Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, November 25, 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.
The City of Whitewater will ask voters to weigh in on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower through a non-binding referendum during the November 5th, 2024 election. The Whitewater Common Council approved the following question for the ballot:
“The City of Whitewater Water Utility has decommissioned the Starin Park Water Tower,
meaning it is no longer part of the water system. The Water Utility can spend up to $600,000 (the cost of demolition) to maintain it as a City-owned Historical Landmark. The remaining costs, approximately $1,000,000 for repairs and $250,000 every 10 years for maintenance would need to come from City tax dollars or donations. Should the City of Whitewater use tax dollars to repair and maintain the Starin Park Water Tower?”
The referendum is non-binding, meaning it serves as an advisory vote to gauge public opinion. While it does not carry legal force, the results will provide important insights to guide the Common Council in making the final decision on whether to preserve or demolish the historic water tower.
Historical Significance and Structural Assessment
The Starin Park Water Tower was built in 1889 and served the community until the new
Southwest Water Tower became operational in 2022. The structure stands approximately 100 feet tall, with a 70-foot masonry base and a 30-foot steel tank. On December 14, 2022, the water was removed from the tower, and it was officially decommissioned.
A structural analysis, conducted by McEnroe Consulting Engineers in January 2023, found the water tower to be in “good condition with some elements in fair condition,” though maintenance and repairs are needed to ensure its long-term stability. Key structural concerns include:
- Stone cracking and deterioration
- Cracked stone at the entry arch
- Deteriorated mortar joints at the exterior and interior
- Corroding steel at the base of the tank
The report estimates repair costs between $950,000 and $1,100,000, with additional ongoing maintenance costs of $250,000 every 10 years.
Cost of Preservation vs. Demolition
In addition to repair costs, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for
demolishing the water tower. The phased approach to repair includes an initial repair budget of $600,000, with future phases costing $420,000 and $320,000, respectively. The total project cost by 2026 is projected to reach $1.6 million, which includes repairs, engineering, and project
management.
As part of the report, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for demolishing the water tower. This cost would be the responsibility of the Whitewater Water Utility. If the water tower is not demolished, the Whitewater Water Utility can put the $600,000 toward the repairs of the water tower. The remaining costs to repair, including engineering and project management costs, are estimated at $1 million for the year 2026. The remaining $1 million would need to come from City tax dollars or donations.
Referendum Impact
The outcome of the November referendum will help inform the Common Council as they
consider the community’s input and determine the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. The question of whether to preserve this historic landmark as a City-owned asset or demolish it due to its financial burden is a critical issue for the city.
Voters are encouraged to participate in the referendum on November 5th, 2024, to have their voices heard on the future of this important local landmark.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
The following was posted in a previous article in the Banner regarding the tower:
“According to the Architectural & Historical Survey of Whitewater (Cartwright, 2008; pg. 50), ‘The best example of stone construction in the city is the water tower in Starin Park, built in 1889. The regularly coursed rusticated limestone walls are laid up in stepped sections that expand from larger to smaller as the structure rises. The walls are accented with belt courses and round arches. Also historically significant, the water tower is distinctive for its stone construction and potentially eligible for the National Register.’ “
The image on the homepage was posted in a previous Banner article, with this information from the Whitewater Historical Society: “This view from 1889 shows the building crew completing the metal tank on the old water tower in Starin Park. The water tower was part of the new water system installed in that year that included a pump house, a water reservoir, and several miles of pipe. Because of the new water tower, the old water tower will be decommissioned after over 130 years of service.”
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. – NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Agenda includes building project, Mid-Year Review of the 2024 Strategic Plan Activities, Review and possible action of Library Card Project Proposal with the WWUSD.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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 the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81646531133?pwd=nbtwdgXN28yy7oDscs52jaJkIZPu7J.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 816 4653 1133
Passcode: K4DBZvcn
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. – NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Agenda includes guest speakers Chancellor Corey A. King and Whitewater Student Govt. President Bradley Douglas, first reading of Ordinance 2024-O-14 an ordinance revising the Junk Ordinance-Municipal Code Enforcement, Discussion and Possible Action regarding forming a Spring Splash Task Force-Economic Development Director, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Starin Road Pedestrian Safety.
UW Whitewater, University Center, 190 Hamilton Green Way, 2nd Floor, RM 259
*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/87863215809?pwd=aDK7ke2IcuNlxdu1dcZILGTtXGWamj.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 878 6321 5809
Passcode: 319491
Irvin L. Young Library Board Development Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discuss upcoming vacancy of library board of trustee position
Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor
312 West Whitewater Street
*In Person
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on request to provide funding for an additional Blue Martin house at Trippe Lake, Discussion and possible action on Park Tour and budget planning.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88075861911?pwd=xvzDGnIiR0pUWrEaIgFrWQ3apfGbUf.1
Meeting ID: 880 7586 1911
Passcode: 569595 One tap mobile +13126266799,,88075861911#,,,,569595# US (Chicago)
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors Meeting – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not yet been published as of September 15.
(In-Person & Virtual)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Meeting Cancellation
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
The Board of Zoning and Appeals meeting scheduled for September 19th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Community Room of the Municipal Building located at 312 W Whitewater St, has been CANCELED due to the lack of quorum.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area’s September 18th public program, Courageous Conversation: Project 2025, has been cancelled due to unexpected circumstances. Cancellation signage will be posted on the doors of the program venue, Cravath Lakefront Community Center, for those who may not see this cancellation notice in advance.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused and are looking forward to publishing our next event, an October 5th forum for Assembly District 43 candidates. Information on the candidate forum will be available soon.
Whitewater Arts Alliance Teams Up with Culver’s for Fundraising Night The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is excited to announce a special fundraising event in partnership with Culver’s on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. From 4 – 7 pm at the Whitewater Culver’s, 1414 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. In addition to the fundraiser, the WAA will also hold a 50/50 drawing during the event. For over 30 years, Culver’s franchisees have demonstrated a strong commitment to their local communities through various initiatives including sponsorships, donations, and support for schools and community organizations. This ongoing dedication reflects Culver’s core values and their focus on making a positive impact where they operate. The upcoming Culver’s Night is a great chance for community members to enjoy a meal and support a good cause. During this event, 10% of all sales will go directly to the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Community members are encouraged to join in the fun and support the Whitewater Arts Alliance by dining at Culver’s on September 17. Not only will patrons enjoy a great meal, but they will also play a part in supporting the cultural vitality of the Whitewater Arts Alliance. |
Fort HealthCare Featured for Work in Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities
Fort HealthCare is featured in a new report released last week by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) demonstrating Fort HealthCare’s work, along with hospitals around the state, to provide quality care. Fort HealthCare’s initiative, “Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities,” is one of many case studies featured in the 2024 Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report published by the statewide association.
Released annually, the Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report features some of the numerous initiatives and outcomes associated with quality improvement and patient safety efforts taken by hospitals and health systems across Wisconsin. Included in those successes was Fort HealthCare’s project, “Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities,” which describes how a shared vision among rural community partners has built a foundation for identifying and reducing health disparities. This shared vision brought together eight partners to form the Rock River Health Care Network (RRHCN). The network focused on advancing access to primary care for lower-income individuals and achieving the Federally Qualified Health Center Look-A-Like designation for the Rock River Community Clinic in December 2022.
“We are honored to be recognized in the 2024 WHA Quality Report for our dedication to advancing health equity,” said Michael Anderson, MD, President & CEO of Fort HealthCare. “Our collaboration with community partners reflects our shared vision of creating a healthier community. We are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing our work to address health disparities.”
Beyond the Fort HealthCare case study featured in the Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report, WHA provides a wide variety of health care metrics through its online CheckPoint website. Launched in 2004, CheckPoint was the first-ever statewide health care quality reporting initiative in the nation – establishing Wisconsin hospitals as a leader in monitoring, tracking, and improving care outcomes. Since its launch, this publicly available tool has grown to measure performance metrics on over forty-five key metrics on topics running from births, infections, patient experience and more.
“When compared to other states, Wisconsin ranks among the top states for hospital ratings,” said Nadine Allen, Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) Chief Quality Officer. “We would like to thank all health care professionals and staff at Fort HealthCare who work tirelessly towards achieving this goal. Together, we can overcome any challenges and continue to provide exceptional health care for our patients.”
Both the 2024 Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report and CheckPoint quality reporting tool are available for review by visiting wha.org.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Fort HealthCare.
The Walworth County Health Department urges residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after a horse in Walworth County tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) on September 12, 2024. This indicates that WNV-carrying mosquitoes are active in the area, posing a risk to people and animals. Other cases of WNV infections have been reported in people, mosquitoes, and animals in other parts of Wisconsin this year.
WNV is spread by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. It cannot be transmitted from person to person, animal to animal, or between animals and people.
Most people infected with WNV (about 80%) don’t experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue. In rare cases (less than 1%), WNV can cause severe illness, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Serious symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, paralysis, and coma. If you suspect WNV infection, contact your healthcare provider.
A vaccine is available for horses, and owners are advised to consult their veterinarian. To further protect horses, remove standing water and keep them indoors from dusk to dawn.
To avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes, it’s important to reduce exposure and eliminate breeding sites. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends the following steps:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing.
- Treat clothing with permethrin (do not apply to skin).
- Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to protect your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- Ensure window and door screens are in good condition.
- Remove standing water from items, like containers, flowerpots, tires, gutters, and downspouts.
- Turn over items like wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.
- Change water in bird baths and pet dishes every three days.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Box Score | Arlington Heights, Ill. – The No. 3 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team used a 17-point third quarter to defeat Roosevelt University 24-14 on the road Saturday afternoon.
The Warhawks got on the board with their first drive of the game. Despite an illegal block on the opening kick that pushed UWW back to their own eight-yard-line, the Warhawks needed just nine plays to drive the 92-yards for the score. The big play of the drive was a 46-yard Jason Ceniti to Vasey connection that gave UWW a first down at the RU 16. Two plays later, Ceniti hit Drake Martin for the six-yard passing touchdown. Jackson Fox split the uprights for a 7-0 UWW lead.
That score held through the rest of the half. The Warhawks came out in the third firing on all cylinders. The defense caused a turnover on the Lakers’ first drive of the second half. On the first play of the drive Tavy Crump forced a fumble on a reception but the receiver was able to recover. Two plays later, the RU quarterback fumbled and Lucas Sadler jumped on the loose ball in the end zone for the defensive score. Fox nailed the point after at the Warhawks lead doubled to 14-0.
On the next Roosevelt drive, Matt Burba burst into the backfield for a sack to force fourth down and a punt. The offense capitalized, getting into field goal position for Fox who hit the 40-yarder for a 17-0 advantage.
Roosevelt got on the board courtesy of an 84-yard touchdown reception on their next drive, but the Warhawks and Vasey had the answer.
Vasey hauled in the 63-yard kickoff and cruised passed defenders for a 98-yard kick return. That return tops his previous kick return for a TD of 93-yards from last season. Fox connected again and the UWW margin ballooned to 24-7.
Roosevelt capped the scoring in the game with a touchdown in the fourth on a deep pass down the middle from 31-yards out for the final, 24-14.
Ceniti was 12-21 for 128 yards and a passing touchdown. Brian Wilterdink, Blake Haggerty and Vasey all caught multiple passes from Ceniti with Martin’s sole reception going for the touchdown.
Brian Stanton led the charge in the ground game with 87 yards on 14 carries – an average of 6.2 per rush.
The Warhawk defense registered nine tackles for a loss and three sacks in the contest. Nehemiah Lomax, Mike Gutoski and Burba all got to the Lakers quarterback in the backfield. Dyson Klubertanz and Carter Sessa paced UWW with five tackles each.
UW-Whitewater will return to Perkins Stadium next week (September 21) for the final game of the non-conference slate. UWW will host Mary Hardin-Baylor for the team’s annual Alumni Day with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Box Score | Whitewater, Wis. – The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s volleyball team swept Concordia University (Wisconsin) 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-18) in Russell Arena Saturday. The Warhawks are now 10-0 on the season.
UW-Whitewater’s offense was too much for the Falcons to handle as the Warhawks enjoyed a 36-21 sway in kills. Alayna Jansky led the way with 11. The outside hitter was incredibly efficient in the match hitting .733 with the 11 kills in 15 attempts and 0 attack errors. Hannah Proctor added five kills in nine attempts without an error from the middle while Chloe Werner tallied three kills in six attempts and zero errors from the right side.
Aubrie Krzus set up the Warhawk hitters with 23 assists. The sophomore setter added five kills and an ace in the match.
Jenna Weinfurt bolstered the Warhawks’ win from the service line with three aces. She added nine digs in the match.
Defensively at the net, Proctor had the big block on the day. She posted a solo and six assist blocks.
The Warhawks will open Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play next week with a road match at UW-Oshkosh. The match is set to be a battle of top 10s as the Warhawks are ranked fourth and the Titans sixth in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
Obituaries
Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home. Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old. He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree. He also served two years in the army. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001. Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more
Read More
Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank. He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more
Read More
After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more
Read More
Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more
Read More
Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more
Read More
Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield, MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning. She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening. As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more
Read More
James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more
Read More
Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Oct 31, 2024. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on November 14, 1967 to Ponciano and Blanca Rodriguez. He graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at Gateway, earning a degree in marketing. He had a love for helping people and worked in healthcare for over 30 years as a CNA. He enjoyed shooting darts with his lifelong friends: Robert Bramley, Brian Quass, and Todd Piper. To know Manny, you knew he had a love for his Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders. He loved to play … Read more
Read More
James Trier, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Edgerton Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Whitewater. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. A full obituary will follow. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
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.
