News & Events

The Whitewater Police Department has identified the suspect in the fatal shooting of UW-Whitewater student Kara Welsh, age 21, as Chad T. Richards, age 23, of Loves Park, Illinois. According to the press release, “The department forwarded the following charges to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office: First-Degree Intentional Homicide (Wis. Stat. 940.01(a)), Endangering Safety by the Use of a Dangerous Weapon (Wis. Stat. 941.20(1)(c)), and Disorderly Conduct while Armed (Wis. Stat. 947.01). It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.” Richards is scheduled to appear in the Walworth County Courthouse this afternoon.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater online directory includes the name of a Chad Richards as a senior communications major in the College of Arts and Communication. The athletics site includes Chad Richards of Loves Park on the 2021-22 wrestling roster.

Update 9/3/24 @ 11:45 a.m. – Per WISN Channel 12’s app, “Friends tell 12 News they were dating, and the man was helping her move into her apartment.”

Update 9/3/24 @ 8:30 p.m. – According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel [MJS] and various other media, Judge Estee Scholtz left Richards’ bond at $1,000,000, “citing the violent nature of the offense and the flight risk. She also ordered Richards to not set foot on campus, but permitted him to stay in contact with the school only electronically and by phone. Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Weidenfeld pushed for Richards to not have any contact with the university.” Richards’ initial appearance is scheduled for Friday.

MJS further stated, “During the brief hearing, Kaeli Welsh described her older sister as “the light of my life,” whom she tried to pattern herself after. “She was the strongest person I know, both physically and mentally,” Welsh said through tears. “She had so much more to give the world than gymnastics…It was an honor and a privilege to grow up around her.”

Earlier Banner stories on this incident may be found here and here.

Editor’s Note:  The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Jorge Islas Martinez could have been saving lives as a doctor in Mexico, but instead, he brought his extraordinary talents to the United States, where he saves lives both figuratively and literally.

In Whitewater, Jorge has transformed the lives of more than 2,500 people by teaching them English, empowering them to fully engage and thrive in our community. His heroic actions extend beyond the classroom; he once performed the Heimlich maneuver to save a woman choking in Illinois.

Jorge’s remarkable service has been recognized with numerous awards. He received the Citizen’s Award from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, which praised him for going “beyond the call of duty” to save a life. On behalf of the citizens of McHenry County, the Sheriff’s Office commended him for a “JOB WELL DONE.”

In Whitewater, Jorge earned the WUL Hometown Hero Award for his unwavering dedication to the Latino community. “Jorge Islas is a real hero in our community.  He has served the Latino community over most of his lifetime in this area and offers English classes not for profit, but out of a deep need to help the Latino community.”  For this selfless work and his broader contributions, he was recognized in the past as an Outstanding Community Member by the University Student Organization, Latinos Unidos.

In 2005, he was honored with the “50 Who Matter” award by the Janesville Gazette. Recently, he also received an accolade from Voces de La Frontera for his commitment to promoting education and civil rights.

Jorge is a beacon of hope in Whitewater, known for his tireless efforts to support immigrants who call this city home. Born in Mexico City, Jorge’s journey led him to Whitewater, where he has lived for 31 years. His dedication was further acknowledged when he was nominated in two categories at the Community Stars Gala: Community Champion and Difference Maker.

Jorge’s path to success was not without challenges. He crossed the U.S. border as an immigrant, facing numerous hardships from farming to landscaping. One of his first jobs was weeding an onion patch without any prior experience, and he humorously recalls pulling up the wrong plants. Despite initial struggles with unfamiliar equipment and being taken advantage of, Jorge’s experiences taught him the crucial importance of learning English to communicate effectively and advocate for himself.

“As an immigrant, I have learned to confront different challenges firsthand,” Jorge says. “I understand what it feels like to be here without legal status or knowing the language.”

Now a proud U.S. citizen, Jorge’s story serves as a testament to perseverance and success. He has worked as an interpreter for the Public Health Department of Walworth County, excelled at Arrow Financial Services in Whitewater, served as a court interpreter for McHenry County, and currently works for the Public Defender’s Office of Rock and Walworth counties.

Jorge firmly believes, “Every single human has a right to succeed, regardless of their legal status or language proficiency.” His passion for teaching English stems from a lifelong love for the language. As a child, he asked his father to take him to the airport not to see planes, but to hear people speaking different languages.

In addition to teaching ESL classes in Whitewater, Jorge serves as the Bilingual Liaison for the Whitewater Unified School District. Outside of work, he is dedicated to supporting families in need through the Immigrant Support Coalition, which he recently founded. The coalition meets monthly to ensure newcomers feel welcomed and to foster trust, respect, and effective communication.

Jorge reflects, “People immigrate to the U.S. for work, to earn money, and to support their families. My goal is to assist immigrants on their journey and help them achieve their dreams.”

Grateful for the opportunity to live in Whitewater, Jorge expresses, “I am blessed to know people who welcome me with open hearts and doors, allowing me to continue helping others.”

Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.

City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes staff reports on Mill Rate Comparisons and Municipalities Perspectives on Spring Splash like events; Resolution acknowledging of the official City List of City Landmarks, Historic Districts and Historical City Owned Property, Resolution to raise Permit Fees, second reading of Ordinance 2024-O-12 an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction
Standards Adopted, Sidewalk Ordinance, second reading of an ordinance creating Section 16.04.255 Lead Water Service
Replacement Program-, Library costs and financing.
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
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87546240118?pwd=BamGominTLHFow41FQuGDowFyN4ZaF.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 875 4624 0118
Passcode: 721152

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission Training/Review of Open Meeting Laws & Visioning Session – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/667505365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 667-505-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Fire & EMS Open House & Pancake Breakfast – Sunday 7-11 a.m.
Notice
Whitewater Fire Department, 312 West Whitewater St.

2024 Gala Update-HR

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.

Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.

Source: Wikipedia

The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.

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

With apparently no notice, Whitewater’s Pizza Hut, 1107 W. Main Street, served its last pizza early this past week. A customer reported on social media that on Wednesday, August 28 there was a sign on the door stating that the restaurant was closed for maintenance. By Sunday, however, the dumpster was full to overflowing, the back parking lot was blocked off by shelving units, a large portion of the furnishings appeared to have been removed, and the host podium was on the sidewalk. The Pizza Hut website shows the Whitewater location as being closed.

Roy Rockwell posted on social media that he was the original manager of the store when it opened on October 17, 1976, nearly 48 years ago. “Sad to see it close,” he lamented.

Most recently the business was owned by EYM Pizza Wisconsin. EYM was started by Eduardo Diaz, a former president of McDonald’s Mexico. He started EYM Group in 2008 and in 2015 decided to jump into the Pizza Hut business. After purchasing the properties and franchises in several other states, EYM spent about $8.4 million in 2018 for restaurants in Wisconsin in two separate deals. By 2021 EYM decided to sell its approximately 140 restaurants, but a deal fell apart.

Nearly all Pizza Huts are owned and operated by independent franchisees; very few are company-owned. Pizza Hut is owned by YUM! Brands, Inc., which also owns Taco Bell and KFC. According to restaurantdive.com, “Pizza Hut and EYM have been embroiled in a legal battle since March when EYM filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the franchisor [Pizza Hut] accusing it of failing to remain competitive, not adapting modern practices and not using new technology. A judge denied a motion for a preliminary injunction in April.” In June, Pizza Hut counter-sued EYM, alleging that it wasn’t paying various fees as dictated by its franchise agreement. Per restaurantdive.com, “In its June lawsuit, Pizza Hut said EYM is one of its largest franchisees, but is among the worst performing in its system. The operator’s same-store sales declined 10% from 2019 to 2023, compared to Pizza Hut’s systemwide same-store sales growth of 7%. Pizza Hut accused the chain of poor operational performance, falling out of compliance for its development obligations and failing to make payments to the franchisor on a timely basis.” 

EYM Pizza then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 22, according to court records from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas. A number of other multi-unit franchisees of national brands have filed for bankruptcy in the last couple of years, including those operating some Arby’s, Wendy’s, Denny’s, Popeye and McDonald’s. Restaurantdive.com states, “Franchisees have been particularly hit by rising labor and operational costs and difficulty raising capital to finance the remodels or expansions needed to boost sales.”

Pizza Hut has been pushing EYM to sell its restaurants, but they have been unsuccessful in finding a buyer. Consequently Pizza Hut has started to move to terminate a number of EYM’s franchises. It is not known whether the Whitewater store closure was initiated by Pizza Hut or simply an indication that it was one of EYM’s less profitable locations. Pizza Hut has been looking for other operators to take over some of the stores, which could occur here, but it could be anticipated that a new operator would have a significant investment in replacing worn-out equipment and remodeling.

By the way, another division of EYM, EYM Chicken of Wisconsin, has operated five KFC restaurants in the state. All of them were expected to close by the end of August, including the Janesville location, which EYM indicates is due to its inability to negotiate an acceptable contract with YUM!

By Angela Kelm
UW-W Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior gymnast Kara Welsh, a national champion and two-time All-American, passed away tragically on August 30, 2024. Flags on the UW-Whitewater campus will fly at half-staff on Tuesday, September 3 in Welsh’s memory.  

“To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible,” said Coach Jen Regan. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate, and the light in everyone’s dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up in her time as a Warhawk gymnast. There are no words to describe the void we all feel in our hearts, but Kara’s legacy will live on through Warhawk gymnastics forever.”

A phenom on the vault, Welsh holds four of the top eight scores recorded by a Warhawk gymnast in program history on the apparatus.

In addition to her high-caliber gymnastics, Welsh was a dedicated and supportive teammate. Her big personality and passion for motivating those around her helped her teammates succeed.

“Kara was a true Warhawk – an amazing person, student and athlete,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “We are all lucky to have spent time with her over the past three years. She was selfless and made everyone around her better. Our hearts go out to her mom, Nancy, and the rest of her family and friends.”

Welsh, a 21-year-old Plainfield, Illinois native majoring in business management, had an immediate impact on the UW-Whitewater gymnastics program the moment she set foot on campus. As a freshman, she was the anchor on the vault and the leadoff on the floor exercise. Welsh excelled in the high-pressure situations leading the Warhawks to a second-place finish in the WIAC Championship after tying for second on the vault. In her first National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship appearance, Welsh tied for third on the vault to earn All-America honors.

In 2023, Welsh won the vault title at the WIAC Championship meet and qualified for nationals as an individual. She went on to win the national title in the event with a score of 9.825.

In 2024, Welsh battled back from an illness to compete in the WIAC Championship meet – her first competition of the season. She stuck her vault in one of the best moments in Warhawk gymnastics history. Welsh tied the program record in the event, 9.875, and claimed the vault title for the second consecutive season. She went on to help the Warhawks to a runner-up finish in the NCGA Championship.

A GoFundMe page has been established with contributions supporting the Welsh family. For more information click here: https://gofund.me/40c1e1f4