News

WHITEWATER ARTS ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 17th ANNUAL FRAN ACHEN JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Record Regional Submissions and New Digital Platform Mark Landmark Year for Whitewater’s Premier Photography Event

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to announce the 17th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition, opening Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. The exhibition runs through Sunday, June 28, 2026, with an Awards Reception on Sunday, June 7 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

This year’s exhibition marks a landmark moment for the event, drawing a record 502 submissions from photographic artists across the region — a 25 percent increase over the previous year. The breadth and quality of work submitted reflects the exhibition’s growing reputation as a serious regional venue for fine art photography.

Two Salons — A Philosophy of Full Equals

The Fran Achen Exhibition has pioneered a dual-salon format that treats the photographic print and screen-based digital media as full equals in the gallery space. The Traditional Salon celebrates the enduring power of the physical print, displayed in a classical gallery setting. The Digital Salon champions screen-based fine art, presented on high-definition displays in-gallery — not as an afterthought, but as a fully realized exhibition experience alongside its printed counterpart.

This year’s exhibition received 201 submissions in the Traditional Salon and 301 in the Digital Salon. A total of 342 works by 75 photographic artists are represented in the show, with 150 works hung in the gallery.

“Each work here represents an artist who responded to the world with skill, intention, and a point of view worth sharing. That is what this exhibition has always been about.”

— Jeff McDonald, WAA President and 12-Year Exhibition Chair

The G/A Exhibition Engine — A First for Local Arts Organizations

Making its debut this year is the G/A Exhibition Engine, a sophisticated web application developed by Gaelic Arts LLC and provided to WAA at no cost. The Engine brings both salons together in a single unified digital experience and represents a significant advancement in how community arts organizations can present exhibition work.

The G/A Exhibition Engine was designed specifically for desktop and laptop viewing. Respect for its artists and an uncompromising commitment to quality drove that decision — every image is presented with true color, fine detail, and the visual scale that serious fine art photography deserves. The Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to be among the few regional arts organizations providing this level of international-standard digital presentation.

The Exhibition Engine features high-definition zoom capability, an interactive artist directory with direct links to participating photographers’ websites and social media channels, and a real-time Public Choice voting system. It is available now at whitewaterarts.org/fa-2026-exhibition.

The Jury

This year’s distinguished jury panel brings three distinct perspectives to the evaluation of submitted work: Ashley M. Dimmig, PhD, Crossman Gallery Director and Art History faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; Gerald H. Emmerich, Jr., HonPSA, GMPSA-P, a Photographic Society of America Grand Master with over 15,400 international acceptances; and Michael J. Havice, PhD, a retired Marquette University broadcast faculty member and active professional photographer with significant magazine publication credits.

Awards

Eleven cash awards totaling $1,300 will be presented at the Awards Reception, including Best of Show, Photographic Merit Awards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in each salon), Fran Achen Creative Expression distinctions, and Public Choice Awards determined by community voting both in-gallery and online.

About the Exhibition

The Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition commemorates the life of Fran Achen, a longtime Whitewater resident, educator, and photographer whose work chronicled the history of the Whitewater community for decades. Named in his honor, the exhibition continues his legacy of helping people see the world through fresh eyes.

Admission is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, Noon to 4:00 PM.

More information about the exhibit, including a link to the digital Exhibition Engine, may be viewed here.

Jefferson Street Road Project Information
The City of Whitewater would like to inform residents of upcoming road construction activities and related impacts associated with the Jefferson Street Reconstruction Project.

Phase 1
Construction Starts: June 15, 2026
Project Limits: Jefferson Street from Starin Road northward, including the closure of the Starin Road/Jefferson Street intersection.
Property Access: Access will be maintained for properties located north of Starin Road.
Estimated Completion: July 17, 2026 (weather dependent)

Compost Site Schedule Changes
Due to construction -related access restrictions, the compost site will be open on Saturdays only beginning June 13, 2026, and will resume its regular Wednesday schedule on July 22, 2026.
Therefore, the compost site will be closed on the following Wednesdays:

• June 17
• June 24
• July 1
• July 8
• July 15
• 
  Temporary Compost Site Access Changes Beginning June 27
  Access to the compost site will be limited due to ongoing road construction.
  Visitors must enter:
• From Jefferson Street south of Starin Road, or
• From Starin Road via Fremont Street
  Please note: Starin Road will close between Newcomb Street and Jefferson Street.
  
  Dog Park Access
  Beginning June 15, residents visiting the Dog Park will need to park along the north side of Starin Road west of Jefferson Street.
  
  The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation throughout this important infrastructure improvement project. Additional updates will be provided as construction progresses.
  
  Brad Marquardt
  Director of Public Works
  (262) 473 -0139
  Bmarquardt@whitewater -wi.gov
  

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Written by Jeff Angileri| Photo by Craig Schreiner

UW-Whitewater awarded $225K to enhance region’s emergency preparedness

Nearly a quarter million dollars in federal funding will be managed by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to create a technologically advanced and sustainable Emergency Operations Center [EOC] for the region.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin secured $225,000 as part of Department of Homeland Security annual funding legislation that was passed into law recently.

“Wisconsin families need to know that when an emergency strikes, their communities have what they need to keep them safe and help them recover,” Baldwin said in a statement. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to help communities across our state strengthen infrastructure, improve emergency preparedness, and keep Wisconsin families safe for years to come.”

Funds will be used to establish a dedicated EOC space on the Whitewater campus. It is expected to serve as a collaborative emergency headquarters for UW-Whitewater, the City of Whitewater, and Walworth, Jefferson and Rock counties.

“This investment will allow UW-Whitewater to move from a locally equipped Emergency Operations Center to one that is regionally equipped, strengthening our ability to support both campus and community response efforts,” said Chancellor Corey King. “It also reflects and enhances the institution’s ongoing investment in emergency preparedness and coordinated response between multiple agencies and organizations.”

UW-Whitewater Police Chief Matthew Kiederlen said the dedicated space will offer communications technology and sustainable power generation, among other features.

“The goal is that our regional EOC can sustain itself for weeks at a time and will include redundancies, such as solar power, to ensure ongoing operations during power outages,” he said.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host Michael Anderson, MD, Fort Healthcare’s CEO, to present on the innovations the organization has made over the past few years.

WHITEWATER—June 4th, 2026—The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Michael Anderson, MD, Fort Healthcare’s CEO, to present on the innovations the organization has made over the past few years.

This event will take place on Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St.

Michael R. Anderson, MD, joined Fort HealthCare as an Otolaryngologist, otherwise known as Ear, Nose, and Throat, surgeon in August 2003. Quickly assuming a leadership role in the organization, he served as Chief of Surgery in 2007. The Medical Staff elected him to serve as Chief of Staff in 2012. Dr. Anderson was appointed to Fort HealthCare Board of Directors in 2013, where he served for 10 years.

Dr. Anderson was appointed Medical Director of Perioperative Services in 2015. Subsequently in 2022, he was named Senior Vice President of Fort HealthCare and assumed the role President & CEO on Jan 1, 2023.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with his three kids and wife of nearly thirty years. Avid about the Wisconsin summer season, you can usually find them golfing, in a boat or waterskiing. Summer nights are spent on the deck or around the firepit.

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about Fort Healthcare. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, June 10th.

“Many of our members frequently utilize Fort HealthCare’s services,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We are excited to learn about the updates and achievements they have accomplished over the past few years.”

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com. 

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life. 

To wrap up the school year, students in Mr. Nolan Otremba’s Carpentry and Construction course had the sheds they built officially inspected by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The students passed inspection and received certificates certifying they have the entry-level skills required for a career in carpentry. During the visit, students also spoke with the representatives about entering the field, essential industry skills, and the career benefits of the trade.

We are incredibly proud of their hard work, precision, and dedication.

Article and Photos Submitted by Nolan Otremba
Whitewater High School Technology and Engineering Teacher
otrno01@wwusd.org

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

It is high school graduation season and here is a post card featuring the Whitewater High School Class of 1921. According to the Whitewater Register, there were 21 graduates and of these 19 are shown in this photograph. Of note is graduate Edwin Coe, editor of the Whitewater Register for many years in the 20th century. Also of interest is this rare interior view of the old “Big Brick” High School building (burned 1927). We have a lot of views of the exterior of that building, but only a few of the interior. Congratulations to all graduates this June!

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

(3325PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Editor’s note: This proclamation, which was read at the Common Council meeting on June 2, was submitted by Jenny Rule, Local Group Lead, Moms Demand Action-Whitewater Area. Jenny added the following: Links to the Wear Orange coalition website: wearorange.org (also in Spanish here).  Please consider sharing information about Wear Orange on your personal social media this week to spread awareness far and wide. Use the hashtag #WearOrange

The Third Annual Unity Walk will be Saturday, July 18 at 10 am starting at the Whitewater Armory. All are welcome to enjoy live music, visit tabling community organizations, and hear speeches about unity at this non-partisan, inclusive community event. Unity signs will be available to carry from the Armory to the Cultural Arts Center and back. The Unity Walk, a Symbol of Civility, offers all residents from all backgrounds an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to bringing Whitewater together as one human family. Save the date.

Reservar la fecha – La Tercera Caminata Anual por la Unidad será el sábado 18 de julio a las 10 am comenzando en el Armory de Whitewater. Todos son bienvenidos a disfrutar de música en vivo, visitar las organizaciones comunitarias en los puestos y escuchar discursos sobre la unidad en este evento comunitario inclusivo y no partidista. Habrá carteles de Unidad disponibles para llevar desde el Armory hasta el Centro de Artes Culturales y de regreso. La Caminata por la Unidad, un Símbolo de Civilidad, ofrece a todos los residentes de todos los orígenes la oportunidad de demostrar su compromiso de unir a Whitewater como una sola familia humana. Reserven la fecha.

Editor’s Note: This information was provided by the Unity Walk Committee.

Have you ever wanted to try some of our classes, but you weren’t sure where to start? Join us on Saturday, June 6th for our Fit Expo!
We will be showcasing a variety of classes, as well as having local health and wellness vendors on site.
The class showcases will offer shorter versions of everyone’s favorite classes, whether they’re on land, in the leisure pool, or in the lap pool.
If you’re coming to join the Fit Expo, entry is free for the event.
Class offerings include…
Fitness Studio Schedule:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Lift
8:50AM – CIRC’L Mobility
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Strength + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spin
Lap Pool Schedule:
8AM – Heart Racers
11AM – Water Warriors
12PM – Aqua Strength Fusion
Leisure Pool Schedule:
8:40AM – Aqua Flow
9:30AM – Hydro Power
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Strong in 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga

¿Alguna vez has querido probar algunas de nuestras clases, pero no estabas seguro de por dónde empezar? ¡Únete a nosotros el sábado 6 de junio en nuestra Fit Expo!
Presentaremos una variedad de clases, además de contar con proveedores locales de salud y bienestar en el lugar.
Las muestras de clases ofrecerán versiones más cortas de las clases favoritas de todos, ya sea en tierra, en la piscina de ocio o en la piscina de carriles.
Si vienes a unirte a la Fit Expo, la entrada al evento es gratuita.
Las ofertas de clases incluyen…
Horario del Estudio de Fitness:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Levantamiento
8:50AM – CIRC’L Movilidad
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Fuerza + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spinning
Horario de la Piscina de Carriles:
8AM – Corredores del Corazón
11AM – Guerreros Acuáticos
12PM – Fusión de Fuerza en Agua
Horario de la Piscina de Ocio:
8:40AM – Flujo Acuático
9:30AM – Poder Hidro
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Fuerte en 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga

A multi-agency response crew has located and recovered the body of a drowning victim who went missing at approximately 3:00 p.m. on June 2 in the Rock River, adjacent to Highway N in Jefferson. The body was recovered at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 3. The Jefferson County Medical Examiner is responding to positively identify the victim. The individual’s name has not been released pending next-of-kin notification.

From incident reports:

Two individuals were boating on the Rock River during the afternoon of June 2 when one person entered the water. The other boater called 9-1-1, and first responders arrived within minutes. The search began immediately and continued until 9:00 p.m., when it was suspended for the night. The search resumed at 8:00 a.m. on June 3 and continued until the individual was recovered.

The Sheriff’s Office urges all boaters to understand boater-safety laws, use personal floatation devices (PFDs), observe current weather and water conditions, and avoid entering water unless you are fully aware of the risks. The Rock River has cloudy water, potentially dangerous currents, mud, silt, tree branches, and other debris that can be hazardous to swimmers.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Jefferson Fire & EMS would like to thank all of the agencies from Jefferson, Rock, Waukesha, and Brown Counties that responded with personnel and equipment.

In addition to the City of Jefferson and Jefferson County, responders came from:

• Fort Atkinson
• Janesville
• JCEC
• Johnson Creek
• Lake Mills
• Lakeside
• MD-1
• Rock County
• Salvation Army
• Waterloo
• Western Lakes
• Western Waukesha

Special crews and equipment:

• ARGO amphibious XTV/UTV from Cambridge
• ATV from Sullivan
• Boats from DNR, Fort Atkinson, Janesville, Jefferson, Lake Country, Lake Mills, Rock County, Rock River Safety Patrol, and Western Lakes
• Robotic submersible from Green Bay
• Whitewater Surface Water Rescue

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.