News & Events

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.

Are you looking for a part time position in which you can work independently and be part of a growing, community-focused organization?  Consider the role of program coordinator for the Whitewater Community Foundation.

We are seeking a self-starter who is a planner and an organizer who can help this non-profit organization reach its goals in serving the Whitewater, Wisconsin Community.

Currently the position is a 20 hour per week position at $19 to $20 per hour.  But the right person can grow the position if successful in aiding the organization to meet its goals.

The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills, work with Google Docs, manage our website, stay on top of multiple projects, keep the Board of Directors well-informed and demonstrate a commitment to the Foundation mission and vision.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application and resume to Chairperson@Whitewatercommunityfoundation.org

Direct questions to Chairperson@Whitewatercommunityfoundation.org  or contact Co-president Roni Telfer at rtelfer@Ameritech.net

Editor’s note: The following press release was received on Tuesday evening, October 3 from City Manager John Weidl.

“I’m writing to share with the community that I have been selected as a finalist for the Village Administrator position in Salem Lakes, WI.

During my tenure in Whitewater, we’ve celebrated new developments like Starbucks and A-1 Packaging, introduced ALDI – the first new grocer since 2016, created and funded an affordable housing policy, reduced Fire and EMS response times, and revitalized our local government PEG channel, among other achievements. Staff speak clearly and openly of their shared commitment to productive, engaged and transparent government. Staff speak openly of their support for me as City Manager, and I am humbled by their words and grateful for their trust.

This opportunity is not due to a reduced commitment to the City of Whitewater, organizational goals, or its taxpayers. Whitewater is on the cusp of a bright new future, provided process and productivity, not politics, drive decision-making. This opportunity arises from my desire for stability for my new daughter and, for myself, a supervisory environment that emphasizes respect and professionalism.

Most importantly, should a transition occur, I want to assure my full support and participation in the continuity of Whitewater’s city operations.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and time.

Sincerely,
John S. Weidl
City Manager, City of Whitewater”

Editor’s note: According to the Salem Lakes website, “We officially became the Village of Salem Lakes on February 14, 2017.  Salem Lakes is a rural community with a population of approximately 14,625. Our Village consists of five small “hamlets” which include Camp Lake, Salem, Silver Lake, Trevor and Wilmot.” According to a report, previous village administrator Michael Murdock had been placed on paid administrative leave for approximately six weeks during an investigation and left employment in August, 2023 under a separation agreement. The website indicates that the interim village administrator is Dave Bretl, who retired in 2020 as administrator and corporation counsel of Walworth County. The village does not appear to have publicly announced the finalists for the administrator position.

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Common Council Authorizes Outside Counsel Regarding “Disciplinary and Personnel Matters”

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

During the Common Council meeting on October 3, Council President James Allen made a motion to authorize engaging an outside attorney to advise the Council on disciplinary and personnel matters. The motion, as amended to provide for up to $10,000 in expenses, was passed on a 4-3 vote, with Allen, Gerber, Hicks, and Stone voting in favor. This action would pertain specifically to the City Manager, since that position is the only one that reports to the Council. A similar motion had failed to pass in a late summer meeting.

Speaking against the motion, Brienne Brown indicated that she had been advised by officials in other communities that a new manager should be given at least two years to adapt to their position. Not allowing this timeframe, she was told, would make for difficulty in attracting a new manager. Lisa Dawsey Smith stated that she shared those concerns. Citizen Brian Schanen also spoke against the motion, indicating that he had noted recent progress in the city and felt that hiring a third attorney to advise the city would be a waste of resources. In addition to the City Attorney, a labor attorney is also on contract with the city, and Human Resources Manager Sara Marquardt indicated that the Council had not inquired as to whether this attorney might advise the Council.

In making the motion, James Allen stated that the Council had not had opportunity to meet in closed session to evaluate the City Manager. John Weidl stated that the Council had actually had two such sessions in the past sixty days.

Weidl served as interim city manager beginning in August, 2022 upon the resignation of previous manager Cameron Clapper. He was hired as city manager effective November 7, 2022.

Contacted after the adjournment of the Common Council meeting, Allen indicated that he had not yet received notification of Weidl’s announcement regarding the Village of Salem Lakes administrator search. (See separate Banner article.)

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 13. Originally this project was planned to be completed by August 31, with the completion date subsequently being delayed to September 29.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation website 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.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Patrick Taylor is a WUL Hometown Hero. He was nominated by 11-year-old Rafa Los for serving as City Judge and helping the community.

As Municipal Judge for the City of Whitewater, Patrick focuses on promoting community justice to reduce repeat offenders through education with an emphasis on re-directing youth and their families in positive ways. Patrick also serves as President of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club whose mission is to help the children of the community and beyond. Additionally, he sits on both the City’s Urban Forestry and Ethics Commissions, and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Patrick chairs the Chapter Advisory Board for Phi Delta Theta’s fraternity at UW-Whitewater and is President of First United Methodist Church’s Board of Trustees.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Editor’s note: This announcement and photo were provided by Sarah Hoots.

This summer, Abbie Rhodes, Erin Vosburgh, and Ruby Hoots from Whitewater Girl Scout Troop 7639 earned their Bronze Award for their volunteering at Mulberry Glen.

The Bronze award, one of the highest awards in Girl Scouting, represents over 20 hours of community service towards a chosen project. Abbie, Erin, and Ruby chose to dedicate their time on multiple occasions over the summer, serving meals, visiting with, and planning activities for the residents of Mulberry Glen. They also hope to continue as pen pals with a few special friends they made.