News & Events

The interesting compilation below of the universities from which Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) of S&P [Standard & Poor’s] 500 companies graduated is posted to LinkedIn. The S&P 500 Index is a list of 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. stocks. UW-Whitewater is referenced twice in the text and is shown as having three graduates listed on the S&P 500: CME Group [“the world’s largest derivatives marketplace], Generac [which has a plant in Whitewater], and WEC Energy Group [parent company of We Energies].

Editor’s note: The following background on the three UW-W students is from Wikipedia and various other online sources.

Terrance A. Duffy, CEO of CME Group, attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from 1978 to 1980.^[1][8] While going to school, he worked nights at a bar called Chuck’s in Lake Geneva, an affluent resort town popular with wealthy Chicagoans.^[1][9] There he met Vincent Schreiber, a Chicago Mercantile Exchange trader who convinced Duffy to take up a career in trading and eventually became his professional mentor.^[1][8] From CME’s website: “As the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group is where the world comes to manage risk. We enable clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities.”

Aaron Jagdfeld was appointed president and chief executive officer of Generac in September, 2008 and is the current CEO.^[7] Aaron P. Jagdfeld is based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is the CEO, President, and Chairman of Generac Power Systems and Board of Directors at National Association of Manufacturers. Aaron P. Jagdfeld attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Jagdfeld received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Award. [From Crunchbase] Generac is well known for its generators, and the company employs hundreds of people at its Whitewater plant.

Scott Lauber was appointed CEO of WEC Energy Group in 2022, having been employed by various parts of the company since 2003. He graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in accounting in 1987.

Whitewater’s Pizza Hut, which operated at 1107 W. Main Street for nearly 48 years, closed abruptly in August 2024. After months of investments in the property, including some exterior improvements, the sign shown above was installed this week. The Shabani family, owners of Jessica’s Family Restaurant, has purchased the property with plans to open a burger-focused restaurant. “Ellie” Shabani told The Whitewater Banner that there have been many unexpected and challenging delays in renovating the building, but further news should be coming in the not-too-distant future.

Exterior of the building now

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a Title Sponsor for the 14th Annual Discover Whitewater Series 

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater renews their title sponsorship for the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, Fit Kid Shuffle, and 5K Teams event! The University has supported the event ever since its inaugural race in 2013. The DWS team is excited to work with the University again this year to continue this event’s success!

The 14th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The DWS is excited to announce that the start and finish line for both courses will be held at the university again due to the great turn out from last year! The courses will end at Perkins Stadium, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s football field; participants will be cheered on as they run through the stadium, ending with a huge celebration! The University has gone above and beyond to support the DWS by providing the assistance of volunteers, University Police, and other staff members to ensure the safety and quality of the event.

The University of Whitewater is a premier academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by the spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. UW-Whitewater offers many academic programs that range from study of the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and technology programs that benefit undergraduate, graduate, and online learners. All these programs can be offered at the associate, bachelor, masters, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners leading them to a successful life and productive careers.

The University also helps support and staff the Kids Korral; an all day child-care service that is free to all runners the day of the event. On race day, participants’ children have a morning of safe and fun play with certified caretakers from Aspiring Educators, some of whom graduated or are pursuing education from the University itself.

Participants will also have open entry to Williams Center during race day, having access to the showers, bathrooms, and other facilities that the University is providing! The DWS team is thankful for the University’s continued support of our 14th Annual Race!

To register for the 14th annual DWS and to learn more about its sponsors, charity partners, and the
University’s involvement, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director, at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

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The City of Whitewater is a Title Sponsor for the 14th Annual Discover Whitewater Series 

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): 5K, Half Marathon, 5K Teams, and Fit Kid Shuffle and is excited to announce that the City of Whitewater is continuing their Title Sponsorship! The city has supported this race for fourteen years and the DWS is grateful to welcome them back for this community event!

The City of Whitewater has contributed to the DWS through more than just their Title Sponsorship. Since its inauguration in 2013, the City has provided the race with volunteers, parking, and public safety in collaboration with the Whitewater Police Department, EMS, and Public Works. The City of Whitewater staff also ensures that event day is fun and safe for all participants by providing barricades, safety cones, no parking signs, and by guiding traffic. Their gracious support allows for the DWS to be a successful charity race year after year!

“The services the City provides are not only outstanding, but are a core part to what makes this a premier event,” Executive Director, Jeffery Knight, said. “We are honored to have such a fantastic crew with us.”

The 14th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The DWS is very proud to have such a supportive community and is grateful to work with the City to promote Whitewater’s finest features.

“Partnering with the Discover Whitewater Series Race over the years has been a valued partnership,” John Weidl, City Manager for the City of Whitewater. “It brings many new faces to our city and highlights our incredible community.” 

To register for the 14th annual DWS and to learn more about its sponsors, charity partners, and the University’s involvement, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register. 

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director, at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

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Whitewater Unified School District is a Title Sponsor for the 14th Annual Discover Whitewater Series

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): 5K, Half Marathon, 5K Teams, and Fit Kid Shuffle is excited to announce that the Whitewater Unified School District has renewed their Title Sponsorship! 

The 14th annual DWS race will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The team is committed to delivering a premier event in the Whitewater community and is grateful for the support of the Whitewater Unified School District as a Title Sponsor. With a shared commitment to community engagement and wellness, this partnership encourages active lifestyles for all ages and strengthens connections throughout the Whitewater community. 

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Discover Whitewater Series and support an event that brings so many people together,” Superintendent Samuel Karns said. “The race is a great example of what makes Whitewater such a special community. It encourages healthy, active lifestyles while allowing our students, families, staff, and community members to connect outside the school day. We are excited to be once again part of an event that benefits our community and supports local organizations.”

The Whitewater Unified School District is dedicated to providing high-quality education that empowers students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Serving the Whitewater community with a commitment to academic excellence and student well-being, the district strives to create opportunities that foster personal and lifelong learning growth. Through the support of programs and events that encourage healthy lifestyles and community engagement, the Whitewater Unified School District invests in the future of the Whitewater area.

“It is a privilege to welcome the Whitewater Unified School District as a Title Sponsor,” Jeffery Knight, Executive Director of the DWS, said. “They are dedicated to providing opportunities for each and every student, and their commitment to the community aligns perfectly with our mission. We are really looking forward to this partnership.”

The Discover Whitewater Series is thrilled to have the Whitewater Unified School District as a Title Sponsor for the 2026 race. Their support helps make race day a memorable experience for participants of all ages. By investing in an event that brings together students, families, businesses, and community members, the district is helping create a memorable race day for all involved.

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Fort HealthCare is a Title Sponsor for the 14th Annual Discover Whitewater Series

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): 5K, Half Marathon, 5K Teams, and Fit Kid Shuffle is excited to announce that Forth HealthCare has renewed their Title Sponsorship! Fort Healthcare has supported the race since its inauguration in 2013, and the DWS are grateful for their continued contribution!

The 14th annual DWS race will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The team is committed to ensuring a premier event for all participants, and they are thankful to Fort HealthCare for supporting and enhancing this mission for the past 14 years. Both organizations’ values are aligned to promote healthy living, encourage activity, and foster connections within the community, making this partnership a valuable asset in achieving these goals!

“We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Discover Whitewater Series and support an event that brings together health, wellness, and community. At Fort HealthCare, we believe that staying active is one of the most important investments people can make in their health, and events like the Discover Whitewater Series help inspire individuals and families to do just that. We look forward to another successful year and remain committed to helping build healthier communities throughout our region,” said Michael Anderson, MD, President & CEO of Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare is a regional healthcare system that is dedicated to supporting individuals and families across southeastern Wisconsin. They are committed to high-quality care for all patients and emphasize the importance of understanding the unique needs of the residents in the surrounding areas. By providing personalized medical services, access to life-changing educational resources, and hosting events that promote wellness, Fort HealthCare strives to meet its vision of becoming the healthiest community in Wisconsin.

“It has been an honor to work with Fort HealthCare through the years,” Jeffery Knight, Executive Director of the DWS, said. “Their staff are the most dedicated people you will meet, and it is through our shared core values that we can continue to improve the well-being of our community.”

Thanks to Fort HealthCare’s Title Sponsorship, the Discover Whitewater Series participants are given the opportunity to get active and build connections, all while helping a great cause! The team is thankful to be able to host a safe and fun annual Half Marathon, 5k, 5k Teams, and Fit Kid Shuffle and look forward to the continued growth of the Discover Whitewater Series in collaboration with Fort Healthcare!

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About the DWS
The main goal for the DWS is to promote Whitewater and highlight its excellent features while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House, the J-Hawk Aquatic Club, Whitewater LEADS, UW-Whitewater Athletics, and Whitewater Highschool’s Future Business Leaders of America. The DWS partners with the city, business community, University, and school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all participating. For more information about the race, visit www.runwhitewater.com.

Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.

As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, the weekend of August 22 Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate back to school time and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until the weekend of September 7. The response to this effort during Spring graduation was really positive! 

We are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them. 

If you would like to request a yard sign, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/ZqM 5uj ECnCR juNe 9. (There are limited quantities available). If you’ve requested a sign in previous years, there’s no need to request another!

The Fairhaven Pollinator Garden, planted at Fairhaven Senior Services just three months ago on May 17, was delighted to find that it recently hosted several rusty patched bumble bees, a critically endangered native bumble bee. 

A volunteer weeding the garden spotted the bees, took photos, and shared them with Wisconsin/Midwest Bumble Bee Observers, a Facebook group focused on identifying bumble bees.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/555238811914604

The group verified that it was rusty patched bumble bee, and the volunteer uploaded the photo to Bumble Bee Watch, a citizen science project and online platform designed to track, study, and conserve native bumblebee species across North America. 

The federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee is a vital keystone pollinator. It boosts ecosystems and human food supplies by pollinating native wildflowers and key commercial crops like cranberries, blueberries, apples, and tomatoes through a specialized “buzz pollination” technique.

Find out more about the rusty patched bumble bee!

https://xerces.org/endangered-species/species-profiles/at-risk-bumble-bees/rusty-patched-bumble-bee

Our thanks to Kristine Zaballos for sharing this photo and great news.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

Roadway Construction Notice: Highway D

The Jefferson County Highway Department will begin resurfacing County Trunk Highway (CTH) D, from US Highway (USH) 18 to CTH B, starting on August 19, 2026. This project involves pulverizing deteriorated asphalt, installing culverts, grading, compacting, and paving. Work is expected to continue through late October, weather-permitting.

CTH D will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the project. We encourage motorists to use posted alternate routes during construction. Local access will be maintained for residents, businesses, mail delivery, garbage collection, and emergency services. Drivers may experience minor delays while traveling through the work zone.

For safety, please drive with caution in and around work zones, and keep children away from construction areas.

If you have questions, please contact the Jefferson County Highway Department at (920) 674-7265. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to improve our local infrastructure.

For more about Jefferson County highway construction projects:
https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/highway/highway_construction_projects.php

Come Shop the Kids to Kids Rummage!

We have 27 young sellers signed up and excited to set up shop at Cravath Lakefront Park! Come out and support these young entrepreneurs while finding some new-to-you treasures.

Tuesday, August 18

6:00–7:00 PM

Cravath Lakefront Park

341 S. Fremont Street, Whitewater

Our kids will be selling toys, books, games, clothes, and MORE! They’ll be setting their own prices, greeting customers, and handling their sales—so bring the family, do a little shopping, and help make their night a success!

Make an evening of it! Before or during the rummage, be sure to stop by the Whitewater City Market from 4:00–7:00 PM, also at Cravath Lakefront Park.

Support our kids. Find some treasures. Have some fun!

We can’t wait to see you there!— at Cravath Lakefront Park.

Updated 8/15/26 to add the School Board meeting.

City of Whitewater Board of Canvass – Monday @ 11:00 a.m.
Municipal Building Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: [Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.] Motion to advise the Administration to work with bond council to prepare the necessary resolutions for the November 3, 2026, Operational Referendum in the amount of $_____________ for four years beginning the 2027-2028 school year. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION to discuss staffing update, possibly to be followed by return to open session.
Whitewater Middle School Library
401 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647933132?pwd=tUxpGxoXgG1wiFYQP5FDqivS29nHAU.1
– Passcode: 697304
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 846 4793 3132
– Passcode: 697304

Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center 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 the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/276832670448581?p=JKhTFZ3zwLISj1bbQH
Meeting ID: 276 832 670 448 581
Passcode: La3bU7NJ
Telephone: +1 (929) 229-5663

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Mid-year review of Budget, Strategic Goals & Milestones; Downtown Activation Initiative update; Staff report recapping Jefferson Street Request for Proposal process and rental market in the city; Follow-up information regarding Flock Guardrails.
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 the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/234308351864657?p=TAVFznxHsMgsc9YMK8
Meeting ID: 234 308 351 864 657
Passcode: Yg9Y3F7d
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663
Phone conference ID: 469 281 009#

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
As of 8/16 the agenda had not been published. Click here to see the agenda when published.
City of Whitewater Community Development

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action: Down Payment Assistance Loan Request; Discussion and possible action: CDA Loan – Stellar Vintage; Discussion and Possible action: Eminent DC Offer to Purchase CDA-owned property
located at corner of E Main St and Jefferson St
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Thursday, August 20, 2026 – 5:30 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247432430449877?p=v61x6AiBkWXow4ME54
Meeting ID: 247 432 430 449 877
Passcode: j2JL23Xc
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,963450269# United States
Phone conference ID: 963 450 269#