Due to construction, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is opening late on Thursday, May 8 and Thursday, May 15. The library will open at 11:00 a.m. on both of these days and will then resume normal hours.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater.
Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Rachael Benedict is a WUL Hometown Hero, nominated by three people “For volunteering hours of her time to help community members reunite with their lost pets and giving guidance and advice to those who have found stray and abandoned pets.”
Patty Beran said of Rachael, “There isn’t a more compassionate, knowledgeable person in the community helping owners find lost pets and giving guidance to those who’ve found strays and abandoned pets. Rachael makes herself available to help find lost/escaped pets and even transport if needed. In addition to helping residents in need of pet supplies and other resources. Our Whitewater area pets are lucky to have such a caring individual looking out for them.”
Stephanie Goettl said of Rachael, “I just wanted to reach out to nominate someone for your Hometown Hero series. Rachael Benedict has done a tremendous amount of work for our community, not only working to assist with the feral cat population but also ALWAYS being willing to assist anyone with a lost pet. I have seen her go out of her way at late or early hours to assist strangers with finding lost cats, dogs, and more unique pets. Even with a young child at home, she volunteers to help and expects nothing in return. She always offers advice to pet owners for how to avoid these situations in the kindest possible way and is there without judgment when it does occur. As someone who loves my pets like children, I am grateful to know someone like Rachael would be there if something awful like losing them did take place.”
Helen Matteson said, “Rachael does a lot for our furry friends and family. She reunites lost humans with their pets and helps trap our furry friends, attempting to locate their loved ones and getting them veterinary care as needed. I rarely see her ask for help. Permission to trap on various properties, yes, but rarely for help.”
At the time the award was given, Rachael had a stray cat in her care ready to take to a shelter. This would be her 100th animal rescue this year alone. She has been helping pets and their families for six years.
All of Rachael’s efforts are completely volunteer-based and done in her free-time. She is deeply passionate about making a difference in the community and is committed to creating lasting, positive change. Currently Rachael is working to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help raise funds and apply for grants to expand her impact. Anyone who wishes to contribute funds to help her with her volunteer rescue activities should contact her at 262-378-1486.
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award honors 9th- 12th grade students for their computing-related achievements and interests and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, persistence, and future plans. NCWIT-Wisconsin held their annual awards program at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday, May 4, and six Whitewater High School students were among the 144 Wisconsin honorees.
Juniors Ace Hudec, Erison Dreksler, and Rae Breisath were named Wisconsin Winners of the Aspirations in Computing Award. Junior Lucinda DiFiore received an Honorable Mention, and junior Margaret Brown and freshman Emilie Bruns were each named Rising Stars. These students will become part of a large Aspirations community network which creates opportunities including scholarships and internships that lead to careers in technology.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
City of Whitewater Open Book with the Assessor – Monday from 1-5 p.m.
Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street
Instructional material will be provided at the open book to persons who wish to object to valuations under Wis. Stat. § 70.47.
The book may also be viewed here.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Special Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: Open session: HYA presentation of Superintendent search survey results and district profile report.
Closed session @ 6:50 p.m.: Review Superintendent applications
City of Whitewater Open Book with the Assessor – Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street
Instructional material will be provided at the open book to persons who wish to object to valuations under Wis. Stat. § 70.47.
The book may also be viewed here.
Whitewater Unified School District Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 12:00 p.m.
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes referendum update: finance timeline and options
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
12:00 p.m.
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Hearing of appeal of Ethan Ticcioni for denial of Beverage Operator’s License.
Whitewater Municipal Building
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 click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82898021981?pwd=DfEf6YqUxMBtTMGYnJ9gEXEPHvr8f1.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 828 9802 1981
Passcode: 913030
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes guest speaker Brian Doudna, Sheboygan County Economic Development Director; Public Hearing for the SEWRPC Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes, Staff report regarding School Resource Officer Q & A and Proposed School Resource Officer Contract; Resolution to Create Lakes District in the City of Whitewater.
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.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86948306764?pwd=9DPzXEoebe0s5Lw3JZ4YLT3zLECNqC.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 869 4830 6764 Passcode: 470858
City of Whitewater Starin Park Water Tower Committee – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/386576861
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 386-576-861
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission = Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Consideration to Approve and Recommend to Common Council recommendations
regarding the Starin Park Water Tower.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/624830285
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 624-830-285
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Mark Dorn came across this novel “Spring Splash” scene at the corner of Main and Prairie Streets on May 3. When he sent the photo to the Banner, in addition to “Students study hearty,” Mark added “Boys just wanna have fun.”
Mark gave the following account of his experience catching the photo: “I drove past before Noon and was amused by their sign. I turned around and parked on Cottage and walked over. I asked them if I could take a pic, and they said “Yes.” One young man asked me who I was with, and I told him I’d like to share it with The Whitewater Banner. He asked if it was a paper. Replied it was a website that is considered Whitewater’s daily online paper. He asked the other guys, and they were OK with it. After I took the pic, I thanked them, and we shook hands. I was happy and they..umm..were already feeling happy.”
A few hours later a huge crowd of “honorees” was spotted on the fraternity lawn.
Our thanks to Mark Dorn for this fun photo and commentary!
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Editor’s note: It appears that a few appointments are still remaining. See below to view the appointment schedule.
Walworth County Health and Human Services, along with State Farm® and Safe Kids Worldwide, invite families to a free Car Seat Check-Up Event on Wednesday, May 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Community Space in Whitewater. Car seats may be available at no cost for families in need.
This appointment-only event is part of the Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program, an initiative aimed at ensuring that children are buckled up safely for every ride. Studies indicate that more than half of child car seats are misused or incorrectly installed, yet a correctly used and installed child safety seat can reduce the risk of injury by as much as 71 percent. To schedule an appointment for this event, visit https://bit.ly/May7seatcheck (click on “get tickets”) or call 262-741-3200. If you can’t make it, families can still have their car seats checked by calling Walworth County Health and Human Services at 262-741-3200 to arrange an appointment.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to announce the 2025 Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) Exhibition, running from May 1-31, 2025, at the Cultural Arts Center, located at 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. This exhibition provides artists from across Wisconsin with a platform to showcase their creativity, enhance their skills, and connect with others in the arts community.
WRAP offers a welcoming environment where artists can learn, share ideas, and find inspiration. Regional winners will advance to a statewide exhibit, giving them an even greater opportunity to showcase their talent. The exhibition will feature a variety of artwork, including 3D sculptures, acrylics, oils, and collages. Supporting local artists through programs like WRAP is central to WAA’s mission to foster a thriving arts community.
About Whitewater Arts Alliance:
The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community.
Whitewater Arts Alliance / Cultural Arts Center
402 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI, 53190
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance
Gallery Exhibit Hours
Thursdays: 12-4 pm
Fridays: 12-4 pm
Saturdays: 12-4 pm
Sundays: 12-4 pm
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.
This public service announcement serves as a reminder that blowing or depositing grass clippings into any City street is prohibited. Reasons this is not permitted include: 1) Grass clippings, leaves, and other lawn debris can clog storm drains, resulting in street and private property flooding. 2) Storm drains flow directly to local lakes untreated. Grass clippings add unnecessary nutrients, which help feed harmful algae blooms. 3) Clippings can make the street slippery and hazardous for bicyclists and motorcyclists.
Using a mulching mower puts clippings back into the turf and keeps the nutrients where they belong. Should you choose to use a discharging mower, please be sure to point the blower toward your property (away from the street) to prevent clippings from leaving your lawn.
When finished mowing, be sure to use a blower, broom, or rake to clean up any grass clippings or debris that have inadvertently made their way into the street, sidewalk, or storm drain. Mowers may also choose to bag clippings, but they may not be disposed of in the garbage totes. City residents are encouraged to compost clippings on their property or take them to the City’s compost site.
City Code – Chapter 12.08 – STREET OBSTRUCTIONS
Sections:
12.08.010 – Prohibited.
(a) No person, except as provided in Section 12.08.020, shall place, deposit, keep, or cause to be placed,
deposited or kept in or upon any street, alley, gutter, sidewalk or public ground within the limits of this city any
stone, brick, timber, lumber, iron, wood or other material for building, or any wood, snow, rubbish, earth, grass
clippings or lawn debris, or anything or substance whatever; nor shall any person burn or cause to be burned any
such substance in any public street or alley; nor shall any person leave any automobile, truck, trailer, equipment or
other vehicle standing or parked in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, or public ground so as to encumber the
same, or so as to obstruct, impede, or hinder travel thereon; nor shall any person leave, or cause to suffer any box,
barrel, crate, cask, bale, package, merchandise, or other thing to stand, be or remain upon any street, alley,
sidewalk, gutter, or public ground longer than may be actually necessary for the act of delivering or receiving the
same.
(b) Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall forfeit and pay a penalty of not less than twenty-
five dollars not more than two hundred fifty dollars, together with the costs of prosecution.
(Ord. 983 §51, 1982; prior code §6.01(1))
(Ord. No. 1759A, § 1, 2-16-2010)
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The Annual Whitewater FFA Plant Sale, featuring bedding plants, hanging baskets, and vegetables, will be held May 5th – 10th. The hours Monday through Friday will be from 8 am – 4 pm. On Saturday the hours are 9 am – 12 pm. This is a good event to support our local FFA chapter for the many events that they sponsor. The plant sale will be at the Whitewater High School, at door 32 behind the shop at the green house. The address is 534 S Elizabeth St.
By Sherry Stanek
Member, Urban Forestry Commission
The 4th Annual Community Tree Sale was held Arbor Day weekend as in past years, and for a change, we didn’t have a Nor’easter or any blizzards! The weather was seasonal and hundreds of people came to browse and buy native trees and shrubs that can’t be found easily in the area and were grateful to find them in Whitewater! Many of the buyers have been to one or more of our earlier sales and several said they’d see us again next year!
This year more than 350 native trees and shrubs were purchased! Several people asked why Whitewater’s Urban Forestry Commission holds this sale, and we explained that local pollinators and birds need native plants, shrubs and trees to survive, and we all need pollinators and birds! This is our effort to increase awareness of this fact and to make it easier for people to find native plants that they often aren’t able to find at big box stores and outlets nearby so that they can add native plants to their landscapes. The few that don’t sell each year are planted at Starin Park as we work to expand the Arboretum there. Thanks to these sales, more than a thousand native trees and shrubs have been added to our area on private land! Thanks to our City Foresters for increasing the numbers of native trees planted on city streets and in our parks each year. Because of their work and dedication, Whitewater is one of the MOST diverse Tree Cities in the entire state of Wisconsin! And that’s a big deal! If another pest like Emerald Ash Borer shows up here like it did a few years ago, we won’t lose so many of our city street and park trees because of the wide variety of trees in our urban forest!
Thank you to all of the many volunteers, city staff and, of course, our customers, who make this possible. It couldn’t happen without all of you!! And a special thank you to the Whitewater Middle School Show Choir members who helped us celebrate another year of being a Wisconsin Tree City!