News & Events

Senator Spreitzer was recognized with a WCA Outstanding Legislator Award on July 9. Also pictured is WCA Government Affairs Associate Chelsea Shanks.

State Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) has been honored by the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) with a “WCA Outstanding Legislator Award” for his work on behalf of county government during the 2025-2026 Legislative Session.

“Senator Spreitzer has been a pivotal force in confronting the significant issues affecting residents of the 15th Senate District and communities across Wisconsin,” stated WCA President & CEO Mark D. O’Connell. “His unwavering commitment to advancing sound, future‐focused governance will leave a lasting impact on our state.”

The “WCA Outstanding Legislator Award” is handed out biennially to a select group of legislators who have represented county interests in both the legislature and in their districts. These legislators have demonstrated leadership for counties on key issues, legislation and the state budget.

WCA represents the interests of county government both on the state and federal levels and is in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.wicounties.org.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Wisconsin Counties Association.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued another Air Quality Advisory, until Noon on Monday. The smoke is expected to arrive in our area late on Saturday evening. DNR is expecting air quality to reach Unhealthy for All Groups (red level 4 out of 6).

Homeowners and renters in Jefferson [and Rock] County can now apply for federal disaster assistance related to severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in April 2026. This comes after President Donald Trump approved a Federal Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin. [Walworth County is not yet included in the declaration; the FEMA website indicates that applications may still be submitted and would be processed if the county is included later.]

The fastest way to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you can’t apply online, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

If you were visited by a FEMA assessment team in May or previously reported damage to your home to Jefferson County Emergency Management or your municipality, you must still go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline to apply for federal assistance.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all of your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

When applying for assistance, make sure:

• Your damaged home is your primary residence.
• You haven’t received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
• You can be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application.

What information do you need to provide when applying:

• Your contact information, including email address.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number.
• Annual household income
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information, if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, your policy number or the agent and/or company name.

For help with your application or to apply by phone, call the FEMA Helpline:

• 800‑621‑3362
• If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for Individual Assistance is August 31, 2026.

For more information on the disaster assistance process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or visit the site’s Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs.

Editor’s comment: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Emergency Management Department.

The WHS Class of 1976 will be celebrating our 50th high school reunion the weekend of August 14th -16th.  

If you haven’t sent in your response form, there’s still time to participate in the festivities!

Whitewater Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is in full swing! Bookworms and aspiring bookworms of every age are invited to read books, win prizes, and attend fun, FREE events. Here is next week’s lineup for children and teens:

Build a Box Fort
Monday, July 20th 
4:00-5:00 PM
All ages
No registration required
We provide the boxes; you build the fort.

Boba Mixology Teen Workshop
Tuesday, July 21st 
3:00-4:30 PM
Ages 12-18
Registration required
Idyllic Bubble Tea House will be offering a hands-on Boba Mixology Experience where kids will explore the culture and history behind bubble tea while creating their own custom drink combinations. Participants will experiment with four unique tea bases, authentic premium toppings, and a variety of boba to design delicious, one-of-a-kind creations.  

Storytime
Wednesday, July 22nd
9:30 AM
Ages 0-5
Stories, songs, and general silliness with Miss Deana! No registration required.

Stuffed Animal Sleep Over
Thursday, July 23rd 
3:30-4:30 PM  
Ages 0-11
Do you ever wonder what your stuffies do at night?  Bring them to the library for a story and a bedtime snack and see what kind of trouble they can get up to!  Stuffies can be picked up on Friday morning starting at 9:00 a.m.

The Wisconsin DNR allowed the Air Quality Advisory for southeast WI to expire at 6 PM CDT Friday.

• The latest model guidance suggests smoke will return to southern Wisconsin later Saturday and then linger into Sunday. The approximate arrival windows are: lighter concentrations from 9 AM to Noon, moderate concentrations from 5 to 8 PM, and higher concentrations from roughly 8 PM to 2 AM Saturday. Continued northerly winds could thicken the smoke Saturday night. Light and variable winds will probably allow the smoke to linger into Sunday.

Heat and humidity persist into the first half of Saturday.

• Saturday: Air temperatures in the upper 80s, with heat index values in the upper 80s to middle 90s. Values may approach 100 in far southeast WI. A cooling trend kicks in from north to south in the afternoon. 
• Sunday: Air temperatures in the lower to middle 80s, with identical heat index values. Noticeably lower humidity is anticipated. Slightly cooler temperatures are possible in far eastern Wisconsin due to a lake breeze. 

Chance for showers and thunderstorms:

• Saturday: 20-40% chance of showers and storms (mainly south of I-94) along a front that will track southward during the morning hours. The main hazards would include gusty winds, small hail and cloud-to-ground lightning. The afternoon chance of storms trended downward and only includes far southeast WI.
• Sunday: Dry weather is expected. 

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we present this photo, probably from the early 2000’s of local historian Fred Kraege. He is sitting by his volumes of local history research he prepared over many years of research and reading old editions of the Whitewater Register. He donated his works to the Whitewater Public Library, where they are available today for local history researchers. Fred is one of the local historians honored in the exhibit currently running at the Whitewater Arts Alliance gallery in the White Building. He represents the local historians who added to our understanding of Whitewater’s history in the 20th century. Come see the exhibit running through July 26, 12:00-4:00, Thursdays through Sundays at the Arts Alliance building, 402 W. Main Street.

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

(Whitewater Historical Society photo)

Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Jessica Islas has been promoted to Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC [Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism/Office of Foreign Assets Control] Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.

A member of the Whitewater community, Jessica has been with First Citizens State Bank since 2019. Throughout her tenure, she has served in several key roles, including Teller Supervisor, Bookkeeping, and AML/CFT/OFAC Assistant, gaining valuable experience in retail banking operations, regulatory compliance and operational support. Her broad knowledge of the bank’s operations combined with her dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring regulatory compliance, has prepared her well for her new role as Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer. Jessica’s promotion reflects both her commitment to professional excellence and First Citizens State Bank’s dedication to developing talent from within.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are excited to congratulate Jessica on her promotion to Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer. She has been an integral part of our BSA [Bank Secrecy Act] team, consistently stepping up to strengthen our compliance efforts. This promotion is well deserved, and we look forward to her continued success in this role.”

Jessica commented, “I’m honored to step into the role of Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer at First Citizens State Bank. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that values integrity, compliance and strong customer relationships. I look forward to continuing to support our customers and communities by helping safeguard the bank through effective risk management and regulatory compliance.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. The bank takes pride in building lasting partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals
throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.