News

Sweet Spot Bakehouse to Close


Editor’s note: The following announcement was made on the Sweet Spot Bakehouse Facebook page.

Hey folks, we have some bittersweet news to share—

At the end of August we will be closing the Bakehouse location of the Sweet Spot.

We are so grateful for our time in Whitewater and are so proud of what our team has accomplished over the past 5 years— bringing you freshly baked scratch pastries, morning coffees through our drive through, and working to be better every day.

While the doors at 1185 W Main will be closing, our two other locations— the Cafe in downtown Whitewater and the Langholf in Fort Atkinson— will continue to be open for your daily caffeine needs. We are working on a solution to provide pastries at these locations as well.

Our closing is coming much quicker than anticipated due to factors beyond our control. We know it will sadden many of you, and you may have questions about what comes next. We ask that you please refrain from asking our staff and instead direct them to our email: contact@sweetspotwhitewater.com

We’ll announce our official end date soon, but we will not be taking custom orders past August 24th. We will be open daily from 7am-4pm until then.

Where one door closes, another opens. This decision will allow us to invest more time and energy into our other ventures, and into our personal lives and communities. We hope that down the road, we can reopen our bakery in a new capacity (perhaps with a partner— and if this interests you, we’d love to chat!).

For now, we hope to see you for a cup of coffee at one of our other locations! Running a small business is no easy feat, and it takes a village. Thank you to our staff, customers, and everyone who has supported us for the past 5 years. We hope that you continue to support your local businesses— not just our shops or even the ones in Whitewater, but in every community wherever you go. Supporting small matters in big ways.

Editor’s note: There are many online comments indicating that this property at 1185 W. Main Street will be the site for a Dunkin’. Attempts by The Whitewater Banner to confirm this report with the current owners or with a manager of the Fort Atkinson Dunkin’ have thus far been unsuccessful.

Former UW-W Student Sentenced for Possessing Chemical Weapon Precursors


Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Possessing Chemical Weapon Precursors

Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 1, 2025, United States District Judge Brett Ludwig sentenced James Morgan (formerly known as Karactus Blome) to 29 months in prison. Morgan had pled guilty to one count of possession of chemical weapon precursors— chemicals that combine to create chlorine and chlorine gas—not intended for peaceful purposes, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 229(a).

According to court documents, on December 21, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at Morgan’s storage unit and found the precursor chemicals. Morgan had studied chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and had described himself as a weapon designer who did not need a conventional weapon. In a video, Morgan displayed the chemicals and said they were for making a lot of chlorine very quickly. In messages in 2022, he said that what he had was “scary,” and that the chemicals react to produce a lot of chlorine gas, which can be “effective if your enemy is not ready for it.” He sent links for purchasing the chemicals and discussed the amounts needed to make a lot of chlorine gas quickly. In messages in 2023, Morgan discussed a plan to defeat the government, if it came for his guns, by producing a large amount of chlorine that he claimed could be used against approximately twenty government agents. The FBI Laboratory determined that the chemicals Morgan possessed could produce a large amount of chlorine that could result in rapid, serious health effects, including death.

In announcing the sentence, Judge Ludwig focused on the incredibly dangerous nature of chlorine gas and the defendant’s possession of the chemicals knowing that he could combine them to harm law enforcement. Judge Ludwig also discussed the need to provide deterrence to others who might try to do the same.

“The defendant’s conduct posed a serious risk to others and the community as a whole,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling. “This individual spent substantial time discussing and constructing weapons and expressing opposition to law enforcement and individuals whose race, ethnic origin, or backgrounds differed from his. I commend the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved in seeking to hold him accountable for his criminal activity.”

“Mr. Morgan obtained commercially available chemicals with an intent to manufacture chemical weapons which could have had a devastating impact to citizens and law enforcement officers in Wisconsin,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “Morgan is already serving a two-year sentence for possessing destructive devices. The Milwaukee Field Office of the FBI will continue to work aggressively with our partners to prevent the acquisition and use of weapons of mass destruction.”

The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully prosecuted, with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the U.S. Department of Justice, United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Our Readers Share: Tom Ganser – “…the most interesting butterfly, moth, dragonfly, or ???” [Updated with identification]

Updated 8/4/25 @ 2:45 p.m. with identification of the insect.

Tom Ganser writes, “This is the most interesting butterfly, moth, dragon fly, or ??? that I have ever seen.  Stayed at its resting location long enough for me to grab my camera.

Anyone know what species it is?”

Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing this beautiful photo. Anyone who may be able to identify this creature, please write to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Crystal Singer writes, “With Picture Insect’s help, I learned that this species is a Widow skimmer. You should check it out!

Our thanks to Crystal Singer for this identification.

NEW Whitewater Music Apparel Sale

You asked for more variety, and Music Boosters listened again: we are selling new Whitewater Music apparel in several WUSD colors!  We have T-shirts for $16 and crewneck sweatshirts for $30. All shirts come in various youth and adult sizes and are available in blue, green, or red. Apparel will be available for pickup during or after the October meeting (10/6 at 5:30 p.m.)!

The merchandise may be viewed at this link. Per the website, the order closes on September 15. Whitewater Music Boosters, originally founded as the Whitewater Music Parents Association, supports the WUSD music program by coordinating volunteers and providing funds to the program and to students attending music camps, the website indicates.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by WWUSD Music Boosters.

Local UW-W Student-athletes Selected to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

UW-Whitewater student-athletes selected to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

More than 400 student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earned a spot on the 2024-25 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference [WIAC] Scholastic Honor Roll.

The following Warhawk student-athletes from the Whitewater area were recognized:

Wyatt Jensen of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team(s) whose major is General Business.

Brady Malkow of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team(s) whose major is Management.

Carter Capstran of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s basketball team(s) whose major is Finance – BBA.

Gunner Schlender of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s cross country/track and field team(s) whose major is Physical Education – BSE.

Lee Barnes of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Marketing.

Brock Grosinske of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Finance.

Blake Haggerty of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Finance.

Peyton Nichols of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s soccer team(s) whose major is Finance – BBA.

Justin Krause of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s track and field team(s) whose major is Business Administration – MBA.

Kacie Carollo of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Integrated Science – Business – BS.

Renee Rittmeyer of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Human Resource Management.

Olivia Zuege of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Human Performance – BS.

Kelly Whipple of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team(s) whose major is General Business – BBA.

Marlee Nichols of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s cross country/track and field team(s) whose major is Human Performance.

Morgan Hoffman of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s soccer team(s) whose major is Human Performance.

Taylor Koehler of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater softball team(s) whose major is Criminology.

Brianna Zimdars of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s swimming and diving team(s) whose major is Business Admininistration.

The WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll represents students that achieved a 3.00 grade point average or better (on a 4.00 scale).

A total of 231 men and 197 women from UW-Whitewater were selected to the Scholastic Honor Roll.

UW-Whitewater joined the seven other WIAC schools in earning the All-Academic Award. In order to be eligible for the award, institutions must have a grade point average for its student-athletes that is equal to, or greater than, the grade point average of the overall student body.

At UW-Whitewater, all 22 varsity sports achieved a GPA above 3.00 for the first time in recorded history.

During the 2024-25 season, Warhawk Student-Athletes collected nine Academic All-American honors, two NCAA Elite 90 recognitions, and 6 WIAC Scholar Athlete of the Year awards.

Editor’s note: It is likely that some of the above students didn’t reside in the Whitewater area prior to enrollment in UW-W. The university includes in this list any students who have registered Whitewater as their home address.

Concerts in the Park Presents “Ladies Must Swing” – Tonight

The third Concert in the Park of the season, Tuesday, August 5, at 6 p.m. features Ladies Must Swing. The event is free and open to all. 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.

There is a limited amount of seating on benches next to the parking lot. Bring a chair or blanket, and, if you wish, bring supper or pick it up from the City Market vendors.

Ladies Must Swing

A Big Band In Tune

Our story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 27 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!

The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!

Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being to Be Held Here on August 7

Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being to Be Held August 7 in Whitewater, WI
A Community Gathering to Inspire Healing, Unity, and Collective Action

The Wellness Collective is proud to host the Summit for Peace & Collective
Well-being on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown
Whitewater, Wisconsin. This one-day gathering invites individuals, leaders, healers, and
changemakers from all walks of life to come together for a transformative experience dedicated
to inner healing and outer peace.

With a mission to foster meaningful dialogue and compassionate action, the Summit offers a
sacred space to explore what it truly means to live in alignment with ourselves, our
communities, and our planet. The event will feature heart-centered workshops, spiritual
practices, and dynamic speakers focused on creating peace within and around us.
Highlights include:
● Interactive sessions and healing workshops
● Opportunities for discussion, connection, and collaboration
● Local wellness vendors and food trucks
● Meditation and movement experiences
“We believe peace starts from within and radiates outward. The Summit is a call to action for
anyone ready to be a part of the shift toward a more compassionate and unified world,” says
event organizer and life coach, Denise Maple.
The event is open to the public, and registration is now live. In addition to attending,
community members are invited to get involved as:
● Food Truck Partners
● Wellness Business Vendors
● Sponsors committed to community well-being
● Volunteers

Registration is encouraged. The first 50 registrants will receive a goody bag! Please consider a donation to help us cover the costs of the event and to offer future peace and well-being events. Suggested donation: $10
To register, volunteer, become a vendor and/or donate, visit:

� https://livelifespiritual.com/events/summit-for-peace-collective-well-being

Let’s come together for a day of inspiration, healing, and unity — and co-create the peace we
wish to see in the world.

About The Wellness Collective
The Wellness Collective is a group of wellness practitioners and guides from Whitewater and
surrounding areas committed to strengthening our world through compassion, grace, and
conscientiousness. They believe there are a multitude of ways to shift energy in the world, and
one way is through getting into a deeper, more honest relationship with oneself, first, and then
with those within the community. Their mission is to foster meaningful dialogue and
compassionate action.

Social Media Link
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CmzUgsk7F/

This Week’s City Meetings

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc.
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84824083114?pwd=8VCQqBB12h5aBtQa2S3AzVxfQTw14N.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 848 2408 3114
Passcode: 685680

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Resolution Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of Up To $1,506,107 Taxable General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2025, And Providing For Other Details And Covenants With Respect Thereto, And Approval Of Related $2,545,121 Financial Assistance Agreement; Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and
Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc
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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89679338612?pwd=tIesa0sExbBDv1KodjlxyKfIWjeFNP.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 896 7933 8612
Passcode: 027592

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the recommendations related to Starin Park Water Tower.
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.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/249142285
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 249-142-285
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission = Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
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.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/249072189
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 249-072-189
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install