to serve in this role, and the first for whom English is his native language. An Augustinian, Prevost has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo the 13th was the first pope in the 20th century.
On Tuesday, May 06, 2025, at approximately 5:22 PM, the following events involving a Walworth County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputy occurred in the City of Delavan, located in Walworth County.
Deputy Chorneyko was operating his marked patrol squad, Eastbound on Hwy 50 to the West of the intersection of County Hwy F, North, in a routine, non-emergent manner. Deputy Chorneyko observed a red truck operating Westbound on Hwy 50, coming at him head-on.
This vehicle appeared to be attempting to pass other westbound vehicles in a marked no- passing zone. Deputy Chorneyko tried to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision with the red truck but was unsuccessful and subsequently sideswiped by the truck. Deputy Chorneyko’s squad became inoperable and came to rest in the roadway, with extensive damage and airbag deployment. The red truck continued westbound and sideswiped another eastbound vehicle, which was originally two vehicles behind Deputy Chorneyko’s squad. The red truck then collided head-on with a third vehicle immediately behind the second vehicle that had been struck. All vehicles remained on-scene and were inoperable as a result of the crash.
A Good Samaritan immediately stopped and assisted Deputy Chorneyko, who required assistance in getting out of the squad, due to the extensive driver’s side damage. Upon exiting his squad, Deputy Chorneyko was advised by other Good Samaritans who were stopping to assist that the red truck was on fire and the driver was trapped. Deputy Chorneyko immediately went to the aid of the driver and sole occupant of the red truck, who had just hit him. There was no fire, but the driver was trapped in the wrecked vehicle and needed medical attention.
Law enforcement from the City and Town of Delavan Police Departments and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office were arriving and provided first aid to the injured drivers and sole occupants from the other two vehicles. All injuries from this crash were non-life-threatening.
Highway 50 between Northshore Drive and Hwy F, North, was closed for an extended period of time while the Wisconsin State Patrol conducted a traffic crash investigation. The City of Delavan Police Department remains the lead agency and point of contact for this incident.
A medical emergency by the driver of the red truck is believed to be a significant contributing factor to these events.
The community’s willingness to stop and assist our injured Deputy and other drivers in this crash did not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. We extend our sincere thanks to the citizens involved, the City of Delavan Police and Fire Department, the Town of Delavan Police and Fire Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Come hear music the way it was meant to be shared! The second concert in the Bassett House Spring Concert Series will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the Bassett House, located at 708 W. Main Street in Whitewater. We will hear performances by the talented string students of Leanne Kelso of the UW-Whitewater Music Department. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the door.
The concert will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.
The Bassett House, one of the oldest buildings in Whitewater, is one of our city’s historical treasures. And hearing live music in this charming environment is simply magical! Moreover, not only does this concert promise to be a delightful experience, but all proceeds will go to help complete a major multi-stage restoration of the Bassett House.
So come treat yourself to a unique and enchanting musical experience — and make a contribution to an important piece of Whitewater’s heritage at the same time.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Regular Meeting – Monday @ 5:15 – CLOSED SESSION agenda pertains to discussion of employee leave of absence, employee sick days, SRO agreement and contract negotiation, nonrenewals, and negotiations.
Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 5:15 p.m. ———————————————– 5:15 p.m. via Zoom Online – URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82193883769?pwd=3i3xKyt1rS0HePeIu7d71txvFVA8xO.1 – Passcode: 234962 ———————————————– – Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 821 9388 3769 – Passcode: 234962 ———————————————– Closed Session ———————————————– 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes report on tree sale. 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 click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84880316529?pwd=PbAibfdQfgddmJzOil86ztpVNW38Eq.1 Meeting ID: 848 8031 6529 Passcode: 686860 Editor’s note: The phone number has not yet been provided; hopefully it will be added to the agenda – see link above.
City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m. Editor’s note: The agenda has not yet been provided as of 4/27/25.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As was previously reported on The Banner, Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty has submitted her resignation effective June 30. There has been little community participation in the initial focus groups from which the Whitewater Unified School District School Board is seeking input as they pursue the search for a new district superintendent. Reportedly the initial in-person meeting on April 22, which was poorly advertised, was attended by only three persons. There were only nine participants in the Zoom meeting on April 24, during which, Scott Winch, a representative from the search firm, indicated that there were approximately 200 responses to a survey. He also stated that there have already been about 20 applicants for the position. Applications may be received through April 30. The first round of interviews will take place on May 12-13, with final interviews scheduled for May 22. Parents and community members will have an opportunity to meet and interact with the candidates on May 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Further information will be forthcoming.
Persons who may be unable to participate in one of the focus groups are welcome to submit comments to Winch at scottwinch@hyasearch.com.
The following was provided by WUSD. WUSD Moves Forward with Superintendent Search
The Whitewater Unified School District School Board has engaged executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to lead the search for the district’s next superintendent.
As part of the search process, HYA will facilitate a series of focus groups. These sessions are designed to gather input from students, staff, families, community members, and local organizations. The feedback collected will help shape the profile for the district’s next leader.
Below are the dates, times, and locations of the community sessions: ● Friday, April 25, 12:00-12:45 p.m. for Businesses, Civic Groups, Parents, and Community Members. Virtual Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91902953403?pwd=OBRWLQJn7fhON4gPdwKnZZnkKWxGuF.1 Meeting ID: 919 0295 3403 Passcode: 908035 ● Wednesday, April 30, 6:00-6:45 p.m. for Businesses, Civic Groups, Parents, and Community Members in-person at Whitewater High School Library, 534 S. Elizabeth Street, 2nd Floor, Whitewater, WI
All focus groups will address the same set of questions, including: ● What are the strengths of the Whitewater Unified School District that the next superintendent can build upon? ● What are the challenges facing the Whitewater Unified School District that the next superintendent should be aware of, or that you would like to see addressed? ● What characteristics or traits are you looking for in your new superintendent? ● Is there anything else you would like to share with us regarding the Whitewater Unified School District? ● HYA will be recruiting potential superintendent candidates for this position. Is there anyone that you can think of who might be a good fit as your new superintendent that we should contact? If so, please share or email us his/her name and contact information.
The school board and HYA will use the input gathered from these conversations to guide the recruitment and selection of superintendent candidates in the coming weeks.
The Making of Our Planet with Dan Tapster – Sunday, April 27 @ 3:00 p.m.
From the Emmy® Award-winning team behind Netflix’s “Our Planet” series, comes a new natural history speaker series: Our Planet Live. Brought to you by Silverback Films and Producer esk [esk is an independent creative producer based in Edinburgh, Scotland] in association with Netflix, Our Planet Live is a new and immersive live show featuring behind-the-scenes stories from the explorers, filmmakers, scientists, and adventurers that created some of the most eye-catching footage of our planet.
Step into the breathtaking world of Life on Our Planet in this special big-screen talk, featuring highlights from the acclaimed Netflix documentary, with expert insights, and behind-the-scenes footage from eight-time Emmy-nominated series showrunner, Dan Tapster.
With a background in natural history filmmaking at the BBC and a decade leading the TV sensation MythBusters, Dan brings a unique blend of scientific storytelling and cinematic innovation. During his time with Silverback, the renowned studio behind The Hunt and David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, he has overseen the fusion of advanced visual effects with stunning wildlife cinematography, bringing Earth’s 4-billion-year evolutionary saga to life like never before.
At The Making of Our Planet, join Dan for an exclusive look into this ambitious project – from the science behind Earth’s previous extinction events to the groundbreaking techniques used to recreate prehistoric creatures and landscapes – followed by a live Q&A.
At a time when the natural world faces unprecedented challenges, this is a rare chance to explore Earth’s history of resilience and discuss the importance of conservation and a sustainable future.
The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. Free parking is available in lots 1 and 2 [frankly, lot 2 is more convenient.] Tickets may be purchased online here for $48 or at the Ticket Services office, 800 W. Main Street. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 per ticket surcharge.
The National Honor Society at Whitewater High School celebrated National Student Leadership Week by hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on April 16! 49 units of blood were collected which have the potential of saving over 145 lives. They exceeded their goal of collecting 45 units and earned an $800 scholarship from the Red Cross.
NHS would like to thank all of the students, teachers and community members who participated and made this day a success! They would also like to thank the following businesses for donating pizza for the event: Dominos, Toppers, Rocky Rococo, and Rosa’s Pizza and Culver’s for donating coupons for a free pint of ice cream. A great time was had by all!
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided byPamela Sonmor-Wintz.
Steve Hoffmann, Town Chairman and Byron Freeman, retired Town Supervisor
Steve Hoffmann, Cold Spring Town Chairman and Lisa Griep, retired Town Clerk
After twenty years of dedicated service to the community, Cold Spring Township Clerk Lisa Griep has announced her retirement, marking the end of an era in local government. Griep has been a fixture for two decades and will step down from her position this April.
Lisa Griep began her career with the Town of Cold Spring in 2005, quickly establishing herself as a diligent and committed public servant. Over the years, she has played a crucial role in maintaining the town’s records, overseeing elections in a transparent and fair manner, and providing essential services to residents.
Lisa’s service has been appreciated by both colleagues and community members. Marisa Piper Township Supervisor said, “Lisa’s dedication to our township has been remarkable, it strengthens our community, and her expertise will be greatly missed. We appreciate Lisa’s ability to adapt to new technologies and changing guidelines, which has ensured Cold Spring Township to function efficiently and accurately.“
Additionally, Byron Freeman has retired after sixteen years of service to Cold Spring Township as a Board Supervisor. Byron’s historical knowledge of the community, processes, and local ordinances will be missed. Crystal Hoffmann used her expertise in accounting as Treasurer to balance the books of Cold Spring for the last six years. Crystal will continue to work privately and for the Township of LaGrange.
The township hosted a small retirement celebration for Lisa Griep, Byron Freeman, and Crystal Hoffmann at the annual Cold Spring Township meeting April 15th, where Lisa and Byron were presented with certificates for their dedication to local government in Jefferson County from The Wisconsin Township Association. The combined years of service of all three is a testament to the importance of dedicated local government officials in shaping and supporting their communities.
Current Cold Spring Board members include Steve Hoffmann, Chairman; Marisa Piper, Town Supervisor #1; Justin Thom, Town Supervisor #2; Town Clerk, Heather Reu; and Town Treasurer Dawn Millard
Submitted by: Cold Spring Township Board
Editor’s note: Technically Cold Spring’s unit of government is a town, though it’s not unusual for those governments to be referred to as townships. Per the Wisconsin Towns Association, “Town government has a long history in Wisconsin, brought to the state by New Englanders in the early 19th century. In most states, the unit of government is referred to as a township; however, in several states, including Wisconsin, the form of government is a “town.” In the badger state, a “township” is only the surveying unit that is typically a six-mile by six-mile square.”
There was a great turnout for an afternoon of family-centered activities on Saturday, April 12 with the annual International Children’s Day celebration at Lincoln Elementary School, Whitewater.
This free fun family event included live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and ran from noon until 4 p.m.Information was available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations was also for cash sale.
Activities included:
1 p.m.: Meet the author Ruth Molina-Mota who read from her book Las Aventuras de Diego y Andy: Animales Unicos y Asombrosos. The book was read bilingually.
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 12 was an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world. We are so pleased that another child-focused organization, the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, was one of our sponsors for this volunteer-based event,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
League of Women Voters Book Club Final Discussion, Part III
The League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area’s Book Club is pleased to announce the last of three discussions of the book James: A Novel by Percival Everett, on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 6:30 PM. The discussion will be held at The Book Teller, 171 W Main Street, in Whitewater.
Fifteen individuals joined the LWV Whitewater Area’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Book Club last month for the second discussion of James: A Novel. WUSD High School History teacher Greg Stewart led us through a thought-provoking discussion of life in pre-Civil War America, including how this era has been portrayed in US school books. It’s not too late to join us for the final discussion, to be led by UW-Whitewater professor Dr. Tamara Lindsey. She will help us discern topics such as emancipation, liberation, freedom, and social construction theory that arise in Everett’s conclusion to his novel.
Join us at The Book Teller, 171 W Main Street on April 29, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm for another engrossing discussion. For questions or suggestions of books for future discussion, please call Deb Gamble at 262-853-1946. The League invites all in the Whitewater community to join us in our discussions.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.
