News & Events

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the University of Wisconsin System. In an April 6 article in the Wisconsin State Journal, Jim Henderson, who served as Interim UW-Whitewater Chancellor until he abruptly resigned on April 3, was quoted as saying “that a major reason for his decision [to resign] was UW System leadership’s handling of the free speech survey.

UW System to launch free speech survey, expand citizenship and civil dialogue initiatives
University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman announced today that a team of faculty researchers will distribute a survey to students starting Monday with a goal of soliciting student attitudes toward free speech, viewpoint diversity, and self-censorship on campus.

Rothman also announced that the UW System would expand its efforts to promote citizenship and civil dialogue at UW universities and beyond.

“The First Amendment is a bedrock principle of American democracy, and this survey will help us understand what students know and think about free speech rights and responsibilities,” Rothman said. “At the same time, we have an obligation to promote respectful dialogue – inside the classroom, around residence halls, and on the campus square. What better place than a university to foster the vigorous, considerate exchange of ideas and opinions?” 

The survey will be sent to a random sample of UW System students from each campus and remain open until Dec. 14. The research team seeks approximately 500 responses from each university and will sample anywhere between 2,500 and 7,500 students per campus depending on the overall student population and response rate. Results are expected to be reported in early 2023.

The research team includes Tim Shiell, professor of philosophy and director of the Menard Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation at UW-Stout; Eric T. Kasper, professor of political science and director of the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies at UW-Eau Claire; Geoffrey Peterson, professor of political science, UW-Eau Claire; and April Bleske-Rechek, professor of psychology at UW-Eau Claire. The survey is overseen by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) at UW-Stevens Point at Wausau, led by Eric Giordano, executive director.

The survey is funded by UW-Stout’s Menard Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation and includes an advisory board that provided feedback on the survey content and design. The research team solicited input from students and other state and national experts as it refined the survey over the previous months.

“The research team has decades of collective experience in survey administration, public policy analysis, and research on the Constitution, political science, education, and psychology,” Giordano said.

The survey comes amid an ongoing conversation about speech on campuses and in the wake of a 2021 report by the Bipartisan Policy Center, “ Campus Free Expression: A New Roadmap,” which recommends collecting this type of data as a part of continuous quality improvement for universities. While national surveys have been conducted, the UW System study is expected to be the first with specific data from UW System students. The survey project has been reviewed by appropriate Institutional Review Board authority on each campus.

The citizenship and civil dialogue initiatives Rothman announced include:

• Creating the Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) based at WIPPS. WICCD will coordinate the various research and policy centers across the UW System focused on the Constitution and public affairs to share best practices, consider joint programming, and discuss ways to elevate civil dialogue and the First Amendment on UW campuses.
• Organizing peer-to-peer conversations on challenging topics. Inspired by “It’s Just Coffee,” a student-conceived project at UW-Madison, the UW System will convene conversations between students of different backgrounds and beliefs in an effort to develop understanding and build civil dialogue. The conversations will be voluntary, open to the public, and include the participation of President Rothman.
• Sponsorship and promotion of the Wisconsin Civics Games and its accompanying editorial writing and cartooning contest. The $20,000 annual commitment would fund scholarships, cash awards and targeted promotions in an effort to encourage citizenship among middle and high school students.
• A new civil dialogue website for UW System universities.

The free speech survey and initiatives build on the UW System’s existing commitment to free speech and freedom of expression, as evidenced by Regent Policy Document 4-21, which includes a requirement that the “UW System shall report annually to the Board of Regents regarding the efforts of its institutions to uphold the principles expressed in this policy and to fulfill the Board’s Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.”

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Jefferson County Parks.

The Jefferson County Parks Department and its partners are proud to announce the second phase of the Interurban Trail in Watertown has finally been completed and opened to the public. On Friday, October 28th the final signs were placed along the trail, finishing touches were completed, and the trail closure signs were taken down. With both Phase I and Phase II completed, the Interurban Trail is now a full 7-miles long and ready for you to get out and explore.

The Interurban Trail Project was broken down into three phases for planning and budgeting purposes. Phase I starts at the Watertown Interurban Trail Trailhead facility near Humboldt Street, and runs 2.3 miles East to River Road. The Watertown Trailhead provides excellent parking, seasonal restrooms, and a bike repair station to tune up your bike. Phase I of the trail was completed earlier in the year and includes a 10’ wide paved trail and is highlighted by a three span recreation bridge over the Rock River.

Phase II of the project has been under construction for the last four months. This phase added an additional 4.7 miles of paved trail through rolling rural terrain in scenic Jefferson County. The Interurban Trail is now a full 7-mile ride from the trailhead to County Highway F just south of Ixonia. This second phase of the project was funded primarily through grants from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stewardship Program.

Phase III of the project will extend from County Highway F East, and make a direct connection with the City of Oconomowoc and the lake Country Trail of Waukesha County. When completed, the Interurban Trail will be a full 11 miles. Jefferson County is again working with its partners on the fundraising, design, and engineering of Phase III of the project. We are currently fundraising for the project and anyone interested in donating can contact us at 920-674-7540 for more information.

As trail use has already been in high, we would like to remind all of our trial users to access the trail via the designated Watertown trailhead and review the posted rules and trail etiquette signage. We also ask all trail users to please respect our trail neighbors and abstain from parking along the road Right-of-Ways near the trail. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of the final phase of the Interurban Trail project. Happy Trails everyone.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the University of Wisconsin System.

UW System honors achievements of LGBTQ+ advocates and their allies across UW System through 2022 awards

12 honorees of 2022 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People

The University of Wisconsin System has announced the 12 honorees of the 2022 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People, an annual honor given to LGBTQ+ people or their allies who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate for LGBTQ+ people. The award celebrates the memory and legacy of Dr. Paula B. Poorman, a highly regarded faculty member at UW-Whitewater dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people. 

This year marks the 14^th anniversary of the founding of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award. The recipients of the award were honored on November 10, 2022, in Madison during a ceremony hosted by UW System. The awards ceremony and reception was held in conjunction with UW System’s presentation of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Awards.

“Honorees are helping build a better experience for our students, faculty, and staff,” said UW System President Jay Rothman. “This award recognizes their achievements in creating a safer and inclusive climate at our universities.”

The honorees of the 2022 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People are:

·          Dorothy Chan, Assistant Professor of English, UW-Eau Claire

·          Stacie Christian, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Inclusivity, UW-Green Bay

·          Robert F. Allen, Professor of Mathematics, UW-La Crosse

·          Finn Enke, Professor, Gender & Women’s Studies and History; Director, LGBTQ+ Studies Certificate Program, UW-Madison

·          Luke Olson, Co-chair, Chancellor’s Advisory Committee for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, UW-Milwaukee

·          Kiersten Karlsen, Assistant Dean of Students, UW Oshkosh

·          Beck M. Hanner, Student, President of Alliance for Gender and Sexuality, UW-Platteville

·          Natalie Rodgers, 2022 Graduate, UW-River Falls

·          Missy Habberley, Student Engagement Program Manager, Campus Activities and Student Engagement, UW-Stevens Point

·          Alexandra Hall, Senior Lecturer, Biology, UW-Stout

·          Tammy R. Fanning, Associate Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, UW-Superior

·          Robin K. Fox, Interim Provost, UW-Whitewater

Each UW System university was invited to select one individual to receive the award, which highlights each recipient’s contributions to advocacy, activism, or scholarship that enhances the experiences of, and improves the climate for, LGBTQ+ people.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Review of proposed development of the Bower House Apartments, located at 187 W Main Street; hold a public hearing regarding a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Public Safety Radio Tower at
109 County Highway U, for the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
This meeting is IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.floto.com/438359213
You can also dial in using your phone.
(408) 650-3123
Access Code: 438-359-213

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes public hearing of 2023 budgets; first reading of ordinance to increase quota of Class A Liquor licenses from four to twelve; first reading of amendment to transient merchant ordinance as it relates to food trucks
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person).
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81787094283?pwd=SlZrU3dxOXJwc2w5di96WDZLZ1VPdz09
Passcode: 638972
Or Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 817 8709 4283
Passcode: 638972

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Directors Report- Staffing And Lakes Update; Urban Forestry Arboretum Presentation;
Effigy Mounds Planning Discussion
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Room- 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
or
Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83671054709?pwd=R1NVcStkVEZTY0h5QWJCV2RuN2pDdz09
Meeting ID: 836 7105 4709
Passcode: 870096
Or dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 7105 4709
Passcode: 870096

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Meeting – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes : Interview Of Patrol Lieutenant Candidate
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/296356901
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 296-356-901

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83873975206?pwd=MnV6aHRDKzZTa1NyMGQxTnRwbDNlUT09
Passcode: 330629
Or Telephone:
Dial: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 838 7397 520

By Tom Ganser

There’s no better way to start the holiday season than by taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School Players production of the beloved Disney classic, “Beauty and the Beast,” that showcases the talents of nearly 70 actors, stage crew members, and musicians. 

Jim McCulloch and Liz Elliot serve as Directors, Kat Dunham is the Scenery Construction Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Theatre major Taytum Adkins is the Choreographer, and Justin Kamp is Conductor of the pit band.

Performances in the Whitewater High School Auditorium will be Nov. 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 19 and 20 at 2:00 p.m.

General admission tickets ($7 for students and $10 for adults) can be reserved by calling 262-472-8178 or in person at the Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.  Tickets also are available an hour before the performances.

“Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of a “beast” who captures a young woman, Belle, in an attempt to gain her love, so he can shed his monstrous form. It’s filled with lovable characters and singalong songs.

“Beauty and the Beast” (“La Belle et la Bête”) was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in “La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins” (“The Young American and Marine Tales”).  It has been prominent in books, on the stage, and in movies ever since.

About thirty minutes before the curtain rises, there will be a “pre-show” of Tom Ganser’s photos from WHS Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Summer Shorts” (2021), and “Footloose” (2021).

In addition to the regular performances, there will be a special “Be Our Guest” Tea Party on November 19th at 12:30 p.m.  Come dressed as your favorite Disney character, enjoy some sweets and treats in the enchanted castle, get your picture taken with some of the cast, and take home a souvenir teacup. Tickets are $10 per child. Adult chaperones are free. Seating is limited and reservations for this event are required by calling 262-472-8178.

This production of “Beauty and the Beast” will participate in the Madison Overture Center’s Jerry Awards program that encourages, recognizes, and honors excellence in high school musical theater.

Hayleigh Pond is an 8th grader at Whitewater Middle School and takes to the stage as a villager and as a piece of silverware in “Be Our Guest.”  She said, “Even a spoon is important, so that means even if you are not popular or known, you are still a big part of life.”

Skylar Staebler, a senior at WHS, has been in many productions throughout her years in Whitewater.  In “Beauty and the Beast,” she takes on one of the leading roles as Belle.

“I love the resilience and strong, independent nature of Belle. I am a very independent person and think that I can connect well to Belle’s standards. I am not as proper or ‘princess’ like Belle, but I think my hard work and love of stories make up for it. I often find myself daydreaming and living in the world of music like Belle’s love of books.”

Staebler concludes, “I’ve truly loved bringing the world of Belle to life and can’t wait for an audience to see all the hard work the cast and crew have done.”

Joshua Kirley, also a WHS senior who has been in many theatrical productions, is cast in a leading role as the Beast.  He shared that a challenge for him as the Beast is “portraying my emotions in the songs I sing.”

Asked to compare the Beast to a flavor of ice cream, Kirley said, “I think that Rocky Road suits the Beast, because he’s mean at first but as soon as you get to know him you’ll learn to love him.”