News & Events

Wisconsin Makers is holding two “Copper Enameling” workshops during March. The “Mondays@Makers” class will take place at the community makerspace, 200 E. Clay St., on both March 10 and 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. [Editor’s note: Our apologies that this announcement was not posted prior to the first workshop.] Note that these are separate workshops, although people may sign up for both if they wish.

The fee per workshop is $20 plus the price of copper used, likely $1-$10 depending on the size of the piece. Students may register by calling Chris Spangler at (920) 728- 2960 or emailing her at editorspangler@gmail.com. Include the names of attendees and their contact information. Payment may be made at the workshop, which is geared toward ages 10 and up.

Copper enameling is a traditional technique that involves fusing powdered glass to a copper surface at high heat to create a
permanent, colorful coating. Students will be able to decorate a small dish and/or jewelry to take home that night.

Leading “Copper Enameling for Beginners and Beyond” is Leani Schoor of Madison. Schoor earned her bachelor of science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schoor teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting.

Mondays@Makers
Suggestions for “Mondays@Makers” classes are welcomed. “If there is a skill in the arts you are interested in learning, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you on your journey,” Schoor said.

Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators by unlocking
their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Dane and Waukesha counties and
beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics,
automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric
arts, matting/framing and more. The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities. For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.

Whitewater High School Technology Education Teacher Mike Fellin has received the 2025 Wisconsin Technology Education Association [WTEA] Spirit Award.

Each year, WTEA recognizes educators and industry professionals who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to technology education. Mr. Fellin’s commitment to inspiring students and advancing technical education has made a significant impact on the field and the students he serves.

“We are thrilled to recognize Mike Fellin for his outstanding contributions to technology education,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “His passion and dedication exemplify the spirit of this award, and the impact educators can have on shaping the future workforce. A big congratulations goes out to Mr. Fellin for all his outstanding work on behalf of our students.”

Mr. Fellin was presented the award at the annual WTEA Awards Banquet on March 5 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The banquet is part of the WTEA annual Technology and Engineering Education Conference, themed “Workforce Ready.”

Mr. Fellin, who began teaching in 1979, spent time at WHS (1989-2000) and returned again in 2023. He specializes in Woods Construction, Metals Manufacturing, and Fab Lab implementation.

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder Lori A. Boelkes

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #255 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., March 15, 2025, in honor of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Lori A. Boelkes, who passed away in the line of duty on Feb. 27, 2025, at the age of 56. “Lori left a considerable impact on those who knew and loved her in New Auburn, Warrens, and beyond, and she will be remembered for her bravery, sacrifice, and proud commitment to service,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to Lori’s family, friends, colleagues, and the communities she worked tirelessly to help as we join in paying our respects to Lori for her many years of dedicated service.” A Wisconsin native, Lori served as a volunteer firefighter and EMR for over a decade, spending 10 years of service with the New Auburn Area Fire Department and the past year with the Warrens Area Fire Department. In addition to her service as a firefighter and EMR, Lori also worked as a veterinary assistant and vehicle detailer, and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crafting, and bow hunting.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office issued the following update on Saturday morning:

Very strong south to southwest winds are expected today, especially during the morning hours.  These winds are not associated with thunderstorms.  Wind Advisories are in effect for most of the area, with a High Wind Warning for southeastern Wisconsin [including the Whitewater area] from 5 AM through noon (with an Advisory in the afternoon).  

Within the High Wind Warning area, gusts as high as 60 MPH are possible.  Gusts to 50 MPH can be expected within the Advisory area. 

Tree, powerline, and minor structural damage will be possible with these winds, especially in the warning area.  In addition, any damaged trees or debris from the storms that moved through the area late Friday night will pose an additional hazard if blown around by the strong winds today.

Light snow will develop over southeastern and east central Wisconsin after midnight tonight, continuing into the morning hours on Sunday.  Accumulations are currently expected to be around an inch or less, with the highest amounts across the far southeastern portions of the state.  

Temperatures are expected to be around freezing, and accumulation will be greatest on grassy and elevated surfaces.  Temperatures will then rise above freezing by mid-day Sunday, with most snow melting during the afternoon. 

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold a Candidate Forum for Whitewater Unified School District school board candidates on Saturday, March 15, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, in the City of Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 W Whitewater Street.

There are four candidates running for two open seats on the school board. The candidates are Miguel Aranda (incumbent), Jennifer Kienbaum (incumbent), Nick Baldwin, and Wayne Redenius. All four candidates accepted the League’s invitation to attend the forum. League board member Ellen Penwell will serve as moderator.

The League sponsors candidate forums for the benefit of YOU, the voter. At the forum, you will be asked to write your questions on cards distributed by the League. Questions are reviewed by question checkers, who sort them by topic and check for redundancy, before forwarding them to the moderator. We do not accept questions targeted to specific candidates. Questions prepared by the League board will be used only if there are not enough questions provided by residents in attendance at the forum.

Bring your family, friends and neighbors! Be an active participant in our democracy!

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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. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.

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

This week’s image in our Fairhaven series is a view of what can only be called a “mid-century modern” style lounge at Fairhaven, first built in 1962 and dedicated in September of 1963. The modern architecture of the facility was lauded at the time. Fairhaven initially cost almost $2,000,000 to build and consisted of six different types of apartments, all with kitchenettes along with lounges, dining rooms and other facilities. Also included was an “infirmary” that later was defined as a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home. But, the primary focus of Fairhaven, as it still remains today, was to provide an active, but safe, lifestyle for elderly residents.

Join us next week for more history of Fairhaven from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(4453PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Greetings!

My name is Mike Smith, and I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election for Alderman in the 1st Aldermanic District. (the east end of the city).

I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and attended Michigan Technological University. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1995. My career has focused on mechanical system design and plastics. I currently hold a position as Senior Mechanical Engineer at GE Healthcare in Pewaukee. I am very fortunate to love my job. I am also currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Theology from Covenant Theological Seminary.

I am the proud father of two Whitewater Middle School students, Melody & Eric. Both are active in several extracurricular activities. I am appreciative of the availability of these activities by the school district, local area clubs and the Park and Rec Department. I am honored to be involved as both a volunteer and coach in several youth sports clubs.

Whitewater has been my family’s home since 2011. I am proud to serve on the Planning and Architectural Committee for the City of Whitewater. I regularly attend City Council and School Board meetings. Outside of coaching, parenting, practicing my faith and performing my civic responsibilities, I can be found walking my dogs around our small town and its once picturesque Cravath & Trippe Lakes. Finally, I am the author of “Discerning Whitewater”, a blog about local issues affecting Whitewater.  DW has been a strong medium for my voice and the voice of others to be heard.

Ultimately, my city property taxes going up 50% over the last three years has driven me to run for Alderman.

The housing issue has gotten much attention over the last six months. The $5.1M TIF subsidy given by the city to the 128-unit apartment on the east side of town has gotten much deserved scrutiny.

TIF can be very helpful with the development of businesses. Businesses will, in return, create jobs and tax revenue rather quickly. Unfortunately, the city’s focus on apartments restricts the opportunity to use TIF money to bring in businesses and jobs. It’s like maxing out a credit card with nothing to show for it, and the taxpayers will be paying the bill for a very long time (seventeen years in the case of the 128-unit apartment).

I want to see the focus shift to making the quality of life significantly better in Whitewater. Whitewater can have a downtown area that competes with Delavan, Elkhorn, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, and other neighboring communities.

I also want to see quality of life improve with cost-effective fixes to Cravath and Trippe Lakes.

I absolutely love this community. I very much want to be part of the leadership that improves the quality of life in such a way that every citizen sees it and feels it.

I hope to get your vote on April 1st. I will strive to be a candidate of integrity.  One that will not look for the easy answer, but the correct one. It is with great conviction that I wish to be of service to this community.

If you want to chat, whether you are on the east side of town or not, give me a call. I would love to hear from you.

Respectfully,

-Michael Smith
262.366.0467
mike@mspd-llc.net