News

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.

When 8-year-old wheelchair-user and lifetime Whitewater resident Milena Baker helped to cut the ribbon at the brand new “We-Go-Round” at Starin Park in 2022, she was very excited that she would be able to play at the park with her friends. 

Now 12 years old, Milena says, “The merry-go-round is awesome! I can play with all my friends and they can play with me. It’s a place where we are all included and can have fun.”

The vision for the “We-Go-Round” was just that…to allow wheeled-mobility devices to fit in comfortably so that children of all abilities could play together.

Created through a partnership with the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, the Whitewater Community Foundation, the City of Whitewater, the Whitewater Kiwanis Foundation, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the merry-go-round provides fun for all ages.

“The We-Go-Round project came to fruition and became a reality late summer/early fall of 2022. The Whitewater Community Foundation made this project possible with funding options working with the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club as sponsor, as well as the Whitewater Kiwanis Foundation,” said Lorrie Koppein, director of the project for the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) set up a fund and collected donations for the project and was the ‘conduit’ for donations. 

“The Whitewater Community Foundation is here to help with projects like this that make a huge impact in Whitewater,” said Therese Kennedy, Co-President of the WCF.

“And why was this piece of equipment so important?” said Koppein.  “To serve the entire community of all ages and abilities since it is wheelchair and walker accessible. Plus the location was paramount to access for all participants: near the parking lot and a sidewalk installed to directly access this piece of equipment at the Starin Park Playground. A big thank you to the Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department for help in designing, locating and installing the now very popular We-Go-Round.”

City of Whitewater Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Kevin A. Boehm said, “Beyond play, the We-Go-Round promotes physical activity by helping children develop core strength, upper body muscles, and balance. The spinning motion also offers important sensory input that aids in brain development. The We-Go-Round is a versatile and thoughtful addition to any playground, emphasizing inclusion, safety, and developmental benefits.” 

Koppein said, “This piece of equipment was largely funded by community members and Whitewater business leaders. Not to be forgotten were the tremendous efforts of the late Rollin Cooper, who raised the final $20,000 in order to make the We-Go-Round a reality.”

Milena’s mother, Joanna, said, “When we go to other communities and find anything that is inclusive, it’s like finding treasure. Everyone wants to feel like they belong. The Cooper legacy lives on in ways that those two may never have imagined. We owe them so much gratitude!”

Kiwanian Jerry Grant said, “The We-Go-Around is used a lot, in many different ways. People of all ages use it. That was a very good community investment.”

The WCF serves as the conduit for donations for several groups like the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club that are doing community projects but don’t have a 501c3.  A conduit/fiscal sponsorship agreement between a partnering organization and the WCF means that the foundation agrees to establish an account at First Citizens State Bank, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to receive and manage donated funds for the partner organization’s project. Because the funds would be coming to the WCF, the donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt. The partner organization can then request funds from the account to pay for expenses related to the project only. A designee of the partner organization would be the person to request and receive the funds for payments with appropriate documentation (receipts, invoices, etc.).

In addition to assisting local organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects, the WCF continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and awards Community Action Grants to local organizations twice a year.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/whitewatercommunityfoundation

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”

This Thursday’s Savory Sounds concert (on June 26) featuring Randy Plunkett has been moved to Fairhaven Senior Services in the Fellowship Hall.  The organizers felt it was necessary to make this decision because of the temperature, humidity, and potential for storms and gusty winds since there is another event scheduled for the Cultural Arts Center at the same time. There will be no food truck, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch.

The community is invited to attend the 13th Annual Miss Whitewater Pageant on Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 PM at the Frawley Amphitheater in Cravath Lakefront Park. This beloved tradition brings together local girls and young women in a celebration of confidence, community spirit, and charitable giving — all while supporting a great cause.

Over the past 12 years, the Miss Whitewater Pageant has raised more than $100,000 for veteran organizations. Each year, the pageant selects a different nonprofit organization focused on supporting those who have served our country. This year, all proceeds will benefit Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit that provides free guitars and music instruction to veterans struggling with the emotional scars of war.

Money is raised through ad sales in the official pageant program and raffle ticket sales — making it a true grassroots fundraising effort supported by generous community businesses and residents.

This year’s pageant features 24 contestants across five divisions, ranging from the youngest “Mini Miss” to the senior “Miss” division. Each contestant brings a unique personality, spirit, and dedication to service.

A Pageant with Purpose

Unlike traditional pageants that focus solely on competition, Miss Whitewater is rooted in service, self-expression, and support. Contestants of all ages take part in activities that build confidence, connect them to their community, and inspire them to give back.

“The value of the Miss Whitewater Pageant goes far beyond crowns and sashes,” says Elizabeth Bols, event organizer. “It teaches participants the importance of compassion, public speaking, and community involvement — while allowing them to contribute to something bigger than themselves.”

 For the community, the pageant is a heartfelt celebration of local pride and generosity, showcasing the potential of young people to lead with kindness, empathy, and action.  

Join Us for an Evening of Entertainment & Impact

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening of music, smiles, and community support. Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to Guitars for Vets during the event.

Let’s come together on July 3rd to support our future leaders and honor those who have bravely served.

For media inquiries or information on how to support the event, please contact:  Elizabeth Ellis 920-728-0135 Pageant Director.

Article and Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) held their annual brat cookout on Saturday, June 7, to raise money for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition (JCOCC). The cookout took place at FCCU’s Main Branch located at 800 Madison Avenue in Fort Atkinson.

The JCOCC is a community-based organization that aims to support individuals and families affected by cancer in Jefferson County. The coalition works towards raising awareness about early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer while also advocating for improved cancer care and support services within the community.

All items were donated by Kwik Trip and FCCU team members, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went to the JCOCC. FCCU team member Deanna Ugalde was instrumental in the coordination and execution of the event. “Thank you to the FCCU team,” said Deanna, event organizer. “Without their help and support, this event would not be possible every year.”

FCCU raised a grand total of $2,060.32 for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition this year! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support such a great cause!

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

For more information, please contact:
Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU)
wtownsend@fortcommunity.com

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of the Blugolds who have earned a place on the Dean’s List. Their commitment to excellence exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship at UW-Eau Claire. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment!

Students who were named to the Dean’s List are:

Alex Meyer, College of Business

At the end of each semester, each of UW-Eau Claire’s four colleges recognize excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the Dean’s List.

To be eligible, a student must:
– be in good academic standing.
– have a minimum semester GPA of 3.70.
– have completed at least 12 credits during the semester, with no incompletes, no courses below the 100 level, no repeats, and no Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory registrations (except in degree credit-bearing courses that are offered only on the S/U grading system in which a grade of S has been earned).

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. 

Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Lizbeth Gallegos, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Jakub Toomey, School of Business, Dean’s List

To view an online listing, visit https://registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist/.

The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the City of Whitewater Police Department and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Police Department, conducted an investigation into the sale of illegal controlled substances in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin. The investigation included controlled buys and concluded with the execution of a search warrant.

On June 19, 2025, at approximately 9:16 a.m., the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, assisted by the City of Whitewater Police Department and the University of WisconsinWhitewater Police Department, executed a drug search warrant at the residence of 606 E. North Street in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin.

A resident, Yovani Ramirez Mendoza (11/28/1996), currently out on bond for the following cases: Walworth County: 2024CF000409, 2024CT000710, 2024CF000526, 2024CT000805, 2025CT000028, and 2025CF000021; Jefferson County: 2024CF000346, was detained.

While searching the residence, Cocaine, suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), THC, Psilocybin Mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, and one firearm were located and seized. A large indoor Psilocybin Mushroom grow operation was also located in the basement of the residence. Ramirez Mendoza was arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail and confined on the following charges:

• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place – 961.42(1) Possession With Intent to Deliver Cocaine 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (cm)3
• Possession With Intent to Deliver THC 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (h)1
• Possession With Intent to Deliver DMT 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (hm)4
• Possession With Intent to Deliver Psilocybin 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m(g)2
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd & Subsequent – 961.573(1)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon – 941.29(1m) (a)
• Felony Bail Jumping – 946.49(1)(b)
• Child Neglect – 948.21(2)(g)
• All the above-listed drug charges also include a criminal enhancer of Within 1000 feet of a School – 961.49(1m) (b)6

Another resident, Stephanie Anguiano (05/10/1991), will have charges referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office of:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon/Party To A Crime – 941.29(1m)/939.05
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place/Party To A Crime – 961.42(1)/939.05
• Child Neglect – 948.21(2)(g)

Additional aspects of this investigation are still ongoing.

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.