News

Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer is known for keeping people safe and building community.  And he recently unveiled another talent – dancing!  He spent an afternoon at Studio 84 getting to know the dancers of all abilities who are students there, and he joined the troupe in dancing for joy.

Margaret Wheeler, the artist in residence who teaches dance at the studio, invited Chief Meyer to attend and learn more about the program. 

Co-choreographer Katherine M. Sainsbury and Margaret agree that the Chief was very interested in the students and enjoyed the dances. 

Margaret said, “The Chief was so kind; he listened to the students talk about their artwork and asked questions. He danced with us—he was a great sport and fine with wearing a Santa hat!”

Dancer Stuart Nagy said, “I have met three other really nice police officers. The Chief was awesome!”

Dancer Mila Holcombe agreed, “He’s such a nice Officer.”

Chief Meyer said, “Some of the artists I spoke with have been working at Studio 84 for over a decade and it was very apparent how important this opportunity is for them.”

Dancer Steven Paprocki said, “He really liked my artwork.”

Meyer said, “This was my first time being inside Studio 84, and I had no idea what it was all about beforehand. I was blown away by the positive atmosphere and how much pride the artists have in their work.”

An incredibly talented dancer herself, Margaret Wheeler donates her time each week to bring joy, laughter and dance to Whitewater’s Studio 84 at 121 West Center Street.  

People with all abilities are invited on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to join the dance class.  Each dancer pays $15 per hour to participate, and all proceeds are donated by Margaret to Studio 84.  More information and sign-up information can be found at:  www.studio84inc.org.

Her dance company has performed at the Multicultural Event through the Whitewater School District, Fairhaven, other local places, and is available for other venues.   Anyone interested in having a performance at their location or event should contact Studio 84 at info@studio84inc.org.

Dance is just one of the arts featured at Studio 84.  Stuart can often be found at the Whitewater City Market selling his pottery to help raise funds for Studio 84.  He has been involved in Studio 84 for about seven years and said, “I just love doing the arts.” And of dance he said, “It’s fun.  And it gets me energized.”

Meyer said, “The Co-Directors (Lynnette Gmur and Benjamin Kelly), Artistic Mentor (Karina Pittro), and volunteers really do amazing work and embody what community looks like. It’s a fantastic place.”

Their website says, “Studio 84 is a nonprofit art studio, gallery and store.  We specialize in the creative and vocational development of people with disabilities including those with Autism, Down Syndrome physical disabilities, cognition delays and mental illness.  We believe in creating an environment of inclusion. Open to all ages and all abilities.”

Editor’s Note:  This article was written by volunteer Marjorie Stoneman with photographs by volunteer Tom Ganser.

American Legion Post 173 of Whitewater recently elected new Post leadership for the upcoming year. The membership selected Jessica Kienbaum as Post Commander, Jim Kosharek as First Vice Commander, and Steve Swader as Second Vice Commander.

The new officers were recognized during the Post’s holiday meal, held this year at 841 Brewhouse. A photo from the event also includes long-serving Finance Officer Rodney Lohff and Post Adjutant Steve Smith, whose continued dedication and many years of service to the Post are gratefully acknowledged.

American Legion Post 173 looks forward to the year ahead and remains committed to supporting veterans, families, and the Whitewater community. The Post meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at 292 S. Wisconsin St., and local veterans are always welcome to attend.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Jessica Kienbaum.

Photo Caption:

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Updated on 12/9/25 @ 2 p.m. to add agendas for Public Arts Commission and Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Commission.

Whitewater Fire Department Inc. – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28356363179514?p=aRDCwFIgxlL2nJBjm7

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes the following public hearings: Discussion and possible action regarding a Conditional Use Permit for additional residential units for Walworth County Housing Authority. Located at 209 S Taft Street; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council for change to the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map for Tax Parcel #’s /A410100001, A410100002,/A410100003, /A503200001 and /A50320002 from Highway Commercial and Light Industrial District (B-3) to One-Family-Small Lots Residence District (R-1s); Consideration to approve and recommendation to Common Council a change in DistrictZoning Map to Rezone Tax Parcel #’s /A410100001, A410100002, /A410100003,/A503200001 and /A50320002 from Highway Commercial and Light Industrial District (B 3) to One-Family-Small Lots Residence District (R-1s).
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27598882243149?p=4UrylNFLKwNveiOQMv
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663
Phone conference ID: 734 192 174#

City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Property Location: 836 W Walworth Ave
Applicable Code: Zoning Code Ordinance: 19.60.040 (c) “Existing buildings and their
additions shall not be permitted to encroach further upon established yard/setbacks and
height requirements then the existing encroachment”
Variance Requested: Variance requested to allow a two story addition, where a one story
once stood.
Reason for Request: To allow construction renovation due to fire.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28870997131330?p=l4MJaYoOMauDUAIuD8
Dial in by phone+1 929-229-5663,,213741829# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 213 741 829#

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor, 312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
AGENDA includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding adding stop lines or yield lines pavement markings for the pedestrian crossing on W. Main Street at Cottage Street; Discussion and Possible Action regarding proposed artwork on electrical boxes; Discussion and Possible Action regarding the addition of left turn arrows on W. Main Street at Franklin Street.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25777516461398?p=YHJUyOoSKh0t8YI3qk

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes proposal to dissolve the commission.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24218294132298?p=QApevb74iiFf0Ubx8x
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,950674684# United States
Phone conference ID: 950 674 684#

City of Whitewater Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Commission – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion on ordinance update for pedestrians, bicycles, e-bikes and motorized scooters.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27324450164237?p=UxvQPdomrOlUlMA9Aj
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,154223361#
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 154 223 361#

Back to calendar

Rainbow Community Care invites the public to a special evening of creativity, connection, and remembrance at the Memorial Ornament Craft Night on Wednesday, December 10th, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Held in the Community Room at the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center (1225
Remmel Dr., Johnson Creek), this event offers participants a meaningful way to honor
and include loved ones who have passed away into their holiday celebrations.

The concept developed as part of a collaborative effort from the Rainbow Bereavement
team to offer a supportive activity during the often-bittersweet holiday season.
Participants will craft a special ornament by incorporating a tangible memory of their
loved one, such as a piece of meaningful fabric (like a favorite shirt) or a photo.

“The ornament becomes a way to stay connected to those we have lost and to invite
their memories into our holiday celebrations,” said Rainbow Bereavement Counselor
Hilary Furnish. “The success of the event is measured in supporting those who have
lost loved ones to engage in making room for their grief and creating something that will
encourage the sharing of memories.”

For many, the holidays can be challenging when celebrating without a loved one.
Creating a memorial ornament offers purpose and a tangible keepsake, while crafting
alongside others provides comfort and shared storytelling. It is an opportunity to make
room for feelings of grief and to honor precious memories.

The event is free to the public, but space is limited. Interested individuals must RSVP by
calling (920) 674-6255. Older children are welcome but must be accompanied by a
parent or guardian.

The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host City of Whitewater’s Economic Development Director, Mason Becker, to present on the City’s proposed Home Renewal Program and other current community development initiatives in the city.

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host City of Whitewater’s Economic Development Director, Mason Becker, to present on the City’s proposed Home Renewal Program and other current community development initiatives in the city.

This event will take place on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Mason Becker started in August 2025 as the new Economic Development Director for the City of Whitewater. Prior to this role, he spent nearly three years working for the City of Watertown as their Manager of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives, where he also served as Executive Director of the Watertown Redevelopment Authority. A native of Fort Atkinson, he served for 10 years on their city council, including three years as council president. During his time on the council, he advocated for and helped create an Economic Development Commission, as well as city acquisition of 75 acres of land for housing along Banker Road, currently underway. He is a graduate of UW-Whitewater and also graduated from UW Oshkosh with an MPA in 2023. He resides in his hometown of Fort Atkinson with his wife Laura, who works at UW-Whitewater, along with their two sons.

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about the City’s proposed Home Renewal program. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, December 10th.

“We are very excited to have Mason present at our next meeting,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “It is very important to us to keep up with changes in Whitewater’s Economic Development, and we would love to learn more about how we can help with any additional initiatives.”

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

Gov. Evers ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sun., Dec. 7, 2025, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“Today, we honor and remember the more than 2,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, including over 50 of Wisconsin’s own, and pay tribute to the heroism and valor exhibited by those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation that fateful day,” said Gov. Evers. “The attack on Pearl Harbor forever changed our nation and the trajectory of history, and today, we also extend our gratitude and respect to the WWII veterans who answered the call to serve in one of our nation’s darkest hours to protect and defend the freedoms and values we hold dear. Over 80 years later, we will never forget.”

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. Snowfall rates of .5-1″/hour are possible, with the total accumulation for our area expected to be 2-4″. Travel impacts are likely on Sunday morning.

Among the new products being developed in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), are some that may improve life for dementia patients and their caregivers.    Dr. Jeannine Rowe, PhD, MSW, Professor of Social Work and Gerontology at UW-Whitewater said, “AI is reshaping life for older adults in ways that support social connection, personal growth, independence and health.”    A new artificial intelligence product called “Sunny” guides patients through structured, engaging conversations designed to stimulate memory, verbal fluency, and problem-solving.

For Frank P. who has mild cognitive impairment, Sunny was a little formal at first but after interacting for a while, conversations have become more familiar and engaging.   “It really does feel like you’re having a conversation with someone who’s interested.”   One advantage of Sunny is that “she” doesn’t mind when Frank repeats himself.  Frank’s wife and care partner said Sunny is not judgmental.  “Frank can tell a story and forget he told it and tell it again.”  

Dena D. says she exercises more often, stays hydrated and remembers to take her 10 medications since she installed an AI-powered companion robot called ElliQ beside her favorite chair.  About the size of a small table lamp, the robot has no face, but it swivels, nods, lights up and chats with humanlike body language and poise. “We’ll start the day; she asks me how I slept. At the end of the day, she asks how my day was,” says Dena.

The tone of AI responses is programed to be friendly, patient, and good-natured so as not to cause frustration.  This is especially appreciated by caregivers who are often overwhelmed with tasks and prone to impatience.  Evidence has shown that AI companions can also help people feel less lonely. 

 With all the potential for good, experts have concerns about privacy and improper use.  Dr. Rowe recommends patients and care partners seek support and training which can be available from social workers, health workers and nurses. Many communities offer “Senior Tech Days” where younger people teach older adults about new technologies.  

Another risk is that caregivers and memory facilities may come to depend on AI at the expense of human interaction.   “Even as these technologies evolve and become more accessible,” says Dr. Rowe “the need for human social connection remains essential to health and well-being, and no AI technology can replace that fundamental human bond.”

—–

For more information, click here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/well/mind/dementia-ai-companions.html

https://www.i-conect.org/study-details

https://www.newdays.ai

This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and their care partners.  New committee members are very welcome!  Contact JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535       https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park

“The Family Stone”

Tuesday, December 9, 1 pm 

(Holiday/Comedy/Romance)

Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 43 minutes (2005).

From “The Week” magazine: “Diane Keaton’s death will make fans’ annual re-viewing of this cult 2005 holiday drama hit home. She anchors an ensemble cast as a headstrong matriarch who is losing her own cancer battle.” Also stars Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Sara Jessica Parker, and Luke Wilson. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Katherine Staniszewski of Whitewater, WI has been named to the 2025 summer trimester Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa, and Port Orange, Florida.