News

The Whitewater Kiwanis Club has an opportunity for an aspiring graphic artist to gain invaluable experience and future resume material.

High school, trade school or college students with web based graphic skills will be asked to generate promotional materials to support a forthcoming fundraising effort by the local civic organization. The artist’s work will be acknowledged and attributed but no actual compensation will be available.

Turnaround time will be relatively short with credit given to the artist on all widely distributed materials including posters, flyers and social media designed to generate local interest in a fund-raising campaign designed with a goal of raising funds dedicated to improving local youth sporting facilities along with the many other community improvements the local Whitewater Kiwanis Club is involved in.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Kiwanis Board member Al Stanek at 608-320-9781.

The Whitewater Kiwanis Club supports local, national and international youth causes with the goal of improving the lives of children everywhere. They are proud supporters of Whitewater Youth Soccer, Ferradermis – Team #6574, Middle School Builders Club, High School Key Club and UW-Whitewater Circle K along with providing Whitewater High School scholarships and numerous public facility improvements like the fully accessible “We Go Round” playground equipment at Starin Park.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by F1 Digitals from Pixabay.

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Continuation of a potential 26-27 Operating Referendum and CLOSED SESSION (possibly followed by open session) to discuss 2026-2027 Superintendent goals and staffing update.
To view the agenda click here: Welcome – 419 South Elizabeth St | Whitewater, WI 53190 | p (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.)
Whitewater Middle School Library
401 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85089873679?pwd=CVOexwEEpYv7RrqX6rP00OoFHOKb6Z.1
– Passcode: 596636
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 850 8987 3679
– Passcode: 596636

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: MEET-Packet-f77bead3457f45ab9286b8388d29e5e8.pdf
includes Presentation of 2025 Annual Financial Statements and Audit by Johnson & Block; Review, Discussion, and Possible Action: Proposed Whitewater Downtown Activation
Initiative; Discussion and Direction on the Capital Improvement Policy
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/231548865824371?p=mmDvCO5jAhWxG9zCQ7
Meeting ID: 231 548 865 824 371
Passcode: R5hb67P7
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,934769990# United States
Phone conference ID: 934 769 990#

Aquatic Center Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion on Engineering Audit award.
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Large
Meeting Room 580 S. Elizabeth St. Whitewater, WI
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2823247933837?p=mfmQEgjlErIe1bX9uu

Per the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, “Hot & humid conditions expected early next week. Continue to expect heat indices approaching or exceeding Heat Advisory criteria (100°) Monday.

A Heat Advisory is in effect from Noon to 9 PM CDT Sunday for the entire region except Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties. Peak heat indices (feels-like temperatures) of 100-105°F are expected within the Advisory. Air temps should max out in the lower 90s. 

Hottest time periods will be 12-7 PM daily Sunday and Monday.

FREE Community Concert – The Brightside Band 

Join us on Tuesday, July 28, from 6:00–7:00 PM at Cravath Lakefront Park for an evening of great free music with The Brightside Band! This talented cover band performs favorites from Tom Petty, Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, and so much more.

Pack your lawn chairs, picnic dinner, cooler, and your friends for a relaxing summer evening by Cravath Lake. 

Make it a full night of fun! Stop by the Whitewater City Market from 4:00–7:00 PM in the main Cravath Lakefront Park parking lot to shop local vendors, grab fresh produce, and enjoy delicious treats before the concert begins.

A series of three dinners will transform unexpected spaces on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s campus into dining destinations. The university’s catering provider, Purple Plate Catering, organized the events to provide a unique and exclusive way to experience campus. Purple Plate Catering is a department of the university’s dining provider, Warhawk Dining.

The first event in the series will take place on stage at The Young, one of southeast Wisconsin’s premier performing arts venues and a hub for cultural arts, on Thursday, July 30. The series will take the turf at Perkins Stadium with an experience on the field level on Thursday, August 6. The late summer beauty of the UW-Whitewater Campus Garden will provide the setting for dinner on Thursday, August 13. The events are designed to showcase Purple Plate Catering’s capabilities while providing a connection point for alumni and a growth opportunity for the relationship between campus and the larger Whitewater community, according to catering director John Turner. Dinners are $70 per person. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Warhawks Give Fund which supports the university’s greatest needs. Tickets are available now at Warhawk Dining’s website: https://dineoncampus.com/uww/summer-dining-series.

Experiences begin with social gathering at 6:00 p.m., with dinner to follow. A cash bar will be available. Dinner features a communal dining setting and space is limited.

In case of inclement weather, outdoor dinners on August 6 at Perkins Stadium and August 13 at the Campus Garden will be postponed with notification by the preceding Tuesday (August 4 and August 11, respectively).

Jefferson County Emergency Management was just informed by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) that federal and state disaster assistance remains available to local agricultural producers impacted by recent severe weather events.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced disaster assistance opportunities earlier this year for Wisconsin agricultural producers. Farmers who experienced losses are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for assistance in reporting losses and determining eligibility for available USDA programs.

In addition to financial assistance, support is available for farmers experiencing stress or emotional challenges. Agriculture can be demanding, particularly following disasters, and confidential help is available 24 hours a day through the Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558. Producers may also contact the Wisconsin Farm Center through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) for additional support and resources.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also offers disaster assistance for eligible homeowners and businesses.

SBA Home Disaster Loans
Farmers’ primary residences located in the following designated primary counties may be eligible for SBA Home Disaster Loans: Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago.

How to Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance
Eligible applicants can apply online through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Assistance portal at https://lending.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 711) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for assistance with the application process. SBA representatives can answer questions, explain loan eligibility, and help applicants complete their applications. The application deadline for SBA Home Disaster Loans is August 31, 2026.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
While farm businesses are generally not eligible for SBA disaster assistance for agricultural operations, farms may qualify for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for eligible non-farm business activities, such as farm stands, retail operations, seed sales, machinery repair, or similar enterprises.

The deadline to apply for an EIDL is March 30, 2027, providing additional time for small businesses, rural businesses, and eligible agricultural enterprises to assess and document economic impacts from the disaster.

Jefferson County Emergency Management encourages agricultural producers who sustained damage or economic losses to explore these available resources and seek assistance as soon as possible.

For more information about USDA disaster assistance programs, contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office. Information about SBA disaster assistance is available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Fabric Applique is one of several workshops being offered at Wisconsin Makers in Whitewater this August.

Open art workshops will be taking place in Whitewater on two Tuesdays in August. They are set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 25 at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St. Classes include wet or dry felting, copper tooling with fire color, wool appliqué
(embellishing clothing with wool) and fabric collage (making book covers, pouches, clothing patches, etc.). They may attend one or both sessions.

The fee for each session is $25, materials included, with payment that night. Register by calling instructor Leani Schoor at (608) 421- 4078 or emailing her at leanischoor@gmail.com. Other artists interested in offering a workshop those evenings should contact Schoor prior to the event dates.

Having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Schoor taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. She is the owner of Studio 2154 in Madison. Joining her will be artist Mary Abbott of Elkhorn, who earned her bachelor’s degree in studio arts at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2018.

Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace or community workshop. The building is accessible and air-conditioned.

Whitewater Twinhomes — Progress, Volunteers & Applicants
Good progress continues at Whitewater. Siding is well underway, mechanicals are complete on the upper floors of both homes, and drywall has begun with work continuing next week. HVAC completion remains ahead. There is still much to do — and that’s where you come in.

We have open volunteer slots every week. Individuals and groups are both welcome, and organizations looking for a meaningful team experience will find a build day both productive and rewarding. 

Volunteers Needed — Join Us on the Build Site!
We have volunteer opportunities available every week at the Whitewater Twinhomes site and would love to have you join us! Whether you’re coming as an individual or bringing a group, your time makes a real difference.

If your organization, company, or team is looking for a meaningful way to give back, a team build day is an incredible experience — it’s amazing what a motivated group can accomplish together in a single day. Come see for yourself!

To sign up as an individual, you can use the link below, and sign up directly on our volunteer management platform. 
https://habitatwalworth.volunteerhub.com/vv2

If an organization is interested in scheduling a Team Build Day, the link below should be used.  This goes to our staff and someone will reach back out to the organization inquiring and schedule a Team Build Day.
Volunteer Interest Form – Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s photo is an altered view from the 1907 Homecoming event that was held in Whitewater. The original photo featured a banner across Main Street saying “Does Whitewater Look Good To You.” We show both the historic photo and this altered photo in the exhibit “Living Democracy” at the Whitewater Arts Alliance in the White Building, 402 W. Main Street. This is the last weekend to see this exhibit, Friday-Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m. After viewing the exhibit, we ask if democracy looks good to you. We hope you say “Yes,” and “vote” for democracy at the exhibit.

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

(Scholl glass plate image altered for the Whitewater Historical Society by the expert designers at Opportunities, Inc. in Fort Atkinson.)

Whitewater Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is coming to an end. Please turn in your reading logs before Friday, July 31st at 5:30 p.m.

Below is the list of our last week’s lineup of fun, FREE events. Be sure to stay tuned to our website and socials to see what fun we have in store for fall!

Pet Cents with Premier Bank
Monday, July 27th 
4:00-5:00 PM  
Ages 6-11
Registration preferred
Have you ever wanted to own a dragon? How about a unicorn? Now’s your chance! Adopt a (pretend) pet and play Pet Cents, our live action game where pretend money gets you dragon
food, vet visits, and more-if you know how to budget it.
We are grateful to our Premier Bank volunteers for their assistance with this program.

Miniature Book Making
Tuesday, July 28th 
3:00-4:30 PM  
Ages 12-18
Registration required
We’re making itty bitty books!  Come join us; all the cool kids are doing it.

Storytime
Wednesday, July 29th
9:30 AM
Ages 0-5
Stories, songs, and general silliness with Miss Deana! No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 or drolfsmeyer@whitewater-wi.gov

Cookbook Competition
Thursday, July 30th 
3:30-4:30 PM
All ages
Registration required
Make a delectable dish using a cookbook from our library!  Eaters will taste and vote on their favorite! If you plan to make a dish, registration forms can be downloaded from our website or picked up from the library. Registration forms must be turned in by Friday, July 24th at 4:30 p.m.