Beloit Sky Carp to Host John Vodenlich Day June 23

The Beloit Sky Carp will be hosting John Vodenlich Day Sunday, June 23 at ABC Supply Stadium in Beloit. The day celebrates the accomplishments of Warhawk Head Baseball Coach John Vodenlich and the success of the 2024 UW-Whitewater baseball team. 

Join us in celebrating Coach Vodenlich’s 700th win, induction into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and tying the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record for career wins, as well as the Warhawks’ phenomenal 2024 campaign that featured WIAC regular season and tournament titles, NCAA regional and super regional championships and a run to the national championship series. Purchase tickets here!

The Beloit Sky Carp and UW-Whitewater will recognize the fantastic accomplishments of Coach Vodenlich and Warhawk Baseball at their game against the Lansing Lugnuts on June 23. First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m. 

Coach Vodenlich and members of the 2024 squad will be on site with the national runner-up trophy. Coach Vodenlich set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. 

Versiti Blood Drive at Lakefront Ctr. Next Thurs. – Appts. Encouraged

Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Lakeland and Fort Memorial.

Reserve your spot at this link or by calling 262-473-2997. Please note that several appointments are still open for double red cells. Be sure to take note of the new location at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.

Congregational United Church of Christ Selling Its Building; Ministry to Continue

Photo by Lynn Binnie


By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Congregational United Church of Christ has sold its building with an expected real estate closing date of July 31.  The congregation will continue to use the building at least through the end of 2024, and eventually will be meeting in a yet-to-be-determined space. 

Senior Pastor Dr. David Mc Donald told the Banner, “The Congregational United Church of Christ is looking forward to a new phase in its ministry. Our building has been a remarkable home to us since 1881, and while we have many memories of family, friends, and worship in the space, we are eager to determine our “next” in service to Christ and the community. We have been in Whitewater since 1840–before Wisconsin was made a state, and look forward with hope to our bicentennial celebrations in 2040.”

Local Students Named to UW-La Crosse Dean’s List

The following area students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year, ending in May.

Qualification for the Dean’s List is limited to students who have attained outstanding academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have earned at least a 3.5 semester grade point average and carried a minimum of 12 credits. 

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions comprising the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is a top-ranked national university. It is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities ranking. 

Students on the Dean’s List from this area include:

Whitewater, WI

 Bryce Hibbs, Communication Studies Major: Organizational and Professional Communication Emphasis
 Josie Hintz, Finance Major
 Catherine Skindingsrude, Biology Major

The Flags of Whitewater – Flag Day is Friday

Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. 

Obituary: Donald “Don” John Jacobs, 94

Donald “Don” John Jacobs, 94, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. Don was born on March 25, 1930 in LaGrange to Marion and Minerva (Knuteson) Jacobs. He and his siblings (Norma, Lawrence, Arnold, and Edward) grew up on the family farm and were involved in the family-owned John Deere dealership in Whitewater. Don joined the Air Force in 1950 and was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. He married Harriet Lentz in 1954 and later that same year they moved back to Whitewater following the completion of his service. In 1955, they had a son David and in 1957 another son, James (Jimmy). Don and Harriet started a livestock trucking company and hauled cattle until 1970 when they transitioned to hauling grain. Don’s son, Dave joined the family trucking business and worked alongside his father for many years. During this time, Don was also involved in farming, the Air Guards, and the American Legion. Don continued to run his own trucking business until retiring at the age of 80.

Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, including traveling and trips to Florida. No table was too small for family and friends to join in for Gus’ Pizza or breakfast at Novak’s or Jessica’s. Don and Harriet were devoted grandparents to their three grandchildren. No matter how tired Don was after a long day of work, he would always make time to entertain and goof-around with his grandchildren.

During retirement, Don found joy in gardening, feeding birds, spending winters in Florida, making frequent trips across town to McDonalds, and spending time with his beloved great-granddaughters. He would enjoy listening to Polka music or watching Polka Joe on RFDTV. He took pride in expanding his toy tractor collection and shared an interest in vintage tractors with his grandson, Jeremy. Don’s family enjoys reminiscing of times he would be seen mowing his lawn, riding his three-wheeled bike, and his love of dining out. Don’s generosity left a lasting mark on those he knew throughout his life.

Don is survived by his son Dave (Julie) Jacobs of Whitewater; grandchildren Jeremy (Andrea) Jacobs of Whitewater, Jason (Laura) Jacobs of Firestone, Colorado, and Jenni Jacobs of Whitewater; great-granddaughters Reagan Hammons, Hadlee Jacobs, and Rowyn Brown, all of Whitewater; and many many extended family and friends.

Don was deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Harriet in 2010 and his son James in 1970. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for the exceptional care given to Don.

Donations can be made in Don’s name to Hebron Community Church.

A graveside service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at Hillside Cemetery, 400 S. Wisconsin St. in Whitewater.

Additional Local Students Named to UW-W Dean’s List

The Banner previously announced the names of a large number of UW-Whitewater students who were named to the spring Dean’s List. On June 10 the university announced that the following students had been added to the previously announced Dean’s List recipients.

  • Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Forester
  • Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Haskins
  • Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Lalasz

These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.

“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”

The Registrar’s Office reports 3,298 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the spring semester. More than 11,500 students were enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses in 2023-24.

UW-W Rock Band Camp Free Concert – Thurs.

This Thursday, June 13 from 7-9 pm the talented musicians from UW Whitewater’s Rock Band Camp will be putting on a FREE show open to all to watch! Campers have been rocking their songs and are ready to put on a great show! We have campers from as far as New Mexico and Florida, as well as Wisconsin and many of these campers are playing professional gigs! You don’t want to miss this!

Where:
Cravath Lakefront Park

When:
Thursday, June 13 from 7-9 pm

This event will also be live streamed on Facebook for those who are not able to make it in person! Bring a blanket and some snacks and come hear some great music! And support our future in music! 

https://www.facebook.com/events/838360271547060?ref=newsfeed

This Week’s Garage Sales

Huge rummage sale! Something for everyone. Girl clothes birth to size 4/5.  Winter coats and boots.   Playpen, strollers, booster chairs, and toddler bed. Toys from vintage tractors and construction toys to Little Tikes and Melissa and Doug. Men toys and tools  available. Kitchen items and furniture. Yard tools and old cow tank. 

Friday 6/14  9 am to 4 and Saturday 6/15 8 am to 4.  W6915 Bluff RD. Whitewater

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W9622 Breidsan Dr.

Whitewater (headed out of town it is the next left-past Taco Bell). 

**Multi-family rummage…

Tons of name-brand clothing for infant-adult. College dorm supplies, sporting clothes, household goods, furniture…Too much stuff to list!

Thursday 9-3 Friday 8-3 and Saturday 8-2