News

The Whitewater Unified School District is home to three unique robotics programs, all within the FIRST sequence of challenges. Fourth and 5th graders at all three elementary schools and 6th graders at the middle school can participate in the FIRST Lego League Challenge (FLL), 7th and 8th graders from the middle school have a new FIRST Tech Challenge Team (FTC) this year, and the high school is in their ninth season as a FIRST Robotics Competition Team (FRC).

On Saturday, February 8, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, the public is invited to meet the teams and see their 2024-2025 projects during the annual Robotics Open House at Whitewater High School. Visitors should follow the signs in the parking lot and enter through Door #38 which is between the rear of the auditorium wing and the overhead shop doors.

Editor’s note: The following statement was provided by Dan Meyer, chief of police, regarding the city public safety referendum which will be on the April 1 ballot.

As the Chief of Police for the City of Whitewater, I am honored to serve a community that values safety, growth, and inclusivity. Today, I want to share details about an important initiative that will help us meet our city’s growing needs: the $1.3 million public safety referendum on the April 1, 2025, ballot.

Whitewater is a vibrant community, but with growth comes challenges. Calls for service have nearly doubled in the last decade, from 7,501 in 2010 to over 14,000 in 2024. This reflects a dynamic city where evolving needs require us to adapt. While our Police and Fire/EMS teams have worked tirelessly to serve everyone, the increasing volume and complexity of calls demand additional resources.

The referendum will enable the City of Whitewater to make critical investments in public safety, including:

·         Four additional police officers to improve response times and address rising call volumes.

·         Increased Fire/EMS staffing, adding one person on every shift to enhance emergency response capabilities.

·         Capital fund creation to eliminate borrowing for all public safety vehicles and equipment, saving taxpayer dollars in the long run.

·         The addition of one dispatcher increasing staffing levels to prevent service disruptions and ensure efficient emergency response.

Additionally, the referendum’s structure allows for adding a second School Resource Officer (SRO). In this scenario, the two SROs would support our schools and assist with school traffic crossings during start and end times—a critical improvement for student safety that has been a growing concern in our community.

These enhancements will strengthen our ability to protect and serve all residents while preparing for the future. Importantly, this referendum builds on steps we’ve already taken, including adding a detective without increasing the levy, securing a $375,000 federal grant to fund three officers, and implementing cost-saving technologies.

Our commitment is to provide the highest level of public safety to all who call Whitewater home. This referendum represents a responsible, forward-thinking investment in that vision, ensuring our city remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just joined our community, these improvements will enhance your quality of life.

I encourage you to learn more about this referendum and the opportunity it presents to build a safer, stronger Whitewater. Further information can be found on the City website: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/615/CITY-OF-WHITEWATER-REFERENDUM-APRIL-2025.

Specific questions can be directed to: WW2025Referendum@whitewater-wi.gov.

Together, we can ensure our community thrives for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Dan Meyer
Chief of Police
City of Whitewater

Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty and Whitewater Middle School Assistant Principal Caitlin Dowden presented at the 2025 Wisconsin State Education Convention on January 22.

Their breakout session, titled “From Absenteeism to Engagement: Proven Strategies for Increasing School Attendance,” explored the role of school boards in addressing chronic absenteeism. “While many Wisconsin schools are dealing with chronic absenteeism, the circumstances leading to absences may be different for every family,” said Dr. Pate-Hefty. “We are able to take an engaging and solutions-focused look at improving student attendance. The panelists in the session shared innovative strategies and successful practices designed to enhance student engagement and reduce absenteeism.”

The Wisconsin State Education Convention, held January 22-24 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, drew more than 2,000 attendees. The event is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO), and the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA).

Did you know that the Whitewater Banner website offers easy access to various community newsletters? Whether you’re looking for updates from local organizations, city news, or special interest groups, you can find them conveniently listed in the menus on the left side of the website.

One highlight is the regularly updated Seniors in the Park Newsletter, which provides the latest information on programs, activities, and resources for Whitewater’s active senior community. This newsletter, along with others, ensures you stay informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and local happenings.

Be sure to check back frequently, as these links are updated regularly with new editions and announcements. Stay connected, stay informed, and make the most of everything Whitewater has to offer!

Article submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by geralt from Pixabay.

Area businesses, organizations, and friends have been stepping up to help raise money for a beloved friend and colleague who is battling cancer.

Kristina Heimsch, a Nurse Practitioner at Rainbow Community Care, was recently
diagnosed with an incurable form of esophageal cancer. She and her family now face an uncertain future. Kristina is no longer able to work and continue caring for patients and families and faces the rising cost of medical bills and lost wages. Rainbow Medical Director Dr. Thom McGorey partnered with several area venues to perform a special fundraising concert series in December to help support Kristina and her family.

Dr. McGorey and several of Kristina’s coworkers at Rainbow have arranged an upcoming 9-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament at Rock River Lanes (1010 Larsen Rd.) in Fort Atkinson next month that will unofficially wrap up the Concerts for Kristina fundraising series.

The bowling tournament fundraiser takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. Participants can choose between two sessions of bowling, each lasting two hours. Start times will be at 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. (with a ten-minute warm-up). Teams on adjacent lanes will alternate lanes for each frame, and each team will bowl two games in their two-hour session. 16 lanes will be used for bowling with up to teams of four people per lane. 9-pin tap means bowling a 9 on your first ball of any frame counts as a “strike” with regular scoring otherwise. No handicaps will be used. You can register as pair or a foursome (pairs will be joined to form a four-person team on each lane).

The cost is $50 for a pair or $100 per team and includes two games of 9-pin tap bowling, shoe rental, one free soda, and silent auction/door prize tickets. Free snacks and desserts will be available throughout the day. Dr. McGorey will be performing live music from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring many popular songs from the 1950s-80s and taking requests from an extensive catalogue of songs (for a small donation). Additional food is also available for purchase from the kitchen.

You can pay through Venmo by entering “concertsforkristina” in the search bar or you can pay in person at the event by cash, check, or credit card.

You do not need to bowl to participate in the event. You can just come out to watch and cheer on the bowlers, enjoy the snacks, listen to the music, and join in on the fun. Tickets will also be sold for drawings on door prizes, and anyone could go home a winner.

For more information and to sign up online for the Concerts for Kristina- 9-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament, visit https://bit.ly/concertsforkristina.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Rainbow Community Care. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.

Prioritizing health and wellness is key to maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Seniors in the Park offers a variety of classes and activities designed to promote strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Whether you prefer yoga, Tai Chi, or a simple indoor walk, there’s something for everyone! [Though the registration deadline has passed for some sessions that begin this week, it might be worth calling to see whether a late registration might be accepted.]

Yoga with Brienne

• Mondays, March 3-April 28 | 10:00-11:00 AM
• Fridays, March 7-April 24 | 10:00-11:00 AM
  This one-hour class will focus on basic yoga postures to stretch, strengthen, and tone your entire body. Classes are held in-person at Cravath Lakefront Community Building or online via Zoom.
  Monday Fee: $35 members; $49 non-members
  Friday Fee: $30 members; $42 non-members
  (No class March 14, 17 & April 18, 21)
  Deadline to Register: Thursday, February 28

Qi Gong

• First, second, fourth, and fifth Monday | 1:00-2:00 PM
  Follow along with a Lee Holden DVD to experience an easy routine that promotes vitality and joy at any age or ability level.

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (8-Week Beginner Course)

• Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 4-April 24 | 3:00-4:00 PM
  This gentle movement class helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility. No prior Tai Chi experience necessary!
  Deadline to Register: Thursday, February 27

Indoor Walking

• Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM
  Join our indoor walking group and stay active despite the weather. We will walk along to “Walking Off the Pounds” DVDs.

“Fun”ctional Fitness

• Virtual: February 3-27 | Fee: $12 members; $24 non-members
• Next session: March 3-31
• In-person: Mondays & Thursdays | 9:30 AM
  Experience a dynamic routine to promote coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. Online participants register for the month; in-person participants pay per session.
  Daily Fee: $1.50 members; $3.00 non-members
  Deadline for February session: Thursday, January 30

Register Today!

Register at Seniors in the Park, 405 W Starin Road Monday through Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM.
For more information, contact Jennifer Jackson at (262) 473-0535 or jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov.
Stay active, stay healthy, and join us for these fantastic wellness opportunities!

Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.

Understanding the options available for compassionate end-of-life care can bring comfort and clarity to individuals and their loved ones. Join Dana, a nurse from Rainbow Community Care, for an insightful presentation on Tuesday, February 4, at 1:00 PM at Seniors in the Park, 504 W Starin Road, as she explores the essential aspects of palliative and hospice care and their impact on aging with dignity.

This comprehensive session will provide valuable information on how guided care can enhance quality of life, address pain management, and support individuals and families navigating life’s final stages.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 30 [Late registrations will almost certainly be welcome.]

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to ensure comfort and dignity in end-of-life care.

For more information and to register, please contact Seniors in the Park Monday through Thursday, 9 am—3 pm at the Senior Center or by phone at (262) 473-0535 or email Senior Coordinator Jennifer Jackson at jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov.

Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Image used with permission of City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation – Seniors in the Park Newsletter

UW-La Crosse announces fall 2024 Dean’s List

The following area students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year, ending in December.

Qualification for the Dean’s List is limited to students who have attained outstanding academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have earned at least a 3.5 semester grade point average and carried a minimum of 12 credits. 

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions comprising the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is a top-ranked national university. It is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students, according to Niche’s Best Colleges ranking.

Students on the Dean’s List from this area include:

Whitewater, WI

 Ethan Dugan, International Business Major
 Caroline Skindingsrude, Elementary/Middle Education Major
 Catherine Skindingsrude, Biology Major