News

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.

On behalf of Catherine, thank you.

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.

Hours for Curbside Services
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m-1:00 p.m.

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.

Photos and story courtesy of Tom Ganser

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.”

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the GWC

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.

To purchase a permit, visit uww.aimsparking.com and follow these steps:

1. Select: Purchase UW-W Special Event Permits

2. Agree to Terms of Service

3. Select Event Type: CENTER OF THE ARTS

4. Select the event you are attending

5. Select Permit Type: EVENT GUEST

6. Dates will automatically fill in

7. Click Add Vehicle

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.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes public hearings: 1) Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for First Floor Residential Use, Certified Survey Map and Site Plan Review for Habitat for Humanity of Walworth
County for Tax Parcel #: /TRA 00003. 2)Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Whitewater Manufacturing located at 1108 E Bluff Road. Tax Parcel #’s /HAS 00068 and /HAS 00069A. Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the Park and Recreation Open Space Plan 2026 to 2031
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/642032253
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 642-032-253
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
AGENDA includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding street parking restrictions on Elizabeth Street
near the Middle School, Discussion and Possible Action regarding granting an easement from Parcel /OT 00037 to 328 W. Main Street (Hamilton House) for a handicap ramp, Discussion and Possible Action regarding hiring a contractor to remove blockage and debris from Whitewater Creek near 220 and 228 N. George Street.
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/81418993720?pwd=R2y1B13qqPZabd6g8sNm4wUlAR7FSg.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 814 1899 3720
Passcode:
113075

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Updates on Sister City from Miguel Aranda.
Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager’s
Conference 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.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89388150362

City of Whitewater Pedestrian & Bicycle Commission – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. – CANCELED DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to co-sponsor the public Fair Maps Community Hearing Tour on Tuesday, November 11th, 5:30 PM at the Community Engagement Center Room 106, 1260 W Main Street, Whitewater. 

Activists across the state are educating the public and looking for input on an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) for drawing Wisconsin legislative voting districts in the future. Bill language for an IRC has been drafted, and multiple nonpartisan organizations are working together to gather public feedback. 

Wisconsin has fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation ahead of the 2030 Census, Wisconsinites risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters—and ignore the will of the people. That’s why the Coalition has written a draft proposal and is looking for public input. 

The Community Hearing will include a presentation on fair maps in Wisconsin, a breakdown of the draft Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) proposal, and time for questions and input from attendees.

For questions or further information please contact Kristen Burton, fodla333@yahoo.com. 

_____________________________________

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!