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The Library Presents The Buzz on Beekeeping

July 21, 2023

Want to know more about beekeeping? Interested in how you can support local honeybees and other pollinators even if you aren’t going to keep bees? Community members are invited to a free workshop at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, July 25 at 5:30 p.m.  

There will be a basic discussion on beekeeping in the Midwest, presented by Stephanie Slater, President of the Walworth County Beekeepers Association and the 2022 Wisconsin Honey Producers Association Beekeeper of the Year. Come prepared with all of your honeybee questions!  

The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782. 

Seniors in the Park Presents Colossus: The Forbin Project

July 21, 2023

“Colossus: The Forbin Project”
Tuesday, July 25, 1 p.m.
(Science Fiction/Thriller) Rated PG-13
1 hour, 41 minutes. (1970)

It’s been said that science fiction anticipates the future and reality. Equate that with AI or artificial intelligence. In this well-regarded classic film, an Elon Musk type electronics genius builds a super computer with a mind of its own; or so he thinks, until he learns, so have the Soviets. When the two artificial intelligences begin to communicate with each other,
machines-world domination over human beings is imminent. Stars Eric Braeden, Susan Clark and William Schallert.

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Representative

July 21, 2023
 
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #207 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., July 22, 2023, in honor of former State Rep. Michael Endsley, who passed away peacefully on July 13, 2023, at 61 years old. 

“On behalf of the state of Wisconsin, I share our deepest condolences with Andrew, Katie, Beverly, Michelle, and the entire Endsley family on Michael’s passing,” said Gov. Evers. “He was a hardworking businessman, dedicated public servant, avid history buff, enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan, and by all accounts, a great father and friend to all those who knew him. He will be missed.”

Endsley was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2010, where he served two terms representing Wisconsin’s 26th Assembly District. While in the Assembly, he chaired the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee and was vice-chair for the Jobs, Economy, and Small Business and Small Business Development Committees. 

In 2014, Endsley was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) that later developed into early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. A dedicated advocate and committed public servant, Endsley spent his time learning about Alzheimer’s disease, educating others, and helping all those affected by the disease and other dementias.

Memorial services for former State Rep. Endsley will be held on Sat., July 22, 2023, in Sheboygan Falls.

Ben Heller, WHS ’09, pitched one inning vs. Brewers (Updated)

July 20, 2023
Heller pitching on 7/21/23 – Photo courtesy of Tim Zuehlke

Update 7/21/23 @ 9:20 p.m. – Heller pitched the 7th inning: struck one out swinging, walked one, Tapia grounded into a double play.

Braves won 6-4.

Dick Enstad indicates the following regarding Ben Heller, WHS ’09, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves:

“Ben Heller is not a starting pitcher for the Braves. He is in the bullpen and performs middle relief. He could appear in any of the games this weekend.”

The Atlanta Braves (62-33) are playing the Brewers (54-43) on Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday at 6:15 p.m., and Sunday at 1:10 p.m. It appears that Spectrum cable subscribers can watch the games on channel 29. Brewers now lead the NL Central.

Fairhaven Announces Renovation Plan

July 20, 2023

Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI has announced a $10 million renovation plan to update and add Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) Assisted Living units to our 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors in our main building. Renovations are set to start during the month of September and once completed in the summer of 2024, will provide a total of 47 units along with added lounges on each floor. On our 3rd and 4th floors will be a total of 24 units which will feature a walk-in kitchenette, living space and a fully accessible bathroom with walk-in shower. Our second floor, which will consist of 23 units, will offer a more intensive level of services and care. Each floor will operate independently offering the services that we currently have on our 4th floor Assisted Living.

Paul Kuenning, Fairhaven’s President/CEO said he believes this renovation will offer the community and surrounding area a level of service and care that is currently and will be needed in the future. This will ensure that Fairhaven may continue its mission as a visible ministry of God’s love for older men and women and to offer a community where “Life is Added to Years.”

We have started our communication with residents/family members/loved ones and plan to share our renovation progress to the community via our Facebook page @Fairhaven Senior Services.

Fairhaven is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the United Church of Christ that has been a part of the Whitewater community for over 60 years.

Architects of the renovation are Eppstein Uhen Architects of Milwaukee and Madison, with Dan Schindhelm serving as project manager. VJS Construction Services of Pewaukee is the contractor, with Chris Sauve, Vice President, overseeing the construction.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Fairhaven Senior Services.

Our Readers Share: Steve Watson Adds Poetry to His Nature Photos (Updated)

July 20, 2023
Morning dove, flying above. 
Soaring past the trees.
Makes it look like a breeze.
Chipmunk darts across the trail. 
Airborne leaps, 
Into the grassy veil.

Osprey is a daring bird.
From on high it dives unheard. 
Headlong into the water.
Flies away with its slaughter. 

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing not only more of his fascinating photos but his poetic talent besides.

— 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 or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

Updated 7/21/23 @ 8:15 a.m. – Osprey photos rearranged for proper sequence.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Summer Scene on Prairie Street

July 20, 2023

It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The third image in our series showing Whitewater streets in summer is this view taken on N. Prairie Street. Like the other views, it shows a long line of mature street trees. How those trees in the city must have helped keep the houses cool in summer!

Join us next week for the last of our series of summer street views in Whitewater.

#2253PC, Whitewater Historical Society

Attempted Child Abduction Reported

July 20, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department.

On Thursday, July 20th, 2023, at 3:51 p.m., the Whitewater Police Department received a report of an attempted child abduction. At approximately 3:45 p.m. on the same date, a male approached a minor female at the intersection of W. Center St. and S. Cottage St., in the City of Whitewater. The male exited his vehicle, described as a black four-door sedan with tinted windows. The male approached the minor female and told her to get into the car. The male grabbed the minor female’s right arm, attempting to pull her towards his vehicle. The female bit the male’s forearm and fled the area on foot. The male entered back into his vehicle and sped away at a high rate of speed, last observed traveling eastbound on W. Center Street. The male is described as being around 30 – 40 years of age, spoke English, having “tan” skin, shoulder length dark brown hair, and a long dark brown and gray beard. The male is further described as wearing a green in color sleeveless shirt and having a black and gray “rose” tattoo between his shoulder and lower neck area.

Whitewater Police are continuing to investigate and are asking the public for assistance in locating any witnesses to the incident, or anyone with external video/pictures in or around the neighborhood/city displaying a potential suspect or suspect vehicle. Anyone with information should contact the Whitewater Police Department at (262) 473-0555 option #4. Anonymous tips may also be shared using P3Tips.com.

Obituaries

Obituary: Harry Oliver Dempsey, 80

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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Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

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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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

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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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

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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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

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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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

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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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

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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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

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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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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