News

Seniors in the Park Presents “Conclave”

“Conclave”

Tuesday, February 11, 1 PM

(Drama/Mystery/Thriller) Rated PG; 2 hours. (2024). 

After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with managing the covert and ancient ritual of electing a new one. Sequestered in the Vatican with the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders until the process is complete, he learns of a conspiracy that could lead to the fall of the Church. Also featuring John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. Nominated for six Golden Globes; it’s also on the Oscars Short List. 

Music Mosaics: From Venice to Sicily by Way of Abruzzo – Sunday


Embark on a musical journey “From Venice to Sicily by way of Abruzzo” with baritone Brian Leeper and pianist Diana Shapiro. Sunday, February 9 – 3 p.m. – Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street. Free parking is available in Lots 1 & 2. Tickets are available here. Adults are $10, age 65+ are $6, and under age 18 are $6. Tickets at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

The Music Mosaics concert series, launched in 2002, unites diverse performances to benefit the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund. Faculty, alumni, and the community inspire through their generosity, supporting students’ musical and academic excellence. Join us for a mosaic of music with students’ success as the ultimate goal.

Kindness Karaoke at Snug Harbor Feb. 15 8-10 p.m.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater.

            Be Kind Whitewater Committee is currently planning monthly events for the year.  A grassroots community-based group, Be Kind Whitewater is a non-partisan group that promotes kindness and civility for the betterment of our community and region.

            Join us for a Love and Kindness karaoke party, which will be held at Snug Harbor from 8 until 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Snug Harbor is located at W7785 Wisconsin Parkway, Delavan. This event promises to be filled with great music and entertainment.

            The evening  is hosted by Snug Harbor, Be Kind Whitewater, and the Whitewater High School Key Club. Come early and enjoy a meal at Snug Harbor with the whole family.

            To Keep up with Be Kind events watch the Whitewater Banner and our Facebook page at BeKindWhitewater or visit our newly minted website at https://bekindwhitewater.weebly.com

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Whitewater Co-op Mid 20th Century


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

This month we are showing you some business-related photos from the mid-20th century. We start with this winter view of the Whitewater Co-op that was located where Casey’s gas station on East Milwaukee Street is located today. The co-op was an important business, especially for farmers. The business offered discounts to members and had a large gas station at their location.

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

(5468P, Whitewater Historical Society)

A bonus: Last week’s #FlashbackFriday that wasn’t posted yet


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

We are sure you are as tired of seeing these old winter views as you are of winter by now, but here is another historical look at lots of snow. This is an important picture in looking at the history of downtown. It is the north side of the west block of Main Street (west of First St.) and none of these buildings are extant. Because we know this view is from around 1880, it gives us good information on what this part of downtown looked like before all the newer buildings were constructed. In the foreground is an old hotel that was replaced around 1890 by a two-story brick commercial building that was, in turn, replaced by the one-story building that sits there today, the old Schultz Brothers dime store or what is today Main Street Shops.

(0370ST, Whitewater Historical Society)

Obituary: Karl H. Merz, 86

Karl H. Merz, 86, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Karl was born on November 1, 1938 in Bamberg, Germany to Karl and Barbara (Seufert) Merz. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in French Literature from the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctorate degree from University of Wisconsin. He enjoyed over thirty years of teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as part of and later Chairman of the Foreign Language Department.

He enjoyed travel, reading, cooking and his dogs.

Karl is survived by his wife, Jami; daughters, Barbara Merz and Sarah Merz Devoll.

He is preceded in death by sisters Gerda (Ruth) Wilke of Whitewater and Rosemary Marquardt of Erlangen, Germany.

At this time, no formal services are scheduled for Karl.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeland Animal Shelter or the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Five WHS Students Advance to State FBLA Competition

On Saturday, February 1st, 18 students competed in the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference in Middleton. Several students earned top placements and qualified for the state competition in Green Bay. Atreya Wilson placed 2nd in Entrepreneurship, Maddi Morton, Maggie Mass, and Zoe Zei placed 2nd in Digital Video Production, and Ameera Lin placed 3rd in Intro to Public Speaking.

Eleven of the 18 WHS Students Competing at Regional FBLA

Article and Photos Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School FBLA Advisor
bwest@wwusd.org

Obituary: Thomas W. Walterman, 92, of Janesville

Thomas W. Walterman, 92, of Janesville, WI, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2025, with his beloved wife of 68 years, Marilyn, at his side. He was born in Wauwatosa Township, WI, on November 4, 1932, to Harry W. and Helen (Vahle) Walterman. Tom grew up in Davenport, Iowa. After graduating from Davenport High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two years in Korea before receiving an honorable discharge.

Upon leaving the military Tom attended Augustana College on the G.I. Bill in Rock Island, IL where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While teaching history at Davenport High School, Tom pursued his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa during the summer breaks. He later earned an additional Master’s Degree and PhD from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. These academic achievements led him to the positions of Associate Professor of History and Assistant to the President at Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, WA.

In 1973, Tom was appointed Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Center at Rock County, a position he held longer than any other Dean. His humble beginnings and strong work ethic shaped his hands-on approach, earning him widespread respect for his dedication to improving campus facilities and student experiences. In 1990, he accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, which he retired from in 1995.

Tom was an exceptionally humble man and will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to every endeavor he undertook and exceptional commitment to improving the educational opportunities for students.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Walterman; his son, Michael (Carolyn Williams) Walterman; his grandchildren, Thomas (Kathryn) Walterman, Maxwell (Krysten Trindade) Walterman, and Elena (Pieter Den Hartog) Walterman; his niece Jill (Dana) Borquin; his nephews Randy (Pam) Raabe, and Ken Raabe and one great-grandchild on the way.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Job Openings at St. Patrick Catholic Church

Dir. of Faith Formation Job opening –
Provide leadership in the design and implementation of programs for adults, young adults, youth and children to build a solid formation for adult spirituality, Christian living and ministry.  Spanish language skills preferred but not required.  Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org

Business Manager job opening –
The Business Manager is responsible for providing financial and administrative oversight and counsel to make for an efficient and fiscally responsible parish. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org

Calling All Musicians! Congregational UCC Last Service Celebration

Calling All Musicians!

The Congregational UCC will be having our last worship service on Sunday, April 27th – and we would like to have a celebration of being here since 1840. For the celebration on April 27th the UCC in Whitewater, Wisconsin, would like to invite you, your friends, or family to take part in a music extravaganza! 

All players of any instrument will be welcome to play an arrangement of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The celebration will include (but not require) the opportunity to play solos, have fun, eat food, and celebrate with the members of the congregation at their last service. Being a member of a church is not a requirement. Please make sure you are available from 9 am until 12 noon on Sunday, April 27th.

Please expect to rehearse 45 minutes before the start of the service. Small compensation will be provided for travel and time.

If you are interested, please contact the Office Manager – Renea Zuehlke at renea.wwucc@sbcglobal.net or by phone 262-473-4101.  Please respond by March 31st at 4 p.m. with your name, best way to contact you, the city you are traveling from, and instrument you will be playing. In April, more details will be provided along with music, finalized worship and rehearsal times, and any additional instruction. 

Thank you!