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Public Invited to Housing Roundtable

April 21, 2024

The Community Development Authority of the City of Whitewater is excited to announce the upcoming Housing Roundtable, slated to take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024. This pivotal event aims to foster collaboration among City officials, staff, housing experts, developers, real estate brokers, bankers, members of the building trades, and municipal officials from neighboring communities. Together, these stakeholders will explore strategies to enhance the affordability of market rate housing for our vital workforce.

The Housing Roundtable offers an open forum for dialogue and brainstorming, uniting public and private sectors to address the pressing issue of housing affordability. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event seeks to identify innovative solutions that can positively impact our community.

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Light refreshments available from 8:30 a.m.)
Whitewater University Innovation Center 1221 Innovation Drive (Located in Whitewater’s Business/Tech Park)

All members of the public are encouraged to attend and contribute their insights to this critical conversation about housing affordability in Whitewater and beyond.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

April 21, 2024

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 5:30 – CLOSED SESSION
(Prior to closed session will be Election of School Board Officers: President, Vice President, Clerk, and Treasurer (Action Items) B. Election of School Board Secretary (Action Item) C. Establish Date and Time of Annual Budget Hearing (Action Item) D. 2024-25 School Board Assignments and Committee Appointments)

Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
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5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
Agenda: discuss and consider a certified staff individual 2024-2025 contract FTE revision, and discuss and consider School Board confidentiality due to employee issues.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88371283442?pwd=VXRwQ29LdWs2U1RFK3pKbzFmbU5TUT09
– Passcode: 037916
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 883 7128 3442
– Passcode: 037916
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes 2024-25 Staffing and Programming Recommendations.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86989782320?pwd=empnSHpLQjYvajJkY1hqTW5wK3BEdz09
– Passcode: 736330
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 869 8978 2320
– Passcode: 736330

City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/88210822123?pwd=GaqyBaG9lLahAxtVylS1hl3sYdCcTA._sO5Rd_cPk-9k9kM Passcode: 412904
Or Telephone:
Dial
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 882 1082 2123
Passcode: 412904

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Housing Roundtable – Thursday @ 9:00 a.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the Community Development Authority of the City of Whitewater is hosting a Housing Roundtable on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The intent of the event is to create a forum that brings City officials and staff together with experts on housing, developers, real estate brokers, bankers, members of the building trades, and municipal officials
from surrounding communities to collaborate with public/private stakeholders to make market rate housing more affordable for our workforce. The event is open to the public.
WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Light refreshments will be available prior to the event beginning at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Whitewater University Innovation Center
1221 Innovation Drive (Located in Whitewater’s Business/Tech Park)
A quorum of the Common Council, the Community Development Authority and/or the Plan & Architectural Review Commission may be present. This notice is given to inform the public that no formal action will be taken.

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry CommissionFriday @ 10:30 a.m.
The agenda has not been posted as of 4/21/24.


Final League Book Club Discussion on Poverty (Updated)

April 21, 2024

Update 4/22 @ 8:35 a.m.: Correction made to Deb Gamble’s phone number.

League Book Club Discussion on Poverty April 25

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the last of its three Book Club discussions on Thursday evening, April 25, 6 PM-8 PM, in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center
St, Whitewater. The conclusion of Poverty, by America, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Matthew Desmond will be discussed.

Desmond draws upon history, research and original reporting to argue that poverty in America persists because the rest of us benefit from it. Please join us to investigate new ways of imagining solutions to a morally urgent problem and engage in how to usher in an age of shared prosperity.

The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate!
Please contact Deb Gamble (262-853-1946 or shebagam@gmail.com) for questions or further information.

Warhawks Give Day – April 23: Soar Together, Give Back Strong!

April 21, 2024

Whitewater Community,

Get ready to rally together for a day of generosity and impact! We are excited to announce that Warhawks Give Day will take place on Tuesday, April 23. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and make a difference in the lives of UW-Whitewater students, faculty, and campus community.

Warhawks Give Day is more than just a day of giving; it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to excellence and our collective power to make a meaningful difference. By participating and making a gift, no matter the size, you contribute to the success and vitality of UW-Whitewater.

We encourage you to spread the word and rally your colleagues, friends, and family to join in this day of philanthropy. Together, we can make a tremendous impact and ensure that our Warhawk Family continues to thrive.

Let’s embrace the spirit of Warhawk Bold as we soar together and give back strong! Mark your calendars for April 23rd and be a part of something truly special.

Make your gift to the UW-Whitewater Foundation on Tuesday, April 23: https://donate.uww.edu/WarhawksGive

Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series: Ending the Genocide: Towards a Shared Future for Palestinians & Jews – Sunday

April 19, 2024

The First United Methodist Church of Whitewater is excited to welcome Janan Najeeb and Dr. Rachel Buff to our Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series.

The public is invited to the Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series to hear Janan Najeeb and Dr. Rachel Buff on Sunday, April 21 at the First United Methodist Church sanctuary, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater, WI 53190. From 1:00 – 2:30 adults and youth alike are invited to their presentation, “Ending the Genocide: Towards a Shared Future for Palestinians and Jews,” as they examine the current and historical struggles for hope, healing and justice in Israel and Palestine. Following a question-and-answer opportunity a reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Janan Najeeb is a Palestinian American Muslim and founded the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition in 1994. A well-known tireless justice activist, Najeeb is a noted go-to resource for media, academic institutions, and interfaith organizations. Dr. Buff is Chair of the History Department at UW-Milwaukee and a founding member of Milwaukee Jewish Voice for Peace.

Najeeb is the convener of the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine (which includes more than 60 organizations), of which Dr. Buff is co-chair of its Executive Committee. Together, they will bring us timely insights to educate and enlighten us on the work of diverse communities toward a permanent ceasefire and resolution to years of hostility and occupation.

The First United Methodist Church’s Draw the Circle Wide series works to bring engaging programs focusing on social justice issues of interest to the Whitewater community.

Tree Sale is Making a Big Impact On Our Community’s Tree Canopy!

April 19, 2024

By Sherry Stanek

We are now less than one week away from the Third Whitewater Community Tree Sale to be held at Starin Park from April 26, Arbor Day, through April 28th. We will once again have an assortment of native trees and shrubs that you won’t easily find in one place anywhere nearby. This sale is first come, first served so please go to www.arbatstarin.org and check out what will be available, make your list and get there early. Cash and checks will be accepted at the sale. 

Because of this sale, and all of you, more than 600 trees will have been planted in our community since our first sale in 2022! And that doesn’t count the 200 plus that were planted at the Arboretum at Starin Park! Absolutely AMAZING! Think of that for a minute; that’s more than 800 trees! We need every single one of them to help combat the climate change that we are experiencing!

When emerald ash borer showed up in our town, we lost 600 trees on public land and countless others throughout the city on private land. This sale has helped to replace these lost trees with trees that are native to this area and that will do very well here. Thank you so much for your continued support. It is making a difference!

If you would like to serve on the Urban Forestry Commission, or to volunteer for any of our projects, please contact Kevin Boehm, Whitewater Parks & Recreation Director and let him know. We would love to have you!

Our Readers Share: Carol McCormick – Aquatic life is alive and VERY well

April 19, 2024

Carol McCormick writes, “Wednesday afternoon, April 10, a very big snapping turtle strolling across our lawn headed for Trippe Lake. Back shell appears to be a little over a foot. Was not going to get a tape to verify! They are really ugly. Welcome Spring!”

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing her recent spotting.

— 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!

Seniors in the Park Presents “A Haunting in Venice”

April 19, 2024

“A Haunting in Venice”

Tuesday, April 23, 1 pm

(Mystery/Drama) Rated PG-13. 

1 hour, 43 minutes (2023)

Agatha Christie’s celebrated sleuth Hercules Poirot, now retired and living in self imposed exile in Venice, reluctantly attends a Halloween séance in a “haunted” palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, Poirot is, once again, on the hunt.

Kenneth Branagh, Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh star. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Obituaries

Obituary: Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)

In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more

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Obituary: Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills

Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger.  He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021.  They enjoyed traveling … Read more

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Obituary: William J. “Bill” West, 75

William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more

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Obituary: David Harold Baker Jr., 61, of Portland, OR

David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more

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Obituary: Allen C. Hicks, 85

Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more

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Obituary: Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91

Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox.  She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years.  Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more

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Obituary: Isaac Richard Unger, 31

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more

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Obituary: John George Mack, 61

John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater.   John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.   As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more

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Obituary: Clifford Maynard Witte, 103

Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte.  Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more

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Obituary: Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79

Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963.  She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later.  She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon.  She was … Read more

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