News

The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce recently conducted a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visit with leadership from First Citizens State Bank’s Main Office to discuss the bank’s continued role in supporting local economic growth and community development.

The visit was conducted by Mason Becker, Community Development Director for the City of Whitewater, and Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce. They met with Jim Caldwell, Chairman of the Board, and Darcy Rallo, Chief Human Resources Officer for First Citizens State Bank.

With a history dating back to 1863 , First Citizens State Bank has maintained a longstanding presence in Whitewater and remains one of the community’s key financial institutions. Over the years, the bank has supported local businesses, homeowners, nonprofit organizations, and economic development initiatives throughout the region.

During the discussion, participants reviewed current economic conditions, workforce and staffing challenges facing employers, opportunities to encourage continued business growth in Whitewater, and the importance of ongoing collaboration among local businesses, educational institutions, municipal leaders, and community organizations.

“First Citizens State Bank has been an important community partner in Whitewater for generations,” said Mason Becker, Community Development Director. “Conversations like these are critical to understanding the needs of our employers and identifying ways we can continue strengthening Whitewater’s business environment and workforce pipeline.”

Karin Silvius emphasized the value of maintaining strong communication between the business community and local leadership.

“Our BRE visits are an important tool for relationship building and problem -solving,” said Silvius. “First Citizens State Bank has a deep commitment to Whitewater, and we appreciate their willingness to share insight on the opportunities and challenges facing employers today.”

Jim Caldwell highlighted the bank’s long -term investment in the community and the importance of collaborative partnerships.

“Whitewater has always been a strong and resilient community,” said Caldwell. “We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the City and the Chamber to support local businesses, attract talent, and help ensure continued economic vitality. It’s critically important that we all keep working together to move Whitewater forward.”

Darcy Rallo noted that workforce development remains a key topic for employers across industries.

“Like many organizations, we continue to focus on attracting and retaining talented employees,” said Rallo. “It’s encouraging to have proactive discussions with community partners about how we can collectively support workforce development and create opportunities for future growth.”

The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce regularly conduct BRE visits with local employers as part of ongoing efforts to support business retention, expansion, and economic development throughout the community.

For further information on the BRE Program, contact:
City of Whitewater Community Development Department
Attn: Mason Becker, Community Development Director
312 W. Whitewater Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: (262) 473 -0148
Email: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov
Website: www.whitewater-wi.gov

Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.

As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, this weekend Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate the end of the school year and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until Sunday, June 7. The response to this effort during back-to-school time was really positive! 

We are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them. 

If you would like to request a yard sign, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/ZqM 5uj ECnCR juNe 9. (There are limited quantities available). If you’ve requested signs in the past, there is no need to complete the form again! 

Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.

Bluff Creek Culvert Project to Begin May 18

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Walworth County, will remove an abandoned railroad box culvert over Bluff Creek located on the west side of County Highway P, roughly 1.75 miles south of U.S. Highway 12 in the Town of Whitewater.

What to Expect

Beginning May 18, County Highway P will be closed between Kettle Moraine Drive and Reliance Road. The road will be entirely shut down at Bluff Creek for approximately 90 days. Emergency services, postal deliveries, and garbage collection should use local roads and alternate routes.

A signed detour will utilize County Highway O between County Highway A and U.S. Highway 12 for non-local traffic. Local residents are encouraged to use all available alternative routes.

Keep an eye out for message signboards for more specific information as it becomes available. The work is anticipated to be completed by the end of July.

Who to Contact

All questions or concerns can be directed to the Wisconsin DNR’s Project Manager, Mike Stone, at 608-444-3207 or via email at michael.stone@wisconsin.gov.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Walworth County.

CORRECTION: This drive is not being held at the Whitewater Public Library but rather at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center. The library apologized for the mix-up.

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center on Friday, May 15 between 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. It is open to the public.

Give the gift of life—donate blood and make a real difference in your community. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins welcome. Appointments may be made here.

The Whitewater High School class of 1981-“ish” is holding a 45th reunion this summer. We also welcome alumni from nearby WHS class years (e.g., ’80, ’81, ’82). Registration is required (details below).

The reunion will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 7 PM to close, an informal, come-as-you-are event at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater. We booked the facility with full access to the lounge area and a cash bar. ‘70s & ‘80s music will keep the reunion vibe going throughout the evening. Good news: we are keeping the $40 per-person registration fee (the same as the 40th reunion!), which covers facility costs, staff, appetizers, gratuities, and taxes. 

Interested in golfing earlier that day? Contact Cort Hartmann for details (email: cohart1962@gmail.com; text/call: 920-728-5396).

This is a great opportunity to mingle with your fellow Whippets.  We hope to see you there!

Registration & Payment Instructions:
DEADLINE to register and pay ($40 per person): May 30th.

To register, email Whippets1981@gmail.com and provide:
Your full name (include your birth name too, if different), your WHS class year, the number of attendees you are paying for along with their full names (and any connection they may also have with WHS) and indicate the method of payment you will be using.

Payment Options –To pay by check: Make your check payable to “Martha Lundin” and send it to her at 2832 Woodridge Court, Waukesha, WI 53188. To pay using the Venmo app: @Martha-Lundin-2

If you have any questions about payment, text or call Martha at 262-527-5159.

Refund Deadline:
Martha must be notified by July 10th to receive a refund if you need to cancel.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the Whitewater Public Library. In case of inclement weather this event will be moved inside.

Johnathan Stallman is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated by Maryann Zimmerman “For supporting Whitewater area 4-H youth by participating in and contributing to the fair meat auctions, helping young people see the value of their hard work; for offering his construction services free of charge after the recent storm damage; and for establishing a scholarship at Whitewater High School for seniors who wish to pursue careers in the trades or start their own businesses.” 

Following is the full nomination from Maryann:

“Johnathan is a local business owner who consistently demonstrates what it means to be community-minded. He actively and specifically supports Whitewater area 4-H youth by participating in and contributing to the fair meat auctions, helping young people see the value of their hard work.

More recently, during the storms that impacted our area last week, Johnathan stepped up in a remarkable way. Despite experiencing damage to his own property, he offered his construction services free of charge to community members who were affected. That kind of selflessness speaks volumes about his character.

In addition, Johnathan has invested in the future of our community by establishing a scholarship at Whitewater High School. This scholarship supports seniors who wish to pursue careers in the trades or start their own businesses—paths that are essential to the strength and sustainability of our local economy.

Johnathan is a young man with a young family, and he quietly gives back without seeking recognition. That, in my opinion, is exactly what makes him so deserving of this honor.”

 WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Steve Watson writes:

Coots have returned. 

Isn’t that a coot butt?

What are you looking at?

Our thanks to Steve Watson for these great photos which were taken on April 16.

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