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Today is Saturday, June 6, 2026
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City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council Zoning Ordinance creating
section 19.09.291 and subsections 19.19.30(G), 19.33.30(T) amending subsections
19.15.30(G), 19.18.30(H), Creating 19.19.030 (H) to define Family child care Centers and
Define conditional uses for Family Child Care Centers; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the Child Safety Zone Map and Resolution.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join ourww webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2380281851001?p=sEgX6zC8pyw2OoWXIW
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,311833736# United States
Phone conference ID: 311 833 736#
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Food Pantry Subcommittee – Wednesday @ 12:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion on Food Pantry Lease Options
Armory Basement Summer Camp Room, 146 North Street, 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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/257016959841236?p=sThPLeowTPYBQzi26x
WHITEWATER ARTS ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 17th ANNUAL FRAN ACHEN JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
Record Regional Submissions and New Digital Platform Mark Landmark Year for Whitewater’s Premier Photography Event
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to announce the 17th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition, opening Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. The exhibition runs through Sunday, June 28, 2026, with an Awards Reception on Sunday, June 7 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
This year’s exhibition marks a landmark moment for the event, drawing a record 502 submissions from photographic artists across the region — a 25 percent increase over the previous year. The breadth and quality of work submitted reflects the exhibition’s growing reputation as a serious regional venue for fine art photography.
Two Salons — A Philosophy of Full Equals
The Fran Achen Exhibition has pioneered a dual-salon format that treats the photographic print and screen-based digital media as full equals in the gallery space. The Traditional Salon celebrates the enduring power of the physical print, displayed in a classical gallery setting. The Digital Salon champions screen-based fine art, presented on high-definition displays in-gallery — not as an afterthought, but as a fully realized exhibition experience alongside its printed counterpart.
This year’s exhibition received 201 submissions in the Traditional Salon and 301 in the Digital Salon. A total of 342 works by 75 photographic artists are represented in the show, with 150 works hung in the gallery.
“Each work here represents an artist who responded to the world with skill, intention, and a point of view worth sharing. That is what this exhibition has always been about.”
— Jeff McDonald, WAA President and 12-Year Exhibition Chair
The G/A Exhibition Engine — A First for Local Arts Organizations
Making its debut this year is the G/A Exhibition Engine, a sophisticated web application developed by Gaelic Arts LLC and provided to WAA at no cost. The Engine brings both salons together in a single unified digital experience and represents a significant advancement in how community arts organizations can present exhibition work.
The G/A Exhibition Engine was designed specifically for desktop and laptop viewing. Respect for its artists and an uncompromising commitment to quality drove that decision — every image is presented with true color, fine detail, and the visual scale that serious fine art photography deserves. The Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to be among the few regional arts organizations providing this level of international-standard digital presentation.
The Exhibition Engine features high-definition zoom capability, an interactive artist directory with direct links to participating photographers’ websites and social media channels, and a real-time Public Choice voting system. It is available now at whitewaterarts.org/fa-2026-exhibition.
The Jury
This year’s distinguished jury panel brings three distinct perspectives to the evaluation of submitted work: Ashley M. Dimmig, PhD, Crossman Gallery Director and Art History faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; Gerald H. Emmerich, Jr., HonPSA, GMPSA-P, a Photographic Society of America Grand Master with over 15,400 international acceptances; and Michael J. Havice, PhD, a retired Marquette University broadcast faculty member and active professional photographer with significant magazine publication credits.
Awards
Eleven cash awards totaling $1,300 will be presented at the Awards Reception, including Best of Show, Photographic Merit Awards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in each salon), Fran Achen Creative Expression distinctions, and Public Choice Awards determined by community voting both in-gallery and online.
About the Exhibition
The Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition commemorates the life of Fran Achen, a longtime Whitewater resident, educator, and photographer whose work chronicled the history of the Whitewater community for decades. Named in his honor, the exhibition continues his legacy of helping people see the world through fresh eyes.
Admission is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, Noon to 4:00 PM.
More information about the exhibit, including a link to the digital Exhibition Engine, may be viewed here.
Jefferson Street Road Project Information
The City of Whitewater would like to inform residents of upcoming road construction activities and related impacts associated with the Jefferson Street Reconstruction Project.
Phase 1
Construction Starts: June 15, 2026
Project Limits: Jefferson Street from Starin Road northward, including the closure of the Starin Road/Jefferson Street intersection.
Property Access: Access will be maintained for properties located north of Starin Road.
Estimated Completion: July 17, 2026 (weather dependent)
Compost Site Schedule Changes
Due to construction -related access restrictions, the compost site will be open on Saturdays only beginning June 13, 2026, and will resume its regular Wednesday schedule on July 22, 2026.
Therefore, the compost site will be closed on the following Wednesdays:
- June 17
- June 24
- July 1
- July 8
- July 15
Temporary Compost Site Access Changes Beginning June 27
Access to the compost site will be limited due to ongoing road construction.
Visitors must enter:- From Jefferson Street south of Starin Road, or
- From Starin Road via Fremont Street
Please note: Starin Road will close between Newcomb Street and Jefferson Street.
Dog Park Access
Beginning June 15, residents visiting the Dog Park will need to park along the north side of Starin Road west of Jefferson Street.
The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation throughout this important infrastructure improvement project. Additional updates will be provided as construction progresses.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473 -0139
Bmarquardt@whitewater -wi.gov
#
Written by Jeff Angileri| Photo by Craig Schreiner
UW-Whitewater awarded $225K to enhance region’s emergency preparedness
Nearly a quarter million dollars in federal funding will be managed by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to create a technologically advanced and sustainable Emergency Operations Center [EOC] for the region.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin secured $225,000 as part of Department of Homeland Security annual funding legislation that was passed into law recently.
“Wisconsin families need to know that when an emergency strikes, their communities have what they need to keep them safe and help them recover,” Baldwin said in a statement. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to help communities across our state strengthen infrastructure, improve emergency preparedness, and keep Wisconsin families safe for years to come.”
Funds will be used to establish a dedicated EOC space on the Whitewater campus. It is expected to serve as a collaborative emergency headquarters for UW-Whitewater, the City of Whitewater, and Walworth, Jefferson and Rock counties.
“This investment will allow UW-Whitewater to move from a locally equipped Emergency Operations Center to one that is regionally equipped, strengthening our ability to support both campus and community response efforts,” said Chancellor Corey King. “It also reflects and enhances the institution’s ongoing investment in emergency preparedness and coordinated response between multiple agencies and organizations.”
UW-Whitewater Police Chief Matthew Kiederlen said the dedicated space will offer communications technology and sustainable power generation, among other features.
“The goal is that our regional EOC can sustain itself for weeks at a time and will include redundancies, such as solar power, to ensure ongoing operations during power outages,” he said.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host Michael Anderson, MD, Fort Healthcare’s CEO, to present on the innovations the organization has made over the past few years.
WHITEWATER—June 4th, 2026—The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Michael Anderson, MD, Fort Healthcare’s CEO, to present on the innovations the organization has made over the past few years.
This event will take place on Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St.
Michael R. Anderson, MD, joined Fort HealthCare as an Otolaryngologist, otherwise known as Ear, Nose, and Throat, surgeon in August 2003. Quickly assuming a leadership role in the organization, he served as Chief of Surgery in 2007. The Medical Staff elected him to serve as Chief of Staff in 2012. Dr. Anderson was appointed to Fort HealthCare Board of Directors in 2013, where he served for 10 years.
Dr. Anderson was appointed Medical Director of Perioperative Services in 2015. Subsequently in 2022, he was named Senior Vice President of Fort HealthCare and assumed the role President & CEO on Jan 1, 2023.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with his three kids and wife of nearly thirty years. Avid about the Wisconsin summer season, you can usually find them golfing, in a boat or waterskiing. Summer nights are spent on the deck or around the firepit.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place Thursday, June 11th 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 Fort Healthcare. 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, June 10th.
“Many of our members frequently utilize Fort HealthCare’s services,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We are excited to learn about the updates and achievements they have accomplished over the past few years.”
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.
To wrap up the school year, students in Mr. Nolan Otremba’s Carpentry and Construction course had the sheds they built officially inspected by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The students passed inspection and received certificates certifying they have the entry-level skills required for a career in carpentry. During the visit, students also spoke with the representatives about entering the field, essential industry skills, and the career benefits of the trade.
We are incredibly proud of their hard work, precision, and dedication.
Article and Photos Submitted by Nolan Otremba
Whitewater High School Technology and Engineering Teacher
otrno01@wwusd.org
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
It is high school graduation season and here is a post card featuring the Whitewater High School Class of 1921. According to the Whitewater Register, there were 21 graduates and of these 19 are shown in this photograph. Of note is graduate Edwin Coe, editor of the Whitewater Register for many years in the 20th century. Also of interest is this rare interior view of the old “Big Brick” High School building (burned 1927). We have a lot of views of the exterior of that building, but only a few of the interior. Congratulations to all graduates this June!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3325PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Editor’s note: This proclamation, which was read at the Common Council meeting on June 2, was submitted by Jenny Rule, Local Group Lead, Moms Demand Action-Whitewater Area. Jenny added the following: Links to the Wear Orange coalition website: wearorange.org (also in Spanish here). Please consider sharing information about Wear Orange on your personal social media this week to spread awareness far and wide. Use the hashtag #WearOrange
Obituaries
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
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