The Whitewater Unified School District invites local businesses, organizations, and community members to engage in partnership opportunities to support students.
Community members and businesses interested in partnering with the district are encouraged to complete the Whitewater Unified School District Community Partnership Interest form, available at https://forms.gle/HvbjNX9JjLxsopjt9.
The form is open to individuals and organizations looking for opportunities such as classroom visits, career presentations, work-based learning experiences, internships, sponsorships, and advisory support.
“Schools are strongest when they are connected to the community they serve,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “There’s a lot of talent and experience in the Whitewater area, and we would love to hear from community members and businesses interested in partnering with us to support students.”
Feedback collected through the form will help the district build a network of partners aligned with district needs and community strengths, supporting student learning, staff development, and community growth.
Get your augers and tip-ups ready for the Lions Club 50th annual Fish-a-ree. Celebrate your award for the biggest fish at our Pancake breakfast, open from 6 – 11 a.m. Pancakes, eggs, sausage and our famous jalapeno poppers are guaranteed to satisfy! And don’t forget to bid for in-house raffles, and fabulous merchandise on our online auction (see flyer for details). All proceeds go back to the community, so come and feast for a good cause.
DeKalb, Ill. – More than 1,200 students received their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Northern Illinois University in December. Included among the graduates is Ian Vara of Whitewater, WI, who earned a Bachelor of Science.
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university with a global network of nearly 260,000 alumni. With expertise that benefits its region, the country and the world, NIU offers more than 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs across seven colleges: Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. Through its main campus in DeKalb and education centers for students and working professionals in Naperville and Rockford, NIU serves a diverse and international student body of over 15,400. The 16 NIU Huskies Division I athletic teams compete in the Mid-American Conference. For more information, visit NIU.edu.
First Citizens State Bank announces the retirement of Kat Mawhinney
It is with both excitement and a touch of sadness that we announce the upcoming retirement of Kat Mawhinney.
Kat has dedicated her entire banking career to First Citizens State Bank and the Whitewater and surrounding communities. She has made a lasting impact over 37 years starting as a Teller and working her way to Vice President | Loan Officer and Marketing. With her incredible skills and vast banking knowledge, she has helped countless customers realize their goals and dreams. Additionally, she has been at the heart of the company organizing birthday lunches, retirement parties, holiday activities, happy hours, summer outings, and more. She has also devoted her time to community organizations including The Whitewater Community Foundation, Rock County 4H, and The UWW TipOff Club, just to name a few.
To help us celebrate Kat as she moves on to her next adventures, we invite customers to stop by this week, Wednesday 1/21 through Friday 1/23, to enjoy coffee, share stories and wish her well going forward.
We will miss Kat very much and we thank her for all of her years of dedicated service. Cheers to 37 amazing years!
All city offices will be closed on January 20th, but citizens who need police assistance may use the afterhours call button in the Municipal Building Whitewater Street vestibule or may call the non-emergency phone number at 262-473-0555 option 4. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,[1] and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.
King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Text in second and third paragraphs is from Wikipedia. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by EasyGiftWizard from Pixabay.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office issued the following advisory and forecast as of Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Dangerously Cold Wind Chills: Tonight Through Monday Morning
Winds to 40 MPH tonight will also bring wind chills in the negative 20s.
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 AM CST to 12 PM CST Monday.
Areas in southwestern Wisconsin may see wind chills drop as low as negative 30 degrees for a brief period overnight, but coverage is expected to be isolated.
Although conditions improve into Monday afternoon as winds diminish to gusts of 25 mph, expect wind chills to remain in the negative teens throughout Monday afternoon and overnight through Tuesday morning.
This year is America 250—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Whitewater Historical Society is starting the year with a program about the Revolutionary War era and the early history of our country. Noted presenter and interpreter Jessica Michna will be bringing Abigail Adams to life in a program on Sunday, February 1 at 1:00 p.m. in the Cravath Lakefront Community Building.
The program is entitled “Abigail Adams – ‘A Lifeline of Letters’” and looks back to the days of Abigail and John Adams’ early marriage. Referring to the many letters written between them, Abigail recalls the days of revolution and uncertainty. She reminisces about friendships forged in France and England as a diplomat’s wife, the divisive election of 1800, and her management of the family farm. She also brings to life the early days of Washington, D. C. as seen from the windows of an unfinished White House.
Michna’s interpretations of historical women are not to be missed as she has gotten “rave” reviews for her presentations. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call Carol Cartwright at 920-723-8858.
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding 1850 Tavern on Main (Former Brass Rail), 130 W Main St., Alcohol License application approval and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Viola’s Beer Here, 617 E Milwaukee St., Alcohol License application approval. Whitewater Municipal Building Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St., *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/216901167816?p=JpNzRjpRvpWfgw4oAj Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,, 118698468# United States, Phone conference ID: 118 698 468#
City of Whitewater Common Council = Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Presentation by Jodi Sweeney from the Sweeney Group on the Capital Campaign Study for the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center, Report on rental housing list, ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION, to be followed by open session re: Discussion regarding potential housing proposal; First reading of Ordinance 2026-O-01 an ordinance regarding amendment of the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map-Community Development; First reading of Ordinance 2026-O-02 and ordinance amending the zoning map the zoning classification in regards to certain properties in the City of Whitewater Tax Parcel # /A444200001(Vacant Lot located at the end of E Main Street); Discussion and Possible Action regarding Pre/3 development TIF request presentation by Ehlers. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23020224725003?p=SpdSxWr7BqBKdwb0el Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,981563858# United States, Phone conference ID: 981 563 858#
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on application for open gym use of the Old Armory Building for indoor soccer; Discussion and possible action on approval of Strategic Plan Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2441813127624?p=N7iRDtUN3ZfYNoFG1b Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 244 181 312 762 4 Passcode: Yn3Yo7sF Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,914576498# United States Phone conference ID: 914 576 498#
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2 431 West Center St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85020202048?pwd=TZwRReCHECXKnN8AMIhBEg3KVds8uO.1 Meeting ID: 850 2020 2048 Passcode: zKGiB41B Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns indicated that a lockdown that occurred at Lincoln Elementary School on Friday, January 16 was caused by an alarm malfunction. According to a press release police responded to the alert and a hard lockdown was implemented. The lockdown was lifted when it was found that there was no threat to students or staff.
The release indicated that “We understand that seeing a police presence at a school can be concerning. While this was a false alarm, the response demonstrated that our safety systems and partnerships with local law enforcement are working as intended, as we prioritize the well-being of our students and staff.” It continued, “We understand that seeing a police presence at a school can be concerning. While this was a false alarm, the response demonstrated that our safety systems and partnerships with local law enforcement are working as intended, as we prioritize the well-being of our students and staff.”
School counselors were available to support any students who needed time to talk though the experience.
Above: From left to right, Pavan Chennamaneni, Abby Zimmerman, Michael Van Offeren, Alana Lewis, and Lauryn Seidel proudly represent UW-Whitewater on the international stage at the 2025 International Collegiate Sales Competition.
UW-Whitewater Sales Team takes Individual 1st at 2025 International Collegiate Sales Competition
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (UWW) has once again proven its strength on the global stage, delivering an outstanding performance at the 2025 International Collegiate Sales Competition (ICSC)—one of the most prestigious collegiate sales competitions in the world.
ICSC brings together more than 80 top universities from the United States, Canada, and Europe, featuring 160 competitors in the Sales Role-Play event and over 350 students across the Perfect Pitch and Sales Management Case competitions. UW-Whitewater continued its tradition of excellence with a top-tier showing across all events. Representing UW-Whitewater were four students from the Institute for Sales Excellence:
● Michael Van Offeren (Junior, Finance BBA) – Sales Competition ● Lauryn Seidel (Junior, Management BBA) – Sales Competition ● Alana Lewis (Senior, Marketing BBA) – Perfect Pitch + Sales Management Case ● Abby Zimmerman (Junior, Marketing BBA) – Perfect Pitch + Sales Management Case
The team delivered exceptional results, with Michael Van Offeren earning 1st place overall in the Sales Role-Play competition, placing him at the very top among global competitors. Lauryn Seidel also advanced to the semi-finals, securing a position among the highest-performing students in the world. With strong performances by Alana Lewis and Abby Zimmerman in both the Perfect Pitch and Sales Management Case events, the UW-Whitewater team collectively earned placement in the Top 5 in the 2025 Collegiate World Cup of Sales University Ranking—a remarkable achievement that reinforces UWW’s reputation as a premier institution for sales education.
The team was led and coached by Dr. Pavan Chennamaneni, Director of the Institute for Sales Excellence at UWW, with Dr. Jimmy Peltier, Sales Team Coordinator, serving in an assistant coaching role.
With our first-place individual finish at the Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up in October, the UWW Warhawks have now captured first place in both of the nation’s top collegiate sales competitions — a perfect 2 for 2!
Dr. Chennamaneni emphasized the impact of Dr. Peltier’s decades of coaching experience: “Jimmy knows precisely what it takes to compete at the highest level. His instincts for developing talent and his ability to fine-tune performance gave our team a meaningful advantage. We are deeply grateful for the expertise he brings to our program.” Chennamaneni also recognized the contributions of Dan Herlache, who retired last semester but played a foundational role in the development of UW-Whitewater’s sales program: “Dan built a tradition of success at ICSC, and I had the privilege of learning from him during our past travels to the competition. Continuing that legacy this year feels incredibly rewarding.”
As Director of the Institute for Sales Excellence, Dr. Chennamaneni noted his pride in the students’ performance: “Their professionalism, preparation, and grit continue to elevate UW-Whitewater’s national reputation in sales education. This team has represented the Warhawk community with distinction.” The coaching team expressed deep appreciation for Dean Paul Ambrose, whose strong support for experiential learning continues to elevate the College of Business and Economics and its students on a national and global scale.
More about the Institute for Sales Excellence at UWW 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.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
