Dear Warhawks, On behalf of the City of Whitewater, welcome back as we begin a new academic year. Whitewater is proud to be a university community, and the presence of UW-Whitewater students, faculty, and staff play an essential role in our city. You strengthen our local economy, enrich civic life, and bring fresh energy and ideas to the community. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, you are an important part of what makes Whitewater a great place to live, learn, and work.
As you settle into the semester, I encourage you to engage beyond campus – support local businesses, attend community events, and explore the many recreational, cultural, and volunteer opportunities available throughout the city. Whitewater thrives when the university and the community move forward together.
One opportunity to enjoy our natural surroundings is the Whitewater Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This 4.6 -mile, hilly segment features classic Ice Age landscapes, including wooded moraines, kettle lakes, and scenic views of Rice and Whitewater Lakes. Accessed from Clover Valley Road, the trail begins in a shady pine plantation and crosses Whitewater Creek on boardwalks and a 30 -foot bridge designed to protect sensitive wetlands. In spring, wildflowers line the creek valley. The segment also passes near walk -in campsites in the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit and connects to a 0.6 -mile nature loop along Rice Lake via a blue -blazed spur trail (https://www.iceagetrail.org/segment/whitewater -lake/).
The City of Whitewater has retained Redevelopment Resources, an economic development consulting firm, to conduct an economic base analysis. A key part of this work is understanding the economic impact of students and staff on the community. While the research is nearly complete, the consultant team is seeking additional input from students. Two members of their team will be on campus conducting brief intercept surveys throughout the day on Wednesday, January 28. We encourage you to take a few minutes to participate. This information will help the City better serve the entire community, including our campus partners.
For those interested in history and archaeology, the Whitewater Effigy Mounds Preserve is well worth a visit. These ancient Indigenous mounds, built centuries ago, are an important cultural and historical resource. The preserve offers a peaceful setting where visitors can learn about the region’s deep history while enjoying a quiet retreat to nature (https://www.wwparks.org/park -guide/whitewater -effigy -mounds -preserve).
Whitewater is also home to a vibrant arts community. The Whitewater Arts Alliance hosts exhibits, workshops, and performances throughout the year, supporting local artists and showcasing a wide range of creative work. Whether your interests include painting, photography, music, or theater, there are many ways to engage with the arts in Whitewater (https://www.whitewaterarts.org).
Our city takes pride in being welcoming and inclusive, a spirit reflected in Whitewater Pride. This annual event celebrates diversity and supports the LGBTQ+ community through activities, performances, and community gatherings. It is a time to come together, recognize progress, and reaffirm Whitewater’s commitment to inclusivity (https://www.whitewaterpride.org).
Be sure to visit the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, which is open year -round. The facility features a leisure pool with slide and lazy river, an eight -lane lap pool, a fitness center, locker rooms, group fitness classes, concessions, and a rental room. The fitness center is available for 24/7 use to WAFC members age 18 and older. Please note that 24/7 access includes the fitness center only and does not include the pools, hot tub, or locker rooms (https://www.whitewaterafc.com).
Christmas at Cravath has wrapped up after another season filled with holiday fun. Events such as the Chili Cook -Off, reindeer visits, Breakfast with Santa, painting activities, and more brought smiles to all ages. Please save the date — December 4, 2026 —for the return of Christmas at Cravath and another festive kickoff to the holiday season.
The spring election is also approaching. The Spring Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Three City Council seats will be on the ballot, and all races will be contested. No primary election will be held this year. Candidates include Gavin Kelle her and Sean Liebherr for District 2; Brian Schanen (Incumbent) and Chuck Mills for District 4; and Orin Smith and Aubrey Thompson for the At -Large seat. Acceptable photo ID is required to vote. For information about what’s on your ballot, where to vote, v oter registration, or requesting an absentee ballot, please visit https://myvote.wi.gov.
To stay informed about what’s happening in Whitewater, I encourage you to visit the City’s official website at https://www.whitewater -wi.gov/1 . The site includes resources to report a concern (https://www.whitewater -wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx), register to vote (https://www.whitewater -wi.gov/167/Elections -Voting), and pay utilities online if you live off campus (https://www.whitewater -wi.gov/213/Pay -Bills -Online).
Our community calendars (https://www.whitewater -wi.gov/287/Community -Calendars) link to events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Recreation, UW-Whitewater, and the Whitewater Unified School District, helping you stay connected year-round.
If you are looking to become more involved, Whitewater’s boards and commissions are always seeking engaged and passionate individuals. Serving on a board or commission is a meaningful way to give back, build leadership experience, and make a tangible impact in the community (https://whitewater -wi.gov/369/Boards -and -Commissions). The City remains committed to safety, quality services, and maintaining a welcoming environment for all residents. If you notice something that needs attention or have ideas for improving our community, we encourage you to reach out.