News & Events

Whitewater Common Council Candidate Forum
Saturday, March 7, 1:30PM – 3:00PM
Whitewater City Hall Council Chambers, 312 W Whitewater Street

There are three open seats on the Council with two candidates running for each seat. The candidates are:  Aldermanic District 2 (Wards 9 & 10) Gavin Kelleher and Sean Liebherr; Aldermanic District 4 (Wards 6, 7 & 8) Brian Schanen (incumbent) and Chuck Mills; and, Member at Large Aubrey Thompson and Orin Smith. All candidates have agreed to attend the forum.  

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area sponsors candidate forums for the benefit of YOU, the voter. At the forum, you will be asked to write your questions on cards distributed by the League. Questions are reviewed by question checkers, who sort them by topic and check for redundancy, before forwarding them to the moderator. We do not accept questions targeted to specific candidates. Questions prepared by the League board will be used only if there are not enough questions provided by residents in attendance at the forum. Bring your family, friends and neighbors! Be an active participant in our democracy!

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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 Jefferson County Beef Producers (JCBP) are proud to announce their 1st Annual Steak Dinner, to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fair Park, located at 503 N. Jackson Ave., Jefferson, Wisconsin.

This community event is designed to bring consumers and producers together while celebrating the importance of the local beef industry. Guests will enjoy a hearty dinner featuring freshly grilled ribeye steaks, along with hotdogs, corn, baked potatoes, dinner rolls, desserts, and beverages including soda and beer. The evening will also include raffles and silent auctions, offering attendees additional opportunities to support local agriculture.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Jefferson County Beef Producers and help fund educational opportunities for both current and future beef producers. These efforts aim to strengthen the beef industry in Jefferson County and ensure its success for generations to come.

“The Jefferson County Beef Producers are dedicated to promoting and preserving the local beef industry by bridging the gap between producers and consumers,” said representatives of the organization. “This steak dinner is a great way for the community to enjoy a delicious beef dinner and socialize while supporting agriculture.”

Community members, families, and supporters of local agriculture are encouraged to attend.

For sponsorship opportunities, donations, or additional information, please contact the Jefferson County Beef Producers on Facebook or jeffersoncountybeefproducers@gmail.com.

At New Day Women’s Clinic, Every Day is International Women’s Day 

Client name changed for privacy 

Each March, National Women’s Day offers a time to celebrate and honor the women in our lives. At New Day Women’s Clinic in Whitewater, it’s also a reminder to show up for them.

Established in May 2025 as the second location of the original Delavan clinic, New Day operates as a Christian non-profit that does not accept federal funding. For 40 years, the clinic has provided a variety of free services that include pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, abortion pill reversal, STI testing, one-on-one mentoring, parenting education, and material support. 

Nurse Justine Himsel, who has been a part of New Day since 2020, leans into the clinic’s focus of connecting education with informed decision making. While a crisis can often result in panic and fear, Himsel aims to help women understand their bodies and view their decisions holistically. “Our goal is to equip and empower you on your health journey.” she said. She hopes clients walk away with a renewed sense of wonder for their bodies, and the confidence to embrace life and its possibilities. 

Equipping women to navigate challenging situations reflects the broader mission of New Day. Executive Director Gretyl Rabe believes that, “meeting people with grace starts by absolving judgement about their situation.” Financial, social, or shame-related barriers might prohibit some from seeking medical or supportive care. In response, New Day strives to provide individuals with the resources and referrals to break out of harmful cycles and enrich their lives through a newfound sense of hope.

Rabe describes success at New Day as a collaborative process that helps spark a moment of self-realization for the client. “We want to help clients have the self-efficacy to continue to overcome challenges by building those strengths and the confidence in herself,” she said. For some, that might mean overcoming homelessness. For others, it’s growing in their parenting skills. For one client, Lois, it meant receiving ongoing support through different pregnancies. 

Lois came to New Day during her first pregnancy because she lacked insurance. After her second pregnancy ended in miscarriage she recalled, “They were extremely kind and understanding and willing to put forth every effort to make me feel like I had community.” Now expecting again, Lois says, “I feel that I have every resource through them … but if I did feel that I needed additional support, they’re more than willing to help connect me to groups.”

National Women’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to recognize women and their value. As a woman-run clinic serving primarily women, New Day strives to relay that message through listening, practical care, and long-term support for women like Lois.

Would you or someone you know be interested in an appointment? At New Day, every conversation matters. “An appointment is really just two women chatting, listening, and knowing how to best care for you.” Himsel said. “Women are relationally based and so are we.” 

Schedule a tour today or visit New Day’s website to learn more about how they care for the women in our community. They can’t wait to meet you!

Website: https://ndwomensclinic.com

Appointment Line: 262-725-6977

Text Line: 262-300-7796

Located at 117 S. 2nd Street, Whitewater, WI

Editor’s note: This article was contributed by New Day Women’s Clinic.

The Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, Samuel Karns, is publishing a monthly newsletter. Our apologies that The Banner is tardy in providing some of the highlights of the January newsletter, which was distributed on January 25. In addition to the items shown below, the newsletter also includes information regarding the property tax increases, the ACT high school assessment and a variety of other subjects. The complete newsletter may be viewed here.

January Highlights: A Day of Service

On January 12th our high school held its annual Day of Service — a meaningful way for students and staff to give back to the community that supports their educational journey. Projects took place at every school in the district, at Fairhaven, the Community Space, and even at the LaGrange Fire Station. More than 200 WHS students participated — it was a GREAT day to be a Whippet! A memorable moment worth sharing: I joined students at Fairhaven to make dog treats and watched them interact with residents. The joy on both the students and the resident’s faces was unforgettable. Please check out the recap video of the day below. We have several events coming up in February. Registration will open on February 1. On February 11, I will be at Cravath Lakefront Community Center to discuss the strategic plan, 4K registration and more updates, so please come out to engage. We will also be holding a Discovery Day for incoming 4K students on February 20; more information will be shared soon for these events.

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Preparing and Supporting Learners for State Testing

Looking ahead, many of our students will participate in statewide assessments this Spring:

• The Wisconsin Forward Exam (for students in grades 3–8 and 10) will be administered between mid-March and late April. This assessment measures progress in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. To learn more, please access the family information flyer below by clicking the button for English or Spanish.
• Many high school students will take the pre-ACT and ACT in March as a college and career readiness evaluation. For family information on the ACT, please access the ACT high school assessment flyer below by clicking the button for English or Spanish.

These assessments provide valuable information about student learning and help our schools and staff reflect on progress and inform instruction to support all learners. At home, you can support your child’s confidence and readiness for upcoming assessments by:

• Ensuring they get adequate rest and a healthy breakfast on test days.
• Encouraging them to do their best.
• Providing reassurance that assessments are one of many tools educators use to know how to help them grow.

We deeply value the partnership between home and school. Your interest, encouragement, and support make a difference in your child’s daily learning and long-term success. Thank you for your partnership!

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Supporting Student Mental Health at Home

Families play an important role in helping students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. While schools provide support during the day, routines and relationships at home make a powerful difference. Here are a few simple, practical ways families can support student well-being—no special training required.

Create predictable routines

Regular schedules help children and teens feel secure. Consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, and homework routines can reduce stress and improve focus. Routines don’t have to be rigid—just reliable enough that students know what to expect.

Keep communication open (and low-pressure)

You don’t need the “perfect” words. Simple check-ins like “How was your day?” or “Anything on your mind?” let students know you’re available. Listening without immediately trying to fix things can be one of the most supportive responses.

Be mindful of screen time

Technology connects us, but too much screen time—especially before bed—can affect sleep and mood. Setting screen-free times (for example, during meals or before bedtime) helps students recharge and stay present.

Teach everyday stress skills

Stress is part of life, even for kids. Help students name their feelings and try simple coping strategies: take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, listen to music, or break big tasks into smaller steps. Modeling how you manage stress sends a strong message.

Notice effort, not just outcomes

Celebrate persistence, kindness, and growth—not just grades or achievements. Feeling valued for who they are helps students build confidence and resilience.

Reach out for assistance

If you have significant concerns about your child’s mental health or notice concerning changes, please reach out for help. When seeking mental health support for your child, start with their pediatrician or school counselor, provide detailed observations, and consider immediate crisis resources (such as 988) for severe symptoms; early intervention with a specialist offers the best outcomes for managing issues and building coping skills.

Finally, remember that you’re not alone. Schools and families are partners, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Together, we can help every student feel supported—at school and at home.

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Website Redesign

The main district website had been changed as part of our soft launch. The redesigned website includes streamlined navigation, shortcut menus for commonly accessed pages, and enhanced search functionality to help users locate information efficiently. If you have feedback and suggestions please feel free to email us at wusdallmeansallcomm@wwusd.org .

The new website may be viewed at the same link as before.

JOA Choir from Busan, South Korea
Conducted by Gun-Yoon Lee

UW-Whitewater Chamber Singers and Harmonia
Conducted by Robert Gehrenbeck

Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 pm

First United Methodist Church
145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater

Free Admission 

On Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 pm, First United Methodist Church in Whitewater will host a concert by the JOA Choir from South Korea. Conducted by Gun-Yoon Lee, the choir was invited by the American Choral Directors Association to perform as a headlining ensemble at the 2026 ACDA Midwestern Region Conference in Milwaukee. In conjunction with this appearance, the JOA Choir will also visit multiple Wisconsin universities, including UW-Whitewater. Performing alongside the JOA Choir on March 4 will be the UW-W Chamber Singers and Harmonia Women’s Choir, conducted by Robert Gehrenbeck. 

JOA Choir – Busan, Korea

Founded in January of 2016, JOA CHOIR marks a decade of musical exploration. Based in Busan and designated a professional arts organization by Busan Metropolitan City, this Ladies’ Choir is guided by conductor Gun-Yoon Lee. They interpret and perform a diverse repertoire—from classical to popular music, traditional Korean sounds, and jazz—through the distinctive beauty and delicacy of women’s voices. Pursuing a sound that stands apart from conventional female choirs, they offer a fresh model to Korea’s arts scene and are growing toward the global stage. In 2022, they drew strong attention as one of the most notable choirs on the audition TV show Sing For Gold, and in 2025 they won the Grand Prix at the Korea International Choral Competition (KICC).

Gun-Yoon Lee – Conductor

A Busan-born composer-conductor, Gun-Yoon is the principal conductor of the Anyang City Boys & Girls Chorus and conductor of the Sunhwa Arts School Choir. A pupil of the eminent maestro Yoon Hak-won, he conducts both Western symphony orchestras and Korean Gugak ensembles, and has earned praise for operatic and choral works that fuse artistry with accessibility. He is widely regarded as a next-generation maestro advancing Korean choral conductor and composer on the world stage.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Women’s and Gender Studies program by welcoming acclaimed author, activist, and thought leader Sonya Renee Taylor for a special keynote event on Tuesday, March 3, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the James R. Connor University Center in Whitewater.

The celebration takes place in room 275 of the University Center, and is free and open to the
public. A reception with appetizers will follow the program.

This anniversary event honors five decades of scholarship, activism, and community building,
highlighting the Women’s and Gender Studies program’s ongoing commitment to equity, critical inquiry, and transformative education.

Taylor, founder of the global “The Body Is Not an Apology” movement and a New York Times
best-selling author, will participate in a 50-minute moderated conversation and presentation
focused on radical self-love, body liberation, and social transformation, followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A.

Her groundbreaking book, “The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love,” has
been widely recognized for reshaping cultural conversations around embodiment, justice, and
collective care.

“This book is not about something as simple as body positivity or acceptance,” said editor Jeevan Sivasubramaniam. “It’s about the ways in which we see others and ourselves and judge one another on far deeper levels than we may know.”

Taylor is also the inaugural recipient of the Brian F. Bolton and Anne Nicol Gaylor Endowed
Professorship in Secular Studies, jointly awarded by UW-Whitewater’s departments of Women’s and Gender Studies and Philosophy and Religious Studies. The professorship supports intellectual engagement within an access-driven public institution, with a mission to reach first- generation students, students with disabilities, and adult learners.

Women’s and Gender Studies at UW-Whitewater is an interdisciplinary program that explores how gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, ability, and other identities. Students develop analytical thinking, intercultural competence, and problem-solving skills for diverse careers and graduate study.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.