News & Events

Each year, millions of Muslims begin fasting from sunrise to sunset and engage in activities that challenge their self-restraint and bring them closer to God.

This year, Ramadan began on the night of Sunday, March 10, with fasting starting the next morning on Monday. [From USA Today]

Ramadan (Arabic: رَمَضَان, romanized: Ramaḍān [ra.ma.dˤaːn];^[a] also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar,^[8] observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer (salah), reflection, and community.^[9] A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation,^[10] the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam^[11] and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.^[12][13]

Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory (fard) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, pregnant, or menstruating.^[14] The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar.^[15][16] Although rulings (fatawa) have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca,^[17] it is common practice to follow the timetable of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.^[18][19][20]

The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan.^[21] Accordingly, during the hours of fasting, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behavior,^[22][23] devoting themselves instead to prayer and study of the Quran.^[24][25] [From Wikipedia]

The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image above and on the homepage by Daniel Dan outsideclick from Pixabay.

Dr. Corey A. King was inaugurated as the 18th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in the Young Auditorium on February 23, 2024. He actually started in the position on March 1, 2023. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Whitewater High School Forensics competed at UW-Whitewater’s annual Speech Bowl on Saturday, led by outstanding performances from seniors Emerson Ellenwood (Expository Speaking) and Emmanuella Mbifi (Extemporaneous Speaking) and junior Carley Boudreau (Informative Speaking). Their combined efforts earned them 1st Place in the Small Teams Division. The award for this division is known as the Jeanine Fassl Award, named in honor of Jeanine Fassl, former Director of UW-Whitewater’s Forensics program and long-time Whitewater resident and advocate for the arts. Jeanine was there to present the award, making the occasion even more memorable.

The team’s next competition is the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) State Series District Tournament at Stoughton High School on March 21st.

Article and Photo Submitted by Elizabeth Miller
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
emiller@wwusd.org

Recent findings indicate the presence of spongy moths in the local vegetation surrounding Starin Park. While these moths pose no direct threat to humans or animals, it is important for citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent potential damage to their own outdoor spaces.

Spongy moths, scientifically known as Lepidoptera Porifera, have been observed in increased numbers due to favorable weather conditions and abundant nearby vegetation. These unique moths possess a sponge-like abdomen and rely on plants as their primary food source.

To safeguard the health and vitality of vegetation in private outdoor spaces, citizens are urged to consider the
following recommendations:

1. Monitor your vegetation: Regularly inspect plants and trees in your garden or yard for any signs of spongy moths, such as larvae or cocoons.
2. Mitigate potential damage: Take appropriate measures, such as pruning infested branches or using environmentally friendly pest control methods, to minimize potential damage caused by spongy moths.
3. Educate yourself and others: Learn more about spongy moths, their lifecycle, and preventive measures to help spread awareness among neighbors, friends, and family.
   
   By staying informed and proactive, citizens can contribute to the conservation of local vegetation and prevent
   the further proliferation of spongy moths. Together, we can preserve the beauty and health of our outdoor
   spaces.

Editor’s note: This DNR link has photos of various spring defoliator caterpillars.

From this DNR site: Spongy moth populations may have a temporary, large increase (an “outbreak”) in an area about every 10 years. Defoliation of susceptible tree and shrub species may be widespread during outbreaks, although healthy trees and shrubs are likely to survive if they are defoliated. High caterpillar numbers can be a tremendous nuisance. In addition, the caterpillar hairs can cause skin rashes and other reactions in some people. Management options [exit DNR] for reducing high populations include: egg mass oils, barrier and collection bands, physically destroying life stages, drowning egg masses and caterpillars in a can of soapy water, insecticidal soaps and insecticide application to high-value trees or forest stands.

V

Photos, taken on March 9, courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Demolition of the Hawk Bowl & Apartments in preparation for the construction of the Aldi grocery store is proceeding, with the bowling alley being the primary remaining structure. The March 11 Plan & Architectural Review Commission agenda includes review of the proposed signage for the Aldi store. The site plan calls for two pads, with the proposed use of the second pad not yet announced.

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

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.

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.