Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, October 8, 2024
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
Ketterhagen Motor Sales, your local Ford dealership, is celebrating 100 years in business. They were founded in 1920 in Palmyra, WI by W.J. Ketterhagen. W.J. was involved in the family business until his passing in 1981. In 1943 they opened a 2nd Ford Agency in downtown Whitewater where they are still currently located and have been since 1946. In 1960 they sold the Palmyra location to Lambert Maney. In that same year Joe Ketterhagen (W.J.’s son) returned from college and 2 years in the navy to run the family business. Joe was actively involved in the dealership for 50 years until his passing in 2010. The current owner is Joe’s son, Kurt, who has been involved in the day to day operations since 1985. The 3rd generation owner expresses his appreciation to Whitewater and the surrounding communities for their continuous support throughout the years and wishes to thank his father, grandfather, and Ford Motor Company for the opportunity. Most of all, the family gives a big thank you to all of our past and current employees and customers.
April 16, 2020
Whippet Students and Families,
As you may know, Governor Evers directed an extension of the Safer at Home order, which contains a provision that schools remain closed through the 2019-20 school year. This extension of the stay at home order has created many questions and concerns regarding school expectations through the rest of the year as well as the status of many of our end of the year celebrations and programs. I would like to address what we can at this time.
First, I would like to address the students and parents of the Class of 2020. As this is not the end of the school year that any of us imagined, I wanted to let students, parents and community members know that we have been and will continue to work on, alternative plans regarding the Prom, Senior Portfolio Presentations, Scholarship Night and of course, Graduation. We have included and will continue to include the Senior Class advisors, Senior Class officers and our medical advisors in this planning process. Although these events are now officially not allowed to be run in a face-to-face format as they have traditionally, we are still committed to holding these celebrations and programs in some format so we can honor the class of 2020. We will be sending out more specific information regarding these events early next week through IC, our school website, Facebook account and the Whitewater Banner.
Second, although the school may be physically closed, students are still expected to complete their assignments through the home based learning model. In addition, because of the quick closure of our buildings when COVID-19 first appeared, students will have one more opportunity to come to the school and retrieve personal and/or academic items on Tuesday April 28. Students will not be allowed in the building but will be able to come to the main office door, where staff members will be there to assist them. Students coming to the school to retrieve items must practice social distancing and preventive measures such as masks and gloves. Congregating at the school before and after students retrieve their items will not be permitted. The times for each grade level is as follows:
12th GRADE: 9:00-11:00 am
11th GRADE 9:00-11:00 am
10th GRADE: 12:00-2:00 pm
9th GRADE: 12:00-2:00 pm
We will continue to make decisions with the intention of honoring our students and communicating respectfully while at the same time prioritizing the safety of our entire community. Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we work through this unique time.
Sincerely,
Mike Lovenberg
Principal
Whitewater High School
_______
16 de abril del 2020
Estudiantes de Whippet y familias,
Como ya sabrán, el gobernador Evers ordenó una extensión de la orden “Más seguro en casa”, que contiene una disposición de que las escuelas permanezcan cerradas durante lo que queda del año escolar 2019-20. Esta extensión de la orden de permanencia en el hogar ha creado muchas preguntas e inquietudes con respecto a las expectativas escolares durante el resto del año, así como el estado de muchas de nuestras celebraciones y programas de fin de año. Me gustaría abordar lo que podamos en este momento.
Primero, me gustaría dirigirme a los estudiantes y padres de la Clase o promoción del 2020. Como este no es el final del año escolar que imaginamos, quería que los estudiantes, padres y miembros de la comunidad sepan que continuaremos trabajando en crear planes alternativos con respecto al baile de graduación, presentaciones de portafolio para las personas mayores, noche de becas y, por supuesto, la graduación. Hemos incluido y seguiremos incluyendo a los asesores de la clase senior, a los oficiales de la clase senior y a nuestros asesores médicos en este proceso de planificación. Aunque ahora oficialmente no se permite que estos eventos se realicen en un formato presencial como se lo hace tradicionalmente, todavía estamos comprometidos a celebrar de alguna manera para que podamos celebrar a la clase del 2020. Estaremos enviando información más específica sobre estos eventos a principios de la próxima semana a través de IC, el sitio web de nuestra escuela, la cuenta de Facebook y el Whitewater Banner.
En segundo lugar, aunque la escuela puede estar físicamente cerrada, se espera que los estudiantes completen sus tareas a través del modelo de aprendizaje basado en el hogar. Además, debido al cierre rápido de nuestros edificios cuando apareció COVID-19 por primera vez, los estudiantes tendrán una oportunidad más para venir a la escuela y recuperar sus artículos personales y / o académicos el dia martes 28 de abril. No se permitirá el ingreso de los estudiantes al edificio. pero podrán llegar a la puerta de la oficina principal, donde los miembros del personal estarán para ayudarlos. Los estudiantes que vienen a la escuela para recuperar artículos deben practicar el distanciamiento social y las medidas preventivas como uso de máscaras y guantes. Congregarse en la escuela antes y después de que los estudiantes recuperen sus artículos no será permitido. Los horarios de recogida para cada nivel de grado son los siguientes:
12º GRADO: 9: 00-11: 00 am
11 ° GRADO 9: 00-11: 00 am
10º GRADO: 12: 00-2: 00 pm
9º GRADO: 12: 00-2: 00 pm
Continuaremos tomando decisiones con la intención de honrar a nuestros estudiantes y de comunicarnos respetuosamente , mientras que al mismo tiempo damos prioridad a la seguridad de toda nuestra comunidad. Apreciamos su paciencia y comprensión mientras trabajamos en estos tiempos únicos.
Sinceramente,
Mike Lovenberg
Director
Escuela secundaria de Whitewater
Kellie Bohn
Kellie Bohn began her career in education teaching music and band in both Clintonville, WI and Whitewater, WI. After receiving her Masters’ Degree from UW-Madison, she became the Middle School Principal at Brookwood Middle School, Genoa City — a position she held for fourteen years. In 2015 she became the Superintendent of the Genoa City Jt. 2 School District.
The Genoa City Jt. 2 School District is a 4K-8th grade district in Southeastern Wisconsin. Although the district website states, “Both schools have consistently earned the state report card rating of “Exceeds Expectations,” per the WI Department of Public Instruction Accountability Report Card for 2018-19, released in November, 2019, Brookwood Elementary School received a rating of 77.7 (“exceeds expectations”), and Brookwood Middle School received a ranking of 63.5 (“meets expectations”). The district served 526 students between the two schools. Presumably most middle school graduates from the district would enroll at Badger High School or New Visions (public) Charter School in Lake Geneva.
Per the Genoa City district website, “in addition to holding licenses for Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Superintendent, Ms. Bohn is a Past-President of the WI Association of Middle Level Educators. She has presented at conferences on the topics of assessment, beginning teacher programming, the referendum process and time/task management.”
Caroline Pete-Hefty
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty has been in education for nearly twenty years, most of which appears to have been focused on the area of special education. She currently serves as the Director of Student Services at Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 89, a role she has been in for seven years. Per the district’s website, the focus of Student Services is serving students with disabilities. District 89 has an enrollment of approximately 4800 students, K-8th grade, and is located in metropolitan Chicago, south of O’Hare Airport. The district has six “commendable schools” and three “underperforming schools,” per https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/District.aspx?districtId=06016089002
Dr. Pate-Hefty previously served as the Director of Special Education at Harlem (IL) Consolidated School District from 2008 to 2013. A state audit of the district during that period is reported to have prompted changes in special education. Ms. Pate-Hefty has also gained experience by serving as Principal of Walter Lawson Children’s Home, which serves persons with intellectual disabilities, for a year and a half and serving as a teacher for six years. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from National Louis University (2017), a Master of Arts degree from Concordia University (2007), and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (2002). Dr. Pate-Hefty holds a Superintendent Endorsement for Illinois. (Source: https://www.fsd145.org/Page/3300)
Dr. Pate-Hefty’s LinkedIn biography states, “…responsible to oversee and support 9 schools serving 5000 students. I am a passionate educator with extensive district level experience; excellent communication, problem solving, human capital management and finacial management skill. Strong commitment to educational excellence for all students.”
Please see the post titled, “WUSD School Board Announces Two Candidates for District Administrator” for an invitation to community forums next Tuesday and Wed., 4/21-22 to introduce the candidates. There is also an opportunity to submit questions online through noon on Thurs., 4/16, although questions may also be submitted online during the forums.
Recently WJW Fox 8 TV in Cleveland, Ohio has been running a new feature during their morning newscast called “What Day is IT?” Many are finding that losing track of the calendar is part of everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently it wouldn’t be shocking if you didn’t realize that April 15, normally “tax day,” is today.
If you haven’t yet filed your income taxes, the good news is that it doesn’t matter if you’re sick, quarantined, or perfectly healthy but trying to keep others safe by sitting at home, you now have a new one-time July 15 deadline for filing your 2019 returns. No late-filing penalty, late-payment penalty or interest will be due. The delay is designed to give a break to taxpayers who may be having a hard time making ends meet, as hours are cut and workplaces are closed to combat the spread of the virus.
Estimated Tax Payments: The Internal Revenue Service had also announced that any estimated tax payments for 2020 that would normally be due on April 15 could also be delayed until July 15 without penalty. This resulted in an odd situation: it appeared that the deadline for filing April 15 estimated taxes would come later than the usual June 15 payment. On April 9, however, the IRS announced that the due date for the June payment had also been extended to July 15. This means that any individual or corporation that has a quarterly estimated tax payment due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020, can wait until July 15 to make that payment, without penalty.
Extension of time to file beyond July 15
Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2020, by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004. An extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by the July 15, 2020, deadline to avoid additional interest and penalties.
A Walworth County resident has died due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, per a press release on April 12. The patient is an adult in their 80’s. UPDATED: In response to a question from the Banner, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director of Walworth County HHS, indicated that “The case was laboratory-confirmed for COVID-19.”
“It is with great sadness that I confirm that a Walworth County resident has passed away due to COVID-19”, said Elizabeth Aldred, Health and Human Services (HHS) Director. “This is a sad day for Walworth County. Our entire community feels the weight of this loss.”
The release did not indicate where the individual had lived. Walworth County HHS recently indicated that COVID-19 has been confirmed or suspected in every major community in the county. In a telephone conversation with a Banner staff member on April 7, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director of the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, confirmed that there are “confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19” in Whitewater. Mr. Nevicosi stated that he was not at that time authorized to release any further information regarding the nature of those cases.
The Walworth County Division of Public Health continues to monitor the spread of the disease and implement practices to reduce transmission.
“We know that many Walworth County residents are concerned about what impact this virus may have on themselves and their loved ones. This is a rapidly evolving public health event that we are taking very seriously” added Aldred. “This is a time to remind everyone of the importance of taking precautions to protect those at higher risk, especially the elderly and people with serious underlying health conditions.”
To reduce risk of getting sick, Public Health advises everyone to follow these simple steps:
- Following the Safer at Home Order
- Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay home when sick.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website.
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Walworth County, visit:
In a 4 minute, 35 second slideshow, many of the WHS teachers and other staff sent encouraging (but occasionally odd) messages to their students during the “Safer at Home” order, otherwise known as “Study at Home” order. You may watch by clicking here.
Running a Small Business or Nonprofit and Feeling Overwhelmed by Emergency Funding Information? Editorial by Lisa Dawsey Smith
You are NOT alone. And it can be difficult to not have comprehensive, easy to navigate information at your fingertips.
For any of the conversations that I’ve had in the past weeks with local business I’ve started with the caveat: None of us are experts right now whether it be a economic development organization like a Chamber of Commerce or a local media outlet. We’re sifting through just as much information as you are and pulling together reliable resources for you to have quality information in your hands. The best source I’ve found? Your bank. You have a working relationship with your bank and they know you and your business needs better than anyone else. Does that mean you’ll likely get a live person on the phone in the instant that you need them? Maybe not but they’re doing their best to catch up and many have assured me that they will get back to you just as soon as they can!
Now you’ve heard about the CARES act and all of the programs that it created. There’s a lot of information in that to unpack. There’s the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, and an available advance to that loan. There are provisions for possible loan forgiveness. There’s another program called the Paycheck Protection Program available through existing SBA lenders. There’s an online portal, and one that involves forms that an approved SBA lender has to submit. Confused yet? You’re not alone. So go ahead and call your bank or credit union, leave a voicemail message and while you’re waiting to hear back check out the information compiled by the US Chamber of Commerce located here; it’s an easier to digest format for the information. https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/cares-act-small-business-guide
And remember, you are not alone.
(3/23/20) Taking another step in the effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tony Evers said on Monday that he plans to issue an order on Tuesday ordering all nonessential businesses to close. Details on which businesses will be allowed to stay open have not yet been announced, but are expected to be similar to the restrictions in other states such as California, Illinois, and Ohio. Best guess is that essential services are likely to include health care providers, grocery stores, restaurant carry-out services, farms, critical manufacturing, utility companies, law enforcement, and government operations. The governor promised to give “nonessential” businesses a grace period to close down, although hair and tanning salons were already shuttered last week.
“Folks, this is important. Time is of the essence,” Evers said. “This isn’t something I thought we’d have to do, it’s not something I wanted to do and it’s not something that I take lightly.”
(Banner comment) You may find it to be worth four minutes to read the article, “The Severity of the Next Several Weeks Depends Upon Our Actions Now,” by Andy Slavitt, former head of the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. Click here for the post on medium.com.
Finally, here are some good tips for your essential shopping trips.
Obituaries
Martin Jack Martinelli – a devoted man of God and a beacon of love for his family, affectionately known for his kind, tender, and rock n’ roll personality – joined his family in Heaven on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in the arms of his devoted bride, Clarissa. Compassionate and humble, with a contagious smile and infectious laugh, Martin was a good, gentle man, who turned heads every time he talked. Martin’s legacy of kindness and spiritual strength will forever inspire us, and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Born on September 13, 1960, in … Read more
Read More
December 28, 1939 – September 16, 2024 Dorothy Diane Duffin Saylor, “Duffy,” passed away on the evening of September 16, 2024, in Shavano Park, Texas. She was 84. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for the last several years. Duffy was born in December 1939, in Whitewater, Wisconsin to a farmer and his wife, Laurel and Winifred Duffin. She was their fourth child and the only girl in a family with four brothers. Tommy died in childhood, and the other three, John, David, and Doug, preceded her in death. Duffy graduated from Whitewater High School in 1957 and attended the … Read more
Read More
Patricia Sue Cruse, 74, Whitewater, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024. Pat was born on June 11, 1950 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Mary (Ziliak) Foote. She graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL and from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. She started her career as a teacher and elementary counselor in the Mukwonago school district. Pat met Randy Cruse at a fraternity party and quickly knew they would spend their lives together. They married on January 23, 1971. Six months later, together, they took a risk and opened … Read more
Read More
Mrs. Susan Mary Gebhardt-Schweitzer, 88, Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Fairhaven Residential Facility. Susan was born on August 22, 1936 in Racine, Wisconsin to the parents F. Don & Georgia Gebhardt. Susan attended William Horlick High School and graduated in 1955. Susan married Thomas J. Larsen in Racine on June 29, 1957 before moving to Cicero, Illinois and having 3 children, Thomas, Steven, and Linda. During her time in Illinois, Susan became an EMT working in the emergency room at Alexian Brothers Medical Center. Later in life, Susan met Edward Joseph Schweitzer and they … Read more
Read More
RICHARD H. GRANDT, age 88, of Amery, WI died Saturday, September 21, 2024, at RegionsHospital in St. Paul surrounded by his loving family. He suffered a fall at home on Tuesday resulting in a severely broken back with extended health complications. He was born June 2, 1936, in Will County, Illinois the son of the late George H. and Elsie (Rowoldt) Grandt. Rich married Rose M. Dempsey on June 15, 1957, and they raised 3 children in the Whitewater, WI area. He graduated from Whitewater College High School in 1955 where he excelled in athletics, lettering in four sports. In … Read more
Read More
Barbara L. Saladin, 87, of Dousman passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Angels Grace in Oconomowoc surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on August 24, 1937 to Edith Doxtator. She married Richard Laing and together they had two daughters. They were wed until his passing in 1987. Barbara retired from the Crestwood Bakery in West Allis. After retirement, Barbara continued to decorate cakes for bakeries. Barbara remarried to Joe Saladin until his passing in 2015. She was a singer with the Oneida Singers. Barbara enjoyed singing especially Oneida songs, baking Christmas cookies, and most of all … Read more
Read More
Rosemary “Rose” Ann Schuenke (Hansen), age 73, of Whitewater passed away on September 14, 2024 at her residence. Rosemary was born on May 14, 1951 in Milwaukee to Eugene and Shirley (nee Unke) Hansen. Rose married Richard R. Schuenke on August 23, 1969 in Milwaukee. Rose spent the majority of her life working in assisted living or food service jobs with her favorite job being George Webb. Rose enjoyed going to local diners on a regular basis and chatting with the waitresses making new friends. She looked forward to the yearly family gathering where she got to see all her … Read more
Read More
Richard Lee “Dick” Moyse, 81, of Whitewater passed away on September 14, 2024. Richard was the first-born son of Earle J.H. and Alice Fern (Talbert) Moyse. He grew up on the family farm in Cold Spring. Dick graduated from Whitewater High School in 1961 and WSU Whitewater in 1969. His college education was paused by his service in the United States Navy. He met Bonnie Albers, a fellow WSU Whitewater student in the fall of 1969. They married on November 28, 1970. Dick combined mechanical/electrical skills learned from Pop on the farm with a degree in Physics. He held several … Read more
Read More
Jessica L. “Jessie” Kowalski, 42 of Milwaukee passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Jessie was born on September 13, 1981 to Edwin and Ruth (Mach) Kowalski. She grew up and lived in the Whitewater area most of her life and attended Whitewater schools. Jessie furthered her education through MATC where she earned her CNA and she enjoyed working with her clients through assisted living centers. She enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers, doings arts and crafts, and had fun learning science. Jess had a collection and passion for big hoop earrings, oversized sunglasses, and most … Read more
Read More
Doris Jean (Greene) McQuillin, age 87, died Sept 11, 2024 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. She was born June 11,1937 in Hayward Wisconsin, the daughter of Melvin and Anna Greene. Doris graduated from Hayward High School in 1955. Doris was awarded a full scholarship to UW Whitewater, where she pursued a BS degree in education, graduated in 1959 and eventually earned a master’s degree in education. Doris began her teaching career in Roscoe, Illinois, eventually teaching for 42 years in the Whitewater Unified School District. Doris had a passion for the education profession and enjoyed working with young children. She taught second grade at … Read more
Read MoreOther Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
