News

Have you always wanted to help the Ukrainian crisis, but never knew what to do or how to go about doing it?  This is your chance to make a difference.  Watch local resident James Olm’s YouTube link to learn more and then be a supportive force for the good of Ukrainian refugees. 

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Editor’s note: The video was recorded at Christmastime, but its placement on The Banner was delayed while we did our due diligence regarding the Hope Shelter in Przemysl, Poland. Rather than the donations site that James suggested, we found that there is a US partner of the shelter that has 501(c)(3) status. Hope and Action, Inc. may be reached at hopeandactions.org. Donations should be specified for Hope Shelter.

By the way, the following announcement regarding a new IRS deduction for charitable contributions may be of interest.

New $1,000 standard deduction charity break in 2026

Do you typically claim the standard deduction on your federal taxes? You’re in luck. Beginning in 2026, there’s a new deduction you could take.

The non-itemizer charitable deduction is available for all taxpayers claiming the standard deduction, worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers).

Here are a few fast facts on this key tax break:

• Only cash contributions qualify (checks, credit card charges, online donations and payroll deductions).
• The donation must be made to a qualified 501(c)(3) public charity.
• You must follow the typical IRS rules for a charitable deduction, including obtaining a written acknowledgement if you donate $250 or more.

Unlike the itemized charitable deduction, any contributions exceeding the annual limit for the non-itemized deduction cannot be carried forward. You also can’t use the deduction in conjunction with a donor-advised fund (DAF) or private foundation, as you can for itemized charitable contributions.

Despite these limitations, some predict that 144 million Americans will be eligible to claim the standard deduction charitable tax break.

Source: Kiplinger

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Pete Linforth from Pixabay.

LWV Whitewater Area Program: We the People Town Hall

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to co-sponsor The Town Hall Coalition of Rock County’s “We the People Town Hall.” Federal legislators relevant to Rock County, including US Senators Baldwin and Johnson and Congressional Representatives Pocan and Steil, are invited to answer the community’s commentary and questions. 

The Town Hall will be strictly nonpartisan, and all attendees will be required to maintain a respectful environment. 

The Town Hall will be held at Craig High School, 401 S Randall Ave, Janesville, on Saturday, February 21st, from 2:00-3:30 pm. 

You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Brad Munger, Bradmunger@gmail.com. 

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and we are featuring another long-married couple from Whitewater History. This is a 1923 photo of George and Rebecca Marsh who were married for 54 years. George Marsh was the son of Sanger Marsh, founder of the First National Bank. After working in his father’s bank, George became Cashier, then later, President of the Citizens State Bank. These banks merged in the 1930s as the First Citizens State Bank, still operating today. In May of 1928, George and Rebecca celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary, then both died within weeks of each other in November and December of 1928. A true-life love story!

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

(4069P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Jim Caldwell (center) was presented with a 60-Year Club award by Paul Northway (left), president and CEO of American National Bank Fox Cities and the 2025–2026 WBA Chair, and Rose Oswald Poels (right), WBA president and CEO, at the 2026 WBA Bank Executives Conference.

James Caldwell from First Citizens State Bank has been honored with a 60-Year Club Award by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). This award recognizes exceptional dedication to Wisconsin’s banking industry.   “Few achievements speak more powerfully than a career defined by six decades of service,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We are honored to celebrate Jim whose enduring commitment has left an indelible mark on Wisconsin’s banking industry.”   Caldwell is a DeForest High School graduate and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and his master’s degree in business. He began his career with his first job out of college at First Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee, now known as US Bank. After working at First Wisconsin for over eight years, he was employed by the board of directors of First Citizens State Bank on October 1, 1974 as its executive V.P. and was promoted to president in 1979. In 2017, Caldwell transitioned from president & CEO to CEO as Nate Parrish was promoted to president. Caldwell continues to work closely with customers, city leaders, and numerous organizations to strengthen and enrich the communities the bank serves. His passion for CRA (Community Reinvestment Act), business development, community development, and the personal development of his staff and community members is evident every day — shown through the relationships he builds and the advocacy and guidance he provides.   Caldwell was recognized during a special luncheon at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference. This year’s event took place on February 5, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells. About the Wisconsin Bankers Association Founded in 1892, the Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing 180 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and nearly 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 96 percent of banks in the state are WBA members. Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Wisconsin Bankers Association.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to sponsor The State of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, The State of the City of Whitewater, and The State of the Whitewater Unified School District.”

Dr. Corey A. King, UW-Whitewater Chancellor, Samuel Karns, Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, and John Weidl, Whitewater City Manager, are invited to present the state of their respective institutions. 

The State of Our City and Schools will be held at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater, on Thursday, February 19th, from 6:30-8:00 pm. 

You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Mary Beth Byrne, wisconsinwoods@gmail.com. 

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Missoula Children’s Theatre has been rehearsing The Jungle Book with a cast of local students this past week. They’re anxious to perform the show at the Young Performing Arts Center, 930 W. Main Street, on Saturday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. All seats are $11. Tickets may be purchased online or at Ticket Services, 950 W. Main Street, or 262-472-2222, on Friday between 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. When purchased at the door there is a small per ticket surcharge. There is no charge for parking.

The synopsis: Ever been abandoned in the jungle, adopted by wolves, taught by a bear, befriended by a panther and chased by a tiger? In the Missoula Children’s Theatre musical adaptation of THE JUNGLE BOOK, Mowgli the man-cub has all these adventures and more. Join him as he escapes from the Bander-log, outwits a tiger, enlists the help of a rock-python, explores what it means to be human and learns a lesson from the brave mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Original music and rollicking humor give new life to the classic tale by Rudyard Kipling.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2026 Boater Safety Education Course on March 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and April 4, 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 of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.

Boater Safety Education Course – Class #1
Session 1: March 12, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: April 4, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office

Registration is now open. 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 course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. 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.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. The department has previously indicated to The Banner that Walworth County residence is not required to participate in the course.

The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is seeking applications on behalf of the Walworth County Administrator for a citizen appointment to represent people aged 60 or older and adults with disabilities on the ADRC Governing Board.

The ADRC of Walworth County provides information on a broad range of programs and services, helps people understand the various long-term care options available to them, assists people in applying for programs and benefits, and serves as the access point for publicly funded long-term care.

ADRC Governing Board members represent the needs, concerns, and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities in Walworth County. Applicants must reside in Walworth County. Appointments are for a three-year term. In an effort to have representation of all populations residing in Walworth County, we encourage individuals who could represent the Latino population to consider submitting a notice of interest.

Applications can be requested from the ADRC at 1910 County Road NN, P.O. Box 1005, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121. You may also email Randy Kohl, Division Manager, at rkohl@co.walworth.wi.us, or download an application from www.co.walworth.wi.us/532/Apply-for-Boards-and-Committees. Submit applications by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, to ADRC, Attn: Randy Kohl, at the above address.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Walworth County.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater. It is likely that some of the students listed did not live in Whitewater prior to their enrollment at UW-W. The university includes students who have registered with a Whitewater area address.

The following students will represent the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as student teachers during the spring 2026 semester:

53190 Whitewater, WI: Aidan Allamian, who is majoring in Physical Education and will work in Physical Education at Madison Elementary School the Janesville school district(s).

53190 Whitewater, WI: Daven Cooper, who is majoring in English Literature & Language Arts Education and will work in English at Milton Middle School the Milton school district(s).

53190 Whitewater, WI: Larissa Eaker, who is majoring in English Literature & Language Arts Education and will work in English & Language Arts at McFarland High School the McFarland school district(s).

53190 Whitewater, WI: Cameron Huntley, who is majoring in History Education and will work in Social Studies at Jefferson High School the Jefferson school district(s).

53190 Whitewater, WI: Megan Kasper, who is majoring in Elementary Middle Education and will work in Elementary & Middle at Lakeview Elementary School the Whitewater school district(s).

53190 Whitewater, WI: Katherine Sainsbury, who is majoring in Elementary Education and will work in Elementary & Middle at Purdy Elementary School the Ft. Atkinson school district(s).

Students from the university’s College of Education and Professional Studies will serve as student teachers through the end of the school year.

A total of 156 UW-Whitewater students were placed in school districts around the region starting in August. Student teaching is the final activity before teacher candidates earn their degree and license.

UW-Whitewater will partner with 191 cooperating teachers across 118 schools in 71 districts over the course of the semester.

Student teachers assist cooperating teachers with lesson planning, instruction and assessment. This spring, 33 UW-Whitewater teacher candidates were hired by school districts as student teaching interns as part of the Department of Public Instruction’s Wisconsin Improvement Program (WIP). Interns are licensed by the DPI to teach up to 50 percent of each day on their own and receive a stipend for the semester.

UW-Whitewater licenses the most teachers in the state of Wisconsin. Educating teachers was the university’s original mission during its founding in 1868. To learn more about the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater, visit uww.edu/coeps.