News & Events

Get ready to be thrilled by “DanceScapes ’25.” This production, under the artistic direction of Barbara Grubel, includes a variety of original dance pieces choreographed by students, faculty, and guest artist Joseph Ravens, a UW-Whitewater alumnus with an MFA from Chicago’s School of the Art Institute. Ravens brings his extensive experience and vision as a performance artist to create a piece with students that is truly unique. You don’t want to miss this captivating performance! The UW-Whitewater student cast and crew invite you to experience this unique fusion of rhythm and vision. Act now to take advantage of our half-price matinee on Saturday, April 5. Seats are limited. Don’t miss out—reserve yours today! Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Performances will take place in the Barnett Theatre located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts.

Get Tickets Now! Adults are $18, those age 65+ are $16, and under age 18 are $13. All tickets are half-price on April 5.

Submitted by: Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Images supplied by UW-Whitewater turnerj@uww.edu

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our second and final 2025 Boater Safety Education Course on April 15, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and April 19, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a Boater Safety Education Course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn
12 shortly after the class.

Boater Safety Education Course – Class #2
Session 1: April 15, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: April 19, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office

Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/boater-education

Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information.

The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any
questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.

Editor’s note: The first course filled well before the first session. The Sheriff’s has previously indicated to the Banner that Rock County residency is not required in order to take their classes.

DISCOVER ART AND BEAUTY IN FOUND OBJECTS
AT ROBERTA’S ART GALLERY

Whitewater, Wis. (March 6, 2025) – Experience ways in which creativity meets conservation at “ONE MORE TIME: Upcycled Art by 3 Artists” by Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli, Amy Weh, and Gary Warren Niebuhr at Roberta’s Art Gallery! This eco-friendly exhibit showcases various found objects and mixed media materials arranged in creative ways and fashions. This exhibit is open from March 10 to April 29, with an artist reception on April 15.

“ONE MORE TIME: Upcycled Art by 3 Artists” explores the unseen beauty of discarded, everyday findings. This exhibit will include a variety of 2-D and 3-D mixed media artworks, including sculptures and mosaics created from found objects, metals, reclaimed materials, and various textiles. “I love repurposing glass, tile, dishes, and found objects to create unique mosaic pieces,” says Weh. “My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, such as landscapes, animals, flowers, or even a basket of rusted old parts.”

Scattered throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli, Amy Weh, and Gary Warren Niebuhr bond over their shared passion and efforts of conservation. Cerulli, a Madison resident, holds a Master of Arts degree in expressive arts therapy and mental health counseling and was featured in Madison Magazine for her work as a community artist. “My message is that we can all find identity, belonging, unity, and hope through art,” says Cerulli. Cerulli now works as a Program Director at Wheelhouse Studios at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Amy Weh is a Fort Atkinson resident who has been producing and exhibiting upcycled art for over 30 years. Amy received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee and has taught many artist-in-residence programs in Wisconsin elementary schools and art museums. For 20 years, Amy worked as a frame shop manager and currently teaches elementary art at St. Henry School in Watertown and St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson. Gary Warren Niebuhr was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wis. Niebuhr received his Master of Arts degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and spent 36 years as a Library Director for the Village of Greendale. During retirement, Niebuhr has embraced his artistic calling and has been creating unique assemblage sculptures that are exhibited across the United States.

The exhibit reception will be held on April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., with an artist talk and an audience Q&A followed by an open house with refreshments. There will be a Kewl Upcycled Assemblages art sculpture workshop from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. before the reception in collaboration with UWW Sustainability during Earth Month.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists to coordinate and sponsor exhibits. Our hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Information regarding visitor parking on campus may be found here.

At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit www.uww.edu/rag for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag. For more information about Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli’s work, please visit https://about.me/GabrielleJC  and on Instagram @gabriellejavierc. Follow Amy Weh’s work at https://www.mosaicweh.com/ and on Instagram @mosaicweh. Follow Gary Warren Niebuhr’s work at https://www.garywarrenniebuhr.com/. 

City of Whitewater Police & Fire/EMS Referendum Public Information Session – Monday @ 9:30 a.m.
Whitewater Innovation Center, 1121 Innovation Dr.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Click on meetings in upper right corner
Whitewater High School Library
435 South Elizabeth Street

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – CLOSED SESSION to discuss and consider preliminary notices of nonrenewal of teacher contracts
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87562277327?pwd=cK6qtUo9PzWUcBEw4JSvCnJatb48g9.1
– Passcode: 358860
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 875 6227 7327
– Passcode: 358860
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION

Agenda includes Preliminary Staffing Budget for 2025-2026

Agenda (click on meetings in upper right corner) includes Preliminary staffing budget for 2025-26 and Chromebook leasing presentation
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89712573240?pwd=OUFGMmhmUHNEUFc3SlBZMWlKWXdoQT09
– Passcode: 539477
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 897 1257 3240
– Passcode: 539477

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion about revitalizing the Friends Group and Discussion and approval of the 2025 Strategic Plan Activities.
CLOSED SESSION, not to reconvene – Performance evaluation for the Library Director
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W Whitewater St.,
*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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89531457547?pwd=qsQGgSdMRZyaGvUJcP9k5IzA0MrAWb.1
Meeting ID: 895 3145 7547
Passcode: ibDcwJ33
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Hamilton House Application for Class B Liquor License, Discussion and Possible Action regarding three businesses that were not open enough in the 2024-2025 Alcohol License period. Grunzolio Pizzeria, Lloyd’s (formally Black Sheep), and Hawk Tail Arcade and Lounge. Consideration of request to the City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee to make a preliminary decision to recommend to the city council to deny the application for the renewal of the “Class B” license filed by Hawk Bowling Lanes and to schedule a full hearing on the non-renewal of the license.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85279947092?pwd=P32EixQr399FS538eh7MLC9g5qlggI.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 852 7994 7092
Passcode: 886223

City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes TIF basics and myths presentation by Greg Johnson from Ehlers, Police Dept. tow rotation/fee complaints, Whitewater ranking, CLOSED SESSION FOLLOWED BY OPEN SESSION: Twin Oaks Trailer Park and Pre 3 Offer to purchase vacant land located at /A444200001.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*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.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83804325175?pwd=pRcvQ1PhxIvaPIdMl7LfP2I9lUjwFd.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 838 0432 5175
Passcode: 878627

City of Whitewater Park and Recreation Board = Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on agreement with Whitewater Youth Soccer Club for the
use of Moraine View Park, and Discussion and possible approval of WAFC Family Membership policy.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St In Person and Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89956876846?pwd=paD48kMrVh0AyHAsugbgJEVEC4y4G3.1
One tap mobile +13126266799,,89956876846#,,,,627309# US (Chicago)
Dial +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 899 5687 6846
Passcode: 627309

Lakes Advisory Committee Public Education Session on Trippe & Cravath Lake – Thursday @ 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 S Fremont St

City of Whitewater – Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes CLOSED SESSION FOLLOWED BY OPEN SESSION on the following items:
Discussion and Possible Approval of Offer to Purchase Stepmother LLC.
Discussion and Possible Approval of Reallocation of Stellar Vintage Wind Up Funds.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Purchasing /BIRW 00003 from Elyssa Launderville.
Discussion and Possible Approval of Sale of a Portion of /BIRW0003A.
Discussion and Possible Approval of Reconsideration of Anderson Contract.
Discussion and Possible Action of Offer to Purchase on /TRA 00003 (216 E Main).
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
In Person and Virtual You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89659224093?pwd=NaTTaUZdENWwYNfs31k9ZmOsaVWSfA.WORakm2AQY vBiTCl
Passcode:647974
Phone one-tap: +13126266799,,89659224093#,,,,647974# US (Chicago)
+16469313860,,89659224093#,,,,*647974# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 896 5922 4093
Passcode: 647974

Whitewater is at it again and had two teams, under the direction of Ms. Lynn Weilbrenner, submit culinary delights into the Whipping up Wellness Competition sponsored by the Department of Public Instruction [DPI]. Both teams spent hours brainstorming their recipes, creating a cooking schedule and nutritional information and preparing their recipes. Their final products turned out great.

Team #1 consists of Maggie Maas, Zoe Zei, and Maddi Morton, and they prepared ham and cheese pinwheels infused with garlic butter.

Team #2 consists of Jazlin Rios, Ozzy Navejas, Natalia Casillas, and Kiani Aranda. Their team prepared Loaded Potato Soup served in homemade bread bowls garnished with bacon, cheddar cheese, and parsley. 

If the teams make it into the Top 5, then they will travel to Madison in May and prepare their dishes for a panel of judges, and their recipes will appear in the 2025 Whipping Up Wellness cookbook produced by DPI and distributed to all schools in Wisconsin. Good luck to both of our teams!

Article and Photos Submitted by Lynn Weilbrenner
Whitewater High School Family and Consumer Education Teacher
lweilbrenner@wwusd.org

APRIL 1 POLICE AND FIRE/EMS REFERENDUM
Sessions will provide public an opportunity to hear from Police, Fire, City officials and ask questions

The City of Whitewater announced it will host four public information sessions regarding the upcoming police and fire/EMS referendum that will appear on spring election ballots on April 1, 2025. The meetings will be hosted both in-person and virtually.
“The City of Whitewater has identified a need to add additional, full-time personnel to its Police and Fire departments,” said City Manager, John Wiedl. “These information sessions will allow us to share information and communicate the need for increased funding and additional Police and Fire staff with the greater Whitewater community.”

To accommodate as many City of Whitewater residents as possible, informational sessions will be held on
four different days at a variety of locations:
● Tuesday, February 18 at 5:00 p.m. at the Whitewater Municipal Building – 312 W. Whitewater St.
● Tuesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Whitewater Municipal Building – 312 W Whitewater St.
● Thursday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Whitewater Senior Center – 504 W Starin Rd.
● Monday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Whitewater University Innovation Center – 1221 Innovation Dr.

Spanish interpretation will be available at all information sessions. Recordings of the February 18 and March 11 information sessions will be published on the City’s website, and will include Spanish captions.

Information sessions will include a presentation, along with an opportunity for a “question and answer” discussion for residents with City Manager John Wiedl, Police Chief Dan Meyer, Fire & EMS Chief Kelly Freeman, and Assistant Fire & EMS Chief Ryan Dion.

More information about the upcoming referendum is available on the City’s website
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/615/Police-and-Fire-EMS-Referendum.

The League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area reminds voters in Walworth and Jefferson counties to get ready to vote in the upcoming April 1st Election. On the ballot this election are local candidates running for town, village and city offices such as municipal board members and school board members. Several Walworth and Jefferson County communities and school districts also have referendum language on the ballot. The League encourages voters to start their candidate research before they cast their ballot.  

One source of nonpartisan candidate information is the League’s Voters’ Guide on VOTE411.org, where voters can go to read local and state candidates’ responses to the League’s questionnaire. By visiting the site, voters can find out what’s on their ballot and compare the candidates’ answers, which are posted verbatim. Responses received from local candidates in contested races in Walworth and Jefferson counties have been posted on VOTE411.org.

Communities and school districts impacted include:

Walworth Co:  Bloomfield, Clinton, Delevan, Elkhorn, Geneva, Lake Geneva, Richmond, Sharon, Walworth, Whitewater, Williams Bay

Jefferson Co:  Cambridge, Cold Spring, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Johnson Creek, Koshkonong, Lake Mills, Oakland, Palmyra 

In addition to the Voters’ Guide on VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin has created factsheets for state and local elected offices. Learn what these offices are responsible for and how they impact the lives of everyday Wisconsinites. To view the factsheets, visit the WI State League website.

The League encourages voters to prepare to vote, visit VOTE411.org, and remind others about Election Day on April 1st.    

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Hello, I am Jennifer Kienbaum, a mother of four boys, with my eldest son attending Whitewater High School. I am currently President of the Whitewater School Board. I have served on the school board since April 2019, and I decided to run for another term for three reasons. First, as a mother it is important for the School Board to have representation from parents who have a personal interest in improving the quality of our school district. Second, I believe in quality public education that ensures the success of ALL students. Third, serving on the Whitewater School Board allows me the opportunity to share my experiences and skills to benefit this community.

In my free time, I enjoy helping youth. I am active in Scouts, currently serving as the District Chair for Rock River District, and leader for Whitewater Pack 716. I am responsible for hosting the annual merit badge clinic at Whitewater High School for middle and high school students and Cub-a-Rama in the fall for elementary age students. I am active in 4H, helping each year at the Walworth County Fair in their youth building and hosting the Pinewood derby event. I am a member of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) currently serving as the scrip coordinator. The past three years I was a coach for Battle of the Books. I have previously held positions as a U6/U8 soccer coach and Sunday school coordinator. In 2023, I received the BSA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of my unwavering commitment to supporting and mentoring young individuals. In addition, I am also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 82.

I graduated from Port Washington High School in 1997 and attended UW-Whitewater, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance with emphasis in Insurance. After graduation, I furthered my education by obtaining my securities licenses (FINRA Series 7, 24, 53, 63, and 65) along with my life and health licenses. I have lived in the district for 26 years and I am currently employed full-time at FIS as a compliance manager and work part-time at Kwik Trip.

Prior to serving on the Whitewater School Board, I held numerous leadership positions on the Rock Prairie Montessori School Board of Trustees from 2011-2017. I served as the Chief Compliance Officer on the Catholic Financial Services Board from 2006-2012 and Chief Compliance Officer of the Series Portfolios Trust from 2016-2019. Since 2022, I have served as a member of the Glacier’s Edge Council Board. While the objective of each board I have served on is different, they all require someone who can create stronger ties between the board and the stakeholders. One of the most important roles as a Whitewater School Board member is to serve as the voice of the entire community, something that I take seriously.

My advocacy for our students and this District does not just happen at a Board level. I strongly support creating opportunities for students across all grade levels. When my son was in middle school, I helped obtain funding for the slot car club. In 2021, I donated two vehicles to the auto shop at Whitewater High School to provide hands-on learning experiences for our students, one of the vehicles is still being used today. Additionally, I contributed funds to purchase the Lego Mindstorm for the Washington Elementary School Lego club, and I provided a sun shade for Lakeview Elementary School’s courtyard, enhancing the students outdoor learning environment.

Over the next several years, key areas of focus for this District should include building a top notch vocation and technical education program that allows our students to graduate in a competitive career ready environment, ensuring that all needs related to Special Education and English Language Learners are met, addressing the mental health needs of our students, and improving test scores through effective curriculum, all while operating a fiscally responsible budget.

I have the ability to lead, listen to all stakeholders and bring people together. I am an advocate for children at the state and local levels. If re-elected, I will continue to focus on student achievement and implementing policies that will ensure success for ALL students. I will continue to listen to the concerns of this community, and I will represent those views when making decisions for the district. Please consider voting for me, Jennifer Kienbaum, on April 1^st.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at kienbaum25@yahoo.com