News & Events

Mark Dorn writes, “I was startled to see this huge praying mantis leisurely enjoying its lunch at Trippe Lake Village this afternoon. It was so big it reminded me the classic 1957 “B” horror film, “The Deadly Mantis”… 

Our thanks to Mark Dorn for these great photos.

— 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!

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Continuing our look at UW-Whitewater buildings, this week’s image is a mid-1960’s view of the Andersen Library and administration building. The new library building on campus was started in 1951 and completed in 1953. Then, in 1965, a large addition was added. This addition and parking lot begin the alteration of Main Street, an area of large historic houses. Several houses were demolished and more demolitions along Prairie Street were to come. Demolitions of houses for new buildings for the college changed the appearance of this part of Whitewater forever. With more changes, this building still serves as the library today.

Join us next week for another look at a mid-20th-century university building.

(#2173PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

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

Joy, laughter, music and pride filled the Cravath Lakefront Park at Whitewater’s 4th Annual Pride Rally on October 5.  

The day included music, performances, over 30 vendors and a pet parade. Speakers included Whitewater’s City Manager, John Weidl; UW-Whitewater’s Chancellor, Dr. Corey A. King; Whitewater High School’s Associate Principal, Kate McNulty; and Fair Wisconsin’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Sean O’Brien.

“Whitewater was a joyful, fun-filled place on Saturday,” said Camden Harlan, President of Whitewater Pride Inc. “All in our community were welcomed and felt safe and loved.”

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band performed in full regalia.  Dr. Corey King, Chancellor, said, “We are an inclusive community. We are united, and we will stay that way. We will be strong, and I appreciate that very much.”

City Manager John Weidl said, “I’m happy to have been one of the speakers at the Whitewater Pride event this year. It’s a perfect example of supporting Whitewater’s mission to embrace the cultural and educational opportunities that come with a thriving University and an increasingly diverse population. Seeing our community come together in support of inclusivity and acceptance was truly inspiring. A big thank you to the organizers and everyone involved for making this event such a meaningful success!”

Whitewater High School Associate Principal, Kate McNulty, said, “I’m proud to have participated in sharing the district’s Inclusionary Statement. It was impactful to have the City of Whitewater, UW-W, and WUSD represented and united in support of this mission, demonstrating that Whitewater is a welcoming and diverse community.”

Sponsors of the Pride Rally who contributed financially to help support the local LGBTQ+ community include: The Coburn Family, Madison College, Generac, Whitewater Unites Lives, TDS Telecom, The Dem Party of Wisconsin, Stellar Vintage, Botanica Beauty Parlour, Fort HealthCare, Fort Community Credit Union, Discover Whitewater Chamber of Commerce, and T-Mobile of Lake Geneva.

“These community partners not only provided financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they also stood 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.

Event supporters included 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.

Plans are underway for next year’s Pride event slated for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.

Jefferson County Administrator Proposes Budget to County Board
Board invites residents to October 22^nd meeting for public comment

Jefferson County Administrator Ben Wehmeier, on October 8, formally proposed a 2025 budget for consideration by the County Board of Supervisors. For the second year in a row, this proposal includes a reduction in both the debt levy and the mill rate. The proposal includes $109,600,674 in total expenditures.

Drawing on the same themes that were presented during the Finance Committee hearings in September, Wehmeier kicked off the meeting by describing the challenges and opportunities for next year and the years ahead. Rapidly increasing costs for technology and personnel costs like health insurance have put pressure on every department. Slowdowns in state aid and sales tax collections statewide are also holding revenues flatter than in recent years.

Prior budget decisions, however, have freed up funding to offset some of these challenges. The County Board’s decision to pay off debt early has resulted in more than $1 million in savings, including $588,812 in the upcoming budget. Pro-growth policies and a highly regarded quality of life led to a 7.2% increase in equalized value across the county, allowing for a mill rate cut of 8.4%. This has put Jefferson County in a position to reduce taxes for the second consecutive budget.

The Board will hold a public hearing on the budget proposal, open to all members of the public, at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22^nd at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The final vote on the budget will occur on November 12^th. The budget can be found on the county website at www.jeffersoncountywi.gov under the “Government” tab.

Editor’s comment: The above press release was issued by Jefferson County.

Rainbow Community Care’s 8th Annual Ethics & Boundaries Workshop is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 7th from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson.  

This program is pending approval by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for 4 hours of Continuing Education. Once approved, it will also meet Wisconsin standards for Social Work Ethics and Boundaries continuing education requirements.

This event features Dr. Tracy Schroepfer, a Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. Her practice and research focus on improving the end-of-life care provided to older adults.

Dr. Schroepfer will be presenting on Ethics & Boundaries: A Challenging Ethical Balance: Safety Versus Autonomy for People Living with Dementia.

Schroepfer also facilitated the workshops in 2020, 2022, and 2023. She is a recipient of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar Award and serves on several national boards including the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative care, and the NQF (National Quality Forum) Geriatric and Palliative Care Standing Committee.

Rainbow is also offering a new and improved virtual option through Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in-person. The in-person individual ticket option is $75, and the cost of an individual virtual ticket is $60.

For more information or to register for the workshop, visit www.RainbowCommunityCare.org and see the homepage slider or click on the About Us Menu option and find News and Events.

Experience the wit and wisdom of Oscar Wilde’s “Lady Windermere’s Fan” live on stage, an intriguing comedy of manners that explores the complexities of love, trust, and social expectations. Set in the Victorian world of London’s high society, this timeless play captivates with its sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists. Watch as the innocent Lady Windermere struggles with her jealous feelings toward her husband’s new interest in the older, mysterious Mrs. Erlynne, and witness the unfolding of Mrs. Erlynne’s dark past through lies, gossip, and assumptions. Perfect for lovers of classic theater, “Lady Windermere’s Fan” is a must-see performance that continues to enchant audiences with its brilliant humor and profound insights.

The remaining performances are Friday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m., Hicklin Studio Theatre in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for age 65+, and $13 for under age 18. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door for an additional $2 surcharge.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by a nonpartisan Be Kind Committee.

            You can easily assist a coalition of organizations and community members to support a nonpartisan campaign to reinforce Whitewater’s commitment to civility and kindness. And it’s easy as can be. Just place a Be Kind sign in your yard.

            Signs are available for a $5 donation simply by contacting Sara Kuhl at 608-279-5845 or at email bekindwhitewater@gmail.com. We ask that you put the signs out  in your yard and keep them up until after Nov. 16.

A CommUnity Walk will be held on Nov. 16 to demonstrate the support Whitewater has for all its residents and our shared humanity. The event will start at 9 a.m. at the Old Armory at 146 W. North St. and participants will make their way to the Andersen Library on the UW-Whitewater campus. Refreshments will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place inside the Armory.

            These are just the beginning of kindness/civility related events that will take place throughout the community in the coming months.