News & Events

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

A number of communities in south central Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday from 1-4 p.m., Palmyra’s on Saturday from 3:30-6:00 p.m., and Jefferson’s on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls. Again this year the hours will be 4-7 p.m.

How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!

Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting next month to discuss planned improvements to the WIS 106/County N intersection outside Fort Atkinson.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Town of Koshkonong Town Hall, located at W5609 Star School Road. WisDOT officials will be on hand to speak with the public and get feedback on the proposed improvements.

WisDOT intends to turn the intersection into a single-lane roundabout. Both State Highway 106 and County Highway N would be closed and detoured during the project. Work is set to begin in 2027.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Our final image in the historic houses in Whitewater series is another stereoscope taken around 1870. Perhaps overlooked at 522 W. Main St., the Sanger Marsh House is a fine example of an Italianate Style house built in 1861 by local builder Nelson Salisbury, who built several cream brick houses in a similar manner in Whitewater.

Sanger Marsh was a prominent businessman who helped found the First National Bank in Whitewater in 1863. This bank was the first public bank in the community and lasted until the 1930s, when it merged with the Citizens State Bank to become the First Citizens State Bank of Whitewater that we all know today.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(1657ST, Whitewater Historical Society)

Editor’s note: The following proclamation was issued by President Biden.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 30, 2023. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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Editor’s note: The following proclamation was issued by Gov. Evers.

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #215 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 28, 2023, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. John Klenke, who passed away on Tues., Oct. 10, 2023, at the age of 65.

“Representative Klenke is remembered for his conviction, generosity, and dedication to serving his community,” said Gov. Evers. “In the wake of his passing, Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time.”

Former Rep. Klenke was born and raised in Green Bay and graduated from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and finance and UW-Milwaukee with a Master of Science in Taxation. He worked at Schneider National for over two decades, serving as the treasurer, vice president of corporate strategy, division president, and director of corporate tax. In 2010, Klenke was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly to represent the 88th Assembly District. During his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Klenke served on the Joint Committee on Finance and as vice-chairperson of the Energy and Utilities Committee. He was re-elected in 2012 and did not seek re-election in 2014.

Services for former Rep. Klenke will be held on Thurs., Oct. 26, 2023, with his burial subsequently occurring on Sat., Oct. 28, 2023.

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We’re celebrating having served the Whitewater and surrounding communities for an amazing 160 years and we want you to join us! Learn some bank history, look at old pictures, enjoy delicious birthday cake and cookies, and snag some fun giveaways. We’ll also have the Wisconsin Bankers Association President, Rose Oswald Poels here at 11:00 for a short presentation. PLUS! Be sure to sign up for some exciting Anniversary prizes.

Editor’s note: This announcement was shared by Christine Hayes, who writes, “A great event Sunday at the WAA. Throw on your Halloween garb and hear top Whitewater music legend Brian “Looper” Lucas and Kenny Jones – “Los Bromanceros” while taking in a fantastic Hallows art show.”

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Roberta’s Art Gallery.

Experience the cultural display and celebrate the souls of loved ones at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “Ofrenda de Día de Muertos” by the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater’s Spanish Club and Latinos Unidos. This exhibit will begin Oct. 25 and will be on display until Nov. 3, open Monday through Friday.   

“Ofrenda de Día de Muertos” is a pop-up exhibit honoring Día de Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” in English. It is a happy, colorful display. This exhibit will feature an interactive altar, or “ofrenda,” where the Whitewater campus and community can write the name of a past loved one and leave behind significant items to welcome their departed family members and friends. Throughout Mexico, families create colorful celebrations of life involving small offerings and objects of remembrance to warmly invite the souls of the dead back to life’s celebrations.  

UW-Whitewater’s Spanish Club is a student organization that emphasizes the importance of the Spanish language and promotes a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture. Latinos Unidos is a student organization whose primary goal is to unite, support, and promote the educational purposes and appreciation of the Latinx culture on campus.  

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. During the academic year, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday. 

At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram at uww_rag.