News & Events

Jefferson County Emergency Management was just informed by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) that federal and state disaster assistance remains available to local agricultural producers impacted by recent severe weather events.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced disaster assistance opportunities earlier this year for Wisconsin agricultural producers. Farmers who experienced losses are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for assistance in reporting losses and determining eligibility for available USDA programs.

In addition to financial assistance, support is available for farmers experiencing stress or emotional challenges. Agriculture can be demanding, particularly following disasters, and confidential help is available 24 hours a day through the Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558. Producers may also contact the Wisconsin Farm Center through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) for additional support and resources.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also offers disaster assistance for eligible homeowners and businesses.

SBA Home Disaster Loans
Farmers’ primary residences located in the following designated primary counties may be eligible for SBA Home Disaster Loans: Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago.

How to Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance
Eligible applicants can apply online through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Assistance portal at https://lending.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 711) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for assistance with the application process. SBA representatives can answer questions, explain loan eligibility, and help applicants complete their applications. The application deadline for SBA Home Disaster Loans is August 31, 2026.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
While farm businesses are generally not eligible for SBA disaster assistance for agricultural operations, farms may qualify for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for eligible non-farm business activities, such as farm stands, retail operations, seed sales, machinery repair, or similar enterprises.

The deadline to apply for an EIDL is March 30, 2027, providing additional time for small businesses, rural businesses, and eligible agricultural enterprises to assess and document economic impacts from the disaster.

Jefferson County Emergency Management encourages agricultural producers who sustained damage or economic losses to explore these available resources and seek assistance as soon as possible.

For more information about USDA disaster assistance programs, contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office. Information about SBA disaster assistance is available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Fabric Applique is one of several workshops being offered at Wisconsin Makers in Whitewater this August.

Open art workshops will be taking place in Whitewater on two Tuesdays in August. They are set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 25 at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St. Classes include wet or dry felting, copper tooling with fire color, wool appliqué
(embellishing clothing with wool) and fabric collage (making book covers, pouches, clothing patches, etc.). They may attend one or both sessions.

The fee for each session is $25, materials included, with payment that night. Register by calling instructor Leani Schoor at (608) 421- 4078 or emailing her at leanischoor@gmail.com. Other artists interested in offering a workshop those evenings should contact Schoor prior to the event dates.

Having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Schoor taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. She is the owner of Studio 2154 in Madison. Joining her will be artist Mary Abbott of Elkhorn, who earned her bachelor’s degree in studio arts at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2018.

Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace or community workshop. The building is accessible and air-conditioned.

Whitewater Twinhomes — Progress, Volunteers & Applicants
Good progress continues at Whitewater. Siding is well underway, mechanicals are complete on the upper floors of both homes, and drywall has begun with work continuing next week. HVAC completion remains ahead. There is still much to do — and that’s where you come in.

We have open volunteer slots every week. Individuals and groups are both welcome, and organizations looking for a meaningful team experience will find a build day both productive and rewarding. 

Volunteers Needed — Join Us on the Build Site!
We have volunteer opportunities available every week at the Whitewater Twinhomes site and would love to have you join us! Whether you’re coming as an individual or bringing a group, your time makes a real difference.

If your organization, company, or team is looking for a meaningful way to give back, a team build day is an incredible experience — it’s amazing what a motivated group can accomplish together in a single day. Come see for yourself!

To sign up as an individual, you can use the link below, and sign up directly on our volunteer management platform. 
https://habitatwalworth.volunteerhub.com/vv2

If an organization is interested in scheduling a Team Build Day, the link below should be used.  This goes to our staff and someone will reach back out to the organization inquiring and schedule a Team Build Day.
Volunteer Interest Form – Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s photo is an altered view from the 1907 Homecoming event that was held in Whitewater. The original photo featured a banner across Main Street saying “Does Whitewater Look Good To You.” We show both the historic photo and this altered photo in the exhibit “Living Democracy” at the Whitewater Arts Alliance in the White Building, 402 W. Main Street. This is the last weekend to see this exhibit, Friday-Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m. After viewing the exhibit, we ask if democracy looks good to you. We hope you say “Yes,” and “vote” for democracy at the exhibit.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(Scholl glass plate image altered for the Whitewater Historical Society by the expert designers at Opportunities, Inc. in Fort Atkinson.)

Whitewater Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is coming to an end. Please turn in your reading logs before Friday, July 31st at 5:30 p.m.

Below is the list of our last week’s lineup of fun, FREE events. Be sure to stay tuned to our website and socials to see what fun we have in store for fall!

Pet Cents with Premier Bank
Monday, July 27th 
4:00-5:00 PM  
Ages 6-11
Registration preferred
Have you ever wanted to own a dragon? How about a unicorn? Now’s your chance! Adopt a (pretend) pet and play Pet Cents, our live action game where pretend money gets you dragon
food, vet visits, and more-if you know how to budget it.
We are grateful to our Premier Bank volunteers for their assistance with this program.

Miniature Book Making
Tuesday, July 28th 
3:00-4:30 PM  
Ages 12-18
Registration required
We’re making itty bitty books!  Come join us; all the cool kids are doing it.

Storytime
Wednesday, July 29th
9:30 AM
Ages 0-5
Stories, songs, and general silliness with Miss Deana! No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 or drolfsmeyer@whitewater-wi.gov

Cookbook Competition
Thursday, July 30th 
3:30-4:30 PM
All ages
Registration required
Make a delectable dish using a cookbook from our library!  Eaters will taste and vote on their favorite! If you plan to make a dish, registration forms can be downloaded from our website or picked up from the library. Registration forms must be turned in by Friday, July 24th at 4:30 p.m.

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K Team Event, Fit Kid Shuffle, and 5K is excited to announce that it has been named USA Track & Field (USATF) exclusive Wisconsin Half Marathon Championship event! This recognition allows for DWS participants to qualify for elite competitions, expand their competitive opportunities, and set national records. Through this partnership, the DWS strengthens its commitment to providing a premier race experience by meeting nationally recognized standards while continuing to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. 

“We are thrilled to have the Discover Whitewater Half Marathon join our series of statewide road running championships. Since their first edition in 2013, DWS has brought together some of Wisconsin’s top distance runners to a well organized, runner-friendly event. We are excited for more of our members and runners from across Wisconsin to discover a premier competitive half marathon experience in Whitewater,” said Thomas Breitbach, Chair of USATF Wisconsin Long Distance Running.

“This is a tremendous step forward for the DWS because it brings additional recognition and opportunities to our event while maintaining that welcoming atmosphere that makes us so special,” says Race Director, Dawson Miller. “I’ve always been impressed by the level of professionalism in USATF events and to now have the DWS involved is incredibly exciting.” 

Additionally, USATF will now recognize and award trophies to the top Wisconsin male and female finishers from both the USATF open class division (ages 39 and under) and the masters division (40 and older). This opportunity aligns the DWS with nationally recognized racing standards, establishing the event as one of Wisconsin’s best community races while attracting a broader field of competitive runners.

“This partnership with USATF is an incredible milestone,” said Jeffery Knight, DWS Executive Director. “It validates the quality of our race and reflects the hard work of our volunteers, sponsors, the Whitewater community, and DWS team.”

To register for the 14th annual DWS visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register. To learn more about USATF and its qualifying races, visit https://www.usatf.org/. 

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 five local non-profit partners: Bethel House, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, Whitewater LEADS, Whitewater Foundation-Athletics, and the Whitewater Unified School District Foundation. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

About USATF

USATF Wisconsin is the statewide affiliate of USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track & field, long distance running, and race walking. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the number one high school and junior high school participatory sport, and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. More information can be found at wisconsin.usatf.org

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