News & Events

WHITEWATER LIBRARY GRAND REOPENING SET FOR FEB 6

The Whitewater Public Library is celebrating the completion of their Building Expansion and Renovation Project with a Grand Reopening event on Friday, February 6 at 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public. Community members are invited to join in the festivities and tour the new library. There will be light refreshments, live music, speakers, a raffle fundraiser, and more.

Noelle and Andrew Larson will be performing an original song, “I Love My Library,” at 5:45 p.m. Remarks will begin at 6:15 p.m. with Jennifer Motszko, Library Board President; Diane Jaroch, Library Director; Jim Winship, Chair of the Capital Campaign; and Kelly Davis, Friends of the Library Vice President.

The Friends of the Library will be hosting a raffle fundraiser including baskets and a 50/50 raffle. The winners will be pulled at 7:15 p.m.

Please join us for an evening celebrating the completion of the library’s building project and enjoying everything that the new space has to offer!

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.

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VIP Services Schedules Casino Night Benefit VIP Services will hold its annual Casino Night Benefit on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Geneva Tap House, located at 252 Broad Street in downtown Lake Geneva. Funds raised at the event will help support VIP’s ongoing community programs and essential services for adults with disabilities. The group has many families and supporters in the Whitewater area, and also does regular activities with staff and students at UW–Whitewater. Tickets are $50 each and include admission, playing chips, snacks, and a wide selection of beverages, including wines, seltzers, and many varieties of beer. Guests will have the opportunity to play blackjack, craps, and roulette. The top chip holders at the end of the night will pick from the prize table. Craig Poshepny, CEO of VIP Services, welcomes the opportunity to educate the public about VIP’s many services and develop new connections within the community. “Casino Night is a great event that allows us to connect with the community while sharing the stories of the people we support and the barriers they work to overcome,” Poshepny said. For tickets call VIP Services at 262-723-4043 or visit their office at 811 E. Geneva Street in Elkhorn. Editor’s note: This press release was provided by VIP Services. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Thorsten Frenzel from Pixabay.

Mallory Elsbury joins First Citizens State Bank

Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Mallory Elsbury has joined the Bank as Business Development Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Mallory brings nearly two decades of banking experience with her background spanning Deposit Operations, Credit Administration and Underwriting, Business Banking, and Human Resources, providing a well-rounded perspective on all aspects of banking. Over the last decade, she has focused on supporting business clients with treasury management and commercial lending solutions, helping them select the right products and services to effectively manage their cash flow. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she earned her undergraduate degree, as well as an MBA with an emphasis in both Management and Human Resources Management.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are excited to welcome Mallory to First Citizens State Bank. Her extensive experience working closely with business clients and her deep expertise in treasury management make her a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our customers and the communities we serve.”

Outside of banking, Mallory enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and being outdoors – particularly running, hiking, camping, and exploring Wisconsin’s natural spaces.

Mallory commented, “I’m excited to join First Citizens State Bank and be part of a community-focused organization that values strong relationships and personalized service. I look forward to working with local businesses to help them achieve their financial goals through thoughtful treasury management and banking solutions.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. The bank takes pride in building lasting partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

UW-Green Bay announces academic honors

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs and certificates. With campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest-growing UW.

Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average, which represents all “A” grades, receive highest honors. High honors go to students earning 3.99 to 3.75 grade point averages. Honors are given to students earning 3.74 to 3.50 grade point averages. All were full-time students in the fall/winter term, earning 12 or more credits of graded coursework. This list includes students attending all UW-Green Bay campuses.

Whitewater, WI

 Ella Liberto, Semester Honors

Each year, FIRST Robotics Competition Teams may name two sophomores or juniors as Dean’s List Semi-Finalists. Dean’s List is the only individual student award in FIRST, recognizing exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and passion for the FIRST mission. This year, Ferradermis has selected sophomores Sam Raupp and Vivian Harris for the award. The coaches have submitted a series of short essays to capture what each student brings to the team, and the students will now prepare to interview at an upcoming competition to become one of Wisconsin’s two Dean’s Lists Finalists. Finalists then compete at the World Championships in Houston in April.

Sam Raupp

Sam consistently embodies Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition by leading with empathy, inclusion, and service. As Outreach Subteam Lead, they focus on making robotics welcoming and accessible, whether mentoring FLL students, guiding families during open houses, or presenting at FRC Training Day specifically on helping new members feel included. They regularly volunteer at FLL and FTC events, supporting teams both on and off the field while modeling respect and teamwork. Sam also helps bring fun and spirit to the team through roles such as mascot, media team member, and choir performer at competition events. Their leadership reflects FIRST Core Values by combining discovery, teamwork, and impact with a genuine commitment to uplifting others.

Sam has played a significant role in expanding awareness of FIRST throughout the school and community. They represent the team at STEAM nights, city markets, freshman activity fairs, robotics week events, and back-to-school demonstrations, often serving as a tour guide and spokesperson. Their involvement with the SLATE educational technology conference as a representative of FIRST Wisconsin, FLL mentoring, and regional volunteering helps connect younger students and families to FIRST programs. Sam’s commitment extends beyond competition season through consistent outreach, fundraising, and community service. They plan to remain engaged with FIRST by continuing mentorship and advocacy efforts, ensuring future students feel welcomed and supported just as they were.

Sam’s individual contributions directly strengthen the team’s culture, sustainability, and growth. As Outreach Subteam Lead, they organize and support events that increase recruitment, retention, and community support. Their work on impact presentations, rebranding efforts, and media outreach has improved how the team communicates its mission. Sam also supports fundraising initiatives, parent engagement, and event logistics, helping ensure the team has the resources needed to compete. By frequently initiating meeting wrap-ups and reflection, they help the team stay focused, organized, and collaborative. Their efforts allow the entire team to succeed both on and off the field.

While Sam’s focus is outreach and impact, they have actively developed STEM skills through hands-on team involvement. They assisted with building the practice field, gaining experience in fabrication and design. Their work in media and branding includes applying design principles and problem-solving skills to communicate technical concepts clearly. They work with Canva to create graphics, lead the team in video production, and are the expert in operating the vinyl cutter. Sam’s exposure to competition environments through volunteering and drive team participation has strengthened their understanding of how engineering, strategy, and teamwork intersect. They continue to grow their STEM knowledge by learning from mentors and teammates and applying those lessons across team initiatives.

Sam leads through encouragement, organization, and example. As Outreach Subteam Lead and frequent presenter, they motivate others by creating an inclusive environment where all members feel valued. Sam’s leadership style is collaborative and service-oriented, focused on supporting others rather than seeking recognition. Even though they knew they could not attend our latest Girl Scout event, they planned all of the activities so their teammates would be fully prepared. In December, they took the lead in collecting money and buying gifts for a family in need, helping team members extend their impact beyond STEM. By mentoring younger students, presenting to parents, and guiding new members, they inspire confidence and foster a sense of belonging across the team and community.

Beyond robotics, Sam is actively involved in community service and the arts, volunteering at local festivals and for service projects. They are a dedicated member of their 4-H club, exhibiting multiple projects each year. Their ability to balance academics, service, and leadership demonstrates strong time management and dedication. Sam brings energy, creativity, and compassion to everything they do, making them a positive role model within FIRST and beyond.

Vivian Harris

Vivian embodies Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through hands-on leadership, mentorship, and a willingness to serve wherever needed. They actively support younger students by mentoring FLL teams and volunteering at FLL and FTC events, including planning inclusive scavenger hunts that help make competitions engaging and fun. Vivian approaches robotics with curiosity and collaboration, attending FRC Training Days to continue learning and improving. Their early involvement as a drive team member and construction specialist reflects a commitment to teamwork, discovery, and excellence. By balancing technical focus with service and inclusion, Vivian consistently demonstrates the FIRST Core Values in action.

Vivian has significantly increased awareness of FIRST through early initiative and sustained outreach. As a freshman, they played a large role in organizing all Robotics Week activities for the school, demonstrating confidence and ownership early in their robotics journey. They’ve helped lead community demonstrations at parades, school events, and fairs. Their mentorship of an FLL team solidified FIRST programming at a remote location, expanding access for younger students. Vivian also presented at kickoff workshops and led activities at outreach events such as Girl Scout and migrant education programs. Their long-term commitment is evident through continued drive team involvement, mentoring, and plans to remain engaged in FIRST through technical mentorship and outreach beyond high school.

Vivian’s individual contributions have had a direct and measurable impact on the team’s success. As a construction specialist, they contributed to critical robot components such as bumpers and supported multiple drive teams across offseason and in-season events. Their experience on the drive team strengthened team performance through strategic awareness and quick problem-solving while also strengthening their personal understanding of engineering systems and iterative improvement.  Vivian also improves team engagement by designing interactive activities for younger programs and supporting outreach logistics. Their ability to combine technical work with mentoring and outreach helps the team succeed both competitively and culturally.

Vivian demonstrates strong mastery of STEM through hands-on engineering and competition experience. They specialize in construction and fabrication, operating CNC and other large-scale equipment in the shop. They built on their CAD skills considerably in the off-season, helping them develop an understanding of mechanical design and durability so they could contribute to the design of robot components. This year, they led the team that constructed all of the practice field elements. Vivian joined drive teams for multiple offseason events even before their freshman year, gaining early exposure to robot control, strategy, and troubleshooting. Their STEM growth is driven by curiosity, practice, and a commitment to learning through real-world application.

Vivian leads by example through action, initiative, and mentorship. As a mentor to younger students, they motivate others by teaching skills, encouraging curiosity, and modeling perseverance. Vivian’s leadership style is hands-on and collaborative, focused on helping teammates succeed through shared effort. As a team, we’ve never been able to get a student FLL mentor to our remote elementary school; Vivian set an example and solved this problem by just simply doing it. This year, they led one of the design discussion teams on kick-off day. Whether presenting workshops, supporting drive teams, or assisting at outreach events, they inspire others by showing that leadership comes from commitment and follow-through, not just titles.

In addition to robotics, Vivian is active in community service, the arts, and athletics, balancing robotics with roles in the fall musical and spring play along with cross country and wrestling as a freshman. Their early dedication to robotics, combined with strong technical skills and a service mindset, demonstrates maturity and focus. Vivian consistently seeks opportunities to learn, lead, and give back, making them a strong role model within the FIRST community.

Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch and Mark Zimmermann
Whitewater High School Robotics Coaches
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Families with young children are invited to learn about the Whitewater Unified School District’s 4K program during Discovery Day on Friday, February 20.

Discovery Day offers families an opportunity to explore 4K classrooms, meet educators, and learn how the district supports early learning through engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction. Attendees may select a one-hour time slot between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School.

“Our 4K program provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning by focusing on social, emotional, and academic growth in a welcoming environment,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “Discovery Day is a great opportunity for families to see firsthand how we support our youngest learners and partner with families from the very beginning of their educational journey.”

Families are encouraged to sign up in advance for Discovery Day by visiting bit.ly/WUSD4kDicoveryDay.

Additional information about 4K enrollment and enrollment for families new to the district is available at wwusd.org/page/4k-and-new-to-the-district-kg.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Image by Esther Merbt from Pixabay.

Nass at the WUSD Legislative Breakfast, February 2024

Senator Steve Nass issued the following statement announcing that he does not plan to run for reelection.

            “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature representing the people of Southern Wisconsin.  I have proudly fought for the taxpayers in my district with every vote that I cast for and against legislation.

            I have always been bipartisan in my scorn of fiscal mismanagement and bureaucratic overreach regardless of whether the Republicans or Democrats were in charge, since the affliction of Big Government is a disease that infects both parties in Madison.

            The time has come for a new fighter to take on the mission of preserving life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for the citizens of the 11^th State Senate District.  While the challenges are many facing the people of Wisconsin, the preservation of the American Dream in this state will prevail if each of us rises up and in unison defends our inalienable rights bestowed upon us from God.

God Bless Wisconsin and the United States of America.”

Nass graduated from Whitewater High School and earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He retired from the Wisconsin Air National Guard as a CMSgt with 33 years of service including Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Nass served on the Whitewater Common Council from 1977-81 and was first elected to the State Assembly in 1990. A Republican, Nass has been in the State Senate since 2014. He indicated that he would retire from that body when his term expires on January 4, 2027.

Nass, age 73, represented the city of Whitewater for many years but that ended with the redistricting after the 2020 census. Now representing District 11, he still serves the LaGrange area, where he lives.