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Contact: Becky Magestro
Phone: (262) 473-0101
Email: bmagestro@whitewater-wi.gov

City of Whitewater Celebrates 2026 Community Stars Gala Award Recipients

WHITEWATER, WI— The City of Whitewater proudly celebrated the individuals and families whose service, leadership, generosity, and dedication continue to strengthen the community during the 2026 Community Stars Gala this past Friday, held at the newly renovated Whitewater Public Library.

The Community Stars Gala recognizes those who go above and beyond to make Whitewater a better place to live, work, learn, and grow. This year’s honorees represent a wide range of contributions, from historic preservation and volunteerism to youth advocacy, community development, philanthropy, and lifelong public service.

2026 Community Stars Award Recipients

Preservation Protector Award – James “Jim” Olm. Recognized for his work preserving and sharing Whitewater’s history, including creating engaging educational videos highlighting the community’s historic landmarks.

Volunteer of the Year – Ginny Coburn. Honored for her extensive volunteer service with the Senior Center Respite Program, Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, Lakes Advisory Committee, Whitewater Community Foundation, Senior Center programs, and other community efforts.

Community Champion Award – Rick and Jeanine Fassl. Recognized for their generous and consistent support of community events, recreation programs, fundraisers, and special projects, often working quietly behind the scenes to make Whitewater a stronger and more welcoming community.

Youth Champion Award – The Fuller Family. Honored for their commitment to Whitewater’s young people and families through Run for Trey, youth athletics, Parks & Recreation, early literacy initiatives, and numerous volunteer efforts.

Difference Maker Award – Jon Tanis. Recognized for his leadership and commitment to expanding quality, affordable housing opportunities through the Stonehaven Development project, Habitat for Humanity, and other efforts that strengthen Whitewater.

James D. Allen Service Award – Jim Caldwell and The Kachel Family

This year, the City presented the James D. Allen Service Award to two recipients in recognition of their exceptional and lasting contributions to Whitewater.

Jim Caldwell was recognized for his many years of dedicated service to the Whitewater community, including his role as a founding member and former chairman of the Community Development Authority (CDA). His leadership, willingness to serve, and commitment to helping others have made a lasting impact on the community and reflect the spirit of service represented by the James D. Allen Award.

The Kachel Family was honored for generations of philanthropy, public service, and investment in Whitewater. Their generous support of education, public safety, community facilities, human services, local organizations, and economic development has made a lasting impact and helped shape Whitewater for generations.

The City of Whitewater is honored to recognize both Jim Caldwell and The Kachel Family for legacies of service that will continue to benefit Whitewater for generations to come. Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, reflected on these awards saying, "Presenting two James D. Allen Service Awards was the right decision, because two distinct forms of legacy came before the committee and neither could stand in for the other. Jim Caldwell has given this community more than fifty years of leadership, including founding the Community Development Authority and serving as its first chairman, work that still shapes how Whitewater approaches economic development. The Kachel Family's generosity is built into this city: the Aquatic Center, our Fire and EMS service, the library we gathered in on Friday night, the Food Pantry, Bethel House, and our schools. Both legacies will outlast all of us.”

"A community is not something that simply happens," said City Manager John Weidl. "It is built by people who choose to give their time, share what they have, and work toward something larger than themselves. That is what every one of our twelve nominees does, and this year's recipients show the full range of it from preserving our history, to expanding access to housing, to simply showing up year after year wherever help was needed."

The City thanks everyone who submitted nominations and helped recognize those making a difference in Whitewater. We also extend our appreciation to the Gala Committee, City staff, sponsors, community partners, volunteers, elected officials, and board and committee members who made the 2026 celebration possible.

The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services that support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.

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