News

SAVE THE DATE! Watch 1,000 Chimney Swifts dive into the Whitewater Middle School Chimney!!

ATTENTION SWIFTIES. What are Chimney Swifts and why do we care about them? Chimney Swifts are unique birds that migrate north in the spring and south in the fall. While here, they eat thousands of insects each, EVERY day as they swoop and glide through the skies. As the summer days get shorter, Chimney Swifts from a wide area will gather in large chimneys to stay warm overnight. In Whitewater, that roosting chimney is located at Whitewater Middle School. Last fall an estimated 1,000 Swifts dove nightly into the Whitewater Middle School chimney to roost prior to flying to the Amazon for the winter! The roosting lasts for a short number of days. The ‘ganging up’ of the Swifts picks up speed during the last couple of weeks of August. Urban Forestry, with cooperation from the Whitewater Unified School District, is inviting the public to enjoy this spectacle of nature which occurs at sunset. Bring your blankets or chairs and settle in behind the middle school to watch this “Swift-nado” during the last couple of weekends of August.

Then please join us to help us count how many Swifts do the ‘dive at dusk’ on August 30th at 7 pm. Plan on arriving at 6:30 for a short program with speakers talking about birds and bugs and trees during our official Swift Night Out! This is an amazing spectacle that you won’t want to miss. See you there!

To pique your interest, take the quiz:
Chimney Swift Quiz
1 How long do Swifts fly without landing?
2 Can Swifts perch in a tree?
3 What life functions do Swifts perform on the wing?
4 How many rest stops do Swifts take on their migration to South America?
5 What is the average life span of a Swift?
6 How many Swifts occupy a single chimney during chick raising season?
7 Swift nests are comprised of what?
8 When Swifts hang in chimneys, what prevents their butts from rubbing against the chimney wall?

Scroll down for the answers.

Answers
1 Swifts fly continuously for 10 months!
2 Swifts cannot land as they do not have an opposable thumb.
3 Swifts eat, sleep, and mate on the wing.
4 Swifts fly non-stop to South America!
5 The average life span of Swifts is 21 years! Other small wild birds 4-5 years
6 During the chick raising season, each chimney will host only one pair.
7 Swifts use saliva to build their nests gluing small sticks together in a corner.
8 Swifts have porcupine type quills in their tail feathers to support them when they hang in chimneys.

Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state. Donations are especially appreciated during the summer, when the blood supply is often low.

Appointments are greatly appreciated, though walk-ins are welcome as time permits. Reserve your spot at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997 or 1-800-BE-A-HERO.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.

Whitewater YES for Education formed in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.

As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community the weekend of August 16 to celebrate back to school time and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until the weekend of Saturday, September 6. The response to this effort during Spring graduation was really positive! 

If you would like to sign up for a sign please complete this form. If you’ve previously requested a sign, there is no need to request another one! 

We are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them. 

A press release on August 10, 2025 from Palmyra Public Safety reported the following:

“At approximately 4:14 p.m. on [Saturday] August 9, Palmyra Fire Rescue was notified by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch of a reported male subject struck by lightning and not breathing. Dispatch pinged their phone at the nearest address of W566 Carlin Road, which is the Emma Carlin Ice Age Trail Head leading into the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Dispatch further advised that CPR was in progress.

At 4:15 p.m., Palmyra EMS responded and requested mutual aid, including a paramedic intercept from Western Lakes and Sullivan Fire Department with a UTV due to the terrain….

Upon arrival, crews deployed with assistance from a DNR Warden to locate the patient, as cell service in the area was limited and location tracking via phone proved difficult. Multiple trails were searched before two hikers were located approximately one mile off the roadway.

The male subject was found semi-conscious with a pulse, and signs of a lightning strike were visible on a nearby tree. It was determined that both patients were in close proximity to the tree at the time of the strike. The ligtning caused a ground current, which rendered both individuals unconscious. The female hiker regained consciousness first and was able to render aid to the male.

Following a rapid assessment, both patients were safely extracted from the scene through a coordinated effort, involving multiple fire response units and the UTV. The female hiker declined further care, while the male hiker was transported to Aurora Summit in Oconomowoc for additional treatment…”

Editor’s note: As of Sunday evening, no update was found on the condition of the male hiker.

“Wright House Concert: The Meatman Chronicles (The Hockey Years)”

The next Wright House Concert features Meatman! September 6, 2025 at 7 pm.

Greenbay storyteller and host of The Meatman Chronicles, Marty “Meatman” Sosnowski, has lived an interesting life. From high school dropout to rock and roll photographer (and meat-thrower) he has no end of personal story material. This September he’ll share tales of “The Hockey Years,” his quest to become an NHL goalie.

Please register through Eventbrite to get the full venue address: https://meatmanhockey.eventbrite.com

Safepro Technologies, a Whitewater-based safety technology company, has secured a second loan from the Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA), positioning the startup to bring its flagship safety product to market.

The funding marks a significant milestone for Safepro Technologies, which has been developing a groundbreaking solution designed to enhance safety across a range of industries. The additional support from the Whitewater CDA will enable the company to expand manufacturing and bring their product to more markets.”

“We are grateful for the continued support from the Whitewater CDA,” said Paul Eckert, CEO of Safepro Technologies. “This second loan is a vote of confidence in both our technology and our mission. With these funds, we’re ready to move from development to commercialization, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”

The Whitewater CDA has been instrumental in supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship. The decision to approve a second loan for Safepro Technologies underscores the CDA’s commitment to nurturing high-potential startups.

“Safepro Technologies represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking, high-impact business we aim to support,” said Thayer Coburn, Vice-Chairman of the Whitewater CDA. “Their technology has the potential to improve safety standards nationwide, and we’re proud to help them take this next step.”

For more information about Safepro Technologies visit, https://safeprotechnologies.com/.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater.

A copper tooling workshop will take place Monday, Aug. 18, at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St., Whitewater.

Leani Schoor will teach the class from 5 to 8 p.m. Attendees will make a 6×10-inch copper-tooled picture to take home. Bring an idea, photo or drawing for inspiration. Materials and tools will be provided.

The fee is $20. Payment may be made at the workshop, which is geared toward ages 10 and up.

Register by calling Schoor at (608) 421-4078 or emailing her at leanischoor@gmail.com.

Schorr earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years.

The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schorr teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting.

Schorr welcomes suggestions for “Mondays@Makers” classes. “If there is a skill in the arts you are interested in learning, please let us now and we will see what we can do to help you on your journey,” Schoor said.

Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Dane and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock.

The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more.

The building is accessible and has off-street parking, Wi-Fi, and many other amenities.

For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.

Update: 8/10/25 @ 8;20 a.m. – Due to very heavy rain in the Milwaukee area, many roads are flooded, and the State Fair has been canceled for today, which was to be its final day.

WISN TV announced on Saturday evening that someone was injured by a lightning strike on the Carlin Hiking Trail near Palmyra.

The Wisconsin State Fair closed early due to flooding, as did the Thomas Rhett “Better in Boots” show at Alpine Valley Music Theater

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office announced the following on Saturday at 8:26 p.m.

• The Flood Watch has been expanded into the rest of southeast Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee metro area, through early Monday morning. 
• Very heavy rainfall is expected with rounds of storms this evening into Sunday, and again early Monday morning. 
• There will be a risk for flooding and flash flooding, especially where multiple rounds of storms move over the same area. 
• Rises on area rivers are likely.

Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is from 511WI.

Updated 8/10/25 @ 11 p.m. to add WUSD Policy Review Committee meeting.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 3:00 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda includes School Resource Officer policy

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for more than 1 wall sign for
Fanatico’s located at 162 W Main Street and Discussion and possible approved of a site plan for the Police Department Evidence
Storage Building to be located at 109 County Road U. Parcel # 292-0515-3313-000.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/540200189
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 540-200-189
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Request for Proposal for City Engineering
Services.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 W. 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/84170103284?pwd=91zoWLLZqr39PD7bxi8AhYGCvs2cWo.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 841 7010 3284
Passcode:
601871

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes A discussion regarding the potential consolidation of the Community Involvement and
Cable TV Commission with the Equal Opportunities Commission, based on their overlapping goals and shared areas of focus.
City of Whitewater- Virtual Meeting
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/85616156375?pwd=mF60j9lsa0Yea5aJAIoaWSkMqSoitl.1
Phone one-tap: +13052241968,,85616156375#,,,,*670357# US
Join via audio: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 856 1615 6375
Passcode: 670357

City of Whitewater Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not yet been posted as of August 10.

City of Whitewater Community Stars Gala – Friday @ 5:00 p.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is hosting the Community Stars Gala.
The information follows:
When: Friday, August 15, 2025 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Where: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University Center-Hamilton Room, 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, WI
A quorum of the Common Council and/or Committee members may be present. This notice is given to
inform the public that no formal action will be taken at this training.

Editor’s note: The following excerpts are from an article dated August 7, 2025 by Tamia Fowlkes and Natalie Eilbert in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The full article may be viewed here or here.

Four Wisconsin nursing homes put into receivership, have racked up 384 violations

Four Wisconsin nursing homes with a litany of health care quality concerns have been put in court-ordered receivership as of July 31, the result of dire financial strains.

Until recently, the four homes — Silver Springs Health Care Center in Glendale, Heritage Square Health Care Center in Greenfield, Riverdale Health Care Center in Muscoda and Fort Atkinson Health Care Center in Fort Atkinson — were managed by Bedrock Healthcare.

The Milwaukee-based company manages 10 nursing homes across Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida.

In that time period, state health inspectors cited the four Wisconsin facilities that are entering receivership 384 times for deficiencies, including violations related to the death of one resident and the alleged sexual assault of another, according to CMS data.

Of the citations, 282 were triggered by complaints and the rest were the result of standard health inspections.

The four facilities owe more than $2.6 million dollars in rent and backpay to vendors, according to court records and CMS data.

Judges can order financially distressed nursing homes into receivership and appoint a neutral third party to take over management and file regular reports to the courts. Receivers are typically paid at the same rate as the previous operators, according to state statute.

Attorneys for Bedrock Healthcare argue the court’s decision to order the nursing homes into receivership was hasty and unnecessary. In court filings, they said the company was in negotiation with the state to address owed bed taxes and assessments.

Benny Waknin, Bedrock’s director of operations, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Bedrock was hired to operate the four facilities after they were previously placed into receivership in 2019….

According to Waknin, Bedrock turned down an offer in October 2024 to continue managing the nursing homes. But after the homes were unable to find a new operator, Bedrock continued to operate the facilities for seven more months, “maintaining the high standards of service and compassion that define our approach.”

Waknin also disputed Bedrock’s role, both in terms of debt and the quality of resident care…

Still, the Wisconsin nursing homes have accumulated around $900,000 in federal health or fire safety fines as of January, according to a recent CMS report….

Fort Atkinson Care Center faced some of the most severe complaints among Bedrock-operated facilities over the past year.

The 87-bed center houses around 34 residents daily. From August 2022 to April 2025, the facility accrued more than $270,000 in federal fines due to serious health or fire safety citations.

In January, the facility was cited for “immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety” after a resident with a history of seizures was left without consistent monitoring. Nursing staff failed to establish a seizure care plan and no one on staff requested or picked up prescribed seizure medication, inspectors found.

After several incidents, the resident continued to have seizures and eventually was transferred to the emergency room. The resident entered a coma and died, the inspection report detailed….

Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@gannett.com.

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her X (Twitter) profile at @natalie_eilbert.

Editor’s note: The image on the homepage is from the Fort Atkinson Health Care Center website.

Current ratings and survey [inspection] reports for Fort Atkinson Health Care Center are “not available” on the Medicare.gov website. However, this page from ProPublica appears to have current information.

Medicare.gov does have current ratings for other area skilled nursing facilities. The overall rating is on a scale of one to five stars, with five being the highest. Medicare ratings are only one of many factors to consider when choosing a facility.