News & Events

5k First Place male and female with Patrick Singer, Common Council president

Half Marathon male winners with Patrick Singer, Common Council president [Submitted photos]

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC)’s 12th annual Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathons Teams, and 5k was a smashing success raising money for local charities. 

This year’s DWS brought in over 452 participants, 250 volunteers and nearly 70 sponsors. The DWS team was thrilled to welcome 450 runners from so many different states other than Wisconsin. The weather was cooler and rainy for the runners, with a temperature of 68 degrees.

Common Council President Patrick Singer arrived at the race bright and early to give the welcoming remarks and wished all of the participants a great race day. 

Congratulations to all of our runners, toughing it out even during a rainstorm! A special shout out to all of our top placing racers!

Women’s Half Marathon Winners: Jessa Victor, Rebecca Hregornik, Jenny Zwagerman 

Mens Half Marathon Winners: John Dewitt, Joe Zack, Nick Schmidt 

Half Marathon Teams Winners: Tyler Zwagerman, Jenny Zwagerman, Christina Moehn, Alex Moehn 

Women’s 5k Winners: Heidi Mane, Tracy Curtis, Sydney Rychtik

Men’s 5k Runners: Mark Elworthy, Andy Verbos, Paul Taylor

To see all race results, make sure to visit: https://runwhitewater.com/race-results/

As runners ventured through the course, they got to experience some of Whitewater’s finest features. The DWS team was proud to welcome new and returning participants alike. Thanks to all of the hard work of our amazing volunteers and sponsors, the 12th Annual DWS proved once again, to achieve its mission of bringing people together in support of a good cause. 

All proceeds will be distributed to the DWS’ four charity partners: Whitewater LEADS, Bethel House of Whitewater, UW Whitewater Foundation Athletics, and the J-Hawk’s Aquatic club. Runners and volunteers joined together after the race to celebrate the day’s accomplishments, enjoying a free beverage from bronze sponsor 841 Brewhouse. 

Congratulations to John Dewitt for setting a new record at this year’s DWS. His time was 1:07:27. Even with these weather conditions he did an amazing job. John Dewitt competed in the Olympic trials for the marathon in summer of 2023; we are so glad to have him participate in the Discover Whitewater Series. 

“I want to congratulate John Dewitt, breaking the record in these weather conditions is super impressive,” said Race Director, Dawson Miller, “We are so glad to see him come back for the fourth year in a row.”

Photo gallery courtesy of Tom Ganser

The DWS team would like to thank all who came out in support of the race. The entire community has been a part of such an amazing event that has greatly helped charities across Whitewater. 

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which 

provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and university  to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

Tom Ganser writes, “By total chance, I happened for a first time to see this flushing of a fire hydrant on Esterly Avenue where I have lived for 33 years.  Pure fun to see.”

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As was previously posted to The Banner:

The Water Utility will begin its semi-annual water main and hydrant flushing program on Monday, September 23, through Friday, September 27, 2024.

Flushing of water mains is necessary to test the hydrants to make sure adequate flow and pressure is available. It also confirms the fire hydrants and valves are operating correctly. In addition, it enhances water quality by removing sediment from the pipes in order to maintain water clarity and quality in the distribution pipes.

Occasionally, water becomes discolored after hydrant flushing. If this happens turn on an outside spigot or a cold water tap, in the lowest level of your home, for a few minutes until the water clears. If it doesn’t clear the first time, wait a few minutes and run the water again. You may want to wait until the crew has left the area and the water settles down before running your water tap.

Additionally, caution should be exercised in washing of white clothing. Discoloration of water, due to flushing, WILL stain white clothing. Therefore, you should avoid washing clothes until the water clears.

If the Water Utility crew experiences more repairs than expected throughout the week, flushing may continue into the following week. Thank you for your patience and understanding during water main and hydrant flushing.

Jim Bergner, Superintendent
Water Utility
jbergner@whitewater-wi.gov
(262) 473-0560

Walworth County Treasurer Valerie Etzel announces that the sale of county-owned properties will be conducted by Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction and will take place beginning on Wednesday, September 25th, and concluding on Wednesday, October 9th, at 10:00 AM.

Please visit www.wisconsinsurplus.com for a complete listing of properties for sale and information on how to bid. Properties are located in the towns of Bloomfield, East Troy and Troy and the city of Elkhorn. Specific questions may be directed to the County Treasurer’s Office from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, 262-741-4251, email treasurer@co.walworth.wi.us, or visit the Walworth County website at www.co.walworth.wi.us.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride Inc.

Whitewater’s fourth annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place on Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.

The Pride Rally will include activities for children, adults, and even the family pets, all in support of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, with a focus on high school and college students. The events include music, performances, over 30 vendors, and several food trucks. Speakers include City Manager, John Weidl; UW-Whitewater Chancellor, Dr. Corey A. King; Whitewater High School’s Associate Principal, Kate McNulty; and Fair Wisconsin’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Sean O’Brien, who will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement locally and nationally.

“Since 2021, Whitewater Pride has been creating a jubilant safe space for our community to truly celebrate their unique selves,” said Camden Harlan, President of Whitewater Pride Inc. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our city, local businesses, schools, and community members. With their advocacy and agency, we have been able to fund field trips and scholarships for LGBTQ+ youth in our community, as well as provide inclusive events throughout the year where the LGBTQ+ community and allies come together and know just how loved and appreciated they are.”

Whitewater Pride T-shirts will be on sale at the event for $15. These T-shirts bear the Whitewater Pride logo, designed by UW-Whitewater student, Maddy Albanese. Colored fabric markers will be available to individualize the shirts on site. 

A children’s corner will include activities and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books.

Your pets are also invited to attend and participate in the third annual Pride Pet Costume Contest. Registration will take place from 11:00-11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. For the safety of your pets and others, please make sure all pets are leashed and comfortable with crowds.

Whitewater Pride is proud to announce official sponsors of the Pride Rally who have contributed financially to help support our local LGBTQ+ community. This year’s sponsors are: The Coburn Family, Generac, Whitewater Unites Lives, TDS Telecom, Stellar Vintage, Botanica Beauty Parlour, Fort HealthCare, and Fort Community Credit Union, The Dem Party of Wisconsin, and T-Mobile of Lake Geneva.

“These community partners are not only providing financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they are also standing proud with our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. This statement of support reinforces the values of our communities that all are welcomed, valued, and embraced,” Kim Simes said.

Others wishing to support Whitewater Pride can visit whitewaterpride.org to become a Sponsor, Vendor, or Donor.

Event supporters include Whitewater High School GSA, PB Poorman Pride Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, City of Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives, The Book Teller, The Sweet Spot, UW-W CARE, and Whitewater League of Women Voters. For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride

Congratulations to Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Lieutenant Jason Rowland on his graduation from the 291st FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on Thursday, September 12th, 2024. Lieutenant Rowland was chosen to represent our department as part of a select group of 254 law enforcement officers from 26 countries, seven military organizations, and seven federal civilian agencies.

The FBI National Academy is a prestigious program consisting of 10 weeks of advanced training in communication, leadership, and fitness. Since its inception in 1935, a total of 55,440 graduates have completed the academy, which is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico—the same facility where new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts are trained.

We extend our gratitude to the FBI National Academy for selecting our agency for this opportunity and congratulate Lieutenant Rowland on his remarkable accomplishment.

Our agency is proud to have three current command staff members as graduates of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

Sheriff Dave Gerber – Session 263
Undersheriff Tom Hausner – Session 177

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.

Rhonda Kolander – Acrylic Painting Workshop

Thursday, September 26, 5 pm – 7 pm.

Rhonda will be focusing on a blending technique similar to Bob Ross’s using acrylics instead of oils.

Fee for the workshop is $35 per attendee which includes all materials.

This workshop takes place at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W Main St Whitewater, WI 53190.

Registration is available here.

Walworth County, in partnership with the United Way of Walworth County, has awarded just over $48,000 to 19 area nonprofits through the fifth round of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant-funding program. Announced in December 2021, the grant-funding program is intended to offset the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic incurred by local 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) agencies.

“The grant-funding partnership with Walworth County has more than succeeded in its goal to provide a lifeline to local non-profits that faced tremendous financial and operational challenges in the recovery from the pandemic,” says United Way of Walworth County Executive Director Brian Holt. “These organizations do so much to support Walworth County residents. By supporting these agencies, we contribute to the resiliency and well-being of our communities.”

The grant recipients are Aram Public Library, Bethel House of Whitewater, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin, Boys and Girls Club of Dane & Walworth County, Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties/Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, Elkhorn Food Pantry, Geneva Lake Conservancy, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, Geneva Lake Museum, Join the Movement Events, New Beginnings APFV, Safe Families for Children Southeastern Wisconsin, Seeds of Hope, Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills (SMILES), St. Andrew, Tree House Child and Family Center, United Way of Jefferson and Walworth County, Walworth County Literacy Council, and Wisconsin Makers. 

The agencies received between $1,000 and $6,000 apiece and may utilize the grants for assistance in implementing COVID-19 prevention or mitigation tactics; technical assistance, consulting, or other services for business planning; assistance with payroll support, costs to retain employees or other operating costs; or outreach efforts for qualifying populations impacted by COVID-19.

The Walworth County Board of Supervisors recently approved a total of $400,000 in grant funds for distribution to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 veterans service agencies in 2025 and 2026. Applications for the next round of funding will be available in early 2025. The application and additional details will be available on the United Way of Walworth County’s website.  

A board comprised of United Way of Walworth County committee members selected the grant recipients based on their application, submission of required documentation, and using a scoring rubric. Only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations were eligible to apply.

This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.