DUBUQUE, Iowa – The following Loras College students were recognized for academic achievement during the recent semester by Dr. Sarah Nytroe, Loras College Provost. To be eligible, a student must earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.50 for the term and be a full-time student taking at least 12 graded credits (pass/fail courses are excluded). The Dean’s List is compiled at the completion of each semester.
Whitewater, WI
Calli A. Grosinske
Mayte G. Navejas
I, Aubrey Thompson, am running for the City of Whitewater Common Council At Large seat.
I would first like to extend a GIANT “Thank You” to the 400-ish residents who have taken time to speak with me, while I was meeting folks around town with my Nomination pages. I appreciate everyone’s time, especially when you open the door on chilly Wisconsin winter days!
Secondly, I will be available for Q&As at:
Bingg’s – January 16, 2026 from 530pm to 730pm (N416 Twinkling Star Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190).
As well as, Jessica’s – January 19, 2026 from noon to 2pm (140 W. Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190).
Bring your ideas on what you like about Whitewater and what you want to improve. Looking forward to meeting you; hope you can stay awhile and support local business.
Please note, I will be at other gatherings around town. If you would like to invite me to speak with a group of Neighbors & Locals, please contact me. (aubrey.whitewater@protonmail.com)
Happy New Years, Whitewater!
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Aubrey Thompson. The Whitewater Banner welcomes submissions from area candidates. Our usual policy is to allow one announcement per candidate prior to the primary election and one additional submission before the general election. Since there is no primary this year up to two items may be submitted at any time.
The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has presented the fall 2025 grants, which include $2,065 for the Whitewater Art Alliance, $500 for the Whitewater Public Library, and $1,000 for the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission.
“We were thrilled to distribute funds to several organizations doing work to benefit the Whitewater community. Making a difference in the lives of our residents is our key purpose,” said Virginia Coburn, Chair of the Community Action Grant committee for the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Following is more information about each grant:
Whitewater Arts Alliance was granted $2,065 to purchase additional Pro Art Panels to increase the number of display exhibits and to replace an outdated laptop that will be used to produce marketing materials, distribute communications, store electronic files, and serve as the primary organizational and record keeping tool for the WAA. The goal is to expand its programming and improve its efficiency.
Whitewater Public Library was granted $500 to create two Sensory Go-Bags, one to be used onsite and the other available for check out. The bags would contain the following items for children to use: noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, sunglasses, fidgets, weighted calming books. Sensory-inclusive spaces and programs benefit all children by providing outlets for social-emotional wellbeing and regulation. The library can provide essential resources to children in the Whitewater community who would benefit from sensory-inclusive spaces and programs, including children with autism or sensory-processing disorder.
Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission was granted $1,000 to create additional educational signage in the Arboretum at Starin Park to include informational, instructive signage and additional tree identification tags.
Twice a year, the WCF offers Community Action Grants for projects that the community and board of directors believe are worthwhile and beneficial to various segments of the population. Grant proposals are due on April 30th and October 31st of each year.
“The Foundation remains committed to funding projects that foster community engagement. We encourage more local organizations to apply for our upcoming grants and continue making a positive impact,” said Coburn.
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should contact info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org. Details about the Community Action Grants can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/
The next grant requests are due April 30, 2026.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”
Editor’s Note: The above was submitted by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Jefferson County Welcomes Brandie Hanson as County Veterans Service Officer
Jefferson County is pleased to announce that Brandie Hanson has been confirmed as the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) following approval by the Jefferson County Board at its January 13 meeting. This position was formerly held by Yvonne Duesterhoeft, who is retiring as CVSO following 19 years of service.
As County Veterans Service Officer, Hanson will serve as the primary advocate for Jefferson County veterans and their families, assisting them in accessing federal, state, and local benefits related to disability compensation, healthcare, education, pensions, survivor benefits, and other earned services.
Hanson brings 15 years of professional experience in veteran advocacy, case management, and public service to the role. Most recently, she was a Veterans Ombudsman Services Specialist with the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, where she served on behalf of more than 500 residents at Wisconsin Veterans Homes. In that position, Hanson investigated resident rights concerns, worked with administrators and care teams to resolve complex issues, and led outreach and education efforts to strengthen partnerships with veterans, families, and local agencies. In addition to her civilian experience, Hanson is a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, having served from 2000 to 2012. Her service included two combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Her military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to support Jefferson County veterans and their families,” said Hanson. “My goal is to build strong relationships, improve access to earned benefits, and ensure veterans feel respected and supported. This office exists to serve, and I look forward to continuing that mission.”
“What I have enjoyed more than anything in this work is having the tools and network to weave together solutions that give veterans the support to move forward through difficult times and thrive,” said retiring CVSO Yvonne Duesterhoeft. “I’m certain that Brandie comes to this role with more knowledge and experience than I had 19 years ago when I started. She has the heart, passion, and skills to advance our mission in important ways.”
Brandon White, Jefferson County Board Supervisor and member of the Veterans Service Commission, observed that “Brandie brings a combination of military experience and deep professional expertise in veteran advocacy. As Veterans Ombudsman, she demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring veterans receive the care and benefits they’ve earned.”
“The CVSO is often the first point of contact for veterans navigating complex systems,” said Jefferson County Administrator Michael Luckey. “Brandie’s experience positions her exceptionally well to serve Jefferson County veterans with compassion, professionalism, and accountability.”
County officials encourage veterans, service members, and their families to contact the local CVSO at (920) 674-7240 or jeffersoncountyvets.org to learn more about available benefits and services.
UW-Whitewater honored nationally for deep-rooted community impact
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, community connection goes beyond the words in a mission statement. From scientific exploration and business startups to the performing arts, the university is being recognized nationally for a culture of engagement that extends beyond campus borders.
UW-Whitewater is among an elite group of 277 colleges and universities in the United States to earn the Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
This prestigious designation — first awarded to the university in 2016 — honors campuses that are successfully revitalizing their civic missions by integrating student learning with regional needs.
“This classification affirms UW-Whitewater’s continued commitment to academic excellence through student success,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “Our engagement with the greater campus community speaks directly to our approach with research and teaching to critically think and solve real-world problems. Whether it is in local schools, business offices, neighborhood parks or senior community centers, our students and faculty are actively working every day to make a difference. We are grateful for the efforts of the team that worked long and hard to ensure our Carnegie materials reflected the university’s ongoing efforts.”
The university’s application highlighted how its mission, leadership, and resources all work together to drive meaningful community engagement, especially in Walworth, Jefferson, and Rock counties.
UW-Whitewater’s Community Based Learning program and Learning Communities include community service within their course requirements, positioning students off campus to conduct research and work on special projects to develop civic responsibility. Winther Counseling Services offers free, confidential mental health support to the public from counselors-in-training, who are students pursuing an M.S. in counseling at the university.
The Fiscal and Economic Research Center and Cybersecurity Center for Business are housed in the university’s College of Business and Economics, Wisconsin’s largest business school. Both organizations — which are advised by faculty members and staffed by students — partner with local businesses and nonprofit organizations on impactful research, education, and outreach.
UW-Whitewater’s Department of Continuing Education oversees the Fairhaven Lecture Series and Cedar Crest Lecture Series, which are in-person presentations by university faculty and staff to community members in Whitewater and Janesville.
For the last three years, UW-Whitewater has partnered with Special Olympics Wisconsin to host the State Summer Games, welcoming hundreds of athletes and their families from around the state for fun and opportunity through sports competition.
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with UW-Whitewater, whose campus has become a welcoming home for our athletes as the host of our largest state games over the past three years,” said Chad Hershner, President & CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin. “Their commitment to inclusion ensures that thousands of Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes, family members and friends, are welcomed with dignity, respect, and an unforgettable championship experience.”
UW-Whitewater recognizes this distinction as an honor and as a charge to continue to strengthen its community engagement. Additional activities for engagement are outlined in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, including the successful implementation of Our Stories, Our Future: A Campaign for UW-Whitewater, the university’s largest single fundraising effort.
The Classification for Community Engagement is valid until 2032.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, we inspire, engage and transform lives. Founded in 1868, we serve more than 12,000 students and celebrate more than 108,000 alumni around the world. Our faculty and staff are devoted to student success on our Whitewater campus, our Rock County campus, and our vibrant online environment. We prepare innovative, resilient students with outstanding skills that make them strong candidates for 21st-century careers and community leadership. We embrace our priority mission to serve students with disabilities. Home to the Warhawk family, UW-Whitewater delivers a supportive, caring culture with an entrepreneurial spirit and championship drive.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
After spending the morning on Monday, January 12 completing some standardized testing, Whitewater High School students had the option to spend their afternoon volunteering in the building or throughout the community. Roughly 175 students signed up to volunteer their time. Destinations included the Community Space, Fairhaven, and all three elementary schools as well as the middle school. Students who remained on campus to volunteer did some deep cleaning, painting, and organizing of storage areas among other projects.
Walworth County and United Way of Walworth County Announce Seventh Round of Funding for Local Nonprofits and Veterans Organizations
For this round of funding, Walworth County has earmarked $161,900 for the United Way to distribute to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 Veterans service agencies. Eligible agencies can request between $1,000 and $9,000. Applications are due on January 31, 2026. The goal is to issue the awards in early March. If all dollars are awarded, this will be the final round of funding.
Applications are available at https://unitedwaywalworth.org/arpa-grant. Qualifying 501(c)(3) or 501(c)19 agencies interested in applying may also contact UWWC CEO Brian Holt for an application at (262) 374-4474.
“As we enter this seventh and likely final round of ARPA funding, we’re proud of the impact these grants have had in strengthening local nonprofits and Veterans organizations over the past several years,” says United Way of Walworth County CEO Brian Holt. “This program has provided critical resources to help agencies serve our community, and we encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this last opportunity to apply.”
A board of United Way of Walworth County committee members will select the grant recipients. Organizations with 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 tax-exempt status may apply. These organizations must also maintain their principal place of business in Walworth County, conduct business in Walworth County, and serve people within Walworth County.
This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
UW-Stevens Point undergraduates honored for scholastic achievement
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,872 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.
Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.
Students who received honors include:
Whitewater, WI
Wyatt Anderson, Honors
Giovanni Anello, High Honors
Grace Wood, Honors
City of Whitewater Conducts Business Retention & Expansion Visit with HEXPOL – Whitewater
The City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently completed a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility, continuing the City’s ongoing efforts to support local employers and strengthen the community’s economic base. Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Community Development Director, and Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, met with Adrienne Weber, Human Resources Manager at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility. The visit focused on workforce needs, operations, and the company’s long-term commitment to the Whitewater community.
HEXPOL currently employs approximately 40 people at its Whitewater location and is actively hiring for six positions. The facility operates two daily production shifts, along with a third shift dedicated to maintenance, and is a UFCW union facility. Most employees live in Whitewater or the surrounding area, reinforcing the company’s strong local roots. “BRE visits are an important way for the City to stay connected with our existing employers and understand how we can support their success,” said Mason Becker.
“HEXPOL is an international company that is a valued manufacturing employer in Whitewater, providing stable jobs and actively investing in its workforce.” Adrienne Weber emphasized the company’s focus on people and community. “Our goal is to be a preferred employer in the Whitewater area,” Weber said. “We’re proud that the majority of our employees come from the local community, and we continue to focus on creating a safe, respectful, and rewarding workplace. We are always looking for ways to
further partner with the city. ”
Karin Silvius noted the importance of companies like HEXPOL to the City’s economic health. “Employers who offer quality jobs and career opportunities are critical to Whitewater’s long-term vitality,” Silvius said. “HEXPOL’s continued hiring and investment demonstrate confidence in both their workforce and the community.”
About HEXPOL
HEXPOL is a global leader in polymer compounding and engineered rubber materials, serving customers in a wide range of industries including automotive, construction, industrial, and consumer products. Headquartered in Sweden, HEXPOL operates manufacturing facilities around the world, with a strong emphasis on quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability. The Whitewater facility plays an important role in the company’s North American operations.
The City of Whitewater’s Community Development Department, in conjunction with the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, will continue BRE visits throughout 2026, meeting with local businesses including manufacturers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and other organizations to identify opportunities, address challenges, and support sustainable economic growth within the City of Whitewater.
Chamberlain University and SSM Health Open Enrollment for Wisconsin Aspiring Nurse Program Partnership offers tuition support and guaranteed employment pathway as Wisconsin faces sustained nursing shortage Chamberlain University and SSM Health are offering a new pathway to nursing careers with tuition support and guaranteed jobs, as enrollment opens January 5, 2026, for the Chamberlain Aspiring Nurse Program in partnership with SSM Health. This partnership offers students a direct, employment-focused pathway by combining tuition support with immersive clinical experience at SSM Health facilities and the opportunity for employment upon graduation and passing the NCLEX exam. In return, students commit to joining SSM Health’s workforce. Through the program, prospective students in Wisconsin earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree online from Chamberlain University. Wisconsin faces a significant gap between nursing workforce needs and available education opportunities, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 2025 Health Care Workforce Report[1]. While the state’s registered nurse workforce grew 10% between 2020 and 2022, that growth couldn’t keep pace with demand. With tens of thousands of qualified applicants turned away from nursing schools nationwide each year, the Aspiring Nurse Program addresses this gap by creating accessible pathways for residents of Wisconsin and northern Illinois who live within 50 miles of an SSM Health facility. [Examples: SSM St. Mary’s Hospitals in Madison and Janesville] Program Details: Enrollment Opens: January 5, 2026 Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Chamberlain University Benefits: Tuition support, clinical training at SSM Health facilities, pathway to RN licensure and employment at SSM Health Commitment: Students agree to join SSM Health’s nursing workforce upon completion “This program is more than a solution to the nursing shortage—it’s a bold reimagining of how we grow and support the next generation of nurses,” said Amy Wilson, DNP, Chief Nurse Executive for SSM Health. “By investing in education and clinical experience from day one, we’re not only preparing students for success, we’re strengthening the future of patient care across our communities.” How to Apply: Prospective students can learn more about the program and enroll at chamberlain.edu/aspiring-nurse-program/wisconsin [1] Wisconsin Hospital Association 2025 Health Care Workforce Report: https://www.wha.org/data-publications/reports/workforce/2025 About Chamberlain University Chamberlain University, an Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE) institution, educates, empowers, and emboldens a diverse community of healthcare professionals who seek to advance the health of people, families, communities, and nations. Chamberlain has the largest school of nursing in the U.S., with both on-campus and online degree programs. Chamberlain is comprised of the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions, offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit Chamberlain.edu for more information, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. About SSM Health Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential. With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s 40,000 team members and 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. |