News & Events

Residents are reminded that blowing, placing, or leaving grass clippings and other lawn debris in any
City street is prohibited.

This regulation exists for several important reasons:

• Prevents Flooding: Grass clippings, leaves, and debris can clog storm drains, leading to street
  and property flooding.
• Protects Water Quality: Storm drains flow directly into local lakes without treatment. Grass
  clippings add excess nutrients that contribute to harmful algae blooms.
• Improves Safety: Grass clippings left on roadways can create slippery conditions, posing
  hazards for bicyclists and motorcyclists.
  
  Proper Lawn Care Practices:
• Use a mulching mower to return nutrients back into your lawn.
• If using a discharge mower, direct clippings toward your property, not the street.
• After mowing, clean up any debris from streets, sidewalks, and storm drains using a blower,
  broom, or rake.
• Grass clippings may be bagged, but they may not be disposed of in garbage totes.
• Residents are encouraged to compost clippings on their property or take them to the City’s
  designated compost site.
  
  City Code – Chapter 12.08: Street Obstructions
• It is unlawful to deposit grass clippings or other debris on any street, alley, sidewalk, gutter, or
  public ground.
• Violations may result in a penalty ranging from $25 to $250, plus associated costs.
  
  Your cooperation helps keep our streets safe, prevents flooding, and protects our local waterways.
  Thank you for doing your part to keep our community clean and safe.
  
  Brad Marquardt
  Director of Public Works
  bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

The Walworth County Department of Public Works will conduct roadside vegetation management activities in late April and early May to control invasive plant species and reduce long-term mowing costs.

Beginning the latter part of April, weather permitting, residents may observe Public Works crews applying herbicide treatments along County Highway rights‑of‑way. Crews will also conduct selective spraying within the rights‑of‑way of designated State highways, including State Highways 50, 11, and 89.  These activities support the County’s ongoing Vegetation Management Plan, which is designed to improve roadside ecosystem health while lowering expenditures for mowing labor, equipment maintenance, and fuel.

Invasive plant species such as wild parsnip, ragweed, field sow thistle, and chicory remain a significant concern in southeastern Wisconsin and are present throughout Walworth County. These plants can pose safety risks to highway workers, hinder visibility, and displace native vegetation. Vegetation management efforts over the past few years have substantially reduced invasive growth, resulting in more efficient and safer mowing operations.

For the 2026 season, County staff—trained and certified in herbicide application—will use an EPA‑approved blend of broadleaf herbicides and plant growth regulators formulated to target invasive species while minimizing impacts on native plants, including grasses and milkweed. This approach supports pollinators, enhances wildlife habitat, and helps restore ecological balance along roadways.

Residents, including organic growers, who have questions or concerns about the vegetation management program are encouraged to contact the Walworth County Public Works Highway Division at (262) 741‑3114. Find more information at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1278/Vegetation-Management.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County Highway Department. Our apologies that it was not posted earlier.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our final
2026 Boater Safety Education Course on May 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and
June 6, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S.
Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a Boater Safety
Education Course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on
Wisconsin waters. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years old or turn 12
shortly after the class.

Boater Safety Education Course – Class #2
Session 1: May 20, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: June 6, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open. [Editor’s note: As of Saturday evening, May 16 there are still openings.] Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/boater-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the
submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The
student must have a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number to register.
The course fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the first session (exact cash or
check). If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first
session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session.
Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.

Updated 5/16/26 @ 10:50 p.m. to add the link to the Parks & Recreation Board meeting and to clarify that the meeting is at the Old Armory.

Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation by McMahon Associates, Inc.; Approval of closing the library from 9 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27 for ActiveThreat Training for all city staff by the Whitewater Police Department
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://us02web.zoom.us/j/81027814762?pwd=ynpXw0yVVG5Yw5RQoLaxXPq06xNe5M.1
Meeting ID: 810 2781 4762
Passcode: tiVFuq8Z
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US

City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Spring Splash report, Storm after action report; 2026-R-14 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Not to Exceed $9,200,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A- Finance 2026-R-15 Resolution authorizing the Issuance and Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Not to Exceed $5,275,000 Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026B; First reading of an ordinance to repeal the ordinance for the Equal Opportunities Commission; Discussion and Possible Action regarding incorporating the Public Arts Committee with the Whitewater Arts Alliance.-Discussion and Possible Action regarding options for holding Common Council meeting in the Community; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park 2026-2027 Mobile Home License;
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/29508693503716?p=1AMyIgH7LZOyMe9dQe
Meeting ID: 295 086 935 037 16
Passcode: Aj9kz2nP
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,961778606# United States,
Phone conference ID: 961 778 606#

City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Location: Old Armory, 146 W. North Street
Agenda includes Tour Armory Building, including second floor food pantry area; Discussion and possible action on lease agreement with Whitewater Food Pantry at the Old Armory; Tour Armory Building, including second floor food pantry area; Discussion and possible action on lease agreement with Whitewater Food Pantry at the Old Armory; Discussion on city building rental policy.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/286491604653378?p=WvH3Fh7Nx85vlibU6v

Whitewater Unified School District Strategic Planning Work Group – Thursday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Comprehensive Plan Feedback: Discussion and possible action; EXECUTIVE SESSION to be followed by open session: Discussion and possible action Becker & Bolton DA amendment: Discussion and possible action; Lifetime Manufacturing/Summerset Marine DA:
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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/294338385313009?p=VOg5AedvZ4ABvSW3tD
Meeting ID: 294 338 385 313 009
Passcode: pg2gA96R
Need help? | System reference
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,138251129# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 138 251 129#

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Updated 5/16/26 @ 12:20 a.m. to indicate that UW-W will face Bethany Lutheran on Saturday [see final paragraph below.]

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team opened up the NCAA Regional Tournament with a 13-4 win over Macalester College at Prucha Field. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) set the tone early with a lead-off home run as the Warhawks scored at least one run in seven of their eight offensive innings.

Jackson Koenig (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) got the start on the mound, retiring the Scots to get the Warhawks going early. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) followed it up with a lead-off home run on just the third pitch he saw to put the Warhawks up 1-0. 

In the second inning, Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) added an RBI single, followed by RBI double from Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North). Keli Grennier (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) added the next runs in the third inning with a 2-RBI homer to left center, his first of the day. 

The Warhawks threatened to extend their 6-0 start to the game, loading up the bases in the bottom of the 4th, but an inning-ending double play got Macalester out of it. The Scots turned the momentum into offense with three runs in the top of the 5th on back-to-back RBI doubles. 

Wyatt Jensen (Luck, Wis./Luck) tacked on an RBI single in the 5th to get the Warhawks back up to a four-run lead. 

After putting a zero back up on the board at the top of the 6th, the Warhawks had their biggest inning of the day with a 5-run spot in the bottom of the frame. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) kick-started the run with a solo shot to center field. Keli Grennier (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) blasted his second home run of the day to tack on another three runs. Jensen added the last touch with an RBI single to put the Warhawks up 12-3.

Macalester was able to add another run on a fielder’s choice, but Leyten Bowers (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) got it back with an RBI double in the 7th. The Warhawks took the win 13-4, with Skyler Sievert (Laguna Niguel, Cal./Dana Hills) pitching the final three innings to earn the save. 

The Warhawks will face Bethany Lutheran of Mankato, MN in the 2:30 PM game on Saturday, May 16th at Prucha Field. Bethany Lutheran beat Luther 8-3 on Friday. Most everything you need to know may be found on UW-W’s Regional Tournament page. That includes admission costs, parking info (remember, Saturday is commencement, so parking arrangements will change), and the schedule for the tournament. Also see the Gameday Central page for further information.