Two occupants of a buggy and the driver of the car that hit them at about 8 a.m. on Monday, November 10 in the 10000 block of County Hwy N in Rock County were treated for minor injuries. Both of the vehicles were going east on N when the crash occurred, according to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The driver of the car that hit the buggy from behind was not identified. The occupants of the buggy were an adult and a minor.
The Sheriff’s Office indicated that no charges will be filed. Also responding to the crash were the Whitewater Police Department and Lakeside Fire Rescue.
Karla Jean Masterson Goodman, 72, of Severna Park, Maryland passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, due to complications of multiple sclerosis. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final hours.
Karla was born on March 11, 1953, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, the daughter of parents William and Phyllis (Chamberlain) Masterson. She grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, graduated from Whitewater High School, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. Karla found great enjoyment working at the Delafield Public Library among the books she loved. She moved to Maryland later in life to be with her son Mike and his family.
A true cat lover verging on crazy cat lady, Karla raised and loved many felines. She was well known for the cat sweaters and pins she wore, as well as the many cat pictures and figurines decorating her living spaces. Karla also loved games, puzzles, TV game shows, going to the movies, Coca-Cola, the color purple, and chocolate. She adored music and spent decades singing alto in various choirs and playing the piano, clarinet, and handbells, especially at Delafield Presbyterian Church.
Karla was a follower of Jesus and a member of Woods Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD, where she sang in the choir for years. Karla was a proud member of Delta Zeta Sorority, which she joined at UW-Whitewater. She cultivated lifelong friendships from her chapter and they had regular get-togethers until Karla moved away from Wisconsin. She was also a member of P.E.O. International and remained close with the organization until her death.
Remaining to cherish Karla’s memory are sons Michael (Jessica) Goodman and Brian (Ashley) Goodman, grandchildren Ella Ruth Goodman and Ziggy Goodman, and brothers Kim Masterson and Bruce Masterson, along with several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandson Theodore Goodman, parents, and sisters- in-law Pam Schmit-Masterson and Debbie Masterson.
A celebration of Karla’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI, with Pastor Martinelli officiating. The service will be followed by burial at Hillside Cemetery. We will then share memories of Karla over Gus’ pizza, Coca-Cola, and chocolate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karla’s name can be made to Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) under the Ways to Give and Tributes tabs.
Online condolences may be shared at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI.
The Walworth County Veterans Service Office is pleased to announce the launch of an interactive online database dedicated to honoring and preserving the history of veterans laid to rest in Walworth County. The database will go live on Veterans Day 2025 – Tuesday, November 11.
This dynamic tool offers a comprehensive platform for users to explore and connect with the past, providing an engaging way to pay tribute to over 6,500 military veterans. This user-friendly database is rich with features designed to enhance your exploration and understanding of these individuals’ contributions:
Comprehensive search options: Easily locate veterans by filtering individual cemeteries or by war era and branch of service. This makes it simple for users to find specific veterans or discover new stories within the community.
Visual connection: View detailed, close-up images of headstones and grave markers, offering a personal glimpse into the lives and legacies of our veterans.
Inclusive access: With more than 6,500 veterans’ records, the database promises a complete and inclusive historical perspective, ensuring no story is left untold.
This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving the memory and honoring the service of the men and women who have served our country. It’s a heartfelt invitation to the community and beyond to engage with history in a meaningful way.
You can start your exploration on Veterans Day 2025 at www.co.walworth.wi.us/210/Veterans-Service-Office. Use the search filters to find specific veterans or explore different eras and branches. Please share your discoveries with family and friends to spread awareness and honor the legacy of these men and women who served our nation.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, educator, family member, or simply curious, this resource is designed to explore the rich tapestry of our nation’s history through the lens of those who served.
At approximately 6:38 AM on November 9th, 2025, Whitewater Fire/EMS was dispatched to a reported shed fire at N8434 Converse Road in the Town of Whitewater. Upon arrival, Engine 121 found the structure fully involved with fire and showing partial structural collapse. Crews initiated a defensive fire attack, containing the fire to the building of origin and protecting nearby exposures. The fire was brought under control without further incident. The shed was a total loss.
The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature and is not considered suspicious. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
Whitewater Fire/EMS was assisted on scene by the following agencies: Lauderdale-LaGrange Engine LaGrange Chief Darien Tender Walworth County Sheriff’s Department Walton Enterprise Excavator
At approximately 10:47 AM on November 6th, 2025, Whitewater Fire/EMS was dispatched to a reported barn fire located at 7248 Sturtevant Road in the Town of Lima. Battalion 12 and Engine 121 arrived on scene to find smoke and flames visible from the roof of a non-operational barn. Crews initiated a defensive fire attack, successfully limiting the fire to the roof area and preventing further spread throughout the structure. The fire was brought under control without incident.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an ember that ignited from an adjacent burn pile. The loss was limited to the roof area of the barn. The cause is not considered suspicious. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
Whitewater Fire/EMS was assisted on scene by the following agencies: Lauderdale-LaGrange and Fort Atkinson Engine Companies Jefferson Truck Company Delavan, Elkhorn, and Lakeside Squad Companies Janesville and Lake Geneva Ambulances Chiefs from LaGrange, Jefferson, and Fort Atkinson Rome and Sullivan Tender Companies – Rock County Sheriff’s Department
Editor’s note: The above press releases were provided by the Whitewater Fire Department.
Catherine Crossman was a beloved teacher at UW-Whitewater and community member. The first art gallery on campus, located in Old Main, opened in 1967 and was named in her honor. After the Old Main Fire of 1970, the Crossman Art Gallery reopened in 1971 in the new Center of the Arts, a fitting location as she helped to design the building. The Crossman Gallery provides a space for students to display their work, in particular, the senior art students’ portfolios.
I am working with the curator of the gallery, looking for former colleagues or students who knew Catherine, or those who own her artwork including her weaving. The information and pictures I collect will become a part of materials that will be organized and donated to UWW for greater visibility of her accomplishments and legacy. Please don’t delay, call me, Ann Engelman 920-563-0416. I hope to speak to you or please leave a message.
Community members are invited to a free Somatic Release program with local writer Katy Daixon Wimer on Thursday, November 13 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Through breathwork, movement, and journaling practices, reconnect with your body and the juicy, messy, radiant, challenging truth it might reveal so you can embrace the YOU underneath who the world told you to be.
This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. The program is free, but please register in advance at whitewaterlibrary.org/events as space is limited. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
This event is sponsored by the Whitewater Public Library. Note that due to library construction, this will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center at 341 S. Fremont St.
The Whitewater Public Library has resumed curbside pickup and printing services. The library’s parking lot is now open, including a pickup/drop off lane. Patrons may use this lane to pick up library holds or return materials.
Library patrons may place holds on books, movies, and other materials and pick them up at the library. Print jobs may be sent to the library’s printing email at library-printing@whitewater-wi.gov. When holds or print jobs become available, patrons must call or email the library in advance to schedule a time to pick up their items. Community members may also register for a library card anytime during curbside hours.
The library building will be fully reopen on Monday, December 8.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Complete details, updates, online services, and the library events calendar can be found at whitewaterlibrary.org. Call the library at 262-473-0530 or email library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Whitewater Public Library.
A boatload of outstanding Whitewater High School Players, an amazing stage crew, and a talented band are preparing for an exciting voyage on the S. S. American during their production of the American musical “Anything Goes” in the James Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School on Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
About 30 minutes before the curtain opens photos from the three previous WHS musicals will be shown, including “Beauty & the Beast,” “Mean Girls,” and “White Christmas.”
“Anything Goes” is a classic musical by Cole Porter that debuted on Broadway in 1934, featuring a mix of romance, comedy, and memorable songs aboard an ocean liner. “Anything Goes” continues to be celebrated for its lively score and engaging story, making it a timeless piece in the musical theater repertoire. Its history reflects the evolution of American musicals and the enduring appeal of Cole Porter’s work.”
Don’t just pencil seeing a performance of “Anything Goes” on your “must do” calendar for November. Use INK!
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Kim Apel and Jessica Stein from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to present on utilizing Handshake to connect students and local businesses for job opportunities.
This event will take place on Thursday, November 13th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Kim Apel works in Career Services as the Technology & Employer Relations Coordinator and has worked at UW-Whitewater for 17 years. Kim coordinates the Warhawk Internship & Career Fair, manages Handshake and other technology platforms, supervises student employees, and oversees departmental marketing. She is dedicated to connecting students with employers so they can find meaningful on and off-campus jobs, internships, and jobs after graduation.
Jessica Stein is the Interim Director of Career Services at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she has worked for the past eight years. Throughout her career in higher education, Jessica has held a variety of roles in academic advising, admissions, orientation programming, and student retention at UW–Whitewater, UW–Milwaukee, the University of Maryland, and Florida State University. She is passionate about supporting students as they define their own vision of success and take meaningful steps toward achieving their goals.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 13th 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 Handshake. 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, November 12th.
“We are ecstatic to have Kim and Jessica present on Handshake,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “The GWC is composed of many local business owners, so we hope to use the information presented as a chance to engage with students and create potential job opportunities.”
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.
Roberta’s Art Gallery in partnership with UW Veterans Services is excited to invite you to “Fur, Feathers, and Fidelity: Military Mascots!”
“Fur, Feathers, and Fidelity: Military Mascots,” a traveling exhibit loaned from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and in partnership with UW-Whitewater Veteran Services honors the animals that have stood faithfully beside service members throughout history. From lions and monkeys to loyal dogs, military mascots have long served as symbols of pride, unity, and morale for troops across the world. This engaging exhibit explores the history of these remarkable companions, featuring mascots dating back to the Civil War and highlighting the deep connection between humans and animals in times of service and sacrifice. The exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 10 to Dec. 5.
A special reception will be held on Nov. 11 at 9:45 a.m. at Roberta’s Art Gallery., followed by UW-Whitewater’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Hamilton Room of the University Center. Light refreshments will be served at both events. Complimentary parking will be available for the events on the 11th and if you have any questions, call the gallery at (262)472-3193 or email ucart@uww.edu.
Visitors to the gallery on days other than November 11 would need to pay for parking. A permit is required to park in university lots during events that take place Monday – Thursday. The closest lots are 12 and 12A.
8. Enter license plate, make, model and color vehicle; Click ADD
9. Follow the remaining prompts to complete registration process
NOTE: Your license plate is your permit; be sure to enter plate correctly to avoid tickets. Plates not entered correctly are subject to $5 tickets. Do not park in stalls with any type of sign. If you need to change your plate, call 262-472-1011 during business hours Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
