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Common Council Approves Development Agreement for 128 Unit Apartment Complex

May 26, 2024


The Whitewater Common Council on May 21 approved a development agreement for a multi-family housing development at Moraine View Parkway and Jakes Way. The agreement, proposed by Slate Development, Inc., includes 128 units spread across eight two-story buildings.

“This development is a critical investment in our community’s future,” said City Manager John Weidl. “By addressing our
pressing housing needs head-on, we are not only improving the quality of life for our current residents but also making
Whitewater an attractive place for new families and professionals. This project exemplifies our dedication to sustainable
growth and economic prosperity.” The development is receiving financial support from TID #11 [Tax Increment District], utilizing a pay-as-you-go structure to ensure positive cash flow from day one. This approach minimizes financial risk for the city and taxpayers by requiring the developer to meet specific financial benchmarks before receiving payments. Additionally, safeguards such as a minimum assessed value (MAV) guarantee and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ensure that taxpayers are
protected. If the development falls short of the projected value, the developer will make up the difference, maintaining
the financial stability of the project.

Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert emphasized the importance of this project: “The need for workforce
housing in Whitewater cannot be overstated. Our business community, recent graduates, and current students all
underscore this necessity.” Common Council President Patrick Singer highlighted the next steps: “With the development
agreement now approved by the Common Council, the project will return to the Plan and Architectural Review
Commission (PARC) for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review.” This development will be discussed at the July PARC
Meeting held on July 8th. Singer further stated, “An increase in the quantity and opportunities for housing is an
identified community need that the City of Whitewater is strongly committed to achieving. With single-family housing
units already in the pipeline, this development will give more residents in our community the opportunity to find
affordable housing.”

The conditional use consideration requires a class 2 notice, requiring two postings a week apart. For the July 8th meeting, public notices will be posted on June 20th and 27th, with the agenda posted in the newspaper on July 4th. Council President Singer concluded, “The Plan and Architectural Review Commission will review site plans and a conditional use permit at its July meeting. These two items will complete the approval of this development. I encourage all residents interested in the outcome to attend the upcoming meeting.”

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city manager’s office.

UWW Baseball Super Regional Recap: Warhawks Advance to NCAA DIII World Series

May 25, 2024

Warhawk bench celebrating after Adam Cootway hits a homerun (Photo Credits Angela Kelm)
Dogpile
Trophy
Team with coaches

Game 1 box score
Game 2 box score

By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team is heading to the World Series for the first time since 2016 after overcoming Friday’s loss to UW-La Crosse. The Warhawks battled back with a 8-0 first game before a 8-2 victory in the second game punched the Warhawks’ ticket to Eastlake, Ohio.

In the first game, the Warhawks opened up the scoring right in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead. 

With Cade Berendt (Germantown, Wis./Germantown) doing his work on the mound, the Warhawks held the Eagles off the base path for much of the game. The Eagles did not have a runner past second the entire game.

A huge fourth inning added four more runs to the lead. Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) started off the scoring with a solo home run.

The Warhawks scored three more runs between the sixth & seventh, with the defense keeping the Eagles from scoring. The Warhawks forced game three with an 8-0 shutout win.

Berendt picked up the win, pitching one of his career best games in the battle. He pitched all 9 innings, recording a career-high 13 strikeouts as well as his first career complete game shutout. 

The Warhawks carried the momentum forward into the second game of the day, scheduled to begin only 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first game, after tying the series up 1-1. 

UWW struck first once again, with Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) blasting a two-run homer in the bottom of the third to go up 2-0. The next inning, the Warhawks added two more to their lead, going up 4-0.

The Eagles scored their first run of the day on a sacrifice fly in the top of 5th, but the Warhawks answered back with a RBI single from Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) in the bottom of the frame.

The Warhawk lead was closed to just three runs in the top of the sixth as UW-La Crosse added another run to make it 5-2.

But in the bottom of the eighth, Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) all but sealed the game with a three-run homer to put the Warhawks up 8-2. 

The freshman pitcher Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) only needed three outs and the Warhawks sealed their spot in the 2024 NCAA DIII World Series.

Hagen picked up his ninth win of the season, pitching the whole game. He allowed only eight hits, with no runs earned on the game.

Offensively, the Warhawks had home runs from Frank, Scolan, and Cootway between the two games. Frank and Scolan each had three RBIs in the second game. Holland had two RBIs in the first game.

The Warhawks will advance to the NCAA DIII World Series held in Eastlake, Ohio from May 31 to June 7. The tournament will be two double-elimination pods of four-teams. The winners of each pod will play a best of three series for the Championship. For more information visit https://www.ncaa.com/sports/baseball/d3

Versiti Blood Drive on Thursday: $15 e-gift card thank you

May 25, 2024

Limited appointments are available. Reserve your spot at this link or by calling 262-473-2997. Please note that several appointments are still open for double red cells.

Be sure to take note of the new location at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

May 25, 2024

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83973747733
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 839 7374 7733
International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kN3n60TXX

City of Whitewater Special Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding Council Goals and Priorities, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Strategic Plan, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Changes to the Good Governance Manual, and Discussion regarding Non-Financial Strategies for Enhancing Recruitment and Retention.
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86078303578?pwd=0Ju4UUwE_xOcfmZDNeudgd-gcwaZDg.x1Wx2m779eQfZ0MU
Telephone: 1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 860 7830 3578
Passcode: 117530

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m. – CLOSED SESSION

Adjourn into closed session, pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats., considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, specifically, to discuss and consider individual 2024-2025 salary contract adjustments; to discuss a specific employee’s resignation and review the School Board evaluation. Pursuant to the provisions of §19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats., deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session; specifically, to discuss and consider a facility planning architect and future capital maintenance planning. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(f), considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations, specifically, to discuss Board member’s allegations that district employees failed to adhere to District policies. Pursuant to the provisions of §19.85(1)(d), Wis. Stats., to consider strategy for crime detection or prevention; specifically, to discuss E-rate firewall protection.

Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:00 p.m.
———————————————–
5:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83722491972?pwd=c2h0VFlMUXNxQXR4V0ZiL2xwYUFVdz09
– Passcode: 736965
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 837 2249 1972
– Passcode: 736965
———————————————–
Closed Session
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online — OPEN SESSION
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes RECOGNITION 2024 FIRST Championship Worlds Qualifier – Team #6574 Ferradermis, RECOGNITION – 2024 WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival, RECOGNITION – 2024 Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association State Festival, RECOGNITION – 2024 Best Communities for Music Education, WAFC contract, Summer School teacher pay.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87906854174?pwd=a1hTMG9DNUc1MlVZZ2NULzhNb0JEZz09
– Passcode: 781760
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 879 0685 4174
– Passcode: 781760

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding presentation from Southeastern Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission, Discussion and possible action regarding bids for mechanical dredging of Cravath & Trippe
Lake Cattail.
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:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89704180987?pwd=OEVaZHQzUklhaHNUckdvRUVMRldlUT09
Meeting ID: 897 0418 0987
Passcode: 097434
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 897 0418 0987
Passcode: 097434

      Whitewater School Board -2024 Whitewater Unified School District Retirement Celebration – Thursday @ 4:00 p.m.
      Whitewater School Board members will be attending the 2024 Whitewater Unified School District Retirement Celebration at Willow Brook Golf Course on Thursday, May 30, 2024 beginning at 4:00 pm. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.

      Guided Journaling Workshop at the Library

      May 25, 2024

      Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided.  

      The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m.

      This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions. 

      ADRC of Walworth County Offers Healthy Living with Diabetes

      May 25, 2024

      More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  

      In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate use of medication, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.

      Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held in the Kettle Moraine Trail Room on Tuesdays, June 4 to July 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Walworth County Health and Human Services, 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn. The workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. 

      Registration for this program is required; contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.

      Local Resident Recognized on University of Dubuque Dean’s List

      May 25, 2024

      The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2024 Academic Dean’s List.

      Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and having earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean’s List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean’s List for the given term. 

      Dean’s List is awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and may be awarded retroactively.

      About the University of Dubuque

      The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private, coed university founded in 1852 that offers undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary degrees as well as other educational opportunities with the intention of educating and forming the whole person. Here, the value of an education is measured in helping our students find their calling in life through academics, community, character, vocation, and stewardship. Our approach to learning is based on professional programs with a liberal arts core, and we prepare students to find their purpose and make meaningful contributions to the world. https://www.dbq.edu/

      Whitewater, WI

       Halee Peters

      Why Did the Electronics Recycling Event Shut Down Early?

      May 25, 2024

      A number of residents expressed frustration that the electronics recycling event on Saturday, May 18 was scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but when they arrived as early as barely after noon the personnel and their truck had disappeared without explanation. The Banner reached out to Brad Marquardt, director of public works, who indicated, “The explanation we received from the recycling company was their truck was full and they were unable to accept any more items.  Next year’s event will be May 17 from 9:00 am to noon.  The posting will also include language that the event may end early if the truck is full, so people are encouraged to come early.”

      This is obviously a popular and appreciated event, as in at least one previous year the same thing happened, with capacity being reached before the announced closing time.

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

      Obituaries

      Obituary: Richard Allen Splitter, 80, of MO

      Richard Allen Splitter, age 80, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away November 12, 2024. He entered this life on June 16, 1944, the son of Edward and Berniece (Craig) Splitter in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy for two terms. During his time in the service, he was able to get his master’s degree in engineering from California State University of Long Beach. During his working years, Richard was an engineer for different aerospace companies. He retired to Blue Eye, Missouri, and thoroughly enjoyed lake life. Richard appreciated the outdoors and loved hiking, fishing, … Read more

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      Obituary: Edward W. Hamilton, 83, of Davenport, IA

      Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home.  Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old.  He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree.  He also served two years in the army.  He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001.  Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more

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      Obituary: Verne Paul Schrank, 94

      Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank.  He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more

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      Obituary: Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss, 94

      After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more

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      Obituary: Raymond Miles, 96

      Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more

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      Obituary: Connie Jean Sukowski

      Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more

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      Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper, 88

      Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield,  MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning.  She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening.  As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more

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      Obituary: James Robert Trier (Jimbo), 89

      James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more

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      Memorial Celebration: Martin Jack Martinelli, 64

      Editor’s note: Martin Martinelli’s obituary may be found here.

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      Obituary: Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56

      Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Oct 31, 2024. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on November 14, 1967 to Ponciano and Blanca Rodriguez. He graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at Gateway, earning a degree in marketing. He had a love for helping people and worked in healthcare for over 30 years as a CNA.  He enjoyed shooting darts with his lifelong friends: Robert Bramley, Brian Quass, and Todd Piper.  To know Manny, you knew he had a love for his Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders.  He loved to play … Read more

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