News & Events

The community is invited to attend the 13th Annual Miss Whitewater Pageant on Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 PM at the Frawley Amphitheater in Cravath Lakefront Park. This beloved tradition brings together local girls and young women in a celebration of confidence, community spirit, and charitable giving — all while supporting a great cause.

Over the past 12 years, the Miss Whitewater Pageant has raised more than $100,000 for veteran organizations. Each year, the pageant selects a different nonprofit organization focused on supporting those who have served our country. This year, all proceeds will benefit Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit that provides free guitars and music instruction to veterans struggling with the emotional scars of war.

Money is raised through ad sales in the official pageant program and raffle ticket sales — making it a true grassroots fundraising effort supported by generous community businesses and residents.

This year’s pageant features 24 contestants across five divisions, ranging from the youngest “Mini Miss” to the senior “Miss” division. Each contestant brings a unique personality, spirit, and dedication to service.

A Pageant with Purpose

Unlike traditional pageants that focus solely on competition, Miss Whitewater is rooted in service, self-expression, and support. Contestants of all ages take part in activities that build confidence, connect them to their community, and inspire them to give back.

“The value of the Miss Whitewater Pageant goes far beyond crowns and sashes,” says Elizabeth Bols, event organizer. “It teaches participants the importance of compassion, public speaking, and community involvement — while allowing them to contribute to something bigger than themselves.”

 For the community, the pageant is a heartfelt celebration of local pride and generosity, showcasing the potential of young people to lead with kindness, empathy, and action.  

Join Us for an Evening of Entertainment & Impact

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening of music, smiles, and community support. Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to Guitars for Vets during the event.

Let’s come together on July 3rd to support our future leaders and honor those who have bravely served.

For media inquiries or information on how to support the event, please contact:  Elizabeth Ellis 920-728-0135 Pageant Director.

Article and Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) held their annual brat cookout on Saturday, June 7, to raise money for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition (JCOCC). The cookout took place at FCCU’s Main Branch located at 800 Madison Avenue in Fort Atkinson.

The JCOCC is a community-based organization that aims to support individuals and families affected by cancer in Jefferson County. The coalition works towards raising awareness about early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer while also advocating for improved cancer care and support services within the community.

All items were donated by Kwik Trip and FCCU team members, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went to the JCOCC. FCCU team member Deanna Ugalde was instrumental in the coordination and execution of the event. “Thank you to the FCCU team,” said Deanna, event organizer. “Without their help and support, this event would not be possible every year.”

FCCU raised a grand total of $2,060.32 for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition this year! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support such a great cause!

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

For more information, please contact:
Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU)
wtownsend@fortcommunity.com

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of the Blugolds who have earned a place on the Dean’s List. Their commitment to excellence exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship at UW-Eau Claire. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment!

Students who were named to the Dean’s List are:

Alex Meyer, College of Business

At the end of each semester, each of UW-Eau Claire’s four colleges recognize excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the Dean’s List.

To be eligible, a student must:
– be in good academic standing.
– have a minimum semester GPA of 3.70.
– have completed at least 12 credits during the semester, with no incompletes, no courses below the 100 level, no repeats, and no Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory registrations (except in degree credit-bearing courses that are offered only on the S/U grading system in which a grade of S has been earned).

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. 

Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Lizbeth Gallegos, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Jakub Toomey, School of Business, Dean’s List

To view an online listing, visit https://registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist/.

The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the City of Whitewater Police Department and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Police Department, conducted an investigation into the sale of illegal controlled substances in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin. The investigation included controlled buys and concluded with the execution of a search warrant.

On June 19, 2025, at approximately 9:16 a.m., the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, assisted by the City of Whitewater Police Department and the University of WisconsinWhitewater Police Department, executed a drug search warrant at the residence of 606 E. North Street in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin.

A resident, Yovani Ramirez Mendoza (11/28/1996), currently out on bond for the following cases: Walworth County: 2024CF000409, 2024CT000710, 2024CF000526, 2024CT000805, 2025CT000028, and 2025CF000021; Jefferson County: 2024CF000346, was detained.

While searching the residence, Cocaine, suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), THC, Psilocybin Mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, and one firearm were located and seized. A large indoor Psilocybin Mushroom grow operation was also located in the basement of the residence. Ramirez Mendoza was arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail and confined on the following charges:

• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place – 961.42(1) Possession With Intent to Deliver Cocaine 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (cm)3
• Possession With Intent to Deliver THC 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (h)1
• Possession With Intent to Deliver DMT 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (hm)4
• Possession With Intent to Deliver Psilocybin 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m(g)2
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd & Subsequent – 961.573(1)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon – 941.29(1m) (a)
• Felony Bail Jumping – 946.49(1)(b)
• Child Neglect – 948.21(2)(g)
• All the above-listed drug charges also include a criminal enhancer of Within 1000 feet of a School – 961.49(1m) (b)6

Another resident, Stephanie Anguiano (05/10/1991), will have charges referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office of:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon/Party To A Crime – 941.29(1m)/939.05
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place/Party To A Crime – 961.42(1)/939.05
• Child Neglect – 948.21(2)(g)

Additional aspects of this investigation are still ongoing.

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Carol McLernon will talk about her books at the Senior Center 504 W. Starin Rd. at 1p.m. on Thursday, June 26. She will be joined by Elkhorn author, Kay Pleuss Meyer who illustrated “Black Hawk: A Boy and his Vision”.

Meyer has always had a love for drawing and painting, becoming more serious after retiring from a nursing career. Many of her paintings have won awards in Wisconsin and Arizona. She and her husband, Kent, have two children and two grandsons.

McLernon’s newest book, “Journeys to the Land of Gray gold” tells of Native Americans, farmers, politicians, miners, entrepreneurs, and missionaries, Some of her ancestors left Yorkshire and established Methodist parishes in Dubuque, Iowa and other mining towns. She will relate what John Wesley had to say about Parishioners in Yorkshire and how churches began having their sanctuaries on the second stories.

The City of Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA) is proud to announce the approval of a $140,000 loan to Edgerton Hospital & Health Services, led by President and CEO Marc Augsburger. This critical funding will be used to purchase an X-ray machine to enhance diagnostic services at the Whitewater Urgent Care Center.

As a key condition of the loan, the Urgent Care Center is required to remain operational in Whitewater for at least ten years. This agreement reaffirms the City’s commitment to ensuring continuous and accessible healthcare for its residents.

“This investment marks a major step forward in our mission to bring healthcare infrastructure to the Whitewater community,” said Marc Augsburger.

The addition of this advanced diagnostic tool will provide multiple benefits to the community, including:
• Reduced wait times for patients through quicker on-site diagnostics.
• Decreased reliance on out-of-town emergency departments, easing the burden on patients and their families.
• Expanded local access to essential medical services, especially during evenings, weekends, and holidays when other facilities may not be available.
• Support for Whitewater’s strategic healthcare goals, aligning with the City’s broader vision of enhancing public health and quality of life.

By enhancing the capacity of the Urgent Care Center with this investment, the City and Edgerton Hospital are working hand-in-hand to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in Whitewater and surrounding areas.

According to additional information provided to the Banner by Betsy Swenson, the Urgent Care is scheduled to open in September, 2025 and will be in the same building as the current clinic.

The loan has no interest and includes annual forgiveness, subject to specific terms. Beginning on the first anniversary of the loan disbursement date and continuing annually thereafter for ten years, the CDA will forgive 10% of the original principal balance ($14,000 annually), provided the borrower has complied fully with the agreement. Any balance remaining after ten years, assuming full compliance, would be forgivable.

For more information, please contact:
Betsy Swenson
City of Whitewater CDA
Email: bswenson@whitewater-wi.gov