The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued another Air Quality Advisory, until Noon on Monday. The smoke is expected to arrive in our area late on Saturday evening. DNR is expecting air quality to reach Unhealthy for All Groups (red level 4 out of 6).
Homeowners and renters in Jefferson [and Rock] County can now apply for federal disaster assistance related to severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in April 2026. This comes after President Donald Trump approved a Federal Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin. [Walworth County is not yet included in the declaration; the FEMA website indicates that applications may still be submitted and would be processed if the county is included later.]
The fastest way to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you can’t apply online, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
If you were visited by a FEMA assessment team in May or previously reported damage to your home to Jefferson County Emergency Management or your municipality, you must still go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline to apply for federal assistance.
If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all of your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
When applying for assistance, make sure:
What information do you need to provide when applying:
For help with your application or to apply by phone, call the FEMA Helpline:
The deadline to apply for Individual Assistance is August 31, 2026.
For more information on the disaster assistance process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or visit the site’s Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs.
Editor’s comment: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Emergency Management Department.
The WHS Class of 1976 will be celebrating our 50th high school reunion the weekend of August 14th -16th.
If you haven’t sent in your response form, there’s still time to participate in the festivities!
MILO “MICK” Brown 1943-2026
Mick passed away unexpectedly at home on July 2, 2026.
Born on August 14,1943 in Madison to parents Robert Brown and Phyllis (Jones) Brown, Mick grew up working on farms. The family moved to the Whitewater area, and while going to High School, Mick met the love of his life who he would soon marry. Shirley (Fischer) Brown was sitting next to him in History class and during a test he was more concerned about eating candy and offering some to her than taking the exam. The two were married on April 4, 1964, in Whitewater and would be blessed with two children, Jill and Jere.
After a tour in the US Army, Mick would return home and begin driving trucks over the road for Markham Trucking and then as an Owner/Operator. Honest work that would keep him away during the week and provide only weekends at home. Even though he enjoyed the open road, when the opportunity came to be home daily, he decided to make a change. He went to work for Hagen Trucking making daily runs and working in the shop as a diesel mechanic. He “officially” retired from there, but he never really did get the feel of a steering wheel out of his blood. He continued to help longtime friend Chuck Pope haul corn at harvest time keeping his CDL until his last day.
One of his proudest accomplishments in life was his loving family anchored by Shirley for over 62 years of marriage. Through the good times and the bad they supported each other with everlasting love. They endured through the tragedy of losing their son Jere and rejoiced in the miracle of a grandchild when Jill had a little girl named Madison. Jill’s husband Tom was serving active duty in the Air Force, so Mick and Shirley would take as many trips as they could to Arkansas, New Jersey, and finally Texas to visit. In 2010, after military retirement, the final move for Jill and family was to settle down in Darien on a small hobby farm that Mick would help build and maintain, putting up pens, and helping with the revolving need to bale the hay fields. He took incredible pride in being able to see Madison grow up and attend her school performances in the drama club and many fair events as a member of the Richmond 4-H Club.
When not busy working, two of Mick’s hobbies were antique tractors and dirt track sprint car racing. He was proud of the tractors he had restored and would drive them in parades when he could. He also spent hours watching his favorite races either at tracks or on tv while enjoying a cold beer.
Mick is survived by his wife, Shirley (Fischer) Brown of Whitewater, Daughter Jill (Thomas) Strickler of Darien, Granddaughter Madison Strickler of Darien, Brother Terry Brown of Fort Atkinson, his nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Mick is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Phyllis Brown, son Jere Brown, and sister Kay Krueger.
In honor of Mick’s final wishes, there will be no formal services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richmond 4-H Club or the Whitewater American Legion.
Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with Mick’s care.
Whitewater Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is in full swing! Bookworms and aspiring bookworms of every age are invited to read books, win prizes, and attend fun, FREE events. Here is next week’s lineup for children and teens:
Build a Box Fort
Monday, July 20th
4:00-5:00 PM
All ages
No registration required
We provide the boxes; you build the fort.
Boba Mixology Teen Workshop
Tuesday, July 21st
3:00-4:30 PM
Ages 12-18
Registration required
Idyllic Bubble Tea House will be offering a hands-on Boba Mixology Experience where kids will explore the culture and history behind bubble tea while creating their own custom drink combinations. Participants will experiment with four unique tea bases, authentic premium toppings, and a variety of boba to design delicious, one-of-a-kind creations.
Storytime
Wednesday, July 22nd
9:30 AM
Ages 0-5
Stories, songs, and general silliness with Miss Deana! No registration required.
Stuffed Animal Sleep Over
Thursday, July 23rd
3:30-4:30 PM
Ages 0-11
Do you ever wonder what your stuffies do at night? Bring them to the library for a story and a bedtime snack and see what kind of trouble they can get up to! Stuffies can be picked up on Friday morning starting at 9:00 a.m.
The Wisconsin DNR allowed the Air Quality Advisory for southeast WI to expire at 6 PM CDT Friday.
Heat and humidity persist into the first half of Saturday.
Chance for showers and thunderstorms:
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we present this photo, probably from the early 2000’s of local historian Fred Kraege. He is sitting by his volumes of local history research he prepared over many years of research and reading old editions of the Whitewater Register. He donated his works to the Whitewater Public Library, where they are available today for local history researchers. Fred is one of the local historians honored in the exhibit currently running at the Whitewater Arts Alliance gallery in the White Building. He represents the local historians who added to our understanding of Whitewater’s history in the 20th century. Come see the exhibit running through July 26, 12:00-4:00, Thursdays through Sundays at the Arts Alliance building, 402 W. Main Street.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(Whitewater Historical Society photo)
Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Jessica Islas has been promoted to Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC [Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism/Office of Foreign Assets Control] Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
A member of the Whitewater community, Jessica has been with First Citizens State Bank since 2019. Throughout her tenure, she has served in several key roles, including Teller Supervisor, Bookkeeping, and AML/CFT/OFAC Assistant, gaining valuable experience in retail banking operations, regulatory compliance and operational support. Her broad knowledge of the bank’s operations combined with her dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring regulatory compliance, has prepared her well for her new role as Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer. Jessica’s promotion reflects both her commitment to professional excellence and First Citizens State Bank’s dedication to developing talent from within.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are excited to congratulate Jessica on her promotion to Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer. She has been an integral part of our BSA [Bank Secrecy Act] team, consistently stepping up to strengthen our compliance efforts. This promotion is well deserved, and we look forward to her continued success in this role.”
Jessica commented, “I’m honored to step into the role of Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer at First Citizens State Bank. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that values integrity, compliance and strong customer relationships. I look forward to continuing to support our customers and communities by helping safeguard the bank through effective risk management and regulatory compliance.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. The bank takes pride in building lasting partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals
throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Whitewater officers responded to a residence on S. Summit Street for a reported physical domestic abuse incident in progress. Upon arrival, officers immediately secured the scene, separated the parties involved, and investigated the reported incident. As a result of the initial investigation, arrests were made related to the domestic disturbance.
While officers were investigating the incident, they observed evidence in plain view indicating illegal controlled substances were present inside the residence. Due to the nature of their findings, detectives with the Whitewater Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. Detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant for the residence. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected illegal narcotics and drug-related items, including the following:
The Whitewater Police Department is committed to conducting thorough, professional, and impartial investigations into every incident reported to our agency. We take every complaint, allegation, and criminal investigation seriously, regardless of its nature or complexity. Keeping drugs off our streets and out of our community is a priority for this department, and we remain committed to actively investigating drug-related offenses while working to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits Whitewater. This investigation remains active. Additional charges may be referred as evidence continues to be processed and laboratory analysis completed.
The Whitewater Police Department reminds the public that criminal charges are merely accusations. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestees/defendants are presumed to be innocent of all charges. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Whitewater Police Department at (262) 473-0555 [option 4] or submit anonymous tips through www.P3Tips.com.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department.
Dare to Dream JR. is a vibrant musical revue that weaves together timeless classics, contemporary favorites, and reimagined medleys to celebrate a century of Disney magic. An eager group of young trainees attend their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio, where they must first discover their own dreams in order to help others achieve theirs. The team works together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Featuring songs from 24 Disney films, including Tangled, The Lion King, Toy Story, The Princess and the Frog, and Encanto, this musical revue is jam-packed with show-stopping dance numbers, new twists on classic songs, and a powerful message that will surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages.
Performance Schedule
All performances will take place at the Historic Sprague Theater, 15 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
Tickets for all performances are $10.00 and are on sale now.
Tickets can be purchased online at lakeland-players.org.
Lakeland Players Ltd. is a nonprofit community theater organization dedicated to enriching the community through quality theatrical productions, educational opportunities, and youth programming. Based at the Historic Sprague Theater in Elkhorn, Lakeland Players provides opportunities for performers and audiences of all ages to experience the joy, creativity, and impact of live theater.