News

Whitewater recently celebrated a $6 million, 4,000 square foot expansion of the public library, and the Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has supported the expansion as a conduit for donations as well as via grants for special projects. 

“The Whitewater Community Foundation [WCF] is here to help with projects like this that help improve the quality of life in Whitewater,” said Kat Mawhinney, Co-President of the WCF.

The WCF serves as the conduit for donations for several groups like the Whitewater Public Library that are doing community projects but don’t have a 501(c) (3).  A conduit/fiscal sponsorship agreement between a partnering organization and the WCF means that the foundation agrees to establish an account at First Citizens State Bank, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to receive and manage donated funds for the partner organization’s project. Because the funds would be coming to the WCF, the donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt. The partner organization can then request funds from the account to pay for expenses related to the project only. A designee of the partner organization would be the person to request and receive the funds for payments with appropriate documentation (receipts, invoices, etc.).

In addition to assisting local organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects, the WCF continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and awards Community Action Grants (CAG) to local organizations twice a year.

The Whitewater Public Library has benefited from two recent Community Action Grants.  One was used to purchase a second AWE Literacy Station for the children’s department.  The literacy station contains pre-loaded educational games for children ages 2-12.  The station does not require an Internet connection, ensuring that children can navigate the computer on their own without concern that they will stumble upon something they should not.

“The literacy station is a big hit.  Children were asking for it as soon as the library doors reopened.  Siblings no longer must fight over one computer, for which staff and parent ears are grateful.  We thank the Whitewater Community Foundation wholeheartedly for this opportunity,” said Deana Rolfsmeyer, Youth Services Librarian.

Another grant was to purchase items for the library’s new Sensory Go-Bags. These bags provide children with sensory materials to help with social-emotional regulation. Two bags will be available – one for checkout and one for in-library use. Each bag includes the following items: 

• Weighted calming interactive book
• Noise-reducing earmuffs
• Gel-bead sensory shapes
• Pop and play sensory dimpl
• Soft and textured sensory shapes
• See-inside rainsticks
• Weighted sensory butterfly lap blanket

“The Sensory Go-Bags are a great addition to our collection and strengthen our mission of fostering a welcoming and inclusive library for all,” said Sarah French, Assistant Director.

Library Director Diane Jaroch said, “We are so thankful for the grants we have received.  The items we have purchased have enriched the lives of the children who use the library.’

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants or contact CAG Chair Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information. Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs.  The next deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2026.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook. 

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”

Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.

Multiple rounds of rain and storms are expected through midweek, bringing 1-3 inches of total rainfall.

• Severe storms are possible Today and Wednesday
• Severe weather potential has ended for the remainder of the overnight hours

• This Afternoon through Tonight:
  • Isolated to scattered severe storms in the afternoon/early evening.
    • All hazards are possible: large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding. 

• This evening/night a north-south line of strong to severe storms will move through southern Wisconsin.
  • Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are the primary threat
• Training storm potential will exacerbate flooding concerns.
• Wednesday:
  • Uncertainty remains on strong to severe storm chances.
  • If conditions remain cooler with overcast skies, the chances for strong storms diminish. 
    • Small hail and flooding are the main concerns.
  • If skies remain clear and temperatures warm, severe storm chances increase. 
    • All hazards are possible: large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding.

Beginning on March 30, a Whitewater resident and former video producer of Whitewater’s Landmark Trek, is now on a different kind of trek. James Olm is now eight miles from the border of Ukraine, volunteering at the Hope Shelter for Ukrainian refugees in Przemysl, Poland. Along with any other volunteer work they need him to do, the shelter also would also like him to create videos – a la Landmark Trek – to get the word out about the efforts at the shelter and their dire need for funds.

The video series is titled One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter, and the first episode, The History, can now be viewed at:

https://youtu.be/0ElSavgLLTA

It is Olm’s intention to have as many videos produced as possible, during his last three weeks of work. He hopes people find them educational, news-worthy, emotional, and personal.

Virtual Hike Around Geneva Lake 
Wednesday, April 15, 11:00 am
Starin Park Community Building

Join Helen Brandt from The Geneva Lake Museum, as she takes you on a wonderful virtual hike around Geneva Lake via vintage postcards.

Helen will provide commentary on Geneva Lake’s historic homes, camps, and shoreline. She will also provide insight into some of the owners of the historic mansions.

Refreshments will be served and multiple chances to win a door prize.

Call 262-473-0535 with questions.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he is seeking applicants for the Rock County Circuit Court – Branch 7. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Judge Barbara W. McCrory’s retirement, effective May 15, 2026. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2027. To apply, please email a completed application form and supporting materials to GOVJudicialAppointments@wisconsin.gov. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Mon., April 27, 2026. The application can be found on the “Apply to Serve” page on Gov. Evers’ website at: www.evers.wi.gov. Applicants with questions about the judicial selection process may contact the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at (608) 266-1212.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has provided the following guidance as of Sunday afternoon:

• Multiple rounds of rain and storms are expected through midweek, bringing 1-3 inches of total rainfall.
  • Rounds of storms over similar areas (especially south-central to southeastern Wisconsin) will lead to ponding of water and river rises.
  • Flash flooding becomes possible by midweek, as well as in localized areas in each individual round of rainfall.
• Severe storms are possible each day Monday through Wednesday.
  • Monday: Primary concern across central Wisconsin, but this placement may shift north or south.
    • Large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes are expected within storms that develop.
  • Tuesday: Concern across all of southern and central Wisconsin, timing remains in question.
    • Large hail, damaging wind, and isolated tornadoes possible.
    • Training storm potential, exacerbating flooding concerns.
  • Wednesday: Storm development possible across all of southern and central Wisconsin possible, placement remains in question.
    • Hail, damaging winds, and flooding are the main hazards of concern.
    • A trend southward may result in the primary hazard becoming only heavy rain and flooding.

City of Whitewater Board of Canvass – Monday @ 9 a.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190.

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION CANVASS – Monday @ 3:30 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda – Click on “meetings” in upper right corner
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
4:30 p.m

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Adult Daycare located at 1202 E Bluff Road for Kori Gainey d/b/a Camp Buckaroos. Tax Parcel # /A323600001; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the creation of a Razing Buildings Ordinance; Discussion and possible recommendation to Council an ordinance creating section 19.09.291 Family Child Care Centers, and subsections 19.19.030 (H), 19.33.030 (T), and
19.48.020(E), amending subsections 19.15.030(H) and 19.18.030(H) to define permitted and conditional uses for Family Child Care Centers and Amending definition sections 19.09.177 and 19.09.173 Group Child Care Center and Adult Day Care Center; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the sale of Parcel #’s /A444300002 and /A444200002 located in the Whitewater Technology Park on Innovation Drive and Greenway Court; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the removal of the Deed Restrictions for the following Tax Parcel #’s /A503200002, /A323600001, /A323600002,
/A503200001, /A410400001, /A410400002 /A414000003 and /A410400004 located along Bluff Road.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., 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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22978734336476?p=S92iio5SmtdhODPPg4
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,798199952# United States
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 798 199 952#

Innovation Center Advisory Panel – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda includes Summerset Marine Update. [Community Development Director Mason Becker indicates there is not a closed session, contrary to the agenda.]
Conference Room 115, Innovation Center, 1221
Innovation Drive, 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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/223974812562312?p=RMjuPeV6z9qpoz3d9D
Meeting ID: 223 974 812 562 312
Passcode: 4TA95by3
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,428501574# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 428 501 574#

Whitewater Unified School District Strategic Planning Work Group – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
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.
Please click the link below to join the meeting:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/254146705455586?p=h6Ihftga6U4cVgckqY
Telephone:
Meeting ID:
Passcode:
Phone Conference ID:
+1 929-229-5663,,13806312#
254 146 705 455 586
yi3f4rt6138 063 12#

City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on lease agreement with Whitewater Food Pantry for use of the Armory; Update on Aquatic Center Committee and WAFC Capital Campaign progress; Discussion and possible action on application for open gym use of the Cravath Lakefront Building for morning yoga.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Personand Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/236264863713354?p=XBf4OyVgUYAZjLwE9Y

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Monthly Meeting – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Redevelopment Resources Presentation, Home renewal program; Removal of Deed Restrictions on CDA’s Bluff Road Properties, Strategic planning
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., 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.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/281051194021987?p=AH8FmLLo19qpnRXlDc
Meeting ID: 281 051 194 021 987
Passcode: Hu2if9jb
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,727727534# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 727 727 534#

Para la traducción al español, por favor vea abajo.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 5:42 pm, officers from the Whitewater Police Department responded to the Mobil Gas Station located at 804 W. Walworth Avenue in the City of Whitewater for a report of a robbery that had just occurred.

Officers arrived on scene moments after receiving the initial call and quickly secured the scene. Officers began canvassing the area for the suspects. Initial information indicated that two male suspects fled the store on foot, running southbound away from the gas station. As officers initiated their search, four separate citizens approached law enforcement at various times and identified themselves as witnesses to the incident. These individuals provided extremely detailed and consistent statements regarding the robbery. In addition, the witnesses supplied valuable video evidence capturing key moments of the crime, both before and after.

Through witness observations and video footage, it was determined that the suspects had coordinated the robbery with a third individual acting as a getaway driver staged nearby. Further video evidence showed the suspects removing the license plates from the getaway vehicle prior to committing the robbery in an apparent attempt to avoid identification. Utilizing the City of Whitewater’s Flock Safety camera system, officers were able to identify and track the suspect vehicle, described as a white Buick sedan. Within minutes, a Walworth County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle as it was a few miles outside of Whitewater, headed back towards the Kenosha/Racine area. Walworth County initiated a high-risk traffic stop a short distance outside the City of Whitewater and safely took all three suspects into custody without further incident.

Marquise Robinson (22 of Racine), Ramone Hargrove-McKinley (20 of Racine), and Savanna Plaza (18 of Kenosha and charged as Party to the Crime for all below listed charges) were the three individuals that were ultimately transported to the Walworth County Jail, where they were confined on the following charges:
 Robbery
 Possession with Intent to Deliver THC
 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
 Disorderly Conduct
 Retail Theft

The Whitewater Police Department would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the citizens who came forward to assist officers during this investigation. Their willingness to provide detailed information and share video evidence played a critical role in the swift apprehension of the suspects. This case is a strong example of how community partnership and vigilance can directly contribute to public safety.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the
Whitewater Police Department.

The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the arrestees/defendants are presumed to be innocent of all charges.

Editor’s note: WMTV15 featured this story on their news report.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater interviene en un robo y detiene a tres sospechosos que huían del lugar.

El jueves 9 de abril de 2026, aproximadamente a las 17:42 horas, agentes del Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater acudieron a la gasolinera Mobil situada en el número 804 de W. Walworth Avenue, en la ciudad de Whitewater, tras recibir una denuncia de un robo que acababa de producirse.

Los agentes llegaron al lugar momentos después de recibir la llamada inicial y aseguraron rápidamente la zona. Los
agentes comenzaron a peinar la zona en busca de los sospechosos. La información inicial indicaba que dos sospechosos
varones habían huido de la tienda a pie, corriendo hacia el sur, alejándose de la gasolinera. Mientras los agentes
iniciaban la búsqueda, cuatro ciudadanos distintos se acercaron a las fuerzas del orden en distintos momentos y se
identificaron como testigos del incidente. Estas personas proporcionaron declaraciones extremadamente detalladas y
coherentes sobre el robo. Además, los testigos aportaron valiosas pruebas en vídeo que captaban momentos clave del
delito, tanto antes como después.

A partir de los testimonios de los testigos y de las imágenes de vídeo, se determinó que los sospechosos habían
coordinado el robo con una tercera persona que actuaba como conductor de la huida y que se encontraba esperando
cerca del lugar. Otras pruebas de vídeo mostraban a los sospechosos retirando las matrículas del vehículo de huida
antes de cometer el robo, en un aparente intento de evitar ser identificados. Gracias al sistema de cámaras de seguridad
Flock Safety de la ciudad de Whitewater, los agentes pudieron identificar y rastrear el vehículo sospechoso, descrito
como un sedán Buick blanco. En cuestión de minutos, un agente del sheriff del condado de Walworth localizó el vehículo
a pocos kilómetros de Whitewater, cuando se dirigía de vuelta hacia la zona de Kenosha/Racine. El condado de
Walworth llevó a cabo una parada de tráfico de alto riesgo a poca distancia de la ciudad de Whitewater y detuvo de forma
segura a los tres sospechosos sin más incidentes.

Marquise Robinson (22 años, de Racine), Ramone Hargrove-McKinley (20 años, de Racine) y Savanna Plaza (18 años,
de Kenosha, acusada de complicidad en todos los cargos que se enumeran a continuación) fueron las tres personas que
finalmente fueron trasladadas a la cárcel del condado de Walworth, donde quedaron recluidas por los siguientes cargos:
 Robo
 Posesión de THC con intención de distribuirlo
 Posesión de parafernalia relacionada con drogas
 Alteración del orden público
 Hurto en comercios

El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea expresar su más sincero y profundo agradecimiento a los ciudadanos
que se prestaron a colaborar con los agentes durante esta investigación. Su disposición a proporcionar información
detallada y a compartir pruebas en vídeo fue fundamental para la rápida detención de los sospechosos. Este caso es un
claro ejemplo de cómo la colaboración y la vigilancia de la comunidad pueden contribuir directamente a la seguridad
pública.

La investigación sigue en curso. Se ruega a cualquier persona que disponga de información adicional relacionada con
este incidente que se ponga en contacto con el Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater.

El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer a la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Walworth su
colaboración en este incidente. Cabe señalar que este caso aún no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia
condenatoria, se presume que los detenidos o acusados son inocentes de todos los cargos.

Updated 4/11/23: Mark Dorn indicates that the two winners of the Super SIP Cinema Contest will be drawn at this showing.

“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”

Tuesday, April 14, 1 pm

(Psychological Drama)

Rated R (language); 1 hour, 53 minutes.

With her life crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne), attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband (Christian Slater), a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her icy therapist (Conan O’Brien). A Best Actress Oscar nomination (and Golden Globe winner) for Rose Byrne in a stunning, exhausting, disturbingly brilliant performance. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/