Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by Representative Ellen Schutt’s office.

On Wednesday, Representative Ellen Schutt’s (R-Clinton) Safe Haven Law reform bill (the baby box bill) was signed into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 79.

“I am glad Wisconsin will now be able to provide parents in distress an option to complete anonymity when making the difficult choice to surrender their newborn,” Representative Schutt said.

Wisconsin’s Safe Haven law has long served as a critical safety net for infants believed to be under 72 hours old, allowing parents to anonymously relinquish their child to designated authorities. However, a crucial aspect has been missing: a method of relinquishment without the face-to-face interaction.

Act 79 allows a municipality to install a newborn infant safety device at a hospital, fire station, or law enforcement agency building so a parent can relinquish their newborn with complete anonymity. The building where the baby box is located must be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once a baby is placed in the designated box, an alarm is automatically triggered inside the building to alert them.

“Wisconsin’s 2001 Safe Haven Law carried a stigma, especially in small communities, because parents were afraid others will find out they gave up their children. Sadly, this came to a head earlier this year after a newborn was found dead in a field in Whitewater. Members of the community came to me expressing an interest in making sure this did not happen again, and I am glad we were able to find a solution and get this law enacted.

“With their potential to provide a safe and anonymous option, baby boxes will save lives,” said Representative Schutt.

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The 31st Assembly District includes the City of Elkhorn, portions of the Cities of Beloit, and Whitewater, the Villages of Clinton and Darien, the Towns of Bradford, Clinton, Johnstown, La Prairie, Turtle, Darien, Lafayette, La Grange, Richmond, Spring Prairie, Sugar Creek, and Whitewater, and portions of the Town of Beloit.

According to the police department Facebook page, on December 4 “….the Whitewater Police and Fire Commission approved the promotion of Jake Hintz to Detective Lieutenant. In that role, Det. Lt. Hintz will oversee our Detective Bureau, supervising our two detectives and our School Resource Officer. Jake has served the Whitewater community as a sworn officer since 2012 in a variety of positions including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Detective, Patrol Lieutenant and now as our Detective Lieutenant. Congratulations, Jake!”

MILWAUKEE, WI (12/06/2023)– Nicole Sedmak, from Whitewater, graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in Spring 2023. Sedmak received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering .

Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,700 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.

A Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2023

On this day 82 years ago, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed in a painful and unprovoked attack on our Armed Forces. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember these women and men, who gave their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. We honor the brave service members who — with the horrors of Pearl Harbor weighing on their hearts and the hopes of humanity resting on their shoulders — answered the call to defend freedom against the forces of fascism during World War II.

   The stories of the Greatest Generation’s ultimate courage and commitment continue to inspire an enduring sense of unity and purpose throughout our Nation. They remind us that, in the darkest of moments, we have the power to bend the arc of history toward a freer and more just future. They remind us that, from death, destruction, and division, we can build a better world — one grounded in peace and security. They remind us that the forces of tyranny and terrorism are no match for the flame of liberty that burns in the hearts of free people everywhere. Above all, they remind us that every generation can — and must — defeat democracy’s mortal foes.

   Together, we must continue to answer that call. We must continue to honor our sacred obligation to care for our service members; veterans; and their families, caregivers, and survivors — including our World War II veterans, who dared all and risked all for our country. With bipartisan support in the Congress, my Administration is meeting that obligation — including now welcoming all World War II veterans to enroll in Veterans Affairs health care services, regardless of length of service or financial status.

   As we honor the patriots who perished on this tragic day 82 years ago and the service members who defended democracy in the days and years that followed, let us carry forward their mission of forging a better future for humankind, one of greater dignity, opportunity, and security for all. Let us remember that we are the United States of America — and there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.

   The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.” Today, let us commemorate the patriots who were wounded and who perished on December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our service members; veterans; and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

   NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2023, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the courage shown by our brave service members that day and remember their sacrifices. I ask us all to give sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of that unthinkable day. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on December 7, 2023, in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

                            JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

It is 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse up in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the goody bags and putting final touches on the Nativity pieces. Little do they know what surprises are in store for them as they are called upon, once again, to step in and save the day! The Church Basement Ladies is a musical comedy that was inspired by the book Growing Up Lutheran, written by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson in 1997. It’s a fun look at what life was like growing up Lutheran in the Midwest in the 1960s.

Saturday, December 9 @ 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater

Tickets may be purchased online for $36-56. There is an extra fee of $2 when purchased at the door.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for another amazing compilation of nature photos.

— 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!

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Did you see that doe?

MADISON, Wis. (December 1, 2023) – Just over 1,300 students received doctoral, bachelor’s, master’s and professional degrees in August 2023 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

While there is no commencement ceremony in August, many of the graduates take part in the ceremonies the previous spring or in December.

Here is the degree recipient from your area:

Whitewater, WI

 Jan Maroske, College of Engineering, Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering

By Kristine Zaballos
Asst. Director University Marketing & Communications

Fort Atkinson-based PremierBank, a community bank with nine locations in southeastern Wisconsin, has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Several key leadership roles at the bank are filled by Warhawk alumni. The bank offers internships to students and first jobs to newly minted graduates. And the bank supports Warhawk Athletics — most notably as a sponsor of game previews and of the PremierBank recap.

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, Chancellor Corey A. King and Athletic Director Ryan Callahan met with PremierBank Chairman/CEO Russ Turk and other bank leaders to celebrate the funding that will deepen that partnership in 2024.

“UW-Whitewater is such an important part of the community, not only as an employer and educational resource but also as a community-building resource offering so many programs that enrich Whitewater and beyond,” said Turk. “Supporting the Athletics Department allows us to show our support of the institution and reach a wide range of stakeholders.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with PremierBank,” Callahan said. “UW-Whitewater shares a commitment to the betterment of the local community with PremierBank. We feel we can successfully prepare our student-athletes to pursue excellence inside and outside of competition and, as graduates, make a positive impact on their communities thanks to the support of PremierBank.” 

Three PremierBank leaders who are UW-Whitewater alumni also attended. Joel Kohl, who earned a BBA in economics in 2001, is a vice president and loan officer for the bank, where he has worked for more than seven years. Peggy Stebbins, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the bank, earned a BBA in accounting in 2008 and an MPA in 2009. She joined the bank in early 2023 after working in several other financial institutions.

“When I was a student at UW-Whitewater, I did my internship at what is now referred to as Baker Tilly — then it was Virchow Krause — and I had the opportunity to work with several local community banks in Southeastern Wisconsin,” said Stebbins. “ I am so thankful that UWW incorporated an internship program into the curriculum — it set me up for long-term success in my career.”

Matt Zastrow, first vice president and chief lending officer, is also an alumnus, having earned a BBA in operations management in 2001.

“My degree helped me get into a small community bank setting where I started as a credit analyst and, as I grew in that role, I was given the opportunity to get into commercial lending,” said Zastrow. “After 16 years, I had an opportunity to take on a leadership role with PremierBank.”

“I enjoyed my time at UW-Whitewater because it had the small town feel, yet its graduates can compete with anyone out there,” said Zastrow, who has been working at the bank for more than five years.

“That is very similar to PremierBank; we are a community bank serving smaller communities — but we have all the products and services of the big banks.”