News & Events

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued another tornado watch that includes Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties effective from 2:30 – 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday. In addition, our area is seen as being at risk of damaging hail up to 3.5″ in diameter, which is between the size of a hockey puck and a baseball.

On Tuesday morning at approximately 1 a.m. the tornado sirens sounded in Whitewater. Though the sirens are designed to warn people who are outside, in the quiet of the night the sirens were undoubtedly heard inside many homes. There has not been confirmation of a tornado touching down in our area, but there was significant wind damage. The schools closed for the day due to ongoing power outages and hazardous travel due to trees down. A large portion of the city was without power overnight, but as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, We Energies reports that only about ten customers are still without power.

On January 28th, Quinton O’Toole enlisted in the Wisconsin Air National Guard at Truax Field in Madison.

Quinton began investigating the Wisconsin Air National Guard in August 2023 with a trip to Volk Field in Camp Douglas. He completed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) in his sophomore year and again in his senior year. 

Quinton expects to complete his high school sports career after competing in Cross Country, Wrestling, and Track & Field. He has completed AP classes in Literature, English, Speech and Biology. Last summer, he was selected as a delegate to Badger Boys State and attended with Sam Nicklesburg and Chacha Binagi. 

Starting July 7th, Quinton will attend basic training in Texas, followed by F-35 Crew Chief training in Texas/Arizona or Florida. His duty station will be the 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field in Madison. As a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Quinton will be eligible for in-state tuition and federal education benefits for future use.

Article Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Social Studies Teacher
gstewart@wwusd.org

Northwoods Seniors Unite Around Shared Issues in Merrill, Extend Project to South Central Wisconsin for Summit Set for April 23 in Elkhorn

Growing Movement of Seniors to Host “Senior Summit” in South Central Wisconsin 

Last Saturday, 87 residents gathered at the Eagles Club in Merrill for the Senior Empowerment Project’s Northwoods Senior Breakfast. Participants enjoyed breakfast and connecting to neighbors from across the region. The event included a process for collectively naming the issues and concerns felt most deeply and widely among those who gathered. Top concerns for the group included: 

• Isolation & lack of transportation across city and county lines, 
• Isolation & the need to better connect neighbors who are left behind by technology, as well as
• Access to senior healthcare and caregiver support. 

Now, the energy from that gathering is heading south.

On Thursday, April 23, 1-5 PM, the Senior Empowerment Project will host the South Central Wisconsin Senior Summit at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building in Elkhorn—a free, community-wide gathering for seniors and supporters across the region to connect, share what matters most to them, and help shape the organizing agenda ahead.

“Senior citizens have more power than they realize,” said the Rev. Michael Southcombe, who moderated the Merrill breakfast. “When they gather and talk about the issues they’re facing, they start to see opportunities and focus on solutions. That’s what we are witnessing here in Lincoln County and beyond.” 

This is a conviction that resonates in Walworth County, where the need is often invisible to outsiders. 

“Most people don’t realize how much disparity continues in our county. There are thousands of people who cannot afford good food, healthcare, or rent without the help of organizations like Open Arms Free Clinic or local food pantries.”

“People don’t realize there’s so much disparity in our county,” reports Sherry Engstrom of Common Ground Lake Geneva. “People hear about Lake Geneva and they think, ‘Oh, everyone here is rich, or from Chicago living in their third vacation home.’ That may be true. But at the same time, there are so many people who can’t afford to pay rent, eat, or live in the county without the help of places like Open Arms Free Clinic or one of the local food pantries—and even then it is hard, especially if you don’t have reliable transportation.”

The Rev. Jeremiah Gómez is pastor of Trinity Church in Genoa City and a member of the Groundswell Collective, a grassroots group that has organized for transportation as well as senior and childcare in Walworth County. Pastor Gómez sees the summit as a chance to enhance local efforts while also uniting with groups from around the state to address needs felt across county lines. “One of the things we’ve been learning from the summits and senior breakfasts we’ve been hosting around the state,” he said, “is that when seniors come together—when we, as humans who struggle, are given permission to share our needs, our concerns, and our hopes for a better future—the connections that are made are sacred. They give us the power, together, and make real, positive changes, for seniors and for all of us here in Wisconsin.” 

The April 23 summit will feature a keynote address from Janet Zander of the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, facilitated small-group discussions, and opportunities to connect with local organizations including the Walworth County ADRC. 

The event is free and open to the public, ADA accessible, and has ample ADA parking. 

The Senior Empowerment Project grew out of local campaigns and grassroots groups across Wisconsin, including Walworth County’s Groundswell Collective. Members of the group were a part of co-founding the project last November at a gathering in Stevens Point. 

The project’s vision: every senior has a home; every senior has access to affordable local care; seniors are no longer isolated, but integrated into community life; care workers are treated with dignity and paid wages that reflect the value of their work.

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• What: South Central Wisconsin Senior Summit—Aging Forward: Informed. Inspired. Involved.
• When: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1-5 PM
• Where: Walworth County ADRC, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn 
• Why: Unite seniors and allies around shared concerns to collectively work toward shared solutions. 
• How: Please RSVP: https://www.senior-empowerment.org/ [Space is limited to 100 participants.]
• How much? Free and open to the public
• Who: This event is co-hosted by the Senior Empowerment Project, Common Ground Lake Geneva, and the Groundswell Collective. It is a non-partisan event, open to seniors and those who care about seniors in South Central Wisconsin.

8:30 am Update: After doing a more thorough assessment of our district facilities and talking with other officials, half of our buildings are still without power. WE Energies is not able to provide any type of timetable for when the power should be restored. There is still a downed tree and power line at Elizabeth Street, impeding traffic and creating a safety hazard. Therefore, school will be cancelled today, April 14, 2026, and all after-school activities. We will continue to monitor the weather, as we are aware that there is another round coming tonight.

 Make a lasting impact in Whitewater! 

The Whitewater Community Foundation is seeking a passionate, community-minded leader to serve as our next Executive Director—an expanded role building on our former Program Coordinator position.

This part-time role (20 hours/week) is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of philanthropy and community impact in Whitewater. As Executive Director, you’ll work closely with our Board of Directors to lead strategic initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and guide the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.

If you’re energized by nonprofit leadership, relationship-building, and making a difference locally, we’d love to hear from you.

The Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting and strengthening Whitewater, Wisconsin.
 Learn more and apply: www.whitewatercommunityfoundation.org

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.

“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.

 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.

Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Whitewater recently celebrated a $6 million, 4,000 square foot expansion of the public library, and the Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has supported the expansion as a conduit for donations as well as via grants for special projects. 

“The Whitewater Community Foundation [WCF] is here to help with projects like this that help improve the quality of life in Whitewater,” said Kat Mawhinney, Co-President of the WCF.

The WCF serves as the conduit for donations for several groups like the Whitewater Public Library that are doing community projects but don’t have a 501(c) (3).  A conduit/fiscal sponsorship agreement between a partnering organization and the WCF means that the foundation agrees to establish an account at First Citizens State Bank, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to receive and manage donated funds for the partner organization’s project. Because the funds would be coming to the WCF, the donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt. The partner organization can then request funds from the account to pay for expenses related to the project only. A designee of the partner organization would be the person to request and receive the funds for payments with appropriate documentation (receipts, invoices, etc.).

In addition to assisting local organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects, the WCF continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and awards Community Action Grants (CAG) to local organizations twice a year.

The Whitewater Public Library has benefited from two recent Community Action Grants.  One was used to purchase a second AWE Literacy Station for the children’s department.  The literacy station contains pre-loaded educational games for children ages 2-12.  The station does not require an Internet connection, ensuring that children can navigate the computer on their own without concern that they will stumble upon something they should not.

“The literacy station is a big hit.  Children were asking for it as soon as the library doors reopened.  Siblings no longer must fight over one computer, for which staff and parent ears are grateful.  We thank the Whitewater Community Foundation wholeheartedly for this opportunity,” said Deana Rolfsmeyer, Youth Services Librarian.

Another grant was to purchase items for the library’s new Sensory Go-Bags. These bags provide children with sensory materials to help with social-emotional regulation. Two bags will be available – one for checkout and one for in-library use. Each bag includes the following items: 

• Weighted calming interactive book
• Noise-reducing earmuffs
• Gel-bead sensory shapes
• Pop and play sensory dimpl
• Soft and textured sensory shapes
• See-inside rainsticks
• Weighted sensory butterfly lap blanket

“The Sensory Go-Bags are a great addition to our collection and strengthen our mission of fostering a welcoming and inclusive library for all,” said Sarah French, Assistant Director.

Library Director Diane Jaroch said, “We are so thankful for the grants we have received.  The items we have purchased have enriched the lives of the children who use the library.’

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants or contact CAG Chair Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information. 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.  The next deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2026.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at 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.”

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

Multiple rounds of rain and storms are expected through midweek, bringing 1-3 inches of total rainfall.

• Severe storms are possible Today and Wednesday
• Severe weather potential has ended for the remainder of the overnight hours

• This Afternoon through Tonight:
  • Isolated to scattered severe storms in the afternoon/early evening.
    • All hazards are possible: large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding. 

• This evening/night a north-south line of strong to severe storms will move through southern Wisconsin.
  • Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are the primary threat
• Training storm potential will exacerbate flooding concerns.
• Wednesday:
  • Uncertainty remains on strong to severe storm chances.
  • If conditions remain cooler with overcast skies, the chances for strong storms diminish. 
    • Small hail and flooding are the main concerns.
  • If skies remain clear and temperatures warm, severe storm chances increase. 
    • All hazards are possible: large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding.