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The Whitewater High School Class of 2022 will graduate on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in an indoor ceremony in the Whitewater High School Main Gym. All family and friends are welcome; no tickets are required. Doors will open to the public at 1:00 p.m.
Congratulations, graduates!
 | In Memoriam |
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
At a special meeting of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, club leaders presented several awards to local Kiwanians:
The “Kiwanian of the Year” was awarded to Rollie Cooper for his fundraising efforts for the We-Go-Round playground for children with all abilities. Rollie Cooper has been a Kiwanian for many years, and has worked tirelessly on behalf of the children of Whitewater and the world.
A Certificate of Memoriam was presented to Mrs. John Newhouse honoring John’s 37 years of service as secretary and service to Kiwanis.
Distinguished service awards:
—Craig Cobb was recognized for 45 years of service to Kiwanis.
—Rick Norman was recognized for: 30+ years as treasurer; major pancake breakfast contributions; and for his management of poinsettia and lily sales.
—Kathy Schumacher was recognized for her many years managing the Bridge Marathon with profits going to the Breakfast Club and for her years of service as a member.
Others presented in absentia for decades of service included: Betty Schoonover (her award will be presented at a later date at Fairhaven) and Jack Trojan.
In addition Kiwanis will be presenting memorial plaques to the family of Joanne Coulthart honoring her service to Kiwanis and Margaret Toennies in honor of her husband Jim. These individuals recently passed.
Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100% of funds raised going directly to youth projects and zero to administrative costs. Last year the club distributed more than $20,000, with donations to Whitewater Unified School District, shoes and winter clothes for students, and scholarships, among other important causes. In addition, the club has donated to the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space and First United Methodist Church that served free meals during COVID, Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund as well as supporting other service projects in the community.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
In honor of high school graduation this weekend, we offer this c.1900 post card view celebrating Whitewater High School.
The image is of the old “Big Brick,” built in 1884 as the west side grade school. In 1889, a high school program was started in the Big Brick and by 1894, it took up the entire building, forcing a move of grade school pupils to the nearby old Esterly House, a building that became the Esterly School.
Note what was listed on the card as the school cheer, “Ricker-Racker; Fire-Cracker; Zip-Boom-Bah; Whitewater High School; Rah, Rah, Rah. Don’t know if this year’s graduates will be giving that cheer, but congratulations to all in the Class of 2022!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3101PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
On Wednesday night, June 1, the Whitewater High School Athletic Department hosted its first ever Whippet ESPY night. ESPY stands for Excellence in Sports Performances Yearly. The night was devoted to recognizing all of the athletic accomplishments throughout the course of the 2021-22 school year.
Individual sport MVP’s, All-Conference athletes, scholarship winners, state qualifiers, and multi-sport athletes were all recognized during the ceremony. Several coaches, teachers, and community members were on hand to present the awards to the athletes in attendance. The department also recognized longtime athletic trainer Danielle Koran who is serving in her final year as the school’s trainer. Danielle has served as the school’s athletic trainer for over a decade. Also in attendance and recognized was longtime photographer and friend of the program Bob Mischka. Bob has provided the school and families high quality pictures of sporting events for years!
This year Whitewater High School had 450 individuals sign up for at least one sport, which accounts for almost 80% of the overall student body. After the awards ceremony, the athletes, coaches, and parents mingled in the lobby where refreshments were served and “selfie booths” were provided. It was a great night for all in attendance and a great night to be a Whippet! #1Family #TheStandard
Article and Photos Submitted by Justin Crandall
Whitewater HS/MS Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following information was received from a political candidate announcing that he is running for office. Any other candidate wishing to seek a political office in the Whitewater area is encouraged to provide information to be published in The Banner.
With the recent announcement from Sheriff Kurt Picknell on his retirement at the end of this year, I humbly announce I am a candidate for Sheriff in this year’s election. I have spent the last 27 years dedicating my time in service to the citizens of this great county and will continue to do so as your next Sheriff. This decision was not taken lightly as I understand the Office of Sheriff carries with it a great deal of responsibility. In my tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, I have been honored to have served in the various ranks and specialty teams up to my current role as your Undersheriff, which is second in command of the Sheriff’s Office. I will continue to apply my education and experience along with integrity, compassion, and professionalism in serving the citizens of Walworth County. I ask for your support and prayers during this election.
Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell states, “Undersheriff Dave Gerber is the most qualified in every way to be the next Sheriff of Walworth County. He has the education, experience and dedication serving and protecting others. Dave has a highly distinguished law enforcement career ready to lead the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.”
Walworth County Sheriff David Graves (retired) states,“Undersheriff Dave Gerber is running to be the next Walworth County Sheriff. Undersheriff Gerber has the education, administrative experience, and moral compass to move seamlessly into the top position as the next Sheriff of Walworth County. As a 42-year veteran of Walworth County law enforcement which includes 14 as Walworth County Sheriff, I had the opportunity to watch many deputies grow within the profession. Undersheriff Gerber rose through the ranks, accepting more responsibility with every new assignment and promotion. I came to admire his ability to interact with other employees as well as our outside law enforcement partners. Undersheriff Gerber is dedicated to keeping our county a safe place for all of its residents and visitors. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is the best choice for Walworth County Sheriff. Please join me in endorsing and voting for Undersheriff Dave Gerber for Walworth County Sheriff. You’ll be glad you did!”
Some of my endorsements include:
Sheriff Kurt Picknell – Walworth County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Dave Graves – Walworth County Sheriff’s Office (retired)
David Bretl –Walworth County Administrator (retired)
Nancy Russell – Chair – Walworth County Board of Supervisors (retired)
Rick Stacey – Chair – Walworth County Board of Supervisors
Zeke Weidenfeld – Walworth County District Attorney
Valerie Etzel – Walworth County Treasurer
Michelle Jacobs – Walworth County Register of Deeds
Kristy Secord – Walworth County Clerk of Courts
Chief Jeremy Swendrowski – Village of East Troy Police Department
Chief James Hansen – Delavan/Darien Police Department
Chief Joel Christensen – City of Elkhorn Police Department
Chief Brad Buchholz – Village of Sharon Police Department
Chief Donald Jensen – Town of East Troy Police Department (retired)
Chief Joseph Balog – Village of Genoa City Police Department
Chief Jeff Cates – Village of Fontana Police Department
Chief Matthew Kiederlen – UW Whitewater Police Department
Chief Steve Cole – Bloomfield Police Department
John Marra –Chief of Police Genoa City Police Department/Council President Williams Bay (retried)
Tom Whowell – President Village of Fontana (retired)
The training and experience I have received has prepared me to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future. As your Sheriff, I will continue to uphold the 183-year tradition of integrity, excellence, professionalism, and compassion. I will honor my oath to support the Constitutional rights of all our citizens and hold criminals accountable by continuing a strong partnership with all law enforcement agencies in Walworth County, along with our District Attorney’s Office and the Circuit Courts. I will always support all first responders for their hard work and dedication to the citizens we serve. We will enhance interoperability among all first responders in Walworth County in terms of communication and records management. I will continue to ensure fiscal responsibility within our annual budget. I will ensure all employees continue to receive the highest level of training in order to provide the highest level of service to the citizens of Walworth County. I will continue to partner with all law enforcement agencies in the County to ensure we remain a safe place to live, work, and play. Our agency has worked hard to achieve accreditation through the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group (WILEAG) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and I will ensure our accreditation status continues. A police agency is most effective when it engages and partners with its community members. I plan to continue our community outreach efforts and build stronger relationships with our citizens. Finally, I have worked tirelessly for decades providing the needed training and equipment for our employees and strongly support our agency in recruiting and retaining the best employees to serve our citizens. I am proud to serve alongside our 214 employees within the Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers and first responders in Walworth County. I am equally proud to serve with all of our dedicated county employees who serve Walworth County every day. Having served in the various ranks and specialty teams and most recently as your Undersheriff, the transition to Sheriff will be seamless. I look forward to being your next Sheriff.
BIO
Undersheriff Dave Gerber has 27 years of full-time law enforcement experience starting with the Village of East Troy Police Department and joining the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. Undersheriff Dave Gerber also continued as a part-time police officer with the Village of East Troy Police Department for an additional 15 years. In his tenure with the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Undersheriff Dave Gerber has served in many positions which include patrol deputy, detective, Lieutenant, Captain of Support Services, and Captain of the Patrol Division. In his current role as Undersheriff, Dave is second in command and serves as Chief Operating Officer for our 214-employee workforce. Undersheriff Dave Gerber oversees all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office operations and is responsible for an annual 28-million-dollar budget. Undersheriff Dave Gerber has served for many years on specialty teams which include SWAT Team, Dive Team, Honor Guard, Evidence Technician, Bike Patrol, Background Investigations, and Field Training Officer. Undersheriff Dave Gerber served as the Chair of the Walworth County Traffic Safety Commission, and administered the K9 Unit, Traffic Crash Investigation Team, Fugitive Task Force, Gang Unit, Commercial Motor Vehicle Carrier Enforcement Unit, Boat Patrol contract with the Town of Whitewater, Town Liaison Program, Sex Offender Registry Unit, and many other specialty teams. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice as a Unified Tactics Instructor. Instructor certifications include Firearms, Defense and Arrest Tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Vehicle Contacts, Tactical Skills, Professional Communication Skills, Taser, and many other disciplines. Undersheriff Dave Gerber also served as range-master where he oversaw all aspects of the Walworth County Range. Undersheriff Dave Gerber holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville in Criminal Justice/Sociology. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in Evanston, IL, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Command Institute, and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Undersheriff Dave Gerber served as an instructor at Gateway Technical College for many years where he instructed both in-service and police academy courses. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is a past State Director for the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Torch Run Council for Special Olympics and recipient of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Dale Brunner Hall of Fame award. Undersheriff Dave Gerber has volunteered for over 25 years for Special Olympics and coordinates the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and Polar Plunges. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is also a past Director for the Wisconsin Field Training Officers Association. In his spare time Undersheriff Dave Gerber enjoys being active and spending time with his family. Undersheriff Dave Gerber has been married to his wife for 22 years and their twin sons both attend UW Whitewater. Undersheriff Dave Gerber served as a coach for many years for youth sports including baseball and soccer in the East Troy area. Undersheriff Dave Gerber enjoys bicycling and has participated as one of the Wisconsin Riders for the Police Unity Tour riding from New Jersey to Washington D.C. to raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Editor’s Note: The following press release was provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension.
Have you noticed small black caterpillars eating the leaves of your oak, maple, birch and other
trees and shrubs? These caterpillars continue eating and growing, turning into larger caterpillars
with long hairs and distinctive red and blue dots on their backs. These particular caterpillars will
keep eating until July before they spin a cocoon and pupate, emerging as adult spongy moths.
Each year, spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars defoliate thousands of acres of hardwood
forests, yard trees and other urban trees throughout the northeastern United States, including
Wisconsin. Here are some common questions and answers about spongy moths and what you should do about them.
Spongy moth? Is this a new pest?
No, the name spongy moth replaced the previous name of this insect, gypsy moth, earlier in 2022.
Why haven’t I seen them before?
Spongy moths have been present in Walworth County for years, but have gone mostly unnoticed. Last year’s drought conditions allowed their populations to explode so many residents are notic-
ing them for the first time or in higher numbers than before.
I have many trees on my property. Should I be worried?
Please do not panic! The caterpillars are voracious feeders and can defoliate trees; however,
healthy trees and shrubs are likely to survive. The caterpillars are a nuisance and you can work to
help reduce their numbers. (Note: The caterpillar hairs can cause skin reactions in some people).
What should I do?
Not all caterpillars are bad. Make sure you properly identify any insect or caterpillar that might
be causing damage before practicing any management strategy. Right now, you can be reducing the number of spongy moth caterpillars by putting up burlap collection bands to collect the cater-
pillars and remove them. Visit the spongy moth information page to learn about what spongy moths look like, their life cycle, and management options throughout the year. https://go.wisc.edu/kz1yc1
If you have questions about spongy moths or other gardening questions, please contact Julie
Hill, Horticulture Outreach Specialist at julie.hill@wisc.edu or by calling the UW-Extension
Walworth County office at 262-741-4958. You can also find our local Master Gardeners at the
Lake Geneva Farmers Market every Thursday morning to answer your gardening questions.
W5294 County Rd. M
Thurs 3-7; Fri 8-5; Saturday 8-2
TONS of kids’ clothes! Most $1 or less. Girls Nb-3t, boys nb-6/9 months; Lots of Baby Gear, Fisher Price Kitchen, Vintage Vinyl Records, Brand New Blackstone Propane Griddle, TV stand, Lots of Misc.
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
Celebrate National Trails Day® on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Hikes taking place throughout the state on Saturday, June 4
Cross Plains, Wis. (June 1, 2021)—American Hiking Society’s 30th annual National Trails Day is happening this Saturday, June 4. This is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service.
To celebrate National Trails Day, Ice Age Trail Alliance chapters throughout Wisconsin are hosting events along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:
Lodi/Columbia County: Mammoth Fun Run & Hike: family friendly, all-ages event. Enjoy the beauty of the Lodi Marsh Segment. For details, visit https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/mammoth-fun-run-hike-2022/
Manitowoc County: Travel through the Walla Hi County park on a 2.3 mile (total) out and back hike along the Ice Age Trail. Meet in the lower parking lot by the bridge in Walla Hi County Park. For details, visit https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/walla-hi-segment-national-trails-day-hike-lakeshore-chapter/
Janesville/Rock County: Enjoy a 5.2-mile round trip hike from the North Pavilion in Riverside Park to the rustic cabin in the Janesville School Outdoor Lab. The hike features the Devil’s Staircase and Arbor Ridge Segments of the Ice Age Trail, along with a stop for snacks and drinks. For details, visit: https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/national-trails-day-hike-rock-county/
Walworth/Jefferson Counties: Saunter up to 20 miles through the Southern Kettle Moraine. Full-day hikes start at Rice Lake parking lot and end at Emma Carlin Trailhead. Free parking available all day in the DNR parking lots. Shorter hikes are available (volunteers will be stationed along the route to shuttle hikers back to their cars). Bring your own lunch for a picnic at Olsen Cabin. For details, visit https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/national-trails-day-hike-walworth-jefferson-chapter/
Washington County: Climb a large glacial kame as you participate in a guided hike on the Pike Lake Segment of the Ice Age Trail. Hike will start at the Beach Parking Lot, in the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Free parking in the DNR lot. For details, visit https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/discovery-day-hike-wash-oz-2022/
Hartland/Waukesha County: Take a guided hike (3 to 4 miles) along the Hartland segment of the Ice Age Trail and enjoy the new loop trail that’s been added to Penbrook Park. Hike begins at Nixon Park’s Bandshell. For details, visit https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/waukesha-milwaukee-county-chapter-national-trails-day/
Waushara County: Meander the rolling terrain of the Greenwood Segment of the Ice Age Trail and receive a National Park Service bandana! This self-guided hike starts at the Greenwood Segment parking lot on Brown Deer Court. For details, visit https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/national-trails-day-greenwood-segment-waushara-county-chapter/
About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes that were carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state. Approximately 60% of Wisconsin residents live within 20 miles of the Ice Age Trail.
About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a non-profit, member and volunteer-based organization which conserves, creates, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. For more information visit iceagetrail.org.
About National Trails Day:
Celebrating the 30th annual American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is about coming together again on the trail and leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them. Millions of hikers, bikers, rowers, horseback riders, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership in events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain, and clean up public lands and trails.
Obituaries
Bradford L. “Brad” Tuttle, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Brad was born on November 4, 1949 in Ohio to Charles and Jean (Homstad) Tuttle. Brad graduated from Warren G. Harding High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. On August 3rd, 1974 he married the love of his life, Beth. They were happily married for 50 years. Brad was also employed by the City of Whitewater for over 30 years. He enjoyed rooting for his Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns with his family. He was also an … Read more
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In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more
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Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger. He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021. They enjoyed traveling … Read more
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William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more
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David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more
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Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more
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Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox. She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years. Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more
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Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more
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John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater. John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates. As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more
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Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte. Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more
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