News & Events

All photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser, in no particular order. The Parade of Lights on December 2 was powered by Generac.

“Christmas Oranges” 

Tuesday, December 13, 1 p.m.

(Drama/Family) rated PG; 1 hour, 41 minutes (2012)

Share a slice of Christmas sweetened with family and friendship in a poignant story based on a classic holiday tale. Starring Edward Herrmann and Nancy Stafford.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, as proud families and friends gather for the 2022 December commencement ceremony.

Approximately 630 students will cross the stage to receive their degrees. The ceremony, about two hours long and presided over by Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth, will be held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center. 

This year’s commencement speaker is Jen Rulon. Since earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in psychology in 1993, she has embarked on a series of accomplishments that include working as a marine animal trainer and behaviorist at SeaWorld, becoming a 15-time Ironman Triathlete, and sharing, through her brand JenRulon.com, inspiring messages to people from all walks of life on the TEDx Stage and through publications like Triathlete Magazine, Runners World and The New York Times.

The student speaker is Jacquelyn Schimke, who is earning her Master of Science in Education in special education–professional development, with autism specialist, transition specialist and applied behavioral analysis certifications. In May 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis on special education and cross-categorical licenses in intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities.

The ceremony will recognize 63 undergraduates from the College of Arts and Communication, 164 from the College of Business and Economics, 164 from the College of Education and Professional Studies and 130 from the College of Letters and Sciences and five degrees that are not college-specific, for a total of 525 undergraduate degrees. The School of Graduate Studies will award 104 degrees, including 98 master’s degrees and 6 doctorates.

The graduating class includes 5 international students, 41 military veterans and 134 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 79 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees.

Commencement will be broadcast live online by UWWTV, the university television station. Access to the livestream will be posted at uww.edu/commencement.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Christine Hayes.

WHITEWATER ELEMENTARY 5^th GRADE CHOIRS TO PRESENT WINTER CONCERT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Over 100 fifth grade music students from Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools will combine to perform their Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m.  The Concert is at the Whitewater High School Auditorium and is open to the public, free of charge. 

Selections include “De Colores,” “Moonlight Sleigh Ride,” Welch folk song “When in Dreamland,”  “Gaudeamus Hodie,” the beautiful “The Snow Begins to Fall,” and Leroy Anderson’s holiday favorite, “Sleigh Ride.”  The concert will begin with “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Conductors are Christine Hayes, Justin Kamp, and Val Troxel.  Accompanist for the choir is Mrs. Barb Taylor. 

According to a report in the Lake Geneva Regional News, “Jeyson A Rizo Meija, 25, of 123 S Cottage St. Whitewater, has been charged with identity theft-financial gain. On Sept. 16, a Whitewater police officer conducted a traffic stop of a black Chevrolet Cruze that nearly struck another vehicle in the City of Whitewater. The driver identified himself as Lenis Adonis Rizo Meija.” At the time of the traffic stop, the registration was expired and “Lenis” claimed that the vehicle belonged to his brother, but when the officer checked the registration, it was registered to the alias “Jeyson Rizo.” The officer searched the vehicle and found a wallet that had a Nicaragua voter identification card with the name “Jeyson Abimael Rizo Mejia,” the defendant. The officer also located a fake Wisconsin ID card and a fake social security card, both of which contained the initials “OIR” on them. Meija later admitted that the cards were stolen and he knew it was a crime to be in possession of them. He said he obtained the cards around one year ago to be able to work. Contact was made with “OIR” and he wanted to press charges.”

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The Christmas season is in full swing now, so enjoy this c.1900 photograph of a grocery store in Whitewater’s downtown decked out with Christmas goods for sale. Note the huge candy canes and Christmas trees and wreaths for sale! I wonder if the candy canes were really candy or some type of decoration.

Frank Hall was a partner in a grocery store in the late 19th century and in January of 1899, he started his own store on Center Street. He was in business alone until around 1910. This photo was taken during that time by Henry Scholl, from whom the historical society has over 400 glass plate negatives.

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

(3709P Whitewater Historical Society)