News & Events

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Victoria Ghysels.

Maj. John A. Rutoski (Ret), formerly of Whitewater, WI, was recently inducted into the Minnesota Air National Guard’s Flight of Honor. The award recognizes personnel who have died in the line of duty, heroism, valor, or distinguished professional achievement and service.

Rutoski enlisted in the Air Force Reserves in 1977 and later transferred to the Air National Guard. After graduating from UW-Stout with a degree in engineering in 1982, he was selected for commissioning as a pilot. By 1986 he had become aircraft commander and flight instructor. Also in 1986, Rutoski was hired as a pilot for Northwest Airlines and changed his military position to assistant tactics officer. While in this role, he used his computer skills to develop a cutting-edge software program that streamlined the mobilization process used for Operational Readiness Inspections.

From August 1989 to February 1990, Rutoski deployed three times for the Desert Storm war effort as aircraft commander, flying out of airbases in Germany, England, and Turkey. As both tactical officer and instructor pilot, he saw the critical need for better aircrew training facilities and went about making that a possibility. Proficiency training was limited at his home station due to the intensity of commercial air traffic and new housing developments, so Rutoski turned to Camp Ripley, twenty air minutes away. Ripley had potential but needed runway lighting, instrument approach/landing equipment, and its drop zone required upgrades. It also would require crash/fire rescue services. So, he started talking up the requirements and potential solutions to those in charge. In 1991, Rutoski was designated as program manager for runway lighting. No funding? No problem for Rutoski, who later received the nickname of “Major Scrounge.” He found free equipment from closing airfields around the world and free civil engineers and labor from other units around the country. Not only was the runway lighting for both the paved and the assault strips complete, operational, and FAA certified, but he also had the lighting system tuned for Night Vision Goggles (NVG) on both.

Rutoski later saw the need for more upgrades, such as an instrument approach/landing system (ILS) that would allow Camp Ripley to be functional in all weather conditions. He procured a Tactical Air Navigation System and a Microwave Landing System (MLS) that upgraded his ILS. He also extended the 4900 ft. runway to 7000 ft for proficiency training of take offs and landings of C130s. Rutoski did this all on a shoestring budget and while progressing through his career as a pilot with Northwest and subsequently Delta Airlines. Rutoski retired from the military in 2000 and with the airlines in 2020. He is the first to give credit to the many who helped him build his vision, saying he couldn’t have done it all without their help.

Wanting to give back to the aviation community that gave him so much, Rutoski combined his knowledge of engineering, and semiconductor experience with his aviation expertise and started a nonprofit organization called Virtual Aviation of Minnesota (virtualaviationmn.com) to help the next generation of aviators since the cost of the progression through private pilot, instrument pilot, and Airline Transport Rating is in the multiple six figures. At his own expense, Rutoski built six highly capable flight simulators with full visuals, most for which he recently received full FAA certification. He has three simulators at his home, where he provides free simulator instruction to young people. This will help assure their success in training and reduce the expensive flight hours required for them to earn their licenses. He also has enlisted a cadre of seven of his former students who have succeeded in aviation to give back by providing free simulator instruction on his machines. Two such aviators began as flight attendants with Delta and in three years are now commercial airline pilots with Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines.

As someone who obtained his pilots’ license on a dirt runway in Palmyra, WI, his dream is to place flight simulators in rural areas of the country where aviation training resources are far away.

Congratulations, Major Scrounge, on this well-deserved award.

According to the Rock County Public Works website, the closure for paving and culvert replacement on County Highway N, which extends from the western end of Walworth Street, is now expected to continue through October 31. Originally this project was planned to be completed by August 31, with the completion date subsequently being delayed to September 29, October 13, and most recently, October 20.

The Banner reached out to Duane M. Jorgenson, Jr., PE, Director of Public Works for Rock County, inquiring about the factors contributing to the delay as well as the likelihood of the project being completed by October 31. His response on October 25 is provided below.

“There are a variety of factors that have challenged us in getting CTH N completed as anticipated.  They are listed below in no particular order.

• Scheduling challenges due to funding approval delay early in the year
• Staffing challenges
• Challenges with through traffic trying to use a closed road
• Equipment breakdowns
• Challenges with acquiring material – Plant breakdowns
• Late season weather implications
• Loss of partial days due to excessive heat and air quality issues due to Canadian smoke.

All of these items combined, in conjunction with when they affected the project, have contributed to the delays with the project.  We have attempted to counter these items, to the extent we could, in an effort to get this project completed in a timely manner.

The remaining item to complete is the pavement marking.  This work has started, but the weather has posed problems in getting this completed.  With rain anticipated most of the rest of this week and cold temps anticipated next week, I am hopeful that we can find a window that is dry and warm enough to complete the work and can get it open by October 31, but it is hard to tell if this will happen or not.”

The following additional note was received later from Mr. Jorgenson:

“The centerline did get striped yesterday [Oct. 24.]  There was discussion about opening it up, however based on standard requirements of the Manual of Uniform Control Devices (MUTCD), with the volume of traffic we need to have the edge lines installed prior to opening.

These are tentatively planned for Saturday, but they will not be able to get all of it done due to the volume of paint needed is more than they can cover in a day this time of year.  They are looking to wrap up on Monday.  This is all weather dependent, but I am still hoping to be open on Monday or Tuesday next week.”

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Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation website still projects that the Highway 12 reconstruction between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson is anticipated to be completed on November 3. Originally it was indicated that work might be continuing until sometime in December.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Esmoth from Pixabay.

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

Willie Hearn, age 69, of 370 N. Tratt St., #124 was convicted on October 24 of two felony and four misdemeanor counts arising from the robbery of the BP Station, 1138 W. Main Street in Whitewater on May 19, 2023. The felonies were Armed Robbery with Threat of Force and Possession of Cocaine/Coca (2nd+). The misdemeanors were two counts of Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, Disorderly Conduct, and Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Judge David M. Reddy presided over the trial. Mackenzie Renner represented Hearn, and Attorney Andrew Herrmann, the State of Wisconsin. As the two day trial began, attorney Renner indicated that his client was willing to plead guilty to simple robbery, an offer that was not accepted.

According to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, the 12 person jury deliberated for approximately an hour before returning guilty verdicts on all six charges.

The sentencing hearing was scheduled for December 20, 2023. The most serious charge, Armed Robbery with Threat of Force, is a Class C felony, which alone is punishable by up to 40 years of confinement, a $100,000 fine or both.

Editor’s note: Earlier reports on the Banner regarding this incident:

Whitewater Police Make Arrest in BP Station Robbery, May 19, 2023

Whitewater Resident Charged with Armed Robbery, May 22, 2023

My name is Brian Schanen, and I am announcing my intent to run for City of Whitewater Council District 4 in the Spring 2024 election.  The actions of certain members of the common council over the last few months have demonstrated that they are more interested in the interests of a few, over the interests of the hardworking taxpayers of Whitewater.  I have become alarmed by the actions of certain members of the council as they attempt to waste taxpayer dollars, and city employee time, to handle differences in personality versus the substantive issues facing our community.

Over the last year, because of the hard work of our city employees, Whitewater has seen more development than it had for many years prior including creation of the first strategic plan** in recent history and a 1.9 million dollar grant to increase affordable housing that is, by design, owner occupied. After the past week, it is clear that this progress has been in spite of council members, instead of in concert with. City employees should be commended for their hard work.

As I establish my campaign I will listen to the members of the community and what is important to you. It is long past due that the city council works for the community it serves.

The city sits on the brink of doing some incredible things. The attacks on the city manager, city employees, and city residents must stop, or we risk losing far more than just a city manager. Our reputation among neighboring communities will tumble, there will be more turnover, and City Council meetings will be far more divided. Additionally, the city’s budget still sits in a precarious position, and spending dollars we do not have, or have not budgeted, is a recipe for disaster.

I am running to celebrate the amazing things this city has, and its bright future. This means supporting our city employees, making sound, strategic and financial decisions, expanding our tax base to ease the burden on taxpayers, and being laser focused on implementing the city’s strategic plan.

When you see my name, Brian Schanen, on the ballot next spring, please vote for me.

**The Strategic Plan (Passed on June 6, 2023)

1.       Incentivize development of single-family homes
2.       Find ways to communicate without a newspaper (to a wide variety of constituents)
3.       Support a thriving business community.
4.       Improve and communicate recruitment and retention efforts.
5.       Prioritize expenditures with available resources.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.

The City of Whitewater is forming a Lakes Advisory Committee to help with the lakes management of Trippe and Cravath Lake.

Due to the community’s frustration towards Trippe and Cravath Lakefront, the city has decided to focus the surge of community buzz around this topic and create the Lakes Advisory Committee. This Committee will oversee the beautification of the City’s lakes.

The Committee will be made up of a minimum of three and a maximum of five people; additionally, there will be an alternate that
serves on this committee. To serve on this committee you must be a resident of the city of Whitewater or have expertise related to lake preservation and enhancement.

Expertise in this area is defined as knowledge, skills, and experience, including but not limited to environmental science, conservation, water management, hydrology, ecology, algology, marine biology, and other relevant professional experience. Please note that the committee can ask potential members to provide information about their background and experience.

By forming the Lakes Advisory Committee and actively seeking members with expertise in lake preservation and enhancement, the City of Whitewater is making a positive and hopeful step towards effectively managing Trippe and Cravath Lake. Through their knowledge, skills, and experience, these committee members will work towards addressing previous issues and creating a better future for these lakes and their community. With this dedicated effort, success in lakefront management is a promising possibility.

Interested persons can apply to be considered for the Lakes Advisory Committee here.

Creation of Lakes Advisory Committee

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Top Dog fundraising contest kicks off November 4 and runs through November 18 and anyone can submit a cute photo of their pet beginning November 4.

Participants will vote for the cutest and/or coolest dog and the winner will be the dog with the most votes. Beginning November 4, dog owners can go to the contest website at wwtopdog.net (see QR code below) and donate $5 to enter a photo of their dog (showing the dog only-no humans) to enter the contest. After registration, contestants will encourage their friends and family to vote for their canine companion (votes are just $1 each). Contestants can also vote multiple times. At the end of the contest, the top eight dogs with the most votes will have the choice of some great prizes.

Many thanks to First Citizens State Bank for being the major sponsor of this event.  Thanks, also, to the following sponsors for contributing prizes:  Second Salem Brewing, HSI Rentals, Shadow Dog Photography, Whitewater Veterinary Hospital, Whitewater Pet Supplies Plus, Whitewater Animal Medical Center and Studio 84.

Following is a list of the current prizes and additional sponsors:

Grand Prize

Second Salem Brewing Company, working with the winner, will craft an exclusive springtime brew featuring a portrait of the victorious pup on its label. The winner’s owner/guardian will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with their Brewmaster on the label’s design and the beer’s moniker.

Additional Prizes and sponsors are as follows:

• $500 Cash prize
• A winter weekend retreat provided by HSI Rentals at their Lake Alice Airbnb
• Shadow Dog Photography is providing a portrait experience – $800 value
• Whitewater Veterinary Hospital will provide a free annual exam, vaccinations, heartworm test and fecal test – value $300
• Whitewater Pet Supplies Plus will provide a gift basket for your “top dog.”
• Whitewater Animal Medical Center will provide a gift basket of prizes for your “top dog.”
• Studio 84 in Whitewater will provide an artist’s rendition of your special dog.

Rick Halvorson, Kiwanian and Chair of the Top Dog contest, said, “As a retired vet, I am very enthusiastic about this program that combines our love of our pets with our love of community and helping the children of Whitewater and the world.”

This fun contest will support youth activities in our Whitewater community. If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Patrick Taylor at Petaylor.law@gmail.com.

Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100% of funds raised going directly to youth projects and zero to administrative costs. Over the past five years the club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park.  Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.