News & Events

Contributed by Chris Spangler

A woman known for recognizing others has received recognition herself.

The Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Dr. Mabel G. Schumacher with
its national Medal of Honor during a reception Sunday, Dec. 29, at the American Legion Dugout.

“It has come to our attention that an individual has gone above and beyond the definition of volunteer. We are here to honor
her,” chapter Regent Nancy Olson said in welcoming guests. She noted that the Medal of Honor is the most prestigious
recognition given by the DAR. It is presented to a United States citizen by birth who has shown extraordinary qualities of
leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism, and only nine were given in 2023. “Congratulations Mabel. You have earned this,” Olson said in presenting a framed certificate as Chapter Treasurer Mary Narkis pinned the Medal of Honor on Schumacher’s lapel. Chapter Registrar Jessica Punzel outlined Schumacher’s many community contributions leading up to this day.

She noted that Schumacher was born in Milwaukee but moved to Whitewater with her family when she was 10 years old in 1954. The following year, in May of 1955, she was awarded as the American History Fifth-Grade Essay winner from the Eli Pierce Chapter of the DAR.

“Who would’ve thought that 70 years later, the DAR would come full circle in Mabel’s life?” Punzel said.

The co-valedictorian of Whitewater High School in 1962, Schumacher graduated from what was then the University of
Wisconsin-Whitewater State Teachers College in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in special education.

However, Punzel said, “As a freshman, Mabel was assigned to an office as a student assistant, and would meet her future husband, Vernon. They would later marry in 1984 and celebrate a wonderful 29 years together before his passing in 2013.” Schumacher earned her master’s degree in special education from UW-Whitewater in 1971 and then her doctorate with a major in reading and minor in school administration from UW-Madison in 1978.

“While furthering her own knowledge, Mabel moved to improve the education for children throughout the state. She first taught
special education at Waller School in Burlington from 1968-74. When she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to
pursue her PhD, Mabel became the program assistant in the Education Department for a year. In the summer of 1975, Mabel was hired as assistant director for the Racine County Handicapped Children’s Education Board, a position that she would hold for nine years before becoming the director in 1984,” Punzel said.

After four years, Schumacher was hired as Supervisor of Student Services in the Wauwatosa School District, where she remained for two years, followed by a year at Sheboygan Area School District as the Coordinator of Special Education.

“In the summer of 1991, she was appointed to the Fort Atkinson School District as the director of instruction. And here she would
stay,” Punzel said. “Mabel continued to improve students’ education in Fort Atkinson for the next 10 years before her retirement in the summer of 2001.”

Retirement brought new opportunities, she said, noting that the Schumachers moved to the Fort Atkinson area in 1993 and fell
in love with the community.

“They enjoyed filling a couple of shopping carts full of food and delivering it to the Food Pantry once a month. Mabel also served as a board member and campaign co-chairperson for the United Way, and for 11 years has served as the secretary of the Tuesday Club,” Punzel shared. “She has been honored to serve as past-president and executive director of the Wisconsin Schools Public Relations Association.

“However, it was the love of our furry friends and through the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson, where she would become a board
member, treasurer and instigator,” Punzel added.

She said Schumacher’s love of animals and pride in her late husband’s service in the Air Force during World War II became the driving force for many projects she has undertaken in the community. It started in 2011, when she successfully established a human-pet drinking fountain on the Glacial River Trail in Fort Atkinson.

“But one of her greatest achievements came in 2015, when Mabel went before state Legislature to help Wisconsin acknowledge K-9 Veterans Day,” Punzel said. “Her dedication to veterans and their animal companions pushed her to succeed in the campaign, and on March 17, 2015, Wisconsin granted her proposal to recognize March 13 as K-9 Veterans Day in Wisconsin.

“Since that year, Mabel has coordinated and hosted the Fort Atkinson K-9 Veterans Day ceremony. Each year, she recognizes local K-9 handlers and their canine partners from law enforcement to the military.”

Punzel noted that Schumacher next created the War Dogs Memorial in McCoy Park, which was established through fundraising efforts by Schumacher and the Kennel Club.

“Mabel’s image for the memorial honors the 335 Wisconsin military and working dogs that have died in service or lost their lives in the line of duty, one of them being a local young man and his canine companion during the Vietnam War,” Punzel said, referring to Marine Corps Lance Corporal Terry Beck of Fort Atkinson and his German Shepherd scout dog, “Seato,” both of whom were killed in action in 1967.

And at age 80 and in only six months this year, Schumacher spearheaded, planned, fundraised and ultimately completed another McCoy Park memorial, Punzel said. “Titled ‘Worth Fighting For,’ the World War II memorial salutes both veterans and those who contributed on the home front during the war.

“The moving ceremony honored local World War II veterans who had lost their lives in the conflict and hosted five veterans and ‘Rosies’ who are still with us today. There was not a dry eye in the crowd,” Punzel recalled. She emphasized that Schumacher does not create these projects for personal recognition or glory. Rather, she does it to leave a lasting reminder for her community.

In addition, Schumacher helped establish the endowed Terry Beck Protective Services Scholarship Fund at the Fort Atkinson
Community Foundation and in 2021 unveiled the Kennel Club’s “Puppy Serenade” sculpture in Rock River Park. A generous
supporter of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Atkinson Police Department’s K-9 Units, she was presented the
Fort Atkinson Community Foundation’s Making Fort Special award in 2023.

“During the time that our chapter members have come to know her, Mabel is, in one word, ‘humble.’ Her love of community and
country shines through in her everyday life, and it would be hard to imagine a world without people like her,” Punzel concluded.

Also offering remarks was Master Sgt. (Retired) Dan Juday, a member of the local Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations. “I have known Mabel for about 10 years now; we first met during one of her many civic-minded art projects,” he said. “Her drive to improve the community through recognition and visual artistry is commendable. Spearheading the K-9 Veterans Day, K-9 Veterans Memorial and World War II memorial were monumental tasks which she handled with ease.”

He noted that, thanks to Schumacher’s efforts, Wisconsin became the 13th state to recognize War Dogs Day, also known as K-9 Veterans Day.

“This was in conjunction with her devout leadership in designing, coordinating and presenting a one-of-a-kind K-9 memorial which not only honors working dogs, but also a local military working dog team,” Juday said, referring to Beck and Seato.

He said that Schumacher organizes an annual ceremony on March 13 to honor working dogs and their handlers across the
state, as well as those K-9s that died during the past year. In addition, Juday said, Schumacher also has remembered those who have served in other wars, including World War II, during which her late husband, Vernon, served in Air Force. “Being a philanthropist at heart, Mabel was solely responsible in providing the City of Fort Atkinson with a truly unique World War II monument,” Juday said. “The memorial honors all who contributed in the success of the war. From veterans to Rosie the Riveters, the all- encompassing stainless-steel, hand-crafted globe stands as a point of reflection and remembrance to everyone who sees it. Her steadfast determination to bring a multitude of different perspectives and craftsmen together in a staggeringly short period of time (six months) led to a magnificent result garnering numerous accolades.”

Juday said that, throughout the years, he has witnessed Schumacher’s advocacy of all things that make a community thrive and embrace patriotism.

“Her support of our veteran community, as well as recognition of their sacrifices, has brought people from all over the country to
bear witness to her truly unique vision! I am honored to have worked with Mabel on so many worthwhile projects and am
blessed to have her as such a good friend. This honor bestowed upon her is undeniably fitting,” he concluded.

Schumacher said that it was with “profound humility and appreciation that I accept this wonderful honor.” She thanked all
who played a role in the many projects undertaken, adding, “This day could never have happened without you.” At the very foundation of it all is the wonderful City of Fort Atkinson, Schumacher noted.

“Believe me when I tell you that Fort Atkinson is unique. I have worked places where my co-workers told me that they had lived in that community for 30 years and was still considered an outsider. I have worked in other places where it would have been considered “overstepping” if an ordinary citizen had advanced an idea for a project. If it were not scoffed at, it would have eventually been ignored.

“Fort Atkinson is a place that accepts and fosters creativity and giving,” she continued. “It is a community that allows
individuals to be who they are and provides a climate that helps them thrive. I say thank you to all who made this day possible.”

At the program’s conclusion, she was delightedly surprised by a visit from two special guests: K-9s Butch and Balko and their
handlers, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies Dylan Agnew and Scott Gukich, respectively.

Also participating in the ceremony were DAR Vice Regent Janet Stehling, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, and DAR Chaplain
Valerie Cole, who offered the invocation and benediction. Cookies and other sweet treats baked by Punzel, co-owner of the BonTon Bakery in Jefferson, were served following the ceremony.

Organized in 1899, the Fort Atkinson Chapter of DAR was one of the earliest and largest chapters in Wisconsin for many years.
In 1992, it merged with the Eli Pierce Chapter, which was founded in Whitewater in 1941.

Today, chapter members reside in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Whitewater, Milton, Janesville and
surrounding communities, as well as in several other states.

Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter members on Sunday presented Dr. Mabel Schumacher
of Fort Atkinson with the national Medal of Honor. Pictured from left are: chapter member Chris Spangler, chapter member Jane
Fary, chapter Regent Nancy Olson, Schumacher, chapter Treasurer Mary Narkis, Honorary State Regent Brenda Majewski of the Milwaukee chapter, chapter Registrar Jessica Punzel and chapter Vice Regent Janet Stehling. [Photos by Chris Spangler]

DAR Medal of Honor recipient Mabel Schumacher gleefully greets K-9s Butch and Balko and their handlers, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies Dylan Agnew and Scott Gukich, respectively. Schumacher has spearheaded efforts to salute veterans and war dogs with monuments in Fort Atkinson’s McCoy Park.

Honoree Mabel Schumacher thanks the DAR for the Medal of Honor recognition. Seated behind her from left are Registrar
Jessica Punzel, Treasurer Mary Narkis, Chaplain Valerie Cole and Vice Regent Janet Stehling.

Updated 1/13/25 @ 5:15 p.m. to add Landmarks Commission & Community Development Authority agendas.

City of Whitewater – Name draw for order in which names for the District 1 Candidates for Councilmember will appear on the April 1, 2025 election – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes public hearing for rezoning of the properties of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and the City of Whitewater Municipal Building.
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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/801964373
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 801-964-373
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Tech Park Innovation Center Advisory Board – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Innovation Center, Innovation Drive
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/933404485
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 933-404-485
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
AGENDA includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the award of Contract 7-2024, 2025 Lead Service
Line Replacement.
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/81132741505?pwd=sxJiHEeO6cs9taov1TdjHPHBAY1lyZ.1
Webinar ID: 811 3274 1505
Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Passcode: 881506

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Council Chambers, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/333590117
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 333-590-117
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Community Development Commission Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation by Natalie Serna of Barista Cats Cafe post Wind Up
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,312 West Whitewater St.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84094887539?pwd=Ob lnNw9HjEtUTx7421cbauKmNs_zg.i3mqhkWHzCFHbB8k Passcode:647974
Phone one-tap: +13052241968,,84094887539#,,,,647974# US
+13092053325,,84094887539#,,,,*647974# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799
Passcode:647974

The following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

To make the Dean’s List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the fall 2024 semester and have no disqualifying grades. The GPA threshold varies by college – for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean’s List. 

The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administration, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum.

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws over 8,000 undergraduate and 3,700 graduate and professional students from nearly all states and more than 60 countries. In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu.

Whitewater, WI

 Maddie Arnett, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
 Malachi Webb, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Whitewater Arts Alliance Hosts Watercolor Basics Workshop with Payton Hulne The Whitewater Arts Alliance is pleased to announce a new workshop: Watercolor Basics Class. Join us on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5 pm-7 pm at the Cultural Arts Center. This workshop will be facilitated by Payton Hulne, a third-year art student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) and Whitewater Arts Alliance Student Gallery Assistant. Payton enjoys teaching students of all ages and is ready to share their knowledge of watercolor painting. “I am excited to be able to facilitate a watercolor class for all ages! Watercolor is a great, versatile medium for new, aspiring artists. The fluidity of the paint makes for great contrasting artworks. I’m hoping that whoever joins me in this two-hour session will learn the basic principles of watercolor painting and find their art style. I’m very excited to be teaching attendees soon!” All supplies will be provided, and light refreshments will be served. The fee for the workshop is $35, which includes all materials. To register, visit https://www.whitewaterarts.org/watercolor-workshop-january-2025 or sign up in person at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W Main St, Whitewater, during regular gallery hours. The workshop is limited to 25 participants, so early registration is recommended. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting in a fun and inspiring environment. For more information, please visit whitewaterarts.org or contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance Phone: 608-201-2151 Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com  About Whitewater Arts Alliance: The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community. Whitewater Arts Alliance / Cultural Arts Center 402 West Main StreetWhitewater, WI, 53190Phone: 608-201-2151 Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com Website: whitewaterarts.org Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance Gallery Exhibit Hours – Thursdays: 12-4 pm; Fridays: 12-4 pm; Saturdays: 12-4 pm; Sundays: 12-4 pm. Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is a also closed when no show is currently running.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our second and final 2025 ATV Safety Education Course on February 4, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and February 8, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Rock County
Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to complete an ATV Safety Education Course to legally operate an ATV or UTV in areas open to the public within Wisconsin. Students should be at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.

ATV Safety Education Course

Session 1: February 4, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: February 8, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/atv-education

Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. The Banner has previously been assured that it is not required to be a Rock County resident to participate in their programs.

Per the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office at 10:19 p.m. on Saturday:

• Light snow will move east into the area overnight, continuing into Sunday.
• Areas of freezing drizzle are expected to occur at times after 4 AM CST Sunday, which may result in a light glazing on roads.
• Generally looking at snowfall totals around 1 inch toward Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, and under 1 inch elsewhere.
• Light snow and areas of freezing drizzle tapers off west to east gradually Sunday afternoon, but light snow/flurries may linger through the evening.
• Travel impacts may linger into Sunday evening. 
  • Wet, Untreated Surfaces Refreeze Potential: Temps around freezing Sunday afternoon may result in melting, but temps quickly fall below freezing Sunday evening and untreated, wet surfaces may refreeze.
  • Blowing Snow: Wind gusts pick up to around 25-30 MPH Sunday afternoon/evening, and there will be a growing potential for blowing snow across area roadways, especially for north to south orientated roads. 

The community is invited to join the Winter Reading Challenge at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, which runs January 13-February 28. The challenge is for all ages, and it’s easy to participate! Pick up a bookmark at the library’s front desk. Fill in a circle for every 30 minutes that you read or listen to a book. When all of the circles are filled, return the bookmark to the library and claim your goodie bag! All entries will go into a grand prize drawing for a gift basket. There will be two winners – one in the children’s category and one in the adult and teen category. Stay cozy this winter by snuggling up with some good books!
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.

Rep. Brienne Brown (D-Whitewater) was sworn in on Monday, January 6 at the State Capitol as the State Representative for the 43rd Assembly District. Rep. Brown will serve on the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Veteran and Military Affairs during the 2025-2026 legislative session.

Following the ceremony, Rep. Brown released the following statement:

“I am honored to be sworn in as the next state representative for the 43rd District. It is a privilege to be able to serve our neighbors and community.

Every session is an opportunity to address the pressing issues facing Wisconsinites, and I hope to bring more voices of our district to the capitol.

This term, I look forward to building trust and serving the 43rd District. I will work to help our local farmers, veterans, and their families through my committee assignments, as well as advance policy that will benefit our children, public schools, small businesses, and our beloved UW-Whitewater.

Let’s move Wisconsin forward.”