News

First Citizens State Bank is celebrating June Dairy Month on Friday, June 20th – and you’re invited!

Since 1939, June has been recognized as National Dairy Month to pay tribute to Dairy Farmers and share the nutritional benefits of dairy. Stop by the East Troy, Palmyra, or Whitewater Main Office on June 20th from 11 am – 2 pm to enjoy free Decatur Dairy Cheese Curds, Culver’s Custard, and of course, MILK! Plus, local 4H and FFA members will be at the Whitewater Main office with some cute cows to pet. Bring the kids and join the fun!

The Whitewater Common Sense Citizens (WCSC) held their third meeting on Thursday, May 29th, at 841 Brewhouse. Members of the community, the WCSC board, and the executive team leaders discussed their next steps regarding the active petitioning against the Tax Incremental Financing incentive proposed by Whitewater City Council.

“We are gratified to have had 108 attendees to our first three meetings,” Whitewater Common Sense Citizens’ president, Andrea Svec, stated. “It is incredible to see our community work together to oppose this issue.”

The Whitewater Common Sense Citizens have officially announced that they are moving forward with a petition to oppose the use of Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) incentives for apartments within Whitewater’s Tax Incremental Districts. This is in response to recent exploration and approval processes from the Whitewater City Council for various developments including several new apartment buildings.

The WCSC encourages the community to sign the petition and participate in future meetings. The petition can be signed online here or in-person at the Whitewater City Market. WCSC is committed to a transparent look into some of the major issues that are affecting the greater Whitewater Community; if you are interested in joining or learning more about the Whitewater Common Sense Citizens, they encourage you to reach out at whitewatercsc@gmail.com.

“Our values lie in the success of our neighbors,” Svec says. “Our group will ban together against policies that do not reflect the betterment of our community.”

Mark your calendar for the next scheduled meeting, which will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025.  For more information on the Whitewater Common Sense Citizens, contact the board members at whitewatercsc@gmail.com.

About the WCSC

The Whitewater Common Sense Citizens is a group centered around the greater Whitewater Unified School District area. The goal of the WCSC is to promote thoughtful governance, encouraging civic involvement, and strengthening our community by working together today to ensure a better tomorrow. For more information about the WCSC, visit https://wwcsc.org/

Editor’s note: This press release was submitted by Whitewater Common Sense Citizens.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County joins global communities in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

This international observance is an opportunity to raise awareness about the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse and financial exploitation—and the role each of us can play in preventing it.

Elder abuse is a universal problem, and many older adults suffer abuse, neglect, or exploitation—often at the hands of someone they know and trust. In Walworth County, the ADRC is committed to shedding light on this hidden crisis and providing resources
for prevention, recognition, and reporting.

“Elder abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background,” says Stefanie Lenz, Lead for the ADRC’s Adult Protective Services unit. “In 2024 alone, our office received more than 500 reports of elder abuse—including 156 cases involving
financial exploitation. The financial losses from those cases totaled over $1.4 million for Walworth County residents. It is imperative that everyone is aware of the signs of elder abuse and how to report it.”

Elder abuse takes many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, and self-neglect—and its effects can be devastating, even life-threatening. Often, victims remain silent out of fear or dependence on their abuser, making public awareness and vigilance essential.

Recognizing the signs of abuse and knowing how to report it is a vital part of protecting our aging population. Reports can be made anonymously. If you suspect that someone may be a victim of elder abuse, please contact the Walworth County ADRC at 262-741-3400.

For additional information, contact Stefanie Lenz at 262-741-3220 or slenz@co.walworth.wi.us.

About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing
options available to meet the needs of your personal situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.

 

The community is invited to the free, family-friendly program, Novel Motion Circus, sponsored by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. Join us on Monday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Frawley Family Amphitheater at Cravath Lakefront Park.

The event will start out with a performance, followed by 40 minutes of wheel and/or juggling instruction. In the wheel try-it, participants will get to experience moves such as rocking in the wheel, teeter-totter, or standing on top. In the juggling workshop, participants will learn beginner-friendly juggling tricks starting with one ball solo, one ball with a partner, two balls with a partner and two balls solo. For participants excited about learning 3 balls and more, we’ll share tips and tricks and send them home with instructional materials.

All ages are welcome at this program, although it is best for ages 5 and up. There is no cost or registration. Bring your own blanket and/or chair, if desired. You can also sign up for the library’s Summer Reading Program at the event.

For complete information and the full lineup of all events during the Summer Reading Program, visit whitewaterlibrary.org or connect with the library on Facebook and Instagram.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The library building is closed June 1-22 due to construction. Curbside services begin on June 23. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions or visit whitewaterlibrary.org.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.

Sam Nickelsburg at the Town Hall [Photo credit Drake White-Bergey]

Photo credit Drake White-Bergey

By Emerson Wolfgang Ellenwood

Whitewater High School rising senior Sam Nickelsburg had an eventful week at the 82nd Session of Badger Boys State at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Nickelsburg was one of over 650 of Wisconsin’s rising seniors selected for the week-long leadership camp. En route to his eventual victory, Nickelsburg delivered multiple speeches, one in front of over 675 students, to secure the coveted position of Lieutenant Governor. The second highest position in the government simulation, Nickelsburg won the final election with over 300 votes. 

Fellow Whitewater High School students Quinton O’Toole and Chacha Binagi were also selected for the program and had very successful showings.

Nickelsburg with Gov. Tony Evers and two fellow citizens [Emerson Wolfgang Ellenwood photo]

Selection for Boys State is inherently competitive, making Nickelsburg s notable success among Wisconsin’s best and brightest even more impressive. It marks a continuation in Nickelsburg s record of success at WHS as a three-sport athlete, National Honor Society Member, and talented vocalist. His latest success will be celebrated widely, an achievement that will continue to pay dividends, as it did Thursday when Nickelsburg was able to meet Governor Tony Evers. 

“This single week alone, I feel, has changed my life for the better, and it might have encouraged me to join the political side of life,” Nickelsburg stated, adding that “I feel that this is one of the best weeks ever in my life, and I wish more people could participate and join in the program of Badger Boys State.” 

Per the camp’s website, Badger Boys State is “A program to change a lifetime, Badger Boys State educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. During the program, high school students between their junior and senior years learn how our government system works by creating their own city, county, and state level governments. Hundreds of participants leave feeling inspired by the lifelong lessons and relationships developed at Badger Boys State each year.” The non-profit is generously sponsored by the American Legion. More information about the program can be found at https://badgerboysstate.org/. 

Editor’s note: Emerson Wolfgang Ellenwood is a 2024 graduate of Whitewater High School and 2nd year Counselor at Badger Boys State. 

Updated on 6/14/25 @ 8:00 a.m. to correct spelling of Sam’s surname.

According to an article which was posted on gazettextra.com on June 12, “Shumway Appliance in Milton has abruptly closed its doors after 98 years in business. Owner Mike Blabaum told the Gazette on Thursday that he couldn’t share the reason. He also couldn’t say what will happen to people’s appliances that they have ordered and already paid for but not yet received. “I don’t know what the exit strategy is, my attorney is working on that,” he said. “I have nothing more to say.”

Editor’s note: Many Whitewater area residents have probably made purchases from Shumway, as it has been one of our closest appliance stores. Although the business’s web address returns a “page not found” response, the “about us” section of the website still states “We started out as a small TV and appliance store in Milton, Wisconsin in 1927. Much has changed since our beginning, products and technology not the least of which, but the original Shumway mission is still the same – to fill the homes in our community with quality products they can count on while providing top-notch service that makes you feel part of our family.

We are your homegrown appliance store dealing exclusively in Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana products. Our team know our products and can help you find the perfect appliance for your kitchen or laundry room. Our prices are competitive with any other store around and we are committed to delivering a product and experience that you are happy with and we are proud of.

When you buy from Shumway, you can be confident that we’ll be there for you over the life of your new appliance. From purchase, financing, delivery, installation and service after the sale, you can count on us for everything.

We hope to see you in our store soon!”

The photo on the homepage is from Shumway’s website.

“All We Imagine as Light”

Wednesday, June 18, 1 pm

(Psychological Drama/Romance); Not Rated.

1 hour, 58 minutes (2024). 

The light, the lives and the textures of contemporary, working class, Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The New York Times says “a soulful study of the transformative power of friendship and sisterhood, in all its complexities and richness.” Grand prize winner, Cannes Film Festival, 2024. Shown with English subtitles.

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Exhibition: June 5-29, 2025 Free Collage Card Making Workshops: Friday, June 20, 1-3 pm and Thursday, June 26, 1-3 pm.To sign up for the free workshops, please email wwartsalliance@gmail.com or add your name to the list in the CAC gallery.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to present Collage x Five: Up Close and Personal, a new exhibition showcasing the creative storytelling of five women artists: Ann Engelman, Dawn Hunter, Sally Koehler, Allison Russo, and Della Wells. The show will be on display from June 5 to June 29, 2025, at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, located at 402 W. Main Street in Whitewater. Led by acclaimed artist and teacher Della Wells-whose work is featured in the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the American Folk Art Museum — the group explores personal stories and shared experiences through the art of collage. Wells explains, “I am a storyteller and an artist. I like to think of myself as an ‘arts provocateur.’ In my work, women guard their own fears and truths. They are not going to let anyone twist them into stereotypes.” Ann Engelman creates vivid art through stitched Memory Cloths and collage, inspired by global storytelling traditions such as South Africa’s Amazwi Abesifazane project. Engelman believes, “Storytelling provides context of life experiences. My artistic expressions help me reflect.” Her work captures the emotional landscape of memory, tradition, and resilience. Dawn Hunter, a founding member and first president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, brings decades of leadership and creativity to the exhibition. Hunter has earned multiple Wisconsin Regional Arts Program awards and recently published her children’s book, The Lavender Lady, in 2025. She shares, “Creative people don’t have a mess — they have ideas lying around everywhere.” Her collage work, like her writing, invites viewers into colorful, imaginative worlds. Sally Koehler, a Fort Atkinson-based artist with a degree from the University of Wisconsin, combines her background in arts education with her fine art practice. She has participated in national arts training through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and has continued to expand her collaborative work. Koehler says, “I use texture, color, and patterns to express my vision and gratitude for the rhythms and dance of life,” a spirit that radiates through her collage pieces. Allison Russo, a former Art Director at Scholastic Inc. and a current Board Member of the Public Art Fund in New York City, draws inspiration from the fleeting beauty of everyday moments. Her collages explore themes of motherhood, time, and transformation. Russo reflects, “Fleeting, precious moments shape my understanding of the world. Learning together with these women has been a gift.” Throughout the month of June, visitors are invited to participate in a series of special events designed to engage with the artists and the art. Two free collage card-making workshops will be offered on Friday, June 20, and Thursday, June 26, from 1 pm-3 pm, inviting participants to create their own art inspired by the exhibition. Gallery Exhibit Hours Thursdays: 12 pm – 4 pm Fridays: 12 pm – 4 pm Saturdays: 12 pm – 4 pm Sundays:12 pm – 4 pm [The gallery will be closed on June 15, Father’s Day.] Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running. Admission to the exhibition and all events is free, and everyone is welcome. Collage x Five: Up Close and Personal offers a vivid and heartfelt glimpse into women’s lived experiences, translated into layered and imaginative works of art. The exhibition promises to be an inspiring celebration of memory, creativity, and community.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. To celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, we are including an image of a father of a different sort. This is Joseph Bower, the “father” of Whitewater’s current downtown appearance. Bower was a builder who worked in Whitewater during the mid-to-late 19th century and can be credited with building at least 13 existing brick buildings in downtown Whitewater today, including the five-storefront block on the south side of the middle of Center Street, and several double-storefront blocks in the west block of Main Street in downtown Whitewater. The Whitewater Historical Society wishes all fathers a great day on Sunday!

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(#3218P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #266 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., June 13, 2025, in honor of former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard, who passed away on Mon., Jan 27, 2025, at the age of 87. “Former Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Berard led a proud life of service, dedicating over four decades of his life to the Wisconsin National Guard, protecting the values and freedoms that we hold dear, and achieving many accolades along the way thanks to his steadfast commitment to serving our state and nation,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I are sending our deepest condolences to Maj. Gen. Berard’s family, friends, and colleagues as they honor his life of dedicated and decorated service.” Born in Hayward, Maj. Gen. Berard led an accomplished career in the Wisconsin National Guard for over four decades, including serving as adjutant general from 1996 to 1997. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and later attending the Naval Post Graduate School, Maj. Gen. Berard earned several accolades and awards throughout his honorable service, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Silver de Fleury Medal, and three Meritorious Service Medals. In addition to his service in the Guard, Maj. Gen. Berard worked at Telemark and Historyland for 26 years, managed the Lumberjack World Championships for two decades, and in 1978, he received the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Paul Bacon Award for his contributions to ski race organizing. Services for former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard will take place on Fri., June 13, 2025, in Hayward and at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.