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Today is Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes staff reports on Mill Rate Comparisons and Municipalities Perspectives on Spring Splash like events; Resolution acknowledging of the official City List of City Landmarks, Historic Districts and Historical City Owned Property, Resolution to raise Permit Fees, second reading of Ordinance 2024-O-12 an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction
Standards Adopted, Sidewalk Ordinance, second reading of an ordinance creating Section 16.04.255 Lead Water Service
Replacement Program-, Library costs and financing.
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 click the link below to join
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87546240118?pwd=BamGominTLHFow41FQuGDowFyN4ZaF.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 875 4624 0118
Passcode: 721152
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission Training/Review of Open Meeting Laws & Visioning Session – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/667505365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 667-505-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater Fire & EMS Open House & Pancake Breakfast – Sunday 7-11 a.m.
Notice
Whitewater Fire Department, 312 West Whitewater St.
2024 Gala Update-HR
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.
Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
Source: Wikipedia
The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
With apparently no notice, Whitewater’s Pizza Hut, 1107 W. Main Street, served its last pizza early this past week. A customer reported on social media that on Wednesday, August 28 there was a sign on the door stating that the restaurant was closed for maintenance. By Sunday, however, the dumpster was full to overflowing, the back parking lot was blocked off by shelving units, a large portion of the furnishings appeared to have been removed, and the host podium was on the sidewalk. The Pizza Hut website shows the Whitewater location as being closed.
Roy Rockwell posted on social media that he was the original manager of the store when it opened on October 17, 1976, nearly 48 years ago. “Sad to see it close,” he lamented.
Most recently the business was owned by EYM Pizza Wisconsin. EYM was started by Eduardo Diaz, a former president of McDonald’s Mexico. He started EYM Group in 2008 and in 2015 decided to jump into the Pizza Hut business. After purchasing the properties and franchises in several other states, EYM spent about $8.4 million in 2018 for restaurants in Wisconsin in two separate deals. By 2021 EYM decided to sell its approximately 140 restaurants, but a deal fell apart.
Nearly all Pizza Huts are owned and operated by independent franchisees; very few are company-owned. Pizza Hut is owned by YUM! Brands, Inc., which also owns Taco Bell and KFC. According to restaurantdive.com, “Pizza Hut and EYM have been embroiled in a legal battle since March when EYM filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the franchisor [Pizza Hut] accusing it of failing to remain competitive, not adapting modern practices and not using new technology. A judge denied a motion for a preliminary injunction in April.” In June, Pizza Hut counter-sued EYM, alleging that it wasn’t paying various fees as dictated by its franchise agreement. Per restaurantdive.com, “In its June lawsuit, Pizza Hut said EYM is one of its largest franchisees, but is among the worst performing in its system. The operator’s same-store sales declined 10% from 2019 to 2023, compared to Pizza Hut’s systemwide same-store sales growth of 7%. Pizza Hut accused the chain of poor operational performance, falling out of compliance for its development obligations and failing to make payments to the franchisor on a timely basis.”
EYM Pizza then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 22, according to court records from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas. A number of other multi-unit franchisees of national brands have filed for bankruptcy in the last couple of years, including those operating some Arby’s, Wendy’s, Denny’s, Popeye and McDonald’s. Restaurantdive.com states, “Franchisees have been particularly hit by rising labor and operational costs and difficulty raising capital to finance the remodels or expansions needed to boost sales.”
Pizza Hut has been pushing EYM to sell its restaurants, but they have been unsuccessful in finding a buyer. Consequently Pizza Hut has started to move to terminate a number of EYM’s franchises. It is not known whether the Whitewater store closure was initiated by Pizza Hut or simply an indication that it was one of EYM’s less profitable locations. Pizza Hut has been looking for other operators to take over some of the stores, which could occur here, but it could be anticipated that a new operator would have a significant investment in replacing worn-out equipment and remodeling.
By the way, another division of EYM, EYM Chicken of Wisconsin, has operated five KFC restaurants in the state. All of them were expected to close by the end of August, including the Janesville location, which EYM indicates is due to its inability to negotiate an acceptable contract with YUM!
By Angela Kelm
UW-W Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior gymnast Kara Welsh, a national champion and two-time All-American, passed away tragically on August 30, 2024. Flags on the UW-Whitewater campus will fly at half-staff on Tuesday, September 3 in Welsh’s memory.
“To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible,” said Coach Jen Regan. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate, and the light in everyone’s dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up in her time as a Warhawk gymnast. There are no words to describe the void we all feel in our hearts, but Kara’s legacy will live on through Warhawk gymnastics forever.”
A phenom on the vault, Welsh holds four of the top eight scores recorded by a Warhawk gymnast in program history on the apparatus.
In addition to her high-caliber gymnastics, Welsh was a dedicated and supportive teammate. Her big personality and passion for motivating those around her helped her teammates succeed.
“Kara was a true Warhawk – an amazing person, student and athlete,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “We are all lucky to have spent time with her over the past three years. She was selfless and made everyone around her better. Our hearts go out to her mom, Nancy, and the rest of her family and friends.”
Welsh, a 21-year-old Plainfield, Illinois native majoring in business management, had an immediate impact on the UW-Whitewater gymnastics program the moment she set foot on campus. As a freshman, she was the anchor on the vault and the leadoff on the floor exercise. Welsh excelled in the high-pressure situations leading the Warhawks to a second-place finish in the WIAC Championship after tying for second on the vault. In her first National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship appearance, Welsh tied for third on the vault to earn All-America honors.
In 2023, Welsh won the vault title at the WIAC Championship meet and qualified for nationals as an individual. She went on to win the national title in the event with a score of 9.825.
In 2024, Welsh battled back from an illness to compete in the WIAC Championship meet – her first competition of the season. She stuck her vault in one of the best moments in Warhawk gymnastics history. Welsh tied the program record in the event, 9.875, and claimed the vault title for the second consecutive season. She went on to help the Warhawks to a runner-up finish in the NCGA Championship.
A GoFundMe page has been established with contributions supporting the Welsh family. For more information click here: https://gofund.me/40c1e1f4
Update 9/2/24 @ 8:40 a.m. – CBS Channel 58 stated that “Chris Davis’s brother confirmed Chris passed away from a heart condition he did not know about during his playing career. Reggie Davis called Chris his big little brother. Reggie Davis said, “He was a great man who gave his all to the youth.”
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Chris Davis Sr., a standout student-athlete for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team who was the 2012 NCAA Division III National Player of the Year, passed away Saturday, Aug. 31.
A native of Madison, Davis played at UW-Whitewater from 2010-12 and elevated the program almost immediately upon arrival. The 2011-12 Warhawks claimed the program’s third-ever national championship, reaching a height it hadn’t achieved in more than two decades.
Davis was a fixture in Madison’s basketball community, most recently serving as head boys basketball coach at Sun Prairie West High School. His son, Chris Davis Jr., was the state’s leading scorer as a junior at Sun Prairie West in 2023-24.
“Chris was one of the greatest players in the history of the Warhawk men’s basketball program,” head coach Jarod Wichser said. “His accomplishments during his time at UW-Whitewater are truly remarkable. Yet, when I think about Chris and his legacy, I will think about what an incredible father he was to Chris Jr. as well as the impact he made on so many young lives within the communities he served.”
Davis averaged 22.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game on 54.9 percent shooting from the floor, 41.1 percent from 3-point range, and 89.0 percent from the free-throw line during the 2011-12 season. He garnered Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and consensus first team All-America accolades, and became UW-Whitewater’s first-ever national player of the year when D3hoops.com selected him as its top honoree.
After the Warhawks won the WIAC regular season championship and reached the NCAA Tournament, Davis helped the team earn five straight double-digit for a berth in the national championship game. He registered a team-best 12 points in the final contest to help UW-Whitewater erase a double-digit deficit and defeat Cabrini, 63-60. He earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
“Chris was the ultimate competitor and an extraordinary athlete,” said Pat Miller, the Warhawks’ head coach from 2001-23. “A national champion in two sports, Chris’s priority was always doing what was needed to win. He was one of the most passionate and gifted players I ever coached. He overcame adversity and developed both personally and athletically into the national player of the year.
“Chris’s passion for sports was extraordinary, but secondary to the love he had for his son, Chris Jr., who was the most important person in his life. He was an amazing parent and a tireless advocate for the many students he mentored and helped.
“Chris wore his emotions on his sleeve and owned who he was. It is impossible to express the sadness I have for this loss. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. All who knew Chris are better for it.”
A two-time first team all-conference honoree during his career, Davis finished with 1,242 points during his two seasons with the program. In 2021, he was named to D3hoops.com’s All-Decade Team for 2010-20.
Davis was also a two-year tight end for the UW-Whitewater football team, helping the team capture the national championship in 2013.
“Warhawk Nation lost one of the best to ever put on a purple and white uniform,” director of athletics Ryan Callahan said. “He was a special player and a great person. Chris stayed connected to the program and would always attend the alumni events with his son. His story is a special one and we are grateful that we were able to be part of it.
“Chris continued to give back to the community and the game he loved after he left Whitewater. Our hearts to go out to everyone close to Chris, especially his son.”
This story will be updated with funeral arrangement information as it becomes available.
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Attached photos courtesy of UW-Whitewater athletics.
Whippet Football hosted Clinton on Friday, August 30, and fell 28-6.
Coach Sam Bartlett stated, “Our game against Clinton did not go the way we wanted it to. They came ready to play physically and mentally. I’d like to give a shout-out to Darin Wecker for getting his guys ready to play.
We just could not get the ball moving on the ground. We had some success in the air throwing the ball for 165 and a touchdown. Matthew Carollo and Ty Hagedorn stepped up to give us some movement on offense through the air.
Defensively we need to do a better job of wrapping and driving on our tackles. They ran hard the entire night and were able to break tackles. In the back field we will do a better job of reading our keys. Overall, there is a ton for us to learn and get better at.
I still have all the faith in my team that we will improve throughout the season. We will not be the same team week 1 as we will be at the end of the season. I look forward to bouncing back and competing against McFarland which will be a battle we are looking forward to playing in.”
Key Stats:
Matthew Carollo 10 of 21 for 165 yards, 1TD, 1INT
Ty Hagedorn 3 catches for 73 yards, 1 TD
Article Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Steve Watson writes,
A surprise on Trippe Lake trail.
A free range zucchini,
Endeavors to prevail.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing his surprise with us.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
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
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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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