News

Editor’s note: Previous articles have been published on The Whitewater Banner regarding a “solar farm” that is proposed to be constructed to the east of the city: Nearly 100 Attended Solar Hearing (July 10); LOCAL Hearing on Proposed Whitewater Solar Project (July 7).
This article provides updates on developments since the Public Service Commission [PSC] public hearing on July 10. This includes the opportunity for the public to make comments by Friday, July 18 on the Supplemental Environmental Assessment that the PSC issued. Approximately 1000 comments were submitted by the original deadline of July 10.
The Banner does not have a position regarding the project but encourages the public to be informed about it and to submit any comments they may have for or against the project.

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The video of the Public Service Commission’s 2:00 p.m. public hearing on July 10 may be viewed here. The video of the 6:00 p.m. public hearing may be viewed here.

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TMJ4 ran a story on July 10, “Proposed solar project near Ice Age Trail raises concerns among hikers and environmentalists.” The byline reads “Local residents worry the 2,700-acre Whitewater Solar Project will permanently alter the landscape and harm wildlife near one of Wisconsin’s most treasured natural areas”
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The “big beautiful bill” eventually eliminates tax credits for solar projects. The residential solar tax credit for homeowner solar systems will expire on December 31, 2025. For solar farms and other commercial projects, the tax credit remains available but with stricter conditions. Projects must begin construction before July 4, 2026 and be completed by December 31, 2027 to qualify for the full 30% credit. The bill also includes provisions that indirectly push for solar panels to be made in the U.S. by restricting the use of components from certain foreign entities.

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Originally written comments on the proposed project were required to be submitted by July 11; however, as a result of last minute changes to the project the Public Service Commission prepared a Supplemental Environmental Assessment for the project. There’s a short window until Friday, July 18 for the public to comment on this document. Comments may be submitted here. It is suggested that commenters may wish to ask for a full Environmental Impact Statement to be completed.

The group that is opposing the project also suggests the following concerns that commenters might wish to mention: 

• SAVE THE KETTLE!:   The unacceptable close proximity of this Whitewater Solar Project to the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest, the second most visited Forest in the state, home of the cherished Ice Age Trail, a National Scenic Trail.  (Pg. 82-83)   They quite simply ignore the negative impacts of the Whitewater Solar Project on the Kettle area residents, prime farmland and wildlife, and the value this cherished recreational area brings to the citizens who regularly visit from the local urban areas. 
• UNACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:  The host of new, irreversible, unavoidable environmental effects of this Whitewater Solar Project including:   negative aesthetic impacts to the rural lovely landscape, noise pollution, inexcusable removal of prime farmland from production, wildlife impacts, wetland impacts, changes to vegetation, soil compaction, erosion, stormwater runoff and infiltration. (Pg. 81-82)
• LOCAL CONTROVERSY:  A simple drive through the area, or a look at the Public Comments offered would make it quite clear that there’s huge local pushback on this project.  But sadly, the staff charged with this task did a “desk review” for this document and didn’t take the time to come out to see the impact for themselves.    The complete omission/lack of acknowledgement of the obvious local controversy over this project (Pg. 82) in the preparation of the supplemental EA is beyond concerning, it’s gross negligence. 
• PEOPLE ARE IN THE DARK:  The local residents have not been properly/adequately informed on these updates including:  including new panels, new inverters, floodplain and wetland impacts, new sound and fencing impacts on local residents, and a larger footprint for the project.   This was evident in the Public hearings conducted at 2pm and 6pm on July 9th. 
• UNABLE TO MITIGATE:   This Whitewater Solar Project cannot be adequately screened with landscaping to protect all of the longtime residents of the area and/or visitors coming to enjoy the peace and serenity of the lovely Kettle from the horrible noise and devastating visual impacts of the Project.  In fact, to date, the Applicant does not even have a Landscaping plan available for review. 
• INADEQUATE TIME FOR REVIEW:   The speed with which the PSC was required to review the new Application materials delivered at this late date to the PSC and complete this updated EA- They had from June 4th to July 2.  This process usually takes months, and they had to do it in weeks.  The intervenors have been stressed beyond belief by this truncated process, that has been expedited to meet the needs of the Applicant, ignoring the needs of the citizens. 

 

“Broken to Beautiful” is the theme of a fall retreat planned by First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fort Atkinson.

The public is invited to join congregation members Friday through Sunday, Sept. 26-28, at the Daycholah Center on the southeastern shore of Green Lake in Ripon.

The per-person fee of $270 covers two nights in the Oak Mound Lodge, six meals, faith experiences and fieldtrips.

Persons with several family members attending or for whom participation would be a financial hardship are encouraged to speak with the Rev. Dr. Sara Rabe, pastor of First Congregational UCC.

Activities might include nature walks, birding, fishing, service projects, Bible study, arts and crafts, music, games, fieldtrips and more. A visit to the Wes Hunting Studio Glass in Princeton is planned. Morning devotions, evening vespers and Sunday worship also are slated. Programs and the final schedule will be based on the makeup and input of attendees.

All ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Friday’s arrival time is flexible, at 11:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. to accommodate work schedules. Departure is set for 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

The registration deadline is Aug. 17. Register online at https://fortfcc.org/forms. A paper registration form can be downloaded and also is available at the church, located at 31 W. Milwaukee Ave. in Fort Atkinson.

This marks First Congregational UCC’s third annual retreat to the Daycholah Center, affiliated with United Church Camps Outdoor Ministry. Located at W1010 Spring Grove Road in Ripon, this sacred place is the ancestral homeland of the Menomonie, Ojibwa and Ho Chunk Nations.

For more information, contact Pastor Rabe at (920) 563-4802.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16 for Jefferson, Rock and Walworth Counties. A watch indicates that conditions may be right for a tornado to form, but no tornadoes have yet been sighted.

Updated on 7/16 @ 10:30 a.m. with the image and narrative below. There is no major change from yesterday’s forecast.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that there is potential for strong to severe thunderstorms in our area on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

• A broken line of strong storms is expected to develop (between 12 PM to 2 PM CDT)  in southwest and south central WI.
• The storms are expected to sweep eastward across the rest of the area between 2 PM this afternoon to 6 PM CDT this evening, before moving out over Lake Michigan after 7 PM CDT this evening. 
• Some storms may become strong to severe (risk level 2 out of 5), with damaging wind gusts as the primary hazard, but cannot rule out an embedded, brief tornado.
• Heavy rainfall accompanying storms with 1-2 inches of rainfall and locally high pockets of >3″ mainly north of the I-94 corridor. Heavy rainfall over the same area for extended periods of time (+1 hr) would result in low-lying and urban and small stream flash flooding. 

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Curbside Pickup Services

The library is currently under construction, so only curbside pickup services are available at this time. Here’s how it works:

1. Place items on hold in your library account. You can access your account via whitewaterlibrary.org or the Bridges Cafe Mobile App.

2. When your holds show as available in your account, call or email the library to schedule a pickup appointment.

3. Pickup appointments are available in 2-hour windows.

4. During your appointment window, come to the library’s door on W. Center St. and a staff member who’s stationed in the entryway will assist you. Your item(s) will be ready and will already be checked out. You may also return items.  There is an accessible ramp for anyone who may have a disability.

Contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov to schedule an appointment or with questions.

         Library staff is happy to help you find items and place holds via phone or email. You may also watch this video to learn how easy it is to place holds! 

       Curbside Pickup Hours: 

       Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

       Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

       Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

My name is Gabriel Romero. I started art as a hobby after my accident. I liked the drawings I saw in magazines and newspapers. I like to draw with pencils of all kinds; it’s what I always use. I will be showing my art pieces in TeaLux Cafe Gallery for two months, July and August. Enjoy my art.

TeaLux Cafe is located at 129 W. Center Street.

Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce awarding almost $60,000 in scholarships to students pursuing academic degrees in career fields that support Fort HealthCare’s
Mission. Each of the following scholarships is made possible by generous donations in recognition of the important roles in healthcare to maintain the quality of life we enjoy in the communities we serve.

Thank you to each of our benefactors and the hundreds of people who donated honorary and memorial contributions to make these scholarships possible. Congratulations to Fort HealthCare’s 2025 scholarship award recipients!

Fort HealthCare Partners Scholarships Award Winners
 Health Career Advancing Scholarship – Health Careers Advancing Education Scholarships are awarded to candidates who currently hold a degree or certification in a healthcare field and are now enrolled in a course of study that leads to an advanced degree in a healthcare field.

Two scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to:
o Brooke Hartwig
o Eli Koehler

 High School Student Applications – Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students pursuing a career in the healthcare field.
Three scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to:
o Ashlyn Enke
o Iris Harstford
o Breleigh Mengel

 Health Career Scholarship – Associate Degree Program – Scholarship awards are available to students who are currently enrolled in a two-year program in a healthcare field.
Two scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to:
o Maritza Alvarado
o Summer Semrau

 Woody Finn Memorial Scholarship – In memory of Woody Finn, a long-time dedicated volunteer of Fort Memorial Hospital, a scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in healthcare who serves regularly in a volunteer role.
One scholarship of $2,000 was awarded to:
o Joanna Guevera

Fort Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Scholarships Award Winners
Fort HealthCare medical staff sponsors several scholarships in memory of Dr. Robert Handeyside. Graduating seniors who reside or attend school in the Fort HealthCare service area and have chosen a career in the healthcare field are eligible for this scholarship.
Five scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to:

o Jessica Besch
o Kaylee Farrar
o Matthew Ketterhagen
o Lucien Pomazak
o Chloe Smith

Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarships Award Winners
General Scholarship
Four scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to:

o Kateri Kawleski
o Matthew Ketterhagen
o Savannah Vind
o Hadley Wendorff

 Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship – The Scott W. Hlstein Scholarship was set up by his parents,Ger rit and Rebecca Hulstein, in his memory. Scholarships are awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate currently enrolled at a college or technical school pursuing a degree in the healthcare field.
Nine scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to:
o Haley Bristol
o Christian Crabtree
o Kaylee Farrar
o Iris Harstford
o Grecia Hernandez
o Gabrielle Kirley
o Ella Last
o Belle Peterson
o Madison Stine

 Jacobson Scholarships – The Jacobson Scholarships are awarded to a Jefferson High School graduate and to a continuing student with at least one semester completed in a healthcare field, with priority given to students on the RN track.
Two scholarships of $500 and $1,000 each were awarded to:
o Grecia Hernandez — $500
o Dawn Hove — $1,000

 Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarship – Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarships will be awarded to students studying medicine or nursing at an accredited institution of higher learning. Per the trust established by Ms. Kolasinski, preference will be given to medical students beyond their second year and nursing students beyond their first year.
Five scholarships of $500 and $1,000 each were awarded to:
o Brooke Hartwig — $1,000
o Olivia Riemer — $1,000
o Jenna Rudolph — $1,000
o Jadyn Splittgerber — $500
o Juanita Tarp — $1,000

 Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship – The Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship awards Fort HealthCare employees who are studying nursing (LPN, ADN, BSN Completion, MSN) at an accredited college or university. Consideration is given to the applicant’s service and involvement in the community and Fort HealthCare, excluding job related activities.
Two scholarships of $1,250 each were awarded to:
o Jadyn Splittgerber
o Juanita Tarp

 Wanda L. Draeger Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory of Wanda L. Draeger, RN, who was an OB nurse at Fort HealthCare for 45 years. Applicants must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one year in an accredited nursing school.
One scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to:
o Abigail Frame

 Arthur and Nancy Nesbitt Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt in appreciation of the excellent care provided by Fort HealthCare’s nurses. Applicants must be employees of Fort HealthCare in good standing and enrolled in an accredited nursing program during the 2024-2025 school year.
Ten scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to:
o Maritza Alvarado
o Danielle Ellenson
o Abigail Frame
o Dawn Hove
o Kaeli Ketter
o Eli Koehler
o Olivia Riemer
o Jenna Rudolph
o Danielle Spesard
o Jadyn Splittgerber

 Florence Falk Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory of Florence Falk, LPN, who was an OB nurse at Fort HealthCare for 50 years. Applicants must be an employee in good standing at Fort HealthCare or a graduate of a high school in FortHealthCare’s primary service area (Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, or Whitewater). Applicants must also be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing school and in their second year of nursing school or beyond.
One scholarship of $1,640 was awarded to:
o Maritza Alvarado

Students interested in applying for Fort HealthCare scholarships can complete an application online at FortHealthCare.com/Scholarships beginning in December each year. Applications are due by the following March 1st. Completing one application makes you eligible for each scholarship applicable to the degree you are pursuing. Applicants must be residents from Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, or Whitewater, or employees at Fort HealthCare. While grade point average is important, it is not always the primary consideration.

Seniors in the Park is sponsoring the Bonzo Squad at the first Concert in the Park of the season, Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to all, featuring the instrumental jazz ensemble Bonzo Squad, which focuses on fun and eclectic music.

We are super excited to be back on Tuesday nights for the Concerts In The Park Series. Our partnership with the City Market is truly unique and we are looking forward to Summer 2025!!

FREE Concerts will start at 6 pm! City Market 4-7 pm. ALL at Cravath Lakefront Park.

[From the Bonzo Squad website] Bonzo Squad is an instrumental ensemble with a focus on creating music that sets the bar higher in terms of eclecticism and musicianship. The group consists of Bonzo himself, born Corbin Andrick, who plays saxophones, flute, and percussion. Completing the line up are Andrew Lawrence (keys and synths), Andrew Vogt bass, as well as Zack Marks sitting behind the drum kit. The band released their very first, self-titled album back in 2017. This release was received really well from the get-go, earning a coveted 4-star rating from Downbeat Magazine, as well as appearing on Spotify’s popular “The State of Jazz” playlist. The band’s debut was later topped with a second release in 2019, “There’s Always Tomorrow.” Recently, the squad released a third record entitled “Pachyderm.”

Bonzo Squad has produced tribute shows to Stevie Wonder and Vulfpeck through the Jazz Record Art Collective in Chicago, IL. They have also presented numerous educational clinics at High Schools, both in person and virtually. They were nominated as one of the best jazz bands by the Chicago Reader in their “2020 Best Of” poll, based primarily on our livestream concerts. 

Andrew Lawrence has toured nationally and internationally with District 97, playing venues all across the United States, in Canada, in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Andrew Lawrence and Zack Marks have toured across the US with Bonelang, performing at such festivals as Middle of the Map in Kansas City, MO, Mile of Music in Appleton, WI, SXSW in Austin, TX, and at Wonderstruck Music Festival in Cleveland, OH.

Teens in middle and high school are invited to the Sugar Cookie Creations workshop with baker Jennifer Chartier from Baby Blues Bakery on Thursday, July 17 at 3:30-4:30 p.m.. She will teach participants how to decorate sugar cookies like a pro!

There is no cost, but registration is required. To register, fill out the short form at https://bit.ly/3DPq4Lf. You may also contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov to register or with questions.

Please note that due to library construction, this workshop will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center located at 341 S. Fremont Street.

Special thanks to the Bridges Library System for sponsoring this event.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The library building is currently closed due to construction. Curbside pickup services are available.

First Congregational United Church in Fort Atkinson raised $638 during its ice cream social at the Fort Atkinson Community Band concert on June 16.

All proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha & Jefferson Counties, to be used toward building a duplex in Fort Atkinson.

Plans call for a side-by-side duplex-style house with three to four bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths on each side. It will be located at 700 Schumacher Way.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for more than 1 wall sign for
Bleus Barber Shop located at 136 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Parcel # /OT 00003.
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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/530523253
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 530-523-253
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Innovation Center Advisory Panel -Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda includes Marketing Update and Discussion, UW-Whitewater Update and Discussion
Whitewater Innovation Center Room 115,
1221 Innovation Drive
*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.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81797923434?pwd=JWD8HFb7SdDWA1r01W8sVdM4cIfMSf.1
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 817 9792 3434
Passcode: 722220

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda [click on “meetings” in upper right corner]
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes update on city attorney, Update on the School Resource Officer in the Whitewater School District,
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc., Discussion and Possible Action regarding the approval of The Waypoint Bar and Games, LLC, Class B, Beer and Liquor license.- 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 – 6:00 PM
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85776970410?pwd=uuvtNyRXlzE8Lg63z9UXlzMYZd8aub.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 857 7697 0410
Passcode: 088410

City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on request to install Born Learning Trail, Discussion and possible action on potential donation property for new dog park, Discussion and possible action on disbanding the Urban Forestry Commission, and Discuss input from community survey for Park and Open Space Plan.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Topic: Park and Recreation Board Meeting
Time: Jul 16, 2025 09:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82391359023?pwd=mtGtr5IaE5fVmh9obZhTgrseKbReUb.1
Meeting ID: 823 9135 9023
Passcode: 266124 —
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,82391359023#,,,,*266124# US (Chicago)

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Housing Strategy Update, Presentation Stonehaven Development, Offer to Purchase /A503200001 and /A503200002, Property acquisition/sale related to 210 E Main St; including the discussion of the offer to
purchase and potential counter-offer.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.,
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440448378?pwd=lkQ-BJqkkibu1yOQrd5PBiz0wOW4MA.T2s3lPbrlAUj
2OA
Passcode:647974
Join via audio: +1 305 224 1968 US
Webinar ID: 874 4044 8378
Passcode: 647974