News

Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

There’s no better way to treat an early case of spring fever than by taking in a performance of Whitewater Middle School’s production of Walt Disney’s “Dare to Dream JR” in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School on Apr. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Apr. 11 at 2 p.m.  Tickets (Apr. 9 – Pay What You Can, Apr. 10 and 11 – $10 adults, $5 students) are available an hour before the performances.  Also, 30 minutes before the performances, Tom Ganser’s photos from the WMS productions of “Seussical” (2023), “Far Fetched Fairytales” (2024), and “Annie” (2025) will be shown.

Under the direction of MacKenzie Gehrke and assistant director Alyssa Orlowski, the cast includes Ellie Accetta, Alanna Alaniz, Lucy Baldwin, JJ Boss, Finley Bunger, Evangeline Burdine, Noah Clarksen, Kinleigh Dvorak, Mary Horner, Neema Kejo, Amelia Lefaive, Leah Lenartowski-Schramm, Madalynn Lesar, Rafaela Los, Karlee Luna, Samantha O’Donnell, Laylah Ortiz, Owen Pinzino, Donovan Ross, Elin Rothwell, Avery Schultz-Majkrak, Monserrat Serna, Sylvia Straight, Lily Tranel, Oliver Villanueva, Felicity Volbright, and Aubree Wojtkunski.

Led by Kat Dunham, the crews include Evie Baker, Corbin Bunger, Alejandra Escobar, Tucker Marshall,  Anabelle Ries, Rayhane Savadogo, Hannah Scott, Mason Taylor, Angie Zeferino-Hernandez, and Arlo Zotti.

”Dare to Dream JR” is a musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible.

Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, “Dare to Dream JR.” includes the classics “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast,” “When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio,” and “Let It Go” from “Frozen.”  Also appearing for the first time in a Disney stage musical are fan-favorites from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Coco,” and “Encanto.”

This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages. “Dare to Dream JR” turns a century of Disney magic into a theatrical celebration of music, creativity, and the dreams that live inside us all.

In-person absentee voting for the city at the Municipal Building begins Tuesday, March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3. Go to 2nd Floor, City Clerk’s Office, at 312 W Whitewater St.

Information for in-person absentee voting in the nearby towns may be found in this previous Banner article.

To see who is on your ballot, simply enter your address on this website.

The Jefferson County Spring Clean Sweep will be held on Friday, April 10 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Jefferson County Parks Shop, 1555 South Industrial Drive in Jefferson. The event is open to households, farms, and small businesses to properly dispose of their hazardous waste.

We require phone pre-registration (920-674-7430) for this event. Households and farms, please register by Wednesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m.; you are welcome to bring items from multiple residences/families. Small businesses, please register by April 3 or earlier. You will complete an inventory record of items you have and will receive an estimated disposal cost (based on weight) payable at the event.

Fees for households and farms are $10 cash per trunkload, $50 cash per truckload, and $100 cash per truck and trailer. Businesses may pay by credit card or company check. Additional fees are charged for tires, cylinders, and large quantities of light bulbs.

What is considered hazardous waste? Typically, any product that contains any of the following words: “Danger, Warning, Caution, Poison, Flammable, or Corrosive.” These items should be brought to a Clean Sweep event. For a full list of accepted hazardous waste, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php.

New for 2026, we are accepting one-pound propane cylinders. Jefferson County is excited to add this service and provide a safe recycling option for residents. The cost is $5 per cylinder.

Please note: Unused prescription drugs, electronics, appliances, and latex paint will not be accepted at this event. Latex paint may be dried out and tossed in your trash; empty paint containers should be recycled.

For information about this event or other upcoming events, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php or contact Kim at 920-674-7430 or kimb@jeffersoncountywi.gov.

Editor’s note: Whitewater residents are welcome to participate in the event even if they don’t live in Jefferson County.

Candidate for City Council District 4: Brian Schanen

I am seeking re-election on April 7 to the Whitewater Common Council representing District 4 on the city’s west side because of my deep love for this community. If re-elected, I am committed to addressing affordability, expanding business opportunities, and ensuring transparency in local government.

Growing up I was involved in Boy Scouts, earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, and helped my dad on his hobby farm. I learned the importance of honesty, respect, hard work, civic engagement, and servant leadership. These are values that I live every day, that I bring to my campaign and are central to my work on council.

My wife Heather and I met as students at UW-Whitewater and quickly fell in love with the community. While the university brought us here, it was the people, businesses, and events that made us stay. We are avid supporters of local businesses, events, and organizations – a Friday night fish fry at Rick’s, a Sunday morning breakfast at Jessica’s, a birthday at Fanatico’s, Tuesday trivia at Beer Here, a 4th of July on Cravath lakefront, Kiwanis Pancake Day, Cars & Coffee in the Kettle Moraine, the Fire Department pancake breakfast, a movie at Cinemas of Whitewater, busy restaurants after a Warhawk or Whippet win (among many, many other things) these experiences aren’t small, they are what makes Whitewater special.

As your council representative, I prioritize listening to residents, asking questions, and digging into the details. Whether it’s a small neighborhood concern or a long-term city plan, I work to ensure decisions are thoughtful, informed, and in the best interest of our community. I strongly support our residents, city staff, and our fire, EMS, and police departments.

First Term Accomplishments
Over my first term representing Whitewater’s west side meaningful progress has been made.
• Expanded owner-occupied housing, with over 50 new units well underway
• Strengthened programs to rehabilitate aging homes and convert rentals back to owner-occupied housing
• Supported business growth in the business park, with multiple developments in progress
• Expanded business retention visits citywide, helping support projects like a major expansion at Lavelle
• Increased access to healthcare through a partnership with Edgerton Hospital that brought an urgent care into the city. Since then, Edgerton Hospital has also opened a new pain clinic here.
• Improved transparency by reducing closed sessions, increasing public notice visibility via social media, and expanding lake committee participation

Vision for a Second Term
Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing our community. I am focused on responsible budgeting and easing the property tax burden for residents.
At the March 17 Council meeting, I introduced a series of ideas to improve accountability and control spending, including:
• Placing limits on when the city can go to referendum
• Capping the level of city debt
• Making better use of funds as the result of tax increment districts to help all residents.
• Increasing transparency when it comes to the number of city employees
• Other ideas can be seen in the council agenda item

If re-elected, I will work to move these ideas forward immediately, along with strengthening our ethics code to increase accountability.

As a member of the Finance Committee, I am also advocating for a clearer and more strategic approach to capital planning—ensuring we can maintain our roads, lakes, and parks while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Supporting local businesses is another key priority. I want to simplify processes like permitting and licensing so business owners can focus on growth. For example, I believe we should streamline duplicative approval processes that currently require multiple committees to review the same items.

We must continue building on the momentum in our business park by attracting high-quality employers that create good-paying jobs without overburdening city resources.

I will continue to be an advocate for owner-occupied housing, the lakes, and local healthcare.

I have more information on my priorities on my Facebook Page.

Voting Information

If you live on the west side of Whitewater (wards 6-8), I respectfully ask for your vote on April 7.

In-person absentee voting at the Municipal Building begins March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3.

For full voting details, and to see what is on your ballot please visit myvote.wi.gov.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Brian Schanen. The Whitewater Banner welcomes a submission to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com from Common Council, School Board or Town Board candidates for the city and nearby towns.

The internationally acclaimed musical Kinky Boots is stepping into town in a dazzling new national tour! With a score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a heartwarming book by Harvey Fierstein, this Tony Award–winning show celebrates friendship, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself. Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price and the fabulous drag performer Lola as they join forces to save a struggling shoe factory with a bold new line of high-heeled boots. Packed with unforgettable songs, electrifying choreography, and a powerful message about embracing what makes us unique, this joyful production promises an evening of laughter, heart, and high-stepping entertainment.

Kinky Boots is not rated R. The show is known for its uplifting themes and positive portrayal of characters, making it suitable for a broad audience. It has won multiple awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and is recognized for its joyful and heartwarming story.

Check out the promotional video here.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic—grab your tickets today and get ready to raise a heel! Tickets, which start at only $25, may be purchased online here. They also may be purchased at Ticket Services in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street, Whitewater. The office is open Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The phone number is 262-472-2222. There is a small surcharge for tickets purchased at the door. Parking is free; the most convenient lot is generally #2, south of Main Street on Prince Street.

SAVE 20% WITH PROMO CODE: YoungBoots20! Discount valid for a limited time and subject to availability. Not valid on previouslypurchased tickets or in combination with other offers. Some restrictions may apply.

On Friday, March 20th at approximately 5:41 PM, Lakeside Fire-Rescue and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched by the Rock County 911 Center for a reported water rescue at Storrs Lake in the Town of Milton.

A bystander contacted 911 after hearing calls for help and observing four individuals in the water approximately 100 meters from shore. The individuals had been kayaking when their kayak overturned, leaving them in the water. All four occupants were wearing life jackets and were attempting to swim back to shore.

By the time fire crews arrived on scene, all four individuals had safely made it out of the water. Two subjects were evaluated and transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Janesville with non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident serves as an important reminder to the public that although the ice has receded, water temperatures remain extremely cold and can lead to hypothermia within minutes. Wearing life jackets significantly increases the chances of survival, and responders were encouraged to see all individuals properly equipped.

This marks the third water rescue in the past 36 days. Of the eight individuals rescued during these incidents, six have been under the age of 20.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Lakeside Fire-Rescue. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the home page by Petra from Pixabay.

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action to recommend Down Payment Assistance Program for
Fire/EMS Department
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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2262494895281?p=GzbNCvxiqeNZJNGoF7
Meeting ID: 226 249 489 528 1
Passcode: 8y8og7hs
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,840174601# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 840 174 601#

Aquatic Center Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes election of officers; Tour of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center.
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Large Meeting Room 580 S. Elizabeth St. Whitewater, WI
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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23024647953882?p=0xWG70oJJ3JEQ1YW1K
Meeting ID: 230 246 479 538 82
Passcode: pa7ka3GW
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,717102861# United States
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 717 102 861#

The Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized area high school students as “Good Citizens” during a reception on March 5 at the Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson. Pictured from left to right are: DAR Corresponding Secretary and Registrar Jessica Punzel; Hannah Werning, Jefferson High School; Madeline Bennett, Johnson Creek High School; Hannah Baldry, Fort Atkinson High School; Madelynn Sherry, Lake Mills High School; Marvin Duarte Garcia, Whitewater High School; Brooklyn West, Palmyra-Eagle High School; and DAR Chapter Regent Janet Stehling. Unable to attend was Danny Swain, Cambridge High School

Pictured with Jessica Punzel of DAR: Marvin Duarte Garcia, Whitewater High School {Left]; Brooklyn West, Palmyra-Eagle High School

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“Song Sung Blue”

Tuesday, March 24, 1 pm

(Biography/Music)

Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 12 minutes (2025).

Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together. Stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson (Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for Best Actress). 

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/ 

Join us on at The Wright House on April 17 for stories about cats. Folktales, personal stories, puppets. This show is appropriate for cat lovers of all ages. Register on Eventbrite: https://catstories.eventbrite.com

CAITLIN McLEOD (Costume Craftsperson) is a Chicago based puppet, costume, and scenic designer. Recent design credits include: Lookingglass, Raven, Chicago Children’s, Lifeline, St. Louis Shakespeare Company, Virginia Stage Company, Drury Lane, About Face, Teatro Vista, Timeline, Steppenwolf, Rough House, and Writers. Caitlin also works as a freelance craftsperson, creating sculptural costume and puppet pieces for: Actors Gym, Manual Cinema, The Goodman, Lookingglass, Northlight, Cabinet of Curiosity, Oklahoma City Ballet, Writers Theatre, and more. Caitlin is a co-curator of Nasty Brutish and Short: Chicago’s oldest Puppet Slam, a company member of Rough House, and project manager of the Chicago Puppet Studio. Instagram: @CaitlinMcLeodDesign @ChicagoPuppetStudio

Sarah Beth Nelson owns The Wright House and hosts the house concerts. She is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Sarah Beth performs as a storyteller in open mics, festivals, and fringes.

Editor’s Note: The above was submitted by Sarah Beth Nelson.