League Book Club Announces Study of Poverty, by America

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will begin its 2024 Book Club with a study of Poverty, by America, by Matthew Desmond, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Do you wonder why the United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy? Desmond draws upon history, research and original reporting to argue that poverty in America persists because the
rest of us benefit from it. Please join us to investigate new ways of imagining solutions to a morally urgent problem and engage in how to usher in an age of shared prosperity.

Books have been reserved at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library for the group’s use during the study. Please ask at the front desk for a copy. Book Club discussions will be held at the library on the following Thursday evenings, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

February 22, Chapters 1 – 3
March 21, Chapters 4 – 6
April 18, Chapters 7 – 9

The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate. Please contact Deb Gamble (262-583-1946 or shebagam@gmail.com) for questions or further information.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Lozano and Huser, FCCU, Earn Financial Counseling Certification

Kendra Lozano
Theresa Huser


Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is pleased to announce Kendra Lozano, Member Service Representative, and Theresa Huser, Consumer Loan Officer, have earned their designation of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC).

This certification requires participants to complete the Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) offered by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The program involves self-study, webinars, and rigorous testing with the aim to identify financial challenges and provide effective intervention not typically offered by for-profit financial institutions.

Lozano and Huser join FCCU’s team of Financial Coaches whose mission is to help members identify goals, raise their credit score to qualify for better rates, reduce loan delinquencies, and improve their overall financial wellbeing. Lozano is bilingual and will utilize her Spanish communication skills to assist and advocate for those in the Hispanic community.

“Kendra and Theresa were the perfect candidates for the FiCEP program and are committed to helping members gain control of their financial future,” said Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development at FCCU. “Our entire financial coaching team is dedicated to helping members transform their lives and ensure financial well-being for all.”

Individuals with the CCUFC designation are required to recertify every three years to ensure their financial counseling knowledge is current. Members interested in receiving free financial coaching can request an appointment by emailing financialcoaches@fortcommunity.com

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

This Week’s City Meetings (Updated)

Updated 1/28/24 @ 8:00 p.m. to provide details of the CDA meeting.

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Special Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Closed session, to be followed by open session – discussion regarding the resignation of the Economic Development Director
Whitewater Municipal Building Council Chambers,
312 West Whitewater St.
*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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83688246954?pwd=LVBI54kl-TrsjidK2Pe4l-Mi5V7AYg.S7kDQ-G5qX-5iPsM
Passcode: 264268
Or Telephone:
Dial: 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 836 8824 6954
Passcode: 264268

City of Whitewater Ethics Committee Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Closed session Items to be discussed: Consider complaints against elected officials; May re-enter open session at the same place thereafter to act on such matters discussed therein as it deems appropriate.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83773150974?pwd=XQN0MAk3BjZ01oMA9ldLdLvXMFjn8g.zHzIaEt32XxXnXSl
Passcode: 195569
Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 837 7315 0974
Passcode: 195569

Back to calendar

Local Students’ Achievements Recognized by UW Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean’s List and Honor Roll in fall 2023 across its three campuses (Fond du Lac, Fox Cities and Oshkosh).

The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean’s List is 3.75 out of a possible 4.0.

To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. There can be no individual grades below a “C” and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run.

Whitewater, WI

 Dalia Velazquez, Dean’s list
 Julia Feit, Honor Roll
 Fabian Gonzalez, Honor Roll
 Martin Gonzalez, Honor Roll
 Lizbeth Rodriguez, Dean’s list
 Allison Martens, Honor Roll
 Anderson Waelchli, Honor Roll

Grosskreutz 75th Wedding Anniversary

If you look through the back issues of the Whitewater Register, you’ll discover that 75 years ago this weekend, “the most destructive sleet storm in three decades” hit Walworth County, knocking out power lines and making roads impassable due to ice and temperatures as low as 14 below. Although that storm had a huge impact at the time, it’s been mostly forgotten about in the wake of all the other storms the area has experienced since.

However, one thing happened that weekend that has endured throughout the ages. On Friday, January 28, 1949, Dick and Bev Grosskreutz became husband and wife. A little bit of sleet and cold didn’t stop them from getting married, and they have weathered everything that’s been thrown at them since. And now, 75 years later, they are looking forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with their family.

Happy 75th anniversary, Bev and Dick!

Submitted by Kelly Grosskreutz

Back by Popular Demand – Young Auditorium Presents Wisconsin Singers

Wisconsin Singers at the Young Auditorium – Friday, February 2 @ 7:30 p.m. – All seats are $25.

Wisconsin Singers got a standing ovation for their concert last year at the Young Auditorium, and word of mouth should certainly bring out a larger audience for their return engagement, featuring all new music.

Wisconsin Singers presents When Opposites Attract for its 56 season! This exhilarating pop music revue explores the variation in the world around us, and the unexpected greatness of bringing opposites and difference together. Audiences will enjoy music from legendary artists such as Tina Turner, Queen, Dolly Parton, and Michael Bublé; showstopping numbers from Hamilton, Wicked, Some Like It Hot, and other award-winning musicals; and even favorite tunes from beloved movie soundtracks like High School Musical, A Goofy Movie, and The Breakfast Club. Performed by UW-Maidson’s nationally renowned dancers, singers, and instrumentalists, Wisconsin Singers will ignite the stage with more than 50 songs in their newest original show. The Singers and their ever-contagious Badger spirit are an unforgettable entertainment experience for every age and musical taste!

Tickets may be purchased here.

Local Students Recognized on UW-River Falls Dean’s List

The fall semester Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning. It honors 1,656 students.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average. Area students are listed below by name, hometown and major.

Whitewater, WI

Owen Kramer, Animal Science
Gwen Truesdale, Agricultural Engineering

About UW-River Falls:

UWRF is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond.

Seniors in the Park Presents What Happens Later

“What Happens Later”

Tuesday, January 30, 1 p.m.

(Romance/Comedy) Rated R (Language)

1 hour, 43 minutes (2023)

Two ex-lovers see each other for the first time in years when they are both snowed in at an airport overnight. Starring Meg Ryan and David Duchovny.

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 $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our 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/

Tickets Selling Fast For Casino Night Benefit to Support VIP Services

ELKHORN, WI – Nearly half of the tickets have already sold for the second annual ‘Casino Night Benefit’ being held on Saturday, February 10th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Geneva Tap House, located at 252 Broad Street in scenic downtown Lake Geneva. Funds raised will be used to support VIP Services and their ongoing community programs and essential services for adults with disabilities.

Tickets for this unforgettable event are only $50 each and include entrance, playing chips, snacks, and a wide selection of beverages including wines, seltzers, and many varieties of beer. Guests will have the opportunity to play blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas hold’em. The top three chip holders at the end of the night will get to pick from the prize table.

Craig Poshepny, Executive Director of VIP Services, sees the benefit as a chance to educate the public about VIP’s many services and create new connections in the community.

“This is such a unique event, and it is also a great forum for talking about those we support in their efforts to overcome challenges and barriers to find employment and other opportunities to become involved in the community,” Poshepny said during a promotional announcement at VIP. “Moving the benefit to Geneva Tap House creates an opportunity to reach a wider audience here in Walworth County, form new partnerships, and hold an even bigger event than we did last year.”

Poshepny said the additional space at Geneva Tap House will make it possible to have additional gaming tables and host more than 150 guests. Those interested in buying or reserving tickets are encouraged to call VIP Services at 262.723.4043 or visit the organization’s offices at 811 Geneva Street in Elkhorn.

Rock County Sheriff’s Office Final ATV Safety Education Course for the Season


Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our second and final 2024 ATV Safety Education Course on February 6, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and February 17, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County
Fairgrounds – Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Students will need to attend both sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to complete an ATV Safety Education Course in order to legally operate an ATV or UTV in areas open to the public within the State of Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of
age or turn 12 shortly after the class.

ATV Safety Education Course

Session 1: Tues., February 6, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Session 2: Sat., February 17, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center

Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/atv-education

Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information.

The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any
questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.

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