“Ofrenda de Dia de Muertos” is an exhibit dedicated to honor and remember the family and friends who have passed. It will feature an interactive altar, or ofrenda, where members of the Whitewater campus and community can honor loved ones who have passed by writing their names and leaving meaningful items in remembrance.
.A FREE public reception will be held on October 28, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by an open house from 7 to 8 p.m. Traditional Mexican beverages and conchas (sweet bread) will be served.
This is a FREE exhibit, and all are welcome! For guest parking on campus, please reach out to ucart@uww.edu with your name and email.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice issued the following press release on October 27.
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting an officer involved death investigation in the City of Fort Atkinson that occurred on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.
At approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, officers with the Fort Atkinson Police Department were dispatched to a residence located in the 600 block of Washington Street in Fort Atkinson to respond to a report of a disturbance with shots fired. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers surrounded the residence. During the encounter, an officer with the Fort Atkinson Police Department discharged their weapon, striking the subject. A rifle not belonging to law enforcement was later recovered from the scene.
Aid was immediately rendered to the subject, who was flown to a hospital in Madison, where the subject was later pronounced deceased.
No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
The involved law enforcement officer was wearing a body camera during the incident and will be placed on administrative leave, per the agency’s policies.
DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Jefferson County Medical Examiner, the Dane County Medical Examiner, and a DCI crime response specialist.
DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over the investigative reports to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office when the investigation concludes.”
Editor’s note: A post, since deleted, on the City of Fort Atkinson website indicated that the police department was responding to a domestic disturbance.
Ferradermis wrapped up its 2025 offseason when 27 team members traveled to Roboteer Rumble in Tremont, Illinois from October 24-25. Team 2481, the Roboteers, hosts this event each fall featuring 36 high-caliber teams from across the Midwest. This year, teams traveled from Illinois, four Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri for some tough competition. Wisconsin had four teams represented. Included in the event were four teams who finished in the top 30 of the worldwide regional pool during the regular season, the Indiana District State Champion, and Team 4272 Maverick Robotics from Lafayette, Indiana who are a member of the reigning World Championship Alliance crowned in Houston in April.
Ferradermis more than held its own against this elite competition, ending qualifications with a 4-1 record and a #6 ranking. The robot was led onto the field by Drive Coach Erison Dreskler, Driver Margaret Brown, Operator Mason Genung, Human Player Vivian Harris, and Technician Paxton Wilson.
The Drive Team and Pit Crew
The Ferradermis robot Chief of the Reef experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure during the final qualification match. The arm which holds the end effector used to grab the game pieces was in bad shape going into the match, and the end effector ended up dragging on the ground, exposing it to accidental damage from other robots. By the time the match ended, the end effector had been literally destroyed and laid in pieces on the field.
With alliance selections for the playoffs happening immediately after that fateful match, Ferradermis had to make a quick decision about whether to withdraw from the playoffs before alliances were selected. Putting their trust in the pit crew led by Preston Miller and Owen Taylor, the team of Erison Dreksler, Rae Breisath, and Cam Avila moved onto the field and accepted the position of #5 alliance captain. They invited Team 1736 Robot Casserole from Peoria, Illinois and Team 3596 Rocket Robotics from South Milwaukee to join the alliance. They also selected Team 8430 The Hatch Batch from Washington, Indiana to join the alliance as a backup bot.
With the end effector rebuilt to be functional just in time for the first playoff match, the Ferradermis alliance fell to the eventual champion alliance led by Team 1706 Ratchet Rockers who set an event high score of 272 points during the match. A second playoff loss ended the day for Ferradermis, but the team enjoyed watching some intense high-caliber competition for the remainder of the day.
Other Ferradermis travelers supporting the team in the pit, as scouts in the stands, or filming matches included Zoey Ambrose, Chacha Binagi, Emilie Bruns, Frankie DiFiore, Asher Downs, Alex Fletcher, Eli Gonsior, Cooper Housel, Jayden Kehrer, Colby Long, Wyatt Meyers, Shae Onstott, Alex Perez-Aguilar, Sam Raupp, Julian Rennells, Johan Servin, Letty Trautman, and Mily Zeferino-Hernandez.
Team 6574 was 34-19-1 in official season play and 55-34-2 overall in 2025. The team will now focus on outreach events and training for the remainder of the fall until the new season kicks off in January.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor lmasbruch@wwusd.org
UPDATED 10/27/25 @ 8:45 a.m. to delete the Urban Forestry Commission meeting. Becky Magestro, city chief of staff, indicated that the commission will now be meeting every other month. The city website currently indicates that there will be a City Market on Tuesday; however, as was indicated on the Banner, the outdoor season ended last week. The indoor market will begin on November 8.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m. Agenda includes Update on Health Insurance, Final Review of Draft 2026-2027 Budget, and Discussion on City Manager’s authority to create positions. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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: You are invited to a Zoom webinar! Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82065707749 Phone one-tap: +19292056099,,82065707749# US Join via audio: +1 312 626 6799 US Webinar ID: 820 6570 7749
Whitewater Unified School District Annual Budget Hearing – Monday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.) Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online – URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85941058417?pwd=yAQOnSKjXuz0Eaiw8ZzWqzoMnpvjnS.1 – Passcode: 094807 ———————————————– – Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 859 4105 8417 – Passcode: 094807
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes naming of Washington tennis courts, approval of tax levy and budget, CLOSED SESSION regarding personnel matters, followed by return to open session. Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – URL: https: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84603777093?pwd=EB04qrtjVoIRXeLJXoBXR0zZaQUiJs.1 – Passcode: 214922 ———————————————- – Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 846 0377 7093 – Passcode: 214922
The City of Whitewater will be upgrading its phone system on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. During this upgrade some phone lines will be out of order. Citizens needing to reach the Police Department for non-emergency matters can call 262-903-9530. If you are unable to get through at that number and have a time-sensitive concern, or in the event of an emergency, please call 911. We appreciate your patience as we make improvements to better serve our community.
Caryl Yasko overseeing the restoration efforts for the Prairie Tillers Mural in 2025
Virginia Coburn and Dawn Hunter are leading the ongoing fundraising initiative for the Caryl Yasko Fund for Public Art, in partnership with the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Their efforts support the preservation of the Prairie Tillers Mural and help promote future public art throughout the community. “Caryl Yasko’s work has shaped the visual identity of our town,” said Virginia Coburn, a charter member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance. “This fund is our way of honoring her vision and keeping Whitewater’s public art vibrant and alive for generations to come.”
The Prairie Tillers Mural, located at the corner of Center Street and Whitewater Street, is a cherished public artwork that celebrates Whitewater’s rich history, natural landscape, and enduring community spirit. Originally painted in 1980 by nationally recognized muralist and longtime resident Caryl Yasko, the mural began to fade within a decade due to the porous brick surface and exposure to the elements. By 1989, it had deteriorated significantly and was nearly lost.
In 2004, a comprehensive restoration effort was launched: the wall was cleaned, reinforced with wire mesh, and resurfaced with three coats of concrete and stucco before the mural was carefully repainted. A re-dedication ceremony was held on September 26, 2004, to celebrate the restored work.
In the summer of 2025, the Prairie Tillers Mural received much-needed upkeep and repair to preserve its vibrant presence in the community. Restoration efforts included the application of a UV-protective coating to maintain the mural’s vivid colors, along with the repair and repainting of damaged plaster in key areas.
The project was funded by the Caryl Yasko Fund for Public Art, held by the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Dedicated to preserving Whitewater’s public art and supporting future installations, the fund continues to welcome contributions. Fundraising is ongoing, and community support remains vital to keeping these cultural landmarks vibrant and well cared for.
“The Prairie Tillers Mural has always been more than paint on a wall—it’s a symbol of Whitewater’s creative spirit and history,” said Dawn Hunter, the Alliance’s founding president. “I’m proud to help ensure its preservation and to support future public art that continues that legacy.”
Caryl Yasko’s artistic legacy spans decades and includes dozens of murals, as well as concrete sculptures, windmills, and flagpoles created for schools and cities across the country. Her work is known for its emotional depth, bold compositions, and community-centered approach.
In addition to her public art, Yasko has a deep passion for native plants. She has planted prairie settings around many of her installations and often incorporates prairie flowers into her designs—bringing together ecology, history, and visual storytelling.
The Prairie Tillers Mural remains one of Whitewater’s most cherished landmarks and was instrumental in the founding of the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Its continued care reflects the community’s commitment to honoring local art and artists. Donations are needed to support ongoing maintenance and future restoration efforts.
Heartfelt thanks go to DLK Enterprises for the loan of a lift truck, Schneider Bros. Plasterers for their expert work, and Emeritus Professor Sue Messer for her generous assistance to the artists.
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12 pm-4 pm Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.
“20 Years of Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!”
Please join the Whitewater Public Library for the following October programs:
Halloween Bingo Thursday, October 30th at 3:00 p.m. Cravath Lakefront Building Ages 5-11
Goblins and ghouls, you are invited to try your luck at Halloween Bingo! Will you win tricks or treats? No one knows! Bingo is geared towards children 6-10 years old, but older and younger siblings are always welcome! No registration is required, but bingo cards are first come, first served. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 478-2588 with any questions.
Teen Cemeterrariums Friday, October 31st at 1:30 p.m. Cravath Lakefront Building Ages 12-18
Make your very own cemetery in a terrarium. A cemeterrarium! Jars, trappings, and headstones provided by the library. Ghosts must be acquired on your own. This program is open to teens ages 12-18. Please register via our event calendar: https://whitewaterpl.librarycalendar.com/events/month
Limit 15 participants. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 478-2588 with any questions.
Please note that the library is still closed for construction and both programs will take place at Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 South Fremont Street.
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.
Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1 percent. The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025.
Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some recipients receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”
Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100.
Social Security begins notifying recipients about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Those who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. You can set up text or email alerts when a new message–such as your COLA notice–is available in your my Social Security account.
Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2026 benefit amount will be available via my Social Security’s Message Center starting in late November. Those who do not have an online my Social Security account will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.
Help Support the Starin Park Splash Pad & Park Enhancement Project!
The City of Whitewater is applying for a Wisconsin Department of Administration Non-State Grant to help fund a new splash pad and park enhancements at Starin Park — creating a free, safe, and inclusive space for children and families of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Earlier this year, the City conducted a community-wide parks and recreation survey, and the Starin Park Splash Pad was identified as the most requested project by residents. Your feedback helped shape this plan, and now we need your help again to make it a reality!
We’re asking for letters of support from community members, local organizations, and businesses to demonstrate the strong community backing for this project.
How to help:
Please email your letter of support to kboehm@whitewater-wi.gov by Tuesday, October 28, 2025. In your letter, share why this project matters to you, how it will benefit families and visitors, and why you believe investing in Starin Park is important for Whitewater’s future.
Together, we can make Starin Park a place for everyone to play, cool off, and connect!
How to help: