News

NATIONALLY KNOWN DISNEY EXPERTS TO SPEAK AT UW-WHITEWATER

This spring, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host two nationally recognized Disney experts for on-campus events at the University Center. On April 9 at 6:00 p.m., Disney author and prominent podcaster Michael Bowling will speak about a variety of Disney business and creative greats, including Walt Disney and Roy Disney. Author and historian Todd James Pierce will speak on April 23 about the Sherman Brothers, the song-writing duo behind Mary Poppins and other classic Disney films. Both presentations are free and open to the public, but the university encourages advance registration.

Michael Bowling is a prominent Disney historian, author, and podcaster known for his deep expertise in the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Bowling is most recognized as the host of the “Connecting with Walt” podcast, which explores the historical connections between Walt Disney’s personal life, his business ventures, and the development of Disney theme parks and films. Bowling’s presentation, on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m., will focus on the career journey of several Disney Legends. Each Disney great’s career journey was a meandering one, often marked by hardships along the way before ultimately cementing Legend status.

Following Bowling’s presentation, there will be a meet-and-greet reception, with light appetizers, also open to the public. Register for the April 9 Michael Bowling event at this website: https://my.uww.edu/SignUp/Public/Register/17906

Two weeks later, on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m., scholar Todd James Pierce will speak on campus. Pierce is the author of such Disney histories as Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film and other books about the history of the Walt Disney Company and Disney Legends. Pierce will share stories of the Sherman brothers’ unusual career journeys. Each man’s journey was marked by career changes, and each moved away from early professional dreams. However, those changes ultimately helped them both quite a bit and eventually led them to Disney Legend status as the songwriting duo behind some of the most beloved showtunes of all time, not only for Mary Poppins, but other Disney classics such as The Jungle Book, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and The Parent Trap. Pierce’s presentation will also be followed by a meet-and-greet with the author. That reception is also open to the public and will include light appetizers. Register for the April 23 Todd James Pierce event at this website: https://my.uww.edu/SignUp/Public/Register/17907

Both speakers are presented by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater office of Continuing Education. Many people are like the Sherman Brothers and do not always have a direct career path. Continuing Education has exceptional programs for everyone in their lifelong learning journey. Learners can strengthen their skills with affordable, high-quality workshops, classes and trainings designed for adults and professionals. Youth and teens develop their talents in fun programs led by award-winning coaches and staff. Special sessions and hands-on learning opportunities help students stay on track to graduation.

City of Whitewater Public Test of Voting Machines – Monday @ 1:00 p.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd floor Cravath Lakefront Conference Room, 312 W.
Whitewater St.

City of Whitewater Special Plan & Architectural Review Commission Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion regarding the conceptual plan for Lifetime Manufacturing, LLC to be located on
Innovation Drive.
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/25470476485762?p=YdfFegw14nr8jKcToM
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,830535706# United States
Phone conference ID: 830 535 706#

Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building general update, and CLOSED SESSION, not to reconvene, performance evaluation for the library director.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
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://us02web.zoom.us/j/85960263284?pwd=s9WCaxz4f92bcuGW4gbcQ9ijFc7iUD.1
Meeting ID: 859 6026 3284
Passcode: Mk9rwvHw
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US

Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes tour of the center
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Large Meeting Room 580 S. Elizabeth St. Whitewater, WI
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/23336223628734?p=DcwrDTHLMYHJ97aqgb
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone,
or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23024647953882?p=0xWG70oJJ3JEQ1YW1K
Meeting ID: 230 246 479 538 82
Passcode: pa7ka3GW
Dial in by phone
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Phone conference ID: 717 102 861#

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and update regarding the status of the Whitewater Community Foundation
Account application for the Starin Park Water Tower.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
Wednesday, April 01, 2026 – 6:00 PM
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/25871725976972?p=Ef8wmtk6R27O2UAJMR
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,442154238# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 442 154 238#

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Our last entry in historic Whitewater fires is one that occurred in 1969. This image of Whitewater Street shows, on the right side, the large mill and grain elevator known for much of the 20th century as the Dadmun Mill, just north of the railroad depot. It was built in the 19th century and served farmers until it burned in May of 1969. Many of the buildings on the left side of the photograph were razed for the Whitewater fire department building constructed in 1968, now the Municipal Building. With the demolition of the buildings for the fire department in 1968, the fire at the Dadmun Mill in 1969, and the big fire north of the Dadmun Mill (part of the old Winchester and Partridge factory) in 1976, this part of Whitewater Street changed dramatically in the late 20th century.

Step into the colorful, chaotic world of The Cat in the Hat Live – where Dr. Seuss’s timeless story leaps off the page and onto the stage! Since 2018, this vibrant family production has toured extensively through New Zealand and Australia, delighting audiences young and old. Now, the internationally loved show is bringing its magic to audiences across the United States. Get ready for a theatrical adventure full of fun, imagination, and laughter!‍

Adapted for the stage by the National Theatre of Great Britain in 2009, this faithful production brings to life the classic tale of Sally, her brother, and their overprotective pet Fish on a rainy afternoon – and, of course, the one and only Cat in the Hat. Complete with Thing One and Thing Two, expect a whirlwind of mischief, chaos, and creativity that celebrates the joy of imaginative play.‍

Running for approximately 50 minutes with no interval, this high-energy production is perfect for kids aged 3 and up – and anyone young at heart. Whether you’re introducing your little ones to this childhood favorite or reliving the magic yourself, Cat in the Hat Live is the perfect family theatre outing.‍

Pay What You Wish means exactly that!

Tickets may be purchased here.

At The Young Performing Arts Center, we’re committed to making the arts accessible to everyone, so for select performances, we’ve removed fixed ticket prices and invite you to contribute whatever feels right for your experience. It’s a great opportunity to explore something unique, exciting, and truly world-class—on your terms.

The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. Parking for this performance is free of charge in lots 1 and 2 off Prince Street north of Main Street. Lot 2 is generally the most convenient to the entrance.

“One, Two, Three”

Tuesday, March 31, 1 pm

(Satire/Screwball Comedy) Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 44 minutes (1961). 

Our second annual April Fools’ Day Best Comedy Ever series continues with this Jimmy Cagney “tour de farce,” playing a frazzled Coca-Cola executive in West Berlin on the other side of the Iron Curtain in post war Germany. Stars Horst Buccholz, Pamela Tiffin, Arlene Francis and Red Buttons. Written/Directed by Billy Wilder (“Some Like it Hot,” “The Apartment,” “Sabrina,” “Sunset Boulevard.”).

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/ 

The City of Whitewater has been recognized as a Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace by Family Friendly Workplaces, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing employer policies that support working families.

Family Friendly Workplaces prioritizes strengthening benefits available to families across western Wisconsin, with a particular focus on early childhood development and family time. Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood experiences and strong family bonding lead to meaningful, long-term outcomes, including improved academic performance, stronger communication skills, reduced risky behaviors among youth, lower likelihood of chronic disease in adulthood, and increased lifetime earnings.

Employers play a critical role in supporting these outcomes through workplace policies and benefits. To encourage adoption of family-centered practices, Family Friendly Workplaces places significant emphasis on early childhood support and time-off policies within its Certification Matrix.

The City of Whitewater earned Gold Level certification due to its strong commitment to employee well-being. The City qualified for this recognition through its comprehensive health care options, flexible work schedule, and a bring-an-infant-to-work policy. These benefits are designed to help employees successfully balance professional and family responsibilities.

“This recognition reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting our workforce and fostering a healthy work-life balance,” said Sara Marquardt, HR Manager. “We understand that when employees are supported at home, they are better able to serve our community.”

The City plans to leverage this designation in recruitment and outreach efforts, reinforcing Whitewater’s position as an employer of choice in the region.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.

Thanks to Coach Michael McCabe and special shout-out to Activities and Athletics Director Mike Dowden who helped make it happen! The Whippets graciously hosted the St. Coletta Special Olympics basketball team Wednesday afternoon. St. Coletta won the game to finish their season on a great note. Congrats to Mike, Thomas, Caleb, Candace, Cody, and Eric from St. Coletta and Matthew and Tyler Carollo, Connor Brummeyer, Evan Amundson, Casey Lyon, and Emmett Spear from the WWHS team. Coach Joe Carollo, who coached for both of these teams this year, organized the event with the help of St. Coletta’s Celia Villanueva and Amy Eicksteadt. Great experience for all involved!

Journey With Us to the Empty Tomb
Immanuel Anglican Church

You are welcome to join us for these rich and beautiful worship gatherings as we enter into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus once again. These are beautiful, historic church services that draw on all of Scripture and lead us on a journey to the empty tomb. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday | March 29 | 9am

Maundy Thursday | April 2 | 5:30pm

Good Friday | April 3
12pm Stations of the Cross Service (Open house until 4:30pm)
5:30pm Good Friday Liturgy

Holy Saturday | April 4
3:30pm Easter Egg Hunt (Outside, behind the Community Engagement Center)
5:30pm The Great Vigil of Easter

Easter Sunday | April 5
6:15am Sunrise Service
9am Festival Easter Eucharist

Location: All Holy Week events will be held at the Community Engagement Center in the Multipurpose Room, unless otherwise noted: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190

Parking: Please park in the rear of the building. (See map on our events page: https://immanuelwhitewater.church/what-were-up-to/)

For more information, please feel free to contact us at immanuelwhitewater@gmail.com or visit our website at https://immanuelwhitewater.church/. We look forward to meeting you!

The long-standing tradition of the Whitewater Kiwanis Club’s efforts at delivering hundreds of Easter lilies in advance of Holy Week has run into a minor snag this year as the supplier has experienced delivery delays. Normally Kiwanis members will have completed delivery to businesses and homes by Friday afternoon. It is looking like
delivery may be extended over the weekend and possibly Monday.

Funds raised through this and other Kiwanis fundraising efforts support children locally and worldwide. Local Kiwanis funded efforts include scholarships, playground equipment like the recently installed accessible “We-Go-Round” at Starin Park, support of youth sports and Ferradermis Robotics, providing kids winter clothing, support of various community organizations and much more.

Each florist quality Kiwanis lily has a minimum of five flowers in a 6” pot with a protective sleeve. A contribution of $20 per plant is desired. Delivery is included to area businesses and homes. A limited number of plants are still available and can be ordered by calling Al Stanek at 608 320-9781. Cash or checks upon delivery are accepted.