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The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is hosting an exhibition in October in the Cultural Arts Center (CAC), 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Co-chaired by Taylor McDarison, artist and manager of Arttaysia, LLC, and Nicole Holder, artist and manager of Harta Art, LLC, the exhibition is to run from October 7 to October 30. The show is open to lovers of the macabre, folklore, mythology, and the gothic. This might include but is not limited to: community members, WAA members, students, etc. The show will be both in-gallery and will be made virtual on October 29, and will be viewable until November 27.
Eligibility for the show includes artists who enjoy Halloween or fantasy related themes. Mediums can be 2D or 3D but must be original work to sell. Source materials must be original and not derived from any published images or copyright work/commercial patterns. However, artists can submit non-original works such as Jack Skellington as long as they are “not for sale.” Artists can submit up to four pieces and must send all items (forms and images) to Taylor McDarison via email (arttaysia.llc@gmail.com).
AWARDS: Best in Show ($150.00) and Viewer’s Choice ($50.00).
KEY DATES:
- September 18 – Submission Deadline for Applications by 11:59pm
- September 25 – Work drop off to the CAC, 3pm to 5pm
- October 28 – Exhibition Closing Reception from 6pm to 9pm
- October 29 to November 27 – Virtual show on website
- October 30 – exhibition closes after 5pm and artwork to be picked up at CAC
Full information, eligibility, rules, and registration can be found here: https://www.whitewaterarts.org/hallows-gala-2022
For questions, registrants are asked to contact Ashley McDarison (wwartsalliance@gmail.com).
Big thanks to our sponsor, First Citizens State Bank!
The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.
Article Submitted by Ashe McDarison
Manager, Whitewater Arts Alliance
wwartsalliance@gmail.com
With fall just around the corner, school supply lists are starting to appear in stores among the rows of bright colored folders, notebooks, pens and pencils. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend $864 on back-to-school purchases. For those with children in elementary to high school, shoppers are putting the largest portion of their budgets toward electronics, new clothes and accessories.
“Back to school spending is almost on par with the holiday expenses.“ says Amanda Kostman, Human Development and Relationships Educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension Walworth County. “Many households set aside money year round to help cover their holiday expenses, but back-to-school time always seems to sneak up on us – and adds up quickly.”
More than one-third, or 37%, of parents with school-age children said they are unable to afford back-to-school shopping due to inflation, and nearly half said they would take on debt shopping for their kids, according to a study by Credit Karma. As inflation continues to rise, one-third of consumers (38%) said they are cutting back in other spending areas to cover the cost of items for the upcoming school year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Families expect to spend more per person on both K-12 and college items this year because of higher prices. Before you head out to the stores or get online, a little time spent planning can help to stretch the budget. Here are some helpful tips to help you have all that you need as kids head back to school.
As a rule, stick to only buying what you need right now. Students may have to start the school year with notebooks, binders, paper, pens and pencils, but put off purchasing other items, such as a new backpack or lunchbox until they go on sale. If you do not need a new laptop or headphones right away, are you able to wait until Labor Day or even Black Friday when the discounts on electronics will be greater?
Begin by doing an inventory of school supplies and clothes from last year and of all the items that you already have on hand. Make a list of “must have” items and “nice to have” items. Does your child really need a new backpack, or a new lunchbox? Do the jeans from last year still fit? Also, remember fees paid directly to the school, such as book rentals, band instrument rental or athletic fees, and list these fixed costs in the “must have” category. Paying for lunch can also be surprisingly costly. Free and reduced-price school lunch programs through your school district can ease the pressure on the budget for eligible families.
Next, figure out which items your child needs at the start of school and which items can wait a month or two. Maybe one or two pairs of new pants will make do for the start of school, especially if your child is going through a growth spurt. Waiting to buy some items until later fall and pre-season sales allows time for the child to grow and a chance to spread out spending.
Use your child’s school supply list, your school fees must-have list, and your list of needed clothes to come up with a total budget amount for each child in school.
Finally, compare your budgeted amount with your monthly expenses. Are there places where you can cut back on other bills to find back-to-school funds? What resources does your community have to help stretch your dollar? School districts frequently have information on school supply donations and clothing exchanges sponsored by local service providers.
Remember to include your student in this process. One of the best things you can do is involve your children in the budgeting and shopping. Including children in the decision-making process will help them learn to make decisions based on math skills, judgment, and personal taste. If your child really wants the more expensive folders, then they will need to reuse their lunch box or backpack from last year. Buying items at cheaper prices will teach them that they might have enough money left in their budget for brand-name sneakers. This is what money management is all about. Setting limits on spending does not mean a lack of choices, but it does make kids have to think strategically.
Going back to school is an exciting time for everyone. With a bit of planning, your 2022 school shopping can fit into your household budget without going into debt and being stressed in the process. Now isn’t this the best way to start a new school year?
Article Submitted by Amanda Kostman
Human Development and Relationships Extension Educator
http://walworth.uwex.edu/
Large Rummage Sale: 1240 W Satinwood Lane, Whitewater. Saturday August 13, 8 til 4, and Sunday August 14, 9-2.
Grumman Canoe, Schwinn Airdyne Exercise Bike, Glassware, Collector Plates, Bird Figurines, furniture, household items, books, DVD’s, and all kinds of miscellaneous goodies.
Fun Yard Sale: N7380 County Road P, Whitewater. Friday Aug 12, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday Aug 13, 9am to 5 pm
Tools, chain saw, rugs, ceramic tiles, firebricks, vintage items, Makita sander, electronics, lighting, antiques, art work, art frames, home decor, Lincoln Logs, kid’s stuff, ladder, luggage, mower, clothes, wicker outdoor rockers, dishes, household items, toys. Watch for Signs!
Rummage Sale: 1130 W South St., Friday August 12, 9-5, and Saturday, August 13, 9-3
Squishmallows, karaoke machine, women’s and girls clothing, purses (coach, Liz Claiborne, etc), children’s games, youth sport wear, antique dolls, and more! All priced to sell, and offers welcome.
After investigation, the City of Whitewater is confirmed to have no detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) is conducting a statewide investigation into the occurrence of PFAS in drinking water at select municipal drinking water suppliers in WI during 2022. The City of Whitewater Water Utility voluntarily took part in this investigation by sampling its drinking water for PFAS. The City of Whitewater Water Utility decided to sample for PFAS to proactively assess the potential impacts of PFAS in the drinking water and to quickly take steps to protect the health of our customers if needed.
PFAS have been found in some drinking water supplies where PFAS releases have occurred in the environment. These substances can be found in fire-fighting foams, stain repellents, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food wrappers, and are used in many industrial processes. They do not break down in the environment and move easily into water. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS) has made health based advisory level recommendations for 12 individual PFAS compounds and a combined value for 6 additional compounds.
The City of Whitewater Water Utility’s drinking water was tested as a part of this sampling project. The test results, which can be found on the WI DNR PFAS Sampling Project Page located at https://dnr.wi.gov/dwsviewer/, show that PFAS compounds were NOT detected.
The City of Whitewater Water Utility is committed to providing our customers with quality drinking water. As your water supplier, we will continue to work closely with WI DNR to maintain the quality of your water.
Specific health information regarding PFAS compounds with health advisory recommendations in WI can be found here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/gws-cycle11.htm.
Additional health information regarding PFAS can be found here: DHS PFAS https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/pfas.htm.
Article Submitted by Brad Marquardt
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The SOO Line 1003 steam engine rolled through town on Monday, August 8, with an assist from a diesel engine. She was on her way back to Hartford, WI after spending time in Chicago for a special event.
Article and Photos Submitted by Stacey Amos
1bradyshortofabunch@gmail.com
The Congregational UCC, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, continues to host the free Monday night carry-out spaghetti meals through December 19th, 2022, excluding the Monday holidays—Labor Day – September 5th, and Christmas – December 26th. Carry-outs available from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. For more information, contact Patty Harmon at the First English Lutheran Church office, (262) 473-5076 or Margie Hammerl at the Congregational UCC, (262) 473-4101.
La congregación UCC ubicada en 133 S. Calle Franklin, en Whitewater continuará ofreciendo cenas de espagueti para llevar todos los lunes hasta el 19 de Diciembre del 2022, con excepto el lunes feriado, (dia del Trabajo) Labor Day – 5 de Septiembre y (Navidad) Christmas – 26 de Diciembre. Comidas para llevar disponibles de 5:00 p. m. a 6:00 p. m.Para más información contacte a Patty Harmon en la oficina de la Iglesia Luterana (262) 473-5076 ó a Margie Hammerl en la Congregación UCC (262) 473-4101.
Article Submitted By Patty Harmon, Co-coordinator (FELC)
Campus & Community Meal
harmon000333@yahoo.com
On Saturday, August 13, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin will join State Rep. Don Vruwink for a listening session with local farmers hosted at the Luke Goessling Farm in Whitewater.
Goessling and his family grow corn and soybeans on 750 acres, a farm that has been in the family since 1938. Rep. Vruwink and Sen. Baldwin will give area growers, farmers, and food processors an update on issues that have come before Congress and the Wisconsin Legislature.
WHEN: 10:00 AM
WHERE: Luke Goessling Farm, W9697 W. Walworth Ave, Whitewater, WI
DIRECTIONS TO GOESSLING FARM: The farm is located just south of Robin’s Trucking, W9699 W. Walworth Ave, Whitewater.
Wisconsin State Rep. Don Vruwink represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes portions of Dane, Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth Counties. United States Senator Tammy Baldwin represents all of Wisconsin.
Article Submitted by Rep. Don Vruwink
Rep.Vruwink@legis.wisconsin.gov
Maxwell Street Days in Whitewater were held Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6, 2022.
Photos Submitted by Tom Ganser
tganser33@gmail.com
Obituaries
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
Entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, April 3, 2026, age 65. Donna is survived by her cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Lois (Michels) Lyons. Donna was raised in the Church of Nazarene, with her father being the assistant pastor. Religion was very important to Donna. Donna enjoyed working with the students of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she resided. Donna also loved to travel, visiting France, Italy, and all around the United States. She also loved to paint, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. She also loved collecting recipes and trying … Read more
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