The Whippets finished 4th overall at the Whitefish Bay WIAA Sectional, and there was SO much incredible swimming from start to finish. This team showed heart, grit, and major speed all day long!
Sectional Swimmers
Medley Relay — 8th (1:59.33) Esch / Enns / Nickelsburg / Kluck David Enns threw down an awesome 50 Breast split of 33.78!
️ 200 Free Cruz Aranda — 1:49.36 STATE QUALIFIER(now #2 all-time Top 10) 7th Sam Nickelsburg — 2:15.77 HUGE PR — dropped 4 seconds! 9th Wyatt Esch — 2:23.48
200 IM 6th Langdon Coburn — 2:06.04 STATE QUALIFIER Massive 7-second drop and now sits #4 all-time!
100 Breast 14th Caleb Kluck — 1:17.28 15th David Enns — 1:17.76 (dropped nearly 5 seconds!)
400 Free Relay — 4th (3:27.65) Coburn / Bazeley / Esch / Aranda — STATE QUALIFIERS Langdon Coburn led off in a 49.64, now #5 all-time!
This meet was full of PRs, Whippet Top-10 record moves, clutch relays, and incredible team energy. So proud of the way these swimmers stepped up and raced for each other!
NEXT STOP: STATE! Waukesha South Natatorium Friday, February 20 Swimming begins at 5:30 PM
Let’s go Whippets!!!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
The Department of Art and Design in the College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater invites the public to an artist talk with Fei Jun, the 2026 Schuh Visiting Artist. The talk takes place in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts on Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m., followed by an hors d’oeuvres reception and celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary beginning at 7 p.m. The Crossman Gallery will be open during this time to provide an opportunity for everyone to view an exhibition of the artist’s work.
Fei Jun is a world-renowned digital and installation artist on the cutting edge of utilizing artificial intelligence in the creation of original artwork. His research focuses on hybrid spaces constructed through the interplay between virtual and physical environments. He is currently a professor in the Art and Technology program at the School of Design, Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, China, serving as the academic program leader and doctoral supervisor. He is also the Secretary-General of the Digital Art Committee, China Artists Association, and the founder and Chief Creative Director of a collective focusing on ART+TECH, as well as the co-curator of the Beijing Media Art Biennale.
With a multifaceted identity as an artist, designer, and educator, he engages in the research, education, and practice of art and technology. Through hands-on practice, he has achieved a high level of expertise and produced substantial accomplishments. His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious domestic and international awards, including the“BBART AWARDS 2023 Art and Technology Innovation Award” by Harper’s Bazaar Art, the Second Annual Artist Nomination Award by Guangdong Museum of Art, the ART POWER 100 Nomination Award (2019), the German iF Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, German Design Award Special Mention, and the Asia Most Influential Design Award. His artistic and design works have been exhibited in museums, galleries, and art festivals both in China and abroad, and he has led the design and development of numerous mobile applications and interactive spatial installations for institutions such as the Palace Museum, Audi China Research Institute, and Fashion Publishing Group.
Fei’s exhibition “Hybrid Intelligence” will be on view at the Crossman Gallery from February 23 to March 19, 2026. The exhibition will include work created by Fei along with art made by UW-Whitewater Art and Design students in a studio workshop led by Fei and Professor Xiaohong Zhang.
The exhibition and Fei’s visit are funded by the Annette and Dale Schuh Visiting Artist Endowment. The endowment was established in 2015 in honor of Annette’s transformative experience as an undergraduate art student at UW-Whitewater interacting with notable visiting artists. It is with this remarkable donor intent that artists of prominence and significant stature will visit UW-Whitewater on an annual basis.
Please join the Department of Art and Design for these free and public events on March 5:
Artist Talk: 6 -7 p.m. in the Center of the Arts atrium
Exhibition Reception and 10th Anniversary Celebration: 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Crossman Gallery
The Greenhill Center of the Arts atrium and the Crossman Gallery are located at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. The Crossman Gallery is always free and all are welcome. Gallery hours during scheduled exhibitions are Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Annette and Dale Schuh Visiting Artist Endowment supports an annual visit of a visual artist of a significant stature to UW-Whitewater. It offers a transformative visual arts experience to students in the Department of Art and Design.
The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers rigorous programs in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts; internships; pre-professional opportunities in journalism, advertising, and applied communication; and innovative interdisciplinary studies. Visit the College of Arts and Communication website for more information.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the College of Arts and Communication at UW-W. Parking: A permit is required to park in University lots during events that take place Monday – Thursday. The closest lots are Lots 1 and 2. Permits may be purchased at the kiosk at the Visitors’ Center on Starin Road. To purchase a permit online, visit uww.aimsparking.com. For further information click here.
The day is an official state holiday in most states, with names including Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday.[2] The various states use 15 different names. Depending upon the specific law, the state holiday may officially celebrate Washington alone, Washington and Abraham Lincoln, or some other combination of U.S. presidents (such as Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who was born in April).[2]
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (N.S.). Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on this date from 1879 until 1970. To give federal employees a three-day weekend, in 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February.[3] The day soon became known as Presidents(‘) Day[4] (the presence and placement of the apostrophe varies) and provides an occasion to remember all the U.S. presidents, to honor Abraham Lincoln‘s and Washington’s birthdays together, or any single president of choice.[2]
As many states and cities followed suit, some states that had been celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 combined the two into Presidents Day. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, preserved the Union, abolishedslavery, bolstered the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
Photo (provided): Joe Scanlin (’12) shown holding a piece of his patented smart flooring system that captures every footstep, every movement, every pattern invisibly, anonymously, continuously.
Celebrating Innovation Day (2/16):From Warhawk to Global Industry Innovator:UW-Whitewater Alumnus Joe Scanlin’s smart building company acquired by global manufacturing leader
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is celebrating a milestone achievement as alumnus Joe Scanlin (2012), founder and CEO of Scanalytics, announces his company’s acquisition by East West Manufacturing, a global technology manufacturing leader backed by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation with over 25 years of operations spanning seven countries.
Scanlin’s journey from Warhawk student entrepreneur to industry innovator exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit cultivated in the business school. Scanlin, a 2012 CoBE graduate, earned a prestigious Launchpad Scholar Award as an undergraduate management major in 2011; a competitive Launchpad grant is given to elite students selected through a rigorous process similar to that of a seed-stage accelerator and based on academic performance and potential for success in developing a successful startup.
Scanlin’s company, Scanalytics, pioneered smart flooring technology that transforms buildings into intelligent systems capable of real-time occupancy tracking, space optimization, and enhanced safety. The company’s innovative hardware and software solutions enable building owners to capture actionable insights that improve energy efficiency, optimize operations, and create safer environments across commercial and residential settings.
“Joe’s success represents everything we strive to achieve at CoBE,” said Dean Dr. Paul Ambrose. “We don’t just educate business students in the classroom; we empower innovators to transform industries. Joe took an idea, nurtured it through our Launchpad program with the support of our world-class faculty, and built a company that’s literally changing how the world thinks about buildings. That’s the power of combining entrepreneurial vision with the resources and mentorship available at Wisconsin’s largest business school. This acquisition validates not only Joe’s brilliance, but also the ecosystem of innovation we’ve built at CoBE.”
The acquisition underscores the growing recognition of smart building technology as essential infrastructure for the AI-driven future. As Scanlin noted in announcing the deal, “buildings represent the largest, most expensive computers we never instrumented and Scanalytics’ technology creates the measurement layer that makes physical spaces legible to software and AI systems.”
“Watching Joe’s journey has been extraordinary,” said Dr. Choton Basu, Professor of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management. “What made Joe stand out from day one was his ability to see possibilities others missed. The Launchpad Scholar program provided him with the initial support to explore his vision, and it was his determination, strategic thinking, and willingness to tackle complex problems that ultimately turned that vision into reality. This acquisition is a testament to the caliber of entrepreneurs we attract and develop at CoBE. When students have bold ideas, we encourage them; mentor them and connect them with the resources and networks they need to succeed.”
“What sets CoBE apart is that we’re not just teaching from textbooks; we’re actively engaged in providing immersive experiences that shape the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs” said William Dougan, Professor of Management. “As Joe’s Launchpad mentor, I observed firsthand how he thrived in our culture of hands-on faculty engagement. The spirit of the Launchpad program is to accelerate the successful careers of student entrepreneurs and Joe has shown what’s possible when talented students meet faculty who are genuinely and actively committed to their success.”
CoBE’s Launchpad program continues to serve as a catalyst for student entrepreneurs, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses. The program reflects CoBE’s commitment to experiential learning and real-world impact by connecting students with faculty advisors, industry experts, and potential investors who can accelerate their ventures.
As Wisconsin’s largest accredited business school, CoBE serves over 5,000 students and holds elite AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting: a distinction achieved by only 1% of institutions worldwide. The college’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the classroom, with faculty actively engaged in research, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships that create opportunities for students to learn by doing.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Scanalytics will retain its brand and operate as a product division of East West Manufacturing, combining its proprietary smart flooring technology with East West’s global manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution capabilities to scale production and reach new markets worldwide.
Joe Scanlin is a 2012 graduate of UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics and the founder and CEO of Scanalytics. He was awarded a CoBE Launchpad Scholar grant in 2011. Scanalytics develops smart flooring technology that transforms physical spaces into intelligent systems capable of real-time data collection and analysis. Learn more at www.scanalyticsinc.com.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
2-13-26 – Pair of swans hanging on Cravath with the geese.
Also another.
2-8-26 – Steve Watson writes, “It’s my understanding that crows are very intelligent and fun-loving birds. On my walkabout I spied this in the fresh snow. I didn’t see what made this, but there was a murder of crows around. I’m calling it a crow angel.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for the ongoing generous sharing of his beautiful photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
The Whitewater Area League of Women Voters will host a special public program, “The State of UWW, The State of the City of Whitewater, and The State of the Whitewater Unified School District,” on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Whitewater Public Library.
The League has invited Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Superintendent, Samuel Karns of the Whitewater Unified School District, and Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, to provide updates on their respective institutions.
Each speaker will have approximately 15 minutes to share insights on current initiatives, accomplishments, challenges, and future priorities affecting the Whitewater community.
Following each presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question -and -answer session.
The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Final review and approval of the Meeting and Study Room Policy and adjourn to closed session, not to reconvene, to discuss library director performance evaluation. Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2 431 West Center 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. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88007004489?pwd=icu51WXigR8fuXblk9q0WUGU8eoLq5.1 Meeting ID: 880 0700 4489 Passcode: vC89AN8y Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Ethics Committee – Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m. Agenda includes discussion and action regarding two recently received ethics complaints. Two closed sessions may be individually followed by open sessions. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, 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/23059002706708?p=Crg2XYEg3nT8fIDw4d Meeting ID: 230 590 027 067 08 Passcode: Es7Ht6ya Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,654848445# United States, New York City Find a local number Phone conference ID: 654 848 445#
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding request for direction regarding Congressionally Directed Spending for Immigration Liaison program; Discussion and Possible Action regarding direction on traffic safety measures on Starin Road (UW-W campus segment). Whitewater High School, LMC, 2nd Floor, 534 S Elizabeth St, Whitewater, WI 53190 Agenda 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/23416707570629?p=xCZsiQKTBioRQlb6DW Meeting ID: 234 167 075 706 29 Passcode: Wh9t3gw7 Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,398510369# United States Phone conference ID: 398 510 369#
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 pm The agenda has not been posted as of 2/15/26.
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes a closed session, to reconvene, to discuss six items including Review and discussion of Open Records Request for Closed session meeting minutes (October 2025) 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. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21189804496547?p=RSpuSw3hjtQBAANctM Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,129564377# United States, New York City Find a local number Phone conference ID: 129 564 377#
Terry David Williams, also known as ACE, 81, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025 in East Troy, Wisconsin. He was born on July 24, 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Bill and Eleanor Williams. He was a proud resident of Palmyra, Wisconsin and was a 1962 graduate of Palmyra High School. He later moved to California and then back to Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Terry served in the National Guard. He also held numerous other jobs in California and Wisconsin.
Terry was very involved in studying History. He knew a great deal about the Civil War. He also knew a great deal about the local history in the Palmyra area. He loved to use his metal detectors for exploring. He also had a love for small dogs. He enjoyed playing Bingo, going to the movies and going to gun shows.
Two close friends, Sid Traxler and Elmer Keske recall the good times of going to car shows and using metal detectors with Terry. Sid has known Terry since they were in kindergarten together. Bill Schneider, Mary Ellen Unz and Phil Holzbauer were also friends who felt a great loss after learning of Terry’s death. Terry always enjoyed seeing Phil’s butterfly collection. Patty Ash, a cousin, recalls that Terry had the nickname “ACE.” She indicated that he liked that nickname.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Eleanor Williams and is survived by a brother, Timothy Williams and a sister-in-law Brigitte Williams.
Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater assisted the family.
Have you always wanted to help the Ukrainian crisis, but never knew what to do or how to go about doing it? This is your chance to make a difference. Watch local resident James Olm’s YouTube link to learn more and then be a supportive force for the good of Ukrainian refugees.
Editor’s note: The video was recorded at Christmastime, but its placement on The Banner was delayed while we did our due diligence regarding the Hope Shelter in Przemysl, Poland. Rather than the donations site that James suggested, we found that there is a US partner of the shelter that has 501(c)(3) status. Hope and Action, Inc. may be reached at hopeandactions.org. Donations should be specified for Hope Shelter.
By the way, the following announcement regarding a new IRS deduction for charitable contributions may be of interest.
New $1,000 standard deduction charity break in 2026
Do you typically claim the standard deduction on your federal taxes? You’re in luck. Beginning in 2026, there’s a new deduction you could take.
The non-itemizer charitable deduction is available for all taxpayers claiming the standard deduction, worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers).
Here are a few fast facts on this key tax break:
Only cash contributions qualify (checks, credit card charges, online donations and payroll deductions).
You must follow the typical IRS rules for a charitable deduction, including obtaining a written acknowledgement if you donate $250 or more.
Unlike the itemized charitable deduction, any contributions exceeding the annual limit for the non-itemized deduction cannot be carried forward. You also can’t use the deduction in conjunction with a donor-advised fund (DAF) or private foundation, as you can for itemized charitable contributions.
Despite these limitations, some predict that 144 million Americans will be eligible to claim the standard deduction charitable tax break.
LWV Whitewater Area Program:We the People Town Hall
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to co-sponsor The Town Hall Coalition of Rock County’s “We the People Town Hall.” Federal legislators relevant to Rock County, including US Senators Baldwin and Johnson and Congressional Representatives Pocan and Steil, are invited to answer the community’s commentary and questions.
The Town Hall will be strictly nonpartisan, and all attendees will be required to maintain a respectful environment.
The Town Hall will be held at Craig High School,401 S Randall Ave, Janesville,on Saturday, February 21st, from 2:00-3:30 pm.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Brad Munger, Bradmunger@gmail.com.
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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!
Medley Relay — 8th (1:59.33)
David Enns threw down an awesome 50 Breast split of 33.78!
️ 200 Free
Cruz Aranda — 1:49.36 STATE QUALIFIER (now #2 all-time Top 10)
Cruz Aranda — 49.18 STATE QUALIFIER (#4 all-time!)
NEXT STOP: STATE!
Waukesha South Natatorium
Friday, February 20
Swimming begins at 5:30 PM
