K9 Fund Disbursement 6:00 pm on April 15 @ Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office In front by the K9 memorial Statue – Open to anyone.
Lettsew K9 Foundation is dissolving after 5 years of fundraising for Jefferson County K9s and the surrounding area. Lettsew K9 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. LETTSEWK9 FOUNDATION stands for Law Enforcement Training Teams of Southeastern Wisconsin. Our mission is to support K9s in law enforcement and educate the communities they serve to protect. Over the years we have fundraised and raised awareness for the needs of K9 units in our communities.
We have supported K9 units in ★ Lake Mills ★ Watertown ★ UW-Whitewater – 2 K9 Units ★ Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office – 4 K9 units ★ Fort Atkinson ★ Ripon K9 units rely on community support.
These small K9 units have always been “for the community, by the community” which means that the unit is not taxpayer-funded. We are truly blessed to have these dedicated teams in our community!
Local K9 units are trained to assist in; explosive detection narcotic detection suspect apprehension searching for suspects and lost people crowd control and building searches
Our Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who have dedicated their time and heart into fundraising for the paws that enforce the laws. Unfortunately, we have struggled to find volunteers to commit, which has ultimately led our group to dissolve.
Lettsew K9 Foundation is thrilled to donate over $50,000 divided equally between the 10 K9 units.
The National Honor Society will be celebrating National Student Leadership Week April 21-25 with a life-saving American Red Cross Blood Drive on April 16, a Spring Silent Auction April 7-25, a clothing drive, and recognition of outstanding student leadership at WHS. Teachers will be nominating students who have made a difference in our school and community and serve as a source of inspiration and hope – not just for their peers but for all of us. Community members who wish to donate blood can sign up here: CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment. Donors must be at least 16 years old or older to donate blood. All student donors must have a signed permission slip turned into Mrs. Sonmor Wintz before scheduling an appointment. Clothing contributions may be dropped off in the WHS Main Office. A great time will be had by all!
Congratulations to these high school students for successfully completing their CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to caring for others have led you to this amazing achievement. This course, taught in partnership with Gateway Technical College, prepares students for employment as nursing assistants and for other health-related programs. During the 75-hour course, held in the Whitewater High School CNA Lab, students learned about communication, basic nursing assistant and personal care skills, attention to clients’ rights, and care of clients with dementias. This program is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as a nurse-aide training program.
Pictured in front are Gabrielle Kirley, Payton Brautigam, and Charlotte Hajewski. In back are Delaney Hammack, Allie Kaczoroski, Rebecca Sortino, and Alexa Wildenberg.
Ferradermis placed third in its third and final Regional of the season which was held from April 3 – 6 at State Fair Park in West Allis in what was the last ever Wisconsin Regional. Next year, Wisconsin will be switching its model of competition to what are known as “Districts” where teams will compete in-state for a chance to play in the State Championship. The top teams in the state will advance from there to the FIRST Championships in Houston.
The robot was led onto the field in West Allis by Driver Andrew O’Toole, Operator Erison Dreksler, Human Player Jayden Kehrer, Technician Nina Heim, and Drive Coach Mark Zimmermann. The robot performed very well, regularly scoring a piece of coral on the highest level of the reef during the autonomous period, something it could not do during previous events. Programming Lead Ace Hudec and programming mentors Jacob Korf and Andy McKenzie spent much time on the practice field between matches working on additional automation. The drive team guided the robot to efficient scoring of coral throughout each match, increasing the number of cycles they could complete by making use of their recently added ability to pick up pieces of coral from the ground instead of needing to go to the human player station. The robot demonstrated its quick deep climb onto the cage at the end of nearly every match. A broken intake mechanism during two matches left the team playing defense for part of each of those matches. After compiling a 5-5 record in qualifications, Ferradermis ranked #21 out of the 47 teams at the event.
Recognized by Team 2506 Saber Robotics from Franklin, Wisconsin as a great complement to their 7th seeded algae bot, Ferradermis was their first pick to join the #7 alliance, and the 14th team to secure a spot in the playoffs. The two teams then invited Team 2194 Fondy Fire from Fond du Lac to round out their playoff alliance. Ferradermis was represented on the field during alliance selections by Emerson Dunham, Zoe Olson, and Letty Trautman.
The #7 alliance played very well together, defeating the #2 alliance in the first match 190-176. They then fell to the #6 alliance 189-177 to drop into the lower bracket of the double elimination tournament. Ferradermis knocked out the #8 alliance in a close match with a final score of 176-172 before eliminating the #5 alliance by a score of 165-131. This set up a rematch with the #6 alliance for the right to play in the finals against the #1 seed. The scoring for this match was so close that no one knew for sure who had won until several minutes after the match ended. When the score was finally revealed, the Ferradermis alliance was eliminated on a one-point loss, 184-183, finishing the event in third place.
Throughout the event, the pit was staffed by Safety Captain Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman. Overseeing our scouting alliance with Team 1259 Paradigm Shift from Pewaukee and Team 3596 Rocket Robotics from South Milwaukee was Game Strategy Lead Rae Breisath, assisted by head scouts Cyrus Hudec and Andrew Zimmermann. Scouting in the stands was done by many team members including Emilie Bruns, Asher Downs, Georgia Esch, Vivian Harris, Toby Kapfer, Colby Long, Carson Miller, Preston Miller, and Virginia Nelson, and scouts were advised by mentors Kevin Housel, Matt Doherty, and Kat Dunham. Cooper Housel continued to wear the team’s media badge, and Margaret Brown continued to film matches for review by the drive team. Maddi LaHaie, Chacha Binagi, and Sam Raupp again presented to a panel of judges on our team’s impact on Whitewater, the state, and the FRC community.
The Impact Presentation Team after their presentation to the judges was complete
In addition to the competition, Ferradermis had the opportunity to attend a Brewers game on Thursday night after pit setup. The highlight of the event, however, was perhaps the visit from 57 of the WUSD FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge Team members from Lakeview, Lincoln, Washington, and the middle school. The students were teamed up in small groups with Ferradermis members and spent time completing one BINGO card in the pits and another while watching practice matches. The BINGO cards were designed by the high school students to encourage the younger students to spot and ask questions about various parts of the event.
57 younger WUSD students visited the Wisconsin Regional on Friday, April 4
Over the course of the 3 regional events, Ferradermis compiled a match record of 28 wins, 16 losses, and 1 tie. Statistically, they are ranked 5th in the state of Wisconsin with an EPA (estimated points added) of 52.9, being expected to contribute at least 53 points to their alliance during a match. The robot has seen a steady increase in EPA since the season began, growing by 20 points since the first event in Duluth. Their current EPA places them in the top 12% of teams in the world.
Next up for the team is a trip to the FIRST Championships in Houston. The team will depart Whitewater on Tuesday, April 15 and compete over the course of four days, with the world champion alliance being crowned on Saturday evening. The 600 teams competing in Houston will be divided into 8 divisions. The divisions will play on 8 fields arranged end-to-end, with 300 team pits located on either end of the fields. This arrangement stretches for a full ⅓ of a mile. Ferradermis will learn its division assignment later this week.
As Wisconsin prepares to move to the district model, Ferradermis has received an invitation to compete in an inaugural state championship event in Sheboygan on June 13 and 14. This event will allow the state to test out new equipment and systems to be used to run events next year.
Until then, Ferradermis will continue to fundraise for its trips. This week, Rocky Rococo’s hosted a fundraising event for the team on Wednesday. On Thursday night, April 10, Toppers Pizza will donate 20% of their sales to the team between 4:00 and 9:00. Toppers asks that customers mention robotics when ordering so they can track the success of the event. Then, on April 22, the Real MacCoys will host a Ferradermis Bingo Night. If you would like to make a contribution to help the team get to its championship events, you can donate using the button on https://www.ferradermis.org/ or mail a check made out to WHS to Laura Masbruch at Whitewater High School, 534 S Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos from dress rehearsal on April 8 courtesy of Tom Ganser
General admission tickets are “Pay What You Can” for the April 10 performance, and $8 adults and $5 students for the April 11 and 12 performances. Tickets are available one hour before the performances.
The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect bagged leaves and yard waste the: Week of March 31 – April 4, 2025 and Week of April 7 – April 11, 2025 *Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.
Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 33 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags, at the Finance Department window, in the fall only.
All bags must be brought to the curb by 7:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 10, for collection by City staff.
Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of bagged leaves and yard waste. The compost site, 599 N. Jefferson Street, will on open on Saturdays beginning April 5, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays, starting April 9, from 3:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m. The city will provide a loader for loading chips and compost beginning Saturday, April 5. This loader will be available on the first Saturday of each month until the site closes for the season on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Residents requesting brush collection should call (262) 473-0560 by noon on Monday to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.
NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on…right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites lives.
Enjoy an afternoon of family-centered activities on Saturday, April 12 with the annual International Children’s Day celebration at Lincoln Elementary School, Whitewater.
This free fun family event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m. Information will be available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for cash sale.
Activities include:
1 p.m.: Meet the author Ruth Molina-Mota who will read from her book Las Aventuras de Diego y Andy: Animales Unicos y Asombrosos. The book will be read bilingually.
2 p.m.: Musical performance by Whitewater High School students.
3 p.m: A read aloud event.
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 12 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world. We are so pleased that another child-focused organization, the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, is one of our sponsors for this volunteer-based event,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at this event. The food offers are cash only.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Whitewater Arts Alliance Hosts 2025 Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) Exhibition and Workshop
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.
Submissions Still Accepted The final date for online entries for the WRAP exhibit is Sunday, April 20, 2025. Entries can also be submitted in person during the artwork drop-off on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. For more details about submitting art, visit WRAP 2025 (May) — Whitewater Arts Alliance.
Special Watercolor Workshop Artist and WRAP juror Tom Jewell will host a watercolor workshop titled “How to Develop Composition in Your Paintings” on Saturday, May 3, from 9 am-12 pm. The workshop will take place prior to the Awards Reception in the afternoon, providing an excellent opportunity to develop new skills before the celebration.
During the workshop, Tom will share examples of composition techniques from his own artwork and guide participants in creating cohesive compositions. Jewell says, “Good composition is the backbone of any successful painting. In this workshop, I’ll not only share techniques to create balanced and engaging compositions, but also help participants bring their own ideas to life. Together, we’ll lay the groundwork for paintings that truly resonate.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring ideas or photos to work from, as Tom will provide personalized feedback to each participant. Refreshments will be provided. The cost for those who do not have work in the WRAP Exhibit is $10 per person, which includes all supplies and refreshments. The cost is free for those exhibiting work in the WRAP exhibit as their entry fee includes workshop admission. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Visit whitewaterarts.org/wrap-2025 to reserve your spot.
Awards Reception Later that day, join us from 12 pm-4 pm for the Awards Reception, where we’ll celebrate the accomplishments of participating artists and bring the arts community together.
Exhibit Hours The WRAP exhibit will be open to the public Thursdays through Sundays, from 12 pm-4 pm throughout May. Admission is free, and for those unable to attend in person, the exhibit will also be available to view online.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance invites the entire community to experience the 2025 WRAP Exhibition, and support the talented artists of Wisconsin. For more details about the exhibition or workshop, visit whitewaterarts.org.
For more information, please contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance Phone: 608-201-2151 Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com Website: whitewaterarts.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwartsalliance “Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!”
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) – Beta Gamma chapter at the PSE National Convention on March 19-22 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Submitted photo)
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) – Beta Gamma Chapter earned national recognition at the PSE National Convention on March 19-22 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The national convention included more than 160 competitors from more than 30 schools.
The largest competition, the year-long Pro-Am Sell-A-Thon, trains and develops all competitors in all aspects of the sales process and consists of three rounds. UW-Whitewater had seven of the 35 semifinalists and three of the top five finishers.
UW-Whitewater also claimed the Top Team award for highest number of participants in a chapter and for having at least one member among the top 10 of the year-long competition.
UW-Whitewater’s PSE – Beta Gamma chapter is a marketing, sales and business fraternity on the UW-Whitewater campus. The group focuses on professional development with events throughout each semester, including resume building, interview training and newly introduced AI workshops. The chapter is advised by marketing faculty members Rob Boostrom, associate professor, Dennis Kopf, associate professor, and Karen Whalen, lecturer.
The university’s College of Business and Economics supports several award-winning student organizations at the university. For more information on the college, visit uww.edu/cobe.
UW-Whitewater instructor-led team pouring the molten cast iron into the molds
Participants displaying their final cast-iron squares
Iron pour at Wisconsin Makers April 12
Wisconsin Makers will host its eighth annual iron pour on Saturday, April 12.
The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater.
Spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — Teresa “Tree” Lind, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lecturer of art and design — and her students and alumni melt cast iron in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand scratch molds with the liquid metal.
Those wishing to make their own casting may buy a scratch mold square to personalize with their design that day, starting at 9 a.m. Each scratch mold must be completed no later than 11:15 a.m.
By noon, the outdoor forge should have reached 2,700 degrees and be ready for the pour. Lind and her team will fill buckets with molten iron and pour it into the sand scratch molds. They will present the completed castings to participants by mid-afternoon.
The per-person cost is $25. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. All ages are welcome, but youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.
During the iron pour, grilled brats, chips, water and soda will be available for purchase.
Scratch mold workshop set
Persons wishing to get a head start on their squares may attend a scratch mold workshop at the makerspace Friday, April 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. Pizza will be available for $1 per slice.
“Your unique design will be preserved in cast iron for ages to come,” said Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer, adding that past years’ iron pours each have drawn more than 100 attendees. “This is a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.”
To get a feel for what an iron pour entails, please view a short YouTube video of the 2017 event: https://youtu.be/Q5HgV94OPe4.
Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop) offering an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators by unlocking their skills through continual experimentation and training. Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts, quilting and more.
For more information on the iron pour or scratch mold workshop, or to learn about the makerspace or memberships, visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call Jewer at (630) 430-9498.
