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Today is Friday, August 2, 2024

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Wright House Concert: An Evening With The Jolly Seanchaí

January 15, 2024

International performer, and Whitewater local, Andreas Transø will share stories, songs, and more at The Wright House in Whitewater on Friday, January 19 at 7 p.m.

In a performance with Andreas, you can expect everything from poetry to spoons playing, ancient ballads to original songs…all woven with bits of history and good humored jokes. Prepare for an embracing and jolly performance, with tears from laughter or inspired by swelling powerful performances of beautiful stories gathered and well-toned by an experienced and ever-ripening young seanchaí.

Link for registration: jollyseanchai.eventbrite.com

Wind Chill Advisory now in effect until 9 a.m. Wed.

January 15, 2024

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued yet one more Wind Chill Advisory, continuing until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They indicate that the coldest chills will be from late Monday night until Tuesday morning.

Green Bay Heads to 49ers on Sat. After Cowboys Upset

January 15, 2024

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers

7 p.m. CST| Fox

The Green Bay Packers pulled off a massive 48-32 upset win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday as the No. 7 seed in the NFC. As a result, they’ll head to the Bay Area to take on the top-seeded 49ers on Saturday night.

Five takeaways on packers.com

Homepage image: Aaron Jones from packers.com

Monday Night Spaghetti Meal is Cancelled Today / Cancelado – 15 de Enero – Cena de espaguetis del Lunes por la noche

January 15, 2024

Coach Leipold Reportedly Turned Down Washington; Will Stay at Kansas

January 14, 2024

According to si.com, former UW-W football coach Lance Leipold was reportedly offered the open head coach position at the University of Washington, but he has decided to stay at the University of Kansas. Quoting Sports Illustrated, “The news is absolutely huge for the Jayhawks, as they have seen one of the biggest improvements in the sport under Leipold. After taking over a team that went 0-9 during the 2020 season, the Jayhawks have steadily improved. With two consecutive bowl appearances in the last two seasons, capped by a win over UNLV at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, optimism is high for the future of the program.”

Our Readers Share: Joel Houkom – Trippe Lake Sunrise after the storm

January 14, 2024

Joel Houkom writes, “The sunrise on Trippe Lake on Sunday, January 14, 2024 was gorgeous. Note the steam rising from the water flowing from Whitewater Creek into the lake.”

Our thanks to Joel Houkom for sharing this beautiful photo.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

January 14, 2024

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Moment of silence, Proclamation recognizing the Contributions of James “Jim” Allen to the City, and public comments; Closed session regarding Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District, followed by Open session to discuss same; Resolution requesting approval of Final Plat for Meadow View Subdivision; Appointment of Common Council president; Discussion regarding filling the council openings for at-large and District 1; Discussion regarding proposed consequences for council member violations of decorum standards.
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83698371976?pwd=DqGdfH5_oCwf2Jk9cHo9kGdyNSEvuA.42gU4QzY3bRjU8M2
Or Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 836 9837 1976
Passcode: 745504
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number: (262) 473-0108.

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding renaming East Gate Park and Discussion and possible action regarding facility rental and reservation policy update.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str
*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
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89039304942?pwd=enpNM2tUL1ZDcnIxWWVGRWtUK2p0UT09Meeting ID: 890 3930 4942
Passcode: 933271
Or dial
• +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 890 3930 4942
Passcode: 933271

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Action regarding formation of a Library Expansion Building Committee, Library Building Project update and closed session, to reconvene: Library Director Contract and Offer.
Library Community Room 431 West Center
*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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09    
Telephone: 1 (312) 626-6799
     Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
     Passcode: 137945

Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation by Pam Carper, Program Manager-Housing for the Walworth County Economic Development Association (WCEDA), Presentation by Dan Berg of the Whitewater-Rice Lakes Management District, Discussion and consideration of engaging legal counsel to represent the interests of the CDA, Closed session to be followed by open session: Consideration and possible action regarding Offer to Purchase Vacant Parcel of Land located on Starin Road (Tax Parcel /WUP 00018D) at a purchase price of $403,390.
(In-Person & Virtual)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/82414637306?pwd=epyIv5RSBD2–mXbBSfCVwk1wRxKYw.ifo_B17IfD-T2da8
Passcode: 799533
Or Telephone:   1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 824 1463 7306
Passcode: 799533

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Tuesday through Friday
Whitewater School Board members and other Whitewater Unified School District officials will be attending the Wisconsin State Education Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 16-19, 2024. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the trip or at the convention.



Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No Mail; City Offices & Library Closed

January 14, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,[1] and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.

King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Text and homepage image from Wikipedia.

All city offices will be closed on January 16th, but citizens who need police assistance may use the after hours call button in the Municipal Building Whitewater Street vestibule or may call the non-emergency phone number at 262-473-0555 option 4. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

Obituaries

Obituary: Janet Irene Heckert, 87

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

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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Obituary: Harry Oliver Dempsey, 80

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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Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

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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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

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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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

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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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

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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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

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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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

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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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

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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