News & Events

Dear Common Council, Staff, and Community Members of Whitewater,

As we close an extraordinary year, I am filled with pride and gratitude in what we have achieved together. This year marks a significant departure from the past, not just in terms of productivity, positivity, and accomplishments, but in our renewed energy and purpose. It’s commonly said that our organization has accomplished more this year than in the previous decade. I firmly believe this is a testament to our collective dedication and (re)commitment to integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

A New Era in Public Safety

The City’s commitment to public safety has been a cornerstone of this transformation. The
implementation of the $1.1 million referendum, approved by an overwhelming 65% of voters, has been a game-changer for Whitewater and the surrounding communities. Transitioning our Fire and EMS service from volunteer [paid on call] and part-time to a full-time department was no small feat. Yet, in less than a year, we have not only achieved this, but have also secured paramedic certification for the Whitewater Fire Department. The impact? Our turnout times have been slashed by more than half, to an impressive average of less than two minutes. This monumental achievement could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our firefighters and EMTs, under the exceptional leadership of Fire Chief Kelly Freeman and his assistant Chief(s) Jason Dean, Ryan Dion, and Joe Uselding.

Moreover, under Chief Dan Meyer’s guidance, we are taking proactive steps to ensure our policing services meet the evolving needs of our community. Technological investments have already taken place and are making an impact, including license plate cameras at critical intersections throughout the community and the investment in drone technology. Further, we are partnering with an independent agency for a thorough review of our police staffing and operations in 2024, signifying our dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to our mission.

Revitalizing Economic Development

In the realm of economic development, we’ve seen equally impressive strides. Our collaboration with Dollar General and ALDI, along with our ongoing partnership with the Whitewater Grocery Co-op to help them realize their dreams, has been pivotal in addressing the urgent need for accessible grocery options. The excitement builds as ALDI prepares to break ground in the coming months, and our commitment to eliminating the challenges of being a USDA-designated food desert is unwavering.

Our downtown area is experiencing a resurgence with ongoing rehabilitation projects, and the CDA and Plan and Architectural Review Commission (PARC) recently approved a $7.5 million industrial development, spanning 100,000 square feet, slated for next year. These initiatives promise not only economic growth but also job creation and increased activity. Finally, several housing projects are on the horizon, with two single-family projects already in the pipeline for approval. Our focus will continue to be facilitating the creation of family-style housing options across the City as well as supporting those developments with the services and amenities they require.

Driving these developments is our new Economic Development Director, Calli Berg. Her expertise and initiative have already steered the Community Development Authority (CDA) toward new projects. Under her guidance, two properties in the downtown area are under contract for redevelopment, with more exciting projects on the horizon. These efforts are reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit and bolstering small business support in Whitewater.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the CDA and their staff assistant, Bonnie Miller. The CDA’s dedication and hard work over the past year, especially during a period without a full-time director, has been instrumental in maintaining our momentum and positioning us for the year ahead.

Strengthening Our Team: Recruitment and Retention

Our strategic plan this year placed a high priority on revolutionizing our approach to recruitment and retention. Recognizing the importance of attracting and nurturing dedicated local government professionals, we’ve embraced new strategies to support their careers in an environment that’s increasingly challenging, politically perilous, and financially constrained.

Under the guidance of our Human Resources Manager Sara Marquardt, we’ve implemented several innovative measures, such as conducting ‘stay interviews’ to better understand and address the needs of our employees and launching our Future Leaders Program for staff members demonstrating exceptional talent and passion.

Additionally, we’ve introduced a range of employee-centric initiatives, such as reduced fitness center memberships, increased opportunities for interdepartmental mingling, and significant adjustments to wage ranges accompanied by employee bonuses. These efforts underscore our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging workplace.

Enhancing Our Natural Resources: Lakes Improvement Initiative

This year, we’ve also turned our attention towards enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of our lakes. Following the dredging project undertaken before my tenure, we faced challenges with unsightly vegetative growth, particularly cattails. Our response to this has been proactive and impactful.

We embarked on a multi-year dredging project specifically targeting cattail removal from public spaces. The visual improvements have been significant, and our initial assessments, supported by research from similar projects, suggest a strong likelihood of substantially reducing cattail growth in these areas.

Furthering our commitment to our lakes, the City Council approved the formation of the Lakes Advisory Committee (LAC). This committee is tasked with a critical review of the current lakes’ management plan and the circumstances that led us to this point. They will also explore and recommend future lake management strategies, which may include the initiation of a Lakes Management District.

The commitment of City staff and our governing body, along with increased citizen and community participation, underscore our dedication to rectifying the unanticipated outcomes of the dredging project. We are firmly committed to devoting our time, resources, and collective efforts to ensure the rejuvenation and sustainable management of our lakes.

Acknowledging Partnerships and Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this year’s achievements, the support and collaboration of numerous partners have been instrumental. I am especially appreciative of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) for their ongoing support of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. I also extend my thanks to Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of WUSD, for her leadership in enhancing educational outcomes and her commitment to diversity and inclusion through efforts such as providing access to English classes for non-students and supporting the Latinx job fair.

My gratitude also goes to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and its new Chancellor, Dr. Corey King. His guidance in reimagining the Innovation Center and his team’s work on the Intergenerational Technology Services (IGeTS) at the Community Engagement Center (CEC) have been invaluable on our journey of transformation.

The spirit of inclusivity, diversity, and service championed by organizations like the Whitewater Community Foundation, Discover Whitewater, and the Friends of the Aquatic Center, among others, truly sets our community apart. Looking forward, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what the future holds. The past year has set a high bar, but I am confident that the next year will bring even more for the community and our stakeholders.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the hard work and dedication of each one of the City staff, elected officials, committee members, volunteers, contributors, and stakeholders in the City of Whitewater. Your collective efforts have been the driving force behind this transformative year in Whitewater. As we look to the future with optimism and determination, I am excited and honored to continue this journey with you, shaping a welcoming, safe, and dynamic community.

Tribute to Council President James “Jim” Allen

As we reflect on the year’s accomplishments, it’s with a heavy heart that we also remember Council President James “Jim” Allen, who sadly passed away on December 23, 2023. Jim’s dedication to Whitewater was evident in his long-standing service to the community and in every initiative he championed. From his role on the CDA and the establishment of the Lakes Advisory Committee, to his commitment to ensuring the future of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, his contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.

Under his leadership as Council President, Jim was instrumental in developing key public safety initiatives, notably the transition to a full-time Fire and EMS service in 2023 and the reinforcement of law enforcement resources for next year.

In honoring Jim’s legacy, we acknowledge the void his passing leaves in our council and our community. His dedication to public service and his impactful work will continue to inspire us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. Jim’s memory and contributions will forever be a part of Whitewater’s story. Please be on the lookout for our future efforts to honor Jim’s legacy.

Warmest Regards,
John S. Weidl, City Manager

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Continuing our holiday “bird” theme, we wish everyone “A Happy New Year” via another penny postcard, this one from 1908. The greetings were sent to Miss Edith Wheeler of Whitewater from a “cousin” in Milton almost 116 years ago!

Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2024 and join the Whitewater Historical Society as we feature more historic images next week.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Whitewater is an Ice Age Trail Community.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail Ends Year with 698 Officially Completed Miles
Prolific Trailbuilding Year with Record Number of Volunteer Hours

Cross Plains, Wis. – After a robust Trailbuilding season, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail now boasts 698 officially complete miles. That’s nearly 15 miles more than last year at the same time.

The Ice Age Trail, which follows the terminal moraine of the last glaciation, is 1,200 miles long. It’s currently comprised of completed, blazed miles and connecting routes. Typically rural roads or highways, connecting routes link completed, blazed segments of Trail.

“So much was accomplished in seven months of Trailbuilding,” says Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “And it’s all because of our large number of volunteers and their dedicated service.”

In fiscal year 2023, 1,990 Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers contributed a record 100,666 hours to Trail-related activities.

“It was a pretty spectacular Trailbuilding year,” says Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. He attributes the record number of volunteer hours to “a great group of new volunteers who find value giving back to the Ice Age Trail after hiking it.”

Large-Scale Trailbuilding Projects Drew Volunteers from Across the Region

In 2023, the Ice Age Trail Alliance hosted eight, large-scale, multi-day Trailbuilding projects in Taylor, Marquette, Waupaca, Dane, Rock, and Door counties. Volunteers from across the Midwest participated; crafting Trail tread, building bridges, boardwalks, rock walls, and steps.

Highlights of these projects included: 5.3 miles of new Trail on the Rib Lake segment in Taylor County, and 3.5 miles of new Trail on the Cross Plains segment in Dane County.

Chapter-Led Initiatives Also Added Trail Miles

Nineteen volunteer chapters make up the Ice Age Trail Alliance. These chapters which are located along the Trail, are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep their area. This year, multiple chapters led initiatives to open up new Trail.

“Our chapter members took ownership, getting more Trail on the ground in their counties,” says Chad DuChateau, Director of Trail Operations for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “New miles take a long time to come to fruition, and volunteers helped all along the way: from establishing contact with landowners and being involved with compliance to building Trail.

Thanks to chapter volunteers, official Trail is now blazed through Evansville (1.7 miles) and Gibbs Lake County Park (1.3 miles) in Rock County. The Ice Age Trail Community of Cornell in Chippewa County also has 1.5 miles of official Trail.

In addition, chapter volunteers constructed Trail through the Alliance-owned Ice Override Preserve in Langlade County. And, extended Trail on the Waterville,  Scuppernong, and Chaffee Creek Segments.

“This successful season, with its many new miles, gets us closer to a continuous completed Ice Age National Scenic Trail,” says Kloberdanz.

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About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes that were carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state.

Approximately 60% of Wisconsin residents live within 20 miles of the Ice Age Trail.

About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a nonprofit, member and volunteer-based organization which conserves, creates, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. For more information visit iceagetrail.org.

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on December 28 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff beginning Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023, until the date of interment for former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. Gov. Evers yesterday released the following statement regarding U.S. Sen. Kohl’s passing. “A Milwaukeean and Wisconsinite through and through, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl dedicated his life to serving our kids, our communities, our state, and our country. “Sen. Kohl was, without a doubt, nobody’s senator but ours. Kathy and I are devastated by the news of his passing.” “Sen. Kohl was deeply committed to community, kindness, and service to others. Wisconsin’s seniors, students, teachers, and schools, and farmers and rural areas, among so many others, are better off because of his life and legacy, the impacts of which will last for generations. “Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin, friends and colleagues of Sen. Kohl, and the many people whose lives he impacted—both near and far—in offering our sincerest condolences to the Kohl family and the Herb Kohl Foundation in mourning the loss of this Wisconsin giant.” Services for former U.S. Sen. Kohl are set to occur at a future date in January. Executive Order #219 will be in effect beginning on Dec. 28, 2023, until interment. Executive Order #219 is available here.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Gamma Chapter.

The members of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Gamma Chapter gathered on December 7, 2023
for our annual holiday gathering. For the past years our entertainment has been the members
of the cast of the Whitewater High School plays and their Director Jim McCulloch. The chapter was able to write a $1000 grant to our Foundation to provide financial help in updating the sound system in the auditorium at the High School. When the grant was approved, the members were additionally challenged to donate to the cause over the current year. Our treasurer, Dee Simon, was able to present a check to Jim McCulloch and a student, Alex Clarksen, in the amount of $2000 toward further work on the sound system. (See Photo)