News

The City of Whitewater has been recognized as a Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace by Family Friendly Workplaces, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing employer policies that support working families.

Family Friendly Workplaces prioritizes strengthening benefits available to families across western Wisconsin, with a particular focus on early childhood development and family time. Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood experiences and strong family bonding lead to meaningful, long-term outcomes, including improved academic performance, stronger communication skills, reduced risky behaviors among youth, lower likelihood of chronic disease in adulthood, and increased lifetime earnings.

Employers play a critical role in supporting these outcomes through workplace policies and benefits. To encourage adoption of family-centered practices, Family Friendly Workplaces places significant emphasis on early childhood support and time-off policies within its Certification Matrix.

The City of Whitewater earned Gold Level certification due to its strong commitment to employee well-being. The City qualified for this recognition through its comprehensive health care options, flexible work schedule, and a bring-an-infant-to-work policy. These benefits are designed to help employees successfully balance professional and family responsibilities.

“This recognition reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting our workforce and fostering a healthy work-life balance,” said Sara Marquardt, HR Manager. “We understand that when employees are supported at home, they are better able to serve our community.”

The City plans to leverage this designation in recruitment and outreach efforts, reinforcing Whitewater’s position as an employer of choice in the region.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.

Thanks to Coach Michael McCabe and special shout-out to Activities and Athletics Director Mike Dowden who helped make it happen! The Whippets graciously hosted the St. Coletta Special Olympics basketball team Wednesday afternoon. St. Coletta won the game to finish their season on a great note. Congrats to Mike, Thomas, Caleb, Candace, Cody, and Eric from St. Coletta and Matthew and Tyler Carollo, Connor Brummeyer, Evan Amundson, Casey Lyon, and Emmett Spear from the WWHS team. Coach Joe Carollo, who coached for both of these teams this year, organized the event with the help of St. Coletta’s Celia Villanueva and Amy Eicksteadt. Great experience for all involved!

Journey With Us to the Empty Tomb
Immanuel Anglican Church

You are welcome to join us for these rich and beautiful worship gatherings as we enter into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus once again. These are beautiful, historic church services that draw on all of Scripture and lead us on a journey to the empty tomb. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday | March 29 | 9am

Maundy Thursday | April 2 | 5:30pm

Good Friday | April 3
12pm Stations of the Cross Service (Open house until 4:30pm)
5:30pm Good Friday Liturgy

Holy Saturday | April 4
3:30pm Easter Egg Hunt (Outside, behind the Community Engagement Center)
5:30pm The Great Vigil of Easter

Easter Sunday | April 5
6:15am Sunrise Service
9am Festival Easter Eucharist

Location: All Holy Week events will be held at the Community Engagement Center in the Multipurpose Room, unless otherwise noted: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190

Parking: Please park in the rear of the building. (See map on our events page: https://immanuelwhitewater.church/what-were-up-to/)

For more information, please feel free to contact us at immanuelwhitewater@gmail.com or visit our website at https://immanuelwhitewater.church/. We look forward to meeting you!

The long-standing tradition of the Whitewater Kiwanis Club’s efforts at delivering hundreds of Easter lilies in advance of Holy Week has run into a minor snag this year as the supplier has experienced delivery delays. Normally Kiwanis members will have completed delivery to businesses and homes by Friday afternoon. It is looking like
delivery may be extended over the weekend and possibly Monday.

Funds raised through this and other Kiwanis fundraising efforts support children locally and worldwide. Local Kiwanis funded efforts include scholarships, playground equipment like the recently installed accessible “We-Go-Round” at Starin Park, support of youth sports and Ferradermis Robotics, providing kids winter clothing, support of various community organizations and much more.

Each florist quality Kiwanis lily has a minimum of five flowers in a 6” pot with a protective sleeve. A contribution of $20 per plant is desired. Delivery is included to area businesses and homes. A limited number of plants are still available and can be ordered by calling Al Stanek at 608 320-9781. Cash or checks upon delivery are accepted.

Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center to Host Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt on March 28

Families in the Whitewater community are invited to celebrate the season at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center’s Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the facility located at 508 S. Elizabeth Street.

This family-friendly event will feature egg hunts, prizes, and opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny, creating a fun and memorable experience for children of all ages.

Each participant will receive a gift bag, and those who find a special golden egg will receive Aquatic and Fitness Center membership prizes.

Participants will be grouped by age to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
 Ages 2–5: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
 Ages 5–8: 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
 Ages 8–12: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

The cost to participate is $5 per child, which also includes open swim admission after 12:00 PM, allowing families to extend their day of fun at the Aquatic Center. In addition, $5 day passes will be available for all attendees, making it easy for families and spectators to enjoy the facility throughout the day.

Advance registration is preferred, though participants may also pay at the door on the day of the event.
To register online, visit www.wwparks.org or contact the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center at (262) 473-4900.

“This event is a great way for families to come together, celebrate spring, and enjoy everything our Aquatic and Fitness Center has to offer,” said Kevin Boehm, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. “We look forward to welcoming the community for a morning full of fun and excitement.”

For additional information, please contact the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center at (262) 473-4900
or visit the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department online.

The Ferradermis Robotics Open House on February 14 at the high school enjoyed a great turnout as Ferradermis members gave personal tours of their space and projects. The students spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming renovation/expansion project which will provide them with more space, including a full-size field as is used in their competitions. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our next 2026 Hunter Safety Education Course on May 2, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and May 3, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. There will be an in-person introductory session on April 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students need to attend all sessions to graduate. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Students must be at least 12 years of age.

Hunter Safety Education Course

Session 1: April 22, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: May 2, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 3: May 3, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club

Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education

Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Michael Borgwardt at michael.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us.

Editor’s note: It is not necessary to be a Rock County resident in order to participate in these classes.

City of Whitewater Launches New Website and Mobile App Platform

The City of Whitewater is proud to announce the launch of its new official website and digital platform, designed to provide a more modern, accessible, and connected experience for residents, businesses, and visitors. While the City’s web address remains the same, the platform itself is entirely new featuring an updated design, improved functionality, and expanded access to city services and information.

In addition to the new website, the city is introducing a mobile app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app allows users to stay informed with city news, receive notifications, and easily access services directly from their smartphones.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/city -of-whitewater/id6760208273
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.cityofwhitewater

Residents are encouraged to explore the new platform and experience its features firsthand. Visit theCity of Whitewater website as usual or search for “City of Whitewater” in your app store to download the mobile app.

High schoolers from across the region to perform in Jerry Ensemble Cabaret

Get ready for a dazzling night of song and storytelling! The Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble takes the stage with two performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Monday, March 30 in Promenade Hall. The Jerry Ensemble Cabaret will feature everything from beloved musical theater classics to the latest Broadway hits. Tickets ($30) are available at overture.org.

Overture’s Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble is made up of accomplished high school singers from 11 Wisconsin schools. They will wow you with solos, duets, trios and more. Sing along with familiar favorites and discover new showstoppers while enjoying an evening of pure musical magic. With their incredible talent and infectious energy, these performers are sure to leave you humming long after the final note.  

2025/26 Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble

• Gigi Christensen, Adams-Friendship High School 
• Coen Faber, Mount Horeb High School 
• Matias Finley, Abundant Life Christian 
• Isaac Freiberg, Middleton High School 
• Elleigh Harter, Sauk Prairie High School 
• Beau Jacobs, Oregon High School 
• Alexandra (Allie) Jonas, Parker High School 
• Isabel Killian, Middleton High School 
• Callie Lederer, Verona Area High School 
• Madison Melrose, Sun Prairie East High School 
• Leena Rathgeber, Monona Grove High School 
• Kimball Richards, Sun Prairie East High School 
• Samuel Roberts, Sauk Prairie High School 
• Ava Van Daele, Whitewater High School 
• Connor Wilkinson, Sun Prairie East High School 
• Aurelia (Lia) Wochenske, Oregon High School 
• Payton Sarbacker, Verona Area High School 

ABOUT THE JERRYS

The Jerrys, one of Wisconsin’s High School Musical Awards Programs, encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009/10 school year as the Tommy Awards and was renamed in 2017/18 season to The Jerrys after philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi. Educators and industry professionals attend productions at nearly 115 high schools in 30 counties around the state, providing valuable feedback. The program elevates the importance of musical theater within high schools. 

The Jerry Ensembles are the premier performance groups representing the Jerry Awards in Southern and Central Wisconsin featuring select vocal performers from schools participating in the Jerry Awards program. Students are selected through auditions each year. The Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble is directed by Gail Becker and the Central Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble is directed by Marshall DeLonay. 

OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Madison, Wis. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization that features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and five galleries where national and international touring artists, nine resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in more than 500,000 educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture’s mission is to support and elevate our community’s creative culture, economy and quality of life through the arts. overture.org

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Overture Center.