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United Way Introduces Exciting BINGO Event at the Jefferson County Fair July 10-13

June 30, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County.

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County is thrilled to announce its inaugural BINGO event at the upcoming Jefferson County Fair. This exciting addition to the fair promises fun for all ages while supporting a great cause.

Scheduled to take place July 10th -13th with mini-games starting at 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm each day (3 pm on Saturday) and concluding with a special evening session with a 50/50 game and progressive pot at 6 pm each evening. Card Sales will start 30 minutes before each game.  BINGO event will be located at “the big tent across from the Grandstand”  within the fairgrounds. Participants can look forward to a lively atmosphere filled with anticipation and great prizes, all while contributing to the United Way’s mission of serving our local communities.

“We are excited to bring this new entertainment option to the Jefferson County Fair,” said Elizabeth Ellis-Bols, Executive Director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and fairgoers to have fun together while supporting important initiatives in our community.”

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County invites everyone to join us for BINGO at the Jefferson County Fair. Come enjoy the thrill of the game, win fantastic cash & prizes, and help make a difference in our community.

For more information about the event or to learn more about how the United Way is impacting lives in Jefferson and North Walworth County, visit us on Facebook.

About United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. We harness resources to create lasting change and empower local individuals and families to thrive.

UW-W Announces Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024

June 30, 2024

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 59th Hall of Fame Class.

Former student-athletes Amy Gahl-Sweeney ’09, Suzanne Gersich Huss ’09, Tiffany Morton ’09, Beth Proeber ’06, Jace Rindahl ’10, Jeff Schebler ’10, Cassie Uttech Schroeder ’05, Ricky Spicer, Bob Stone and Bob Wickman will be inducted. Longtime UW-Whitewater Head Men’s Basketball Coach Pat Miller will be inducted under the category of staff/coach, and Warhawk supporter Ray Jacobsen will be inducted for his distinguished service to the institution.

All 12 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-River Falls on Saturday, November 2, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., will be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet, which begins following the contest at 4:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room.

More information on the Hall of Fame Banquet, including registration, will be posted in August.

Inductee information is provided below.

4th of July Festival Closing Act: PHiL

June 29, 2024

For a complete schedule of the festival’s music and other events, click here.

Festival Closing Live Musical Performance – Saturday, July 6, 8:00 p.m. to after fireworks

“PH!L” – The Music of Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins & Genesis!


PERFORMING 3 GENERATIONS OF HITS!
Songs like, ABACAB, Turn It On Again & Misunderstanding! To Sledgehammer, Solsbury Hill, Follow You Follow Me, In The Air Tonight! To deep cuts like, Red Rain, Shock The Monkey, Games Without Frontiers & In Your Eyes, and many, many more from these three Grammy award-winning artists! – Double Drums, and all… With A BIG BAND SOUND!!! And a show people talk about for months after…!

Featuring WAMI award winner and Grammy member himself, Scott E. Berendt.

Scott has been a singer/songwriter & drummer for the last 2 decades, of the legendary Wisconsin rock band, Bad Boy & his all-star adult/contemporary/world beat band, The Us Project!

THE SHOW PERFORMERS INCLUDE:
Brian Wirt on drums
Mitch Cooper on keys
Brian Memmel on Guitars
Scott Esser on Bass

(*PROMO VIDIO’S*)

SHORT LIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF “PH!L” @ https://youtu.be/BNaOIKVbTUc?si=dQzxf4KpNxDAVNax

LONG LIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF “PH!L” @ https://youtu.be/mdsswhANkl4?si=_zi8HJNBNKTwFiFp

WUSD Celebrates Record-Breaking Summer School Enrollment

June 29, 2024


The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) announces a record-breaking start to its Summer School Program, with nearly 800 students participating.

This is the highest number of participants in the program’s history, highlighting the strong support and student interest in summer learning. WUSD’s Summer School Program offers a wide selection of academic and recreational classes, catering to diverse interests and needs. Courses include “Getting Ready for Kindergarten,” “Ice Cream Making,” and “Elementary Engineering,” as well as physical education classes and high school credit recovery opportunities.

“The students’ energy and enthusiasm have been incredible,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “We want to sincerely thank our community for their support in making the start of summer school a resounding success. Additionally, a shout-out to our amazing summer school staff and principals; we could not do this without you!”

In addition to the various class offerings, WUSD has integrated a reading initiative into the summer curriculum. This initiative aims to support students’ reading goals and outcomes, ensuring continued literacy development throughout the summer break.

WUSD is proud to be at the forefront of Act 20 compliance, particularly in its summer programming. The district is committed to providing top-notch educational opportunities for students by staying ahead of future requirements.

The “Ongoing Literacy Learning” initiative, designed for students below grade-level standards, ensures targeted elementary and secondary-level literacy courses. This initiative is crucial to WUSD’s commitment to fostering academic success for all students.

To learn more about the WUSD Summer School Program, please visit www.wwusd.org

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

What is that Purple Angel?

June 29, 2024

The Purple Angel program has grown from one small town in the UK to a global effort to help communities become more dementia-friendly.  In January 2012, Norman McNamara, a resident of Torbay, Devon, UK who had been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 50, was out shopping and had an unhappy experience with an impatient shopkeeper.  He realized this person lacked information and decided to change the way people see dementia and treat their neighbors who have been stricken with the disease. 

Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives around the world such as Whitewater’s, have adopted the Purple Angel as one of their primary means of educating the public.  Training is available to organizations such as stores, restaurants, offices,  libraries, churches and services of all kinds.  Employees and management receive a free 30-minute training session and then receive a Purple Angel logo to display at their entrance. In Whitewater, thirteen locations have earned the Purple Angel logo including churches, banks, offices, the public library and the Police Dept.

What does Purple Angel training cover?  You will get an overview of changes in the brain which cause certain behaviors, recognizable as signs of dementia.  You will get tips for how and why to communicate with patience, kindness and a friendly manner. You will learn how to make your space more dementia-friendly and where to find resources in your community and on-line to learn more.

Every new Purple Angel logo means a few more people have changed their thinking and have helped people with dementia find it easier to navigate their world and remain engaged in community life.

For more information:   https://purpleangel-global.com/

https://dementiafriendsusa.org/become-a-dementia-friend

*****

This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers.  New members are always welcome!  Contact jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.  

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings & Notices

June 29, 2024

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Fire Chief’s report – staffing update, adjourn to closed session, to reconvene: Interview of FTE EMT/Firefighter Candidate(s)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/759747365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 759-747-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311

Special Meeting – City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Agenda: Closed session, to reconvene: Consideration and possible action with regard to Development Agreement for Phase 4B –
Park Crest Subdivision.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/178177397
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 178-177-397
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Notice from the Whitewater Unified School District Board regarding board member attendance at various events during the school year
Jul 01, 2024 – Members of the Whitewater Unified School District Board May Attend Social Events or District Sponsored Events and Activities Throughout the 2024-2025 School Year
Subject Public notice is hereby given that some members of the Whitewater Unified School District Board may on occasion attend social events or district-sponsored events and activities in support of staff and students of the school district. No formal meeting of the Board will take place and no official action will be taken by the Board. A quorum of the Board may be present.

Notice regarding Fourth of July Festival
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is attending the 4th of July Festival.
The event information follows:
When: Wednesday, July 3, 2024 thru Saturday, July 6, 2024
Where: Cravath Lakefront Park, Starin Park Upper Shelter, Municipal Parking Lot.
A quorum of the Common Council and/or Boards and Committees may be present. This notice is given to
inform the public that no formal action will be taken. This event is open to the public.

City Offers Summer Tennis Program with Reese Brantmeier

June 28, 2024

City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation is super excited to partner with Reese Brantmeier to offer a youth summer tennis program to the community. The tennis program starts on July 6th and will run each Saturday until August 3rd at the Whitewater High School tennis courts. There are three different age groups that will have drills and activities tailored to their needs. Age groups include 3-8 year old’s, 9-12 year old’s, and 13-18 year old’s. [Cost is $50 for residents, $62.50 for non-residents.]

Reese Brantmeier is a graduate of Whitewater High School and is continuing to pursue her passion for tennis by playing division 1 college level tennis for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Reese has had many accomplishments in her career, and is also aiming to grow interest in tennis in her hometown community. She has started the Reese Brantmeier Project to help restore two community tennis courts in the city of Whitewater. For more information you can visit her website https://www.reesebrantmeierproject.com

For additional information or to register please visit the Whitewater Parks and Recreation website at https://secure.rec1.com/WI/whitewater-wi/catalog [Click on “youth sports.”]

About Whitewater Parks and Recreation:
Whitewater Parks and Recreation is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for individuals of
all ages and abilities in the Whitewater community. Through innovative programming and collaborative
partnerships, we strive to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being.

Local Student Graduates from UW-River Falls

June 28, 2024

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (June 28, 2024) – The following local resident was among 676 students receiving degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls following fall commencement in Dec. 2023. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 603 undergraduates, while 73 students received graduate degrees. 

Area students are listed below by name, hometown, degree, major and honors (if any).

At graduation, four types of merit awards are recognized:

Senior Merit – Graduating seniors who have maintained a 3.500 grade point for their last 60 credits at UWRF.

Cum Laude – Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.700 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.

Magna Cum Laude – Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.800 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.

Summa Cum Laude – Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.900 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond. 


Whitewater, WI

 Owen Kramer, Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Cum Laude

Obituaries

Obituary: William J. “Bill” West, 75

William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more

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Obituary: David Harold Baker Jr., 61, of Portland, OR

David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more

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Obituary: Allen C. Hicks, 85

Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more

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Obituary: Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91

Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox.  She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years.  Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more

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Obituary: Isaac Richard Unger, 31

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more

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Obituary: John George Mack, 61

John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater.   John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.   As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more

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Obituary: Clifford Maynard Witte, 103

Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte.  Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more

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Obituary: Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79

Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963.  She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later.  She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon.  She was … Read more

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Obituary: Jean Lucile Zuill, 98

Jean Lucile Zuill, 98, of Whitewater passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Hearthstone Memory Care. Jean was born on April 20, 1926 in the Town of Lima to Howard and Florence (VanDuser) Hunt. Along with her brother Van, she grew up on their family farm in Lima. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1944. For a short time, Jean worked at the Parker Pen Company in Janesville. She married David “Dave” Zuill on August 9, 1947 in Whitewater. Upon marriage and having their two daughters, Janet and Mary, Jean undertook the meaningful job of mother and homemaker. … Read more

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Obituary: Helen Ruth Delaney, 94

Helen Ruth Delaney, 94, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 20, 2024. She was born in Bellwood, West Virginia on August 8, 1930, daughter of Henderson C. and Bertha J. (Skaggs) Hamby. She attended Leedwood High School in West Virginia. She attended Cornell University in New York studying economics and business. On April 8, 1978, Helen married Laurence W. Delaney in Rockton, IL. Helen retired as the Manager of a Hallmark gift shop in Greenville SC and previously managed the Stop ‘N Go in Whitewater, WI. Helen was a member … Read more

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