News

Dir. of Faith Formation Job opening –
Provide leadership in the design and implementation of programs for adults, young adults, youth and children to build a solid formation for adult spirituality, Christian living and ministry.  Spanish language skills preferred but not required.  Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org

Business Manager job opening –
The Business Manager is responsible for providing financial and administrative oversight and counsel to make for an efficient and fiscally responsible parish. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org

Calling All Musicians!

The Congregational UCC will be having our last worship service on Sunday, April 27^th – and we would like to have a celebration of being here since 1840. For the celebration on April 27^th the UCC in Whitewater, Wisconsin, would like to invite you, your friends, or family to take part in a music extravaganza! 

All players of any instrument will be welcome to play an arrangement of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The celebration will include (but not require) the opportunity to play solos, have fun, eat food, and celebrate with the members of the congregation at their last service. Being a member of a church is not a requirement. Please make sure you are available from 9 am until 12 noon on Sunday, April 27^th.

Please expect to rehearse 45 minutes before the start of the service. Small compensation will be provided for travel and time.

If you are interested, please contact the Office Manager – Renea Zuehlke at renea.wwucc@sbcglobal.net or by phone 262-473-4101.  Please respond by March 31st at 4 p.m. with your name, best way to contact you, the city you are traveling from, and instrument you will be playing. In April, more details will be provided along with music, finalized worship and rehearsal times, and any additional instruction. 

Thank you!

Students in the Whitewater Unified School District have achieved significant
growth in literacy over the past year, according to Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment scores.

Literacy proficiency in the district’s elementary schools has grown from 31.5% at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, to 53.4% in January 2025. The achievement has come about due to the WUSD educators, specialists, coaches, paraprofessionals, and administrators implementing research-based literacy instruction that is transforming student outcomes.

“This collective achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “We are proud to see our efforts making a measurable impact, and we remain dedicated to fostering a future in which every student becomes a confident, capable reader.”

WUSD staff have embraced ongoing professional development in structured literacy and the Science of Reading, leading to the creation of impactful, data-driven instruction. The district’s adoption of Into Reading by HMH, a universal literacy curriculum, has provided a solid foundation for daily instruction, emphasizing the five essential components of structured literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

Additionally, the implementation of Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) and Sound Partners has strengthened intervention strategies, ensuring students receive targeted support tailored to their needs.

WUSD’s literacy success has drawn attention from other districts across Wisconsin. During the first semester, WUSD welcomed educators from Adams-Friendship, East Troy, Janesville, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Ripon, and Watertown to observe and learn from its Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 literacy instructional practices.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

FAYETTE, IA — Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 GPA and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Among those named to the Dean’s List was Avery Agnew, a Exercise Science major from Whitewater, WI.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to roughly 5,500 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, Campus, and education centers through the U.S. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, affordable, and quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

Updated on 2/6/25 to add agendas for Thursday meetings.

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
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.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86935487361?pwd=hzqSBQ2aEitTZbZVUo2KiAnnLm0AWH.1
Or dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 869 3548 7361
Passcode: 127947

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Deb Reinbold, Executive Director of Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium, will speak on Housing, First reading of an ordinance creating the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Committee, CLOSED SESSION Adjourn to Closed Session, TO RECONVENE, Q1 Crime Prevention Strategies update and City Manager’s Performance Evaluation.
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/81763470107?pwd=IVMOx5yoZnAObPal3b0TF0ZFOQ6A6u.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 817 6347 0107
Passcode: 767507

City of Whitewater Starin Park Water Tower Community Committee – Wednesday @ 6:00 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/535334845
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 535-334-845
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
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 Staff update on where the signage for Territorial Oak is located and when it will be replaced and Discussion and possible action regarding a joint meeting with Urban Forestry regarding Territorial Oak.
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/392641661
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 392-641-661
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Thursday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda
Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Thursday, February 06, 2025 – 8:30 AM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83297790237?pwd=6fLb1I9BOaMapbqoB4IDm1ftFbI1IJ.1
Meeting ID: 832 9779 0237
Passcode: 471402
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83297790237#,,,,471402# US (Chicago) +16469313860,,83297790237#,,,,471402# US


City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 pm
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
* Virtual Only*
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/561728445
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 561-728-445
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

The topic of Central American migration across the U.S.-Mexico border has long been a flashpoint in domestic politics. However, beyond media narratives and political rhetoric lies a deeper historical context shaping today’s immigration policies.

Join Dr. Micah Wright, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, for an enlightening discussion on Friday, February 7, at 10:30 AM at Seniors in the Park, 405 W Starin Road. Dr. Wright will provide an overview of U.S.-Central American relations, tracing historical developments from the Cold War to the Biden Administration. This presentation will explore the evolution of U.S. immigration law and shifting public opinion, offering insights to foster a more nuanced conversation on border security and immigration policy.

Dr. Wright’s research focuses on interAmerican relations, U.S. military occupations, and the influence of colonial peoples on U.S. politics in the twentieth century. His scholarship has been published in notable journals such as Gender & History, The Latin Americanist, and Caribbean Studies. He is currently developing a book manuscript based on his dissertation, which was recognized with an Oxford University Press USA International History Dissertation Prize honorable mention.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of a complex and timely issue. Find additional information on Dr. Wright and his research here.

Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.

This month, a downtown business celebrates an incredible milestone —its second anniversary! What began as an idea during a trip to the United Kingdom in 2021 for owner Natalie has flourished into a community hub that has changed lives—both feline and human—right here in Whitewater.

Since opening its doors, BaristaCats Cafe has made quite an impact, rescuing over 200 cats and successfully placing more than 150 in loving forever homes. For countless visitors, it has been a haven for relaxation, coffee, and, of course, cat snuggles. The comfort and companionship this unique establishment provides have made it a beloved stop in Whitewater’s historic downtown commercial district.

BaristaCats’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. As the first KIVA microloan recipient in the City of Whitewater to receive a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) matching grant, the cafe has been at the forefront of innovative small business funding. It also proudly won the Whitewater Windup competition, secured a grant from the Walmart Community Foundation, and continues to rally support from animal lovers throughout the region.

The success of BaristaCats Cafe is a testament to the power of community support, passion, and a mission-driven business. Congratulations to the entire BaristaCats team on this incredible achievement! Here’s to many more years of coffee, cuddles, and cat adoptions in Whitewater!

Stop by, celebrate this small business, and maybe even meet your future feline companion—because every cup of coffee served at BaristaCats helps make a difference.

submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
photos generously provided of the 2nd Anniversary Pawty on Feb 1, 2025 by BaristaCats Cafe & Sanctuary for Wayward Cats

Spread the word… Registration is now open for the U6-U8 nontraveling spring session! Visit our website for more information and to get your player registered!! We’re looking forward to another fun-filled session and to seeing you all on the field!

The Whitewater United FC Club is the local soccer club for children in the area. The club is completely volunteer-run and plays during the fall and spring. Our home fields are at Moraine View Park.

• U6 Practice Monday 5-5:45, game day Wednesday 5-5:45 pm
• ​U8 Practice Monday & Wednesday 5:15-6:00 pm. Game day Friday 5:15-6 pm

Club E-mail: general@whitewaterunitedfc.com

Registrar: Raquel Serna – Registrar@whitewaterunitedfc.com

​

Scholarship Applications Available for Local Students

Jefferson County Farm Bureau is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. The scholarship is available to graduating high school and current college/technical school students who will continue their education in 2025-2026. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance toward the cost of higher education.

To be eligible, students must be the son or daughter of a Jefferson County Farm Bureau member and pursuing higher education from an accredited college, university, or technical school. Applications are due on April 1 and are available at local high schools or from the Jefferson County Farm Bureau webpage.
www.wfbf.com/countyfarmbureaus/jefferson

Jefferson County Farm Bureau has maintained strong support for community and youth programs and is one of the 61 county Farm Bureau organizations that make up the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF). WFBF is the state’s largest
general farm organization representing farms of different sizes, commodities, and management styles.