News

A New Year Intention-Setting Workshop in Whitewater – New Date!
Live Life Spiritual Direction Announces “One Word. Infinite Possibility”

Live Life LLC, led by local mind-body-spirit coach Denise Maple, is pleased to announce a reflective and creative workshop designed to help community members begin 2026 with clarity, intention, and purpose. The “One Word. Infinite Possibility.” workshop will be held in early January at The Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.

This inspirational experience invites participants to discover their personal Word of the Year—a single guiding theme that serves as both a touchstone and a compass for the year ahead. Through guided reflection, discussion, and manifestation-focused exercises, attendees will explore what energy or essence they want to cultivate in 2026.

Along with the intention-setting work, the workshop includes a hands-on creative component where participants will design and decorate a personal keepsake featuring their chosen word. This take-home piece serves as a daily reminder of their intention and a source of inspiration throughout the year.

“Choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful way to stay aligned with your values, goals, and inner truth,” said Maple. “This workshop creates space to slow down, listen inward, and begin the new year grounded and fully connected to what matters most.”

The event is open to adults of all backgrounds—no experience with coaching, creative work, or intention-setting practices is required. All materials will be provided.

Event Details:
What: One Word. Infinite Possibility.
Where: The Book Teller, Whitewater, WI
When: Tuesday, January 13th at 6:00 p.m. (originally planned for January 6th)

Registration: Learn more and sign up at https://livelifespiritual.com/events/word-of-the-year/

About Live Life Spiritual Direction
Live Life Spiritual Direction, a branch of Live Life LLC, is where soul-centered wisdom meets practical, grounded guidance. Led by Denise Maple a mind-body-spirit coach who serves as a spiritual life coach, bioenergetic testing practitioner, Reiki Master, and holistic business coach— this work is rooted in the belief that you deserve to live authentically, vibrantly, and in alignment with who you truly are. Denise welcomes clients at her cozy office on Main Street in Whitewater, Wisconsin, as well as virtually.

Denise founded Live Life Spiritual Direction to help people move beyond merely surviving and step into a life where they can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her approach blends deep spiritual training with over 30 years of business leadership and teaching experience.

As a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Illinois, honored as a Teacher Rated as Excellent by Students and a Dean’s Impact Award recipient, Denise brings a rare blend of heart, intuition, and grounded expertise. She serves as a compassionate guide to help you unearth and live the Song of Your Soul—so you can expand into your fullest potential with clarity, joy, and confidence.

Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits for January 2026

In 2025, more than half of the homes tested for radon in Walworth County had levels exceeding the safety threshold set by the EPA

This January, in recognition of National Radon Awareness Month, Walworth County Health and Human Services will offer radon test kits to residents for just $5 with the donation of a non-perishable food item. The $5 price includes shipping and laboratory analysis. Normally priced at $15, the kits are supplied by the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center. Donated food will be distributed through The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity. This offer is limited to one test kit per person. 

Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment, as testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.

The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, located at 1910 County Road. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121.  Cash and check payments only. 

For more information on the promotion, or to learn more about radon testing, please contact the Walworth County Health and Human Services at (262) 741-3200, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, on Facebook @WalCoDHHS, or online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.

Residents with elevated radon results should contact Walworth County Health and Human Services or the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center at (262) 605-6731 for mitigation options.

Editor’s note: The tests that were distributed a few years ago had to be received by the testing lab within a limited number of days. It may be worthwhile to pay for expedited shipping.

Heather Boehm, city clerk, indicates that Teresa Golembiewski requested on January 7 to have her name removed from the April ballot for Common Council At-large. Boehm has confirmed that this request will be honored, and consequently there are two candidates: Orin Smith and Aubrey Thompson. As a result, there is no need for a primary in February.

The Whitewater Banner provided a list of Common Council and School Board candidates which may be found here.

Update 1/7/26 @ 10 p.m. to reflect Teresa Golembiewski’s decision to withdraw from the Common Council At-large race.
Update 1/8/26 @ 12:45 p.m. to indicate that there is no competition for the two Walworth County Supervisor positions.

Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

City of Whitewater Common Council

Three City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, the following is the final status of the nomination filings, as of the January 6 deadline. A primary will be held on February 17 to determine the two candidates who will move forward to the election of the at-large seat.

District 2 (Currently represented by Orin Smith, who is not running for reelection for this position)
Gavin Kelleher, 451 Warhawk Drive
Sean Liebherr, 771 W. Lauderdale Drive

District 4 
Chuck Mills, 336 S. Whiton Street
Brian Schanen [Incumbent], 441 S. Buckingham Blvd.

At-large (Currently represented by Greg Majkrzak, who is not running for reelection)
Teresa Golembiewski, 1180 Bloomingfield Drive Candidate withdrew on 1/7/26
Orin Smith, 329 N. Tratt St.
Aubrey Thompson, 318 W. North St.

Whitewater Unified School District

The candidates for WUSD School Board who had filed by the January 6 deadline, per School Board Secretary Christine Dodge:

Stephanie Hicks [Incumbent], 1254 Tower Hill Pass
Lisa Huempfner [Incumbent], 976 W. Charles St.
Terri Jones, 148 N. Hyer Lane, Apt. 8
Christy Linse [Incumbent who had filed a noncandidacy statement but changed her mind and is now running.] W5106 Meske Rd., Fort Atkinson

Walworth County Supervisor, District 4

District 4 represents the western portion of the city; a map may be found here.
Incumbent Al Stanek is not running for reelection.
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Tyler Schneider, 160 S. Whiton St, is the only candidate.

Walworth County Supervisor, District 3

Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Incumbent Brian Holt is the only candidate.

_______________________________________________________________________________

FALL ELECTION

U.S. House of Representatives

The general election for this position is not until November 3. It is very likely that a primary will be held on August 11, as the following candidates have already been announced:

Bryan Steil  (Incumbent) (Republican Party)

Miguel Aranda  (Democratic Party)

Mitchell Berman  (Democratic Party)

Randy Bryce  (Democratic Party)

Enrique Casiano  (Democratic Party)

Gage Stills  (Democratic Party)

Connor Walleck  (Republican Party) 

Adam Follmer  (Independent)

State offices – November election

Walworth County Sheriff – November election

Incumbent sheriff Dave Gerber has filed a noncandidacy statement.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to announce a public initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5 as a part of the League of Women Voters Women Defend Democracy campaign. Unite and Rise 8.5 seeks to inspire 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up to support democratic processes, free and fair elections, and the Rule of Law in our country. If just 3.5% of eligible voters participate in peaceful protests, we will create a meaningful difference to protect the Constitution and democracy. 

Please join us to learn how you can make a change. Eileen Newcomer, Deputy Director of LWVWI, will speak on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater.

You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Jean Eichman, richardeichman@sbcglobal.net. 

_____________________________________

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!

The Whitewater Public Library has a full calendar of free events for all ages in January! Events for all ages include the Winter Reading Challenge which begins January 20 and runs through March 12. Participants can pick up a bookmark at the library’s front desk and then fill in a circle for every 20 minutes you read or listen to a book. Then come back to the library and turn in your bookmark to receive a goody bag. Each completed bookmark is also an entry into the grand prize drawing! There will be one grand prize drawing for kids and one grand prize drawing for teens/adults. 

Additional all ages events include:

Coloring Club: Mondays 1/5, 1/12, & 1/26 at 3:30 p.m.

Family Game Night: Tuesday, 1/13 at 3:30 p.m.

Weird Science – Slime: Wed. 1/14 at 4:00 p.m. (registration required)

Free Play Friday: 1/30 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Events just for kids include:

Storytime: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Build it! Club: Tuesday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m.

Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, January 8 at 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Events for teens include:

Teen Gaming: Thursdays starting on 1/8 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/12 at 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Teen DIY: Wednesday, 1/21 at 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Teen Movie: Wednesday, 1/28 at 4:00 p.m.

Events for adults and teens include:

Chess Club: Thursday, 1/8 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Magic the Gathering 101: Friday, 1/16 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Vinyl Club: Tuesday, 1/27 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Makerspace 101: 3D Printing: Thursday, 1/15 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Making Games with bitsy: Thursday, 1/29 at 5:30-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Programs just for adults include:

Movie & Mocktail: The Princess Bride Monday, 1/5 @ 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Tea Time: Wednesday, 1/7 @ 11:00 a.m.

Tarot 101: Year-Ahead Spread: Thursday, 1/22 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/26 @ 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Details about all events can be found on the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org/events. Some events require registration, which can also be done on the library’s website or by contacting the library. All library programs are always free and open to the public.

The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.

A team of students from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (UWW) delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up, one of the premier collegiate sales competitions in the country—bringing home top individual and team honors.

Bailey Quinn (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) earned 1st Place Overall – Best Salesperson, competing against 87 competitors from 28 universities across the nation. Fellow Warhawk Paige Moeller (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) placed 4th overall, while Noah Verhasselt (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) contributed significantly to the team’s 2nd Place Team Finish. The competition, hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, included teams from LSU, Baylor, Arizona State, Florida State, and the University of Texas at Dallas, among others.

“This was an amazing experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the UW-Whitewater Sales Institute,” said Quinn. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from my team and coaches.”

The team, led by Moeller (team captain), Quinn, and Verhasselt, was supported by student coach Taylor Wojcinski (Class of 2027, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis), whose mentorship and professionalism were key to the group’s success. Faculty coaching was led by Dr. James (Jimmy) Peltier, a long-standing leader of UW-Whitewater’s sales program, who returned from retirement this year to serve as Sales Team Coordinator. Professor Pavan Chennamaneni, Director of the Institute for Sales Excellence at UWW, and Taylor Wojcinski also played important roles in preparing the team.

The team began practicing for the competition during the first week of the fall semester. They practiced every Monday and Wednesday morning with Dr. Peltier and also met on their own about four times a week. As the competition drew closer, the team increased its commitment—practicing daily during the final two weeks to refine their presentations and sales strategies.

“I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jimmy Peltier,” said Chennamaneni. “His coaching talent, deep experience, and instinct for developing students were instrumental to our team’s success. He has an exceptional ability to bring out the best in every student—building confidence, sharpening their skills, and preparing them to perform at the highest level.”

Chennamaneni also credited the support of Dean Paul Ambrose, whose dedication to experiential learning has helped sustain UW-Whitewater’s standing as a top-tier sales education program.

“Our students continue to demonstrate that UW-Whitewater is a national leader in sales education,” Chennamaneni added. “Their preparation, professionalism, and grit are second to none.”

Rob Boostrom, Associate Professor of Marketing and Faculty Advisor for the UW-Whitewater Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) – Beta Gamma chapter, also reflected on the significance of the achievement.

“This is the first time that one of our PSE members has won the Great Northwoods Sales Competition,” said Boostrom. “PSE is proud of the team, honored to have Bailey and Noah as members of the team, and excited to see how Bailey’s performance may inspire other PSE members to make big contributions to the Whitewater Sales Team through the Institute for Sales Excellence.”

About UWW Institute for Sales Excellence
The Institute for Sales Excellence, housed within the College of Business and Economics, continues to build UW-Whitewater’s reputation for developing top sales talent through rigorous training, mentorship, and competitive experiences.

The Institute for Sales Excellence supports both the American Marketing Association (AMA) and Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) sales teams in attending regional and national competitions sponsored by their organizations. Previous competitions have been held in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Chicago, Eau Claire, Michigan, Milwaukee, and other locations.

About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.

Update 1/6/26 @ 3:55 p.m. – The Rock County Sheriff’s Office provided the following update on January 6: “The fire investigation into the Lake House Inn remains open and ongoing. However, the investigation does not [emphasis added] indicate the Lake House Inn fire and the residential fire on East Road 5, which occurred the day prior, are related.”

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Lakeside Fire-Rescue. An extensive history of the structure and businesses located there may be found on the current website of the business. The very old photo on the homepage is from that website.

Lakeside Fire-Rescue and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office were alerted by the Rock County 9-1-1 Center at 8:28 p.m. on Sunday, January 4th, of a 9-1-1 call reporting smoke coming from the apartment above the Lake House Inn at 1612 East Hotel Drive in the Maple Beach subdivision in the Town of Milton. [Many would know the location as the unincorporated community of Newville.] The caller initially reported just smoke, but 9-1-1 began receiving multiple calls from people in the area reporting fire now visible from the back of the restaurant portion of the buildings, and eventually reporting fire through the roof above the kitchen area. Lakeside Fire-Rescue units from Stations 2 (Edgerton) and 3 (Milton) were dispatched.

The first arriving law enforcement officer on scene at approximately 8:37 p.m. confirmed heavy fire from the back of the building. Based on the information being received by the 9-1-1 Center Lakeside Fire-Rescue immediately upgraded the response to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) “Box Alarm” at 8:38 p.m., which added additional fire and support units from Janesville, Whitewater, Stoughton, Delavan, and Deerfield Fire Departments, along with water tenders from Fort Atkinson, LaGrange, Darien, and the Town of Delavan. The Lake Mills Fire Department was also requested to provide an engine and chief to stand by in case of another incident in the Lakeside region. Numerous additional law enforcement assisted the Rock County Sheriff’s Office with control around the scene.

The Rock County 9-1-1 Center was able to make contact with representatives of the multiple businesses that operate out of the complex confirming no one should be in the building.

First arriving fire units arrived within 12 minutes of the original 9-1-1 call and observed a rapidly moving fire spreading through the kitchen and restaurant portions of the building encroaching on the historic three-story bar and former hotel portions. Multiple fire lines were deployed from the back and front sides of the buildings, but the heavy winds rapidly overpowered the efforts of firefighters to keep the fire contained.

Upon his arrival Lakeside Fire Chief Randall Pickering further upgraded the incident to a 3rd Alarm at 8:47 p.m. which added additional firefighting resources from Cambridge and Cottage Grove, and additional water tenders from Watertown, Jefferson, Evansville, Sharon, East Troy, and Troy Center. Knowing the age of the structure and its open flow on the interior Chief Pickering stated, “we knew it was going to take a significant amount of personnel and water to contain and extinguish the fire.”

Early on in the incident two Lakeside firefighter/paramedics were injured when they came in contact with an exterior air conditioning unit that had become energized, and suffered minor injuries from electrical shock. Both firefighters were cared for immediately by personnel on scene which included a trauma doctor from Mercyhealth who responds on larger incidents for the fire units and was already on scene. Both firefighters were held in one of Lakeside’s ambulances for observation, and were later released to return to firefighting efforts.

The roof and 2nd floor over the kitchen and restaurant collapsed into the 1st floor at 9:22 p.m., and fire continued moving through the building and into the historic 3-story bar and former hotel section. The fire was finally ruled under control at 11:04 p.m., although fire crews continued to fight hot spots until approximately 12:52 a.m. Lakeside Fire-Rescue did leave a fire crew on the scene overnight to monitor in case any hot spots flared up.

The owner of the restaurant told fire personnel that the business was open earlier in the day for the Packers game, and after cleaning up he was the last person to leave the building at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Fire and Sheriff’s Department personnel requested assistance from the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall’s Office who arrived on scene Monday morning. Preliminary investigation suggests the fire originated in the kitchen area of the building. The incident remains under investigation with additional investigation resources being brought in over the next week to continue to narrow down the exact area of origin and cause.

The original structure was built in the mid 1850’s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been added on to several times. In its heyday in the last 25 years of the 19th century it was known as “THE summer resort of early Edgerton” according to a story in the “Edgerton Independent” newspaper from 1877.

Due to its age the structure was not equipped with automatic fire sprinklers.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office recently participated in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mobilization for their winter Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over (DSOGPO) initiative. This mobilization took place from December 12th, 2025, to January 1st, 2026. During this time, Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Deputies spent 274 hours of their time dedicated to traffic enforcement efforts. This effort resulted in 240 traffic contacts, 14 arrests for Operating While under the influence (OWI), 128 citations, 131 written warnings, 5 criminal drug arrests, 3 felony arrests, 12 misdemeanor arrests, 4 warrant arrests, 10 ordinance citations, 6 canine requests, and 2 police pursuits. Sadly, despite these efforts, a fatal crash occurred during this period. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office is committed to enhancing traffic safety through its various partnerships, data sharing, transparency, enforcement, and educational initiatives.

Paul Jhona writes on January 5, “Lights go out tonight, beautiful Cravath Lake Holiday Display from “A Bird’s View.” Thank You City of Whitewater.”

Our thanks to Paul Jhona for sharing a different view of the beautiful light display.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!