News & Events

Nearly 300 people filled the 841 Brewhouse banquet hall last Friday, July 26, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Community ESL (English as a Second Language) Program of Whitewater.

The gala, which included music, dinner, a recognition ceremony and dance, honored the many individuals and organizations that have partnered with founders Jorge Islas Martínez and Sandra Heyer over the years to teach English and life-skills to language
learners and families new to the area.

Members from all sectors of the community—education, business, city government, health care, social services, etc.— and many past and present students, teachers and their families attended.

The owner of the 841 Brewhouse, Jim Burns, says it was the most heavily-attended event they’ve hosted in recent years.

Honored contributors to the ESL Program were: Sarah S. Lynn, Anjie Kokan, José A. Martínez, Marlene Martínez, Margaret Fischer, Simone McKinney, Wallace Sherlock, Terilyn Robles, Alisson Keiser, Jessie Dugan, Katherine Konover, Susan Huss-Lederman, Silvana Del Val, Maritza Guerra Sucuc, Jesús Vargas, Margaret Jones, Antonio Cortez, Jennifer Paulson, Marta Aranda, Henrrique Alas Melgar, Rita C. Luna, Yasmin Palomec García, and Mireyda Palomec Cortes. In addition, Islas-Martínez
received a special honor from Voces de la Frontera for his community advocacy.

The Whitewater Community ESL Program would like to thank the many individuals and organizations that supported the event. Among them were: the Mexican Consulate, Voces de la Frontera, Whitewater Unites Lives, the Immigrant Support Coalition,
Rainbow Community Care, Planned Parenthood, Whitewater Unified School District, Fort Community Credit Union, Associated Bank, Premier Bank, Katzman Farm, Soberalski Immigration Law Firm, Open Arms Free Clinic, Rock River Clinic, the Methodist Church, and McCullough’s Pharmacy. A special thanks to The Community Space for its support and to Marco Wence, who provided music. There were many others in attendance who contributed to a wonderful showing of community spirit.

Lisa Huempfner
Immigrant Support Coalition

Editor’s note: A previous article on the Banner provides additional background about the Community ESL program.

Please note the new location for the Memory Cafe at the Whitewater Senior Center in Starin Park. The library will be under construction very soon, and the Senior Center will be our home for the foreseeable future.  As always, registration is requested, but never required. Online registration is available at librarymemoryproject.org/events

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

The Fall Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event will be held on Saturday, August 17 from 8-11 a.m. at the Jefferson County Fair Park (503 N. Jackson Ave, Jefferson). The event is open to households only. You do not need to register for the event! Simply, come to the Jefferson County Fair Park between 8 and 11 a.m. Fees apply for some items. Feel free to bring items from multiple residences/ families.

Recyclable Items with NO Recycling Fees: Amplifiers, Bread Makers, Cables, Calculators, Camera Equipment, CD Players, Cell Phones, Coffee Makers, Computer Mice, Computer Towers, Controllers, Copiers (desktop), Cordless Phones, Curling Irons, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, DVRs, Eight-Track Tape Players, Electronic Toys, Fax Machines (desktop), Film Cameras, Flat Irons, Food Processors, Game Systems, GPS Devices, Hair Dryers, Headsets, Keyboards, Lab Equipment, Landline Telephones, Laptops, Lawn and Garden Equipment (electric only), Microphones, Mixers, Modems, MP3 Players, Netbooks, Paper Shredders, Phone Systems, Power Cords, Power Tools, Printers (desktop), Record Player, Robotic Equipment, Rotary Phones, Routers, Satellite Phones, Satellite Receivers, Saws, Scanners (desktop), Servers, Sewing Machines, Speakers, Tablets, Toasters, Turntables, Vacuum Cleaners, and MORE! NO BATTERIES OR BULBS ACCEPTED!

Flat Screen and Tube TVs (per unit):

• 29” and under = $20.00
• 30” to 49” = $40.00
• 50” to 69” = $60.00
• Wooden Console (any size) = $60.00
• Projection (any size) = $60.00
• 70+”=$70.00 + $1.00 for every inch larger than 70”

Freon & Appliances:

• Microwaves / Large Copy Machines: $15 Each
• Mini Fridges / Small AC Units / Dehumidifiers: $20 Each
• Refrigerators / Larger Freezers: $35 Each
• Stoves / Washers / Dryers / Dishwashers: $25 Each

No hazardous waste, latex paint or unused prescription drugs will be collected at this event. Please refer to our website on how to properly dispose of these items. For information about this or upcoming events, go to www.Jeffersoncountywi.gov/cleansweep or call Kim at 920-674-7430.

Editor’s note: All City of Whitewater residents are eligible to participate in this event, even if they reside in Walworth County. Jefferson County has an agreement with Walworth County

Are you looking for employees and are interested in learning more about the best way to hire from the Newcomer populations in Wisconsin?

The Jefferson County Human Resources Management Association (JCHRMA) has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter! We are laser-focused on empowering local and Wisconsin HR professionals and business owners to tap into the talent of newcomer workers from immigrant, ESL and refugee communities through programs like humanitarian parole, Welcome Corps, visas, and international workforce/asylee initiatives.

Join us for this groundbreaking event designed for business owners and hiring managers to gain invaluable insights into hiring best practices, cultural understanding and the nuances of employing diverse populations.

We’ll cover successful integration strategies for newcomers with your existing workforce, including transportation, housing, ESL/ELL support with technology, and retention tactics. Success stories will be highlighted.

Additionally, we’ll discuss training opportunities surrounding basic skills, soft skills, and available resources to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.

Keynotes from industry leaders will kickstart enlightening discussions. A comprehensive hiring manual and website will be developed after the conference, putting valuable resources at your fingertips.

The conference agenda may be found here.

Let’s make a real impact together in Wisconsin and beyond. Register now and be part of this transformative conference.

For more details or to get involved, reach out to Matt Glowacki at President@JCHRMA.org.

Hope to see you on August 6th. Space is limited, please register soon. We will be at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 800 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The event venue is the Hamilton Room in the James R. Connor University Center. A continental breakfast and box lunch will be served. Please notify me if you have any specific food preferences or allergies. We will be parking in lot 12 and 14. We do need your license plate number on the vehicle you will be arriving with to pay for your on-campus parking for the day. Please email your plate information to President@JCHRMA.org

Editor’s note: We are sorry for the late notice of this event, which we just happened upon. It appears that space may still be available, as the registration button is still functional. General registration is $65 plus $6.21 in fees, and government/agency fee is $49 plus $5.13 in fees.

The Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and expanding the legacy of Lorine Niedecker, a preeminent 20th century Wisconsin poet. The organization offers access to research archives and educational materials, and publishes The Solitary Plover, a semiannual newsletter, and What Region, a monograph series. More information about this organization can be found at https://lorineniedecker.org/

The Friends of Lorine Niedecker will host a reading by the poets published in the Summer 2024 Solitary Plover on Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. CDT.

We invite you to join us for this virtual reading conducted on Zoom. To access the Zoom presentation go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81761798711

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. – CLOSED SESSION , to discuss a student issue, to discuss the superintendent evaluation.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84226228970?pwd=IGtH0j0KRU13XrYnVirakH9ZQvAScP.1
– Passcode: 626233
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 842 2622 8970
– Passcode: 626233
———————————————–
Closed Session
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right cornter) includes high school scorecard review, track resurfacing, Bray Facilities Planning Update, and Graduation Requirements; High School Credit Earned in Middle School
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89188725682?pwd=dW1HaHd4Skg1cktxODFIMzYxZGpsQT09
– Passcode: 940103
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 891 8872 5682
– Passcode: 940103

City of Whitewater Public Test of Ballot Machines – Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd floor Cravath Lakefront
Conference Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
A quorum of the Common Council/Committee members may be present. This notice is given to inform the public that no formal action will be taken at this training. The event is open to the public.

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes first reading of Ordinance 2024-O-12 an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction
Standards Adopted, Sidewalk Ordinance, Discussion and Possible Action regarding forming a Spring Splash Task Force, Discussion and Possible Action regarding wording for Advisory Referendum Question regarding expenditures to maintain the Starin Park Water Tower. Closed session, to be followed by open session: Petition received from Janesville Fire Fighters IAFF Local 580, and Settlement agreement between the City of Whitewater and Jill Gerber.
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/82331395004?pwd=9pMq2zCqmvKLtVQQ6dGMP21CIcPwdb.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 823 3139 5004
Passcode: 530135

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and consideration of the status of the Old City Hall Bell and old city bricks, Discussion and possible action on who should serve on the ad hoc committee for the Effigy Mounds strategic plan.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Wednesday, August 07, 2024 – 6:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Landmarks Commission
Aug 7, 2024, 6:00 – 8:30 PM (America/Chicago)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/608028117
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 608-028-117
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

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

The “road closed ahead” signs that are still posted on the approach to the Tratt Street and Starin Road intersection may be disregarded, as the construction project has been completed ahead of schedule. The originally announced estimated completion date was August 9. Water main, sanitary sewer, curb and gutter spot repairs, pedestrian ramp ADA improvements, and new asphalt were included in this project.

Meanwhile, Fremont Street is still closed from Starin Road to Whitewater Creek, with an original estimated construction completion date of September 1. Further, the westbound lane of the Highway 12 bypass is currently closed, with a projected reopen date of August 9 at 6:00 p.m.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics Epsilon Rho chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting student organization, is pleased to announce that they have been awarded Gold status for the year of July 2023-June 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Beta Alpha Psi’s commitment to excellence in education and the UW-Whitewater community. 

In acknowledgment of this achievement, our Beta Alpha Psi chapter, Epsilon Rho, will receive a congratulatory letter and a $500 sponsorship from the KPMG Foundation in the upcoming fall season. This recognition highlights UW-Whitewater’s Beta Alpha Psi’s outstanding performance in meeting the high standards set forth by Beta Alpha Psi International.

Beta Alpha Psi’s achievement of Gold status reflects members’ dedication to growing professional development and community engagement within our university and their future careers. To receive a Gold status for Beta Alpha Psi, chapters are expected to fulfill key reporting requirements and participate in valuable training sessions. The chapter must also participate in activities for outreach, the accounting profession, and service. 

“Student organizations provide opportunities beyond the classroom allowing students to connect with professionals, peers, and professors. Our accounting student org activities complement classroom learning to allow students a deeper understanding of the accounting profession, potential career paths, and current events,” Dr. Jodi Gissel, Beta Alpha Psi faculty advisor, shared. “Students are able to enhance professional, social, and leadership skills; develop stronger connections and expand networks; and add value to the community through volunteer activities.”

Throughout the past year, Epsilon Rho of Beta Alpha Psi has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, participating in events such as Explore Accounting Day, Women in Business, Junior Achievement, helping in the Campus Garden for Make a Difference Day, and making over 140 cards that were shared with local veterans at a Veterans Day Ceremony. On top of that, they hosted numerous events throughout the year to engage students with professionals and enhance skill development including a mock interview event, multiple professional panels, and Accounting Jeopardy Night. These efforts underscore the dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom.

Accounting is one of the most popular majors at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and is offered at the undergraduate level and as an accounting emphasis in our MBA program. Applied- and high-impact learning, stellar student organizations and the fact that all courses are taught by professional faculty are key reasons for this success as are the facts that the department boasts strong alumni connections and a close relationship with area employers. The accounting program at the College of Business and Economics has also received Accounting Accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities. These principles-based standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research, teaching and learning. This level of specialized accreditation places the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the top 2% of business schools worldwide.

“Beta Alpha Psi has long been the flagship student organization within the department and is the main driver of student engagement through professional events and volunteer activities.” Dr. Abbie Daly, the chair of accounting, shared. “Dr. Gissel and the Beta Alpha Psi board members expended an immense amount of effort to achieve this accomplishment, helping us accomplish our department’s vision ‘to be the first choice in the state of Wisconsin for accounting students’.”

About Beta Alpha Psi: 

Beta Alpha Psi is an international scholastic and professional organization for students and professionals in accounting, finance, and information systems. Dedicated to academic excellence and community service, Beta Alpha Psi prepares members for future success through networking opportunities, leadership development, and career support. For more information about Beta Alpha Psi and its upcoming events, please visit: https://uwwbap.wixsite.com/uwwbap.