News & Events

The City of Whitewater Fire Department (WFD) received a report of smoke in the area of Fremont Street and North Street on March 17 at 3:12 p.m. WFD Personnel arrived on scene two minutes from the time of dispatch and reported a working fire in a detached garage at 234 W. North Street. The press release indicates that the “aggressive offensive attack…limited the damage to the building of origin, preventing the fire from spreading to three nearby dwellings. The cause of the fire was found to be maintenance being conducted on one of the vehicles in the garage. A battery charger connected to a vehicle is suspected to have contributed to the initial vehicle fire. The fire spread to another vehicle in the garage, and the structural components of the garage itself.”

There were no injuries. The residents of the home were not there at the time. A vigilant neighbor placed the 911 call.

Per the press release, the Lauderdale-LaGrange Fire Department and the City of Whitewater Police Department assisted WFD.

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

Suzanne Chenoweth is a WUL Hometown Hero, and was nominated by both Lisa Huempfner and DeAnna Brunner “For the work Suzanne does as an unsung hero to help the community, whether it be mentoring and assisting a family in need, reading for Book Buddies, serving on the board of Bethel House, volunteering at Lincoln School in the garden, or serving on her church council and playing in the handbell choir.”

Both Lisa and DeAnna are grateful for her work and dedication to helping people in Whitewater.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Photo credit

Dear Whitewater constituents – family and friends,

I grew up attending the Whitewater Unified School District, as have several of my close and extended family members. Their children, and my three children, continue the same path. I have family who attend ALL academic buildings of the school district. Family employed by the district and family without children who take pride in contributing to the district and being part of the Whippet culture. As a University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Warhawk, I am the associate director of pre-college programs – working with college, high school, and middle school students as a supervisor, administrator, and instructor.

On safety, since day one of my first term, I have advocated for increased safety in our schools to multiple school board members over the years. With your support, the board overwhelmingly agreed to approve the upcoming facilities referendum which includes measures in securing the lives of our children. I am proud and grateful of the Board’s leadership – pursuing to improve a safe learning environment for our teachers to teach, and for our children to learn.

My first Whitewater memories were of living with multiple family members and then moving to a mobile home in Twin Oaks. I clearly remember sleeping on the floor early on. The majority of years I grew up in the Town of Lima, and I now have my own five bedroom home.

I always strive to guarantee opportunity and more for our youth, as what has ensured my continuing success. I do this by using my personal and vacation days to go advocate and/or securing more funding from our State and Federal legislators, such as the $300,000 Department of Justice grant for the City of Whitewater, supporting the expansion of the Trades, applying for Statewide and international recognitions, and helping to lead the annual International Children’s Day which is on its fourth year due to the commitment and support of the community and local organizations.

As a candidate, it is my principle to run as myself and not under a campaign entity. As an individual, we are limited to an aggregate amount of $2,500 to utilize in campaign activity which includes the sum of contributions and expenditures. I will not be
influenced by outside money or large self-interest groups who may not always have the best intentions.

If given the opportunity to continue serving on the board, as the youngest candidate, I promise to reject board member compensation again and happily serve. With pending work, continuing in this position will allow me to secure more funding for Whitewater. The place that has allowed my family and I to live the American Dream.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Education:
University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Bachelor of Business Administration
International Emphasis
Economics Minor
Cum Laude

University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Master of Business Administration
Finance Emphasis
GPA: 3.908 / 4.0

Board Accomplishments:
Started the International Children’s Day event through the City of Whitewater, and I have been on the planning committee since (one year was pre-Board).

Secured two visits from the Mexican Consulate in Milwaukee to serve a Mobile Consul at the Whitewater High School (one year was pre-Board).

Assisted securing $2,000 grant funding from the Mexican government through scholarship.

Invited Governor Evers to visit one of our schools for him to see first-hand the contributions of our teachers and staff; he listened to feedback and was impressed with the integration of the multilingual and science of reading curriculum.

Offered lobbying consultation on approaching the Office of U.S. Senator Baldwin, who advocated for grant funding for the City of Whitewater.

Nominated the school district for a Wisconsin Policy Forum Award and won. Reference: https://wispolicyforum.org/2024-salute-to-local-government-award-winners/

Spearheaded the creation of the Whitewater Unified School District Finance Committee

Building community trust through my reputation, between city staff and the Latino population.

Honorable Mention:
Honored to help advocate for the Reese Brantmeier Project where possible, in revitalizing the tennis courts at Washington Elementary. Reference: https://www.reesebrantmeierproject.com/supporters

Local Community Service:
League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area Member
Kiwanis Breakfast Club Member
Conexiones Latinas Social Media Coordinator, supported by Fort Healthcare
Polar Plunge Participant, raising more than $1,000 twice

Professional Accomplishments, A Few:
2015 Recipient of the University Staff Excellence Award, as Program Manager of the
Undergraduate Research and University Honors Programs. [LINK:
https://www.uww.edu/usc/awards#:~:text=These%20awards%20recognize%20UW%2D
W,nominees%20during%20the%20spring%20semester.]

As a Senior Financial Specialist, helped secure close to 2 million dollars for the University and the creation of a financial form when submitting to the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Associate Director of Pre-College Programs, collaborated and continue to converse with representatives of Foxconn to better connect and prepare our Wisconsin students for a successful future.

Saludos mi Gente de Whitewater – amigos y familia,

Crecí asistiendo al Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater, al igual que varios de mis familiares cercanos y extendidos. Sus hijos, y mis tres hijos, siguen el mismo camino. Tengo familia que asiste a TODOS los edificios académicos del distrito escolar. Familia
empleada por el distrito y familia sin hijos que se enorgullecen de contribuir al distrito y ser parte de la cultura Whippet. Como miembro de la Universidad de Wisconsin – Whitewater Warhawk, soy director asociado de programas preuniversitarios y trabajo
con estudiantes universitarios, de secundaria y de preparatoria – como supervisor, administrador e instructor.

Mis primeros recuerdos de Whitewater fueron cuando viví con varios miembros de mi familia y luego me mudé a una casa móvil en Twin Oaks. Recuerdo claramente haber dormido en el suelo brevemente desde el principio. La mayoría de los años crecí en el
pueblo de Lima y ahora tengo mi propia casa de cinco habitaciones.

Siempre me esfuerzo por garantizar oportunidades y más para nuestra juventud, lo que ha asegurado mi éxito continuo. Hago esto usando mis días personales y de vacaciones para abogar y/o obtener más fondos de nuestros legisladores estatales y federales (como el ejemplo de asegurar $300,000 por el Departamento de Justicia para la Ciudad de Whitewater con la ayuda de la Senadora Tammy Baldwin, del partido Demócrata), apoyar la expansión de carreras como carpintería, soldadura, y electricista, solicitar reconocimientos estatales e internacionales y ayudar a liderar el Día Internacional del Niño anual, que está en su cuarto año gracias al compromiso y apoyo de la comunidad y las organizaciones locales.

Como candidato, a diferencia de los otros tres candidatos, mi principio es presentarme como yo mismo y no bajo una entidad de campaña. Como individuo, estamos limitados a una cantidad total de $2,500 para utilizar en actividades de campaña que incluyen la suma de contribuciones y gastos. No me dejaré influir por dinero externo ni por grandes grupos de intereses propios que no siempre tendrán las mejores intenciones.

Si se me da la oportunidad de continuar sirviendo en la junta, como el candidato más joven, prometo rechazar nuevamente la compensación de los miembros de la junta y servir felizmente. Con trabajo pendiente, continuar en este puesto me permitirá
asegurar más fondos para Whitewater. El lugar que nos ha permitido a mi familia y a mí vivir el Sueño Americano.

Gracias por permitirme servirles.

Educación:
Universidad de Wisconsin – Whitewater
Licenciatura en Administración de Empresas
Énfasis Internacional
Menor en Economía
Promedio calificaciones: Cum Laude

Universidad de Wisconsin – Whitewater
Maestría en Administración de Empresas
Énfasis Financiero
Promedio calificaciones: 3.908 / 4.0

Logros como Miembro de la Junta:

Comienzo del evento del Día Internacional del Niño a través de la Ciudad de
Whitewater y he estado en el comité de planificación desde entonces (un año fue antes
de ser Miembro de la Junta).

Conseguí dos visitas del Consulado de México en Milwaukee para servir como Cónsul
Móvil en la Whitewater High School (un año fue antes de ser Miembro de la Junta).

Ayudé a obtener fondos de $2,000 del gobierno mexicano a través de becas.

Invite al Gobernador Evers a visitar una de nuestras escuelas para ver de primera
mano las contribuciones de nuestros maestros y personal; escuche sus comentarios y
quedó impresionado con la integración del plan de estudios multilingüe y de ciencias de
la lectura.

Ofrecí consultas sobre cabildeo y, con la ayuda de la oficina de la senadora
estadounidense Baldwin, ella abogó y aseguró fondos para la Ciudad de Whitewater.

Nomine al distrito escolar para el premio del Foro de Políticas de Wisconsin y ganamos.
Referencia: https://wispolicyforum.org/2024-salute-to-local-government-award-winners/

La creación del Comité de Finanzas del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater

Ayudar generar confianza en la comunidad a través de mi reputación, entre el personal
de la ciudad y la población latina.

Mención de Honor:
Es un honor ayudar apoyar el Proyecto Reese Brantmeier siempre que sea posible,
para revitalizar las canchas de tenis de la Escuela Primaria Washington. Referencia:
https://www.reesebrantmeierproject.com/supporters

Servicio comunitario local:
Liga de Mujeres Votantes – Miembro del Área de Whitewater
Miembro del Club de Desayuno Kiwanis
Coordinador de Redes Sociales de la organización Conexiones Latinas, apoyada por el
hospital de Fort Healthcare
Participante de Polar Plunge, recaudando más de $1,000 dos veces

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