Lynn Binnie

Rotary Club of Whitewater Hosting Online Auction and Five Course Dinner at Staller Estate Vineyard and Winery

Jordan Love, Autographed Certified Full Size Riddell Authentic Speed Helmet
9″ Deep Dish Door County cherry pie made by Diana Callope

The Rotary Club of Whitewater will be hosting an online auction from August 31 to September 13, 2024. Over 50 items from sport collectibles to chocolate chip cookies will be available to the highest bidder. Proceeds will help our club’s continuing support of community projects and Whitewater High School scholarships. The auction will close at 8:00 PM September 13, 2024. The auction’s website is www.32auctions.com/Rotary2024.



That same evening, the Rotary Club of Whitewater will also be hosting a Wine and Food Pairing Dinner event at Staller Estate Vineyard and Winery. A five course dinner will be served, each with a complimentary wine pairing. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with the first course, a charcuterie selection, wine, music and socializing all while viewing auction items on display. The dinner begins with a pumpkin bisque with cinnamon croutons. The third course will be a late summer salad served with local apples, goat cheese and toasted pecans. The entrée for the evening will be braised beef served with chunky mashed potatoes. The final course will be a rustic apple cake topped with homemade whipped cream.  Vegan and gluten free options are available for the dinner if requested three days before the event (September 13).

The evening ends with exciting, last minute bidding before the auction closes at 8:00 PM.

A limited number of tickets for the dinner are available contacting Aurelio Callope or Nate Parish at First Citizens State Bank or by calling Gerald Theune at 262-215-4497.

Tickets will be $50 per person. Again, proceeds help fund Rotary’s commitment to community and international projects.

First United Methodist Church: Welcome to Kickoff Sunday

Sunday, September 8 promises to be an exciting and fulfilling time here at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater! This day is our special “Kickoff” Sunday. We will be celebrating the beginning of our church programming for the fall.

This Sunday begins with an uplifting worship service at 10:00 AM, led by our dynamic new pastor, Clarissa Martinelli. This service will feature Promise Point volunteer recognition, music provided by our chancel choir, and a rousing message from Pastor Clarissa. Anyone is encouraged to bring their backpack, briefcase, or laptop case…. whether for school or work. We will be blessing those items at this service.

The 10:00 service will be followed by a cookout, games and activities for children and others! We’ll enjoy brats (including veggie) and hot dogs with other side dishes. You may bring a dessert or side dish, or just come and enjoy. There will be plenty for everyone. Children’s and adult activities will include a bouncy house, cornhole games, chalk art, coloring, face painting, limbo, and other fun stuff!!

Please join us as we mark the beginning of our church year. We are going to have a joyful time that brings us together in Christ!

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by First United Methodist Church.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: East Side School

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

School is back in session and this month we will be taking a deep dive into the East Side School, known after 1961 as the Washington School. This image is the oldest we have of the school. Sources are unclear as to when the building was constructed, either 1857 or 1872. There was an east side school built in 1857, but supposedly it was replaced in 1872. The appearance of this building could be from either date. Our next posts will show how this building changed over the years.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(5427P, Whitewater Historical Society)

This Week’s Estate Sale

Estate sale at the Mallwood Pavillion, 1329 road 2 east, Edgerton, WI (just over in Lake Koshkonong area outside Edgerton.)

Antique furniture and sewing machines with tables, church pew, dolls and dollhouse, collectible Barbie and Elvis dolls, x-files collectibles, glassware and silver tableware, luggage, camping gear, vintage metal signs and wall decor. 

Friday and Saturday 8-5

Obituary: John Dynkowski, 73

John Dynkowski, 73, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on September 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

John leaves behind a wife of 46 years, Nancy Dynkowski (nee Furlong), children Beth Baker (Peter) and Michael Dynkowski (Margaret). He was also a proud Poppa to his granddaughter, Julianne and grand-dog, Lou. He is also survived by his twin brother, James and many other family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Dynkowski, his mother Josephine Dynkowski, and brother, Robert Dowey.

John was born on August 31, 1951, in Chicago and grew up on the Northwest side on Moody Ave. He pursued his studies at Illinois State University and later earned his MBA from Illinois Benedictine University. He had a successful 40+ year career in IT in various roles and companies.

John met his wife, Nancy, through a setup from mutual friends and they were married on July 15, 1978. Shortly after they moved to Naperville, Illinois and raised their children in the Brookdale subdivision, where they met many of their lifelong friends. After retirement, they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and immersed themselves in “lake life.” The lake was John’s happy place, and you could always find him putzing around outside, helping neighbors or cruising around the lake.

John loved spending time with his friends and family and took great pride in maintaining relationships that spanned all eras of his life. John kept himself busy with projects, as well as serving as “Dad the Handy Man” for his children. He also loved traveling, especially visiting National Parks and road tripping with their camper. John’s legacy of love and dedication to his family and friends will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of life will be held at Mickey Finns Brewery (Libertyville, Illinois), on Sunday, September 8th with visitation hours 12-2 pm and a short ceremony to follow.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of John’s friends and family for their love, support, and condolences during this difficult time.

Library Begins Major Expansion/Renovation: Stock up – Approx. four week closure begins Sept. 16

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is excited to announce that our long-anticipated expansion and renovation project is set to begin on September 9, 2024. This project will enhance our facilities and provide our patrons with an improved library experience.

Important Dates and Access Information:

  • Construction Start Date: September 9, 2024
  • Library Closure: September 16 to Mid-October 2024
  • Parking Lot Access: No access from September 9, 2024 until completion of project, anticipated in October, 2025. Only street parking will be available. The lot will be used for the placement of construction trailers and materials. A fence will be erected to secure the area and ensure the safety of our community members.
  • A temporary entrance is being constructed on Center Street, next to the Whitewater Room that has the stained glass.

During the initial construction period, the library building will be closed to both staff and patrons beginning on September 16, with a planned reopening in mid-October. Miron, the construction company overseeing the project, has indicated that the work will conclude by October 11, 2024. However, to ensure flexibility and account for any unforeseen delays, we are advising the public that the closure may extend through mid-October.

During the closure patrons may obtain materials from other system libraries through the library website; simply specify an alternate pickup library, such as Dwight Foster Public Library (Fort Atkinson), Powers Memorial Library (Palmyra) or Jefferson Public Library. If a patron already has items on hold there are two choices: 1) Change the pick-up location to another library, if hoping to obtain the item before mid-October, or 2) Leave the hold as is. It will be suspended and when the library reopens the hold will again become active without losing their place in the queue.

Stock up: All items that are being checked out now are being given a due date of October 21 in case the closure is longer than expected. This also applies to items that have been requested from another library in our system.

Groundbreaking will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. with speeches at 5:15. Cake and beverages will be served.

Contribution pledges: Soon everyone who still has an outstanding pledge will be receiving a reminder letter. If a donor is able to fulfill a pledge earlier than was committed this will help the city to minimize the amount of funds that may have to be borrowed in order to make the construction payments.

We are committed to keeping our community informed and will provide ongoing updates through our website and social media platforms. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our library facilities.

Editor’s note: This article was written by Lynn Binnie with considerable assistance from the library director, Diane Jaroch.

Whitewater Fire & EMS Open House and Pancake Breakfast


Mark your calendars for September 8th, 7 AM to 11 AM! Come hungry and curious to our Pancake Breakfast/Open House event.

Feast on a delicious breakfast while discovering the exciting transformations at Whitewater Fire & EMS since the passing of our staffing referendum, and our transition to a paramedic service.

There is no cost for the breakfast – just a heartfelt donation of your choice. Your support means the world to us!

On the menu: Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage Links, Milk, OJ & Coffee

This year’s fundraiser aims to equip our first responders with new lockers & equipment storage facilities for their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Join us for an educational experience too! Explore our Fire Truck Display, Ambulance Display, and learn about the importance of child seat safety. Plus, don’t miss the thrilling Fire Truck Rides!

A big THANK YOU to the amazing citizens of Whitewater and surrounding townships. Your unwavering support has fueled our progress this past year. We can’t wait to continue serving you with pride!

Arts Alliance Presents El Color de Mi Amor: Esquipula & Kolander’s acrylic paintings

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to present “El Color de Mi Amor” (The Color of My Love), an exhibition of acrylic paintings by local artists Enrique Esquipula and Rhonda Kolander. The exhibition will be held from September 5 to September 29, 2024 at the WAA Gallery, 402 W Main St, Whitewater, WI. Gallery exhibit hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12-4 p.m. (The gallery is closed outside of gallery exhibit hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.)

The Opening Reception is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 2 pm-4 pm. Attendees will have the chance to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments while exploring the vibrant artwork on display.

In addition to the exhibition, Rhonda Kolander will be leading an Acrylic Painting Workshop on Thursday, September 26, from 5 pm-7 pm at the Cultural Arts Gallery located at 402 West Main, Whitewater. The workshop is open to all skill levels, with a fee of $35 that includes all materials.

Enrique Esquipula 
Rhonda Kolander

About the Artists:

Enrique Esquipula

“Trees” by Enrique Esquipula
“Designer Vase” by Enrique Esquipula

Enrique Esquipula has lived in Whitewater for the past 15 years and began painting 8 years ago. Encouraged by his wife, Rhonda, Enrique discovered a passion for art that he had left behind as a child. He has since honed his skills, learning various techniques in oils, acrylics, and watercolor. Enrique’s work has earned recognition, including the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s “Poster of the Year” award in 2010-2011 for his painting “Trees.” To date, he has sold 72 paintings.

Rhonda Kolander

“Path Divided” by Rhonda Kolander
Clint Eastwood by Rhonda Kolander

Rhonda Kolander moved to Whitewater in 1996 and has nurtured her love for art since middle school. With formal training in portrait drawing, airbrushing, and oil painting, Rhonda also holds an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Communications and a Digital Photography Certificate from Gateway Technical College. Her creative talents extend to mandalas, kaleidoscope art, and other crafts. Rhonda has exhibited her work in various local galleries and currently coordinates The TeaLuxGallery. She is passionate about sharing her love for art with others and hopes to offer drawing and painting classes in the future.

As partners in life and art, Enrique and Rhonda often exhibit their work together, sharing their mutual love for creativity.

The exhibition is free and open to all.


Registration may be submitted here.

Obituary: Donald James Voeller, 87, of Hot Springs Village, AR


Donald James Voeller was born April 11, 1937 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota and passed away peacefully August 28, 2024 at home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, after 87 fulfilling years. He was the beloved son of Edward P. Voeller and Margaret Axtman Voeller.

From an early age, Don exhibited a profound love for learning and education. His academic journey began at Little Flower School, continued at Rugby High School where he was active in sports, FFA, and music and led him to North Dakota Agricultural College and North Dakota School of Forestry, where he played football. He further pursued his passion for geography at the University of Idaho. After a spring and summer of mapping campgrounds in the American Fork Canyon of the Uinta National Forest, back to school for Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma and ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1971.

Don’s dedication to education was evident throughout his career. He taught geography at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 34 years, where he also served as University Men’s Golf Coach for 15 years and department chair for 7. His commitment to teaching and mentorship influenced countless students and colleagues.

In June 1996, Don retired to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where he continued to pursue his love for golf, a passion that spanned over 50 years. In 2002, he discovered a new interest in fishing and exploring the magnificent Lake Ouachita; embracing another learning experience.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret, and his brother Duane and sister-in–law Helga of Otterbruin, Germany. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Christine (Ehrhardt), son Mark and daughter-in-law Kara of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and his brother David and Jean Kurtz of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Don’s love of life, commitment to education, and warm spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, kindness and love. Arrangements are under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home inside Hot Springs Village. Guests may register at cedarvalefuneralhome.com