News

You are invited to the next League of Women Voters Whitewater Area book group, where we will discuss James Bonilla’s compelling memoir, An Eye for an I: Growing Up with Blindness, Bigotry, and Family Mental Illness! This powerful narrative offers an intersectional analysis of disability, racism, and mental illness, inviting readers to empathize, be inspired, and consider their own potential for social change.

Book: An Eye for an I by James Bonilla
Genre: Nonfiction/Memoir

About the Book
In this moving memoir, James Francisco Bonilla, a New York-born Puerto Rican writer and retired professor, shares his journey as a blind boy who navigated a harrowing childhood marked by systemic educational failures, discrimination, and a troubled family life. A medical breakthrough at age nineteen restored sight in one of his eyes, giving him a unique perspective on the struggles of marginalized communities. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing how personal healing can be found through advocacy, community, and spiritual encounters with the natural world.

Discussion Topics
The book offers a wealth of topics for rich discussion, including:
 The idea of “blind spots,” not just as a physical phenomenon, but as something the sighted might experience in their own lives.
 The role that nature plays in healing and self-understanding.
 The impact of racism, ableism, and intergenerational trauma on individuals and communities.
 The journey toward self-understanding and the introspection necessary for effective social justice advocacy.

Event Details
 Dates: 
o Monday, February 9: Chapters 1-15, pp. 1-70
o Monday, March 9: Chapters 16-30, pp 71-133
o Monday, April 13: Chapters 31- 42, pp 134-192
 Time: 
o 6:15 – Arrival and set up
o 6:30 – Snacks and Introductions
o 6:45 – 8:00 – Discussion

 Location: 
o Whitewater Public Library
o 431 W. Center Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
o Meeting Room 1

 RSVP:
Please RSVP to Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com or 920-542- 8601, or Deb Gamble, shebagam@gmail.com, so we can finalize planning.

The book is currently available at The Book Teller, 171 W. Main St., or through the Whitewater Public Library. We look forward to an insightful and inspiring conversation!

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office predicts that “mild temps with rain during the day Sunday is expected to transition to snow Sunday afternoon into the evening as colder air quickly moves into southern WI.” The Whitewater area is expected to receive 1-3″ of snow.

“Quickly dropping temperatures from the 40s Sunday afternoon to the 20s Sunday evening into Sunday night. Wet, untreated, and elevated roads may be subjected to freezing/becoming icy especially with accumulating snow.”

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. on Sunday until 6 p.m. Monday. “Strong west to northwest winds 25 to 35 mph gusting to 50 mph may result in blowing/drifting snow Sunday night through Monday afternoon.”

City of Whitewater residents recently received their property tax bills, with nearly all of them reflecting substantial increases for both the city and school district portions. The city recently posted a brief video on its Facebook page that explains that nearly all of the increase went towards increased police and fire/EMS staffing that was approved by the April referendum. The video may be viewed here.

FCCU Donates $909.10 to Rock River Community Clinic Through Employee Charitable Contributions

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce a donation of $909.10 to the Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC). The contribution was raised through FCCU’s new employee charitable giving program, which allows employees to voluntarily deduct a portion of their paychecks to support local nonprofit organizations.

In its inaugural year, the program directed funds to 11 local organizations, each selected for their meaningful impact in strengthening and supporting the communities FCCU serves. The Rock River Community Clinic was chosen as one of the inaugural partners due to its outstanding commitment to expanding access to healthcare for individuals and families across the region.

“The Rock River Community Clinic plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development at FCCU. “Their dedication to providing high-quality, accessible care made them an ideal recipient for our first year of this program.” The Rock River Community Clinic provides essential medical, dental, and behavioral health services to uninsured and underinsured residents throughout the area. By offering low-cost or no-cost care, RRCC ensures that community members—regardless of income—can receive preventive support, ongoing treatment, and a compassionate healthcare experience. Their services help reduce barriers, improve long-term health outcomes, and enhance overall community wellness.

“We are honored to be selected as one of the organizations being recognized by the employees of Fort Community Credit Union” said Olivia Nichols, Executive Director of the RRCC. “The impact we make in supporting the health and wellbeing of our neighbors is so much stronger together, and we’re grateful for the many ways FCCU leads with a community first orientation!”

FCCU’s new employee giving program reflects its cooperative values and commitment to empowering team members to make a meaningful impact. By combining employee contributions with FCCU’s support, the program strengthens local organizations doing essential work across the region.

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $380 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

Updated 12/29/25 @ 8:55 a.m. to update the annual membership fee for Seniors in the Park.

“Eleanor the Great”

 Tuesday, December 30, 1 pm

(Drama)

Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 38 minutes (2025).

96 year old actress June Squibb is Eleanor, a lonely senior looking for meaning and fulfillment. She finds it at a Jewish Community Center, but her fibbing about experiences during the Holocaust creates problems. Directed by Scarlett Johansson.

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/ 

Tyler Schneider, a longtime Whitewater resident and senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has announced his candidacy for Walworth County Supervisor, District 4. Schneider, 21, has lived in the Whitewater area for more than a decade and recently moved into the city full-time. He is currently completing his degree in political science at UW-Whitewater, where he has earned Dean’s List honors multiple times and qualified for Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. He has also interned at the Wisconsin State Capitol with Rep. Brienne Brown and serves as a Chancellor’s Warhawk Ambassador.

Schneider said his decision to run was driven by the growing housing shortage and affordability crisis affecting Walworth County. “While these problems are national in scope, the solutions start locally,” Schneider said. “County government plays a direct role in land use, development, and long-term planning; those decisions shape whether young people and working families can afford to stay here.”

Schneider acknowledged that his age may give some voters pause, but argued it is one of his strengths. “Younger residents are among the most affected by housing costs, development decisions, and long-term fiscal policy,” he said. “If those voices aren’t at the table, they’re easy to overlook.” Schneider also emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the County Board as a strength. He said growing up in a household with differing political views challenged him to listen carefully, evaluate opposing arguments, and focus on practical solutions rather than ideology.

If elected, Schneider said his priorities would include opposing the construction of any proposed AI data center in Walworth County, advancing policies to expand housing supply, and improving affordability while maintaining the county’s responsible budget surplus.

The election for Walworth County Supervisor District 4 will take place on April 7, 2026.

The City of Whitewater – Christmas Tree Collection Notice
The Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees on:

• Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  Please place your tree on the terrace by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled dates.
  Missed the scheduled pickup?
  Call the Department of Public Works at (262) 473-0560 before 12:00 noon on the Monday prior to
  the next Tuesday collection to request pickup.
  Important Disposal Guidelines:
• Trees that are flocked or contain wire will not be collected by the city. These trees should be placed on your terrace for bulk pickup by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month (your regular bulk pickup day).
  
  Questions?
  Contact the Department of Public Works at (262) 473-0560.
  For other requests visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
  Brad Marquardt
  Director of Public Works
  262-473-0139
  bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

FCCU Donates $909.09 to the Friends of the Whitewater Public Library Through Employee Charitable
Contributions

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce a donation of $909.09 to the Friends of the Whitewater Public Library, supporting its mission to enhance library services, foster community engagement, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for area residents.

The donation was raised through FCCU’s new employee charitable giving program, which allows team members to voluntarily contribute a portion of their paychecks to local nonprofit organizations. In its inaugural year, the program supported 11 local organizations selected for their meaningful impact on the wellbeing of the communities FCCU serves.

The Friends of the Whitewater Public Library was chosen as one of the program’s first-year beneficiaries. The work of the Friends strengthens the Whitewater Community by expanding access to educational materials, promoting literacy, and creating a welcoming community space for learning, connection, and creativity. Through its support of programs such as youth reading initiatives, adult education opportunities, and cultural events, the organization ensures the library remains a vibrant cornerstone of the community.

“The library relies on strong community partners like the Fort Community Credit Union to help us further our mission of creating innovative and welcoming spaces to everyone in our community,” said Sarah French, Assistant Director of the Whitewater Public Library. “This donation will help the library provide essential services, materials, and programs for people of all ages, and it is much appreciated.”

FCCU’s employee giving program reflects the credit union’s cooperative values and its commitment to empowering team members to make a direct impact in their own communities. By combining employee contributions with FCCU’s support, the program amplifies the reach of local nonprofits that are addressing important community needs.

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $380 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

Cravath Lakefront Christmas Park, from the scenic overlook on Wisconsin Street. 

Out to get some fish through the ice on Trippe lake. Not me, some other hearty souls.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing more beautiful photos.

— 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!