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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater and Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Join Be Kind Whitewater and Whitewater Unites Lives in celebrating all that summer has to offer with a free community “Picnic in the Park and Food Drive” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at Cravath Lakefront Park.
This fun, free, and family-friendly event will include live music by Idledaze, games, arts and crafts, food, and an opportunity to connect with people from our community. Bring your own picnic dinner or pick up something from one of Whitewater’s many wonderful restaurants and food trucks. Please bring your own chairs/blankets, and a nonperishable food donation for The Community Space. Let’s celebrate the beauty of Whitewater and the first night of summer!
In case of light rain, we will be under the stage and pavilion. If there are storms, the picnic will be canceled.
Be Kind Whitewater is a grassroots, community-based, non-partisan group that promotes kindness, connection, civility, and creative expression for the betterment of our community and region.
Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) 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.
For more information, email bekindwhitewater@gmail.com or go to our website at www.bekindwhitewater.weebly.com
The Safe Haven box, which is currently in the “testing phase.” After the ceremony it will be put in service. [Lynn Binnie photos except the third one]
The instructions that are mounted above the box.
This photo is not of the inside of Whitewater’s box but it may be somewhat similar.
The City of Whitewater and Whitewater Fire & EMS invite the public to attend a blessing and dedication ceremony for the city’s newly installed Safe Haven Baby Box on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The event will take place at 312 W. Whitewater Street, on the west side of the building.
According to State Statute 48.195, a parent can leave their unharmed newborn, under 72 hours old, anonymously and without fear of prosecution in a newborn infant safety device, or with a LEO, EMS provider, or hospital staff member. This life-saving resource allows a parent in crisis to legally accomplish this surrender anonymously. The Safe Haven Baby Box is equipped with alarm systems and climate control to ensure a rapid response from trained personnel and the health and safety of the surrendered infant.
The ceremony will include remarks from city and state officials, representatives from the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization, and members of the Whitewater community who helped lead the initiative. A demonstration of how the box works will also be provided, followed by a blessing and officially placing the Safe Haven Baby Box in service.
The Whitewater Safe Haven Baby Box reflects the city’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable residents.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, traveled to Sheboygan from June 13-14 for the inaugural Wisconsin State Robotics Championship. The team ended the qualification round ranked 8th out of the 31 teams at the event. They became the captain of the #6 seeded playoff alliance and ended the event in a tie for 5th place.
Each team played 6 qualification matches at the state championship with randomly assigned alliance partners. Ferradermis went 4-2 in these matches, earning a total of 24 out of 36 possible ranking points. This left them ranked 8th. The #1 ranked team, the Hilltoppers from Divine Savior-Holy Angels High School and Marquette University High School earned 29 of the possible 36 ranking points.
After qualifications, the top 8 teams are guaranteed the opportunity to select their own alliance for the playoffs. The #1 Hilltoppers requested that the #4 ranked team, Nicolet FEAR from Nicolet High School join their alliance. The #5 and #6 ranked teams also joined forces. This moved Ferradermis into the #6 alliance caption position, up from their initial 8th ranking. Ferradermis first invited Team 1306 BadgerBots from Middleton and then Team 6421 WarriorsBots from Muskego High School to join their alliance.
The Ferradermis led alliance lost a close first playoff match to the #3 seeded alliance 162-156, moving them to the lower half of the double-elimination bracket. The match was so close that the winner was not immediately apparent when time expired, and the teams needed to wait for a final point determination from the referees. The #3 seed, captained by RoundTable Robotics from Oak Creek High School would end up making it all of the way to the finals before falling to the eventual champion Hilltoppers alliance. In their second playoff match, the Ferradermis alliance defeated the #7 seed 165 – 123. They then fell to the #5 seeded alliance 205-141 and were eliminated.
Recent graduates Andrew O’Toole, Emerson Dunham, and Andrew Zimmermann traveled to the event to assist with training members for new roles. The drive team consisted of new driver Ace Hudec, and the in-season crew of Operator Erison Dreksler, Technician Nina Heim, and Human Player Jayden Kehrer. Rae Breisath continued to serve as scouting lead, representing the team for alliance selections along with Cyrus Hudec and drive team representative Erison Dreksler. Margaret Brown continued her role as team videographer, and Cooper Housel continued as team media representative. New business subteam lead Virginia Nelson worked alongside Emilie Bruns and Letty Trautman, visiting each team’s pit to learn about potential fundraising and sponsorship ideas. Asher Downs had the opportunity to volunteer to help with the production of event t-shirts and hats. Incoming freshmen Owen Taylor and Mason Genung, who were invited to attend based on their role on the middle school FTC team, spent a great deal of time in the pit learning about the robot.
Emerson Dunham and Cyrus Hudec were also given the opportunity to volunteer as judges for the FIRST Lego League Explore teams (grades 2-4) displaying their season’s work at the event. The duo was able to have a 15-minute conversation with the youngsters on each team to explore what they had learned during the season before determining awards.
The 2025 State Championship event was a test run of new equipment and a new venue for FIRST Wisconsin as they prepare for the future. Up until this point, Wisconsin teams have participated in the “regional” competition model. In this model, Ferradermis traveled annually to Duluth, Minnesota and sometimes into Illinois to compete with teams from around the country and world during the season. As more and more schools in Wisconsin have begun to start robotics teams, the state has been preparing to switch to the “district” model of competition. During the 2026 regular season, which kicks off on the first Saturday of January, Wisconsin teams will begin to compete in-state. Teams will accumulate points at two in-state district events, and the top point-earning teams will then be invited to compete at the state championship. Points are earned based on qualification rankings, alliance selection position, and success in the playoffs as well as awards won. Teams will advance to the FIRST World Championship in Houston only from the state championship. Teams will still have the option to compete out-of-state during the season, but those events will not count in the point standings. This means that out-of-state teams could still attend Wisconsin district events as well. The off-season (May – December) will continue to offer out-of-state competition opportunities, too.
Ferradermis will next be in action at MROC (the Mukwonago Robotics Offseason Competition) on July 26 and 27 at Mukwonago High School. They have two off-season competitions planned for October – TWIST at Muskego High School and Roboteer Rumble in Tremont, Illinois.
Ferradermis is open to new members beginning Thursday, June 19. Any student entering grades 9-12 at Whitewater High School this fall or any homeschooled student residing within the geographic boundaries of the Whitewater Unified School District is welcome to participate. Summer meetings are from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Room 306 at Whitewater High School. Students should enter the building through Door #38, which is between the rear of the auditorium wing and the overhead shop doors. Students may also choose to join in the fall once school starts. If you have questions about membership, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Payton Bunger received his State FFA Degree at the State FFA Convention held June 9-12 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Payton applied for and earned this award based on his involvement in FFA activities at the chapter, state, and national levels, community events, and a stellar SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience). He accepted his degree on stage at the 2025 State Degree recipient session, from (now retired) State FFA President, Jescey Thompson.
Article and Photos Submitted by Allison Parsons
Whitewater High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor
paral01@wwusd.org
Pictured: volunteer Lisa Dawsey Smith for Downtown Whitewater, Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Whitewater Team for Generac
Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is pleased to announce a generous $3,000 donation from Generac, a continued supporter of community-building efforts in Whitewater. This funding will directly support two highly anticipated 2025 events: the Annual Parade of Lights and Family Day at the Whitewater Area 4th of July Festival.
The Parade of Lights, scheduled annually for the first Friday in December, will take place this year on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Whitewater. This magical event draws families and visitors of all ages to experience illuminated floats, festive music, and a celebration of local creativity and holiday spirit.
The donation will also support Family Day, held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., as the kickoff to the Whitewater Area 4th of July Festival. Thanks to Generac’s continued support, families can enjoy a petting zoo complete with pony and camel rides — all free of charge to the public.
“Community traditions like the Parade of Lights and Family Day are cherished by Whitewater families and visitors alike,” said Lisa Dawsey Smith, volunteer for Downtown Whitewater, Inc. “Generac’s support helps make these events more accessible, engaging, and memorable for everyone who attends.”
Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown district through community partnerships, events, and placemaking efforts.
For more information about upcoming events or ways to get involved, visit www.downtownwhitewater.com.
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Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is a Connect Community through the Wisconsin Main Street
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and action concerning the library’s social media accounts and continuing to
allow public comments and Discussion and possible action concerning the changing of the library’s name from Irvin L.
Young Memorial Library to Whitewater Public Library.
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/82290233984?pwd=vHXnZrDQbMO75Qojl7CnGnLkSsrpkv.1
Meeting ID: 822 9023 3984
Passcode: Uc9nnbQG
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Extension of Police Department Memorandum
of Understanding with Whitewater Unified School District regarding School Resource
Officer and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Selection of Council Representatives for
Whitewater Unified School District School Resource Officer Meeting(s).
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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/82525777868?pwd=lGYPI52rqZlXmb4wPfHTTViwXhlemE.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 825 2577 7868
Passcode: 247466
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation of the 2024 Annual Financial Report by Johnson & Block and Discussion and possible action to recommend the Police hiring strategy to Common Council.
City Manager Conference Room, Municipal
Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street
d) 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: You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86849515702
Phone one-tap:
+13126266799,,86849515702#
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 868 4951 5702
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on Down Payment Assistance Loan request for 406 E
Milwaukee (/TRA 00048) and Discussion and possible action on responses to RFP for Brokerage Services.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
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.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89990415700?pwd=wCXuE yQDAGUtnrcbWVZH1zBTI3FMg.Ln4S7t7xWVlLx7oZ Passcode:647974
Phone one-tap: +13092053325,,88970348110#,,,,647974# US
+13126266799,,88970348110#,,,,*647974#
Webinar ID: 889 7034 8110
Passcode: 647974
First Citizens State Bank is celebrating June Dairy Month on Friday, June 20th – and you’re invited!
Since 1939, June has been recognized as National Dairy Month to pay tribute to Dairy Farmers and share the nutritional benefits of dairy. Stop by the East Troy, Palmyra, or Whitewater Main Office on June 20th from 11 am – 2 pm to enjoy free Decatur Dairy Cheese Curds, Culver’s Custard, and of course, MILK! Plus, local 4H and FFA members will be at the Whitewater Main office with some cute cows to pet. Bring the kids and join the fun!
The Whitewater Common Sense Citizens (WCSC) held their third meeting on Thursday, May 29th, at 841 Brewhouse. Members of the community, the WCSC board, and the executive team leaders discussed their next steps regarding the active petitioning against the Tax Incremental Financing incentive proposed by Whitewater City Council.
“We are gratified to have had 108 attendees to our first three meetings,” Whitewater Common Sense Citizens’ president, Andrea Svec, stated. “It is incredible to see our community work together to oppose this issue.”
The Whitewater Common Sense Citizens have officially announced that they are moving forward with a petition to oppose the use of Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) incentives for apartments within Whitewater’s Tax Incremental Districts. This is in response to recent exploration and approval processes from the Whitewater City Council for various developments including several new apartment buildings.
The WCSC encourages the community to sign the petition and participate in future meetings. The petition can be signed online here or in-person at the Whitewater City Market. WCSC is committed to a transparent look into some of the major issues that are affecting the greater Whitewater Community; if you are interested in joining or learning more about the Whitewater Common Sense Citizens, they encourage you to reach out at whitewatercsc@gmail.com.
“Our values lie in the success of our neighbors,” Svec says. “Our group will ban together against policies that do not reflect the betterment of our community.”
Mark your calendar for the next scheduled meeting, which will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025. For more information on the Whitewater Common Sense Citizens, contact the board members at whitewatercsc@gmail.com.
About the WCSC
The Whitewater Common Sense Citizens is a group centered around the greater Whitewater Unified School District area. The goal of the WCSC is to promote thoughtful governance, encouraging civic involvement, and strengthening our community by working together today to ensure a better tomorrow. For more information about the WCSC, visit https://wwcsc.org/
Editor’s note: This press release was submitted by Whitewater Common Sense Citizens.
Obituaries
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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