News

Episode 2 of One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter is now available to view. James Olm takes us inside the shelter to see the facilities and also tell us about the refugees who are staying there.

Please scroll down for the video.

After a national search, Chancellor Corey King announced the appointment of Pieter deHart as the next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

“On behalf of the Warhawk family, we are excited to welcome Pieter deHart to UW-Whitewater,” King said. “As provost, he will bring a strategic, bold, and student-focused approach that will elevate our academic programs to even higher levels of excellence. It is clear that Dr. deHart embraces UW-Whitewater’s mission to transform lives, understands our many strengths, and sees clear opportunities to position our university for the future.”

“In a career spanning 25 years, Pieter deHart has served as a research scientist, professor, and dean,” said Robin Fox, interim provost. “His experience as a faculty member and leader reflects a deep and broad understanding of university operations that will serve him well as the next provost. Dr. deHart is passionate about removing barriers to education and has an impressive track record of putting student success at the forefront.”

Currently, deHart serves as associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies at Minnesota State University-Mankato [MSU], the state’s second-largest university.

At MSU, deHart is the chief academic officer for graduate education, where he is responsible for leading graduate education, research, program quality, external funding, partnership cultivation, and policy implementation, among other duties. Before his time at MSU, deHart served as associate vice chancellor for graduate studies and research at UW-Green Bay. He previously served in leadership roles at Unity College in Maine and Virginia Military Institute.

deHart will assume the role of provost on June 15.

“I am honored and energized to join the Warhawk family as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,” deHart said. “UW-Whitewater’s deep commitment to access, student success, and academic excellence, as well as its national leadership in serving students with disabilities, truly reflects the very best of public higher education. Even more inspiring and exciting for me is joining this amazing, supportive, and engaged community you have developed at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Warhawk Bold was more than a slogan, but is being lived and led across every inch of campus.”

A tenured faculty member in MSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, deHart holds three degrees in marine biology — a Ph.D. from University of Alaska, a master’s degree from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.

King thanked Robin Fox for her outstanding service as interim provost.

“Time and again, Robin Fox has been called to serve UW-Whitewater, and she has answered that call with enthusiasm and dedication. As interim provost, she modeled thoughtful leadership, showed compassion for all, and took decisive action to keep our Whitewater and Rock County campuses moving forward,” King said. “I appreciate that Dr. Fox has agreed to stay with us through June 30, allowing for a smooth and planned transition of this critical leadership role.”

The campus community is invited to celebrate Fox’s more than 35 years of service at the university employee ice cream social from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the University Center Concourse.

“I would also like to extend my appreciation for Kristin Fillhouer, vice chancellor for student affairs, for her leadership of the search and screen committee,” King said.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning until 10:30 on Friday evening that included the Whitewater area after something around 3-1/2 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours. Rock County, including Janesville, has taken the brunt of the storm. Approximately ten buildings in Emerald Grove were damaged by a possible tornado, and a number of bridges and roads are closed from flooding.

Starin Road is flooded just east of Fremont Street by the bridge, with barriers that apparently do not include a “road closed” sign, but it might be assumed that is the intention. Tom Ganser passed on these photos at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, indicating that he “can’t believe all the vehicles driving through the water.”

Learn more, including information on the jurors, and enter here.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a flash flood warning that includes the Whitewater area until 10:30 p.m. on Friday. They advise that entering flooded streets is very risky due to heavy rainfall.

WISN12 reported that as of 8:40 p.m. on Friday, Whitewater had received 3.4″ of rain.

Enjoy family-centered activities on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to  2 p.m. with the annual International Children’s Day celebration at Lincoln Elementary School, Whitewater.

This free fun family event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Information will be available on local and regional services for families.  A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for cash sale.

Some of the fun activities include:

12:00 PM   Baile folkorico

12:30 PM   Washington Elementary dance group

1:00 PM     Read aloud by Olivia Monson of the Whitewater Police Department

“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 18 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world. We are so pleased that another child-focused organization, the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, is one of our sponsors for this volunteer-based event,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.

The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at this event. The food offers are cash only. 

Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include the Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

 Comunicado de prensa

18 de abril: celebración del Día Internacional del Niño, un gran día en familia

WHITEWATER: disfrute de actividades familiares el sábado 18 de abril, de 11:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m., con la celebración anual del Día Internacional del Niño en la escuela primaria Lincoln, en Whitewater.

Este divertido evento familiar gratuito incluirá música en vivo, juegos, manualidades, pintura facial y otras actividades para niños de todas las edades, y se llevará a cabo de 11 a. m. a 2 p. m. Se proporcionará información sobre los servicios locales y regionales para familias. También se venderán en efectivo una variedad de platillos internacionales ofrecidos por organizaciones locales.

«Whitewater se enorgullece de ser una comunidad que apoya a todos los niños y sus familias. El 18 de abril es una oportunidad para celebrar el Día Internacional del Niño y a quienes cuidan, apoyan y animan a los niños aquí y en todo el mundo. Estamos muy contentos de que otra organización centrada en los niños, el Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, sea uno de los patrocinadores de este evento basado en el voluntariado», dijo Miguel Aranda, miembro del comité de planificación.

La Conferencia Mundial para el Bienestar de los Niños, celebrada en Ginebra (Suiza), proclamó el 1 de junio como Día Internacional del Niño en 1925. Suele celebrarse con discursos sobre los derechos y el bienestar de los niños, así como con otros eventos en los que participan o que están dedicados a los niños. Un evento similar, el Día Universal del Niño, se celebra el 20 de noviembre. Fue establecido por las Naciones Unidas en 1954 y tiene como objetivo promover el bienestar de los niños de todo el mundo. La primera celebración del Día Internacional del Niño en Whitewater se llevó a cabo en abril de 2022. Muchos países de todo el mundo celebran este día a finales de abril.

Los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto en este evento. Las ofertas de comida solo se pueden pagar en efectivo.

Entre los patrocinadores de la celebración del Día Internacional del Niño se encuentran el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives y el Club de Desayuno Kiwanis de Whitewater.

The City of Whitewater’s Water Utility will conduct its semi-annual water main and hydrant flushing program from Monday, April 20 through Friday, May 1, 2026.

This routine maintenance is essential to:

•  Test fire hydrants to ensure proper flow and pressure
•  Confirm hydrants and valves are working correctly
•  Improve water quality by clearing sediment from the water mains

Important Notes for Residents:

•  You may notice temporary discoloration in your water after flushing. If this occurs, run an outdoor spigot or a cold-water tap at the lowest level of your home for several minutes until the water clears. If needed, repeat the process after a short wait.
•  To prevent staining, avoid washing white or light-colored laundry during flushing periods or until your water runs clear.
•  For best results, consider waiting until flushing crews have moved out of your area before using water.

If additional system repairs are required, flushing may extend into the following week.

The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.

Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the City of Whitewater.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is along Whitewater Street, taken some time just before 1900. How do we know this? First, the small shed-like building was the old horse-drawn engine house for the fire department. According to old maps, it was demolished by 1904 after the City Hall was built in 1900 with large fire department quarters. Also, the building to the left, part of the old Winchester and Partridge wagon factory (closed c.1893) has a sign that reads, “George Kinney & Company Flour, Feed, and Salt.” George Kinney started his feed mill business in 1894, but it only lasted a few years. By 1898, the building housed agricultural implements. Historic information is often helpful in dating photographs.

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

(2942GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

Updated 4/17/26 @ 2:45 p.m. – A tornado watch is in effect for all of Southern Wisconsin until 8 p.m.

Updated 4/17/26 @ 1:30 p.m. – A flood watch is in effect for all of Southern Wisconsin from 1 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that our area has the potential for another severe storm on Friday afternoon. It’s expected to arrive around 5 p.m. with the primary risk being damaging winds.

Speaking of damaging winds, some city residents were without power for as much as twelve hours after the storm that hit the city at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday. A number of businesses were also without power for hours, reportedly resulting in massive losses of refrigerated food at Aldi, Kwik Trip (at least on Hwy 59) and Walmart.

The Weather Service has been busy this week following up on reports of possible tornadoes, and thus far has confirmed at least six touchdowns. The closest was an EF-1 in East Troy with windspeeds exceeding 100 m.p.h., resulting in destruction of a house.

On behalf of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors America 250 Committee, Al Stanek and Pat Blackmer presented the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) with America 250 proclamations and flags. Accepting these gifts were WUSD Superintendent Samuel Karns and School Board President Stephanie Hicks. The flags will be distributed to the high school, middle school, Lakeview, Lincoln, and Washington elementary schools across the district.

Superintendent Karns proposed that the five schools might coordinate a simultaneous celebration, raising and flying the newly gifted flags for the first time at 2:50 p.m. on a day that will be chosen in the near future.

The Walworth County Board has purchased 100 flags, which are being distributed to schools and municipal governments throughout the county. This initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The America 250 Committee is currently planning a celebratory event open to all, to be held on the Thursday during the Walworth County Fair week.

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Above is a photo that was taken April 13 at UW-Whitewater when the proclamation and flag were presented to the Student Body Government on behalf of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors America 250 Committee.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Pat Blackmer. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.