News & Events

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department.

On Wednesday July 1st, 2026, at approximately 7:42 pm, deputies from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the City of Whitewater EMS and Fire Departments, and Mercy Hospital’s MD-1 responded to a motorcycle crash with injuries near the intersection of N McCord Rd and N Lima Center Rd in Lima Township.

Preliminary investigation revealed a motorcycle operated by a 58-year-old man from Mukwonago, WI was traveling southbound on N McCord Rd south of N Lima Center Rd. The motorcycle overturned in the roadway, and the operator was ejected into the ditch nearby. As a result of multiple severe injuries sustained in the crash, the operator was flown to the hospital by Flight for Life.

The crash remains under investigation, but no charges or citations are anticipated at this time.

Numerous rounds of thunderstorms expected from now through the weekend. Severe thunderstorms with all hazards will be possible with each of these rounds. Two rounds of storms will be possible Wednesday evening followed by overnight. Thursday may be the most likely severe thunderstorm period with all hazards possible (damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, flash flooding). Friday and beyond is fairly uncertain for storm potential and dependent upon what happens today/tomorrow.

Heat-wise, the Extreme Heat Warning was extended through Thursday due to the potential of heat indices still getting into the 100F+ range. This is day 4 of the heat wave, so criteria for a warning is with the heat index hitting 100F+ now instead of 105F+. If storms and cloud cover lingers, these heat indices may not be as high. Conditions will remain on the warm and humid side through the holiday weekend.

Michael Maas is a WUL Hometown Hero, and was nominated by Erika Serna because he is “A dedicated community leader who believes that everyone belongs and works to create spaces where the Latino community and all members of the community feel welcomed, valued, and included. He leads with compassion, respect, and a genuine desire to bring people together.”

Following is more information about the nomination from Erika:

“His commitment extends far beyond his responsibilities. He consistently shows up for his students, families, and team, offering encouragement, support, and a helping hand whenever it is needed. Whether celebrating successes, facing challenges, or building opportunities for others, he leads by example and inspires those around him through his kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication.

His hard work and selfless service do not go unnoticed. The positive impact he makes on the lives of others is evident in the trust, appreciation, and gratitude he earns from the community. His dedication to serving others, fostering unity, and uplifting those around him is deeply valued and sincerely appreciated by all who have the privilege of working alongside him.”

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Editor’s Note: The above information was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

All of the quilts completed in 2024 waiting to be blessed, along with some of our quilters.

First English Lutheran Church is looking for help with our quilt project! We want to keep making quilts to send to Lutheran World Relief, but our group numbers are declining. In order to keep our quilt production HIGH, we need new volunteers to join us!

A little about the LWR Quilt Project:

• We meet every Tuesday morning from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
• Machines and materials are provided. We have patterns and will show you what to do!
• You do not need sewing skills! We also need volunteers to measure and cut fabric, and tie the threads that hold the quilts together.
• Can’t come on Tuesdays? You can help from home! If you sew and have a machine, pick up supplies to build one at home. If you don’t sew, pick up a quilt to tie.
• You do not need to be a member! Have friends or family that like to sew or craft? Know youth that have taken up “Granny Hobbies?” Everyone is welcome!
• If you have questions, contact the office, [262-473-5076 or email secretaryfelcww@gmail.com] and they will put you in touch with one of us.

*Many of the LWR quilts stay in the United States, and a percentage of the quilts we make are distributed to help agencies right here in Whitewater.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on June 25 delivered his radio address and highlighted the launch of a new partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to make it even easier for Wisconsinites to enjoy Wisconsin State Parks. Wisconsinites can now order their annual Wisconsin 12-month state park and forest vehicle admission pass while renewing their annual vehicle registration with the DMV. This partnership is helping connect the dots to help streamline state services for Wisconsin residents and improve government efficiency, while helping to generate consistent revenue for the state.

Previously, state park passes were issued based on the calendar year, but this announcement was made possible by legislation signed by Gov. Evers in 2024 to make the DNR state park pass valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, much like Wisconsin’s annual vehicle registration renewal. This ensures that Wisconsinites can enjoy all four seasons of Wisconsin’s state parks, no matter what month of the year their vehicle registration is due.

When Wisconsinites renew their vehicle registration online at wisconsindmv.gov/renew, they will have the option to purchase a state park pass at the same time. After opting in to purchase a state park pass, Wisconsinites will make one payment and receive one mailing with the DNR state park pass, vehicle registration stickers, and Certificate of Registration within 7-10 business days. In addition to the collaboration between DNR and WisDOT, support from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Mail Distribution Services combines the agencies’ two mailings into one for further improved efficiency and cost savings. For same-day service, a state park pass will also be available at kiosks within DMVs when completing a registration renewal.

Additional state park vehicle admission passes can be purchased online on the DNR’s Wisconsin State Parks webpage, at individual state park system properties, or from DNR service centers.

Photo caption: Representatives from the 38 nonprofit organizations that received funding through the seventh round of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program receive a big check from the United Way of Walworth County. Joining agency representatives are Walworth County Board Chairman Rick Stacey, Walworth County Administrator Mark Luberda, Walworth County Recovery Grants Manager Richard Abbott, and United Way of Walworth County Executive Director Brian Holt.

Walworth County and the United Way of Walworth County Announce Final Round of ARPA Grant Recipients

Since its inception in 2021, Walworth County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant-funding program, managed in partnership with the United Way of Walworth County, has awarded just over $865,000 to 51 area nonprofits. The seventh and final round of funding was recently awarded to 38 recipients, signifying the conclusion of a successful five-year collaboration.

“The grant-funding partnership with Walworth County has provided 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 for the final round are Agape House Inc, American Legion Post 24, Aram Public Library, Bethel House of Whitewater, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin, Big Foot Community Fine Arts Foundation, Bloom360 Learning Community, Circle of Friends Mission Thrift Shoppe, Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties/Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, Elkhorn Food Pantry, Geneva Lakes Conservancy, Geneva Lake Museum, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, The Guest House by Friends, Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County, Inspiration Ministries, Join the Movement Events, Kettle Moraine Land Trust, Lake Geneva Food Pantry, Mount Zion Christian Church, New Beginnings APFV, Open Arms Free Clinic, Safe Families for Children, Southern Lakes Memory Project, Southern Lakes United Water Ski Show Team, Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills (SMILES), The Community Space,  Special Olympics Wisconsin, Treehouse Child and Family Center, United Way of Jefferson and Walworth County, VIP Services, Walworth County Emergency Homeless Shelter Spirit of Hope, Walworth County Food Pantry (The Bridge), Walworth County Historical Society, Walworth County Literacy Council, Walworth County Reading Project, Williams Bay School Parent Teacher Organization, and Wisconsin Makers.  [Editor’s note: Agencies with a particular connection with the greater Whitewater area are italicized. This is not intended to imply that none of the other agencies may serve Whitewater area residents.]

The agencies received between $1,000 and $9,000 apiece and may utilize the grants for 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.

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

This project is 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.

Whitewater’s Community Development Authority and the Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host an informational event on the Home Renewal Loan Program with lunch sponsored by Home Lumber, LLC.

The city’s Community Development Authority (CDA) and The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) are set to host an informational event on the Home Renewal Loan Program with lunch sponsored by Home Lumber, LLC. This meeting is exclusive to home repair specialists and contractors in the region, in which invites have been sent by mail. The invitations should be received by July 2, 2026. If you have not received an invitation by that date and would wish to attend, please contact Emily Duffek at design@knightpublicaffairs.com.

“This program incentivizes new family occupants, increases the overall housing assessment, and supports local contractors by providing renovation projects,” Chris Hale, President of Home Lumber Company.

The Home Renewal Loan Program, launched by the CDA on behalf of the City of Whitewater, is an initiative aimed to help single-family homeowners’ complete renovations that will enhance the safety and value of their properties. This program stems from the $1.2 million remaining from the $1.9 million TID Affordable Housing Extension; it allows an applicant to get up to $60,000+ in accessible, 0% interest deferred financing that only needs to be paid back once the occupant sells or if the home is converted to a rental.

“This Program is aimed to revitalize single-family housing stock within the City of Whitewater,” said Mason Becker, Community Development Director. “By investing in these homes, we are investing into the foundational quality of Whitewater neighborhoods and strengthening our community.”

“It is very valuable for all contractors to understand this opportunity and encourage clients to pursue renovations that would otherwise have financial barriers,” said Russ Walton, Chairman of the GWC.

For further information, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662.

About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Greater Whitewater Committee. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by gypsumpartition from Pixabay.

Carol McCormick writes “A beautiful reflection of the moon on Trippe Lake on a beautiful Saturday night in Whitewater. Doesn’t get much better than this on a summer night.”

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing yet another of her beautiful photos.

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