News

APRIL 1 POLICE AND FIRE/EMS REFERENDUM
Sessions will provide public an opportunity to hear from Police, Fire, City officials and ask questions

The City of Whitewater announced it will host four public information sessions regarding the upcoming police and fire/EMS referendum that will appear on spring election ballots on April 1, 2025. The meetings will be hosted both in-person and virtually.
“The City of Whitewater has identified a need to add additional, full-time personnel to its Police and Fire departments,” said City Manager, John Wiedl. “These information sessions will allow us to share information and communicate the need for increased funding and additional Police and Fire staff with the greater Whitewater community.”

To accommodate as many City of Whitewater residents as possible, informational sessions will be held on
four different days at a variety of locations:
● Tuesday, February 18 at 5:00 p.m. at the Whitewater Municipal Building – 312 W. Whitewater St.
● Tuesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Whitewater Municipal Building – 312 W Whitewater St.
● Thursday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Whitewater Senior Center – 504 W Starin Rd.
● Monday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Whitewater University Innovation Center – 1221 Innovation Dr.

Spanish interpretation will be available at all information sessions. Recordings of the February 18 and March 11 information sessions will be published on the City’s website, and will include Spanish captions.

Information sessions will include a presentation, along with an opportunity for a “question and answer” discussion for residents with City Manager John Wiedl, Police Chief Dan Meyer, Fire & EMS Chief Kelly Freeman, and Assistant Fire & EMS Chief Ryan Dion.

More information about the upcoming referendum is available on the City’s website
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/615/Police-and-Fire-EMS-Referendum.

The League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area reminds voters in Walworth and Jefferson counties to get ready to vote in the upcoming April 1st Election. On the ballot this election are local candidates running for town, village and city offices such as municipal board members and school board members. Several Walworth and Jefferson County communities and school districts also have referendum language on the ballot. The League encourages voters to start their candidate research before they cast their ballot.  

One source of nonpartisan candidate information is the League’s Voters’ Guide on VOTE411.org, where voters can go to read local and state candidates’ responses to the League’s questionnaire. By visiting the site, voters can find out what’s on their ballot and compare the candidates’ answers, which are posted verbatim. Responses received from local candidates in contested races in Walworth and Jefferson counties have been posted on VOTE411.org.

Communities and school districts impacted include:

Walworth Co:  Bloomfield, Clinton, Delevan, Elkhorn, Geneva, Lake Geneva, Richmond, Sharon, Walworth, Whitewater, Williams Bay

Jefferson Co:  Cambridge, Cold Spring, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Johnson Creek, Koshkonong, Lake Mills, Oakland, Palmyra 

In addition to the Voters’ Guide on VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin has created factsheets for state and local elected offices. Learn what these offices are responsible for and how they impact the lives of everyday Wisconsinites. To view the factsheets, visit the WI State League website.

The League encourages voters to prepare to vote, visit VOTE411.org, and remind others about Election Day on April 1st.    

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Hello, I am Jennifer Kienbaum, a mother of four boys, with my eldest son attending Whitewater High School. I am currently President of the Whitewater School Board. I have served on the school board since April 2019, and I decided to run for another term for three reasons. First, as a mother it is important for the School Board to have representation from parents who have a personal interest in improving the quality of our school district. Second, I believe in quality public education that ensures the success of ALL students. Third, serving on the Whitewater School Board allows me the opportunity to share my experiences and skills to benefit this community.

In my free time, I enjoy helping youth. I am active in Scouts, currently serving as the District Chair for Rock River District, and leader for Whitewater Pack 716. I am responsible for hosting the annual merit badge clinic at Whitewater High School for middle and high school students and Cub-a-Rama in the fall for elementary age students. I am active in 4H, helping each year at the Walworth County Fair in their youth building and hosting the Pinewood derby event. I am a member of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) currently serving as the scrip coordinator. The past three years I was a coach for Battle of the Books. I have previously held positions as a U6/U8 soccer coach and Sunday school coordinator. In 2023, I received the BSA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of my unwavering commitment to supporting and mentoring young individuals. In addition, I am also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 82.

I graduated from Port Washington High School in 1997 and attended UW-Whitewater, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance with emphasis in Insurance. After graduation, I furthered my education by obtaining my securities licenses (FINRA Series 7, 24, 53, 63, and 65) along with my life and health licenses. I have lived in the district for 26 years and I am currently employed full-time at FIS as a compliance manager and work part-time at Kwik Trip.

Prior to serving on the Whitewater School Board, I held numerous leadership positions on the Rock Prairie Montessori School Board of Trustees from 2011-2017. I served as the Chief Compliance Officer on the Catholic Financial Services Board from 2006-2012 and Chief Compliance Officer of the Series Portfolios Trust from 2016-2019. Since 2022, I have served as a member of the Glacier’s Edge Council Board. While the objective of each board I have served on is different, they all require someone who can create stronger ties between the board and the stakeholders. One of the most important roles as a Whitewater School Board member is to serve as the voice of the entire community, something that I take seriously.

My advocacy for our students and this District does not just happen at a Board level. I strongly support creating opportunities for students across all grade levels. When my son was in middle school, I helped obtain funding for the slot car club. In 2021, I donated two vehicles to the auto shop at Whitewater High School to provide hands-on learning experiences for our students, one of the vehicles is still being used today. Additionally, I contributed funds to purchase the Lego Mindstorm for the Washington Elementary School Lego club, and I provided a sun shade for Lakeview Elementary School’s courtyard, enhancing the students outdoor learning environment.

Over the next several years, key areas of focus for this District should include building a top notch vocation and technical education program that allows our students to graduate in a competitive career ready environment, ensuring that all needs related to Special Education and English Language Learners are met, addressing the mental health needs of our students, and improving test scores through effective curriculum, all while operating a fiscally responsible budget.

I have the ability to lead, listen to all stakeholders and bring people together. I am an advocate for children at the state and local levels. If re-elected, I will continue to focus on student achievement and implementing policies that will ensure success for ALL students. I will continue to listen to the concerns of this community, and I will represent those views when making decisions for the district. Please consider voting for me, Jennifer Kienbaum, on April 1^st.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at kienbaum25@yahoo.com

Wisconsin Makers is holding two “Copper Enameling” workshops during March. The “Mondays@Makers” class will take place at the community makerspace, 200 E. Clay St., on both March 10 and 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. [Editor’s note: Our apologies that this announcement was not posted prior to the first workshop.] Note that these are separate workshops, although people may sign up for both if they wish.

The fee per workshop is $20 plus the price of copper used, likely $1-$10 depending on the size of the piece. Students may register by calling Chris Spangler at (920) 728- 2960 or emailing her at editorspangler@gmail.com. Include the names of attendees and their contact information. Payment may be made at the workshop, which is geared toward ages 10 and up.

Copper enameling is a traditional technique that involves fusing powdered glass to a copper surface at high heat to create a
permanent, colorful coating. Students will be able to decorate a small dish and/or jewelry to take home that night.

Leading “Copper Enameling for Beginners and Beyond” is Leani Schoor of Madison. Schoor earned her bachelor of science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schoor teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting.

Mondays@Makers
Suggestions for “Mondays@Makers” classes are welcomed. “If there is a skill in the arts you are interested in learning, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you on your journey,” Schoor said.

Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators by unlocking
their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Dane and Waukesha counties and
beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics,
automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric
arts, matting/framing and more. The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities. For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.

Whitewater High School Technology Education Teacher Mike Fellin has received the 2025 Wisconsin Technology Education Association [WTEA] Spirit Award.

Each year, WTEA recognizes educators and industry professionals who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to technology education. Mr. Fellin’s commitment to inspiring students and advancing technical education has made a significant impact on the field and the students he serves.

“We are thrilled to recognize Mike Fellin for his outstanding contributions to technology education,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “His passion and dedication exemplify the spirit of this award, and the impact educators can have on shaping the future workforce. A big congratulations goes out to Mr. Fellin for all his outstanding work on behalf of our students.”

Mr. Fellin was presented the award at the annual WTEA Awards Banquet on March 5 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The banquet is part of the WTEA annual Technology and Engineering Education Conference, themed “Workforce Ready.”

Mr. Fellin, who began teaching in 1979, spent time at WHS (1989-2000) and returned again in 2023. He specializes in Woods Construction, Metals Manufacturing, and Fab Lab implementation.

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder Lori A. Boelkes

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #255 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., March 15, 2025, in honor of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Lori A. Boelkes, who passed away in the line of duty on Feb. 27, 2025, at the age of 56. “Lori left a considerable impact on those who knew and loved her in New Auburn, Warrens, and beyond, and she will be remembered for her bravery, sacrifice, and proud commitment to service,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to Lori’s family, friends, colleagues, and the communities she worked tirelessly to help as we join in paying our respects to Lori for her many years of dedicated service.” A Wisconsin native, Lori served as a volunteer firefighter and EMR for over a decade, spending 10 years of service with the New Auburn Area Fire Department and the past year with the Warrens Area Fire Department. In addition to her service as a firefighter and EMR, Lori also worked as a veterinary assistant and vehicle detailer, and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crafting, and bow hunting.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office issued the following update on Saturday morning:

Very strong south to southwest winds are expected today, especially during the morning hours.  These winds are not associated with thunderstorms.  Wind Advisories are in effect for most of the area, with a High Wind Warning for southeastern Wisconsin [including the Whitewater area] from 5 AM through noon (with an Advisory in the afternoon).  

Within the High Wind Warning area, gusts as high as 60 MPH are possible.  Gusts to 50 MPH can be expected within the Advisory area. 

Tree, powerline, and minor structural damage will be possible with these winds, especially in the warning area.  In addition, any damaged trees or debris from the storms that moved through the area late Friday night will pose an additional hazard if blown around by the strong winds today.

Light snow will develop over southeastern and east central Wisconsin after midnight tonight, continuing into the morning hours on Sunday.  Accumulations are currently expected to be around an inch or less, with the highest amounts across the far southeastern portions of the state.  

Temperatures are expected to be around freezing, and accumulation will be greatest on grassy and elevated surfaces.  Temperatures will then rise above freezing by mid-day Sunday, with most snow melting during the afternoon. 

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold a Candidate Forum for Whitewater Unified School District school board candidates on Saturday, March 15, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, in the City of Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 W Whitewater Street.

There are four candidates running for two open seats on the school board. The candidates are Miguel Aranda (incumbent), Jennifer Kienbaum (incumbent), Nick Baldwin, and Wayne Redenius. All four candidates accepted the League’s invitation to attend the forum. League board member Ellen Penwell will serve as moderator.

The League sponsors candidate forums for the benefit of YOU, the voter. At the forum, you will be asked to write your questions on cards distributed by the League. Questions are reviewed by question checkers, who sort them by topic and check for redundancy, before forwarding them to the moderator. We do not accept questions targeted to specific candidates. Questions prepared by the League board will be used only if there are not enough questions provided by residents in attendance at the forum.

Bring your family, friends and neighbors! Be an active participant in our democracy!

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

This week’s image in our Fairhaven series is a view of what can only be called a “mid-century modern” style lounge at Fairhaven, first built in 1962 and dedicated in September of 1963. The modern architecture of the facility was lauded at the time. Fairhaven initially cost almost $2,000,000 to build and consisted of six different types of apartments, all with kitchenettes along with lounges, dining rooms and other facilities. Also included was an “infirmary” that later was defined as a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home. But, the primary focus of Fairhaven, as it still remains today, was to provide an active, but safe, lifestyle for elderly residents.

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

(4453PC, Whitewater Historical Society)