News & Events

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of recent fraudulent phone calls to citizens within Rock County where the caller identifies themselves as a Rock County Deputy. They have been using different names of active Deputies/Supervisors. The
caller(s) indicate the person needs to send them money to clear up a legal manner. At this time, we are not aware of any monetary loss to the public. These phone calls are fraudulent in nature, and we warn the public that the Sheriff’s Office nor our representatives will call citizens asking for money.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to let their family and friends know about these scams. The caller’s have even set up mailboxes identifying themselves as Rock County Sheriff’s Office Personnel so when the person tries to return call appears to be real. Anyone receiving calls of this nature is urged to report it to the Rock County Communications Center at 608.757.2244.

People should always use caution and are reminded not to give personal information or pay monies via phone unless they can verify the source of origin.

Contact Person
Captain Caleb Beutin
608-757-7906

What started out as a dream for Jorge Islas-Martinez and Sandra Heyer more than a quarter of a century ago has come to change the lives of thousands of people, including hundreds of English-language learners, their families, and the Whitewater community as a whole. 

In 1997, Islas-Martinez and Heyer had the vision to create an ESL program for adult learners in Whitewater after the southeastern Wisconsin town experienced an increase in migration, predominantly from Mexico.

“Sandra and I wanted to help provide English language instruction to area adults who wanted to learn English to better connect with the Whitewater community and support their families,” said Islas-Martinez. “We never dreamed it would continue to have an impact on so many generations of families.” 

A gala to celebrate the success of the Community ESL Program of Whitewater will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and will feature dinner, recognitions and dancing. 

“I am overwhelmed to think of what the impact of the program on the community has been over the years,” said Islas-Martinez. “So many volunteers from the English- and Spanish-speaking communities and partnerships with organizations and the school district have made this possible. It is my dream that we can come together to celebrate this life-changing effort, and that the program will continue to grow and touch even more lives in the future.”

“I am very thankful for this program because it has allowed me the opportunity to achieve more than one of my dreams,” said Ana Leon, ESL program participant. “My first dream was becoming an independent person so I could talk to my children’s teachers, make appointments, go to the store and many more things. Then I decided to take the computer classes offered in this program — this allowed me to achieve my second dream, which was obtaining my GED, and I did it online. I know for a fact more dreams to achieve are on my way. Thanks to all my teachers for everything you do for us.” 

The Community ESL Program of Whitewater is offered in the evenings at Whitewater High School and, since 2021, during the day at the Community Space in Whitewater. Bilingual adults who themselves grew up in Whitewater in Spanish-speaking households provide childcare and assist students with homework and provide enrichment activities. The Whitewater Unified School District and occasional contributions from local civic groups and churches provide financial support; the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties supports the childcare program. 

The four levels of curriculum, from beginning to advanced English language proficiency, were fully developed and taught by experienced teachers, including Heyer, who is the author of a textbook series called “True Stories” aimed at developing reading-skill instruction to English language learners in a carefully paced, step-by-step process. 

In addition to improving their reading, writing, and communication skills in English, students in the program have been able to work towards citizenship, learn basic computer literacy, and get information about local resources.

“In a safe and supportive environment, this program helps students to learn essential life skills that are critical for their survival in a new community,” said Sarah Linn, ESL program instructor. “We as a community benefit from their hard work and the sacrifices these students make in achieving their goals and dreams of a new life in the United States.”

With the increase in multilingual residents the school district and the city have experienced in recent years, the need for the program is only expected to grow.

“Our district and community are home to many multilingual families,” said Terilyn Robles, Director of Teaching and Learning at Whitewater Unified School District. “In fact, multilingual learners and bilingual students make up over one-third of WUSD and represent 10 different languages. Over the years, the staff and students of our language programs and the Community ESL Program of Whitewater have made a tremendous impact in promoting bilingualism and biliteracy.”

For more information on the Whitewater Adult ESL program or to purchase tickets for the gala, contact Jorge Islas-Martinez at 920-397-8942 or jislasmartinez@wwusd.org.

Kristine Zaballos
The Community Space

The Whippet City Mile was run, once again, in near perfect conditions and attracted runners from all around the country. The race even featured a young man from France. Beginning 15 minutes before the start of the 4th of July Parade, runners cruised along the parade route, racing in front of thousands of cheering fans.

Spencer Agnew of Fort Atkinson was the overall winner and number one male finisher. The former Black Hawk and Marquette University star toured the course in a very quick 4:26.05, the 3rd fastest time in race history. Finishing first for the women was Whitewater High School Junior Athena Soto. The Whippet track and cross country standout ran a time of 5:59.53, outdistancing second place finisher Sara Wolfe by 3 seconds.

A great time was had by all, and especially exciting is the number of children who participate every year. Special thanks goes out to finish line coordinator David Haberman, assistant race director and head of registration Maggie Maas, timers Ben Maas and Scott “Richy” Richardson, along with all of the other volunteers who helped make this another successful race. A special thank you also goes out to our Harley guys who lead the Whippet City Mile, Steve Meinel and TR.

The Whitewater 4th of July Committee would like formally express their gratitude for the continuing efforts by Mark Maas to make this a community event that is truly accessible to all.

Thank you to the record number of participants who participated in this year’s race; we can’t wait to see you at the finish line next year!

Place	Name	Time	Age	Gender
1	Spencer Agnew	04:26.05	33	M
2	Sam Kehoe	04:37.01	34	M
3	Quinn McKenzie	04:40.68	32	M
4	Lucas Springstroh	04:42.40	36	M
5	Xavier Zei	04:54.27	17	M
6	Brian Zalewski	04:57.23	44	M
7	Joseph Cooper	05:03.89	19	M
8	Miles Nickelsburg	05:04.36	17	M
9	Nate Holden	05:11.67	18	M
10	Luc Pomazak	05:12.34	17	M
11	Roberto Navejas	05:22.05	24	M
12	Richard Siok Jr	05:22.32	42	M
13	Ethan Dugan	05:28.77	17	M
14	Andrew Scharinger	05:29.80	15	M
15	Tyler Fyock	05:30.43	4?	M
16	Langdon Coburn	05:30.66	15	M
17	Nels Labansky	05:42.61	47	M
18	Aldegundo Brenneman	05:49.39	15	M
19	Elijah Balding	05:50.33	15	M
20	Trever Pett	05:50.92	14	M
21	Paul Kerns	05:52.79	23	M
22	Mike McNamee	05:56.32	42	M
23	Elliott Hahn	05:58.08	14	M
24	Chase Maas	05:58.57	16	M
25	Adam Triebold	05:58.88	33	M
26	Athena Soto	05:59.93	16	F
27	Sara Wolfe	06:03.00	14	F
28	Gina Fyock	06:06.43	43	F
29	Abimelec Cano	06:11.24	24	M
30	Heidi Mane	06:13.04	40	F
31	Quentin Besson	06:15.12	27	M
32	Andi Gudeyon	06:15.89	15	F
33	Mayte Navejas	06:16.45	18	F
34	Mady Hefty	06:17.89	16	F
35	Carley Boudreau	06:19.37	17	F
36	Logan Kowalkiewicz	06:21.42	12	M
37	Dennis Kopf	06:22.27	40	M
38	Jeffry Lebowski	06:22.82	?	M
39	Walter Sobchak	06:23.20	?	M
40	Ellie Kehoe	06:23.95	15	F
41	Ellie Kehoe	06:24.76	15	F
42	Lila ?	06:25.00	11	F
43	Marcus Roe	06:25.33	12	M
44	Jennifer Taylor	06:26.35	36	F
45	Alyssa Dobbs	06:26.39	23	NB
46	Nola Coburn	06:32.21	17	F
47	Johnny Buse	06:32.45	35	M
48	Calli Grosinske	06:34.76	17	F
49	Bailey Wolfe	06:35.02	15	F
50	Theodore Donald Kerabatsos	06:35.22	61	M
51	Jaden Devitt	06:38.26	10	M
52	Teague Devitt	06:38.66	49	M
53	Aaron Gudeyon	06:39.87	40	M
54	Kendall Gudeyon	06:42.49	13	F
55	David Hernandez	06:42.70	25	M
56	Audrey Bleck	06:43.24	9	F
57	Logan V	06:44.33	15	M
58	Cole Ehlen	06:51.57	11	M
59	Jon Roe	06:52.04	21	M
60	Stanley Spudowski	06:52.39	63	M
61	Eric Brenneman	06:54.13	44	M
62	Ben Roe	06:54.72	10	M
63	Mason Lamb	06:55.79	18	M
64	Ben Erdman	06:59.18	10	M
65	Brian Erdman	06:59.98	38	M
66	Delaney Hammock	07:00.33	16	F
67	Jax O’Keefe	07:00.96	9	M
68	Chris Nate	07:01.36	38	M
69	Kevin	07:02.30	50	M
70	Silvia Harris	07:02.61	16	F
71	Finley DePorter	07:03.57	11	F
72	Easton Springstroh	07:05.08	8	M
73	Paul Kearns	07:05.64	57	M
74	Logan Scharinger	07:05.90	15	M
75	Angel Kilar	07:06.13	16	M
76	Jack Hefty	07:06.71	17	M
77	Keenan Sheffield	07:08.63	16	M
78	Macie Riordan	07:10.63	9	F
79	Preston Maas	07:14.79	13	M
80	Maya Graves-Koran	07:16.85	15	F
81	Jeff Presslein	07:18.82	36	M
82	Teddy Tortomasi	07:20.78	8	M
83	Jordy DeLazzer	07:22.30	8	F
84	Joel Tortomasi	07:23.41	44	M
85	Easton Taylor	07:23.76	7	M
86	Lindsey Taylor	07:24.08	33	F
87	Gini Cooper	07:25.38	21	F
88	Emma Maas	07:26.13	13	F
89	Hollis Anderson	07:26.52	16	F
90	Storm DePorter	07:27.08	12	F
91	Steve Solyun	07:34.12	57	M
92	Christian Reyes	07:35.69	22	M
93	Noah Gutierrez	07:36.61	10	M
94	Braxton Rux	07:36.90	7	M
95	Henrick David	07:37.13	8	M
96	Shannon Greaker	07:37.83	37	F
97	Ed Greaker	07:45.47	41	M
98	Julian Lantzy	07:51.20	9	M
99	Gerald Kearns	07:51.80	39	M
100	Lexi Tanner	07:52.12	12	F
101	Amy	07:53.82	49	F
102	Rob Wiesmann	07:56.50	69	M
103	Dalton “D Dog”  Maas	07:58.55	10	M
104	Andrea Bogie	08:00.41	44	F
105	Helen Udani	08:00.84	9	F
106	Cecelia Harris	08:05.11	9	F
107	Mark Schroeder	08:05.38	61	M
108	Brandon Harris	08:05.86	44	M
109	Julia Cooper	08:06.63	15	F
110	Noah Brautigam	08:07.78	11	M
111	Piper Riordan	08:11.05	6	F
112	Kyle Stengel	08:16.79	35	M
113	Owen Cooper	08:19.45	47	M
114	Joyeaux Cooper	08:22.95	10	F
115	Alena Riordan	08:25.68	42	F
116	Luke Steffen	08:26.09	35	M
117	Andrew Thielmann	08:27.81	21	M
118	Raquel Ortiz	08:29.52	22	F
119	Araceli Aranda	08:29.86	21	F
120	Melanie Reyes	08:30.13	21	F
121	Elizabeth Rodriguez	08:30.63	23	F
122	Kayla Scharinger	08:32.32	15	F
123	Maya	08:32.64	15	F
124	Alexis	08:34.04	14	F
125	Jennifer Knudtson	08:35.41	50	F
126	Madeleine Knudtson	08:35.69	15	F
127	Mark Presslein	08:38.40	59	M
128	Mason Presslein	08:39.04	27	M
129	Easton Gnatzig	08:39.38	8	M
130	Graesynn Gnatzig	08:39.71	7	F
131	Liz Gnatzig	08:40.07	35	F
132	Dan Gnatzig	08:40.79	41	M
133	Ivy Daly	08:41.15	10	F
134	Cora Daly	08:43.73	13	F
135	Vivienne Lantzy	08:44.34	5	F
136	Maddox Lantzy	08:44.79	7	M
137	PJ Lantzy	08:45.60	43	M
138	Aimee Gutierrez	08:46.17	41	F
139	Danielle Bazeley	08:47.23	48	F
140	Kaity Schmear	08:50.30	34	F
141	Nichole Gzym	08:52.71	9	F
142	Sarah Kroll	08:53.01	34	F
143	Krista Kearns	08:53.58	52	F
144	Caitlyn Oberg	08:56.19	12	F
145	Jessica Dean	08:58.04	36	F
146	Emmie Weigel	08:58.54		F
147	Steve Wegner	08:59.49	40	M
148	Cara Yang	08:59.77	15	F
149	Karlee Villegas	09:02.05	15	F
150	Payton Brautigam	09:02.90	16	F
151	Therese McKenzie	09:03.14	59	F
152	Sydney	09:04.61	10	F
153	Maddie Bobinski	09:05.11	26	F
154	Jessica Kearns	09:09.42	25	F
155	Elliot Agnew	09:11.29	6	M
156	Owen Agnew	09:15.85	3	M
157	Megan Agnew	09:16.00	33	F
158	Jenna Loomans	09:20.09	38	F
159	Candice Rux	09:22.08	44	F
160	Courtney Hinzpeter	09:22.65	38	F
161	Brendan Oberg	09:28.84	10	M
162	Derek Oberg	09:29.27	48	M
163	Jackson Clemons	09:29.61	21	M
164	Tyler Reynolds	09:29.90	37	M
165	Frankie Reynolds	09:29.90	7	F
166	Harriet Wilt	09:40.20	9	F
167	Courtney Wilt	09:42.20	40	F
168	Yatzeri Reyes	09:42.55	26	F
169	Gordon Springstroh	09:43.45	6	M
170	Lydia Balely	09:43.76	12	F
171	Jeff	09:45.30	44	M
172	Lilia Weigel	09:46.04	11	F
173	Gabi Fyock	09:50.58	10	F
174	W Kinrie	09:53.70	10	F
175	Della Fyock	09:56.90	6	F
176	Charlotte Anderson	10:03.46	13	F
177	Barb Anderson	10:07.33	49	F
178	Kristin Tanner	10:12.80	41	F
179	Karl Anderson	10:16.00	50	M
180	Evelyn Tilleson	10:19.81	11	F
181	Steve Scharinger	10:20.28	57	M
182	Megan Carstens	10:22.13	40	F
183	Michael Carstens	10:23.26	5	M
184	Anna Carstens	10:23.27	7	F
185	Mark Pomazak	10:29.92	61	M
186	Rose Daly	10:30.89	5	F
187	Joe Daly	10:31.00	41	M
188	Catherine Strait	10:32.23	24	F
189	Erin Nickelsburg	10:33.01	47	F
190	Erin Springstroh	10:33.73	35	F
191	Emmett Springstroh	10:39.34	3	M
192	Sophia Kurezynski	10:40.01	10	F
193	Zachary Kurezynski	10:48.48	8	M
194	Paul Kurezynski	10:49.48	59	M
195	Katie Fortney	10:51.07	37	F
196	Max Fortney	10:51.86	7	M
197	Nolan Daly	10:53.01	8	M
198	Abbie Daly	10:54.08	39	F
199	Bianca Thai	11:00.48	33	F
200	Rachel Traficante	11:03.56	38	F
201	Harrison Tilleson	11:04.15	13	M
202	Theo Sacchitello	11:18.21	7	M
203	Amanda Sacchitello	11:18.57	37	F
204	James Heffron	11:19.02	38	M
205	Taylor Heffron	11:19.29	6	M
206	David Linton	11:26.40	71	M
207	Davin Parboteah	11:37.39	18	M
208	David Liesch	11:37.89	44	M
209	Jase Liesch	11:39.54	8	M
210	Justin Mane	11:45.01	37	M
211	Luca Mane	12:15.17	5	M
212	Leo Mane	12:15.45	8	M
213	Cooper Heffron	12:23.04	10	M
214	John Tincher	12:38.66	7	M
215	Sara Tincher	12:39.00	38	F
216	No Name	12:46.49	—	—
217	No Name	12:58.89	—	—
218	No Name	12:59.23	—	—
219	No Name	13:53.59	—	—
220	No Name	13:55.20	—	—
221	Cameron Lantzy	16:21.19	1	M
222	Aimee Lantzy	16:21.35	44	F
223	Vicki Stelse	16:21.40	29	F

“American Fiction “

Tuesday, July 9, 1 p.m.

(Comedy/Drama/Satire)

Rated R (language); 1 hour, 57 minutes (2023).

A black novelist, who’s fed up with the Establishment profiting from Black entertainment, uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of the hypocrisy he claims to disdain. 2024 Oscar winner: Best Adapted Screenplay. Nominated for Best Film.

Stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Leslie Uggams

Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday, July 8, 2024 @ 6:00pm
Agenda includes change to the City of Whitewater Municipal Code Chapter 19, Specifically Section 19.48.020 Institutional District Permitted Uses, adding Libraries, Municipal Buildings, Public and Semi Public Uses, change to the City of Whitewater Municipal Code Chapter 19, Specifically section 19.55.070 Structural, Design and Aesthetic Standards, Removing letter F requiring Enclosed Buildings for Wireless Telecommunications Support Facilities, Public Hearing for Consideration of a Change in the District Zoning Map to Rezone for the Irvin L. Young Library properties from R-2 ( One and Two Family Residence District ) to I (Institutional District) for Tax Parcel #’s /OT 00196 and /OT 00197, Public Hearing for Consideration of a Change in the District Zoning Map to Rezone for the Municipal Building properties from B-2 (Central Business District ) to I (Institutional District) for Tax Parcel #’s /OT 00152, /OT 00153, /OT 00154, /OT 00155, /OT 00158, /OT 00159 and /OT 00160, Public Hearing for Consideration of a Change in the District Zoning Map to Rezone from B1 (Community Business) to R-2 (One and Two Family Residence) Zoning District, Under Chapter 19.18 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Whitewater for the following Tax Parcel Number /HAS 00048D vacant land located at the corner of S Taft Street and E Clay Street, possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an 12-Foot High Electronic Monument Sign for St Patrick’s Church 1235 W Main Street, Tax Parcel #’s /WUP 00219 and /WUP 00220, possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Second Wall sign to be located at 1002 S Janesville St., Tax Parcel #/WUP 00341 for Samuel & Dana Hatchett d/b/a Pro Landscape Supply
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/622536589
You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 622-536-589 United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install

Public Works Committee Meeting – Tuesday, July 9, 2024 @ 5:00pm
Agenda includes payments for Walworth Avenue real estate purchases, parking/pedestrians on Elizabeth Street in front
of the Whitewater Middle School, updates to the sidewalk replacement ordinance, a mandatory Lead Service Line (LSL)
replacement ordinance
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
Passcode: 137945
Anyone requiring special arrangements is asked to call the Office of the City Manager / City Clerk (262-473-0102) at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting – Wednesday, July 10, 2024 @ 4:30pm
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding Whitewater Stormwater Management Plan Questions. Presentation by Brad Marquardt, Public Works Director, Discussion and possible action regarding Lake District Marketing Campaign Event
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82283137749?pwd=CHqLf9fUbQ0P7DvEH7svbUHcnU5jbC.1
Meeting ID: 822 8313 7749
Passcode: 517295
One tap mobile +13126266799,,82283137749#,,,,517295# US (Chicago) +16469313860,,82283137749#,,,,517295# US

Duke Otherwise is a spirited performer, a skilled guitarist and captivating tap-dancer. Using his distinct baritone, he sings his hilarious and imaginative songs that all ages will delight in together. His energetic live show is filled with improvisation, audience participation, dancing, and outrageous fun filled with stellar musicianship, memorable characters, whimsical topics, silliness, and a vast array of instruments and musical styles for all ages. 

Community members welcome to attend this free, family-friendly performance at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library (431 W. Center St.) on Thursday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost or registration required to attend. Contact the library with questions at 262-473-0530.

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
431 W. Center St.
Sarah French
sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov
262-473-0530

MENOMONIE, Wis. (July 3, 2024) – The following student from the area graduated on May 4, 2024, from University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wis. The university graduated 1,037 students, with 828 undergraduate and 209 Graduate School students this spring.

UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, offers more than 70 industry-aligned undergraduate and graduate degrees and 40 professional certificate programs. 

Established in 1891, the university prides itself on the success of its students in the workplace, with more than 1,000 national internship placements and an employment rate of 99% for recent graduates. 

UW-Stout is a top-rated Military Friendly and Best for Vets institution, a DOE Green Ribbon recipient for sustainability, and the only four-year institution in the U.S. to win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

University of Wisconsin-Stout offers a polytechnic education distinguished by applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences to prepare students for success in engineering, technology, design, management and other fields. It is one of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE
Whitewater, WI

 Bennett Miles, BS Computer and Electrical Engineering

Whitewater’s July 4 Parade kicked off with the Whippet City Mile run through the parade route at 9:45 am on July 4. The parade launched at 10:00 am.

Parade winners were as follows:

Youth:

1. Whitewater United FC
2. WHS POMS Team
3. Whitewater Parks and Recreation

Neighborhood & Adult:

1. UWW Athletics
2. Cold Springs Riders

Business & Commercial Floats:

1. Flora Villa
2. Staller Winery
3. Willow Brook Golf Course

Costumed Marchers:

1. Whippets Football
2. Southern Lakes
3. City of Whitewater

Horse & Pony

1. Trinity Hicks
2. Grazing Goats
3. Whitewater Area Mounted Search Team and Rescue

Best of Parade: Whippets Football

Race and Parade Photos Courtesy of Greg Stewart