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East Troy beat Whitewater 41-30 in conference girls’ basketball action on Friday, December 12. Whitewater jumped out to an early 7-4 lead before East Troy went on a 13-0 run to push their lead to ten. The game remained close the rest of the way as Whitewater had multiple chances to cut it to a two-possession game with under five minutes to play.
Emery Kachel led Whitewater with 15 while East Troy had two scorers in double digits.
Whitewater travels to The Lincoln Academy on Tuesday, December 16 and to Monroe on Thursday, December 18.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Creating A Sacred Space: Fairhaven & Rainbow Partner to Bring Dedicated Hospice Suites to Whitewater
CEO Paul Kuenning for a quick photo opportunity during the ribbon cutting.
The final stages of life’s journey are often the most meaningful, yet they can be challenging for families, particularly when a loved one requires specialized care away from home. Traveling to distant places to visit loved ones often consumes precious time when “every moment counts.”
Now, two respected non-profits – Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater and Rainbow Community Care in Jefferson – have partnered to solve this critical local need. The organizations collaborated to open two dedicated hospice suites right on the Fairhaven campus, creating a “sacred space” where local residents and their families can find peace and comfort. The official opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 30. Staff, local healthcare professionals, and residents from the wider Whitewater community turned out in strong numbers to get their first look at the dedicated Hospice Suites.
The partnership was born not only out of necessity, but from a long-standing mutual respect and shared belief that compassionate care should be available close to home. “The idea originated when Brian Robinson, (Fairhaven’s Director of Marketing, Community Relations & Leisure Services), simply asked Rainbow staff during a tour, “Hey, is there anything we could ever do to work together?” said Paul Kuenning, President & CEO of Fairhaven Senior Services.
That simple question ignited a project driven by a strong, shared commitment to community and quality. Both organizations recognized they could make a greater impact together, ultimately focusing on one goal which emphasized the partnership’s purpose. “These hospice suites were born out of a shared mission to give families a peaceful, home-like space where they can spend meaningful time together when it matters most,” said Carol Brown, President & CEO of Rainbow Community Care.
loved ones to spend their final days together, close to home.
The two renovated suites are located on Fairhaven’s Advanced Assisted Living Wing (2nd Floor) and were specifically designed to offer compassionate and expert care in a peaceful, home-like setting. This option is vital for those who cannot or do not want to remain at home near the end of life.
Rainbow Community Care staff – experts in providing end-of-life comfort – were integral to the rapid renovation process. They chose the specific units and took the time to “really make them shine.” The suites are furnished with a blend of Fairhaven pieces and new, custom furnishings from Rainbow Community Care. The result is an environment that feels welcoming and comfortable instantly when you walk through the doors.
To create the feeling of peace and dignity required of a “sacred space,” the design team chose neutral colors with a warm tone, soft, gentle fabrics, and swapped all primary lighting for soft options, including flameless candles and twinkle lights. The design details extended to sensory comfort, providing visitors with ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ books and the option to turn on a sound machine for the peaceful sounds of a thunderstorm or waves crashing in the ocean.
“Since patient comfort is the priority and often requires a hospital bed, our philosophy was simple: Every detail surrounding the bed—from the quilt to the soft throw blankets—was chosen to provide warmth and create a truly comfortable, inviting space,” said Angie Zastrow, Rainbow’s Senior Director of Hospice Services. “That’s the peace we were hoping for as we created this space—the peace you get when you sit back in the recliner, close your eyes for a moment and just take in the moment, knowing your loved one is safe and well-cared for.”
“The word sacred means a lot to many,” Kuenning stated. “It really takes away a lot of the business stuff and gets right down to the heart of what we’re there for and why we’re there. You walk in and you just feel at home and comfortable instantly.”
The community reaction has been extremely positive, with visitors moved by the beautiful, non-institutional design. Visitors who have experienced hospice services previously have also been moved by suites.
“We’ve had folks who have been served by us previously or have had loved ones in hospice services and that have walked in the room and said I wish we would have had something like this when my family member was passing away.” Kuenning said.
The design of the new suites deliberately emphasizes a comfortable, residential atmosphere, drawing a parallel to the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek. This ensures the space is a beautiful, home-like, and state-of-the-art environment. The Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center, an 8-bed facility in Johnson Creek, has served over 2,500 patients since 2011, providing care for those experiencing a significant medical crisis or offering families a break from the rigors of caregiving at home. The suites offer families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are surrounded by compassionate and expert care in a serene, home-like setting.
This partnership is about more than just physical space. It’s about a shared vision for community health. The collaboration will extend into educational programming and learning opportunities, helping families and community members “better understand how to live well as we age and become seriously ill.”
Community Relations & Leisure Services), Jess Ward (Fairhaven RN Nurse Manager),
Kate Stauffacher (Rainbow Senior Director of Innovation), Angie Zastrow (Rainbow
Senior Director of Hospice Services), and Dana Lybeck (Rainbow Clinical Facility
Liaison).
Rainbow Community Care, which rebranded in 2024 with a mission of “Enriching Lives Throughout Aging, Illness, and Loss,” offers a broad range of programs like Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Community Grief Support, Advance Care Planning, Friends in Action, and Community Healthy Ministry. This makes them an ideal partner for Fairhaven to enhance local resources.
“For more than 35 years, Rainbow has cared for local families facing serious illness and Fairhaven has long been a trusted home for seniors in this region. We both believe that compassionate care should be available close to home, provided by people who live and serve right here.” Brown said.
Looking ahead, Fairhaven and Rainbow hope to continue strengthening this relationship, potentially utilizing additional suites in the future if the opportunity arises “to serve more people in our community, even better.” Rainbow Community Care also hopes to invest in similar suites with other trusted partners throughout their service area to ensure local access to quality options. The launch of the suites has already piqued significant curiosity, setting the stage for more conversations about compassionate, local care.
ABOUT RAINBOW COMMUNITY CARE
Founded by volunteers in 1990, Rainbow Community Care is a local, independent, and non-profit provider of services that supports patients and families throughout the entire journey with aging and serious illness. Highly regarded for excellence in hospice care, palliative care, advance care planning, grief support, parish nursing, and volunteer programs, we care for people living in their homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes in rural South-Central Wisconsin as well as the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.
ABOUT FAIRHAVEN
Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI is a non-profit Life Plan community founded in 1962. Their goal is to help their residents be as independent and active as possible through safety, conveniences, and amenities of a retirement community while also offering the full range of excellent health care services to support one’s health care needs. Their residents value friendship, independence, quality care, and a healthy, active lifestyle.
Monday, December 15, 2025
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Regular Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Secondary Scorecard Presentations and Referendum Update
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
via Zoom Online
- URL: https: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82643445762?
pwd=7eWsKZahRbq4nUbpMuMH7jSoYHQv1O.1
– Passcode: 933474
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 826 4344 5762
- Passcode: 933474
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session, to be followed by open session: Interview of FTE EMT/Firefighter Candidates and Interview of Detective Candidate
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please click the link below to join the meeting:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24822211517601?p=Di6yB28m9jQgAZJ9yx
You can also dial in using your phone:
Phone Number: 1-929-229-5663 Phone Conference ID: 869 381 618#
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building Project general update and tour of the new building
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2, 431 West Center St.
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:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82207120174?pwd=4C7sbktQhBHg7pbRC34mUUUNeNa0gv.1
Meeting ID: 822 0712 0174
Passcode: 4gcinkcJ
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes TIF Impact Analysis, Mill Rate Impact of the Voter-Approved Referendum, Memo response to concerns raised at the 2026 Budget Hearing, and Information for Community Groups Regarding the Referendum’s Impact on Property Taxes.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26464103859139?p=yG89m9foipW712S1h2
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663 United States,
Phone conference ID: 971 378 892#
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24791106156233?p=a0gAAOF3vPn68hOXiZ
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,894626294# United States
Phone conference ID: 894 626 294#
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on the WindUp Program.
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/23214476546387?p=oQMMwiq5sb2v8HqRBg
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,129564377# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 129 564 377#
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee holds commencement ceremony in December.
The following individuals from the Whitewater area are among the more than 1,300 prospective candidates for degrees attending University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee commencement exercises Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Milwaukee.
UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with over 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Kristina McCullough, Sheldon B. Lubar College of Business, Master of Business Administration
Thomas Utynek, College of Engineering and Applied Science, Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Wendy Villegas, School of Education, Bachelor of Science
The Whitewater Common Sense Citizens are urging community members to attend a free public meeting to discuss the significant property tax increases reflected in the recently mailed 2026 tax bills.
Meeting Details:
- Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
- Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
- Location: 841 Brewhouse, 841 Milwaukee Street, Whitewater
The latest tax bills have left many residents shocked, with the city portion of many tax bills increasing by 25% or more compared to last year. Since 2021, some taxpayers have experienced increases exceeding 60%. These tax hikes are well above recent inflation rates and are deemed neither fair nor sustainable by community leaders.
“Out-of-control property taxes hurt everyone in our community,” said a spokesperson for the Whitewater Common Sense Citizens. “This includes people on fixed incomes, homeowners, renters, property owners, and business owners. We must come together to discuss these concerns and find solutions.”
The meeting aims to provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and collaborate on potential actions to address these excessive tax increases.
Community members are encouraged to attend and engage in this important discussion. Together, we can work towards making Whitewater a more affordable place to live for all.
For more information contact:
Andrea M Svec
President
Whitewater Common Sense Citizens
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Andrea Svec.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.
Hanukkah begins this year at nightfall on December 14, 2025 and ends with nightfall on December 22, 2025, beginning on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev, and lasting for eight days. It is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. One branch is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. This unique candle is called the shamash (Hebrew: שַׁמָּשׁ, “attendant”). Each night, one additional candle is lit by the shamash until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival. Other Hanukkah festivities include singing Hanukkah songs, playing the game of dreidel and eating oil-based foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and dairy foods. Since the 1970s, the worldwide Chabad Hasidic movement has initiated public menorah lightings in open public places in many countries.
Although a relatively minor holiday in strictly religious terms, Hanukkah has attained major cultural significance in North America and elsewhere, especially among secular Jews, due to its occurring around the same time as Christmas during the holiday season.
How to wish happy Hanukkah? The traditional greeting for observing Hanukkah is “Hanukkah sameach!” which means “Happy Hanukkah!” or “Chag urim sameach” which means “Happy Festival of Lights”.
Source: Wikipedia
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for both Jefferson and Walworth Counties beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday and continuing until 10 a.m. on Sunday. Per the third image below, the wind chill in our area is anticipated to be as low as -27 degrees F.
Bitter cold conditions will still exist Sunday night into Monday morning, but wind chills will generally be “only” between -10F and -20F.
A list of warming sites may be found here.
For anyone who is in need of a place to keep warm, there are unfortunately very few shelters in the area that have been posted as being available other than during business hours on the weekend.
In an urgent situation, 24/7:
– 211 is an information and referral phone number
– City of Whitewater Police: (262) 473-0555 option 4 or 312 W. Whitewater St.
– Walworth County Health & Human Services: 262-741-3200
– Jefferson County Health & Human Services: 920-674-3105
Walworth County provides a list of libraries that can serve as shelters. None are open on Sundays. Whitewater’s Public Library, 431 W. Center Street, is open Friday until 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Daily Jefferson County Union has published a list of warming centers in Jefferson County. The only location that is indicated to be open on Sunday is the Watertown Public Library, 100 S. Water St., Sunday 12 – 4 p.m.
Rock County has the most extensive list of warming sites, with the following introduction:
When forecasted temperatures, real temperatures, or wind chills drop below zero degrees in Rock County, WI, these locations shall automatically authorize use as a warming site during their normal business hours only. These daytime site locations will not extend or alter their hours so citizens should plan accordingly. Warming sites may close without notification and are not obligated to participate. Citizens are responsible for their own belongings. Food and water are not provided. Overnight warming sites will only open during a county emergency activation.
Warming sites are activated overnight when temperatures drop below 0 degrees. The overnight warming sites will be open tonight (12/10) and every evening through Monday morning (12/15).
Uptown Janesville (formerly the Janesville Mall) is open on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The Milton Public Library, 430 High Street, is open Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by S K from Pixabay.
Obituaries
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
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
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