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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
Free Guided Journaling Workshop
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
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.
DePauw Postgame Press Conference: https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3168711
UW-Whitewater Postgame Press Conference: https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3168712
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-W Athletics.
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 between 4 AM & 4 PM.
Nearly all Social Security recipients are enrolled in Medicare B, for which they have the premium automatically deducted from their monthly Social Security payment. The Medicare B monthly premium in 2026 will exceed $200 for the first time, as it rises 9.7% to $202.90, an increase of $17.90. It’s the largest percentage increase since 2022, when the premium jumped by 15%.
The Part B deductible — the amount seniors must pay out of pocket before their coverage kicks in— is also rising about 10%, jumping to $283 next year from this year’s $257.
The Social Security Administration set next year’s cost-of-living increase at 2.8%, which will boost the average Social Security check by $56 to about $2,071 per month.
The Medicare Part B premium hike will consume about a third of next year’s average COLA [cost of living adjustment] effectively lowering the rate to 1.9% — far below the current inflation rate of 3%. People with lower monthly benefits could even see an effective COLA of zero, according to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM). The law specifies that the Medicare B premium increase cannot cause a recipient’s Social Security payment to decrease.
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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