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Today is Friday, November 29, 2024

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This Week’s City Meetings

March 10, 2024

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a second wall sign and
an 18 foot pylon sign for Aldi’s located at 1380 W Main Street, Parcel # /A513300001.
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/939989909
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 939-989-909
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation of EMT/Firefighter Paid On Call Candidate for Certification, Interview of Patrol Captain Candidate, and Interview of 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:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/990549493
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 990-549-493

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Strand Associate’s Scope of Services proposal for Lead Service Line Replacement and Discussion and Possible Action regarding sidewalk replacement costs and assessments to property owners under Chapter 12.22-Construction Standards Adopted.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor
312 W. 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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83590485366?wd=RqGpLFFjuIPRtxLrflfyVslbPiQ4ow.6DI24eXApOEyZLBB
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 835 9048 5366
Passcode: 266460

GWC is Hosting Chief of Police Dan Meyer

March 10, 2024

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Whitewater Chief of Police, Dan Meyer, as guest speaker at its upcoming monthly meeting in March. 

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 14th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting so that they may get a chance to hear from Chief of Police Dan Meyer and learn about the recent demographic change in the city of Whitewater. “There has been much discussion on this topic. We are fortunate to have Chief of Police Dan Meyer to shed some light on this topic in our upcoming meeting”, said GWC President Jeffery Knight. 

A graduate of UW-Platteville with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, Meyer also completed the police academy at MATC. He joined the department in 2010 as a patrol officer.

If you are interested in attending, RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, March 13th.  

About the GWC 

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policymakers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future and protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

UW-W Gymnasts Punch Ticket to Nationals

March 10, 2024

Warhawk team photo after finishing as the runner-up (Kayla DeRosia)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Saint Paul, Minn. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Women’s Gymnastics team scored a 192.275 at the WIAC/NCGA West Regional Championship on Saturday. The Warhawks placed second in a field of eight teams, punching their ticket to the NCGA Division III National Championship to be held later this month in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

The Warhawks kicked off the competition strong with junior Kara Welsh making her long awaited season debut, leading UWW with a 9.875. Welsh’s vault score earned her a second consecutive WIAC vault title. Freshmen, Ava Pesch and Chloe Hammond, earned 9.650 and 9.600 respectively. Sophomores Carleigh Moore, contributed a 9.575, while Brianna Balian and Danielle Dudziak earned a pair of 9.500s to round out the team score of 48.200 which is tied for 9th in the UWW record book.

Sitting in third place after one event, the Warhawks stayed focused on bars earning a 48.250 which is the 9th best score in school history. As usual, senior Kelsey Kollhoff was remarkable posting a 9.725 which was good for fourth place. Her teammates followed suit with freshman, Hayden Gough, tying her season best with a 9.675. Freshman, Paige Magel and junior, Carley Scott both earned 9.650, while senior, Estee Flom and Pesch chipped in matching scores of 9.550.

While other teams seemed to struggle on the beam, the Warhawks showed up in a big way hitting all six routines. Senior, Sarah Knetzke lead the way with a 9.775 to tie for first place. Hammond followed closely behind posting a 9.675 which was enough to tie for third place. Sophomores, Ashnaya Gupta and Teagan Haberstock, kept things rolling with solid scores of 9.525 and 9.425 respectively. Magel had another strong performance adding in a 9.500 to the total team score of 47.900 which is good for 14th in the UWW records.

The energy on floor was electric as the Warhawks rounded out the meet. As the lead off gymnast, Knetzke earned a solid 9.500 to start off the rotation. Dudziak also chipped in a 9.500. Haberstock earned a 9.625 and junior, Elena Bailey, added in a 9.600 for good measure. But it was Kollhoff who stole the show as the last competitor on floor posting a 9.700 for the Warhawks and earning a fifth place finish. The 48.400 total team floor score is the 12th highest total in school history.

Dudziak was honored as a member of the WIAC All-Sportsmanship team at the conclusion of the meet.

The Warhawks will continue their season at Ursinus College on March 23rd as they compete for the Division III National title. More information on the championship will be announced early next week. 

Candidates Announced for UW-W Dean of College of Education & Professional Studies

March 9, 2024

Provost John Chenoweth has announced the three finalists [note: now there are only two] for the dean of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Education & Professional Studies. There will be forums, open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, for the candidates during the week of March 11.

DR. LANA COLLET-KLINGENBERG
BRIEF BIO – Lana Collet-Klingenberg is the interim dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Collet-Klingenberg joined the faculty at UW-Whitewater in 2009, served as chair of the Special Education department from 2015-2018, and was the college’s interim associate dean and associate dean from 2018-22. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her doctorate in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lana has led work in educator preparation at the state and national level as president of the Wisconsin Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, an affiliate chapter of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

Open forum: Monday, March 11 at 11 a.m., University Center, Room 266 or Webex

Webex Event Information
Event address for attendees:  
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=m6bd7a5b155176ba74d03ed9f519a16cb
Webinar number (access code): 2634 794 4673
Webinar password: MDwEiFTe586 (63934383 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone:  +1-415-655-0001 US Toll
Access Code:  2634 794 4673 

DR. M. CECIL SMITH
BRIEF BIO – M. Cecil Smith is a professor in the School of Education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he served as dean of the School from 2020 to 2023. Prior to his appointment at SIUC, he was Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education in the College of Education and Human Services at West Virginia University from 2013 to 2020. He earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1988 and joined the faculty of the College of Education at Northern Illinois University from 1988 to 2013, where he rose to the rank of full professor. A nationally known scholar in adult learning and literacy, he is the editor of seven books and has produced more than 60 peer-reviewed publications.

Open forum: Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:00 AM in Winther 2001 or Webex

Webex Event Information
Event address for attendees:  
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=mef4f8f4e264044b5cb05032ffb40fe39
Webinar number (access code): 2633 690 3892 
Webinar password: rgT2j2KUTu4 (74825258 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone:  +1-415-655-0001 US Toll
Access Code: 2633 690 3892 

Note: There was a third candidate, Dr. James Ball; however, he has withdrawn from consideration.



Behold the Magic of Oz at the Library

March 9, 2024

Historical Presenter Michelle Gibbons will visit the library on Tuesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the beautiful yet tragic life of Judy Garland. Gibbons will explain how Garland would receive worldwide fame for her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. She will explain how she went on to star in other notable movies such as Meet Me in St. Louis; The Harvey Girls; Easter Parade; and Summer Stock. Gibbons will discuss how Garland was let go from MGM in 1950 for personal struggles yet went on to star in the Emmy-nominated television show, The Judy Garland Show and was the first female to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. She was also awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award after her death, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was placed on the Top 10 Greatest Female Stars of the American Cinemas list by the American Institute.

There is no cost or registration. While the event is geared toward adults, all ages are welcome to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater.

UW-W Women’s Basketball Falls in Elite 8

March 9, 2024
The Warhawk faithful cheer in the background after Kacie Carollo hit a three-pointer against Transylvania (Craig Schreiner)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

 The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s phenomenal season came to a close in the Elite 8 Saturday following a 62-48 loss to undefeated Transylvania University. 

The Warhawk faithful showed up in droves and provided a fantastic atmosphere in Kachel Gymnasium for the game Saturday night. As the contest got underway, it was clear the first half was going to be a defensive battle from the opening tip. The stifling defenses on both sides limited scoring through the first two quarters and kept the game close. 

Late in the first, Lunden Alexander knocked down a triple that gave UWW a 12-9 advantage with 3:29 left. The Pioneers hit a layup at the 1:54 mark for the last bucket of the period.

The second quarter went back-and-forth until TU went on a 7-2 run to open up a six-point lead, 22-16, halfway through the period. The Warhawks responded on both sides – the offense put up seven points including four from Aleah Grundahl and another three from Alexander, while the defense blanked the Pioneers for the final 5:46 of the quarter. That 7-0 run gave UW-Whitewater all the momentum heading into the break despite the one-point difference, 23-22. 

A big third quarter run for Transylvania saw the Pioneers build a double figure margin by the midway point. The Warhawks refused to fold and went on a tear late in the quarter. With the score 42-29 in favor of TU, Kacie Carollo fed Grundahl on a beautiful pass for the layin. A quick Pioneer turnover gave the Warhawks the ball under their own basket and Carollo capitalized drilling a three-pointer in the corner in front of the UWW bench. The play was a perfect catch and shoot off the inbounds pass from Renee Rittmeyer and the crowd erupted. 

Less than 30 seconds later, Carollo struck again from long range to cut the margin to five. On the other end, Carollo hauled in a defensive board, one of her nine on the night, and pushed the pace up the court. The ball found its way into Katie Hildebrandt’s hands, and she knocked down a jumper to send Kachel into pandemonium as the UWW had cut the lead to three, 42-39, with less than 30 seconds remaining in the quarter. With all of the momentum going the Warhawks’ way, Transylvania called a timeout. Following the break in action, the Pioneers got off a last second shot to push the lead back to five, 44-39, by the end of the third. 

The margin was still at five at the 6:17 mark in the fourth before Transylvania hit a couple of big shots and the Warhawk offense went cold. TU hit a three and a layup while UWW had multiple shots circle the rim and pop out. The swing had Pioneer advantage back into double digits with less than four to play. The Warhawks were forced to foul, but TU hit their free throws down the stretch for the final. 

Grundahl led UWW with 17 points on 6-12 from the floor. She added six rebounds and tallied three blocks. Hildebrandt posted 10 points while Carollo went 9-9-7 in scoring, rebounds and assists respectively.  

The Warhawks closed the 2023-24 campaign with a 25-5 mark after making the team’s 22nd appearance in the NCAA tournament and fifth trip to the Elite 8.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Mid-20th Century Parade

March 9, 2024


It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the second image of the band in the mid-20th century parade that was photographed coming down Main Street. This view shows the north side of Main Street very well, with the Strand Theater, the College Grill, and other businesses visible on this side of the street.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

3830P, Whitewater Historical Society

Spring Forward – Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday @ 2 a.m.

March 9, 2024

Remember to “spring forward” this Sunday morning. Once again in the past year there have been calls for eliminating daylight savings time. Polling shows that a majority of Americans detest the practice: 62% would prefer to end it, according to a March, 2023 poll by YouGov, but respondents were divided between those (50%) who would like to have permanent daylight time (DST) and those (31%) preferring permanent standard time. 

What’s the status of that Senate bill to end time changes? (From NPR)

In March 2022, the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act. The intent behind the bill was to make daylight saving time permanent starting in the spring of 2023.

And at first, it looked as though it might become a reality. The Senate passed the bill through an expedited process and with unanimous consent — legislative rarities in this day and age.

But the bill wasn’t taken up in the House. Members cited higher priorities, like a budget deficit and the war in Ukraine, but there was also a growing chorus of criticism about the bill’s approach.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., reintroduced the bill in March 2023, and it was sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, but there has been no notable movement on it since. A companion bill, introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., is similarly stuck in committee at the House level.

Even if either bill manages to pass both chambers, it’d still need to be signed by President Biden, who hasn’t indicated how he leans on the issue.

So for now, the tradition remains intact.

As Daylight Savings begins, it is a perfect time to “spring ahead to safety” and tackle a few critical emergency preparedness updates for the coming spring season.

  • Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: All residences are required to have both types of detectors on every level, including the basement, but not the attic or storage areas. Now is a good time to replace the batteries in your detectors and push the test buttons to be sure they’re working properly. Replace your detectors every five years.
  • Emergency Go Bags: Be sure to have a basic emergency kit in your home with supplies, food and water to last you and your family for at least three days. Other items like a battery powered radio, flashlights, additional batteries, and first aid kit should also be included. For more information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
  • Emergency NOAA Weather Radio: Spring brings the threat of tornadoes. Make sure you have an emergency weather radio. It’s like having a tornado siren in your home. When it goes off, go to a safe place. Remember, the outdoor warning sirens are only intended for people to hear outdoors.
  • National Weather Service Wireless Emergency Alerts: Wireless Emergency Alerts are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. No signup is required. Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. For more information, please visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

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Obituaries

Obituary: Becca (Nash) Piper, 65, of AZ

Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ died on November 21, 2024 as a result of complications of antibiotic toxicity. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents Reg and Maydean Nash. She is survived by her dear husband of almost 40 years, Ken Piper, along with her children Joe, ^^Michael^^, Selena and Larry, granddaughter Maelyn and Becca’s siblings David and Janet (Nash) Schenck. She is also survived by extraordinary friends, extended family and much loved colleagues. Being a mother was especially important to Becca. She and Ken adopted all of their 4 children.  Becca’s life … Read more

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Obituary: Will Daniel Ensslin, 77

In Loving Memory of Will Daniel Ensslin Whitewater, WI – Will Daniel Ensslin, 77, passed away peacefully on 11-26-2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave and long battle with cancer. He was born on February 5, 1947 in West Allis, WI to Willy and Ellen Ensslin. Will was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, cherished brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with courage and honor as a Huey helicopter mechanic from 1966 – 1967 — a dedication to service that remained a cornerstone of his life. He married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Bilkovich, in 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after their wedding, … Read more

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Obituary: Richard Allen Splitter, 80, of MO

Richard Allen Splitter, age 80, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away November 12, 2024. He entered this life on June 16, 1944, the son of Edward and Berniece (Craig) Splitter in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy for two terms. During his time in the service, he was able to get his master’s degree in engineering from California State University of Long Beach. During his working years, Richard was an engineer for different aerospace companies. He retired to Blue Eye, Missouri, and thoroughly enjoyed lake life. Richard appreciated the outdoors and loved hiking, fishing, … Read more

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Obituary: Edward W. Hamilton, 83, of Davenport, IA

Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home.  Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old.  He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree.  He also served two years in the army.  He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001.  Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more

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Obituary: Verne Paul Schrank, 94

Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank.  He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more

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Obituary: Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss, 94

After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more

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Obituary: Raymond Miles, 96

Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more

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Obituary: Connie Jean Sukowski

Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more

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Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper, 88

Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield,  MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning.  She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening.  As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more

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Obituary: James Robert Trier (Jimbo), 89

James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more

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