News & Events

Whitewater High School
Class of 1956 (Of course … at the time known as “City High School”)
70th Reunion
June 4, 2026 at the Real MacCoys in Whitewater
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

Front Row (L to R)
Joan (Rockwell) Nysather, Shelby (Millard) Reese, Dorothy (Douglas) Hughes, Lyles (Lee) (Enright) Dravus, Barbara (Rohloff) Papcke, Richard Lenz

Back Row (L to R)
Thomas Sheehan, Leroy Vohs, Ronald Schoppe, James Fuerstenberg

Editor’s note: The following update on the Jefferson Street road project was issued on June 16.

Due to the recent rainfall, the start of the Jefferson Street Road project has been postponed and is now scheduled to begin on Friday, June 19.

Phase 1
Construction Starts: June 19, 2026
Project Limits: Jefferson Street from Starin Road northward, including the closure of the Starin Road/Jefferson Street intersection.
Property Access: Access will be maintained for properties located north of Starin Road.
Estimated Completion: July 24 , 2026 (weather dependent)

Compost Site Schedule Changes
Due to construction -related access restrictions, the compost site will be open on Saturdays only beginning June 13, 2026, and will resume its regular Wednesday schedule on July 29, 2026.
Therefore, the compost site will be closed on the following Wednesdays:

• June 17
• June 24
• July 1
• July 8
• July 15
• July 22
  
  Temporary Compost Site Access Changes Beginning July 1:
  Access to the compost site will be limited due to ongoing road construction.

Visitors must enter:

• From Starin Road via Fremont Street
  Please note: Starin Road is scheduled to close on July 1, between Newcomb Street and
  Jefferson Street. (see attached map)
  
  Dog Park Access
  Beginning on June 19, residents visiting the Dog Park will need to park along the north side of Starin Road west of Jefferson Street.
  
  The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation throughout this important infrastructure improvement project. Additional updates will be provided as construction progresses.
  
  Brad Marquardt
  Director of Public Works
  (262) 473 -0139
  Bmarquardt@whitewater -wi.gov

Karin Silvius, Executive Director of Downtown Whitewater, Inc., stated “We will be doing a Culver’s Dine Out Night Wednesday, June 17 from 4-7. I would love to see you all through the drive through or inside! Proceeds are going towards the 4^th of July festivities!”

Editor’s note: Although many residents think that the festival is sponsored by the city, actually it is Downtown Whitewater, Inc. that is responsible. The city’s role beginning this year is to coordinate the parade, which in previous years was led by the Lion’s Club.

Editor’s note: Correction made to the name of the speaker whom the League of Women Voters is sponsoring. (6/29/26 at 4:20 p.m.)

The Whitewater Community Foundation has presented the spring 2026 grants, which include $500 for Studio 84, $485.58 for the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area, $750 to Clyde’s Closet, and $750 for the Fairhaven Foundation on behalf of the Fairhaven Pollinator Garden.

 “These organizations are doing important work to benefit the Whitewater community. Providing this funding to fuel their efforts and make a difference in the lives of our residents is our key purpose,” said Virginia Coburn, chair of the Community Action Grant committee for the Whitewater Community Foundation.

Following is more information about each grant:

Members of the Whitewater Community Foundation board of directors were delighted to visit Studio 84 and present a Community Action Grant check for $500 to help fund their ongoing Second Saturdays community art event. From left are Lynnette Gmur, Studio 84 director, Virginia Coburn, WCF board member, Karina Pittro, Studio 84 artistic mentor, and Kat Mawhinney and Kristine Zaballos, WCF board members.

Second Saturdays have long been a community opportunity to create art. Hosted by Studio 84 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, there’s a fun new activity to dig into every time. Studio 84 provides the art supplies, the ideas and direction, and the space to explore and get messy. All ages and abilities are welcome; no registration required. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit studio84inc.org.

Members of the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area visited the Whitewater Community Foundation office to receive a Community Action Grant check for $485.58 to sponsor the travel expenses for author James Bonilla for a community event that will take place on 9/16/26 at the Whitewater Public Library. Bonella will be discussing his book, “An Eye for An I: Growing up with blindness, bigotry and family mental illness.”

The LWV of Whitewater Area is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government and influencing public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area.

The Whitewater Community Foundation was delighted to visit Clyde’s Closet, a little free pet pantry located at the headquarters of Albert’s Dog Lounge Rescue near Whitewater Lake to present $750 to be used towards pet supplies and the cost of constructing a garden shed to store and protect the pet supplies. Virginia Coburn, WCF board member, presented the check to Mandy Lewis, founder, owner and president of the board of directors of Clyde’s Closet and Albert’s Dog Rescue.

Clyde’s Closet aims to ensure that no pet or pet owner has to go without the necessary resources they need to thrive, and that no pet is surrendered to a rescue or shelter for lack of resources. For more information, visit albertsdoglounge.org/clydes-closet.

The Whitewater Community Foundation recently visited Fairhaven Senior Services to present its foundation $750 to be used for signage for the new Fairhaven Pollinator Gardens. The high-quality signs, which will denote the common and Latin names of the plants in the garden, will be easily visible to residents of Fairhaven and their guests. 

Located blocks away from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Fairhaven Senior Services offers intergenerational programming that very few other senior living facilities can. For more information, visit fairhaven.org. For more information about the Fairhaven Pollinator Garden, visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583432195592.

“The Foundation remains committed to funding projects that foster community engagement.  We encourage more local organizations to apply for our upcoming grants and continue making a positive impact,” said Coburn.

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should contact info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org.  Details about the Community Action Grants can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/

The next grant requests are due October 31, 2026.

The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook. 

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”

Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by United Women in Faith.

The City of Whitewater invites residents, visitors, and community partners to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the city’s new fishing piers at Cravath Lakefront Park, 341 S. Fremont Street, on Tuesday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m. The new fishing piers represent a significant investment in outdoor recreation, accessibility, and community amenities. Since opening, the piers have quickly become popular destinations for anglers, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors looking to enjoy Whitewater’s natural resources.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will provide an opportunity for community members to celebrate the project, learn about future improvements planned for the area, and recognize the partnerships and support that helped make the project possible. These projects are part of the city’s ongoing commitment to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and creating spaces that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.

The city also thanks residents who have provided feedback and observations regarding the new facilities. Community input helps staff identify issues, respond quickly, and ensure these investments continue to meet the needs of the community.

Residents who have questions, concerns, or would like to report an issue are encouraged to use
the City’s Citizen Complaint or Question Form at:
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/forms/33631

The City of Whitewater Common Council on June 16 will consider action on a letter of intent [LOI] which has been received from Anderson Ashton, Inc. regarding the approximately 7.21-acre City-owned property located at 1127 E. Bluff Road (Parcel #A405400001).

According to the Council agenda, “The proposal contemplates a coordinated development consisting of two complementary uses: a new approximately 30,000-square-foot Piggly Wiggly grocery store and a new approximately 12,000-square-foot Whitewater Early Childhood Education and Childcare Center. According to the developer, the childcare facility could potentially serve approximately 150 children, subject to final design and licensing requirements.

“The proposed development is intended to address two community needs identified through previous economic development and housing discussions: expanded grocery access and increased childcare capacity. A recent “leakage report” from Redevelopment Resources identified that approximately $8.9 million in grocery sales leaves Whitewater annually. The need for increased childcare capacity has been documented and discussed at multiple public meetings.

“The developer estimates the project would generate more than $10 million in private investment while
creating new employment opportunities and expanding the City’s tax base. The childcare project will also
unlock the extremely generous $10 million funding commitment from Billie and Steve Moksnes.

“As part of the LOI, Anderson Ashton has requested:

= Municipal support for the entitlement and approval processes necessary to advance the project.

= Authorization for City staff to negotiate a Development Agreement.

• Conveyance of approximately 7.21 acres for development.

• City participation in eligible public infrastructure improvements in an amount up to $500,000.

“The LOI is non-binding and serves as a framework for continued due diligence, site planning, financial
analysis, infrastructure review, traffic evaluation, and negotiation of final project terms. If the Common
Council accepts the LOI, staff’s next step would be to negotiate a formal Development Agreement with
Anderson Ashton. The developer will also conduct due diligence on the property. The proposed land sale
would subsequently be reviewed and considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC), and
any negotiated Development Agreement would be reviewed by the Community Development Authority
(CDA) before returning to the Common Council for final consideration and approval.”

_________________________________________________________________________________

By way of comparison, our ALDI store is 20,000 square feet, and when that store opened it was indicated that the average grocery store from other major companies is approximately 38,000 square feet. As indicated above, this store would be anticipated to be approximately 30,000 square feet. The property in question has been owned by the city for many years and is behind the east side Kwik Trip. Further information regarding the potential project may be found in the Common Council agenda by clicking on #28.

According to the Piggly Wiggly website, the company founded the first true self-service grocery store in the U.S. in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee. “Today there are more than 500 Piggly Wiggly stores in 18 states,” they indicate. “Piggly Wiggly stores are independently owned and operated…” According to the Oshkosh Northwestern, “Piggly Wiggly has a particularly strong presence in Wisconsin with more than 85 grocery stores in the state, second only to Alabama.”

Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Budget Presentation by Rachelle Blitch, Head of Finance
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/290335185127831?p=j5mSsFbXPC6Fnw0TUk
Meeting ID: 290 335 185 127 831
Passcode: gY6kH9VR
Telephone: +1 (929) 229-5663

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation of Digital Sign Policy and Sign Reservation Form, Update on Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park License, Update on Quasi-Judicial items on Agendas memo.- City Attorney; Resolution updating the City of Whitewater’s Strategic Goals and update from the Common Council Visioning session from March 14, 2026; Amendment to Ordinance 9.04.010 – Injury to Squirrels and Pets – Permission
Required-; Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Community Survey Draft Revision; Review of Letter of Intent Submitted on Lot 1RA (Parcel #/A405400001
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/230208847701985?p=5Qmq9SUqtNH6gJztL6
Meeting ID: 230 208 847 701 985
Passcode: uW3E8dW6
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,449538375#
Phone conference ID: 449 538 375#

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/237248599969546?p=A2bH0T4i9rju7n0HpN
Meeting ID: 237 248 599 969 546
Passcode: Xn6DD7rw
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,804738178#
Phone conference ID: 804 738 178#