News

Lakeside Fire-Rescue and Rock County Sheriff’s Office units were alerted by the Rock County 9-1-1 Center at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 3rd, of a 9-1-1 call reporting a home on fire on Road Five in the Mallwood Estates Subdivision in the Town of Milton (Rock County). The caller was the occupant who reported flames on the outside of the home spreading rapidly. Lakeside Fire-Rescue units from Stations 2 (Edgerton) and 3 (Milton) were dispatched.

Based on the information being received by 9-1-1, Lakeside upgraded the incident to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) “Working Still,” which added additional fire and support units from Janesville, Whitewater and Fort Atkinson Fire Departments. Lake Mills Fire Department was also requested to provide an engine to stand by in case of another incident in the Lakeside region, and the City of Edgerton and Town of Milton Police Departments assisted the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.

There were four people home at the time of the fire, all who were able to exit without injury. First arriving fire crews reported the fire had already penetrated into the interior of the home and they had fire showing throughout the living level and through the roof.

Based on the rapid spread of the fire, the windy conditions, the proximity of other homes in the area, and the subdivision not having fire hydrants, Lakeside further upgraded the response to a MABAS “Box Alarm” response which added additional firefighting crews and water tenders from Stoughton, Delavan, LaGrange, Darien, Town of Delavan, Elkhorn, Jefferson, Evansville and Town of Turtle.

The fire was under control at 00:53 a.m., approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes from the original call. It took an estimated 60,000 gallons of water to fight the fire, all of which was brought in by the water tenders.

The home is a total loss, and the family is being assisted by neighbors who have provided them a place to stay temporarily. Lakeside Fire also worked with their medical partners from MercyHealth to help family members who lost critical medications in the fire.

Lakeside Fire-Rescue is being assisted by agents from the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall’s Office in the investigation. The fire is believed to have started on a patio area outside the home. The exact cause is still under investigation.

Fire personnel are remaining on scene with a smaller fire crew providing fire watch until the property owner’s insurance carrier can arrive to view the scene.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Lakeside Fire-Rescue.

The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next bi-monthly meeting on Monday, January 5th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Don’t forget – we are only meeting via Google Meet ( https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa ) for the remainder of the school year.

Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing

Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing

Ways to get involved: 

Way #1:
We know that our meeting times don’t work for everyone, but anyone can volunteer!

Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers in the future. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.

Upcoming music events:

Jan. 9-10  WCDA Honors Choir HS All day UW Eau Claire

Jan. 16 Pepapalooza  6:00 pm HS Basketball

Jan. 26 RVC Honors Band  All Day East Troy HS

Jan. 27 Lincoln Band  2:15 pm  Lincoln Elem.

Jan. 28 Washington Band  2:15 pm  Washington Elem.

Jan. 29 Lakeview Band 2:15 pm   Lakeview Elem.

Feb. 7 WSMA Auditions  All Day Rufus King HS

Feb. TBA  RVC Honors Choir  All Day TBD

Feb. 7 Bandorama (5th-12th) 3:00 pm  WHS Gym

Feb. 26 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS

Feb. 27 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS

Feb 28 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS

Mar. 1 HS Spring Play 2:00 pm HS

Mar. 2 Middle School Orchestra Clinic 3:30 pm MS Band Room

Way #2:

Over the recent years, our funds have steadily decreased, so we could use people to donate and/or fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.

Donate/Share Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link—

Whitewater Music Boosters

Supporting the Whitewater Unified School District

wwusdmusicboosters@gmail.com

The fall UW-Whitewater Undergraduate Research Program Day was held on November 20. Displayed were posters of research projects under the mentoring guidance of a faculty member.  It’s important to note that students participating are from all four colleges. There is another Undergraduate Research Day in the spring. The exhibit is always open to the public at no charge.

Text and photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.

FCCU Donates $909.09 to the Community Space in Whitewater through Employee Charitable Contributions

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce a donation of $909.09 to The Community Space in support of its mission to provide essential resources, food, and support that improves the wellbeing for Whitewater area residents. The donation was generated 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 and lasting impact on the communities FCCU serves.

The Community Space in Whitewater was selected as one of the program’s first-year beneficiaries. As a volunteer-
driven nonprofit, Community Space plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families by offering free access to food, clothing, household essentials, and a welcoming space rooted in compassion and community care. Through its emphasis on reducing stigma, building relationships, and ensuring that all residents have what they need to thrive, The Community Space has become an essential pillar in the Whitewater community.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a beneficiary of this program,” said Cindy Wendt, general manager of the
Community Space. “We are donation-driven in addition to being volunteer-driven, and funds like this allow us to
leverage our strong relationship with Feeding America of Wisconsin and others to provide more critical resources to the community. We appreciate that FCCU sees the value of strengthening the community and deeply value their
partnership.”

FCCU’s employee giving program reflects the credit union’s cooperative values and its ongoing commitment to
empowering team members to make a direct and positive difference in their communities. By combining employee
contributions with FCCU’s support, the program amplifies the impact of local nonprofits working to meet critical
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.

Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter presents: Phoenix from the Ashes – Wildlife Returns

Dr. Bridie Fanning

Naturalist and conservationist Dr. Fanning will take you on her journey of discovery from the realization that her property was a desolate ecological landscape to the multi-year journey of healing the eco-system and sharing key learnings along the way. Bridie will share how the North Shore of Bass Bay Lake had been a wildlife paradise for the Potawatomi Native Americans, destroyed by over hunting and development. It is now restored to provide a wildlife sanctuary for not only threatened species but also species of special concern, such as great egrets, nighthawks, rusty patch bumble bees, large and little brown bats, ospreys, purple martins, bluebirds, great horned owls, beavers, monarch butterflies and many more. Learn what was involved to reimagine the property to prairie, savanna, marsh, wetland, woodland, and sedge meadow. Bridie will show how the property was managed for the different stages of ecological succession along the multi-year journey.

WHEN:  Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:  South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, Eagle

      S91W39091 Highway 59, One mile west of Eagle.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  No admission fee.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter.

Editor’s note: The Common Council meeting that would normally take place on January 6 has been canceled.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval for new awnings and railing for the White Memorial
Building locate at 402 W Main Street
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/23998788998877?p=FMdV0pOw2HtClqWbH0
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,442399774#
Phone conference ID: 442 399 774#

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Three school board seats are up for election. The incumbents are Stephanie Hicks, Lisa Huempfner, and Christy Linse. Christy Linse has filed a noncandidacy statement. Lisa Huempfner told this writer that she will be running again. The Gazette recently published that both she and Stephanie Hicks have filed for re-election.

The Whitewater Banner is unable to provide the names of any other candidates for the School Board. For a number of previous years both the district and city personnel immediately provided updates on filings whenever requested by The Banner during the filing period. Last year the district declined to provide this information until their press release after the filing deadline passed, even in spite of an open records request that was filed by us. This year the district stated in a December 3 press release that “Per WASB [Wisconsin Association of School Boards], the names of any person running for School Board will not be released to the public until January 7, 2026.  The names should stay confidential until that point.” An attorney and a journalist, both of whom are knowledgeable professionals, have told The Banner that refusal to respond on a timely basis to the open records request was a violation of the state open records law.

Again this year City Clerk Heather Boehm routinely provided The Banner the names of the persons who had filed for Common Council. This article names the candidates as of January 2. It is our view that it is in the public interest to know the status of candidate filings, as this may be a factor as to whether an interested person wishes to consider candidacy. If there are insufficient candidates to fill the expiring seats, a write-in candidate could win a position with a minimal number of votes; otherwise, the governing body would be able to make an appointment.

Interested in Running for the WUSD School Board?
All School District candidates must complete and submit the required forms to the filing officer no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Candidacy paperwork, Ballot Access Checklist & Campaign Finance Overview – Local Candidate Committees is available at the Central Office, 419 S. Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. The Whitewater Unified School District does not require nomination papers for School Board candidates.

*If you have questions or need assistance with candidacy paperwork, please contact Christine Dodge, School Board Secretary, at 262-472-8713 or cdodge@wwusd.org.

The district office will reopen from the holiday break on Monday, January 5. Regular hours at the district office are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The office will remain open on Tuesday, January 6 until 5:00 pm. The candidacy paperwork may be completed in a matter of minutes.

Are you struggling through the holidays as a caregiver?

Understand the grief, loss and mourning associated with caring for someone with dementia.

Join us for Moving Forward:

Grief and Ambiguous Loss Associated with Dementia Caregiving

The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Marquette Counties are offering the 16- week grief and bereavement educational support group on Friday afternoons from 1-3 pm beginning January 16 and running through May 1, 2026. This is a virtual group. There is no cost to attend. Registration and screening are required.

Who is this group for? The group is for anyone who is or has cared for someone with dementia. Caring for someone with dementia presents a constant series of losses and not just those related to death. Each session will cover a grief, loss and mourning topic followed by about 60 minutes of conventional support group discussion.

For more information or to register, please contact
Rock County Dementia Care Specialist, Karen Tennyson at 608/921-7165 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us
Marquette County Dementia Care Specialist, Janet Wiegel at 608/297-3148 or
jwiegel@co.marquette.wi.us

Editor’s note: The Rock County Aging & Disability Resource Center has previously told The Banner that residents of counties other than Rock are welcome to participate in their programming when space permits.

A New Year Intention-Setting Workshop in Whitewater
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 6th at 6:00 p.m.

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.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area co-sponsored a public Fair Maps Community Hearing Tour event at the Community Engagement Center on November 11. Activists across the state are educating the public and looking for input on an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) for drawing Wisconsin legislative voting districts in the future. Bill language for an IRC has been drafted, and multiple nonpartisan organizations are working together to gather public feedback. 

Wisconsin has fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation ahead of the 2030 Census, Wisconsinites risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters—and ignore the will of the people. That’s why the Fair Maps Coalition has written a draft proposal and is looking for public input. 

The community hearing included a presentation on fair maps in Wisconsin and a breakdown of the draft Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) proposal. Attendees then engaged in a lively exchange of questions and answers with the presenters.

Comprehensive information regarding the IRC proposal may be found on the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition website. Photos of the meeting, courtesy of Tom Ganser, are shown below. Whitewater Community TV provided a recording of the meeting, which may be viewed here.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area.