News

“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale”

(Period Drama)

Tuesday, January 13, 1 pm

Rated PG; 2 hours, 3 minutes (2025).

Is this really the final chapter in the favorite 14 year family saga…? Starring Hugh Bonneville and the entire Downton cast.

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/ 

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Today’s image is of the Whitewater Paper Mill that was located on Trippe Lake off of Wisconsin Street today.

The Whitewater Paper Mill was built at the Trippe Lake dam on the site of a saw mill from the 1830s constructed by James Trippe, who financed the building of both the Trippe Lake and Cravath Lake dams and started industry in Whitewater. In 1859, Trippe and Crombie built this paper mill on the sawmill site. It had a stone foundation and brick walls. It made paper from straw, a plentiful by-product of wheat growing, which was dominating agriculture around Whitewater in the mid-19th century. The paper made at this mill in 1860 was advertised as book and wrapping paper. The paper mill operated until the mid-1890s. In the 1910s, the Whitewater Condensery (later the Hawthorn-Mellody Milk Plant) was built on this site. That complex was demolished in the 1990s and today condos sit on the site.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society

(3127STU, Whitewater Historical Society)

UW-MADISON ANNOUNCES FALL DEAN’S LIST

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. 

To view an online listing, visit https://registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist/.

Here are the students from the Whitewater area who have received this honor.

 Andrea Alcala, School of Education, Dean’s List
 Isabel Aranda, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Carley Lane Boudreau, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Crystal Chan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Shivam Kalra, School of Education, Dean’s List
 Leah Newmann, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Lucien Pomazak, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Caleigh Yang, School of Business, Dean’s List

The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host the new Executive Director of The Young Performing Arts Center, Mike Stefiuk, to present on the Young’s current and upcoming projects and initiatives at the upcoming January meeting. 

This event will take place on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Mike Stefiuk, the recently appointed Executive Director of The Young Performing Arts Center, is a strategic, results-driven performing arts executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in concert operations, artistic programming, and venue management. He has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led high-performing teams, and produced nearly 1,000 events annually across major venues serving audiences of up to 5,000 patrons. Known for his expertise in artist relations, contract negotiations, and cross-sector partnerships, Mike has collaborated with world-renowned artists and institutions while driving significant growth in ticket revenue, audience engagement, and operational efficiency.

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about The Young Performing Arts Center. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, January 14th.

“The Young Performing Arts Center has always been a staple in the heart of the Whitewater community,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “Many of our members frequently attend the events they host. We are excited to hear about the recent initiatives and learn how we can support this incredible program.”

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com. 

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

A New Year Intention-Setting Workshop in Whitewater – New Date!
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 13th at 6:00 p.m. (originally planned for January 6th)

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.

Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits for January 2026

In 2025, more than half of the homes tested for radon in Walworth County had levels exceeding the safety threshold set by the EPA

This January, in recognition of National Radon Awareness Month, Walworth County Health and Human Services will offer radon test kits to residents for just $5 with the donation of a non-perishable food item. The $5 price includes shipping and laboratory analysis. Normally priced at $15, the kits are supplied by the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center. Donated food will be distributed through The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity. This offer is limited to one test kit per person. 

Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment, as testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.

The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, located at 1910 County Road. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121.  Cash and check payments only. 

For more information on the promotion, or to learn more about radon testing, please contact the Walworth County Health and Human Services at (262) 741-3200, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, on Facebook @WalCoDHHS, or online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.

Residents with elevated radon results should contact Walworth County Health and Human Services or the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center at (262) 605-6731 for mitigation options.

Editor’s note: The tests that were distributed a few years ago had to be received by the testing lab within a limited number of days. It may be worthwhile to pay for expedited shipping.

Heather Boehm, city clerk, indicates that Teresa Golembiewski requested on January 7 to have her name removed from the April ballot for Common Council At-large. Boehm has confirmed that this request will be honored, and consequently there are two candidates: Orin Smith and Aubrey Thompson. As a result, there is no need for a primary in February.

The Whitewater Banner provided a list of Common Council and School Board candidates which may be found here.

Update 1/7/26 @ 10 p.m. to reflect Teresa Golembiewski’s decision to withdraw from the Common Council At-large race.
Update 1/8/26 @ 12:45 p.m. to indicate that there is no competition for the two Walworth County Supervisor positions.

Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

City of Whitewater Common Council

Three City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, the following is the final status of the nomination filings, as of the January 6 deadline. A primary will be held on February 17 to determine the two candidates who will move forward to the election of the at-large seat.

District 2 (Currently represented by Orin Smith, who is not running for reelection for this position)
Gavin Kelleher, 451 Warhawk Drive
Sean Liebherr, 771 W. Lauderdale Drive

District 4 
Chuck Mills, 336 S. Whiton Street
Brian Schanen [Incumbent], 441 S. Buckingham Blvd.

At-large (Currently represented by Greg Majkrzak, who is not running for reelection)
Teresa Golembiewski, 1180 Bloomingfield Drive Candidate withdrew on 1/7/26
Orin Smith, 329 N. Tratt St.
Aubrey Thompson, 318 W. North St.

Whitewater Unified School District

The candidates for WUSD School Board who had filed by the January 6 deadline, per School Board Secretary Christine Dodge:

Stephanie Hicks [Incumbent], 1254 Tower Hill Pass
Lisa Huempfner [Incumbent], 976 W. Charles St.
Terri Jones, 148 N. Hyer Lane, Apt. 8
Christy Linse [Incumbent who had filed a noncandidacy statement but changed her mind and is now running.] W5106 Meske Rd., Fort Atkinson

Walworth County Supervisor, District 4

District 4 represents the western portion of the city; a map may be found here.
Incumbent Al Stanek is not running for reelection.
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Tyler Schneider, 160 S. Whiton St, is the only candidate.

Walworth County Supervisor, District 3

Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Incumbent Brian Holt is the only candidate.

_______________________________________________________________________________

FALL ELECTION

U.S. House of Representatives

The general election for this position is not until November 3. It is very likely that a primary will be held on August 11, as the following candidates have already been announced:

Bryan Steil  (Incumbent) (Republican Party)

Miguel Aranda  (Democratic Party)

Mitchell Berman  (Democratic Party)

Randy Bryce  (Democratic Party)

Enrique Casiano  (Democratic Party)

Gage Stills  (Democratic Party)

Connor Walleck  (Republican Party) 

Adam Follmer  (Independent)

State offices – November election

Walworth County Sheriff – November election

Incumbent sheriff Dave Gerber has filed a noncandidacy statement.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to announce a public initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5 as a part of the League of Women Voters Women Defend Democracy campaign. Unite and Rise 8.5 seeks to inspire 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up to support democratic processes, free and fair elections, and the Rule of Law in our country. If just 3.5% of eligible voters participate in peaceful protests, we will create a meaningful difference to protect the Constitution and democracy. 

Please join us to learn how you can make a change. Eileen Newcomer, Deputy Director of LWVWI, will speak on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater.

You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Jean Eichman, richardeichman@sbcglobal.net. 

_____________________________________

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

The Whitewater Public Library has a full calendar of free events for all ages in January! Events for all ages include the Winter Reading Challenge which begins January 20 and runs through March 12. Participants can pick up a bookmark at the library’s front desk and then fill in a circle for every 20 minutes you read or listen to a book. Then come back to the library and turn in your bookmark to receive a goody bag. Each completed bookmark is also an entry into the grand prize drawing! There will be one grand prize drawing for kids and one grand prize drawing for teens/adults. 

Additional all ages events include:

Coloring Club: Mondays 1/5, 1/12, & 1/26 at 3:30 p.m.

Family Game Night: Tuesday, 1/13 at 3:30 p.m.

Weird Science – Slime: Wed. 1/14 at 4:00 p.m. (registration required)

Free Play Friday: 1/30 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Events just for kids include:

Storytime: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Build it! Club: Tuesday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m.

Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, January 8 at 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Events for teens include:

Teen Gaming: Thursdays starting on 1/8 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/12 at 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Teen DIY: Wednesday, 1/21 at 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Teen Movie: Wednesday, 1/28 at 4:00 p.m.

Events for adults and teens include:

Chess Club: Thursday, 1/8 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Magic the Gathering 101: Friday, 1/16 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Vinyl Club: Tuesday, 1/27 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Makerspace 101: 3D Printing: Thursday, 1/15 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Making Games with bitsy: Thursday, 1/29 at 5:30-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Programs just for adults include:

Movie & Mocktail: The Princess Bride Monday, 1/5 @ 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Tea Time: Wednesday, 1/7 @ 11:00 a.m.

Tarot 101: Year-Ahead Spread: Thursday, 1/22 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/26 @ 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Details about all events can be found on the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org/events. Some events require registration, which can also be done on the library’s website or by contacting the library. All library programs are always free and open to the public.

The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.