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#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: 1901 Train Wreck

September 26, 2021

Welcome back to #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society! Pictured here is a train wreck that most likely occurred on the outskirts of Whitewater on September 30, 1901. An event like this would have been the talk of the town, as evidenced by the amount of people watching the clean up process undertaken by Chicago, Milwaukee, & Saint Paul railroad crews. Interestingly enough, in the 1890s through the 1930s, train wrecks were purposely staged for public entertainment and proved to be rather popular spectacles throughout the country.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!

(2984GP, Whitewater Historical Society)​​

The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!

DAR Announces American History Essay Contests

September 26, 2021

Are you in 5th through 8th grade?  Do you know someone who is and enjoys history and writing?
This year, to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 11, the American History Essay contest for grades 5-8 focuses on the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The essay topic is, “Imagine you had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during WWI.  You and your family attended the Nov. 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC.  Describe what this meant to you and your family.  Why is it important to remember those who gave their lives to serve our nation? “ The length is 300-600 words for 5th grade and 600-1,000 words for grades 6-8.


For those in high school, a “Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest” is being offered .  The topic this year is, “ Select a figure from the American Revolution era (1773-1783).  Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. “ Your figure may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.  The word length for this essay is 800-1200 words. 


Please contact Vicki Schicker of the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce DAR Chapter (Schicker@hotmail.com) for further guidelines, information or with questions about the contest.  The deadline for entering an essay this year is December 17th.  Prizes are awarded at the Chapter, State, Division and National levels. 
These contests are open to all students in public, private or parochial schools as well as those who are home schooled.

Whitewater Resident Caryl Yasko Restoring Mural She Painted in Lemont, IL in 1975

September 25, 2021

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Whitewater resident Caryl Yasko was recently commissioned to restore the bicentennial mural “The Stonecutters” which she painted in the Village of Lemont, Illinois in 1975. Per the village Facebook page, “After week one of the restoration, the colors are starting to POP! Caryl Yasko and team, Harrison Halaska and Ingrid Kallick are working on the mural most weekdays beginning in early afternoon. Rob Moriarty joins them early evenings, and they all work on the mural as long as daylight allows. Stop by and watch them restore this beautiful mural on the Digs on Canal building at 316 Canal Street in Budnik Plaza – don’t be shy – go right on up to the front of the mural and watch them at work. Be sure to leave a note on the paper pad located on the side of the scaffolding. Caryl would LOVE to HEAR for YOU! ”

Yasko is particularly known in Whitewater for the Prairie Tillers mural she painted on the east exterior wall of 119 W. Center Street in 1980. (See last image below.) Per Community Built Organization, “Caryl Yasko has been a leading figure in the American Public Art Movement for more than forty years. She is well published internationally. She was a founding artist in the Chicago Mural Group and taught mural techniques at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and many colleges and universities, mostly in the Midwest.  She developed a concrete fresco technique and a line-drawing system for public participation.  Caryl’s works include building filigree windmills and prairie, 60′ foot poles with airplane beacon, and colorful murals in all situations and locations, often with a cast of thousands in the spirit of public participation.”

May be an image of outdoors and brick wall
Stonecutters mural taken May, 2021 before restoration efforts began. (Source: Lemont, IL Facebook page)
The Prairie Tillers Mural (1980 Original; 2004 Restoration) - Clio
The Prairie Tillers mural in Whitewater (1980 original, 2004 restoration)

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

September 25, 2021

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry CommissionMonday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Arboretum Report: DNR Grant update and next steps;
Purple Martin Report: Funding of PM house #3
Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
(This will be a hybrid meeting)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/940598565
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 940-598-565

Downtown Whitewater Board of Directors – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda – Virtual Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89492152017?pwd=cHFhSVluYXo3bGNQZDBxRkhiMj
E3UT09

Whitewater Unified School District Board – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
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Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner) includes  Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street
7:00 p.m.
———————————————-
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82811372039?pwd=bGJmdzBCRVpkK3VIY0RoQXZ6VTEvUT09
– Passcode: 509411
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 828 1137 2039
– Passcode: 509411

PUBLIC NOTICE: The health and safety of District employees, School Board, and the community is a top priority. As such, some Board members may participate virtually. Members of the public may attend in-person on a first come, first serve basis by submitting a Google Form: https://forms.gle/FVTddjN1GNyDm5kx8, 24 hours prior to the meeting time. A capacity of 20 individuals is set for in-person attendance. Additionally the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those individuals unable to attend in-person.

If participants wish to speak on Agenda Items they may speak regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. A Citizen Comment Request should be filled out prior to speaking. In accordance to Board Policy 187, personal criticism and/or derogatory remarks directed at School Board members or employees of the district will not be tolerated. Should there be a number of citizens planning to speak, the President will announce the total time for citizen comments and divide the time between speakers equally with no more than three minutes allotted to each participant.

City of Whitewater Finance CommitteeTuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes development of Capital Improvement Program for 2022-23
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
City Manager’s Conference Room (2nd Floor)
Meeting will be held in a BLENDED format (in-person and Virtual). You may join the meeting
in person in the City Manager’s Conference Room located on the 2nd floor of the Municipal
Building or from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/530273725
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 530-273-725

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wed. @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2021/22 WAFC Fee Schedule, Halloween Program And Events Discussion And Recommendation,
No Mow May Discussion
(Virtual Meeting)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/650006053
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (786) 535-3211
Access Code: 650-006-053

Clean Sweep for Household Hazardous Waste in Whitewater this Friday, 10/1

September 25, 2021

Editor’s note: All City of Whitewater residents are eligible to use this service, even if they live in the Jefferson County portion of the city.

Aging and Disability Resource Center to Host Safe and Savvy Senior Day

September 25, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Dept. of Health & Human Services.

Free Financial, Legal & Safety Resource Session for Older Adults and Their Families

The Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ (WCDHHS) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will host the annual Safe and Savvy Senior Day, a free, in-person information and resource session for older adults and their families. The Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held on Saturday, October 9th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn.

“Many older adults and their family members are not aware of the important legal documents and actions that should be taken care of as they age,” says WCDHHS Adult Protective Services Specialist Karen Gillingham. “Safe and Savvy Senior Day will help them understand some of the essentials, such as advance directives, power of attorney for health care and finance, and burial trusts.”

During the event, attendees can learn about current scams and ways to protect themselves and their assets; meet with Veteran Services staff; complete a free memory screen; drop off unused medications; receive a flu, shingles or COVID-19 vaccination; get valuable information from the ADRC and/or Lakeland Health Care Center; and check out the new Mobile Health Hub.

Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366 or emailing kgillingham@co.walworth.wi.us. Current CDC guidelines suggest wearing a mask indoors in public settings if you are in an area of high transmission to maximize protection from the Delta variant and possibly prevent spreading it to others. If you are unable to attend in person and would like more information, please contact the ADRC at (262) 741-3400.

About the ADRC: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the general public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and help provide options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.

The image on the homepage, “International Day of Older Persons” by Campbelltown City Council is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Gov. Evers Proclaims September 25 “Bob Uecker Day” 

September 25, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the governor.

Gov. Evers Proclaims September 25 “Bob Uecker Day” 
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that he has proclaimed Sat., Sep. 25, 2021, as “Bob Uecker Day” in Wisconsin. The governor made this proclamation to celebrate the legacy of Bob Uecker in Major League Baseball and to recognize his 50th anniversary as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers. 

“As a lifelong Brewers fan, some of my favorite baseball memories over the years have been narrated by Bob Uecker,” said Gov. Evers. “Bob is a homegrown Milwaukeean who has tremendous pride and love for the sport, his hometown, and his home state, and is more than deserving of this statewide day of celebration of his career, legacy, and achievements.”

“For generations, Bob has brought the ballpark experience into the homes of Brewers fans throughout the state, and his ability to create that magic is unrivaled. Bob is more than an icon in the state of Wisconsin; he is one of the world’s great entertainers and personalities,” said Rick Schlesinger, Brewers President-Business Operations. “We are fortunate to call him one of our own as we celebrate his 50th anniversary as the voice of the Brewers.”

Text of the governor’s “Bob Uecker Day” proclamation is available below. A copy of the proclamation is available here

WHEREAS; born in Milwaukee on January 26, 1934, Bob Uecker is an icon in the world of professional sports, with a long and storied career in Major League Baseball (MLB), both as a player in the 1960s and as one of our nation’s preeminent sportscasters over the past 50 years; and

WHEREAS; the first Milwaukee native to sign with the Milwaukee Braves, Bob played for the club’s Northern League affiliate, the Eau Claire Bears, and Pioneer League affiliate, the Boise Braves, beginning in 1956, and made his MLB debut as a catcher for the Braves on April 13, 1962; and

WHEREAS; after one season with the Milwaukee Braves, Bob was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he helped bring the team to their 1964 World Series win against the New York Yankees and, perhaps more famously, entertained his teammates by shagging fly balls with a tuba ahead of the series’ second game; and

WHEREAS; Bob was later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, before returning to the Braves—who had since moved to Atlanta—for the last season of his career as a player; and

WHEREAS; upon his retirement from playing in the MLB, Bob returned to his hometown of Milwaukee and, after a brief stint as a scout for the city’s new team, the Milwaukee Brewers, he began his new career in sports broadcasting in September 1971; and

WHEREAS; as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for 50 years and counting, calling play-by-play action for our state’s premier professional baseball franchise, Bob has ingrained himself into the day-to-day life of baseball fans in Wisconsin and across the United States; and

WHEREAS; Bob’s notorious sense of humor and extraordinary abilities behind the microphone have made him a legendary and beloved figure in professional baseball, and among the numerous awards and accolades he has received, he has been named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year on five separate occasions, been inducted into both the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame, and been awarded the Ford. C. Frick Award for major contributions in baseball by a broadcaster; and

WHEREAS; affectionately known as “Mr. Baseball,” a nickname given to him by the late Johnny Carson, Bob has also led a remarkable career in entertainment as a comedian and performer in movies and TV, alongside unforgettable appearances on The Tonight Show and in the iconic “Miller Lite All Stars” advertising campaign; and

WHEREAS; today, in recognition of his 66 years in Major League Baseball, half a century with the Milwaukee Brewers, and innumerable contributions to the history and culture of professional baseball in our country, the state of Wisconsin joins baseball fans in Wisconsin and across the United States in celebrating Bob Uecker;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2021, as “BOB UECKER DAY” throughout the State of Wisconsin and I commend this observance to all our state’s residents.

UW-Whitewater Reaches 70% Student Vaccination Rate; Employees Report a 91% Rate

September 24, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have reported a 70% COVID-19 vaccination rate as of Sept. 24 — reaching the milestone five weeks ahead of the recently extended UW System deadline of Oct. 31. Vaccinated UW-Whitewater students are now eligible for the UW System drawing of 70 scholarships valued at $7,000 each that will take place later in the fall. UW-Whitewater students who have not yet been vaccinated or reported their vaccination can still be eligible for the scholarship drawing, as long as they complete the vaccination series and report their record by Oct. 31.

“Congratulations to our Warhawks for achieving the 70% vaccination rate. This is a university-wide accomplishment, and I’d like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the students, faculty and staff who have participated in our vaccination efforts,” said Jim Henderson, interim chancellor. “We also received generous support from alumni and donors to fund weekly $500 drawings, totaling an additional $20,000 in vaccine incentives.” 

Employees, including faculty and staff, report a 91% vaccination rate. All of these figures are based on vaccination records submitted by students, faculty and staff to UW-Whitewater and verified by staff.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, the UW-Whitewater community has prioritized the wellbeing of the entire Warhawk family and that helped us chart a successful path through this challenging time,” Henderson said. “Our efforts do not stop at this milestone. I strongly encourage students, faculty and staff who have not yet done so to get vaccinated if they are able, and to report it to UW-Whitewater as soon as possible.”

Banner note: The following vaccination rates were reported by the UW System as of September 22. On September 24, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater both reported having achieved the 70% level.

UW-Madison: 93% 

UW-Milwaukee: 81%

UW-La Crosse: 75%

UW-Eau Claire: 74%

UW-Whitewater: 69%

UW-Oshkosh: 66%

UW-Stout: 65%

UW-River Falls: 61%

UW-Green Bay: 58%

UW-Superior: 51%

UW-Platteville: 49%

UW-Stevens Point: 49%

UW-Parkside: 41%

Obituaries

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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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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Obituary: Robert Karl Webb, 97

Robert Karl Webb passed away peacefully with his loving wife Adrienne by his side on June 14, 2024, at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater, WI.  Dr. Webb was born in Trenton, Missouri on September 29, 1926, to parents Karl and Esther (Kull) Webb. During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Pennsylvania and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Illinois in Urbana. Dr. Webb was a composer and taught in the public schools of Moberly, Missouri, and was the director of the Hobart, Indiana … Read more

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