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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
The library is participating in “Hour of Code” on Monday, December 4 at 3:30-4:30 p.m. in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. This year, children in grades two through six (ages 7-12) are invited to learn how to program drones and a high-tech sleigh (virtually) with coding magic to capture presents and navigate down the mountain to return Christmas to Whoville in a Grinch-style educational game. Computers will be provided.
Please register in advance as space is limited. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” or contact Sarah French at sfrench@whitewaterlibrary.org or 262-458-2782. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater.
WHS Players would like to thank everyone who attended our recent production of “Mean Girls, High School Version.” It was a fun show to produce and the cast and crew had a great time bringing it to life on stage.
Please join us for our next production of the classic play, “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder. Performances will be given February 29-March 3, 2024.
We are currently looking for corporate and private partnerships to help sponsor this event. Please contact Jim McCulloch at jmcculloch@wwusd.org for more information.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Tom Ganser for this great photo gallery.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Edgerton Hospital. Per a social media post by Al Hutchison, President of the UW-Whitewater Community Club, “there will be no Breakfast with Santa this year [at Esker Hall] as we have run short of help running the event. We are sorry to the Whitewater community but it takes great effort to pull this off and we just didn’t have it.” It appears that there may be a dinner with Santa at the middle school. Watch for confirmation.
(EDGERTON, WI) – Edgerton Hospital, 11101 N Sherman Rd, Edgerton, invites the community to its annual breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Edgerton Hospital Sunshine Committee!
Saturday, December 2nd, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., the entire family can enjoy a delicious breakfast, holiday activities, and a fun morning with Santa! Kids always have a great time shopping on their own in “Santa’s Secret Gift Shop!”
Edgerton Hospital welcomes you to bring your holiday cheer and enjoy:
· A variety of breakfast items from the café – Donations accepted
· Pictures with Santa – Donations accepted
· Holiday Crafting Station & Cookie Decorating – $1.00 for each item
· Santa’s Secret Gift Shop – Exclusively for children to buy gifts for their family members. All gifts are under $5 and include wrapping!
Pay the day of the event! No registration necessary!
Please join us the morning of December 2nd for this fun event! For more information, visit www.edgertonhospital.com.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Jo Justino from Pixabay.
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he is seeking applicants for appointment as register of deeds in Walworth County. The appointment will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Michele Jacobs on Dec. 10, 2023. The new register of deeds will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term that ends Jan. 5, 2025. Application materials must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 8, 2023. For more information about the position, please contact Walworth County. Those interested in applying must submit an online application with a cover letter detailing professional and academic qualifications, civic activities, and community involvement. Individuals interested in serving as register of deeds in Walworth County can apply via the Evers Administration register of deeds application here, which can also be found on the “Apply to Serve” page of Gov. Evers’ website at www.evers.wi.gov. Potential applicants with questions about the application process may contact the Gubernatorial Appointments Office at govappointments@wisconsin.gov. |
| An online version of this release is available here. |
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team won their conference opener on Tuesday night, November 21, with a 50-42 win at Delavan-Darien High School.
The Whippets jumped out to an early lead, but the game was within single digits for most of the night.
Calli Grosinske and Mayte Navejas had a few key steals late in the second half to break the game open and secure the win.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
On Saturday, November 25, twenty-six Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts from Whitewater and surrounding cities descended on Whitewater High School with one goal – to earn their robotics badges. Members of Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, hosted the event, running workshops throughout the day so the girls at each level could meet the requirements for earning their badges for Designing Robots, Programming Robots, and Showcasing Robots.
The girls started their day as a large group with an opening introduction to FIRST Robotics presented by Ferradermis Outreach Subteam Lead Maddison LaHaie. This was followed by a visit from a virtual guest speaker, Carissa Petzinger, an industrial engineer at Rondo Energy in California. Petzinger had served as head coach for Ferradermis for several years when she was employed as an engineer at Generac in Whitewater and shared information with the girls about the robots she has designed in her various workplaces. LaHaie and Meg Roselle followed the girls to their various sessions throughout the day, capturing photographs and constructing a slideshow that the girls could use to present their projects at the end of the day.
Throughout the day, groups of girls rotated through five other sessions. Programming Team Member Margaret Brown led the girls through an activity involving writing and debugging algorithms and then shared information about how robots are currently used and how they might be used in the future before having the girls draw a design for a robot that could solve a future problem.
Programming Team Subteam Lead Ace Hudec demonstrated two of the Ferradermis robots for the scouts and gave them each an opportunity to drive one of the robots. The girls were also able to get an up-close look at the electronics on the “big” robots. Hudec also spent some extra time with the Cadettes discussing the actual code for a Ferradermis robot and writing some pseudocode with them.
Emerson Dunham, Game Strategy Subteam Lead, walked the scouts through previous games for which the team has built a robot and allowed them to examine previous game pieces that the robots have needed to handle. Each girl or pair of girls then selected one of the old game pieces and sketched a design for a robot mechanism that could pick up the game piece. At that point, the girls headed into the shop under the supervision of Mark and Andrew Zimmermann to build a prototype for their mechanism. They also had the opportunity to learn about some of the equipment in the shop that the team uses to build their robots.
The scouts spent a large chunk of time in the computer lab learning about coding and circuits under the guidance of Programming Team Member Rae Breisath, team alum and MSOE Senior Gwynne Sahyun, and Team Advisor Laura Masbruch. Hudec and Brown were also able to support the girls in this endeavor in between their other sessions. The trio walked the girls through the basics of building and coding Arduino circuits using TinkerCAD Circuits. The girls were then challenged to modify starter code to turn on an LED when a button was pressed and to turn on an LED when a motion sensor detected movement. Next, the scouts tackled the challenge of coding Arduino shield bots to drive forward, and some were able to attach a motion sensor which would cause the bot to stop when it sensed movement in front of it. The Cadettes dove a little deeper and implemented their pseudocode for driving in certain patterns.
At the end of the day, all of the girls gathered together in a large group to celebrate their accomplishments by sharing what they learned. They were then awarded their badges, and the day ended with a door prize drawing for three small robot kits and an Arduino starter kit.
Ferradermis members had connected with Geometry Teacher Laurel Ruud who works with the local Girl Scout Service Unit when deciding to offer this opportunity. The team is grateful to Mrs. Ruud for her guidance throughout the planning process. The team would also like to thank Tori Breisath and Jane Masbruch for their support throughout the day as well as Rich Grosse for his beautiful photography.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Rich Grosse and Tori Breisath
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room, 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
Agenda includes Discussion to add a fourth Purple Martin house, Future of Territorial Oak felled timber and possible projects relating to it, Milkweed protection discussion, protection of oaks from library expansion.
*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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/638015093
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 638-015-093
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
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 @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 S. Elizabeth Street
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes WUSD Strategic Planning & Scorecard Review, Whitewater Middle School (Informational); Update on the Whitewater Middle School Literacy Intervention – FTE Addition (Possible Action Item).
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89890457078?pwd=ak5waHBjRTN3ckFmQUQ1Umw1SkhNUT09
– Passcode: 737386
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 898 9045 7078
– Passcode: 737386
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes salary resolution proposal and employee bonuses.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/973175085
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 973-175-085
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Walworth County to Hold Informational Workshop for Interested Residents and Potential County Board Supervisor Candidates
(ELKHORN, WI): County Administrator Mark Luberda will hold an informational meeting for
interested residents and potential County Board Supervisor candidates who would like to learn more
about the duties and responsibilities of County Board Supervisors. The meeting will take place:
- Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 6 p.m.
County Board Room 114, Walworth County Government Center
100 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
The workshop will provide an overview of Walworth County government and the responsibilities and
time commitment generally required of County Board Supervisors. The 90-minute class will provide an
overview of what an individual could expect to experience while serving on the Board. This will include
outlining the wide range of services provided by County government, summarizing the County’s budget,
highlighting some of the legal rules under which Supervisors must operate, addressing the relationship
between the County Board and other elected and appointed officials, and reviewing the committee
structure. If anyone is interested in taking out papers to run for County Board Supervisor, County Clerk
Susi Pike will be in attendance with packets and can help you complete them.
For more information or to register, please contact County Administration at (262) 741-4357 or email
countyadministration@co.walworth.wi.us.
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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