News

Whitewater Cinemas is hosting two screenings on Wednesday, April 22nd of a brand-new Wisconsin film Winter Hymns on the back of sold-out screenings at the Wisconsin Film Festival. The film is produced and directed by Nathan Deming, who grew up in Tomah. He’s on a quest to release twelve films, one for each month of the year, depicting our state’s people and culture. Not long ago his feature film “February” was also shown at the Whitewater Cinemas. That film won a Golden Badger Award in the 2024 Wisconsin Film Festival,

This article in the Madison publication Isthmus provides a great introduction to the film. A few quotes from the article:

The film is a meditative, unflinching look at a day in the life of a palliative care doctor — played with sensitivity and restraint by American Players Theatre veteran Colleen Madden. It’s set in a purposely un-named part of Wisconsin, in just one room — the doctor’s office — which becomes, Deming says, “sort of like limbo.”

Deming tells Isthmus he became interested in the topic of caring for those approaching death because his father, a family doctor, switched to palliative care late in his career. When Deming was younger, he remembers his family not wanting to talk about it, but now, as a filmmaker, he finds his father’s work strikes themes he finds interesting — “exploring people under the most intense situation possible.”

Deming acknowledges that Winter Hymns is “a hard movie to watch in a lot of ways, but hopefully edifying by the end. There is value in thinking about these things.” [End quote]

Though several of the actors have performed at American Players Theatre, many others are non-actors, one of whom is a dairy farmer from Bloomer who woke up at 3:30 a.m. to milk the cows before filming for nine hours.

The film is also featured in this interesting article in the Cap Times.

Winter Hymns, an unrated drama, runs 2 hours, 36 minutes. The cast includes Colleen Madden, Tara Mallen, and Winter Williams. Showing at Whitewater Cinemas on Wednesday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. ($8) and 6:30 p.m. ($9)

Editor’s note: This advertisement was provided by Nitardy Funeral Home.

Change, when guided with intention and respect, can be a powerful opportunity to strengthen trust and reaffirm purpose. At Nitardy Funeral Home, we have entered a new chapter—one rooted in positive growth, thoughtful transition, and a renewed commitment to the communities we are honored to serve.

Over the past several months, Nitardy Funeral Home has been undergoing meaningful internal changes, including the introduction of a new team. This team brings fresh perspective while deeply respecting the long history and traditions that families know and trust. The goal of this transition is simple and clear: to ensure every family receives compassionate care, dignity, and exceptional customer service during life’s most difficult moments.

We understand that a funeral home is more than a business—it is a place of comfort, remembrance, and trust. Every detail matters, from the first phone call to the final farewell. Our  team is focused on strengthening communication, improving processes, and ensuring that every interaction reflects empathy, professionalism, and respect.

At the heart of these changes is a commitment to listening. We are dedicated to understanding the needs of the families we serve and adapting thoughtfully to meet those needs. Whether planning a traditional service, a personalized celebration of life, or providing grief support, our mission remains centered on honoring each individual and supporting loved ones with care and sensitivity.

Nitardy Funeral Home has long been a part of the community, and that relationship remains our foundation. As we move forward, we do so with gratitude for the trust families have placed in us over the years and with a renewed promise to serve with integrity, dignity, and compassion.

Positive change is not about leaving the past behind—it is about building on it. We look ahead with confidence, committed to providing the level of service the community deserves today and for generations to come.

With Gratitude, 

The Staff at Nitardy Funeral Home

Free Poetry Jam

Community members are invited to a Poetry Jam in honor of National Poetry Month. This open mic will allow attendees to share their own poetry as well as poems they find meaning in. Individuals are also welcome to attend just to listen to poetry.

This event will be held in Meeting Room 1 of Whitewater Public Library at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater on Thursday, April 23 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.

This program is for adults. Registration is only required for those planning to read a poem. Registrants should also send their poem via email to hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0113 to register, or with any questions. 

Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Public Notice
City Compost Site
“Pursuant to WI Code NR210.21(5), the city is informing the public of a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) that occurred on Friday April 17, 2026. The SSO occurred approximately 480’ west of the southern edge of the city compost site. Due to the flash flooding that occurred on the night of April 17th, the sanitary sewer system was hydraulically overwhelmed. To prevent the likelihood of basement back-ups, utility staff intentionally bypass pumped from the sanitary sewer on to the ground. Approximately 120,000 gallons of water was pumped into a drainage ditch. Although technically sewage, this water was largely rainwater that had infiltrated the sewer system. This water likely continued flowing in the drainage ditch to the north where it eventually ended up in Whitewater Creek on the northern side of town. Threat for human exposure is minimal. However, the public should avoid recreating in the flood waters of Whitewater Creek.

Editor’s note: The above public notice was provided by Brad Marquardt, public works director for the City of Whitewater.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to sponsor America the Beautiful. This children’s event organizes literature into interactive stations where children can “travel” through the nation’s history, values, and landscapes.

The interactive read aloud of children’s books will be held at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater, on Wednesday, April 22nd, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. 

Local children are welcome and encouraged to attend! You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Dwight Watson, watsond@uww.edu  

_____________________________________

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!

This week, you’re invited to see what’s possible and help shape what comes next.

Whitewater Forward Design Workshops

Get a first look at draft concepts and share your thoughts directly with the project team.

Whether you live, work, or spend time in Whitewater, your perspective matters. Stay a few minutes or the whole time. 

Location:

• Cravath Lakefront Building

Time:

• Monday, April 20 | 4:30 to 6:30p
• Tuesday, April 21 | 4:30 to 6:30p

Can’t Make It? Have Your Say Online!

You can still be a part of the process. Visit whitewaterforward.com to take the new survey and share how you travel to and through Whitewater.

Participating online is quick and easy, and your input will help guide future decisions.

Thank you for your continued commitment to Whitewater, and helping us move Whitewater Forward.

Fairhaven Pollinator Garden 
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
Olm Fellowship Hall

We’re ready to update interested residents and community members on the Fairhaven Pollinator Garden! Join Fairhaven residents Karen Coburn, Kaye Eckert, Dan Sable, Sue Weigel, Betty Brown and Sue Chuppa and community member Kristine Zaballos as we present our plan for the two pollinator gardens we are creating in 2026. 

We’ll recap the benefits of native plants that we shared at our presentation in the fall, and then go into detail about the specific native plants that will be planted, where they will be sourced, how we will plant them, and what pollinators will benefit. We’ll also talk about how the garden is being funded and how it will be maintained. And you’ll have a chance to ask any questions and to purchase cards, coffee mugs, coffee and baked goods to support the garden. Questions? Contact Kristine at kristine@zaballos.com or Karen Coburn at krncoburn@yahoo.com.

For updates, follow the project on Facebook: @Fairhaven Pollinator Garden

City of Whitewater Forward Design Workshop Open House – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 S Fremont St.

Special City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Development Agreement for Stonehaven Development on Bluff Road and Resolution to approve borrowing from City of Whitewater Wastewater Utility for Stonehaven Development Project.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community 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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/254480663517093?p=L8aexM64JkR57jXSQM
Meeting ID: 254 480 663 517 093
Passcode: pk6Wt7TT
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,403508619#
Phone conference ID: 403 508 619#

Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes adjourn to CLOSED SESSION, not to reconvene: Performance evaluation for the Library Director
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82954099698?pwd=0vQXPacT2GZUwFsnZ5L53xNX33Bqwr.1
Meeting ID: 829 5409 9698
Passcode: pVbffN17
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US

City of Whitewater Forward Design Workshop Open House – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Open House
Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 S Fremont St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person *

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Resolutions to accept offer to purchase from Lifetime Manufacturing LLC for Tax parcel numbers /A444300002 and /A444200002 in Technology Park; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Crypto ATM ban in the City of Whitewater.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community 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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/281185701128636?p=MoXZJGnpZaSDkRWdFo
Meeting ID: 281 185 701 128 636
Passcode: T9it2Ds3
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,593516002# United States,
Phone conference ID: 593 516 002#

City of Whitewater Comprehensive Plan Advisory Work Group – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd Floor Cravath
Lakefront Conference Room 312 West Whitewater
St., Whitewater, WI 53190

Some are saying that Cravath Lake is the highest they’ve ever seen

The skate park is inaccessible, but the fishing might be good.

The creek is more like a lake on George Street. North end residents are isolated.

One spectator said this is worse than he saw in 2008.

Perhaps the north end residents could kayak to the south side of George Street or walk to Starin Road to get to work.+

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that the official rainfall total for Whitewater on April 17 was “only” 2.71″, but of course the creek is carrying a lot of water from south of us. Reportedly there were parts of Janesville that got over 6″.

Photos by Lynn Binnie

St. John’s Masonic Lodge will be hosting its Spring Roast Turkey Dinner on Thursday, April 23rd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will take place at the Whitewater-Palmyra Masonic Lodge located at 226 W. Main St. in Whitewater.

Guests are welcome to dine in or choose carry-out service. The menu includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, and dessert.

Pricing:

– Adults: $15

– Children (12 and under): $5

Tickets are available for purchase both in advance and at the door.