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Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area is hosting a program on Thursday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. Our speaker, State Senator Janis A. Ringhand, Assistant Minority Leader, Senate District 15, will provide an overview of the most recent activities in the Wisconsin State Legislature and an update on the redistricting case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This program is free and open to the public.
This event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using this link.
Or, join us by telephone: (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 856 9970 4462, Passcode: 878437
The event will be live-streamed on Facebook and a recording will be made available to the public afterwards.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The demand for entry level housing is increasing, the supply of homes that the average homeowner can afford remains stagnant, and the price of a single-family home in Whitewater has increased by 17% in the past three years. That was one of the key findings of a City of Whitewater report reviewed by a joint meeting of the City’s Common Council, Community Development Authority (CDA) and Plan Commission on Wednesday, February 9th.
The report includes a list of 14 recommendations and 11 “Opportunities” that position Whitewater to better understand “the existing housing crisis” and recommended “best practices to help reverse the trend, increase housing units and provide opportunities for all residents to live in the community.”
The “Action Plan” recommended by Madison based planning firm Vandewalle and Associates documents a need for additional housing options in Whitewater and points out that currently, “The city is not on track to meet those needs, but steps can be taken to address the matter and the city’s housing challenges.”
Whitewater is definitely not alone in facing a shortage of workers and regular family households that can support a healthy inventory of local businesses. A National Association of Home Builders report issued just the day before the Whitewater report review session points out that housing availability has dropped to the “lowest level in a decade.”
The State of Wisconsin, working with a non-profit development trade organization and other interest groups, has passed several pieces of legislation in recent years that allow Wisconsin communities to incentivize “Affordable Workplace Housing.” This form of “Affordable Housing” incentives to communities is distinctly different from traditional “affordable housing” programs like public housing and rental assistance programs. It focuses on getting new people into the process of home ownership.
Whitewater’s housing situation is both similar to other communities but also unique due the community’s size and the presence of a relatively large university campus. City Manager Cameron Clapper, however, was quick to point out that this effort is not aimed at the student housing market.
Whitewater’s rate of “Owner Occupancy” (the percentage of homes owned by individuals or families that actually live in that home) is currently at only 30% and has declined from 35% as recently as 2010. In comparison the Vandewalle report points out that “… both Jefferson and Walworth County, and the state as-a-whole, have over 50% owner-occupied housing units.” The disparity is largely due to the presence of a university but that is just one of Whitewater’s housing challenges according to the report.
Whitewater is projected to need “between 200-340 new housing units to meet projected population demand by 2030” according to the report. Smaller lot sizes and more adjoined single family housing like the “twin homes” in the Prairie Village development on the city’s north side are cited as two of many potential strategies to meet that need. The plan’s 14 recommendations include documenting “…goals for the future that clearly define the number of housing units needed through an adopted policy by the City Council.”
The City of Whitewater has been proactive recently in addressing housing availability. The city took advantage of a change in state regulations that allowed for the dedication of some residual Tax Incremental District (TID) funds from a recently closed development area to be designated for “Affordable Housing.”
Neighboring communities, and others across the state, have been more aggressive according to Vandewalle’s Brian Unger and Ben Rohr. They cited our nearby neighboring community of Fort Atkinson that has purchased land and is working with developers to encourage home options that will be affordable to a wider range of households.
The 14 page Vandewalle report also includes another nine pages of appendices containing historical data and community comparisons. Several of the various officials and citizen participants in the review described the data being provided as “extremely helpful” to give citizens a better understanding of the situation and options that the city has. The final version is expected to be published soon with plans to make it available on the city’s website.
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ Aging and Disability Resource Center.
The Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ (WCDHHS) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) has released its 2022 “Welcome to Medicare” workshop schedule. These popular educational sessions are designed for individuals who will become eligible for Medicare in coming months. Individuals turning 65 years of age or those over 65 and planning to retire should attend one of the available workshops.
Attendees will receive information about Medicare and Medicaid options. “It is vitally important that individuals eligible to receive Medicare are aware of the different parts of Medicare, including Part A and Part B, as well as the prescription drug coverage,” says Elder Benefit Specialist Julie Juranek. “Being knowledgeable about premiums and penalties for not having creditable prescription drug coverage will help people make sound choices when exploring available plans.”
The “Welcome to Medicare” workshops will be offered at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Health and Human Services building (1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn) on the following dates:
- February 17, 2022
- April 21, 2022
- June 16, 2022
- August 18, 2022
- October 20, 2022
- December 1, 2022
RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.
On February 13, The Whitewater Lion Club will be celebrating their 46th Annual Fish-A-Ree on Whitewater Lake and Rice Lake. The event kicks off with a Freewill Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM The Lions will be serving their famous light and fluffy pancakes, home-cooked scrambled eggs, and yummy sausages. Milk and juice are available also. The Best of Fish in six species competition is from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM with winners to be announced at 3:00 PM. The winner of the 50/50 raffle and the bonus winner will also be drawn at 3:00 PM.
Also starting on the 13th is their second annual Online Auction. Check out the wide variety of items. There is something there that will be attractive to everyone. Check them out at BiddingOwl.com. Bidding starts Feb.13 thru Feb. 20th.
The following information was provided by the City of Whitewater.
February 7, 2022 – Dredging began Wednesday, February 2 on Cravath and Trippe Lakes as part of the Lakes Drawdown Project. After many weeks of preparation with a controlled burn, skinning snow and vegetation from the top and laying wood matting, Stout Construction was able to begin removing dredged material from both lakes last week.
The controlled burn helped to stop vegetation in the planned dredged areas. The skinning of snow and vegetation cleared the ground for direct access to cold temperatures. The areas to be dredged need 18 inches of frozen ground to allow for excavating equipment to drive on and remove materials.
Due to the warmer temperatures we have experienced, not all areas to be dredged had enough frost to begin the process. Wood matting was placed in many locations that did not freeze to allow for the equipment to drive over without sinking.
Because of warmer temperatures, crews are forced to alter their planned dredging times. When temperatures rise along with the sun warming the ground, crews must stop the process to keep equipment from sinking. In the past week, crews have been dredging when temperatures drop and skies are cloudy, including working through the evening and early morning hours. This process will continue in the upcoming weeks.
Crews were able to dredge over 20 hours on Trippe Lake and 10 hours on Cravath Lake this past weekend due to colder temperatures. When the sun began to warm the ground and temperatures rose, crews had to stop. They will resume evening dredging on Wednesday, February 9.
To learn more about the Lakes Drawdown Project and receive weekly updates, visit https://www.whitewaterwi.gov/520/Lakes-Drawdown-Updates or contact Parks and Recreation Director, Eric Boettcher at (262) 473-0122 or
EBoettcher@whitewater-wi.gov.
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building Project
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82903521022?pwd=ZFZWQ2Myd1dLQm1Ua3ljR1p3bi9OUT09
Meeting ID: 829 0352 1022
Passcode: V0DtPVdV
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 829 0352 1022
Passcode: 73647248
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Lakes dredging update; Resolution Providing for the sale of $5,195,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2022A; Request for approval of Development Agreement with Bower’s House LLC (Greg Aprahamian) for redevelopment of building known as the White Elephant building, SE
corner of Main and Second Streets
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or 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/83574761734?pwd=Mys4WGdYTzZwcXNVeHRNaTZ5eGY4UT09
Passcode: 394331
Or Telephone:
Dial: 1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 835 7476 1734
Passcode: 394331
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Jefferson County. Future announcements this season regarding Jefferson County snowmobile trails will appear in the Sports section of the Banner.
All Jefferson County Snowmobile Trails will open at 8:00 am on Thursday, January 27, 2022.
This includes all County Trails – both north and south.
Some trails may be closed due to open water.
Plowed fields may be rough.
Please ride safely.
Please stay on the marked trails and obey all signage.
Please call the Snowmobile Alliance 24-hour Hotline at 920-699-SNOW (7669) daily for current information. Snowmobile trails in adjoining counties may be closed. Trail users should check with each county to determine trail status.
Editor’s note: The following information was received from the Young Auditorium.
Originally scheduled for the week of Monday, January 31st – Saturday,
February 5th, Young Auditorium regrets to inform you that the upcoming residency by
Missoula Children’s Theatre has been cancelled.
While alternate dates for another MCT residency have been discussed, Young Auditorium cannot
guarantee a rescheduled event in 2022. We are currently in the process of issuing full refunds for all
those who pre-purchased tickets for the final performance. Please be patient as checks for the total
purchase amount may take up to 10-weeks to arrive.
Young Auditorium apologizes for the inconvenience and looks forward to a time when we can safely
welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre back for another amazing residency…complete with a full
complement of local children to round out the cast.
Obituaries
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
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