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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.
On Thursday night, January 18, the Whitewater Wrestling Team hosted the Jefferson Eagles in a full night of wrestling, also honoring seniors and parents. The night kicked off with a whopping 38 JV matches, allowing for many wrestlers to have the opportunity to compete in front of their family and friends. Upon completion of the JV matches, 55+ wrestlers and managers recognized their parents, thanking them for their support over the course of the last eight weeks and continued support for the weeks ahead.
Coach Schimming then recognized the 17 seniors that are involved in the program: three managers – Mackenzie Schimming, Leah Newmann and Adrea Alcala and 14 wrestlers – Jason Villegas, Odair Porras, JJ Gonzalez, Nate Black, Avery Janovec, Sebastian Cuellar, Yovanni Rojas-Reyes, Jesus Barajas, Payton Lyon, Ethan Barels, Lauren Buehler, Giulia Ristagno, and Myia Cobbs. These students have been involved in wrestling since middle school, or for some, only this year. Thank you for your efforts in making coaching an enjoyable time for the coaches!
After all of the recognitions, the varsity competition got underway with our dual meet against Jefferson. The team wrestled very well. After seven matches, the team was still in a close dual, up 24-18, with JJ Gonzalez (157), Sebastian Cuellar (165), Payton Lyon (190), and Vicente (Junior) Soto (HWT) all winning by pin. The team then took a brief intermission so the pom squad could do a performance for the crowd; it was an outstanding performance and enjoyed by the crowd. Once wrestling action began again, the Whippets dominated the second half, winning all but one of the final seven matches to close out the victory 55-24. Those winning by pins in the final six were Connor Friend (132), Curtis Rossmiller (138), and Odair Porras (150). Winning by a technical fall (15 points) were Jasen Porras (113) and Jarvis Porcaro (120).
The win on the evening pushed the Whippets record to 8-1 overall and 4-0 in the Valley Division of the Rock Valley Conference, thus securing the championship for the Valley Division.
Coach Schimming was very impressed with the performance of all students involved during the events. Great job to all!
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The Whippets traveled to Jefferson on Saturday, January 20th to compete in the Eagle Jay Invitational. They posted 19 of 22 best times on the day!
Top 16 finishes & some highlights include:
200 Medley Relay
✔(10th – 1:58.85): Langdon Coburn, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Wyatt Esch
200 Freestyle –
✔Cruz Aranda (4th – 2:00.16) This time now put Cruz 7th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!
✔Wyatt Esch dropped 10 seconds off his time going a 2:26.66.
200 IM –
✔Jack Hefty (3rd – 2:21.65) Jack took home a medal for his 3rd place finish and now sits 10th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!
50 Freestyle –
✔Myles Morse (27.33), Wyatt Esch (28.55), David Enns (29.71) and Angel Kilar (35.21) all posted new best times!
✔Angel Kilar won his heat!
100 Butterfly –
✔Cruz Aranda (10th – 1:04.03)
100 Freestyle –
✔Langdon Coburn (16th – 59.08) – Langdon dropped nearly 2 seconds!
✔Onyx Thompson won his heat by dropping 7 seconds going a new time of 1:10.48.
✔Angel Kilar continues to drop more time in the 100 Freestyle, going a new time of 1:20.44!
500 Freestyle –
✔Myles Morse (7th – 5:46.96) – Myles won his heat by over 10 seconds!
200 Freestyle Relay
✔(10th – 1:44.49) – Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, Myles Morse, Jack Hefty
100 Backstroke –
✔Langdon Coburn (6th – 1:06.04) – Langdon won his heat by out touch his competitor at the finish!
✔Onyx Thompson dropped 6 seconds of his previous time going a 1:23.35
100 Breaststroke –
✔Jack Hefty (9th – 1:14.24)
✔David Enns drops 8 seconds off his time to go a 1:28.10
✔Isaac Straight continues to make improvements in his breaststroke and goes a time of 1:44.51!
400 Freestyle Relay
✔(14th – 4:49.32) – Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Onyx Thompson, Angel Kilar
The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, January 23, at home against Beloit Memorial starting at 5:30 p.m. We hope to see you there for their last conference dual meet!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
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
———————————————–
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.
———————————————–
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
Obituaries
Janet Irene Heckert, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 in Delavan, Wisconsin. Born on November 1, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Gladys and Henry Jansen. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Heckert and her brothers Sonny and Paul and sister Darlene. Janet was a graduate of Elkhorn High School in 1955. On October 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Heckert, at Elkhorn Baptist Church in their hometown of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Janet worked for many years as a seamstress, but her true passion was as a … Read more
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Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78 Fred was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on October 23, 1945, son of Chester and Elva (Klug) Traxler. He was born to eternal life at Ascension St. Francis Place in Milwaukee on June 1, 2024. Fred was a 1964 graduate of Whitewater High School. In his younger days Fred enjoyed bowling and polka dancing–and was very good at both. He was very competitive, especially when pitching horseshoes with his Dad, brothers, and cousin Sid. He was always ready for a card game, and was also a big fan of the Packers and Brewers. Fred is preceded … Read more
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Harry Oliver Dempsey passed away peacefully and among family in Elkhorn, WI on July 24, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944 to William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey, Harry grew up on the family farm in Whitewater. In his younger years, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion that he later passed on to his own children. All his life he could often be found in his shop, building or fixing something – from a child’s toy to lawn mowers, cars, and tractors. His passion for self-sufficiency extended to his large garden whose abundance he happily … Read more
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SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement. As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy. Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more
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A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.
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James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more
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Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more
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Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more
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Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more
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Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more
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