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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a flash flood warning that includes the Whitewater area until 10:30 p.m. on Friday. They advise that entering flooded streets is very risky due to heavy rainfall.
WISN12 reported that as of 8:40 p.m. on Friday, Whitewater had received 3.4″ of rain.
Enjoy family-centered activities on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the annual International Children’s Day celebration at Lincoln Elementary School, Whitewater.
This free fun family event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Information will be available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for cash sale.
Some of the fun activities include:
12:00 PM Baile folkorico
12:30 PM Washington Elementary dance group
1:00 PM Read aloud by Olivia Monson of the Whitewater Police Department
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 18 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world. We are so pleased that another child-focused organization, the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, is one of our sponsors for this volunteer-based event,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at this event. The food offers are cash only.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include the Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Comunicado de prensa
18 de abril: celebración del Día Internacional del Niño, un gran día en familia
WHITEWATER: disfrute de actividades familiares el sábado 18 de abril, de 11:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m., con la celebración anual del Día Internacional del Niño en la escuela primaria Lincoln, en Whitewater.
Este divertido evento familiar gratuito incluirá música en vivo, juegos, manualidades, pintura facial y otras actividades para niños de todas las edades, y se llevará a cabo de 11 a. m. a 2 p. m. Se proporcionará información sobre los servicios locales y regionales para familias. También se venderán en efectivo una variedad de platillos internacionales ofrecidos por organizaciones locales.
«Whitewater se enorgullece de ser una comunidad que apoya a todos los niños y sus familias. El 18 de abril es una oportunidad para celebrar el Día Internacional del Niño y a quienes cuidan, apoyan y animan a los niños aquí y en todo el mundo. Estamos muy contentos de que otra organización centrada en los niños, el Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, sea uno de los patrocinadores de este evento basado en el voluntariado», dijo Miguel Aranda, miembro del comité de planificación.
La Conferencia Mundial para el Bienestar de los Niños, celebrada en Ginebra (Suiza), proclamó el 1 de junio como Día Internacional del Niño en 1925. Suele celebrarse con discursos sobre los derechos y el bienestar de los niños, así como con otros eventos en los que participan o que están dedicados a los niños. Un evento similar, el Día Universal del Niño, se celebra el 20 de noviembre. Fue establecido por las Naciones Unidas en 1954 y tiene como objetivo promover el bienestar de los niños de todo el mundo. La primera celebración del Día Internacional del Niño en Whitewater se llevó a cabo en abril de 2022. Muchos países de todo el mundo celebran este día a finales de abril.
Los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto en este evento. Las ofertas de comida solo se pueden pagar en efectivo.
Entre los patrocinadores de la celebración del Día Internacional del Niño se encuentran el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives y el Club de Desayuno Kiwanis de Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater’s Water Utility will conduct its semi-annual water main and hydrant flushing program from Monday, April 20 through Friday, May 1, 2026.
This routine maintenance is essential to:
- Test fire hydrants to ensure proper flow and pressure
- Confirm hydrants and valves are working correctly
- Improve water quality by clearing sediment from the water mains
Important Notes for Residents:
- You may notice temporary discoloration in your water after flushing. If this occurs, run an outdoor spigot or a cold-water tap at the lowest level of your home for several minutes until the water clears. If needed, repeat the process after a short wait.
- To prevent staining, avoid washing white or light-colored laundry during flushing periods or until your water runs clear.
- For best results, consider waiting until flushing crews have moved out of your area before using water.
If additional system repairs are required, flushing may extend into the following week.
The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the City of Whitewater.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is along Whitewater Street, taken some time just before 1900. How do we know this? First, the small shed-like building was the old horse-drawn engine house for the fire department. According to old maps, it was demolished by 1904 after the City Hall was built in 1900 with large fire department quarters. Also, the building to the left, part of the old Winchester and Partridge wagon factory (closed c.1893) has a sign that reads, “George Kinney & Company Flour, Feed, and Salt.” George Kinney started his feed mill business in 1894, but it only lasted a few years. By 1898, the building housed agricultural implements. Historic information is often helpful in dating photographs.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(2942GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Updated 4/17/26 @ 2:45 p.m. – A tornado watch is in effect for all of Southern Wisconsin until 8 p.m.
Updated 4/17/26 @ 1:30 p.m. – A flood watch is in effect for all of Southern Wisconsin from 1 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that our area has the potential for another severe storm on Friday afternoon. It’s expected to arrive around 5 p.m. with the primary risk being damaging winds.
Speaking of damaging winds, some city residents were without power for as much as twelve hours after the storm that hit the city at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday. A number of businesses were also without power for hours, reportedly resulting in massive losses of refrigerated food at Aldi, Kwik Trip (at least on Hwy 59) and Walmart.
The Weather Service has been busy this week following up on reports of possible tornadoes, and thus far has confirmed at least six touchdowns. The closest was an EF-1 in East Troy with windspeeds exceeding 100 m.p.h., resulting in destruction of a house.
On behalf of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors America 250 Committee, Al Stanek and Pat Blackmer presented the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) with America 250 proclamations and flags. Accepting these gifts were WUSD Superintendent Samuel Karns and School Board President Stephanie Hicks. The flags will be distributed to the high school, middle school, Lakeview, Lincoln, and Washington elementary schools across the district.
Superintendent Karns proposed that the five schools might coordinate a simultaneous celebration, raising and flying the newly gifted flags for the first time at 2:50 p.m. on a day that will be chosen in the near future.
The Walworth County Board has purchased 100 flags, which are being distributed to schools and municipal governments throughout the county. This initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The America 250 Committee is currently planning a celebratory event open to all, to be held on the Thursday during the Walworth County Fair week.
__________________________________________________
Above is a photo that was taken April 13 at UW-Whitewater when the proclamation and flag were presented to the Student Body Government on behalf of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors America 250 Committee.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Pat Blackmer. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
The Friends of the Whitewater Public Library will hold their annual membership meeting and election of board members on Friday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 at the Whitewater Public Library.
The Friends of the Whitewater Public Library is a 501(c)(3) organization of library lovers who work together to promote and expand the programs and services of the library. They actively support the mission of the library, are a valuable link between the library and community, and provide funding to enhance the quality library services offered to City of Whitewater residents and surrounding communities.
The Friends support the library in many ways: by spreading the word about library programs, resources, and services; volunteering at various events, programs and fundraisers; providing seed money for new library collections; supporting programs and projects; and purchasing special request items not allocated in the library’s general operating budget.
New members are welcome! Want to join? Membership is open to all and is $10 per year. Forms are available at the library or at whitewaterlibrary.org.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Obituaries
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!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
Entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, April 3, 2026, age 65. Donna is survived by her cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Lois (Michels) Lyons. Donna was raised in the Church of Nazarene, with her father being the assistant pastor. Religion was very important to Donna. Donna enjoyed working with the students of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she resided. Donna also loved to travel, visiting France, Italy, and all around the United States. She also loved to paint, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. She also loved collecting recipes and trying … Read more
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