News

Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, traveled to Sheboygan from June 13-14 for the inaugural Wisconsin State Robotics Championship.  The team ended the qualification round ranked 8th out of the 31 teams at the event. They became the captain of the #6 seeded playoff alliance and ended the event in a tie for 5th place.

Each team played 6 qualification matches at the state championship with randomly assigned alliance partners. Ferradermis went 4-2 in these matches, earning a total of 24 out of 36 possible ranking points. This left them ranked 8th. The #1 ranked team, the Hilltoppers from Divine Savior-Holy Angels High School and Marquette University High School earned 29 of the possible 36 ranking points.

After qualifications, the top 8 teams are guaranteed the opportunity to select their own alliance for the playoffs. The #1 Hilltoppers requested that the #4 ranked team, Nicolet FEAR from Nicolet High School join their alliance. The #5 and #6 ranked teams also joined forces. This moved Ferradermis into the #6 alliance caption position, up from their initial 8th ranking. Ferradermis first invited Team 1306 BadgerBots from Middleton and then Team 6421 WarriorsBots from Muskego High School to join their alliance.

The Ferradermis led alliance lost a close first playoff match to the #3 seeded alliance 162-156, moving them to the lower half of the double-elimination bracket. The match was so close that the winner was not immediately apparent when time expired, and the teams needed to wait for a final point determination from the referees. The #3 seed, captained by RoundTable Robotics from Oak Creek High School would end up making it all of the way to the finals before falling to the eventual champion Hilltoppers alliance. In their second playoff match, the Ferradermis alliance defeated the #7 seed 165 – 123. They then fell to the #5 seeded alliance 205-141 and were eliminated.

Recent graduates Andrew O’Toole, Emerson Dunham, and Andrew Zimmermann traveled to the event to assist with training members for new roles. The drive team consisted of new driver Ace Hudec, and the in-season crew of Operator Erison Dreksler, Technician Nina Heim, and Human Player Jayden Kehrer.  Rae Breisath continued to serve as scouting lead, representing the team for alliance selections along with Cyrus Hudec and drive team representative Erison Dreksler. Margaret Brown continued her role as team videographer, and Cooper Housel continued as team media representative. New business subteam lead Virginia Nelson worked alongside Emilie Bruns and Letty Trautman, visiting each team’s pit to learn about potential fundraising and sponsorship ideas. Asher Downs had the opportunity to volunteer to help with the production of event t-shirts and hats. Incoming freshmen Owen Taylor and Mason Genung, who were invited to attend based on their role on the middle school FTC team, spent a great deal of time in the pit learning about the robot.

Emerson Dunham and Cyrus Hudec were also given the opportunity to volunteer as judges for the FIRST Lego League Explore teams (grades 2-4) displaying their season’s work at the event. The duo was able to have a 15-minute conversation with the youngsters on each team to explore what they had learned during the season before determining awards.

The 2025 State Championship event was a test run of new equipment and a new venue for FIRST Wisconsin as they prepare for the future. Up until this point, Wisconsin teams have participated in the “regional” competition model. In this model, Ferradermis traveled annually to Duluth, Minnesota and sometimes into Illinois to compete with teams from around the country and world during the season. As more and more schools in Wisconsin have begun to start robotics teams, the state has been preparing to switch to the “district” model of competition. During the 2026 regular season, which kicks off on the first Saturday of January, Wisconsin teams will begin to compete in-state. Teams will accumulate points at two in-state district events, and the top point-earning teams will then be invited to compete at the state championship. Points are earned based on qualification rankings, alliance selection position, and success in the playoffs as well as awards won. Teams will advance to the FIRST World Championship in Houston only from the state championship. Teams will still have the option to compete out-of-state during the season, but those events will not count in the point standings. This means that out-of-state teams could still attend Wisconsin district events as well. The off-season (May – December) will continue to offer out-of-state competition opportunities, too.

Ferradermis will next be in action at MROC (the Mukwonago Robotics Offseason Competition) on July 26 and 27 at Mukwonago High School. They have two off-season competitions planned for October – TWIST at Muskego High School and Roboteer Rumble in Tremont, Illinois.

Ferradermis is open to new members beginning Thursday, June 19. Any student entering grades 9-12 at Whitewater High School this fall or any homeschooled student residing within the geographic boundaries of the Whitewater Unified School District is welcome to participate. Summer meetings are from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Room 306 at Whitewater High School. Students should enter the building through Door #38, which is between the rear of the auditorium wing and the overhead shop doors. Students may also choose to join in the fall once school starts. If you have questions about membership, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Payton Bunger received his State FFA Degree at the State FFA Convention held June 9-12 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Payton applied for and earned this award based on his involvement in FFA activities at the chapter, state, and national levels, community events, and a stellar SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience). He accepted his degree on stage at the 2025 State Degree recipient session, from (now retired) State FFA President, Jescey Thompson. 

Article and Photos Submitted by Allison Parsons
Whitewater High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor
paral01@wwusd.org

Pictured: volunteer Lisa Dawsey Smith for Downtown Whitewater, Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Whitewater Team for Generac

Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is pleased to announce a generous $3,000 donation from Generac, a continued supporter of community-building efforts in Whitewater. This funding will directly support two highly anticipated 2025 events: the Annual Parade of Lights and Family Day at the Whitewater Area 4th of July Festival.

The Parade of Lights, scheduled annually for the first Friday in December, will take place this year on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Whitewater. This magical event draws families and visitors of all ages to experience illuminated floats, festive music, and a celebration of local creativity and holiday spirit.

The donation will also support Family Day, held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., as the kickoff to the Whitewater Area 4th of July Festival. Thanks to Generac’s continued support, families can enjoy a petting zoo complete with pony and camel rides — all free of charge to the public.

“Community traditions like the Parade of Lights and Family Day are cherished by Whitewater families and visitors alike,” said Lisa Dawsey Smith, volunteer for Downtown Whitewater, Inc. “Generac’s support helps make these events more accessible, engaging, and memorable for everyone who attends.”

Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown district through community partnerships, events, and placemaking efforts.

For more information about upcoming events or ways to get involved, visit www.downtownwhitewater.com.

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Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is a Connect Community through the Wisconsin Main Street

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and action concerning the library’s social media accounts and continuing to
allow public comments and Discussion and possible action concerning the changing of the library’s name from Irvin L.
Young Memorial Library to Whitewater Public Library.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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 the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82290233984?pwd=vHXnZrDQbMO75Qojl7CnGnLkSsrpkv.1
Meeting ID: 822 9023 3984
Passcode: Uc9nnbQG
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Extension of Police Department Memorandum
of Understanding with Whitewater Unified School District regarding School Resource
Officer and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Selection of Council Representatives for
Whitewater Unified School District School Resource Officer Meeting(s).
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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/82525777868?pwd=lGYPI52rqZlXmb4wPfHTTViwXhlemE.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 825 2577 7868
Passcode: 247466

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation of the 2024 Annual Financial Report by Johnson & Block and Discussion and possible action to recommend the Police hiring strategy to Common Council.
City Manager Conference Room, Municipal
Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street
d) 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 the webinar: You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86849515702
Phone one-tap:
+13126266799,,86849515702#
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 868 4951 5702

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on Down Payment Assistance Loan request for 406 E
Milwaukee (/TRA 00048) and Discussion and possible action on responses to RFP for Brokerage Services.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
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/89990415700?pwd=wCXuE yQDAGUtnrcbWVZH1zBTI3FMg.Ln4S7t7xWVlLx7oZ Passcode:647974
Phone one-tap: +13092053325,,88970348110#,,,,647974# US
+13126266799,,88970348110#,,,,*647974#
Webinar ID: 889 7034 8110
Passcode: 647974

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.