News

City of Whitewater Clarifies Yard Sign Ordinance

The City of Whitewater requested the city attorney to review our current sign ordinance against standards and draft language for sharing with the public. This is the result. The City of Whitewater would like to provide clear guidelines regarding the display of temporary miscellaneous yard signs:

  • Election Campaign Period: Residents may display any number of temporary yard signs starting 90 days before and up to 10 days after any local, state, or federal election held in the city.
  • Outside the Election Period: At all other times, properties are limited to displaying two temporary yard signs per yard, which may include political or other types of signs.

    This policy ensures residents have the opportunity to express themselves throughout the year while maintaining consistency and community standards.

    For further information, please contact Becky Magestro.

UW-W awards more than $2.5 million in scholarships for 2024-25

A total of 1,465 students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater were recipients of scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year.

The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 2024-25 academic year. Editor’s note: Students listed here have registered with Whitewater as being their hometown. It is likely that a number of them did not live here prior to their enrollment, but hopefully they plan to continue to make this their home post-graduation.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Jared Apgar, who is studying Political Science, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Mariana Aranda, who is studying Finance, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars, Harold M. and Margaret Perry Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Lilith Ashmore, who is studying Liberal Arts, won the following scholarship(s): Charles & Carolyn Mowbray Scholarship UW-Whitewater at Rock County.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Ethan Barels, who is studying Finance, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship, Maury Greene Business Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Lee Barnes, who is studying Marketing, won the following scholarship(s): Evelyn Bronson Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Thia Benhart, who is studying Undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Emma Bergeson, who is studying Elementary-Middle Education, won the following scholarship(s): Laurie Couzens Swartz Future Educator’s Scholarship, Chancellor Scholars.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Madelynn Buehler, who is studying Finance, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Dayna Carlson, who is studying Computer Science, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Kacie Carollo, who is studying Integrated Science-Business, won the following scholarship(s): Walter & Louise Buell Scholarship, Prater Family Scholarship, James R & Zoe E Connor Scholarship, Chancellor Scholars.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Christopher Cortes, who is studying Computer Science, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship, Kachel Family Science Scholarship, LS Power Endowed Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Makenna D’Amico, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): Metcalf Family Endowment, David W Adamany Scholarship, Donald Stevenson Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Jeffrey Dean, who is studying General Business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Elizabeth Dempich, who is studying Applied Arts and Sciences, won the following scholarship(s): Charles & Carolyn Mowbray Scholarship UW-Whitewater at Rock County.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Gil Dennis, who is studying Undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): Transfer Excellence Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Alexis Faber, who is studying Art Education, won the following scholarship(s): Transfer Excellence Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Jaciel Flores, who is studying Marketing, won the following scholarship(s): Stoughton Trailers Student Scholarship, Millennium Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Michael Fuoco, who is studying Physical Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Stephanie Goettl, who is studying Communication, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Kenzie Grabher, who is studying Special Education, won the following scholarship(s): General Merit Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Sydney Groetzinger, who is studying Marketing, won the following scholarship(s): General Merit Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Stephanie Hensel, who is studying Accounting, won the following scholarship(s): James & Patricia Freer Family-College of Business and Economics Scholarship, The Vernon and Sharyn Eulert Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Mia Islas, who is studying Marketing, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship, John Tincher Scholarship, Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Avery Janovec, who is studying Undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Sandra Javier Lopez, who is studying Mathematics, won the following scholarship(s): Whitewater Community Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Cody Kastner, who is studying Mathematics, won the following scholarship(s): William L Carter Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Andrea Kuhl, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): Metcalf Family Endowment, Willard Gross Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Yingxin Lin, who is studying Computer Science, won the following scholarship(s): Luke Veenhuis Computer Science Graduate Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Haley Lindquist, who is studying Geography, won the following scholarship(s): Margery Folkerth Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Payton Lyon, who is studying Human Performance, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Alex Martin, who is studying Music, won the following scholarship(s): Whitewater Community Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Miles McIntosh, who is studying Geography, won the following scholarship(s): Promise Endowment Letters and Sciences.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Joyce Ngwe, who is studying Business Admininistration, won the following scholarship(s): G.M. and Prameela Naidu Graduate Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Brianna Ophime, who is studying History Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship, Edann Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Joey Ophime, who is studying Special Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship, Irene Krueger Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Lily Padilla, who is studying Sociology, won the following scholarship(s): Transfer Excellence Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Johan Perez, who is studying Business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship, General Merit Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Natalie Pett, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Yovanni Rojas-Reyes, who is studying Human Performance, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Meg Roselle, who is studying Early Childhood Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – David Rubio, who is studying Business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Dejaney Valles, who is studying Elementary-Middle Education, won the following scholarship(s): Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Kaitlyn Van Wyhe, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars, Corinne E. Forster Endowment.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Carter Waelchli, who is studying Communication, won the following scholarship(s): Dr Patricia A Townsend Scholarship.

53190 Whitewater, WI – Cameron ZehrGrimm, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars.

“On behalf of the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board of Directors, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Katie Kuznacic, president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. “Since 1962, thousands of individuals, families, friends, and organizations have generously contributed to make these financial awards possible. Their unwavering support plays a vital role in the success of our students and the lasting impact UW-Whitewater alumni have on the economy. Each year, the significance of their contributions is felt through the life-changing scholarships awarded. We are grateful to all of our donors for their continued commitment to UW-Whitewater students.”

The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to students this academic year. More information can be found at uww.edu/scholarships.

Obituary: Lloyd Grant Worden, 82

Lloyd Grant Worden, 82, was surrounded by his loving family when he was called to be with his Savior in Heaven on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Lloyd was born on February 28, 1942, to Grant and Edna (nee Wilks) Worden.  He was baptized a child of God on April 5, 1942, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Growing up in Kenosha, WI, he graduated from Bradford High School and went on to graduate from UW-Milwaukee.  After college he served in the United States Army for two years.  He went on to work for 40 years as a store manager for Jewel and Kroger grocery stores until his retirement in 2007.

Lloyd was a kind, generous soul and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Linda (nee Binsack); two daughters, Jill (Justin) Foxen of Cedarburg, WI, and Cindi (Chris) Rister of Franklin, TN; grandchildren Alison, Caleb, and Emma Foxen, and Adanne Rister.

We take comfort in the words that our gracious Lord God gives us in Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at Christus Ev. Lutheran Church, N6116 Delaney Rd. Delavan, WI.  Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

A private burial will be held in the Pinelawn Memorial Park, Milwaukee, WI.

As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to Christus Ev. Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Baha’is and Friends Art-Music-Writing Gathering

Baha’is and Friends Art-Music-Writing Gathering

Saturday, Dec. 7, 1:30 PM – 5 PM (Join for all or any part)

Historic Nelson Salisbury House, 404 W. North St, Whitewater, WI

It’s time to share our visual art, writing, and musical activities again and give each other support and ideas. These endeavors build our spirit, build communication, and build community. Our gatherings welcome all faiths so be ready to learn about our connections with others. Activities will include pastel drawing sessions, impromptu expressive writing, meditation and snack breaks with music, opportunities to share your creative activities, and a visit to the Whitewater Cultural Arts Gallery right across the street.

We all have art in our souls and the Baha’i Writings encourage everyone to develop themselves artistically. Art is seen by Baha’is as a form of worship and a contribution to the community and the well-being of humankind. So we must all take some time in our lives to create and bring our unique perspectives to others, a time to recognize beauty in unexpected places.

Hosts: Suzanne Popke, son Zachary Popke, and family

suzannepopke.com

Contact them with questions and to RSVP: intsim@idcnet.com

Unforgettable UW-W Music Events Next Week

Tickets may be purchased online here. The jazz concert is $7 for adults and $4 for those age 65+ or under age 18. Admission for the gala is $30 for adults, $25 for age 65+ and $20 for under age 18. There is an additional $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door.

Whitewater Arts Alliance Presents: Photos with Santa and friends / Photos con Santa y amigos


Celebrate the Holiday Season with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, the Elves,
and More! Free Event.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance is excited to announce a festive holiday event, Photos With Santa and Friends, which will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 8 am-11 am at the Cultural Arts Center, located at 402 W. Main St., Whitewater. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for community members to create holiday memories by capturing individual or group photos with beloved holiday characters such as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and the Elves.

The event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone from Whitewater and
surrounding communities to come together and celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy
photo opportunities, live holiday music, create holiday crafts at the coloring and
ornament-making stations, listen to holiday stories and enjoy a few dance routines,
and indulge in light refreshments. The Cultural Arts Center will be beautifully
decorated inside and out, creating a holiday atmosphere for all who attend.
This event offers something for everyone. From taking photos with Santa to making
ornaments, it promises to be a joyful morning filled with holiday cheer. Come dressed
in your holiday best and enjoy a fun-filled experience that captures the true spirit of
the season.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance is deeply grateful for the support of our generous
sponsors, who make this event possible: Ben Smith (lighting), Butch’s Auto Body,
Dunkin’ Donuts, FCCU, Fox Chiropractic, Home Lumber, Kwik Trip, Starbucks, Studio 84, The Sweet Spot, the Window Genie, and Wood Street Bakery.

Note: Overflow parking for the event will be at First English Lutheran Church at 401
W. Main Street.

For more information, please contact:
Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151

Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwartsalliance

Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
Gallery hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12 pm-4 pm

About the Whitewater Arts Alliance
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is a non-profit organization committed to
promoting and supporting the arts in the Whitewater community. Through exhibitions,
educational programs, and special events, WAA fosters a vibrant arts culture and
provides opportunities for local artists to share their work.
“Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!”

Obituary: Becca (Nash) Piper, 65, of AZ

Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ died on November 21, 2024 as a result of complications of antibiotic toxicity. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents Reg and Maydean Nash. She is survived by her dear husband of almost 40 years, Ken Piper, along with her children Joe, ^^Michael^^, Selena and Larry, granddaughter Maelyn and Becca’s siblings David and Janet (Nash) Schenck. She is also survived by extraordinary friends, extended family and much loved colleagues.

Being a mother was especially important to Becca. She and Ken adopted all of their 4 children.  Becca’s life was filled with many wonderful experiences including raising her family. Recently she was reflecting and expressed how grateful and satisfied that she was able to meet so many wonderful people while visiting so many places.  

Becca was originally from Whitewater, Wisconsin.  She graduated from UW-Madison, then went on to open Adoptive Family Travel Heritage Journeys. For nearly 30 years Becca and her dear friend and colleague, Bea Evans and an exceptional staff helped international adoptees visit their birth countries with their adoptive families to explore their heritage, culture, meet caregivers and often birth family. Becca had a deep love of travel, adventure, culture, nature, hiking, her dogs, yoga and dancing. You could often find her on trails totally immersed in the beauty.  In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Gift of Identity Fund. https://gift-of-identity.org/ helping international adoptees visit their place of birth.

Culver’s WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight: David Cushman

Each week during the 2024-25 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its eight institutions for a “Student-Athlete Spotlight” Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution. The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are presented by Culver’s.

Name:  David Cushman
Institution:  UW-Platteville
Hometown (High School):  Whitewater, Wis. (Whitewater High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Wrestling
Major:  Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Education
Minor:  Spanish

Why did you choose UW-Platteville?
UW-Platteville provides many quality majors I could choose from coming in as a freshman. At the same time, I love the size of Platteville and the surrounding areas in Southwest Wisconsin are unmatched. On my visit here as a senior in high school, I quickly felt that this was a place that I could grow on my own and succeed, which I can gladly say I was right about 4 years later.

What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I coach youth wrestling outside of campus.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Being a Division III student-athlete has provided me many opportunities to meet new people and help me grow. I can’t count the number of times being involved with athletics pushed me to higher standards despite how hard college may be at times. Further, wrestling at the collegiate level has been a way for me to work my hardest in all areas of my life such as academics, athletics, and learning to be in the real world.

What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Crazy for Cookie Dough
Menu item from Culver’s?  Pub Haus Burger
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The Bear’s Den is a calm place where I can either sit back and relax or work on my homework and study.
TV Show?  Yellowstone
Holiday?  Fourth of July
Food?  I can’t go wrong with a burger.
Animal?  German short haired pointer
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group/Artist?  I’m a big fan of country music with current artists I listen to ranging from George Strait and Toby Keith to Cody Johnson and Riley Green.
Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  Green Bay Packers
Vacation Spot?  The coastline of the Carolinas

What is your greatest sports moment? 
I don’t think there’s any better rush than coming back from behind in matches to win in overtime in front of the team and a big crowd. This just happened at the University of Dubuque Invite in the finals for an overtime win.

What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I like doing anything relaxing with the team whether that’s having fires or practicing roping. Another fun thing my teammates and I like to do is go line dancing in Dubuque.

Who is someone that you look up to?
My parents.

Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Don’t take the little things for granted. Every moment spent with teammates, coaches, and friends are priceless and these relationships go far beyond the mat, court, or field. It’s easy to be hyper focused and stressed about succeeding, but great things will come to those who work hard and earn the moment.

One word that describes you?
Tenacious.

What is your dream job? 
My dream job is teaching and positively impacting others’ lives.

Three things on your “bucket list”?
—Go elk hunting out west in the mountains.
—Go on a big trip somewhere with friends.
—Run a tough mudder.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I eat a peanut butter and jelly after every weigh-in.

Obituary: Will Daniel Ensslin, 77

In Loving Memory of Will Daniel Ensslin

Whitewater, WI – Will Daniel Ensslin, 77, passed away peacefully on 11-26-2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave and long battle with cancer.

He was born on February 5, 1947 in West Allis, WI to Willy and Ellen Ensslin. Will was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, cherished brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with courage and honor as a Huey helicopter mechanic from 1966 – 1967 — a dedication to service that remained a cornerstone of his life.

He married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Bilkovich, in 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after their wedding, they embarked on an adventure together, moving to the serene mountains of Virginia in Natural Bridge Station. In September 1974, they joyfully welcomed their first daughter, Jenny. Two years later, they returned to Wisconsin, settling in the charming town of Whitewater, where their family grew again with the birth of their second daughter, Sara, in July of 1978.

An inspiring educator, Will was an elementary school teacher from 1973 to 1996, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. After retiring from teaching, his boundless curiosity and strong work ethic inspired him to explore a variety of fulfilling careers. In LaCrosse, WI, he helped first-time homebuyers navigate their journeys through the Community Action Program.  Because of his love for remodeling homes he was licensed and became a home inspector in the LaCrosse area and western Minnesota. Later, he channeled his creativity and love for nature by starting a successful landscaping business in The Villages, Florida. Additionally, he enjoyed working at several hardware stores, where he enthusiastically shared his extensive knowledge and passion for home improvement with others.

Will was happiest when surrounded by nature. Whether planting trees, tending to a garden, or simply taking in the beauty of the outdoors, he found peace and joy in the natural world. He also had a lifelong passion for collecting and restoring classic cars, finding immense satisfaction in bringing vintage treasures back to life. Will cherished his bond with animals, especially cats, treasuring their companionship and caring for them with great affection. His love for animals extended to his volunteer work with the Humane Society in Eureka Springs, AR, where he generously gave his time to help those in need.

Will lived a life full of love, service, and passion. Whether teaching in the classroom, working with his hands, collecting and restoring of classic cars, planting trees, or caring for animals, he brought love and care. Though deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the lives he touched and the nature he cherished.

Will is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Ensslin; his children, Jenny Ensslin (Beth); Sara Porter (Brad); their beloved cat Yeti; and an extended family of loved ones and dear friends. He will be remembered for his compassionate heart, tireless work ethic, and unwavering love for his family, nature, and community.

The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice for their kindness and support.

An open house celebration of his life with light hors d’oeuvreswill be held on December 1st at The Fuzzy Pig (N8660 Clover Valley Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190 ) from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whitewater Food Pantry, Touched by a Paw, Rainbow Hospice, the Community Space in Whitewater or a charity of your choice.