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Bethel House Seeking Sponsors for its Annual Fall Dinner Fundraiser on November 1st

September 9, 2024
Photos of last year’s dinner


Bethel House is seeking sponsorships for its annual Farm & Vine to Table Fall Dinner, which will be hosted this year on Friday, November 1st, at Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard.

“Our organization is so excited to once again host our Annual Fall Dinner at Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard,” states Megan Hartwick, Bethel House Executive Director. “This beautiful event serves as the primary fundraiser for Bethel House, providing crucial funding support for our organizational operations and our Emergency Assistance & Transitional Housing programs.”

The 2024 event will also celebrate Bethel House’s 30th anniversary.

“Last year’s event was the most successful Fall Dinner Bethel House has hosted, raising just over $27,000,” Hartwick adds. “This year, in honor of our milestone anniversary, we have set a very lofty goal to raise $30,000. And the way this community has always shown up for Bethel House and the families we serve, has me confident we can reach that.”

Confirmed sponsors for this year’s event include Bernie & Nancy Labovitch (Humanitarian Hero sponsor – $5,000), First Citizens State Bank, Sue & Ken Kidd and First English Lutheran Church (Community Investor sponsors – $3,000), Richard & Veronica Telfer, Bob & Sharon McCullough, Everett & Ellen Long, Harry & Barb Penington and Carole Scharinger (Family Advocate
sponsors – $1,000), and Kent Hutchins and Thayer & Anne Coburn (Hope Builder sponsors – $500).

The remaining sponsorships include one Community Investor, one Family Advocate, and four Hope Builders. Each level offers various recognition benefits, with full details available on the Bethel House website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. Sponsorship slots can be confirmed by contacting Hartwick at 262.473.2715 or director.bethelhouse@gmail.com. Sponsorships will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis.

The event is also supported by in-kind donations from Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard, Sue & Bill Chandler, Tom Ganser, and dozens of local business donors who have contributed to the silent auction.

“The generosity of Bethel House donors and supporters knows no bounds,” states Jessie Dugan, Bethel House Board President. “We are so appreciative of all who are extending financial support for this event, as well as all those who have contributed auction items, promoted ticket sales, and will be joining us on November 1st. Bethel House’s impact on local families wouldn’t be possible without this show of caring power from our community.”

Tickets for the Fall Dinner will be on sale starting Thursday, September 5th, and will remain open until October 18th or until sold out.

Tickets for the event are $75 and include a five-course dinner with wine pairings chosen by the Staller Estate staff. There will also be live orchestral music and many silent auction items for guests to bid on. Tickets can be purchased online through the Bethel House website (www.bethelhouseinc.org), or individuals can contact Bethel House to pay via mail and check.

“All proceeds from this event will support Bethel House’s critical work to prevent homelessness for children and families in the greater Whitewater community,” Hartwick adds. “The needs in our community are at an all-time high, and our staff and board of directors never cease to be amazed at the rallying support of Bethel House donors when they know local families need assistance. Bethel House believes that all families deserve a safe, stable place to call home, and we’re so thankful to all those who aid us in that work.”

Full event details can be found on the Bethel House website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. Any questions about the event can be directed to Hartwick at 262.473.2715 or director.bethelhouse@gmail.com.


Bethel House is an ecumenical project helping families facing homelessness in the Whitewater area. Bethel House provides transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, and case management to families in need.

Bethel House utilizes seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation & building, life skills & decision-making, accessing other community resources & services, and much more.

Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. For more details, visit www.bethelhouseinc.org or call 262.473.2715.

UW-W Athletes Earn 11 Medals at Paralympics

September 9, 2024
Photos courtesy of the USOPC

Warhawk Bold meets Paralympic Gold

By Chris Lindeke
Marketing and Communications Manager
University Marketing and Communications

Seven current or former members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball programs won gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, continuing a strong tradition of Warhawk success on the sport’s international stage.

Jake Williams dribbles against Team Great Britain in the men’s wheelchair basketball gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on Sept. 7, 2024. He led the Team USA men in scoring to lead the team to a 73-69 victory. (Photo courtesy of Joe Kusumoto/USOPC)
 

John Boie, AJ Fitzpatrick, Nate Hinze, Talen Jourdan, Jeromie Meyer and Jake Williams were each part of the Team USA men, who defeated Great Britain 73-69 in the championship game to finish an undefeated run through the tournament and clinch the team’s third consecutive Paralympic title.

Hinze and Williams are now three-time gold medalists in the Paralympics. Williams led Team USA with a game-high 26 points in the gold medal victory. Boie, a member of the starting lineup with Williams, earned his second gold medal.

Fitzpatrick, a current human performance major at UW-Whitewater, Jourdan, and Meyer claimed their first gold medals competing in their first Paralympic Games.

The performance capped an incredible run through the sport for several Warhawks over the last 12 months. Williams, Fitzpatrick and Jourdan were each part of the Warhawks’ 2024 National Wheelchair Basketball Association intercollegiate national championship in March. Boie and Meyer joined the trio on the gold medal-winning Team USA at the 2023 Parapan Games last November.

Mariska Beijer, at right, defends a shot attempt against Team USA in the women’s wheelchair basketball gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on Sept. 8, 2024. Beijer earned her fourth career medal — and second gold — by helping Team Netherlands to a 73-59 win. (Photo courtesy of Mark Reis/USOPC)

Warhawk alum Mariska Beijer became a two-time gold medalist after leading the Team Netherlands women to a second consecutive first-place finish. One of the world’s top players, Beijer tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Dutch’s 63-49 win against Team USA in the gold medal game.

Head coach Christina Schwab celebrates with Lindsey Zurbrugg following the US women’s 50-7 win over China in Wheelchair Basketball competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games September 6, 2024. Photo by Mark Reis, USOPC.

Warhawk silver medalists included those who were part of the Team USA women — Becca Murray, Lindsey Zurbrugg, coach Christina Schwab and assistant coach Desiree Miller. Murray is now a four-time Paralympics medalist, and Zurbrugg is a two-time medalist. Schwab, the former UW-Whitewater women’s coach who currently works in the First Year Experience office, was a three-time gold medalist as a player in 2004, 2008 and 2016, and now a first-time medalist as the national team’s coach.

Other Warhawk alumni who competed at the Paralympic Games include Sammy White, whose Team Australia men finished fifth, and Vanessa Erskine and Mareike (Adermann) Miller, who helped the Team Germany women place sixth.

UW-Whitewater’s wheelchair basketball programs were highlighted in a feature by The Athletic, the sports vertical of The New York Times, in late August just ahead of the start of the Paralympic Games. The piece was published online before appearing in the August 30 print edition of the Times.

UW-Whitewater’s eight current or former student-athletes who represented Team USA in wheelchair basketball were more than any other school in the country.

University/Community Free Lunch Starts this Tues.

September 9, 2024

New Artist in TeaLux Cafe

September 8, 2024

New artist in The TeaLux Cafe Gallery! Terry Fair.

Awesome poster collages from Terry’s radio show!

They will hang there until October 31st, so go grab a tasty tea and check them out!!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Rhonda Kolander.

Quilts for Lutheran World Relief

September 8, 2024

The women of First English Lutheran Church produce quilts annually to ship to Lutheran World Relief for distribution to people in need.  The women use recycled and donated fabric to make the quilts.  They accept donations and will always appreciate volunteer sewing and cutting helpers.  This work is an expression of their faith and love for all people.  The church also donates and assembles school bags, health kits, and layettes for Lutheran World Relief.

Front L to R     Linda Meyer, Joan Polglaze
Back L to R     Diane Carlson, Mary Salverson, Lynn Coyle, Nancy Wendt
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser


This Week’s City Meetings

September 8, 2024

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a
multifamily development located on vacant land at the corner of Moraine View Parkway and Jakes Way Tax Parcel # /WPB 00044, and Consideration to Approve to Recommend to Common Council a change to the City of Whitewater Municipal Code Chapter 19, Specifically Repeal Section 19.51.180 Truck, Trailer, Mobile Home and Equipment Parking Restrictions
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/873079909
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 873-079-909
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding closing Starin Road between Prairie Street and
Warhawk Drive to vehicular traffic, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the turning movement at the southeast corner
of Franklin Street and W. Main Street.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/81945735692?pwd=zp6T5k5HMqLJOpEtIoexzA40gdFvoy.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 819 4573 5692
Passcode: 606698

Community Involvement and Cable TV Commission – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes review of content on channel 990.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/378277861
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 378-277-861
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Special Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on Together for Healthy Lakes Summit- October 2, 2024
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str
*In Person and Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87461454456?pwd=AyjYBbEOxwOywAd2jfejtRIQsaUvWh.1
Meeting ID: 874 6145 4456
Passcode: 670236
Or Dial 1 312 626 6799

Special Finance Committee Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion on Employee Health Insurance Options
Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager’s Conference 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 the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87117022791
The phone number for dial-in participation has not yet been provided.

    USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Takes Gold: Former UW-W player the highest scorer

    September 8, 2024

    The following article by Maggie Hendricks was posted on olympics.com.

    The United States became the first men’s wheelchair basketball team ever to win three gold medals at the Paralympics. Team USA won gold with a 73-69 win over Great Britain at Bercy Arena in Paris on Saturday, 7 September.

    As he has done throughout the Paris 2024 ParalympicsSteve Serio led Team USA to the win. He scored 24 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out eight assists for the win. Serio said that these would be his final Paralympics. His play is a huge reason why the United States’ men’s team has dominated over the past decade. He retires with three Paralympic golds, one bronze and five world championship medals.

    “This is what dreams are made of, man. The totality of the journey, how much this team has grown up together. We’ve won together, we’ve lost together. To cap off my Team USA career with a win like this, with 12 athletes that I love and a great staff behind me, this is what dreams are made of,” Serio said to NBC after the win.

    But Serio hardly got the win by himself. Jake Williams [former UW-W student athlete] led Team USA with 26 points, and Trevon Jenifer added 14. While Brian Bell didn’t score as many points as he has in previous games, he was all over the court and made a remarkable difference on defense.

    Serio said that the team’s depth and chemistry is what makes them special.

    “Any given day, it can be any athlete. We know that we go 12-deep. I read somewhere once that the secret of basketball is not basketball. It’s about the relationships you’ve built. These guys. We bleed together, we sweat together, we work together. We fail together, and today we won together,” he said with a big smile.

    The win caps off a magical run through Paris for the U.S. men’s wheelchair basketball team. The U.S. won all three of their games in group play, and then won the quarterfinal and the semifinals with an average of 36 points. Now, they get to return home as the most successful men’s wheelchair basketball team of all time.

    Editor’s note: A previous Banner article, The Athletic: “…UW-W, the bedrock of the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Team, may be found here.

    Compost Site Hours Changing on Wednesdays

    September 7, 2024


    Effective Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the hours of operation will change from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. to 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. This will remain in effect until the site closes for the season on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. However, the site will still remain open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. through November 16, 2024.

    For any questions or concerns contact the Streets Department at (262) 473-0560.
    Brian Neumeister
    Superintendent- Streets/Parks/Stormwater

    Obituaries

    Obituary: Edward W. Hamilton, 83, of Davenport, IA

    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

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    Obituary: Verne Paul Schrank, 94

    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

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    Obituary: Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss, 94

    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

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    Obituary: Raymond Miles, 96

    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

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    Obituary: Connie Jean Sukowski

    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

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    Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper, 88

    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

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    Obituary: James Robert Trier (Jimbo), 89

    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

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    Memorial Celebration: Martin Jack Martinelli, 64

    Editor’s note: Martin Martinelli’s obituary may be found here.

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    Obituary: Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56

    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

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    Death Notice: James Trier

    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.

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