News & Events

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Bethel House.

Bethel House, a local ecumenical nonprofit organization focused on homelessness prevention, is celebrating 30 years of local service in 2024.

“For the past 30 years, Bethel House has provided unwavering support to prevent homelessness for children and families in the greater Whitewater area. As a small, grassroots nonprofit supported through the generosity of local individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations, Bethel House has epitomized the impact of the collective power of a community,” states Jessie Dugan, Bethel House Board Chair. “To celebrate these influential 30 years, we’ll reflect on who and what brought us here, highlight the strength of our critical work today, and look ahead to strategically plan how we can continue to support families for the next 30 years.”

To honor this 30th anniversary year, Bethel House has released a video highlighting its local impact work, which can be found on its website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. The organization has also launched a new 30th Anniversary campaign donation page, with a goal to raise $3,000.

“We are excited to launch our new campaign pages, providing donors an easy way to directly support different Bethel House initiatives,” states Megan Hartwick, Bethel House Executive Director. “We’ve set a goal of $3,000 for our 30th Anniversary, which we hope can be achieved by 100 community members donating $30 towards our mission.”

The 30th Anniversary campaign donation page can be found at https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/AR1eP or via the Bethel House website. 

Over the next six months, community members can also expect to see features on the organization’s founding members, quotes from current board members, and success stories from clients shared on the Bethel House social media pages. The organization will also release a new website later this summer to communicate its programs and support options more effectively.

“We’re really eager to spend this 30th anniversary year better messaging our work, both to our supporters and potential new donors and to families who can benefit from our services,” adds Hartwick. “We look forward to recognizing the key stakeholders who have played a crucial role in developing the version of Bethel House we all know today and will share details about how our support is truly changing the lives of children and families in our community. We hope our communities learn more about what we do and consider lending their support through a donation and/or investing in our upcoming Fall Dinner fundraiser.”

Coming off of a very successful 2nd Annual Spring Raffle Fundraiser, having increased fundraising efforts by over 40% from the 1st annual event, Bethel House leadership is focused on increasing fundraising levels for the annual Fall Dinner, setting a goal to raise $30,000 from the event to coincide with the milestone anniversary year.

“The Bethel House Fall Dinner has become a critical fundraiser for our organization and is considered a must-attend event amongst our supporters,” Dugan states. “Last year’s event raised just over $27,000 to support our mission and local impact. Our event committee has set an ambitious goal to raise $30,000 at this year’s dinner, as we’re hopeful our already generous community of givers will lend additional support during this celebratory year.”

The 2024 Fall Dinner will be held on Friday, November 1st, at 6 p.m. at Staller Winery. Full details for sponsorship and ticket sales will be released later this summer.

In addition to attending the Fall Dinner, community members can support Bethel House in a number of ways. The organization accepts donations for an in-office toiletry pantry and household and furniture items to help furnish its seven housing units. For specific needs at any given time or to coordinate the delivery of items, please contact the Bethel House Director of Case Management, Sydney Johnson, at casemanager.bethelhouse@gmail.com or by calling 262.473.2715.

“While monetary donations keep our organization financially supported, and item donations help support the daily lives of our housed families, our organization is also always looking for volunteer support,” Hartwick states. “Volunteers provide invaluable support in helping prepare our houses for new children and families and turn them into furnished, comfortable places for them to call home. Those interested in lending a few hours for light cleaning, moving furniture, painting, and more can simply complete our online volunteer interest form to be added to our outreach list.” 

Those interested in volunteering can visit http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/volunteer.html to complete the online volunteer interest form.

“Bethel House is honored to serve our communities and for the opportunity to help keep local families in their homes and their children stable in their schools,” Hartwick states. “Our programs are vital to the stability of many families in our community, and we are humbled by the generous investments that continue to be made in our mission. We hope that support continues to grow throughout this 30th anniversary year, allowing us to serve even more children and families.”

For questions about Bethel Houses’ anniversary, program offerings, or how to lend support, please contact director.bethelhouse@gmail.com or 262.473.2715. Monetary donations can be mailed to 133 S. Franklin Street – Whitewater, WI 53190.

Promotion of the 30th anniversary will continue throughout 2024.

Bethel House is an ecumenical project that helps families facing homelessness in the Whitewater area. It provides transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, and case management to families in need.

Bethel House utilizes seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation and building, life skills and decision-making, accessing other community resources and services, and much more.

Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. For more details, visit www.bethelhouseing.org or call 262.473.2715.

Updated 6/17 @ 10 a.m. – To show that Library Board has no meeting this week; also, a new link has been provided for the Common Council agenda, which now includes the full packet for the meeting.
Updated 6/17 @ 4:30 p.m. – To add details of Community Development Authority Board of Directors meeting.

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Adjourn to Closed Session, TO RECONVENE, Items to be discussed: Interview of FTE EMT/Firefighter Candidate(s)
Interview of Patrol Officer Candidate
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*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:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/452732173
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 452-732-173
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412

Irvin L. Library Board of Trustees – UPDATE: No meeting this month.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tuesday @ 11:30 a.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Cravath Lakefront
Room 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.
*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://us06web.zoom.us/j/82377911249?pwd=wF6tZnRg_p8a3P1J1blt383vI6S1_Q.VDwVWxxVu7hhxxu6
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 823 7791 1249
Passcode: 374100

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Levying special assessments for the North Side Water Main Project, Discussion and Possible Action to reconsider award of the Cravath & Trippe Lakes Mechanical Dredging of Cattail to Eco Waterway Services, Discussion and Possible Action to consider awarding the Cravath & Trippe Lakes Mechanical Dredging of Cattail to RLP Diversified, INC
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81256634296?pwd=hnOmVYaV4X9rjiHyRMPVUR9Ewkislg.yO_Nwnrk57Nvmk8g
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 812 5663 4296
Passcode: 023286

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding creation of a Lakes District
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85488944447?pwd=mmTaaVOxCbNYLFzUWynN7TizJ74Da0.1
Meeting ID: 854 8894 4447
Passcode: 384266
Dial +1 312 626 6799 US

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation of the 2023 Annual Financial Report — Johnson Block
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 W. Whitewater St.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85923342974
Or One tap mobile :
+16469313860,,85923342974# US
Or Telephone:
+1 312 626 6799

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89856835590?pwd=5wlh0pyWNQvxavSYqnalKKfpuOz3T2.1
Meeting ID: 898 5683 5590
Passcode: 580218
Or dial +1 312 626 6799

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Response to the Request for Proposals (RFP)
Response wo engage Legal Counsel for the CDA, Discussion and possible action with respect to amendment to Ordinance 5.28 regarding Mobile Food Establishments, and Staff Update Regarding Why Meeper Loan Was Written Off.
Board of Directors Meeting (In-Person & Virtual)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83987884868?pwd=G22fVyukan23JZ2DZJ6LHffOyFSe8A.CBR60QIyfP2Kw1OS
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 839 8788 4868
Passcode: 733838

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

Sunday is Father’s Day and we wish all fathers a happy day! Here is a famous Whitewater father and son. On the left is George Esterly, inventor and industrialist, founder of the Esterly factory that was the largest employer in Whitewater between 1860 and 1890. On the right is George Esterly Jr. who followed his father to Minnesota in 1893, at which time the Esterly factory closed down. George Esterly’s house was featured in a recent post and is not extant, but Esterly Jr’s house is still standing. It is the Delta Zeta sorority house on Main Street.

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

(1947STU, 1887ST, Whitewater Historical Society)

The public is invited to a series of free workshops at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, facilitated by Associated Bank.

A one-hour Homebuyer Workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m. Participants will learn what credit is, how to build it, and the step-by-step process of buying a home. Understanding what credit is and how to build it so that you are home-buyer ready is crucial for a transition from renting to owning. For adults.

On Thursday, June 27 at 1:00 p.m., there will be a presentation about protecting against identity theft and scams. Prevention is the first step in minimizing your risk for identity theft and falling victim to a scam. In this one-hour session, you will learn guidelines to proactively protect your identity as well as recognize common scams and fraud attempts. For adults.

For young adults ages 16-21, learn how to make a credit card help not hinder you and step into adulthood with money saving tips and tricks. In this one-hour session on Tuesday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m., you will become an expert in budgeting, paying yourself, and utilizing a credit card for good and not evil.

There is no cost or registration to attend the workshops. The library is located at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782. Visit the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org for a full listing of upcoming library events.

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group (WILEAG) will be assessing and examining all aspects of the Whitewater Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The assessment will take place Tuesday, June 18, 2024 through Thursday, June 20, 2024.

Verification by the WILEAG team is necessary for the Whitewater Police Department to meet the Board’s state-of-the-art standards as part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation.

“Accreditation evaluates whether our agency is following defined industry standards and best practices. This rigorous process helps us ensure we are providing the highest level of service for our community, ” Chief Dan Meyer said.

The public can provide comments to the assessment team by calling (262) 473-0109 on Wednesday, June 18th between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with WILEAG’s standards. The current WILEAG accreditation standards can be found at the WILEAG website located at http://www.wileag.info/full-accreditation.html.

Individuals can offer written comments about the Whitewater Police Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation and send them to Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, at WILEAG, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave. West Allis, WI 53214.

“The Whitewater Police Department must comply with hundreds of standards in order to gain accredited status,” said Meyer. “The achievement and subsequent maintenance of accredited status have been cornerstone accomplishments for our department. The work required of our staff to maintain accredited status has helped us nurture a culture of professionalism over a number of years here.”

“The assessment team is composed of three law enforcement practitioners from other agencies within the state,” said Captain Adam Vander Steeg, Accreditation Manager for the Whitewater Police Department. “The assessors will review department documents, interview employees, and view offices and the places where compliance can be observed.”

“After completion of the assessment team’s review of the agency, the assessment team leader reports back to the WILEAG Board so a determination can be made as to whether the agency will be granted accredited status,” Vander Steeg stated. Accreditation status is granted for three years during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

For more information regarding the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, citizens can email executive.director@wileag.info or write to:
WILEAG
7525 W. Greenfield Ave.
West Allis, WI 53214

A copy of the standards is available at the Whitewater Police Department. Citizens can contact Captain Adam Vander Steeg at (262) 473-1372 for further information.
Whitewater Police Department
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire extends congratulations to the students named to the spring 2024 dean’s list. Their academic performance has been outstanding, and we recognize these students with pride.

Congratulations, Blugolds!

Dean’s list eligibility requirements:

At the end of each semester, each of UW-Eau Claire’s four colleges recognizes excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the dean’s list.

To be eligible, a student must:

– Be in good academic standing.

– Have a minimum semester GPA of 3.70.

– Have completed at least 12 credits during the semester, with no incompletes, no courses below the 100 level, no repeats and no Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory registrations (except in degree credit-bearing courses that are offered only on the S/U grading system in which a grade of S has been earned).

Students from your area who were named to the Dean’s List are:

Whitewater, WI

 Emma Jordan, College of Arts and Sciences

Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Lakeland and Fort Memorial.

Everyone who participates in this drive will be offered a Starve a Mosquito t-shirt and a free Summerfest ticket (while supplies last).

Reserve your spot at this link or by calling 262-473-2997. Walk-ins are also welcome as time allows. Please note that several appointments are still open for double red cells. Be sure to take note of the new location at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.