News

The Whitewater Heritage 250 Exhibit (July 2 – July 26, 2026) and the Whitewater Arts Alliance “Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community—250 Campaign”

Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. Whitewater Heritage 250: A Living Democracy Celebration, July 2 – July 26, 2026, Thursdays – Sundays, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm July 2 Heritage 250 Exhibit Opens July 4 4th of July City Celebration, CAC Gallery is open July 9 1st Brigade Band performs at Savory Sounds, 11:30am – 1:00pm July 12 Heritage 250 Reception, 1st Brigade Band Demonstration, and portrayal of Christopher Ludwig (George Washington’s baker) by Dale Reich, 1pm-4pm July 16 Kevin Wood portrays Abraham Lincoln, 10:00am – 11:30am July 26 Final Day of the Exhibition Please visit our website for additional details regarding the schedule. In collaboration with the Whitewater and Walworth County Historical Societies, the Whitewater Landmarks Commission, and the 1st Brigade Band, the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) will host “Whitewater Heritage 250: A Living Democracy Exhibition” from July 2 – July 26, 2026 in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. The exhibit will feature historical photographs, artifacts, narratives, music, Civil War era instruments, documents, a time capsule, reenactments, and contemporary performances. The exhibit’s curation and programming highlight how the values expressed in our nation’s founding documents have shaped the development of our local society and the changes that have occurred due, in part, to those same principles. The exhibit reminds visitors that democracy is not only inherited but continually practiced. Programming highlights include the performance of the 1st Brigade Band (https://1stbrigadeband.org/) for the Savory Sounds concert on July 9.  The 1st Brigade Band reenacts performances of the original band, a group of eighteen men from the Brodhead Brass Band who enlisted in the Union Army in 1864. The band performs in traditional uniforms utilizing historic instruments; several of the organization’s instruments will be on loan for the exhibit in the Cultural Arts Center. An E-flat tenor horn played for the Lincoln – Douglas debate in Freeport, Illinois in 1858 and a drum played at Fort McHenry will be on display.     On July 12, Heritage Military Music Foundation members Nancy Campbell, Ed Pierce, Don Neverman, and Paul Schmidt will provide a demonstration and discuss the history of the instruments, including a Revolutionary War drum they will bring to the CAC. The exhibition reception will also take place that day from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Dale Reich will share his portrayal of Christopher Ludwig, George Washington’s baker, at 2:30pm. President Abraham Lincoln will make an appearance on July 16, 10:00am – 11:30am through a historically grounded performance by Kevin Wood (https://www.mrlincoln.com/).   The events are free and the public is invited to attend; the Whitewater Arts Alliance staff, board, and volunteers look forward to celebrating our history with our fellow citizens. This program is supported in part by a grant from The Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and The National Endowment for the Arts.

Additionally, we thank our sponsors for supporting these events: Beaver Tree, Burtness, College of Arts and Communication, Culver’s, Fairhaven, First Citizens State Bank, First English Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, Gomez Landscaping, Knapton Musik Knotes Inc, Krueger Jeweler, Nitardy Funeral Home, Pastor Clarissa Martinelli and Family, Pro Landscape Supply, Studio 84, The White House of Music, UW-W Summer Marching Bands, Whitewater Area League of Women Voters, Whitewater Historical Society, Whitewater Public Library, WUSD Leadership Team, Window Genie, Kim Adams and Angie Alesci, Joseph and Jessica Coburn, Thayer and Anne Coburn.

In conjunction with the Whitewater Heritage 250 exhibit, the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) will launch its “Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community 250 Campaign.”  This fundraising campaign seeks to raise awareness about WAA programming and community outreach efforts and to inspire 250 contributors to the 250 Campaign. The campaign will be officially announced on July 9 during the 1st Brigade Band Savory Sounds concert. The campaign will run July 2026 – July 2027 and funds raised will be used to embrace creative arts opportunities, enhance public art, enrich arts knowledge and appreciation, and engage intergenerational and diverse artistry. For information on donating to the Whitewater Arts Alliance, visit https://www.whitewaterarts.org/donate.

Contact:For more information, Contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts AlliancePhone: 608-201-2151 Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.comWebsite: whitewaterarts.org Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance

Cultural Arts Center Gallery

402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI

Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm

Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.

“Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!”

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Happy Fourth of July tomorrow! Many of you will come and see the parade tomorrow so we present this parade float from the 1907 Homecoming parade that also took place on July 4. It was created by the F. M. and M. M. Finch Hardware Store. This hardware store started with F. M. Finch in the late 19th century. Around the turn of the twentieth century, M. M. Finch joined the business and it operated in downtown Whitewater until 1910. The float has what was the “state of the art” kitchen stove for 1907 on display.

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

(2920GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

Updated 7/3/26 @ 9:50 p.m. – Clarification: The carnival WILL BE OPEN ON SUNDAY with wristband hours (unlimited rides for $25) from 12-4 p.m.

The community is gearing up for four days of fun, entertainment, and patriotic celebration as the Annual 4th of July Festival opens. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to join in the festivities, which will feature a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, July 2, with the annual Miss Whitewater Pageant along with the opening of the carnival, beer garden, and local food vendors.

On Friday, July 3, festivalgoers can enjoy the carnival, a variety of food vendors, live music, and the popular beer garden, providing a full day of great food, entertainment, and community spirit.

The excitement continues on Saturday, July 4, starting with the Whippet Mile, followed by the parade. Once that is over, the carnival, food vendors, live music, and beer tent open throughout the remainder of the day. The evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display, scheduled to launch at 9:45 p.m., lighting up the sky in celebration of America’s independence.

The festival wraps up on Sunday, July 5, with Family Day, presented by Generac. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a petting zoo, balloon artist, flea market, and much more. Family Day is designed to provide fun and entertainment for attendees of all ages.

Carnival hours (including $25 wristband unlimited rides hours): July 2 hours: 4:30 pm- 10:30 pm (wristbands 5:00 pm -9:00 pm) July 3 hours: 11:30 am- 10:30 pm (wristbands 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm) July 4 hours: 11:30 am- 11:30 pm (wristbands 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm); July 5 hours: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (at least that’s the wristband hours)

“We are excited to bring the community together once again to celebrate our nation’s independence and create lasting memories with family and friends,” the 4th of July Committee said. “There is truly something for everyone throughout the four-day festival

Come celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, and neighbors at this year’s Annual 4th of July Festival!
Updates may be available at whitewater4th.com.

A promotional video may be viewed here. The band lineup is shown below.

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department.

On Wednesday July 1st, 2026, at approximately 7:42 pm, deputies from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the City of Whitewater EMS and Fire Departments, and Mercy Hospital’s MD-1 responded to a motorcycle crash with injuries near the intersection of N McCord Rd and N Lima Center Rd in Lima Township.

Preliminary investigation revealed a motorcycle operated by a 58-year-old man from Mukwonago, WI was traveling southbound on N McCord Rd south of N Lima Center Rd. The motorcycle overturned in the roadway, and the operator was ejected into the ditch nearby. As a result of multiple severe injuries sustained in the crash, the operator was flown to the hospital by Flight for Life.

The crash remains under investigation, but no charges or citations are anticipated at this time.

Numerous rounds of thunderstorms expected from now through the weekend. Severe thunderstorms with all hazards will be possible with each of these rounds. Two rounds of storms will be possible Wednesday evening followed by overnight. Thursday may be the most likely severe thunderstorm period with all hazards possible (damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, flash flooding). Friday and beyond is fairly uncertain for storm potential and dependent upon what happens today/tomorrow.

Heat-wise, the Extreme Heat Warning was extended through Thursday due to the potential of heat indices still getting into the 100F+ range. This is day 4 of the heat wave, so criteria for a warning is with the heat index hitting 100F+ now instead of 105F+. If storms and cloud cover lingers, these heat indices may not be as high. Conditions will remain on the warm and humid side through the holiday weekend.

Michael Maas is a WUL Hometown Hero, and was nominated by Erika Serna because he is “A dedicated community leader who believes that everyone belongs and works to create spaces where the Latino community and all members of the community feel welcomed, valued, and included. He leads with compassion, respect, and a genuine desire to bring people together.”

Following is more information about the nomination from Erika:

“His commitment extends far beyond his responsibilities. He consistently shows up for his students, families, and team, offering encouragement, support, and a helping hand whenever it is needed. Whether celebrating successes, facing challenges, or building opportunities for others, he leads by example and inspires those around him through his kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication.

His hard work and selfless service do not go unnoticed. The positive impact he makes on the lives of others is evident in the trust, appreciation, and gratitude he earns from the community. His dedication to serving others, fostering unity, and uplifting those around him is deeply valued and sincerely appreciated by all who have the privilege of working alongside him.”

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 information was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

All of the quilts completed in 2024 waiting to be blessed, along with some of our quilters.

First English Lutheran Church is looking for help with our quilt project! We want to keep making quilts to send to Lutheran World Relief, but our group numbers are declining. In order to keep our quilt production HIGH, we need new volunteers to join us!

A little about the LWR Quilt Project:

• We meet every Tuesday morning from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
• Machines and materials are provided. We have patterns and will show you what to do!
• You do not need sewing skills! We also need volunteers to measure and cut fabric, and tie the threads that hold the quilts together.
• Can’t come on Tuesdays? You can help from home! If you sew and have a machine, pick up supplies to build one at home. If you don’t sew, pick up a quilt to tie.
• You do not need to be a member! Have friends or family that like to sew or craft? Know youth that have taken up “Granny Hobbies?” Everyone is welcome!
• If you have questions, contact the office, [262-473-5076 or email secretaryfelcww@gmail.com] and they will put you in touch with one of us.

*Many of the LWR quilts stay in the United States, and a percentage of the quilts we make are distributed to help agencies right here in Whitewater.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on June 25 delivered his radio address and highlighted the launch of a new partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to make it even easier for Wisconsinites to enjoy Wisconsin State Parks. Wisconsinites can now order their annual Wisconsin 12-month state park and forest vehicle admission pass while renewing their annual vehicle registration with the DMV. This partnership is helping connect the dots to help streamline state services for Wisconsin residents and improve government efficiency, while helping to generate consistent revenue for the state.

Previously, state park passes were issued based on the calendar year, but this announcement was made possible by legislation signed by Gov. Evers in 2024 to make the DNR state park pass valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, much like Wisconsin’s annual vehicle registration renewal. This ensures that Wisconsinites can enjoy all four seasons of Wisconsin’s state parks, no matter what month of the year their vehicle registration is due.

When Wisconsinites renew their vehicle registration online at wisconsindmv.gov/renew, they will have the option to purchase a state park pass at the same time. After opting in to purchase a state park pass, Wisconsinites will make one payment and receive one mailing with the DNR state park pass, vehicle registration stickers, and Certificate of Registration within 7-10 business days. In addition to the collaboration between DNR and WisDOT, support from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Mail Distribution Services combines the agencies’ two mailings into one for further improved efficiency and cost savings. For same-day service, a state park pass will also be available at kiosks within DMVs when completing a registration renewal.

Additional state park vehicle admission passes can be purchased online on the DNR’s Wisconsin State Parks webpage, at individual state park system properties, or from DNR service centers.

Photo caption: Representatives from the 38 nonprofit organizations that received funding through the seventh round of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program receive a big check from the United Way of Walworth County. Joining agency representatives are Walworth County Board Chairman Rick Stacey, Walworth County Administrator Mark Luberda, Walworth County Recovery Grants Manager Richard Abbott, and United Way of Walworth County Executive Director Brian Holt.

Walworth County and the United Way of Walworth County Announce Final Round of ARPA Grant Recipients

Since its inception in 2021, Walworth County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant-funding program, managed in partnership with the United Way of Walworth County, has awarded just over $865,000 to 51 area nonprofits. The seventh and final round of funding was recently awarded to 38 recipients, signifying the conclusion of a successful five-year collaboration.

“The grant-funding partnership with Walworth County has provided a lifeline to local non-profits that faced tremendous financial and operational challenges in the recovery from the pandemic,” says United Way of Walworth County Executive Director Brian Holt. “These organizations do so much to support Walworth County residents. By supporting these agencies, we contribute to the resiliency and well-being of our communities.”

The grant recipients for the final round are Agape House Inc, American Legion Post 24, Aram Public Library, Bethel House of Whitewater, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin, Big Foot Community Fine Arts Foundation, Bloom360 Learning Community, Circle of Friends Mission Thrift Shoppe, Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties/Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, Elkhorn Food Pantry, Geneva Lakes Conservancy, Geneva Lake Museum, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, The Guest House by Friends, Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County, Inspiration Ministries, Join the Movement Events, Kettle Moraine Land Trust, Lake Geneva Food Pantry, Mount Zion Christian Church, New Beginnings APFV, Open Arms Free Clinic, Safe Families for Children, Southern Lakes Memory Project, Southern Lakes United Water Ski Show Team, Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills (SMILES), The Community Space,  Special Olympics Wisconsin, Treehouse Child and Family Center, United Way of Jefferson and Walworth County, VIP Services, Walworth County Emergency Homeless Shelter Spirit of Hope, Walworth County Food Pantry (The Bridge), Walworth County Historical Society, Walworth County Literacy Council, Walworth County Reading Project, Williams Bay School Parent Teacher Organization, and Wisconsin Makers.  [Editor’s note: Agencies with a particular connection with the greater Whitewater area are italicized. This is not intended to imply that none of the other agencies may serve Whitewater area residents.]

The agencies received between $1,000 and $9,000 apiece and may utilize the grants for technical assistance, consulting, or other services for business planning; assistance with payroll support, costs to retain employees, or other operating costs; or outreach efforts for qualifying populations impacted by COVID-19.

A board comprised of United Way of Walworth County committee members selected grant recipients based on their application, submission of required documentation, and use of a scoring rubric. Only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations were eligible to apply.

This project is supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.