News & Events

UW-Whitewater’s Fairhaven Lecture Series Celebrates 40 Years of Community Conversations

UW-Whitewater’s Office of Continuing Education and Fairhaven Senior Services are recognizing “A Legacy of Lifelong Learning: Celebrating 40 years of Community Conversations” through the Fairhaven Lecture Series. Since 1983, UW-Whitewater faculty and staff and community and business leaders have offered free presentations on topics ranging from art and literature to history and politics.  

This fall, we celebrate four decades of timely and relevant presentations by showcasing the University’s award-winning faculty and staff who are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for all. Once dubbed “one of Whitewater’s best kept secrets,” the Series has become a well-known tradition, engaging our community and transforming lives. Join us in celebrating 40 years of conversations, won’t you?

Lectures in the Fall Fairhaven Lecture Series, “A Legacy of Lifelong Learning: Celebrating 40 Years of Community Conversations” are free and open to the public. They are held on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater. Lectures will be recorded and posted to our website and YouTube channel. Videos of lectures from this and previous series can be accessed for free any time after they are posted.

Visit www.uww.edu/ce/fairhaven and www.facebook.com/UWWFairhavenLecture/ for videos, descriptions of each lecture, and updates on the status of each lecture.  Contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information or to request accommodations.   

About UW-Whitewater

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree.  Offering more than 170 undergraduate and graduate majors and minors as well as an education specialist and a doctoral degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the university boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities.

Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue on August 24, 2023.

Whitewater Tax Preparer Charged with Tax Crimes Filed 340
False Returns

Mauricio Castaneda, a Whitewater tax preparer, was charged with theft, five counts of filing false Wisconsin income tax returns and five counts of filing false claims for credit. Castaneda was charged in Walworth County on August 21, 2023.

According to the criminal complaint, Castaneda allegedly filed returns for customers at El Nevado Taxes [239 E. Milwaukee St.] in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Some customers filed under Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) which are issued and used by individuals who are required to have a tax identification number but do not have a Social
Security number. Customers received refunds for Wisconsin income taxes withheld. Later, Castaneda allegedly filed fraudulent returns that used different identification numbers, but the customers’ same W-2 wage
statements that were previously used to receive refunds. Castaneda also allegedly added fictitious spouses and claimed credits to increase the tax refunds. Castaneda received the refund checks in the mail and deposited
them into his bank account. Castaneda allegedly filed 340 false returns attempting to defraud the state of Wisconsin of approximately $331,656.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue prevented refunds from being issued for 307 fraudulent returns. However, Castaneda received refunds on 33 returns, for a loss of $33,356. If convicted on all counts, Castaneda may be imprisoned up to 70 years, face fines up to $125,000, or both, and
assessed the cost of prosecution. An assistant attorney general from the Criminal Litigation Unit in the Wisconsin Department of Justice is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Office of Criminal Investigation.

Castaneda is presumed innocent. An initial appearance is scheduled in Walworth County Circuit Court for September 19, 2023, at 1:15 p.m.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue Office of Criminal Investigation investigates individuals and businesses suspected of committing tax crimes and seeks criminal prosecution for those crimes.

To report tax fraud, go to www.revenue.wi.gov and click the “Report tax fraud” link under Quick Links.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

This is the last in our series of business transition photos taken by George Scharfenberg in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. In this case, it is the going out of business sale for the Gift Hutch in 2000.

Many retail businesses have come and gone in downtown Whitewater, but this gift store was one of the longest businesses of the 20th century. Helen Ridge established the store as Helen’s Gift Shop in 1962 and ran the business until 1973, when new owners purchased the business and renamed it the “Gift Hutch.” They operated the store until going out of business in 2000. That’s almost 40 years.

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

(Photo from the George Scharfenberg collection, Whitewater Historical Society)

Whitewater’s CCS Disbands

After more than 50 years of worship, fellowship, and benevolence, the membership of Community of Christ the Servant (CCS) has voted to disband the congregation. The difficult decision followed the passing of Mike Obinger, who had served as the church’s pastor since November 1987.

Arising from the political turmoil of the time, the church was founded on October 3, 1971 as a new non-denominational Christian fellowship. It brought together people of many faiths, including Congregational, Quaker, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist and others.

Founding members sought a new type of church with less emphasis on fundamentalism and ritual and more emphasis on relating the ancient truths of Scripture and Sacrament to living in current times. Being a Christian community through fellowship, discussion, study, involvement, and benevolence was a hallmark of CCS throughout its history.

Community of Christ the Servant especially was dedicated to serving those in need. Its bylaws mandated that fully 25 percent of all church income be donated to well-vetted local, national and international causes. Over the past 52 years, countless organizations at all levels have benefited from CCS’s generosity. At their last meeting, members of CCS voted to disperse the church’s remaining assets to Bethel House, Whitewater Food Pantry, Whitewater Community Space, Salvation Army, Planned Parenthood, Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, Doctors Without Borders, the UN’s International Children’s Fund, and the Carter Center.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Community of Christ the Servant. The image is of a CCS banner designed and made by CCS Quilters.  

Wonderful Whitewater Estate Sale of Wally and Mary Goeglein by S&H Estate Sales & Service

Thu, Aug 24, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat, Aug 26, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

256 S Cottage St., Whitewater

Wonderfully Clean and Neat Estate Sale! Two Story House., Two Car Garage, & Two Basements Even! And It’s All Packed Full! 

Many additional photos may be viewed here.

A few items to note:
Indian Motorcycle Misc. Clothes/Hats/Jackets/Tailpipes/Parts/Decor/Etc.
Disney 
Hallmark
Pandora
Amber Jewelry
Tempur-Pedic Adjustable Bed
Bobbleheads
Yard Tools
Power Tools
Garage Misc.
Grill
Kitchen/Bathroom Misc.
Furniture
Antique Telephones
Artwork

Terms & Conditions

S&H Estate Sales & Service Rules:

Please Park respectfully.  Do NOT park in front of mailboxes or driveways. The side of the street in front of the house is NO Parking. 

If you don’t feel good, we ask that you kindly refrain from coming to this sale. The safety of our customers and staff is our highest priority.

We will be abiding by our limited amount of people allowed in the house and garage at one time. (NO MORE THAN 20/30 AT A TIME). This is due to the size of the house and the amount of items in it. If you are waiting outside in line, we ask that you dress according to weather conditions. You may experience longer wait times (one person in = one person out, whether you came with another person or not).  WE DO NOT DO LISTS!

Numbers will be out at 8 am on Thursday and Friday (We open at 9). First Come, First Served on Saturday. Please line up by the front door.

Please remember you are a guest in someone’s home. Please wipe your feet! No pets allowed (except for service animals). The old adage of “you break it, you buy it” will apply. Our staff is NOT able to lift/carry/haul your purchases, so PLEASE arrange for pick-up and help of whatever you plan on buying, especially large appliances and furniture. In fairness to all customers we will NOT give out price information in advance. The address will be published one day before the sale.

Terms and Conditions: Cash & Local Checks are accepted. A $30 charge will apply for NSF. Credit Cards will be accepted based on internet reception and a 3% fee will apply. (All Check transactions will require a signature & phone number.) Taxes are required to be collected at a 5.5% rate, per State law. S&H is Not Responsible for Accidents. All Items are Sold AS IS, NO REFUNDS/RETURNS/EXCHANGES. Please check your purchases thoroughly before buying. All Sales are FINAL. There will be a Limited Number of Pink Estate Sale signs located in the vicinity to direct you to this house.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

At its August 14 meeting, the Whitewater Unified School District Board unanimously voted to rename the Whitewater High School auditorium after the late James Stewart.

Stewart served on the School Board for nearly 27 years, from 1981 to 2002 and again from 2016 until his passing on November 26, 2021. During his service to the district, he was board president and treasurer—each for six years—and vice president for two years. 

“Jim was a dedicated public servant and a true champion for public education,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “His unwavering commitment to our district and his passion for education have shaped our educational community. The James M. Stewart Auditorium will serve as a tribute to his service and will carry on his legacy for many years to come.”

Stewart’s commitment to serving others extended well beyond his role on the Board of Education. Following his graduation from UW-Madison in 1959, he served in the military for 20 years, touring in France, Vietnam, and South Korea before moving to the ROTC program at UW-Whitewater. Additionally, he served the people of Wisconsin as state assemblyman for the 32nd district and the community of Whitewater as a member of the Common Council and the Whitewater Police and Fire Commission. 

Stewart’s legacy also includes an instrumental role in founding the Whitewater Banner, an essential source of local news and information for the Whitewater community since its inception in 2006. The website has played a crucial role in connecting the community.

Stewart’s memory and service will remain an integral part of WUSD, and the James M. Stewart Auditorium will serve as an ongoing testament to his enduring legacy.

According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office:  Heat index values are expected to be slightly lower, but still dangerous.  Values of around 105 degrees are expected for southern and south central Wisconsin, with values around 100 degrees for central.  An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for south central and southeastern Wisconsin.