News

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees on Tuesday, January 7, and Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Please place your tree on the terrace by 6:00 a.m. on these dates. Residents who wish to have a tree picked up after the above scheduled dates must call the Department of Public Works at 473-0560 before 12:00 noon on Monday, the day before Tuesday’s collection.

Trees that have been flocked or contain wire will not be collected by the city. Please place these trees, on your terrace, for collection by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month, your bulk pick up day.

The Greater Whitewater Committee is Set to Host Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for the City of Whitewater, Kevin Boehm, as a Guest Speaker at the January Meeting providing an update on the status of the Aquatic Center. 

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for the City of Whitewater, Kevin Boehm, at the upcoming January meeting. Kevin will be providing an update on the status of the Aquatic Center.

Kevin Boehm serves as the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin. A Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), and Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Kevin has a distinguished career dedicated to enhancing public spaces and enriching communities.

With prior leadership roles as the Director of Parks for Waushara County, the City of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and the City of Enid, Oklahoma, Kevin has championed facility improvements, including ADA compliance projects and park enhancements. He is also known for creating engaging community events, such as the annual Christmas at Cravath light display at Cravath Lakefront Park, which has become a cherished tradition in Whitewater. Kevin’s passion for accessible, vibrant, and sustainable recreational spaces continues to drive his commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

“I saw Kevin’s presentation at the City Council meeting, and I thought it was very interesting,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “I am looking forward to Kevin’s presentation to learn more about the plans for the Aquatic Center.”

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is Thursday, January 9th at 7 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting. If interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, January 8th.

 About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policymakers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. Most call the honor “dean’s list”, but some grant the “Dean’s Honor List” and “Dean’s High Honor List.”

NAME, COLLEGE, AWARD
Whitewater, WI

 Crystal Chan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Arno Crowley, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Lizbeth Gallegos, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
 CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Emmanuel Mbifi, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Leah Newmann, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
 Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Kaden Tourdot, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Jonathan Zheng, School of Pharmacy, Honor Roll

Gov. Evers Order Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Wisconsin State Sen. Cullen

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #251 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Jan. 4, 2025, in honor of former Wisconsin State Sen. Tim Cullen, who passed away on Mon., Dec. 23, 2024, at the age of 80.   “Former Sen. Cullen was a dedicated public servant who devoted much of his life to good governance and improving the state that raised him,” said Gov. Evers in a statement last week. “Sen. Cullen always fought for working families, gave back to and supported kids in the Janesville area, and advocated fiercely for nonpartisan redistricting and access to the ballot box during both his time in the Wisconsin State Senate and beyond it. He spent much of his life working to end partisan gerrymandering and fighting for Wisconsin to have fair maps at long last. There is no doubt our state is better off because of Sen. Cullen and his service. Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those who knew him.” Born in Janesville, former Sen. Cullen graduated from Janesville High School in 1962 and went on to continue his education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Former Sen. Cullen then served in the United States Army Reserve and briefly taught high school before being elected to serve on the Janesville City Council in 1970. Former Sen. Cullen later served four years as district director for U.S. Rep. Les Aspin (D-Wisconsin) before being elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1974, where he served the 15th Senate District until 1987, with five of those years serving as majority leader. In 1987, former Gov. Tommy Thompson appointed former Sen. Cullen to serve as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, and in 1988, he transitioned to the private sector, where he championed a career as vice president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin for two decades. After retiring from his position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin in 2007, he was elected to the School District of Janesville Board of Education, and in 2010, he ran for and was elected to his former Senate seat, serving until his retirement in 2015. After his time in the Legislature, former Sen. Cullen advocated for causes he believed in, such as ending partisan gerrymandering, fighting for equal opportunities for kids, and more. Former Sen. Cullen also served on the board of Common Cause of Wisconsin for over two decades, serving as chair from 2018 until he stepped down in 2022. Services for former State Sen. Cullen will be held on Sat., Jan. 4, 2025, in Janesville. Executive Order #251 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Jan. 4, 2025, and is available here. The flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will concurrently be flown at half-staff pursuant to Executive Order #249 and should remain so until sunset on Tues., Jan. 28, 2025.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It is officially winter and whether we have snow and winter weather or not, the historical society will give you several weeks of winter views. This year, we are concentrating on downtown Whitewater.

Our first view was taken from the top of a building on the south side of Center Street. Rooftop views were popular in the late nineteenth century when this was probably taken. The view in the foreground of the back of building on Main Street has changed a bit and two notable buildings in the upper portion of the photo are gone. To the mid-right of the photo is the Old Stone Mill and a bit further up the photo to the left is the old Brewery.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3732PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Seniors in the Park, based at the Starin Park Community Building in Whitewater, WI, presents various extended travel opportunities for 2025 and 2026. Whether you dream of exploring iconic landmarks, breathtaking natural wonders, or experiencing unique cultural traditions, there’s a trip for you!

Upcoming Travel Adventures

Cape Cod & The Islands
📅 September 6–12, 2025
Discover the charm of Cape Cod with 5 nights in this scenic destination. Enjoy a Martha’s Vineyard tour, visit Nantucket Island, see Plymouth Rock, savor a New England lobster dinner, and much more!

• Tour Rates: $3,475 per person (double); $4,350 (single)

Canadian Rockies Via Rail
📅 September 10–17, 2025
Board VIA Rail’s iconic “The Canadian” and travel through the stunning Canadian Rockies. Spend a night aboard the train in sleeper plus class and explore three breathtaking Canadian National Parks.

• Tour Rates: $5,625 per person (double); $6,925 (single)

Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights
📅 October 15–21, 2025
Begin your journey in Reykjavik with a walking tour, then marvel at the Northern Lights on an evening cruise. Explore Iceland’s stunning national parks, waterfalls, and the famous Blue Lagoon.

• Tour Rates: $4,599 per person (double); $4,549 (single)

Music Cities Christmas
📅 December 2–7, 2025
Celebrate the holidays with visits to Branson, Memphis, and Nashville. Highlights include city tours, Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, and a festive holiday dinner and show.

• Tour Rates: $3,399 per person (double); $4,124 (single)

Rose Parade New Year’s
📅 December 30, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Ring in the New Year in style with 5 nights at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa. Enjoy reserved seating at the Rose Parade, a float tour, and visits to Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

• Tour Rates: $3,999 per person (double); $4,799 (single)

New Zealand and Australia – Norwegian Cruise Line
📅 January 26 – February 9, 2026
Experience 5 ports in New Zealand and 4 ports in Australia, including Melbourne, Wellington, and Burnie (Tasmania). Enjoy stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences.

• Tour Rates: Vary based on cabin selection

Classic Greece
📅 February 8–18, 2026
Step back in time with a journey through Greece, starting in Athens. Highlights include a tour of the Acropolis, Greek dance and cooking classes, farm visits, and a trip to Olympia, the sanctuary of Zeus.

• Tour Rates: $3,799 per person (double); $4,499 (single); $3,749 per person (triple)

How to Learn More

To inquire about these exciting travel opportunities or to book your spot, visit Seniors in the Park at the Starin Park Community Building, 504 W. Starin Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Don’t miss your chance to explore the world with us! Reach out today for more information and let your next great adventure begin.

Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Original information sourced from Seniors in the Park January Newsletter
Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

Families are invited to a new Community Helpers story time series that will be presented with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and members of the local community. This monthly story time will explore a different career each session and will offer children opportunities to play and learn with hands-on activities. The first session will be teacher-themed and will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Note that due to library construction, story time will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center located at 341 S. Fremont Street. Children will enjoy a book read by a local teacher, songs, and early learning stations just right for preschool learning. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun, free story time, which is best for ages 2-6 but all ages are welcome.
Registration is not required.

The Community Helpers story time series will continue every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the same time and location through May. February’s story time will feature a police officer.

Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of library events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.

John’s Disposal was closed on New Year’s Day, and consequently trash pickup is delayed until Friday.

Wishing you good health and happiness in the new year!

The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage and above by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay.