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Whitewater Sees Tourism Grow in 2022

Tourism in Walworth and Jefferson Counties generated $887 million and $195 million respectively in total economic impact in 2022 helping Wisconsin break an economic impact record. 

Whitewater, WI (June 6, 2023) – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2022 economic impact data, showing the tourism industry generated a record-breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact. The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth, with communities like Whitewater playing a pivotal role.

The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Walworth County also surpassed the previous record $790 million set in 2021. Jefferson County surpassed its previous record of $185 million set in 2019. Additionally, last year, Walworth County tourism supported just over 7,000 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $70.9 million in local tax revenue, a 7.5% increase. Statewide, tourism generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services.

Whitewater contributes to the state’s overall tourism success by providing travelers with  quintessential Wisconsin outdoor adventures,” says Kellie Carper, executive director for Discover Whitewater. “As an Ice Age Trail community in the Kettle Moraine State Forest located conveniently on the “Mad-Waukee” corridor, Whitewater is a great place for a fun day trip or an adventurous family vacation.”

In 2022, there were 111.1 million visits in Wisconsin, which was up 8.8 million visits, or 8.7%, over the previous year. This includes a record 45.4 million overnight visits, or a 13.8% increase from 2021. Overnight visitors, on average, spent nearly three times as much as day trip visitors.

Whitewater also saw a sharp increase in overnight stays and room tax revenues in 2022 seeing a 42% increase over 2021 and more than doubling revenues collected in 2019. Part of this increase is due to the newest hotel in Whitewater. The Fairfield Inn & Suites, a Marriot Silver Circle hotel, saw a 10% increase in room nights over 2021 with a total of 16,952 room nights in 2022. According to Karin Silvius, General Manager at the Fairfield, Silver Circle award winners are ranked in the top 20% of recommended properties in the US & Canada, a reflection of their excellent level of service and amenities.

“Tourism is both big fun and big business. I’m so grateful for the innovation and dedication of the folks who make up Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Each one of them played a role in setting this record,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Aided by strategic marketing, Wisconsin convinced more visitors to stay longer so they could add more activities to their itinerary, delivering a deeper economic impact. I congratulate the entire industry on an incredible record-breaking year.” 

To learn more about Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking year, view the 2022 economic impact data, including a county-by-county breakdown, at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research. To learn more about Whitewater and the wonderful opportunities for adventure awaiting you visit our website at http://Discoverwhitewater.org

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About the Discover Whitewater Tourism Council:

The mission of the Whitewater Tourism Council is to market the Whitewater area as a regional tourism destination promoting new and existing attractions and events to travelers. We believe that, whether travelers are visiting our trails, waterways, or the university, Whitewater is the perfect place to experience outdoor adventures, cultural events, and rich local history. By marketing our community across multiple channels and establishing collaborative partnerships we play a significant role in generating economic impact for the community and the areas surrounding Whitewater.

About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of theWisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Starin Park in 50’s or 60’s

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. School’s out and its officially summer! That means that Whitewater’s largest city park with soon be bustling with activity; kids on the playground and ball games at Treyton’s Field of Dreams complex. This view of Starin Park is a post card produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Enjoy the summer!

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

(5534PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Obituary: Gerald “Jerry” G. Nell, 78

Gerald “Jerry” G. Nell, 78, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023. 

Jerry retired from the Milwaukee Police Department after 30 years of service.  He also served in the United States Army and retired from the United States Air Force while at the 128th Air Refueling Group Milwaukee.

He was the beloved husband of Janet (nee Rabiega) for 44 years; loving father to Jeffrey (Jolene) and Scott; and proud grandpa to Allyson, Caleb, Sam, and Andrew.  He is further survived by a brother, Conrad (Hildy); brothers-in-law, John (Carol) Zak, Tom (Sheila) Zak; sister-in-law, Barbara (Nicholas) Acevedo; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by parents, Marcella and Walter Nell; brothers, Wally Jr. and Roger.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 10 a.m. until noon at St. Jacobi Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8605 West Forest Home Ave., Greenfield, WI 53228, followed by the funeral service.  Burial will follow the funeral service at St. Adalbert Cemetery.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

The Library Presents Getting Started with a Plant-based Diet

Are you curious about the plant-based eating trend? Certified plant-based health coach and physical therapist Michele Stamn will share the whys and hows behind her own transition to a plant-based diet. Through both personal experience and education, Michele has learned lots of tips and tricks for making this healthy way of eating fun, easy, and delicious – and she will share them at a free workshop, Getting Started with a Plant-based Diet, held at the at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s Community Room on Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. Michele will also share her favorite plant-based resources to help participants get started. 

Stamn has been a physical therapist for over 30 years and she states that, “I’ve worked with so many people who did not have to be in the health situations they’re in. With just some simple changes to their lifestyles a few years earlier, they could have avoided the amputation that came from diabetes, the stroke that came from high blood pressure, the heart attack that came from high cholesterol. In fact, that’s exactly why I decided to become a plant-based health coach. Instead of waiting to help people after they’re seriously ill and in need of long-term care, it’s my hope to connect with them BEFORE their health deteriorates — to help them improve and restore their health through the power of a plant-based diet.” You can learn more about Stamn on her website, www.wellness-empowered.org.  

The workshop is for adults and teens. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782. 

Obituary: Winifred June (Stacey) Parker, 92, of Edgerton

Edgerton, WI – Winifred June (Stacey) Parker, 92, left this world on December 31, 2022. She was born in Summit, WI on June 17, 1930, to Daniel and Myrtle Ann (Pett) Stacey. Winnie was orphaned at age 3 1/2, but she was given a loving home by her Aunt Jessie and Uncle Clifford Pett. She lived with them on a farm outside of Palmyra, WI and then moved to Whitewater in 1944. She attended Palmyra school from grades 1-8, then attended Whitewater High School where she graduated as an honor student in 1948. She then attended college at the Milwaukee Business Institute.

She married Douglas Howard Parker on January 20, 1950 at Summerfield Methodist Church, Milwaukee, WI. When Doug passed on October 5, 2018, they had been married 68 years. They lived in Petrifying Springs, Whitewater, Beloit and Edgerton in WI, Galena, IL, and Sun City, AZ.

Winnie worked at Community Welfare Council of Milwaukee County; Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital as a switchboard operator, admissions, patient accounts and secretary to the personnel manager; First National Bank of Beloit as an Executive Secretary; and Blakely and Blakely Law Firm as a Legal Secretary. She was a member of BETA CHI RHO International Honorary Business Sorority, member #642; Order of the Rainbow Girls 1945-1950 and volunteered for United Blood as well as Del Webb Memorial Hospital, Sun City West, AZ for 13 years where she received a distinguished award for number of hours volunteered. She was proud to be a Blue Star Mom with son David’s military service.

Winnie was inspired to have a large family. She nurtured her seven sons and two daughters, giving them many opportunities to join organizations and attend events that would help them learn and explore their talents and be adventurous. She loved her family and loved being surrounded by them and always wanted to be a part of what was going on in their lives.

She was always up for adventures and trying something new. She enjoyed travel, camping, ceramics, bird watching and caning antique chairs. Winnie was a kind, caring, generous, thoughtful person who loved people, always making them feel welcome and important. She had a positive outlook on life and a great sense of humor that many can attest to sharing side splitting, belly ache and infectious laughs with her. She loved the beauty of all the seasons and what they held. She had a gift for expressing thanks and wrote wonderful notes of appreciation in her beautiful handwriting. She loved watching sporting events and followed the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks. She was always up for a fun event or celebration. In everything, Winnie was always a lady!

She is survived by her children Michael Parker, Stephen (Jill) Parker, Bruce Parker, David Parker, Roger (Marie) Parker, James (Dorothy) Parker, Kristine (Michael) Presley, Cynthia (Henry) Dupuis, 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and six nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Myrtle (Pett) Stacey, sister Hazel, husband Douglas Howard Parker, and son Jeffery William Parker.

An open house celebration of Winnie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S. Fremont St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A sharing of memories will be at 2:00.

Her ashes will be placed by her marker with her husband Doug and son Jeff in Hillside Cemetery, Palmyra, WI.

Nitardy Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements. Online Condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Updated 5/1/23 with change of time for the Celebration of Life.



Mulberry Glen Residents Welcome Special Olympics

Residents of the Mulberry Glen Senior Living Community welcome Special Olympics participants with handmade signs to cheer them on in reaching their goals while participating in events at Whitewater, WI. Chad Murphy, District Director of Operations is pictured with Shantel Boss, Assistant Executive Director and Winston the resident Mascot.

UW-Madison Announces Spring Dean’s List

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.

To view an online listing, visit registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist. Use the data display dashboard to find students from your area who have received this honor. For questions or concerns about eligibility, please contact deanslist-registrar@em.wisc.edu

NAME, COLLEGE, AWARD
Whitewater, WI

 Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Shawn Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Arno Crowley, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Carson Ellenwood, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Lizbeth Gallegos, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
 Jaden Henneman, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Shivam Kalra, School of Education, Dean’s List
 CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Andrew Marquardt, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Mohamed Mohamed, School of Pharmacy, Honor Roll
 Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
 Haley Street, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Kaden Tourdot, School of Business, Dean’s List

This Week’s Rummage Sale

Rummage sale Friday 6/9/23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 6/10/23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Something for everyone!  Lots of toys: wagons, sandboxes, Little Tikes cars, battery pink jeep,  sleds, kids picnic tables.  Girls clothes 18 months-4t. Tools, wicker chairs, kitchen appliances, China, furniture, and more. W6915 Bluff Rd, Whitewater

Whitewater FFA-Culver’s Scoop of Thanks Night a Great Success

Whitewater FFA-Culver’s Scoop of Thanks Night

Pictured left to right: FFA Advisor Mr. Paul Majors, Co-owner of Whitewater Culver’s Katie Grady, Vice President Emily Schmidt, and President Eloise Rohloff.

On May 4th, Whitewater Culver’s held its Scoop of Thanks Night for the Whitewater FFA. FFA members helped serve food, cleaned and wiped tables, and talked with our amazing community. With all the amazing people and support Culver’s was able to donate over $1,700 to the Whitewater FFA. This could not have been possible without the contributions from the community and the generosity of Culver’s staff. The Whitewater FFA would like to give Culver’s a sincere thank you for supporting not only our chapter but hundreds around the state.

Whitewater FFA Reporter,
Katie Gillette