News

The Whitewater Police Department would like to make residents aware that over the past several days, officers have responded to multiple reports of vehicles and residences being entered during the overnight and early morning hours.

The Whitewater Police Department is reminding all residents to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of these crimes. Residents are strongly encouraged to:

• Lock all vehicle doors, even when parked at home or in your garage.
• Remove valuables, wallets, purses, firearms, and electronics from vehicles or keep them out of sight.
• Ensure all residence doors and windows are locked before going to bed or leaving home.
• If your home has a sliding patio door, place a door wedge, security bar, or similar object in the track to prevent the door from being forced or slid open.
  

The Whitewater Police Department has increased extra patrols throughout the community and is utilizing a variety of proactive enforcement tactics in an effort to identify and arrest those responsible. Detectives are actively investigating these incidents and are narrowing down the identity of the suspects involved.

If you or someone you know has recently been the victim of a vehicle entry or burglary, please contact the Whitewater Police Department immediately. Even small details or information may assist detectives in identifying the suspects and solving these crimes.

Residents who observe suspicious activity are encouraged to call the Whitewater Police Department right away at (262) 473-0555. If an emergency is occurring, call 911 immediately.

The Whitewater Police Department appreciates the community’s assistance and cooperation as we continue working to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Editor‘s note: This press release was issued by the Whitewater Police Department.

��Thinking of purchasing your first or a new home?
 
First Citizens State Bank is holding its annual Homebuyers workshop on June 3rd at 5:30 pm at the main office in Whitewater and all are invited. 

During this free event, you’ll walk through the financing process and have your questions answered. Learn about how to apply, qualify, and then purchase your new home.  Discuss downpayment assistance programs, hear about the current housing market from trusted local realtors Jon Marshall from Tincher Realty and Linda Platner from Platner Realty, and learn about insuring your new home from expert, in-house, insurance agent, Kasey Reed – you’ll get a full picture of what it takes to make your homeownership dream a reality. 

Start down your path to homeownership today.

RSVPs are appreciated by contacting Katie Lehman at 262-473-1401 or klehman@firstcitizensww.com or on the Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FYXw944CU/

 Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender

 #PathToHomeownership #ReachForYourDreams #CommunityBanking

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater renews their title sponsorship for the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, Fit Kid Shuffle, and 5K Teams event! The University has supported the event ever since its inaugural race in 2013. The DWS team is excited to work with the University again this year to continue this event’s success!

The 14th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The DWS is excited to announce that the start and finish line for both courses will be held at the university again due to the great turn out from last year! The courses will end at Perkins Stadium, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s football field; participants will be cheered on as they run through the stadium, ending with a huge celebration! The University has gone above and beyond to support the DWS by providing the assistance of volunteers, University Police, and other staff members to ensure the safety and quality of the event. 

UW-Whitewater is a premier academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by the spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. UW-Whitewater offers many academic programs that range from study of the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and technology programs that benefit undergraduate, graduate, and online learners. All these programs can be offered at the associate, bachelor, masters, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners, leading them to a successful life and productive careers. 

The University also helps support and staff the Kids Korral; an all-day child-care service that is free to all runners the day of the event. On race day, participants’ children have a morning of safe and fun play with certified caretakers from Aspiring Educators, some of whom graduated or are pursuing education from the University itself. 

Participants will also have open entry to William’s Center during race day, having access to the showers, bathrooms, and other facilities that the University is providing! The DWS team is thankful for the University’s continued support of our 14th Annual Race! 

To register for the 14th annual DWS and to learn more about its sponsors, charity partners, and the University’s involvement, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.

Photo courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Ron Binning recently was able to capture this photo of a male Rose-breasted Grossbeak and a male Baltimore Oriole at his bird feeder.

Is the Baltimore Oriole named for the city? Per Wikipedia, the species received its name from the resemblance of the male’s colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore.

Our thanks to Ron Binning for sharing this beautiful sight from his bird feeder.

On Saturday, May 23rd at 2:00 p.m. members of American Legion Post 173 will gather in the center of Hillside Cemetery to decorate the veterans’ graves at the cemetery. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs and all other community members are invited to participate. Post 173 will provide the flags.

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2026 who took a step closer to graduation last night, Monday, May 18 by presenting their portfolios. The Portfolio event is an opportunity for seniors to reflect on their time at WHS, share examples of their academic work and their involvement in activities in and outside of school, and describe their postsecondary plans and career goals. We are extremely grateful to our teachers, community volunteers, and families who joined in the event.

On Monday, May 18th, 2026, at approximately 9:01 p.m., the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and Town of Beloit EMS responded to a report of a single vehicle crash with injuries on W. Saint Lawrence Ave. and S. Burchfield Rd., in the Town of Newark, County of Rock, Wisconsin.

The investigation revealed a Honda Accord operated by a 33-year-old male from Whitewater, WI, was traveling eastbound on W. Saint Lawrence Ave. just west of S. Burchfield Rd. The vehicle lost control and went into the ditch on the north side of the road. The vehicle rolled and ultimately came to rest on the north side of the road.

As Deputies and EMS arrived on scene, life saving measures were performed and the driver was transported via EMS to Beloit Memorial Hospital. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. There were no other occupants or vehicles involved in the crash.

The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office, City of Beloit Police Department, and the Town of Beloit EMS all responded to the scene and assisted.

The name of the deceased will be released on a later date by the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing, but at this time nothing criminal is suspected.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.

The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce recently conducted a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visit with leadership from Provisur Technologies to discuss the company’s operations, workforce needs, and continued investment in the Whitewater community.

The visit was conducted by Mason Becker, Community Development Director for the City of Whitewater, and Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce. They met with Imad Hamdan, Plant Manager for Provisur’s Whitewater facility.

Provisur Technologies has maintained a longstanding manufacturing presence in Whitewater and is recognized globally for producing advanced food processing equipment and industrial technologies. Formerly known locally as Weiler and Co., the company’s Whitewater operations continue to play an important role in the local manufacturing economy and regional workforce development efforts.

During the meeting, Hamdan discussed recent developments within the company, including Provisur’s acquisition by Fortifi Food Processing Solutions. The conversation also focused on workforce recruitment, the global supply chain, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships between industry and local educational institutions.

“With around 180 employees, Provisur continues to be a major manufacturing employer and community partner in Whitewater,” said Mason Becker, Community Development Director. “It was valuable to hear directly about their operational needs, workforce opportunities, and commitment to supporting local talent development.”

Karin Silvius noted the importance of maintaining close communication with manufacturers and employers throughout the region.

“Business retention visits help us better understand how local employers are adapting to changing economic conditions,” said Silvius. “Provisur’s willingness to engage with schools and workforce development initiatives is especially encouraging.”

Hamdan highlighted the company’s continued support of technical education programs in Whitewater, including its involvement with the robotics lab at Whitewater High School. “We believe it is important to invest in the next generation of skilled workers,” said Hamdan. “Supporting programs like the robotics lab helps expose students to manufacturing, engineering, and technical career pathways at an early age.”

Workforce development remains a key focus for the company, particularly in recruiting experienced machinists and other skilled manufacturing employees. “Like many manufacturers, we are facing some challenges finding skilled machinists,” Hamdan said. “At the same time, we are very open to training motivated high school graduates for entry level grinding positions and helping them build long-term careers in manufacturing.”

Hamdan also noted that while supply chain conditions have improved compared to recent years, manufacturers continue to experience occasional disruptions and material sourcing challenges. Provisur remains focused on maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers and other partners to help minimize impacts and support operational continuity.

More information on Provisur, including employment, can be found at the company’s website, provisur.com.

The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce regularly conduct BRE visits with local employers as part of ongoing efforts to support business retention, workforce development, and long-term economic growth throughout the community.

For more information on the BRE Program, contact:
City of Whitewater Community Development Department
Attn: Mason Becker, Community Development Director
312 W. Whitewater Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: (262) 473 -0148
Email: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov
Website: www.whitewater-wi.gov

Prestigious honor recognizes decades of dedication, leadership, and passion for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Cross Plains, Wis. — Barb and Jerome Converse of Whitewater have been named the 2026 recipients of the Spirit Stick Award, the most prestigious honor presented by the Ice Age Trail Alliance. The award recognizes long-term dedication, leadership, and a deep passion for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

The Converses were honored on April 25 during the Alliance’s Annual Conference Awards and Recognition ceremony.

Presented annually, the Spirit Stick Award celebrates individuals for whom the Trail is not just a place but a way of life. Recipients are selected by Alliance staff from nominations submitted by members, volunteers, and staff, following a rigorous review process. Inspired by the European “Wood Spirit” legend, the award symbolizes enduring commitment, enthusiasm, and the ability to inspire others.

Barb and Jerome Converse exemplify these qualities through decades of service and leadership. As dedicated members of the Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter, they have been a steady and positive force through multiple periods of growth and change within the organization.

Their contributions span Trail construction and maintenance, youth engagement, community outreach, and more. Whether working on local projects or supporting statewide efforts, the Converses have consistently shown up; month after month, year after year bringing optimism, cooperation, and a deep belief in the Ice Age Trail’s future.

“Jerome and Barb have been a steady, positive force for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and Alliance for decades,” says Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “Their volunteer involvement has impacted multiple areas of our work. Their generosity and leadership continue to strengthen the entire organization.”

The Spirit Stick Award honors individuals who lead by example, inspire those around them, and carry out service with cooperation, enthusiasm, and optimism. The Converses’ impact reaches far beyond any single project—and has helped lay the foundation for future generations to explore, connect with, and continue building the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

“Their dedication is a powerful reminder that meaningful progress on the Trail happens over time through persistence, belief, and a willingness to keep showing up,” says Kloberdanz.

About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a nonprofit member- and volunteer-based organization that conserves, creates, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail along with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the National Park Service. To learn more about the Alliance, including how you can get involved, visit www.IceAgeTrail.org.

About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state. Approximately 78% of Wisconsin residents live within 30 miles of the Ice Age Trail.