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Articles by Jayden Kimpel
Whitewater preps for summer of activities
Whitewater is named after the white sands of Whitewater Creek. It’s home to 22 parks, four lakes and one of the highest ranking Wisconsin colleges, UW-Whitewater. As UW-W students are heading home for the summer in a few short months, the community is preparing for a season of outdoor activities, local events and family-friendly fun to bring people together and keep the vibrant spirit of Whitewater.
Dairy farmer featured during library storytime
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library has brought a unique twist to their weekly storytimes. Every second Wednesday from January to May, a different career is featured for a storytime and will offer children opportunities to play and learn with hands-on activities. Due to the library’s construction, storytimes were held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center. January’s storytime featured a teacher, and the storytime for the month of February was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Program brings fun and belonging to retirees
One in 10 people age 65 and older experience depression according to Health Direct. The main three causes of depression in older people include poor physical health, social isolation and loss. Whitewater has a population of over 15,000 people with roughly 11,000 of those being college students. About 8.9% of the city’s population are seniors.
Richards trial scheduled
Official trial dates have been set for Chad T. Richards, a former UW-Whitewater student accused of murdering his girlfriend, Kara Welsh. Welsh was a UW-Whitewater national champion gymnast who was about to enter her senior year at the university. Richards is accused of first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon. He entered a plea of not guilty at his Nov. 8 arraignment. The week prior, during a preliminary hearing, Richards was found likely to have committed the crime.
The trials and triumphs of new Dollar Tree
It’s 12:30 p.m. – friendly faces greet you, smiling from ear to ear upon walking inside. The aisles are clean and fully stocked with products ranging from cleaning supplies, art supplies, kitchen utensils, holiday decorations, snacks and much more. Dollar Tree was finally open again in Whitewater after nearly 20 years. Rewind to a few hours before. It’s 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2 – community members gather around for the grand opening.
Library enters phase two of construction
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is undergoing a 4,400 square foot renovation and expansion project. The project runs through four phases within the span of a year. “Things were a little frustrating at the beginning of the process,” said Library Director Diane Jaroch. “Once construction actually began, everything has been moving along smoothly.
Richards’ motion hearing set, gymnastics celebrities Welsh’s legacy
Former UW-Whitewater student Chad T. Richards is set to stand trial for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Kara Welsh, a national champion gymnast at UW-Whitewater. During a preliminary hearing, Richards was found likely to have committed the crime. He entered a plea of not guilty during an arraignment Nov. 8. Richards attended a status conference Jan. 23 at the Walworth County Judicial Center in custody via video alongside one of his attorneys, Gibson Hatch.
New businesses bring employment, travel time stress relief
Whitewater is a city with a population of over 15,000 people with roughly 11,000 being students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Since 2022, numerous business chains have recently moved to Whitewater, with more expected to arrive soon. Two Kwik Trips, Ace Hardware, Pet Supplies Plus, Dollar General, Starbucks and Aldi have opened their doors to the public within the past two years. A Dollar Tree is expected to open within the first quarter of 2025.
Stellar Vintage hosts Whitewater flea market
In recent years, thrifting has become many college students’ favorite past-times. For community members and students in Whitewater, Stellar Vintage brings them opportunities to do so. Hosted by Stellar Vintage, the very first Whitewater flea market was held at Second Salem Brewing Company. From 4 to 9 p.m., attendees were able to get drinks or dinner and shop with over 10 vendors. Besides clothing, jewelry, vinyl records, books, candles, shoes and other things were sold at the flea market.
Spy thriller novel published by local author
In August, Whitewater community member Kay Sparling published a novel titled, “Mission Thaw.” “Mission Thaw” centers around Kaitlyn Stewart, a high-profile CIA operative navigating a mission to end multiple catastrophic events. Based on real-life events, the novel is set during the Cold War.
Richard pleads not guilty
Former UW-Whitewater student Chad T. Richards faced arraignment for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Kara Welsh. The week before during a preliminary hearing Richards was found likely to have committed the crime. He was arraigned Friday Nov. 8 and entered a not guilty plea. ARRAIGNMENT Richards appeared in person while in custody with his attorney, Gibson Hatch. Hatch acknowledged receipt of the information, waived reading and entered a not guilty plea to the charge on behalf of Richards.
Richards to be arraigned November 8
Former UW-Whitewater student Chad T. Richards is set to stand trial for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Kara Welsh. Welsh was a national champion gymnast at UW-W who was about to begin her senior year. In a preliminary hearing the court determined it likely that Richards committed a felony and will face trial for it. PRELIMINARY HEARING A preliminary hearing was held Oct. 25. Richards, 23, appeared in custody at the Walworth County Jail.
Businesses band together for Grilling 2 Give
Many people remember what it is like to be 13 years old. Spending time with friends after school, being a part of extracurricular activities, learning how to be independent and much more. Having fun while being young is a blessing that some take for granted. For 13-year-old Mylee Castellanos, every second counts. Prior to the UW-Whitewater versus UW-Stevens Point football game Friday, Oct.
Pride Rally brings sense of safety and belonging
Loud music, laughter and community filled the air at Cravath Lakefront Park during the annual Whitewater Pride Rally Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Seeing all the people being able to relax and be themselves is really nice,” said Jennifer Cooper, a volunteer for the rally. “I think it’s incredibly important for people to understand that there are people within their community that exist in the same space as them so that they feel safe and there are people who support them.
City Market celebrates local vendors and camaraderie
Whitewater’s City Market brings a large display of organic, grocery goods every Tuesday. Fruits, vegetables, baked goods, canned goods, pumpkins, honey and even handmade jewelry and stickers were sold at the market on Sept. 24. Despite the rain, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the parking lot of Cravath Lakefront Park as vendors set tents up. “People need each other,” said Stephani Hoffmann. “[It] brings camaraderie, it brings people out.
Community bands together for Waterway Cleanup
As the sun cast its golden rays, the sounds of construction and birds chirping filled the air over Cravath Lakefront Park on Sept. 21, the final day of Summer – just in time for the annual waterway cleanup set up by a community organization called Protect Wisconsin Waterways. “[Protect Wisconsin Waterways] partners up with the American Marketing Association and we help clean up in different areas,” Konjit Huleey said.
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