News

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The early winter snow storm last weekend prompted this vintage Whitewater “snow” view. This image, taken around 1900 shows the north side of Main Street with snow-covered streets. It also shows the best way people got around during snowy winters, a wagon on sled runners. Some of us may have wished we had runners on our cars last week!

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

(3861P, Whitewater Historical Society)

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the family, friends, and greater
Whitewater community will gather to celebrate and memorialize Ken
Nehring, a good man and a life well lived. Coach Nehring was a teacher by
trade but a basketball coach at heart, and he made a lasting impact on
countless young men as a coach, mentor, and friend.

For the past five decades, basketball has been my vocation as both a
player and a coach. Over those many years, I have had the privilege of
playing for and working alongside some truly outstanding coaches, and
Coach Nehring stands at the very top of that list. With time, I have come to
appreciate even more the way he taught the game with discipline,
enthusiasm, empathy, and class. Athletics can sometimes become
transactional, and when that happens, the transformative life lessons the
game can teach are diminished. Coach was never transactional, and he
never compromised with what mattered.

Coach, thank you for teaching us the skills of the game and, more
importantly, instilling in us the values of discipline, perseverance, and
teamwork. Your mentorship helped us become better players, but even
more so, better men. Your countless acts of kindness, many of which
were never publicly acknowledged, will never be forgotten.

Coach Nehring was inducted into the UW-Platteville Hall of Fame as a
player and into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of
Fame as a coach. For many of us, he was far more than a Hall-of-Famer.
He was a role model and a friend. Each time I returned to Whitewater, I
made a point of stopping by to visit with Coach. Those conversations and
that fellowship were always a blessing. Future trips home will not be the
same without him, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Coach, thank you for believing in us, inspiring us, and leaving a profound
and lasting impact on our lives.

Michael Murphy
Whitewater Whippet, Class of 1980

Whitewater High School hosted their annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on December 3rd, celebrating the academic achievement, leadership, character, and service of outstanding students. New junior and senior members were formally welcomed into the organization in a ceremony that highlighted the four pillars of NHS and the important role student leaders play in the WHS community.

The event included reflections on the meaning of NHS membership, recognition of each inductee, and the traditional signing of the NHS registry. Newly selected officers for the upcoming year were also honored and installed during the ceremony.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for earning this distinction,” said NHS Advisor Ms. Liberty Cunningham. “Their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and character strengthens our school community and sets a powerful example for their peers.”

Whitewater High School congratulates all newly inducted members and looks forward to their continued contributions to the school and the greater community throughout the year.

New Junior Members:

• Connor Brumeyer
• Langdon Coburn
• Marcus Roselle
• Anjay Magana Rodriguez
• Jordyn Weeden
• Maddi Morton
• Maddie Joseph
• Karlee Villegas-Korbel
• Emmett Spear
• Frank Mbifi
• Jacek Egnoski
• Emy Islas
• Carson Miller
• Kai Peterson
• Tylen Bucholtz

New Senior Members:

• Marvin Duarte Garcia
• Delaney Hammack
• Shaday Capistran Linares
• Rosenburg Escobar

Existing Members:

• Chacha Binagi
• Payton Brautigam
• Matthew Carollo
• Grace Coleman (President)
• Lucy Davis (Secretary)
• Erison Dreksler
• Joseph Falcon
• Mya Graves-Koran
• Nina Heim
• Kaia Jones
• Lilian Navejas-Ortiz (Treasurer)  
• Samuel Nickelsburg
• Genesis Valadez
• Alexa Wildenberg
• Elora Wildermuth
• Atreya Wilson (Vice President)
• Cara Yang

Article and photos submitted by Liberty Cunningham
Whitewater High School NHS Advisor
cunli01@wwusd.org

Celebrate 30 Years of Musical Magic at the UW-Whitewater Gala Concert! – Saturday, December 6 @ 7:30 p.m. – The Young Performing Arts Center Join us for a spectacular evening as the UW-Whitewater Gala Concert marks its 30th in-person performance with a holiday celebration inspired by the grandeur of the silver screen. Step into a night where music meets the magic of the movies—an unforgettable journey through soaring melodies, dramatic rhythms, and the powerful emotion only live performance can deliver.This milestone event not only showcases the extraordinary talent of nearly every ensemble in the UW-Whitewater Department of Music but also supports music scholarships that help future artists thrive. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time guest, don’t miss this dazzling celebration of music, legacy, and the enduring power of live performance. 6:30 p.m.: Small Ensembles and Basket Raffle Experience the full scope of this extraordinary evening with every corner of the venue igniting in dynamic, immersive performances by student ensembles. While you are enjoying the music and twinkling of holiday lights, grab a beverage and check out the annual ornament sale in the lobby, the amazing prizes at our basket raffle in the Kachel Center, and more. Enter for your chance to win a basket sponsored by generous local businesses and/or patrons while supporting a great cause! Bring your wallets; entries will be cash only.  7:30 p.m.: Gala Benefit Concert Step into a night where music meets the magic of the movies—an unforgettable journey through soaring melodies, dramatic rhythms, and the powerful emotion only live performance can deliver. Music from “The Polar Express,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and more holiday favorites are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Secure your seats now—and be part of the Gala’s most epic chapter yet! Admission is $30. There is no charge for parking. All profits from this event support the Department of Music Scholarships. PRE-CONCERT ENSEMBLES Kachel Center 6:30 p.m. – Euphonium & Tuba Quartet 6:55 p.m. – Student Brass Quintet Center of the Arts Atrium 6:30 p.m. – Marimba Ensemble 6:55 p.m. – Guitar Ensemble The Young Lobby 6:30 p.m. – Clarinet Ensemble 6:55 p.m. – Chamber Orchestra Fern Young Terrace 6:30 p.m. – Harmonia 7:00 p.m. – Clarinet Ensemble MAIN CONCERT ENSEMBLES Vocal Jazz Jazz Ensemble I Symphonic Wind Ensemble Chamber Singers Symphony Orchestra INTERMISSION ENSEMBLES Kachel Center Jazz Combo The Young Lobby Cello Ensemble Fern Young Terrace Flute Ensemble The Young Stage Piano Duet POST-CONCERT ENSEMBLES Kachel Center Saxophone Ensemble Center of the Arts Atrium Hawk Kor The Young Lobby Trombone Choir

Residents of the Whitewater Unified School District are encouraged to consider seeking a
position on the School Board. The final day for filing is Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

Three seats will be on the spring ballot. The incumbents are Stephanie Hicks, Lisa Huempfner, and Christy Linse. Incumbents have until Friday, December 26, by 5:00 p.m. to file their Notification of Noncandidacy. Under section 120.06(6)(b)3m of state statutes, the District Clerk will give the public prompt notice if any incumbent files their Notification of Noncandidacy on the School Board Election page of the district website.

Any person who is a United States citizen and a qualified elector of the Whitewater Unified School District is legally qualified to become a member of the School Board. In addition, Board candidates should have a genuine interest in and devotion to public education, a willingness to give time and effort to the position, a capacity to understand people, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. The School Board is the district’s policy-making authority and is responsible to the public for the success of all education services offered by the district. This success is dependent on many individuals, but also upon each Board member’s understanding of the workings of the
district-wide operations and each member’s ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process that governs the district.

The candidate filing documents may be obtained and filed at the office of the School Board Secretary at the Whitewater Unified School District Central Office, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. School Board candidates do not circulate nomination papers, but the School Board Secretary, Christine Dodge, will assist in completing necessary filing documents.

CENTRAL OFFICE HOURS
Through Friday, December 19, 2025
M-Th, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m./ F, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2 – The Central Office is Closed

Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. is the deadline for filing candidacy paperwork on January 6)

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 City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently conducted a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit with Fort HealthCare, focusing on its Whitewater Clinic located at 1461 W. Main Street. Economic Development Director Mason Becker and Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karin Silvius met with Jim Nelson, Chief Financial Officer, and Tiffany Pernat, LPN, for a discussion centered on local health services, workforce needs, community partnerships, and upcoming opportunities. The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic, which provides basic clinical care, women’s health, rehabilitative care, and hosts the Rock River Community Clinic, emphasized its long-standing commitment to the Whitewater community. The Whitewater Clinic continues to play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare for local residents and university students.

The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic operates in a leased 18,000-square-foot space, with Rock River Community Clinic occupying one-third of the building. During the visit, Fort HealthCare leadership praised previous communitywide health collaborations and expressed strong interest in renewing local partnerships aimed at improving long-term health outcomes. Nelson noted Fort HealthCare’s appreciation for the previous “W3 – Whitewater Working for Wellness” initiative and voiced support for similar cross-sector efforts involving the City of Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, and local employers. “We are always grateful for local businesses and institutions that want to be active partners in the health and well-being of the community,” said Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Economic Development Director. “Fort HealthCare plays a critical role in our region, and our BRE visit reaffirmed their commitment to accessible, community-focused care.”

Like many healthcare providers across Wisconsin, Fort HealthCare continues to face workforce challenges—particularly in specialized areas such as obstetrics and pediatrics—and currently has approximately 50 full-time equivalent openings across its system. Despite these challenges, Fort HealthCare leadership reported improvement in contracted staffing and continues to draw employees from Jefferson, Walworth, and Rock Counties. The team also discussed broader healthcare system realities, including reimbursement rates and the number of patients without insurance—an important factor for regional healthcare providers. Fort HealthCare noted that about 60% of patients at its patients lack insurance, underscoring the need for continued statewide efforts supporting access to care.

“These visits allow us to hear directly from healthcare leaders about their needs and opportunities,” said Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce. “Strengthening relationships with providers like Fort HealthCare helps us plan for a healthier, more connected community.”

The City of Whitewater’s BRE program focuses on maintaining strong relationships with local employers, identifying opportunities for partnership, and supporting long-term economic and community vitality.

“We appreciate Fort HealthCare’s honest dialogue and their strong commitment to Whitewater,” Becker added. “Our department will continue working with local businesses to promote sustainable growth and ensure Whitewater remains a supportive environment for employers and residents alike.”

For more information on the City of Whitewater’s Business Retention & Expansion Program, interested businesses can contact Mason Becker at: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov.

There is still time to enter the Whitewater Parks and Recreation 2025 Chili Cook Off! Deadline to register is Thursday, December 11th. You can either fill out the form and send it to JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov, drop it off in person, or follow the QR code on the form to register online. If you have any questions please call 262-473-0535.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that after rain in the morning on Thursday, a period of brief but intense snowfall and gusty winds is anticipated during the afternoon commute along an arctic front. They indicates that “Snow squall warnings may be needed. The front will cross southern Wisconsin from 2 PM through 7 PM… A snow squall can bring sudden white-out conditions and light snow accumulation on roads. Temperatures will quickly drop below freezing behind the front. Any puddles or slush and snow on roads will quickly turn to ice. 

Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow for Community Safety

Clearing Snow from Fire Hydrants can Save Lives…
A clearly visible and accessible fire hydrant can save your home—or even your life. When hydrants are buried in snow, firefighters may lose valuable time locating and accessing them during an emergency.

Residents are encouraged to assist in keeping hydrants clear throughout the winter season. Your efforts help protect your household, your neighbors, and the entire community.

Please follow these guidelines:

• Know the location of the nearest fire hydrants.
• Ensure hydrants are shoveled out after every snowfall.
• Clear at least 3 feet of snow around each hydrant to provide firefighters with enough room to work safely and efficiently. Taking a few minutes to remove snow from around a hydrant near your home can save precious minutes during a fire emergency. The City of Whitewater thanks all community members who help keep fire hydrants
  accessible.

Rainbow Community Care, a trusted independent healthcare provider serving Jefferson, Dodge, and surrounding counties, is excited to announce that its commemorative 35th Anniversary Cookbook, Nourishing Body & Soul is officially available for purchase.

This long-awaited, community-sourced cookbook, which features over 300 recipes, is a
beautiful, heartfelt keepsake filled with the best-kept family secrets and cherished
stories from the very people who built Rainbow: volunteers, local families, dedicated
healthcare workers, and community supporters. All have been part of Rainbow’s 35-
year journey of providing compassionate care to rural South Central Wisconsin. Every
page is a testament to the power of neighbors caring for neighbors.

“This is more than just a cookbook,” said Dana Traynere, Rainbow Community Care
Clinical Liaison. “Every recipe tells a story of connection and community, celebrating the
true spirit of local, independent healthcare. Proceeds directly support our ability to
provide compassionate care to patients and families across Jefferson, Dodge, and
surrounding counties.”

Support a Great Cause and Secure Your Copy Today:
The cookbook is the ideal holiday gift and a wonderful way to support the Rainbow
Hospice Foundation.
Physical Cookbook – $25
Early Bird Special – $20 (Limited Time Offer!)
Digital E-book (Amazon) – $9.99
Important Delivery Note: To ensure you have it in time for holiday gifting, order now!
Physical books are scheduled to be printed and shipped for Mid-December delivery.
How to Secure Your Copy:
Copies are now available for immediate order through multiple convenient options:

 Online: Visit https://rainbowcommunitycare.org/Foundation to secure your copy
today.
 By Phone: Call (920) 674-6255 to order a hard copy.
 In-Person: Visit us at our Jefferson or Inpatient Center offices or the Rainbow
Thrift Shoppe in Fort Atkinson.

ABOUT RAINBOW COMMUNITY CARE
Founded by volunteers in 1990, Rainbow Community Care is a local, independent, and
non-profit provider of services that supports patients and families throughout the entire
journey with aging and serious illness. Highly regarded for excellence in hospice care,
palliative care, advance care planning, grief support, parish nursing, and volunteer
programs, we care for people living in their homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing
homes in rural South-Central Wisconsin as well as the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient
Center in Johnson Creek.