WOW! Coming off their Carnegie Hall performance of this cantata on Nov. 17, the First United Methodist Church/Whitewater Area Regional Ministries Choir (and Friends) is thrilled to be presenting “SOLAS” by Heather Sorenson during our 10 am service and again for all at a 1 pm concert. The choir is accompanied by a 19-piece orchestra and James Athas on piano.
SOLAS (Latin for “alone “or “only”) is a musical composition formed around the five pillars of the Christian faith, offering a reflection on the Gospel of Christ. Moving from exploring Scripture alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, to Christ alone, the Cantata culminates in the joyous Glory of God finale, declaring this blessed season of faith. Along with the uplifting sounds of brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion (yes, there are timpani), soloists and narration will enhance the choir performance.
Perhaps one of the most spiritual and uplifting cantatas we have performed, it is generously funded by the Marge and Don Triebold Endowment Fund. Please share this musical experience with your friends and neighbors! You will truly live the “Reason for the Season!”
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by First United Methodist Church.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) will again host its Photos with Santa and Friends event on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 8 am-11 am at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater.
All are invited to take individual or group photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and the Elves. This is an event children of all ages can enjoy, offering a chance to capture holiday memories while participating in seasonal activities.
Families and friends can look forward to holiday treats, live music, and hands-on projects such as coloring and ornament-making led by Studio 84.
The Cultural Arts Center will be decorated inside and out for the season, with festive outdoor lighting designed by Ben Smith Lighting. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome to join in the celebration. Overflow parking will be available at First English Lutheran Church.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance extends its appreciation to the event sponsors: Associated Bank, Ben Smith Lighting, Dale’s Bootery, Dunkin’ Donuts, First Citizens State Bank, Kwik Trip, PremierBank, Starbucks, Walmart, and Wood Street Bakery.
“Celebrate the holidays with the WAA,” says Gallery Director, Kim Adams. “We look forward to welcoming families, friends, and neighbors for a morning filled with community spirit and holiday cheer.”
Live Life Spiritual Direction Hosts “Stress Management for the Holidays” Workshop in Whitewater
December 3 Event Offers Accessible, Science-Based Tools to Support Emotional and Mental Wellbeing During the Holiday Season
Live Life Spiritual Direction will host Stress Management for the Holidays on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 5:30–6:30 PM at The Sweet Spot Café in Whitewater.
This empowering, community-centered workshop is donation-based (pay what you can), ensuring that everyone—regardless of financial circumstances—can access tools for greater peace, clarity, and resilience during the busy holiday season.
“The holidays are beautiful, but they can also be overwhelming,” said Denise Maple, Chief Spiritual Officer of Live Life Spiritual Direction. “People face increased demands on their time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. This workshop gives participants simple, science-backed strategies to manage stress, support their nervous system, and approach the season with more calm and intention.”
About the Workshop Participants will explore practical and spiritually grounded techniques drawn from mindfulness, neuroscience, and mind-body practices. The class includes guided reflection, stress identification exercises, and easy-to-use tools that attendees can apply immediately—whether navigating family dynamics, work pressures, or personal expectations.
After completing the workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify core stressors in their daily life
Understand the power they have over their mind, health, and emotional environment
Shift stressors into opportunities for insight and resilience
Reduce anxiety-producing behaviors and thought patterns
Apply practical steps to create a more balanced, peaceful state of being
Event Details Event: Stress Management for the Holidays Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Time: 5:30–6:30 PM Location: The Sweet Spot Café, 226 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI Cost: Donation-based (pay what you can) Registration: https://livelifespiritual.com/events/holiday-stress-management/
About Live Life Spiritual Direction Live Life Spiritual Direction 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.
Editor’s note: Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns is providing a monthly newsletter which is designed to keep not only parents/guardians and district staff informed, but also the entire community. Shown below are some highlights from the October newsletter. Our apologies for the delay in getting this posted. The entire newsletter may be viewed here.
WUSD Strategic Priorities
Pupil Services
Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness: Understanding the McKinney-Vento Act
November is designated as National Homeless Awareness Month. In honor of this, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the homelessness experienced by children and families in the Whitewater Unified School District.
Over the past decade, WUSD staff have been working daily to provide support to students and families experiencing homelessness. In fact, in a school district of roughly 2,000 students, nearly 80 students, or 4%, experienced homelessness for part or all of the school year.
Every child deserves a stable and supportive education, regardless of their living situation. Unfortunately, many students face housing instability due to circumstances beyond their control. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that these students have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as their peers.
The McKinney-Vento Act provides federal protections and resources for students experiencing homelessness, which may include those living:
In shelters or motels
With relatives or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship
In cars, parks, or other public places not meant for regular sleeping
Unaccompanied youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
Under this law, students are entitled to:
Immediate enrollment in school, even without typical documentation (such as proof of residency or immunization records)
Transportation assistance to remain in their school of origin, if it is in the child’s best interest
Access to school meals, extracurricular activities, and support services that promote academic success and stability
Confidential support through a designated McKinney-Vento liaison, who helps families navigate enrollment, transportation, and community resources
WUSD is committed to identifying and supporting students who may be experiencing homelessness. Staff members receive training to recognize signs of housing instability and to connect families with the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison. The liaison works closely with families to remove barriers to education and link them to additional community supports such as food, clothing, and housing referrals.
If you know of a student or family who might be experiencing homelessness, please reach out to the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison, school principal, or me. Together, we can ensure that every child has a safe, consistent place to learn, grow, and succeed.
With kindness, Dr. Lanora Heim Director of Pupil Services
Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Get to know your mind, body, and spirit through writing prompts and oracle cards so you can move towards greater clarity and a deeper sense of self. Bring your own journal or a small one will be provided. Please bring your own pen or favorite writing implement.
Due to library construction, this event will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center at 341 S. Fremont St. in Whitewater on Thursday, December 4 at 6:00-7:30 p.m. This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is required as space is limited. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m. Whitewater Unified School District Central Office 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater Unified School District Board Governance Workshop – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Whitewater Unified School District Central Office 419 S. Elizabeth Street Whitewater, WI 53190
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes public hearing regarding 2026-2027 City of Whitewater Budget and first reading of Ordinance 2025-O-30 an Ordinance to Amend Section 1.28.020 Access to Exterior Property Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 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/27662257587781?p=Qkz979CTOrCvXvbead Editor’s note: City staff indicates that the “teams” product does not provide a phone number to access the meeting. Citizens may dial (262) 473-0108 to listen to the meeting or to make a comment via the phone in the Community Room.
2025 TIF [Tax Increment Financing] Joint Review Board – Wednesday @ 3:00 p.m. Agenda includes Review Annual PE-300 Reports and performance and status of the City’s active Tax Incremental Districts as required by Wis. Stat. § 66.1105(4m)(f). Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager’s Conference Room 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person and Virtual Wednesday, December 03, 2025 – 3:00 PM Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82938304198?pwd=IcMJBLehYU6jXCatkgjkRCMBzfwwEX.1 Passcode:989714 Join via audio: +1 312 626 6799 US Webinar ID: 829 3830 4198 Passcode: 989714
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Update and discussion regarding Starin Park Water Tower and Update and possible action regarding the current condition of the Birge Fountain. 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/21004329372178?p=vErVBqanXnYQ5cCxCQ Editor’s note: City staff indicates that the “Teams” product does not provide a phone number to access the meeting. Citizens may dial (262) 473-0107 to listen to the meeting or to make a comment via the phone in the Cravath Lakefront Room.
The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will deliver sand on Monday, December 1, 2025. Key Details:
Residents who want sand for use on public sidewalks during winter should: o Place a sturdy container (not a cardboard box) at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1.
If weather or other conditions prevent delivery that week, sand will be delivered as soon as weather permits.
Reminder: Per City Ordinance 12.20.020, the owner, occupant, and person in charge of any building or lot fronting upon or adjoining any sidewalk shall remove all snow and ice from the sidewalk no later than twenty-four hours after a snow or ice event. The full ordinance can be found at this link.
For questions, contact the Department of Public Works at (262) 473-0560.
Brian Neumeister Superintendent – Streets/Parks/Stormwater Utility
Blake Haggerty hauls in a touchdown catch (Olivia Zinanni)
In nearly whiteout conditions at Perkins Stadium Saturday, the UW-Whitewater football team fell to DePauw 26-23 in the second round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship.
The snow started early this morning and only got heavier as the game went on. UWW’s hard-working field crew had plows out before the game and a contingent of shovelers clearing lines at nearly every break in play.
The Tigers, with the top rush defense in Division III, limited the Warhawks to just 20 yards on the ground, but UWW picked up 221 yards in the passing game. However, it was penalties that proved costly for UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks were flagged for eight penalties for over 100 yards in the contest. DePauw posted 357 yards of total offense including 175 on the ground.
After a scoreless first, the Tigers broke the stalemate with a three-yard rush up the middle for the score. The kick sailed through the uprights for a 7-0 Tiger lead. The Warhawks responded on the next drive. After picking up a first down on three consecutive runs, UWW went to the air — Justin Klinkner dropped back and lofted a ball deep down the middle of the field. Blake Haggerty hauled in the over-the-shoulder catch in stride at the 11 and waltzed into the endzone. Seth Adams hit the point after to tie the game 7-7.
DePauw put together a long drive to set up a Matthew Berry 21-yard field goal with just seconds before halftime. The Warhawks took a knee with just two seconds on the clock to head into the locker room trailing 7-10.
The UW-Whitewater defense provided a spark on the other side of the break. On DePauw’s first drive of the second half, Karsten Libby jumped a passing lane on third down for the pick-six. Libby reined in the interception at the 29 and took it to the house with the extra point giving UW-Whitewater its first lead, 14-10.
The Tigers reclaimed the advantage on the next drive. DePauw hit paydirt on a Ballentine to Ballentine connection from 12-yards out. The extra point made it 14-17 DePauw with less than eight to go in the third.
Adams capitalized on a long drive for the Warhawks, splitting the uprights from 40 yards out to knot the game at 17 as the clocked ticked down to the end of the third quarter.
The offenses kept rolling despite the deteriorating field conditions as the Tigers scored on their next drive. This time the DePauw quarterback lofted a ball to the back pylon. UWW’s defensive back had great coverage, but the receiver tipped the ball and ended up hauling in the catch as he fell to the ground near the sideline, his back clearly out-of-bounds. The side judge was moving toward the play, looking to the back judge to check for a foot down and inbounds. After a second, the back judge threw up his hands to signal a touchdown. Noah Moris got a mitt on the point after attempt, knocking it to the ground near the line of scrimmage. With the failed point after, DePauw led 17-23 with under 12 minutes to go.
The Tigers capitalized on a three-and-out for UWW with another field goal, this time from 24-yards out for a 26-17 lead.
UW-Whitewater responded once again. Klinkner hit Ethan Mitchell on a pass up the middle for 20 yards. Two plays later, Klinkner launched a deep ball to the far hash marks. Jacques Brooks showcased his prowess on the tip drill as the DePauw defender got a hand on the ball, tipping it up for Brooks to pull it down at the Tiger 18 and scamper in for the 45-yard score. The kick was no good as UWW narrowed the gap to three, 23-26 with less than five to play.
The Warhawk defense came up with a huge stop on third down, standing up the Tiger running back at the line of scrimmage to force a punt and get the UWW offense back on the field. The DePauw punt sailed out-of-bounds at the Warhawk 35 as the offense came on with 2:15 left.
A pass interference had the Warhawks at the 50 and another Klinkner to Brooks completion saw UWW into Tiger territory. DePauw stopped the UW-Whitewater drive in its tracks with an interception with less than two to play to seal the game.
Klinkner completed 16 of 22 for 221 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception. Haggerty and Vasey each hauled in five catches combining for over 100 yards. Defensively, Ethan Gallagher paced UWW with 11 tackles including a tackle for a loss. Efrein Ramirez joined Gallagher in double figures with 10 tackles. Libby had a phenomenal game with eight tackles, a sack for a loss of two, a pick-six and a pass breakup.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office is maintaining the Winter Storm Warning until Sunday at 6 a.m. They continue to estimate that the Whitewater area will receive a total of 9-12 inches of snow and are warning that travel conditions will be deteriorating as drifting occurs and roads become more slippery. Peak blowing snow potential on Sunday is expected to be between4 AM & 4 PM.
