News & Events

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.                             

The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Fall Community Action Grants.  Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community. 

Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs.  Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/ or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.  The deadline for submitting applications is October 31, 2025.

Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community.  The Foundation has given grants to Fairhaven, The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, Whitewater Youth Soccer, the Whitewater Public Library, and much more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”

The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/ and on Facebook. 

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.

Learn the Skills Needed to Be Successful in an AI-Centric Workplace  UWM’s Free AI Event This Wednesday 5:30-7 pm

Don’t miss UW-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education’s free AI event this Wednesday evening — AI Won’t Steal Your Job, But It Will Change It.   Sponsored by the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership, this free event strives to provide attendees with information on AI in the workforce and the skills employees need most to remain competitive.  Event Details:  What: AI Won’t Steal Your Job, But It Will Change It  When: Wednesday, October 1, from 5:30-7 pm  Where: Livestreaming online or In-person at UWM School of Continuing Education Conference Center in Downtown Milwaukee   Cost: Free  Registration: RSVP online at  https://uwm.edu/sce/certificates/ai-wont-steal-your-job-but-it-will-change-it/ Why Attend:  Hear from digital transformation expert Ema Roloff. Gain perspective from local industry leaders. Learn which skills matter most in an AI-driven economy. From manufacturing and finance to healthcare and human services, AI is reshaping industries across Wisconsin and beyond. This free event will provide practical insights for professionals at all stages of their careers who want to remain relevant in an evolving job market.   Meet our Panelists  A group of Wisconsin leaders will join keynote speaker and digital transformation expert Ema Roloff to highlight how organizations in Wisconsin can adapt to AI.   Panelists Include:  Ian (Cullah) McCullough, Free Music Land founder — With a background bridging the arts and engineering, Ian offers valuable insights into how emerging tools like AI are reshaping opportunities and challenges in the creative economy.   Amy Pechacek: Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development — A public service leader specializing in government strategy and crisis management, Amy spearheads modernization efforts that have improved unemployment systems and workforce outcomes across Wisconsin.  Israel Squires, AI strategist & Midpoint Consulting cofounder — Well-versed in the challenges and opportunities businesses face when integrating AI, Israel offers insights on how companies can implement AI for tangible results.  Nathan Lasnoski: Chief Technology Officer at Neudesic — With over 20 years guiding enterprise organizations through digital transformation, Nathan is at the forefront of leveraging AI and cloud technologies for real-world business impact.   While attendance is free, seats are limited. Register at https://uwm.edu/sce/certificates/ai-wont-steal-your-job-but-it-will-change-it/   About UWM’s School of Continuing Education    The UWM School of Continuing Education is the largest provider of professional development in southeastern Wisconsin, delivering over 1,000 programs to more than 15,000 participants each year. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which is recognized as one of the nation’s top research universities, Continuing Education offers individual courses, certificate programs, onsite training, events and conferences, as well as personal enrichment learning opportunities for all ages. Our conference center, complete with classrooms, computer labs and livestream capabilities, is located in downtown Milwaukee.  Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Milwaukee. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Pete Linforth from Pixabay.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

For the second time in three years, the farm formerly known as Cold Spring Egg Farm, located at W2024 State Road 59, Palmyra, will be “depopulating” millions of hens due to the “bird flu.” In accordance with standard practice, three million birds will be composted in a site owned by the company near Zion and Hooper Road in the town of Palmyra. That process is expected to begin on October 1. Residents of nearby homes indicate that in 2022, when 2.75 million birds were “culled,” they couldn’t stand to be outside, as the odor was strong enough to make them feel sick. Large trucks were driving down the roads from early in the morning until late in the evening. Residents also have concern about the possibility of their wells getting contaminated, although state officials claim that ongoing tests will ensure that the area groundwater remains safe. According to TMJ4, the town called a meeting on Monday evening, September 29 for discussion of the concerns. TMJ4 reported on the meeting in this article.

According to the Wisconsin State Farmer, “the farm is owned by Daybreak Foods, Inc., the fourth-largest egg producer in the U.S. S&R Egg Farms was sold to Daybreak Foods Inc. of Lake Mills earlier this year [2025] for $14 million, according to Walworth County documents. According to Daybreak Foods’ website, the company is home to 19 million laying hens at several facilities across the Midwest and employs over 1,000 workers. Daybreak processes most of its eggs into liquid egg products for food service and retail customers.”

Per a press release dated September 25, “the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection [DATCP] has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County. DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premise has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.”

Wisconsin State Farmer states that “Workers at the farm noticed signs of illness in the flock earlier in the week and reported it to DATCP officials, said State Veterinarian Darlene Konkle. The farm believes the virus was observed early and have been working with state and federal officials to curb the spread….

Composting provides an inexpensive alternative for disposing dead animals. Laura Blanton, assistant director at USDA Animal and Plant Health, says temperatures achieved during properly managed composting will kill most pathogens, reducing the chance to spread disease. The process is relatively odor-free and both egg and hatching waste can be composted as well…. This is the second commercial flock to report the bird flu virus in Wisconsin this year. State officials confirmed the virus in a Sheboygan County poultry flock in April. The number of poultry impacted by the outbreak was listed as 40,000 birds.

As birds begin migrating in the fall, the threat of bird flu increases. Since 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed 70 cases of bird flu in 21 dairy herds and 24 poultry farms and culling operations.” The Palmyra outbreak is the largest identified nationally in 2025.

DATCP’s press release continued, “The H5N1 HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. H5N1 HPAI viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. The disease can be spread by contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.

When HPAI H5N1 is diagnosed in a Wisconsin poultry flock, a control area is established within a 10 kilometer area around the infected premises, restricting movement on or off any premises with poultry. To help producers determine if their poultry are located within an active control area or surveillance zone, poultry owners are encouraged to use DATCP’s mapping tool.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Jefferson County Public Health are monitoring exposed farm workers for HPAI symptoms. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low. Prevention information for farmworkers or others who have close contact with birds, dairy cows, or other relevant animals can be found under Protective Actions for People. 

DATCP reminds Wisconsin livestock owners to register their premises. State law requires that all livestock owners register where their animals are kept. Registration helps animal health officials communicate with flock and herd owners during disease outbreaks.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other animals, contact DATCP by following the instructions on the Animal Disease Reporting webpage. For updates on how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit DATCP’s HPAI in Poultry webpage: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx.”

H5N1 in Other Species

The HPAI H5N1 virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. Since that time, the H5N1 virus has also affected other species, including mammalian species. To date, Wisconsin has not identified an H5N1 infection in dairy herds in the state. DATCP continues to work with USDA to conduct testing for H5N1, encourage biosecurity, and provide resources to producers.

For updates on how the H5N1 virus is affecting dairy cattle across the country, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin dairy cattle, visit DATCP’s H5N1 in Dairy Cattle webpage: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AvianInfluenzaCattle.aspx. “

Editor’s note: The photo on the website is from the Daybreak Farms’ website.

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Whitewater Pride.

Whitewater’s 5th Annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. this Saturday at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.

“Celebrating five years of our local Whitewater Pride reminds us that when we come together in unity, we create a community rooted in joy, strengthened by pride, and committed to justice. As we honor this milestone, we also send love and support to LGBTQ+ people everywhere – especially our youth – reminding them they are seen, valued, and never alone,” Kim Simes said. Simes is the Executive Vice President of External Affairs for Family Equality and a founding committee member of Whitewater Pride.

Whitewater Pride is dedicated to bringing the LGBTQ+ community and Allies together. Their mission is to foster diversity, inclusion, and pride in the Whitewater community. Their vision is to create an open, affirmative, and accepting environment for all people, with a focus on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, said, “In the military, in the classroom, and in City Hall, I’ve seen that strength comes from unity and from embracing our differences. That’s why my wife and I are proud to call ourselves a Warhawk student and alum, and why I’m proud to stand with Whitewater Pride on this joyous day.”

The event this year includes the UWW Marching Band, community and statewide speakers, engaging performances, live music, interactive dancing, an open mic, 30+ inclusive vendors, and multiple food trucks, including Sampa’s Tacos and Rocky Rococo’s. Speakers, including Wisconsin State Senator Mark Spreitzer, Wisconsin State Representative Brienne Brown, UWW Chancellor Corey King, and WUSD Superintendent Sam Karns will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement and support locally and nationally. A children’s area includes a bounce house, face painting, activities, and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books. Leashed pets are also invited to attend and participate in a Pride Pet Costume Contest. 

State Senator Mark Spreitzer said, “I am excited to join Whitewater Pride and help foster an atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance, and celebration throughout the city. I look forward to gathering with the community to celebrate all we have accomplished and loudly proclaim that we’re here, we’re proud to be here, and we’re going to celebrate Pride all year long.”

Please note that drone footage will be taken around 12 Noon on the day of the event for marketing purposes. Multiple announcements will be made prior to the drone flying, pointing out several areas to seek cover if attendees do not want to be filmed. 

This year’s Pride Rally sponsors include: Whitewater Unites Lives, Zumidy Media, Coburn Company, Madison Technical College, First English Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rodriguez Rentalz, Fort HealthCare, First Weber Real Estate, Fort Community Credit Union, Stellar Vintage, Sampa’s Tacos, LGBTQ+ Walworth County, the UWW PB Poorman Pride Center, and Pet Supplies Plus of Whitewater.

For more information or to support Whitewater Pride as Sponsor or Donor, visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride. 

On September 2, 2010, we lost Treyton Kilar, a boy whose smile, love for baseball, and big heart continue to inspire us all.

Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the scholarships given in his name, and the community that gathers year after year to honor him.

The Run for Trey is more than just a run; it’s a celebration of Treyton’s life, a way to keep his memory alive, and a reminder of the impact one AMAZING boy can have on so many.

Join us NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2025 for the 15th Annual Run for Trey as we come together once again to honor Treyton.

Register today at www.treysfield.org
❤

On Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:47 pm, Whitewater Police received a report of shots fired near the intersection of S. Summit Street and W. Highland Street in the City of Whitewater. No injuries were reported. Officers found multiple .40 caliber casings in that intersection. Upon further investigation, officers identified Pablo J. Vasquez Brittain, 19, of Delavan, as the suspect responsible for discharging the firearm from a vehicle due to an altercation. Associates of Vasquez Brittain were also identified. Vasquez and the other subjects were believed to be located in a residence in the City of Delavan.

Whitewater PD detectives subsequently executed a search warrant at the Delavan location. Assisting in the search warrant were the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, Rock County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and the Delavan Police Department. Multiple individuals were found to be in possession of firearms as the search warrant was executed, and all were taken into custody without incident. The firearm believed to have been fired from the vehicle in Whitewater was recovered at the Delavan residence. Illicit drugs were also located and turned over to the Delavan Police Department for prosecution.

Pablo Vasquez Brittain was confined in the Walworth County Jail. The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Vasquez Brittain with First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety (Wis. Stat. 941.30(1)). Matthew J. Conrad, 18, of Elkhorn, and Lamar N. Early, 19, of Delavan, were also confined in the Walworth County Jail; however, formal charges have not been filed by the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office at this time.

Investigation continues into the circumstances of this incident as well as additional confrontations involving the suspects that were reported to have occurred at approximately the same time. Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555 option #4. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using P3tips.com.

The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the UW-Whitewater Police Department, Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Delavan Police Department for their assistance in this investigation. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department.