It is hard to believe, the craft fair fundraiser is almost here. It will be here soon,3 weeks to go. I hope to see some of Mikes friends and family. We will have some cool silent auction items to bid on, like a signed Packer football and many more items. We hope to make this an annual event, we are hoping all goes well, and would love everyones support. Come and get of your holiday shopping done, and the proceeds will support a great organization, that Mike loved.
On October 28th & 29th 11 a.m.-6 p.m.,30th 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,
at the First Assembly of God Church campus at 1240 Grand Avenue here in Waukesha. All proceeds will go to support the non-profit ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship – an inter-denominational ministry that serves tens of thousands of students from many different backgrounds on about 650 college campuses in the United States. All proceeds from this event will go to the work at UW-Whitewater (Mike’s school) and help students there attend campus and conferences – which were so very beneficial to Mike.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
MJC Memorial Craft Fair
MJC Memorial Craft Fair October 28-29 11-6, 30th 10-4
First Assembly Of God North Campus
1240 Grand Avenue, Waukesha, WI
We will be having our first fundraiser for Mike with the funds going to Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. We would love your support so we could make this an annual event. We need volunteers to make this event a success. We also need donations for raffles, bake sale items and shoppers. Tell all your friends. If you would like to help is any way please let us know. We need a total of 16 volunteers for Thursday, 8 volunteers for Friday, and 16 volunteers for Saturday.
First Assembly Of God North Campus
1240 Grand Avenue, Waukesha, WI
We will be having our first fundraiser for Mike with the funds going to Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. We would love your support so we could make this an annual event. We need volunteers to make this event a success. We also need donations for raffles, bake sale items and shoppers. Tell all your friends. If you would like to help is any way please let us know. We need a total of 16 volunteers for Thursday, 8 volunteers for Friday, and 16 volunteers for Saturday.
Update On Whitewater Traffic Light
This is the intersection where Mike was hit.
Royal Purple NewsPaper
Traffic signal design approved
By Michael Poe
Published: Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 05:03
UW-Whitewater students will soon be able to cross Main Street in a safer manner with the aid of a new device called the Navigator.
The Whitewater Common Council unanimously approved the design of new crosswalk signal March 16. The city has not set a date for installation for the Whiton and Main Street intersection.
The council had to choose between two actuators which were demonstrated at a public meeting Feb. 23.
The Navigator emits a constant beeping tone that allows visually impaired pedestrians to find the device. The device is activated by a sensitive push button.
“We have definitely done a lot of research and (the Navigator) is at the top of the market,” Director of Public Works Dean Fischer said.
The cost of the unit is $270 each with a total of eight being installed at each intersection. The Navigator device requires a controller at each traffic signal panel to operate, with an installation cost of $2,400.
UW-Whitewater informed the city that it will pay for similar equipment for both the Prairie andMain streets and and Prince and Main streets intersections.
The Navigator will tell the pedestrian it is time to cross with a voice system. When the crosswalk time is starting to count down, the Navigator will also countdown the amount of time left to cross the street. The city will eventually implement the Navigator at existing pedestrian signals throughout the city.
The other actuator, the Latching Bulldog, also has a sensitive push button, but would beep once rather than continuously and light up instead of a voice command. The cost of each device is $120.
City Manager Kevin Brunner said the university is very supportive of the higher-level system.
“I do like the idea of trying this system out for a few months and then retrofitting other intersections at a time in the future,” Brunner said. “[Chancellor Richard Telfer] is in favor of the Navigator because of the large number of disabled students that we have on campus and throughout the community.”
The University’s Center for Students with Disabilities was allowed to test the devices out. The Navigator was the overwhelming choice by the students.
The new pedestrian signals will be part of the federal project to add traffic lights and improve the intersection at a cost of $138,000. State and federal government will cover 90 percent of the project cost.
Debate regarding Main Street safety originated from an accident in late 2008 involving UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupkae.
Chaloupka, 23, was struck by a vehicle, while attempting to cross main Street. Chaloupka later died of injuries sustained from the accident.
In fall of 2009 a Fort Atkinson resident and sophomore Stephen Johnson also were struck while crossing Main street intersections.
The Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka’s death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton streets intersection in summer 2010.
The trombone-arm pedestrian yield signs were installed at the two Main Street intersections in May 2008.
The Department of Transportation sent the city an agreement for the project covering 90 percent of traffic light installation. The agreement covers the costs of the project including engineering, equipment and installation costs.
The remaining 10 percent of the project will be funded by the city. Brunner said the intersection safety revamp will cost $12,000 to $15,000. The project carries an estimated total cost of $138, 400.
Royal Purple NewsPaper
Traffic signal design approved
By Michael Poe
Published: Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 05:03
UW-Whitewater students will soon be able to cross Main Street in a safer manner with the aid of a new device called the Navigator.
The Whitewater Common Council unanimously approved the design of new crosswalk signal March 16. The city has not set a date for installation for the Whiton and Main Street intersection.
The council had to choose between two actuators which were demonstrated at a public meeting Feb. 23.
The Navigator emits a constant beeping tone that allows visually impaired pedestrians to find the device. The device is activated by a sensitive push button.
“We have definitely done a lot of research and (the Navigator) is at the top of the market,” Director of Public Works Dean Fischer said.
The cost of the unit is $270 each with a total of eight being installed at each intersection. The Navigator device requires a controller at each traffic signal panel to operate, with an installation cost of $2,400.
UW-Whitewater informed the city that it will pay for similar equipment for both the Prairie andMain streets and and Prince and Main streets intersections.
The Navigator will tell the pedestrian it is time to cross with a voice system. When the crosswalk time is starting to count down, the Navigator will also countdown the amount of time left to cross the street. The city will eventually implement the Navigator at existing pedestrian signals throughout the city.
The other actuator, the Latching Bulldog, also has a sensitive push button, but would beep once rather than continuously and light up instead of a voice command. The cost of each device is $120.
City Manager Kevin Brunner said the university is very supportive of the higher-level system.
“I do like the idea of trying this system out for a few months and then retrofitting other intersections at a time in the future,” Brunner said. “[Chancellor Richard Telfer] is in favor of the Navigator because of the large number of disabled students that we have on campus and throughout the community.”
The University’s Center for Students with Disabilities was allowed to test the devices out. The Navigator was the overwhelming choice by the students.
The new pedestrian signals will be part of the federal project to add traffic lights and improve the intersection at a cost of $138,000. State and federal government will cover 90 percent of the project cost.
Debate regarding Main Street safety originated from an accident in late 2008 involving UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupkae.
Chaloupka, 23, was struck by a vehicle, while attempting to cross main Street. Chaloupka later died of injuries sustained from the accident.
In fall of 2009 a Fort Atkinson resident and sophomore Stephen Johnson also were struck while crossing Main street intersections.
The Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka’s death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton streets intersection in summer 2010.
The trombone-arm pedestrian yield signs were installed at the two Main Street intersections in May 2008.
The Department of Transportation sent the city an agreement for the project covering 90 percent of traffic light installation. The agreement covers the costs of the project including engineering, equipment and installation costs.
The remaining 10 percent of the project will be funded by the city. Brunner said the intersection safety revamp will cost $12,000 to $15,000. The project carries an estimated total cost of $138, 400.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Gift
We got a surprise today in the mail. Another donation by one of Mike's friends, Heather Stoskopf. A gift in Memory of Mike Chaloupka has been made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It was quite a surprise, it was very thoughtful of her to make the donation. Mike had a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Thanks Heather for the generous donation.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Intervarsity Scholarships Awarded
Scholarships will be given out to Whitewater Students to attend Intervarsity conferences. $1000.00 in scholarships will be given away by the end of summer. Mike absolutely loved going to these conferences. All money raised from The MJC Memorial Craft Fair will go towards scholarships, or handicapped accessible accommodations for conferences. Which will be in October, if you would like to help out or volunteer, please let us know.
A Special Gift
We attended one of Mike's Best Friends Wedding, and there was a table at the wedding for Mike, A tribute to Mike. Check out the vase, it is now on the bookshelf at our home with other things of Mike.
The verse on the vase reads,
In loving memory
these flowers bloom
as a symbol of
a life and love
remembered.
It was a very emotional day, many tears of happiness were shed.
Thanks Matt & Lindsay Strzyzewski
Sunday, May 2, 2010
New Features in Mikes Garden
A week or so ago we did some decorating around the Angel Bush we got from Debbie at Mike's Funeral. Last summer we added a couple of re-blooming roses on the sides. For Christmas Judy gave us a beautiful metal sculpture made of silver silverware. Julie added to that some glass pieces on the petals and is now the center item in the metal sculpture. The 3 items around the center one are metal sculpture we bought at a craft show this spring. Those are also recycled made by a couple of young fellows around Mike's age out of cars, wash machines, and left over car paint. The metal sculpture will continue to bloom all year around. The Mosaic Tile on the left all four of us in the family made one evening together, we all had a part in that. The one on the right Mom and Jenny did.
I have had a lot of people ask me what the heck is it with you and gardening all of a sudden. Those upside down planters. All those flowers. The random dragon trees and rescue plants that I keep trying to rescue from the dumpster when people toss them out. Maybe looking at Mike's Garden will tell part of the story. That's all I'll say. Dad.
I have had a lot of people ask me what the heck is it with you and gardening all of a sudden. Those upside down planters. All those flowers. The random dragon trees and rescue plants that I keep trying to rescue from the dumpster when people toss them out. Maybe looking at Mike's Garden will tell part of the story. That's all I'll say. Dad.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Mike Chaloupka Leadership Award Scholarship
Well, we went to the DAAC Awards Banquet last Wednesday. The Mike Chaloupka Leadership Award Scholarship was presented to a deserving young fellow, Mitch Pashen. Jenny and I (Dad) went in front, Jenny spoke about Mike and about the award. The photographer thought that Jenny(Sister) was the Mom, and Mom was the Sister (Actually Mom was afraid to go up and present). The food was good and the event was inspiring. The dance part, not so much....
Chit-chat later, Dr. Telfer was telling us about all the changes concerning the intersection where the fateful event happened. The University is going to have to pay to move the stone gate entry pillars on the campus adjacent to the intersection in order to make room for the traffic signals. This is delaying the signal installation a bit because of changes to planning and the red tape involved. It seem as though Mike is still shaking things up on campus and in the Whitewater community almost 2 years after his passing.
The University is also putting a crosswalk control system in a different part of the campus where they had near misses, and are lobbying the State/City to improve safety on a few others.
That is all from me for now. Thanks for your interest.
Chit-chat later, Dr. Telfer was telling us about all the changes concerning the intersection where the fateful event happened. The University is going to have to pay to move the stone gate entry pillars on the campus adjacent to the intersection in order to make room for the traffic signals. This is delaying the signal installation a bit because of changes to planning and the red tape involved. It seem as though Mike is still shaking things up on campus and in the Whitewater community almost 2 years after his passing.
The University is also putting a crosswalk control system in a different part of the campus where they had near misses, and are lobbying the State/City to improve safety on a few others.
That is all from me for now. Thanks for your interest.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Mike Chaloupka Leadership Award-Photo's
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Update On Stop Light
City holds traffic signal demonstration
City of Whitewater officials held a demonstration and open-house forum last week presenting information on the Main and Whiton streets traffic signal project.
The meeting showcased the new traffic signal control with vehicle and pedestrian indicators and push button activators with voice component.
Project Manager Luke Holman said designing of the project will continue through May 1 with contract bidding taking place in July.
“The actual construction will not happen until the fall,” he said. “Typical traffic signal jobs from a construction start usually take about two months.”
Safety enhancements are being implemented after UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka died in September 2008 from injuries sustained after he was struck by a car while crossing Main Street in his wheelchair.
Director of Public Works Dean Fischer said the process will take a bit longer since it is a state and federal project.
“If this was a city level project, we would have it on the council floor tomorrow night,” he said. “Because we are getting federal money, we have to follow their rules and their rules are very slow.”
Holman said construction will not result in any road closings, but some activities are best done when an outside lane can be closed.
As soon as construction begins the yellow pedestrian lights at Whiton Street will be removed by the city. Some trees along the street will be removed, as well as moving the pedestrian barriers at the entrance to the Alumni Center back several feet.
“We are also going to be closing some sidewalks,” Holman said. “We’re going to have to ask students to find another way to get [to campus], maybe take the long way.”
Traffic signals are serviced once the pedestrian button is pushed, followed by a walk-time interval, then a pedestrian clearance countdown.
“The good thing is these lights are no different than what Prince and Prairie Streets are today,” Holman said.
The traffic signal for vehicles crossing Main Street off of Whiton Street will not turn green unless a vehicle is present or a pedestrian pushes the walk button.
“The street is really going to become a very distinct four-way versus what it looks like now which is more of a three-way intersection with a driveway,” Fischer said.
The project is estimated to cost $138,000. Ninety percent of the project will be paid for by state and federal government. The city of Whitewater will cover the remaining 10 percent and any additional costs.
City of Whitewater officials held a demonstration and open-house forum last week presenting information on the Main and Whiton streets traffic signal project.
The meeting showcased the new traffic signal control with vehicle and pedestrian indicators and push button activators with voice component.
Project Manager Luke Holman said designing of the project will continue through May 1 with contract bidding taking place in July.
“The actual construction will not happen until the fall,” he said. “Typical traffic signal jobs from a construction start usually take about two months.”
Safety enhancements are being implemented after UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka died in September 2008 from injuries sustained after he was struck by a car while crossing Main Street in his wheelchair.
Director of Public Works Dean Fischer said the process will take a bit longer since it is a state and federal project.
“If this was a city level project, we would have it on the council floor tomorrow night,” he said. “Because we are getting federal money, we have to follow their rules and their rules are very slow.”
Holman said construction will not result in any road closings, but some activities are best done when an outside lane can be closed.
As soon as construction begins the yellow pedestrian lights at Whiton Street will be removed by the city. Some trees along the street will be removed, as well as moving the pedestrian barriers at the entrance to the Alumni Center back several feet.
“We are also going to be closing some sidewalks,” Holman said. “We’re going to have to ask students to find another way to get [to campus], maybe take the long way.”
Traffic signals are serviced once the pedestrian button is pushed, followed by a walk-time interval, then a pedestrian clearance countdown.
“The good thing is these lights are no different than what Prince and Prairie Streets are today,” Holman said.
The traffic signal for vehicles crossing Main Street off of Whiton Street will not turn green unless a vehicle is present or a pedestrian pushes the walk button.
“The street is really going to become a very distinct four-way versus what it looks like now which is more of a three-way intersection with a driveway,” Fischer said.
The project is estimated to cost $138,000. Ninety percent of the project will be paid for by state and federal government. The city of Whitewater will cover the remaining 10 percent and any additional costs.
Fundraiser Planned
Here is the application and info on the Fundraiser planned. If you are interested in helping out in any way let us know, by volunteering, or donating an item for the silent auction, or bake sale. The fundraiser is in the form of a craft sale, we plan on having as an annual event. Here is the application, if you are a crafter and would like to participate.
http://www.creativetouchcrafts.net/craftfair.html
http://www.creativetouchcrafts.net/craftfair.html
Friday, November 27, 2009
Update On Street Lights Where Mike Was Hit
City, students work to install Main Street light quicker
by: Tyler Lamb
City of Whitewater landlord David Kachel has offered to pay for safety improvements on Main Street as the city waits for Gov. Jim Doyle to sign off on the installation of traffic lights on Whiton and Main Streets.
The installation of traffic lights is part of efforts made by the Whitewater Common Council in late 2008 to improve Main Street safety after UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka, 23, was struck by a car Aug. 26, 2008 while crossing the Whiton and Main Streets intersection.
Chauloupka died about two weeks later from injuries sustained in the accident.
Earlier this month Kachel made an offer to the council to pay for the entire cost and installation of a permanent variable electronic speed sign, to be placed on Main Street. The cost of the sign is estimated at $5,000 to $7,000.
"I wanted to give one and the city was also giving one … safety for students was part of it," Kachel said. "[city of Whitewater Police Chief James Coan] said if we could move them, in other words if we could take them down and put them somewhere else, he would do it because what he says is after it is out there for a month you would never look at it again."
During the Nov. 11 common council meeting, Coan said motorists would become too familiar with the electronic speed signs, lessening their impact after a few months.
"If you have something out there permanently drivers tend to become complacent," Coan said. "It doesn't have the same impact as if you put something out there periodically."
The need for safety improvements on Main Street was solidified last month when Fort Atkinson resident Laura Rogers, 28, was struck by a car Oct. 14 while crossing at the Main and Cottage streets intersection. Rogers was transported to Fort Atkinson Hospital for contusions to her face and knee.
City and university members are now collaboratively attempting to spur earlier installation of traffic lights on Main Street. The lights are currently scheduled for installation in early 2010 Peace, Education, and Activism through Creative Engagement co-president Patrick Broderick said PEACE has been attempting to put pressure on the governor's office with assistance from the Whitewater Common Council.
"Council member Max Taylor helped us out by getting us the number of the project and common council President Patrick Singer gave us details about the project at a PEACE meeting," Broderick said. "In addition, the Public Works Director Dean Fischer is going to be soliciting student opinions about more accessible design. I was impressed with how our concerns have been received."
Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka's death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton Streets intersection in spring 2010. The trombone-arm pedestrian yield signs were installed at the two Main Street intersections in May 2008.
"If all this requires is the governor picking up a pen and signing a piece of paper we should be able to get this done much sooner," District 2 councilman Max Taylor said. "So several groups, myself included, will be making several calls to the governor over the next few weeks trying to get him to expedite that process."
The Department of Transportation sent the city an agreement in early 2009 for the installation of traffic lights on Main and Whiton streets, covering 90 percent of the costs including engineering, equipment and installation. The remaining 10 percent of the project will be funded by the city.
The project to install traffic lights met the requirements to be funded as a safety improvement project. Safety improvement projects are perceived high-risk rural roads.
Doyle is not projected to sign off on the project until May 2010. Fischer said if the project to install traffic lights on Main Street would have been strictly a city project, the lights could have been installed already, costing the city $125,000.
City Manager Kevin Brunner said the council also is looking at increasing the wattage of street lights on Main Street from 150 watts to 250 watts, to increase pedestrian safety. Increasing wattage will cost the city more than $10, 000, with additional operating costs amounting to $1,000 a year.
by: Tyler Lamb
City of Whitewater landlord David Kachel has offered to pay for safety improvements on Main Street as the city waits for Gov. Jim Doyle to sign off on the installation of traffic lights on Whiton and Main Streets.
The installation of traffic lights is part of efforts made by the Whitewater Common Council in late 2008 to improve Main Street safety after UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka, 23, was struck by a car Aug. 26, 2008 while crossing the Whiton and Main Streets intersection.
Chauloupka died about two weeks later from injuries sustained in the accident.
Earlier this month Kachel made an offer to the council to pay for the entire cost and installation of a permanent variable electronic speed sign, to be placed on Main Street. The cost of the sign is estimated at $5,000 to $7,000.
"I wanted to give one and the city was also giving one … safety for students was part of it," Kachel said. "[city of Whitewater Police Chief James Coan] said if we could move them, in other words if we could take them down and put them somewhere else, he would do it because what he says is after it is out there for a month you would never look at it again."
During the Nov. 11 common council meeting, Coan said motorists would become too familiar with the electronic speed signs, lessening their impact after a few months.
"If you have something out there permanently drivers tend to become complacent," Coan said. "It doesn't have the same impact as if you put something out there periodically."
The need for safety improvements on Main Street was solidified last month when Fort Atkinson resident Laura Rogers, 28, was struck by a car Oct. 14 while crossing at the Main and Cottage streets intersection. Rogers was transported to Fort Atkinson Hospital for contusions to her face and knee.
City and university members are now collaboratively attempting to spur earlier installation of traffic lights on Main Street. The lights are currently scheduled for installation in early 2010 Peace, Education, and Activism through Creative Engagement co-president Patrick Broderick said PEACE has been attempting to put pressure on the governor's office with assistance from the Whitewater Common Council.
"Council member Max Taylor helped us out by getting us the number of the project and common council President Patrick Singer gave us details about the project at a PEACE meeting," Broderick said. "In addition, the Public Works Director Dean Fischer is going to be soliciting student opinions about more accessible design. I was impressed with how our concerns have been received."
Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka's death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton Streets intersection in spring 2010. The trombone-arm pedestrian yield signs were installed at the two Main Street intersections in May 2008.
"If all this requires is the governor picking up a pen and signing a piece of paper we should be able to get this done much sooner," District 2 councilman Max Taylor said. "So several groups, myself included, will be making several calls to the governor over the next few weeks trying to get him to expedite that process."
The Department of Transportation sent the city an agreement in early 2009 for the installation of traffic lights on Main and Whiton streets, covering 90 percent of the costs including engineering, equipment and installation. The remaining 10 percent of the project will be funded by the city.
The project to install traffic lights met the requirements to be funded as a safety improvement project. Safety improvement projects are perceived high-risk rural roads.
Doyle is not projected to sign off on the project until May 2010. Fischer said if the project to install traffic lights on Main Street would have been strictly a city project, the lights could have been installed already, costing the city $125,000.
City Manager Kevin Brunner said the council also is looking at increasing the wattage of street lights on Main Street from 150 watts to 250 watts, to increase pedestrian safety. Increasing wattage will cost the city more than $10, 000, with additional operating costs amounting to $1,000 a year.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Issues In Whitewater
Council fails to improve Main Street Safety
Tyler Lamb
Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: News
Whitewater Common Council took to no additional action regarding Main Street safety Tuesday, despite concerns voiced from campus and community members.
"I think there is a real concern about crossing at Main Street, particularly between classes." Councilwomen-At-Large Marilyn Kienbaum said.
One resolution suggested to the council was to increase the wattage of streetlights from Prairie to Prince streets.
"That whole area just isn't right. It's dark in a lot of spots and there are a lot of times I came along at 10:30 p.m. and just about hit somebody because all of a sudden they are in the middle of the road," District 1 councilmen Jim Olsen said.
City manager Kevin Brunner said increased lighting from 150 watts to 250 watts would cost the city more than $10,000, with additional operating costs coming to $1,000 more per year for the additional wattage.
"In addition, I think a lot of council members and a citizen mentioned variable speed boards that flash what speed your traveling at," Brunner said. "Those costs are estimated, to install, $5 to 7,000 each. One property owner to the south, David Kachel, contacted me and he informed me he would be willing to pay the entire cost of the board."
The council and Whitewater police weren't in favor of the electronic speed signs.
"I'm not convinced with the electronic speed signs," District 4 councilmen Lynn Binnie said. "I appreciate the generous offer … my concerns include one we get the stop light in there that's going to naturally resolve and slow the traffic."
City of Whitewater Police Chief James Coan said motorists would become too familiar with electronic signs, lessening their impact after a few months.
"If you have something out there permanently drivers tend to become complacent, it doesn't have the same impact as if you put something out there periodically," Coan said. "We think things have improved greatly."
Brunner said the city is attempting to expedite the process of installing traffic lights on Main Street.
"We were able to get state funding but we also have to go through sorts of hoops that we normally wouldn't have to because this state project."
The project is still scheduled to be completed installed early 2010 due to the bidding and development processes. Brunner said if the city would have done this on their own it done much quicker but the city would have had to pay more than $125, 000.
"If it would have been strictly a city project … we could have had them installed already but at $125,000 savings to the city we are talking about a one year period," Public Works Director Dean Fischer said.
Main Street concerns originated when UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka and Fort Atkinson resident Laura Rogers, 28, were struck while crossing at Whiton and Mainstreets.
Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka's death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton streets intersection in spring 2010.
The trombone-arm pedestrian yield signs were installed at the two Main Street intersections in May 2008.
The Department of Transportation sent the city an agreement for the project covering 90 percent of the costs including engineering, equipment and installation costs. The remaining 10 percent of the project will be funded by the city. City Manager Kevin Brunner said the intersection safety revamp will cost $12,000 to $15,000. The project carries an estimated total cost of $138, 400.
Tyler Lamb
Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: News
Whitewater Common Council took to no additional action regarding Main Street safety Tuesday, despite concerns voiced from campus and community members.
"I think there is a real concern about crossing at Main Street, particularly between classes." Councilwomen-At-Large Marilyn Kienbaum said.
One resolution suggested to the council was to increase the wattage of streetlights from Prairie to Prince streets.
"That whole area just isn't right. It's dark in a lot of spots and there are a lot of times I came along at 10:30 p.m. and just about hit somebody because all of a sudden they are in the middle of the road," District 1 councilmen Jim Olsen said.
City manager Kevin Brunner said increased lighting from 150 watts to 250 watts would cost the city more than $10,000, with additional operating costs coming to $1,000 more per year for the additional wattage.
"In addition, I think a lot of council members and a citizen mentioned variable speed boards that flash what speed your traveling at," Brunner said. "Those costs are estimated, to install, $5 to 7,000 each. One property owner to the south, David Kachel, contacted me and he informed me he would be willing to pay the entire cost of the board."
The council and Whitewater police weren't in favor of the electronic speed signs.
"I'm not convinced with the electronic speed signs," District 4 councilmen Lynn Binnie said. "I appreciate the generous offer … my concerns include one we get the stop light in there that's going to naturally resolve and slow the traffic."
City of Whitewater Police Chief James Coan said motorists would become too familiar with electronic signs, lessening their impact after a few months.
"If you have something out there permanently drivers tend to become complacent, it doesn't have the same impact as if you put something out there periodically," Coan said. "We think things have improved greatly."
Brunner said the city is attempting to expedite the process of installing traffic lights on Main Street.
"We were able to get state funding but we also have to go through sorts of hoops that we normally wouldn't have to because this state project."
The project is still scheduled to be completed installed early 2010 due to the bidding and development processes. Brunner said if the city would have done this on their own it done much quicker but the city would have had to pay more than $125, 000.
"If it would have been strictly a city project … we could have had them installed already but at $125,000 savings to the city we are talking about a one year period," Public Works Director Dean Fischer said.
Main Street concerns originated when UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka and Fort Atkinson resident Laura Rogers, 28, were struck while crossing at Whiton and Mainstreets.
Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka's death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton streets intersection in spring 2010.
The trombone-arm pedestrian yield signs were installed at the two Main Street intersections in May 2008.
The Department of Transportation sent the city an agreement for the project covering 90 percent of the costs including engineering, equipment and installation costs. The remaining 10 percent of the project will be funded by the city. City Manager Kevin Brunner said the intersection safety revamp will cost $12,000 to $15,000. The project carries an estimated total cost of $138, 400.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Article about Accidents In Whitewater
Recent accident a painful reminder
Crosswalk safety can only improve through concerted effort by all
Royal Purple staff
Issue date: 10/21/09 Section: Opinion
Media Credit: Seth Anderson
A Whitewater Common Council nightmare has been realized: another pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing at Cottage and Main Street, one of the intersections between Prairie Street and Prince Street uncontrolled by a traffic signal.
Fortunately for 28-year-old Laura Rogers of Fort Atkinson, the injuries she sustained following the collision and subsequent 10-foot journey through the air on Oct. 14 did not take her life; the contusions on her knee and face will heal.
Mike Chaloupka, who was hit while crossing the intersection at Whiton and Main Street in his wheelchair on Aug. 26, 2008, did not survive.
Chaloupka's death sounded the alarm bell that caught the attention of city and campus officials.
It became clear the "trombone arms," which are essentially flashing pedestrian crossing signs on a boom at these intersections, were not enough.
They were probably right. Even when activated, the flashing lights on the trombone arms are merely an advisery that pedestrians might be present-the lighted signs by themselves don't compel drivers to stop.
Meeting after meeting, month after month, an indecisive, sometimes combative Common Council argued over solutions ranging from a giant walking bridge to a proposed jaywalking ordinance before finally settling on the installation of a $125,000 traffic light at the intersection of Whiton Street and Main Street.
This was an obvious step in the right direction. A traffic light leaves no doubt to who has the right of way.
It also slows traffic flow down. This is good, considering excessive speed is the number one reason why pedestrian-vehicle accidents occur according to Whitewater Police Department Chief James Coan.
Unfortunately, all this wrangling to keep students safe diverts attention from another element that really needs to change: driving habits.
It's simple. There are two people in this type of accident, the driver and the pedestrian. Both are trying to get somewhere using the same space.
However, the driver is the one in control of a potentially lethal weapon. Furthermore, to walk in a public place is a very basic human right, whereas operating a car is a privilege and responsibility.
In light of this, there are very few instances where a driver isn't at fault for striking a pedestrian.
Even in a downtown Whitewater full of drunken bar-goers, the burdgen rests heavily on drivers to observe what's going on along the side of the road and slow down in the presence of pedestrians.
To be sure, the installation of a traffic light will make it much safer for students to cross, so driving habits aren't the only thing that needed changing. It also doesn't mean those on foot shouldn't look both ways before crossing the street-ultimately it's everyone's responsibility to keep the community safe.
It also means there are other actions officials can take to improve the situation while we wait for the traffic light.
This includes, if necessary, increased police presence. In the immediate wake of Chaloupka's death, city and campus police made themselves visible as a reminder to pay attention and assist in safe crossings. This should continue.
It should also include a crackdown on speed limit compliance, a.k.a. more speeding tickets. While many like to complain about speed traps, the fact of the matter is speeding is illegal for a reason. This is especially true in a city full of pedestrians, where there is absolutely no reason to be driving fast.
So take it easy, pay attention and walkers-look up from your iPod every once and awhile. By playing by the rules and using common sense everyone can do their part to make Whitewater a safer place.
Crosswalk safety can only improve through concerted effort by all
Royal Purple staff
Issue date: 10/21/09 Section: Opinion
Media Credit: Seth Anderson
A Whitewater Common Council nightmare has been realized: another pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing at Cottage and Main Street, one of the intersections between Prairie Street and Prince Street uncontrolled by a traffic signal.
Fortunately for 28-year-old Laura Rogers of Fort Atkinson, the injuries she sustained following the collision and subsequent 10-foot journey through the air on Oct. 14 did not take her life; the contusions on her knee and face will heal.
Mike Chaloupka, who was hit while crossing the intersection at Whiton and Main Street in his wheelchair on Aug. 26, 2008, did not survive.
Chaloupka's death sounded the alarm bell that caught the attention of city and campus officials.
It became clear the "trombone arms," which are essentially flashing pedestrian crossing signs on a boom at these intersections, were not enough.
They were probably right. Even when activated, the flashing lights on the trombone arms are merely an advisery that pedestrians might be present-the lighted signs by themselves don't compel drivers to stop.
Meeting after meeting, month after month, an indecisive, sometimes combative Common Council argued over solutions ranging from a giant walking bridge to a proposed jaywalking ordinance before finally settling on the installation of a $125,000 traffic light at the intersection of Whiton Street and Main Street.
This was an obvious step in the right direction. A traffic light leaves no doubt to who has the right of way.
It also slows traffic flow down. This is good, considering excessive speed is the number one reason why pedestrian-vehicle accidents occur according to Whitewater Police Department Chief James Coan.
Unfortunately, all this wrangling to keep students safe diverts attention from another element that really needs to change: driving habits.
It's simple. There are two people in this type of accident, the driver and the pedestrian. Both are trying to get somewhere using the same space.
However, the driver is the one in control of a potentially lethal weapon. Furthermore, to walk in a public place is a very basic human right, whereas operating a car is a privilege and responsibility.
In light of this, there are very few instances where a driver isn't at fault for striking a pedestrian.
Even in a downtown Whitewater full of drunken bar-goers, the burdgen rests heavily on drivers to observe what's going on along the side of the road and slow down in the presence of pedestrians.
To be sure, the installation of a traffic light will make it much safer for students to cross, so driving habits aren't the only thing that needed changing. It also doesn't mean those on foot shouldn't look both ways before crossing the street-ultimately it's everyone's responsibility to keep the community safe.
It also means there are other actions officials can take to improve the situation while we wait for the traffic light.
This includes, if necessary, increased police presence. In the immediate wake of Chaloupka's death, city and campus police made themselves visible as a reminder to pay attention and assist in safe crossings. This should continue.
It should also include a crackdown on speed limit compliance, a.k.a. more speeding tickets. While many like to complain about speed traps, the fact of the matter is speeding is illegal for a reason. This is especially true in a city full of pedestrians, where there is absolutely no reason to be driving fast.
So take it easy, pay attention and walkers-look up from your iPod every once and awhile. By playing by the rules and using common sense everyone can do their part to make Whitewater a safer place.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Another Accident
Fort Atkinson resident injured while crossing Main Street
A Fort Atkinson woman sustained minor injuries Wednesday after being hit by a car at the Cottage and Main streets intersection.Laura Rogers, 28, was crossing Main Street at a pedestrian walkway about 9:45 p.m. when she was struck by car turning west from Cottage onto Main Street, according to a witness. She reportedly flew about 10 feet in the air. Rogers was transported to Fort Atkinson Hospital for contusions on her knee and face.Junior Katka Showers-Curtis said she was crossing the street with Rogers at the time of the accident. They had pushed the pedestrian light before crossing."It was terrifying," she said. "I had no idea what was happening. I looked at the car and thought it was going to stop and then I realized it didn't. I never expected that to happen."Showers-Curtis said an off-duty police officer was driving toward downtown from Main Street when the accident occurred and stopped to aid Rogers."He got us to the side of the road," she said. "He called the police. He called the ambulance. Everything happened really fast."Rogers is active on campus and is a member of PEACE.UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka was struck by a car Aug. 26, 2008 while crossing at Whiton and Main streets, about a block from Cottage Street.Chaloupka, who was in a wheelchair, suffered from 12 broken bones and collapsed lungs. He died about a week later as a result of the injuries. Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka's death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton streets intersection in spring 2010.
I am sure glad she will be ok.
A Fort Atkinson woman sustained minor injuries Wednesday after being hit by a car at the Cottage and Main streets intersection.Laura Rogers, 28, was crossing Main Street at a pedestrian walkway about 9:45 p.m. when she was struck by car turning west from Cottage onto Main Street, according to a witness. She reportedly flew about 10 feet in the air. Rogers was transported to Fort Atkinson Hospital for contusions on her knee and face.Junior Katka Showers-Curtis said she was crossing the street with Rogers at the time of the accident. They had pushed the pedestrian light before crossing."It was terrifying," she said. "I had no idea what was happening. I looked at the car and thought it was going to stop and then I realized it didn't. I never expected that to happen."Showers-Curtis said an off-duty police officer was driving toward downtown from Main Street when the accident occurred and stopped to aid Rogers."He got us to the side of the road," she said. "He called the police. He called the ambulance. Everything happened really fast."Rogers is active on campus and is a member of PEACE.UW-Whitewater graduate Mike Chaloupka was struck by a car Aug. 26, 2008 while crossing at Whiton and Main streets, about a block from Cottage Street.Chaloupka, who was in a wheelchair, suffered from 12 broken bones and collapsed lungs. He died about a week later as a result of the injuries. Whitewater Common Council voted in late 2008, as a result of Chaloupka's death, to install traffic lights at the Main and Whiton streets intersection in spring 2010.
I am sure glad she will be ok.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Stepping Stone For Mike's Garden
We made these for Mike's Garden, everyone designed a petal of the flower, it was fun. Created by Mike's Sister, Brother, and Parents.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fundraiser For Intervarsity
We finally have a fundraiser planned for next year. It will be October 28-30, 2010, we have decided to do it in a form of a craft fair, with raffles, silent auction items and much more. First Assembly Of God Church-North Campus donated the space to use. We are very excited to start the planning, if you want to help volunteer some time in helping to set up the space or donations, please let us know. More info will be posted as it becomes available. It will be called MJC Memorial Craft Fair.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
One Year Since Mike's Accident
To all of Mike's and Family, I can't believe a year has passed since the terrible accident that took Mike from us. We had wanted to do a fundrasier this year, it won't happen til the fall of 2010. We are in the process of securing a location, and still working on the details. With the money going to Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which is the organization that Mike loved, and was working for at the time of his passing. Keep checking for more info as it becomes available. Thanks for everyone that helped us thorugh the last year, it's been the hardest year of our lives. We miss our son dearly, but life goes on. We will never forget him, we think about and talk about him daily. There is not a day of our life that we don't think about this tragedy, and our beloved son.
We have planted some bushes in our front yard, along with a angel bush we were given at Mike's funeral. We are adding a few more bushes in Mike's Garden. We are up to a total of 3 bushes now, we are still working on a sign. I hope to have it made soon. Keep an eye out for some new updates photos soon.
We have planted some bushes in our front yard, along with a angel bush we were given at Mike's funeral. We are adding a few more bushes in Mike's Garden. We are up to a total of 3 bushes now, we are still working on a sign. I hope to have it made soon. Keep an eye out for some new updates photos soon.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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