News & Events

The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater celebrated the achievements of its graduates on Saturday, December 16, as proud families and friends gathered for the 2023 winter commencement ceremony. Approximately 620 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees on Tuesday, January 2, and Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Please place your tree on the terrace by 5:00 a.m. on the dates listed above.

Residents who wish to have a tree picked up before or after the above scheduled dates must call the Department of Public Works at 473-0560 before 5 a.m. on Tuesday that week to schedule a brush pick up.

Trees that have been flocked or contain wire will not be collected. Please place these trees for collection by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month, your bulk pick up day.

For additional questions or concerns contact the Department of Public Works at (262) 473-0560. For other requests visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.

Brian Neumeister
Superintendent- Streets/Parks/Stormwater Utility

I find it necessary at this time to “speak” on the passing of James “Jim” Allen. Jim became more to me than a colleague or even a friend in the years I knew him (and I met him at just 18, so it was a number of years)—he became my family. When I lose a family member, I am compelled to remind those they impacted of that impact to keep their memory alive—and Jim made a greater impact than many of us ever will.

Whitewater is a community of service and we certainly cannot downplay the service of others but still Jim rose above the crowd. Jim was the quintessential Whitewater cheerleader, always lifting up the things that make us great while working to make us even better. He never turned away from a challenge and he would never turn you away if you needed help or wanted to share your thoughts or opinions, even if he did not share them.

No matter where I was in life, Jim was there. He wasn’t just a mentor on the council as I was young—a mentorship many believe is a critical part of learning how to serve in that role—he mentored me in life. He showed me how to be a better friend, how to love someone through hard days, and how to always work for growth, recognizing not one of us is perfect.

Jim was more than Council President Allen. He was hilarious. He was thoughtful. He was self-reflective. He was giving. He gave nicknames and gifts and smiles, always freely. He loved the dogs I treat like my children who loved him back—and I trust their judge of character the most. He showed up for me even when I wouldn’t ask. He called to check on me when I claimed I didn’t need it.

You need not look far to see his impact. He impacted UWW in his work. He impacted the city in his service. He impacted his family in his love—and his friends just the same. I can’t count the ways he impacted me but if you’d ever like to hear just a few, I’ll treat you to coffee.

Each of you living in this city is affected by his work every day. I am impacted by his love. I miss you already, friend. Thank you for making me better. Thank you for making us better.

Councilmember 2011-2018, Stephanie A. Goettl

The winners of the Jefferson County “Deck the House” contest were recently announced.
Three winners from each participating community were named, one for each of three categories: most elegant, best holiday spirit and Clark Griswold, where “any color lights, props, inflatables, roof top and yard décor that can be seen from outer space fits,” according to the official voting form.

Winners in Whitewater were:

Most elegant: 190 Locust Lane
Best holiday spirit: 1127 W. Walworth Ave.
Clark Griswold: 216 S. Locust Lane

Winners in Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills and Watertown may be found here. Here’s a link to the house map.

Coincidentally, (or perhaps not surprisingly), Matt Wojtkunski wrote to the Banner to say that his street, Locust Lane, has a few houses lit up in a row, and his home is animated to music. The show runs from 4:30ish to 10 p.m. Tune to 88.5 FM. “We love the holidays and enjoy doing something like this for the community,” Matt wrote.

Also, here are pictures that Paul Jhona sent of the roof at Standard Process in Palmyra.

The Whitewater High School Music Masters Ensemble, directed by Karen Tordera, presented their Music Masters Showcase on December 17 at the high school. The event included solos and small ensemble performances as well as songs sung by the entire ensemble. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.

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

Bird Global, the company that operates the electric rental scooters in Whitewater during warmer months, on December 20 voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to undergo restructuring to strengthen its balance sheet in preparation for the sale of its assets. The company’s primary lenders are providing an additional $25 million debtor-in-possession funding for operations in the meantime. According to seekingalpha.com, the company has been experiencing falling sales, and in spite of aggressive expense reductions has been unable to achieve profitability. This week the company assured the city that it expects to continue fulfill its commitments and to resume normal operations in the spring, although Bird acknowledged in a November public statement that there was substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Apparently it was after that announcement was made that the company agreed to a “stalking horse bid” in which lenders provided a floor for the company’s value in the hope that other prospective owners offer a higher bid. In its communication to the city, Bird indicated, “We expect Bird to emerge from this restructuring process in 90-120 days with a strengthened financial position that will allow us to invest more significantly in our operations, employees, and the communities we serve for years to come.”

Jimmy Gilman, Bird’s government partnerships manager, wrote, “Our commitment to the City, local workforce, and riders remains unwavering and we expect that this restructuring will allow us to continue investing in hardware and technology and to continue building on our success in the City.” 

In response to Bird’s message, City Manager John Weidl stated, “The City of Whitewater acknowledges Bird Scooters’ recent announcement regarding their financial restructuring. We remain focused on the provision of uninterrupted services in our community. Bird’s assurance of maintaining their operations during this period is important to us, as we continue to prioritize diverse, accessible, and sustainable transportation options for our residents, such as scooters, golf carts, UTVs, and our shared ride program with Brown Cab. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Bird and their contribution to our City’s transportation network.”

Our thanks to Steve Watson for another beautiful and informative nature submission.

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