It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. During this first week of school, students are using their brand-new school supplies often acquired last week or the week before. In this image, probably from around the turn of the twentieth century, drug store H. O. Conner & Sons advertised the business as the “headquarters for school books and supplies.” The O’Connor Drug Store was a long-time business in downtown Whitewater.
Before the big box stores appeared in the mid-20th century, dime stores, drug stores, stationery stores, and office stores were the go-to places to get school supplies. You will note that school pennants were also available for purchase.
To all students, the historical society wishes you a successful year!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
The City of Whitewater is proud to announce the latest expansion by Lavelle Industries, a long-standing manufacturer and valued employer in the community. Lavelle is investing in a new 49,855-square-foot warehouse and dock extension at its Whitewater facility, reinforcing its commitment to continued growth and operational excellence.
The expansion represents a significant reinvestment in the City of Whitewater, supporting both the local economy and Lavelle’s ability to meet the needs of their customers. The project will improve distribution capabilities and streamline shipping operations, further strengthening the company’s supply chain.
“We are grateful to see Lavelle Industries continue to grow right here in Whitewater,” said City Manager John Weidl. “Their investment reflects the strength of our business environment and the roots they’ve established in our community. It’s always a great day when one of our local employers chooses to expand, and we look forward to supporting their success for years to come.”
Lavelle Industries is known nationwide for their high-quality rubber and plastic products and assemblies including their Korky® brand of toilet repair products. They have a long history of innovation and manufacturing excellence. This expansion underscores Lavelle’s continued leadership in the industry while reaffirming its commitment to the Whitewater community.”
Initial site work is underway, with completion expected in 2026.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. Per the Lavelle website, the company is over 100 years old, and in 1954 they designed the first toilet flapper, technology which is still being used today.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will kick off the 2025 campaign in front of the Warhawk faithful at Perkins Stadium this Saturday, September 6 against Carleton.
Saturday’s game will be the first meeting between the Warhawks and the Knights. UWW heads into the season ranked 24th according to D3football.com and 22nd in the preseason American Football Coaches Association poll. Carleton is unranked to start the season.
Head Coach Jace Rindahl will lead UW-Whitewater onto the field for the third consecutive season. The Warhawks were picked to finish fourth in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference race according to a preseason poll. Returning to the squad this season is All-American and reigning WIAC Special Teams Player of the Year Tyler Vasey, as well as all-league picks Ethan Gallagher (LB), Paul Kim (DB), Karsten Libby (LB), Noah Moris (DL), Evan Oberg (OL) and Alex Pethan (OL).
The Knights were 5-5 including a 4-4 mark in the Northwoods Division of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference a year ago. Carleton has been led by head coach Tom Journell since 2018.
This season will welcome a new feature at Perkins Stadium – the Champions Club. The Champions Club is a designated area beyond the north endzone where beer and alcohol will be sold from the time gates open until the start of the fourth quarter. This area is restricted to fans aged 21 and over. Visit our Champions Club page for more information.
No changes have been made to UW-Whitewater’s tailgate, carry-in and bag policies, but fans are encouraged to take a look before heading to the game Saturday. You can find links to all three and additional gameday information on our Gameday Central page.
UW-Whitewater police and community service officers will continue to run shuttles from parking lots to and from Perkins Stadium before and after the game. New this season are specific pick-up and drop off locations as shown on this map. These areas will be the best spots to get a shuttle up to Perkins Stadium prior to the start of the game.
If you haven’t gotten your tickets or parking passes for Saturday, head to our Gameday Central page to purchase them ahead of time. Also new this season, Lot 24 – the Perkins Stadium Lot – will have limited spaces available for purchase on a per-game basis.
Can’t make it to the game on Saturday? Don’t worry, we have you covered! You can watch the Warhawks take on the Knights live on Spectrum Channel 989 courtesy of UWWTV or stream the game live on the WIAC Network. Listen to Josh and Bill on the call on 105.9 The Hog starting at noon. Fans can also follow along with live stats here.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater Athletics.
Gerald Robert “Jerry” Vannoy January 23, 1940 – August 30, 2025
Gerald Robert Vannoy, known fondly as Jerry, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on a farm in Kearny, Nebraska, in 1940, Jerry was the second of four children of Robert William and Helen (Lobb) Vannoy.
Jerry’s early years were spent in Nebraska before the family moved to Woodstock, Illinois, and later to Whitewater, Wisconsin. A graduate of Whitewater High School, he played football and served as captain of a team remembered as “The Team with Heart.” That same spirit of determination and loyalty stayed with him throughout life, and the friendships he built on the field endured for decades, with teammates continuing to gather faithfully to this day. Jerry carried his love of sports throughout his life—he was an avid fan of the Packers and the Badgers, and he especially enjoyed watching his children compete and his grandchildren perform at games, concerts, and recitals. He did his best to be there, no matter the distance or the time.
After high school, Jerry attended the Farm Short Course at UW-Madison and went on to run his own farm. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Carol Louise O’Donald, on a blind date arranged by his sister Patti. Jerry and Carol were married soon after, beginning 62 years of marriage built on love and devotion. Their honeymoon was spent at a fishing cabin, a fitting start to a life filled with farming, family, fishing, hunting, and countless outdoor adventures.
Jerry’s life was marked by adventure and simplicity. He loved early mornings in the woods, peaceful days on the water, and the satisfaction of hard work and watching things grow. He traveled widely, creating cherished memories with friends and family across the country.
While his roots were in farming, Jerry later built a second career in the insurance business.
Jerry was a man of action more than words—he lived out his faith in the way he treated people and the way he worked every day. His life itself was his greatest testimony, showing what it meant to live with generosity and quiet strength. In his final days, the many stories shared by friends and acquaintances revealed how deeply he had touched lives far beyond his immediate family.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” — Colossians 3:23–24. His legacy of family, faith, and love for the outdoors will live on in all who knew him.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Vannoy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, and his sisters Patti (Vannoy) Vochatzer, Barbara Jean (Vannoy) Jones, and Nancy (Vannoy) Schippers. Together, Jerry and Carol raised four children: Tamberlyn Louise (Jon) Dickinson, Kimberlyn Sue (Todd) Harrington, Michael Gerald (Ashlea) Vannoy, and Julie Ann (Josh) Nelson. He was also the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren: Christopher, Austin, Jack, Corrin, Zoey, Joelle, Cecilia, Charlotte, Kaitlyn, Grace, Isabella, and Robert.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Agrace for their compassionate care, which made it possible for Jerry to spend his final days in the comfort of home surrounded by family.
Funeral Services for Gerald will take place at Nitardy Funeral Homes in Whitewater, WI on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 9:30 AM. until the time of the service.
Memorials in Gerald’s name can be made to Agrace Hospice.
Nitardy Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.
Our family is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Jay. He was born on January 18, 1944, in Morganfield, KY to Jack Fredrick Silvernail and Helen Carter Silvernail.
Jay grew up in Whitewater, WI where he graduated from Whitewater HS in 1962. He received a bachelor’s degree (1966) and master’s degree (1971) at UW-Platteville. He later received his Administration Degree at UW-Madison (1980).
Jay was an Industrial Arts Teacher, track & cross-country coach at Palmyra WI HS 1966-1968. Industrial Arts Teacher, Assistant Principal, track & cross-country coach at Elkhorn WI HS 1968-1983. High School Principal and Athletic Director at Elk Mound High School in Elk Mound WI from 1983 to June 2001, where he started the Elk Mound Booster Club and was inducted into the Elk Mound Booster Hall of Fame, and the High School Principal at Phillips WI from 2001 – 2003.
Jay was a Member of Whitewater, WI Volunteer Fire Dept. from 1972-1983, Past President (10 years) of Price County Snowmobile Trails and Secretary Treasurer of Elk River Pioneers Snowmobile Club for 13 years.
Jay Married Judith Ann Jones, his high school sweetheart, November 26, 1966, in Whitewater, WI They had one son, Jon.
Jay is survived by his wife of 58 years, one son, Jon Carter Silvernail (Ann), Jim Falls, WI; One grandson, Jaron (Tianna) Silvernail Chippewa Falls, WI; 2 granddaughters: Kylie (Adam) Brahmstadt, Chippewa Falls, WI; Kerena (Mat) Burpo, Chippewa Falls, WI; 3 great-grandchildren: Zelda Rae Ann Burpo, Thorin Jon Burpo, and Valerie Jay Silvernail.
He is further survived by: Sisters-in-law: Louise (Bill) Lassner, Sparks, NV Kathy (Dave) Stafseth, the Woodlands, TX Rita (Brad) Gabel, Tempe, AZ; Brothers-in-law: Tom (Stephanie) Jones, Gold Canyon, AZ & Gerry Jones Aurora, CO and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents Jack & Helen and father & mother-in-law Leland & Margaret Jones.
Jay loved music, especially bluegrass, and was a member of the Elk River String Band. He was a member of Saint Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Phillips where he was a member of the quartet playing music for weekend Masses. He loved hunting and enjoyed many years hunting at “deer camp” at “the 40” with his son, grandson, and friends. He also enjoyed working in his woodshop and reading. He kept busy in the winter months by grooming snowmobile trails twice a week for over 20 years.
A celebration of life is planned for a later date.
Gov. Tony Evers announced on September 3 that he is seeking applicants for the Walworth County Circuit Court – Branch 4. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Judge David M. Reddy’s retirement, effective Jan. 2, 2026. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
To apply, please email a completed application form and supporting materials to GOVJudicialAppointments@wisconsin.gov. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 29, 2025.
The application can be found on the “Apply to Serve” page on Gov. Evers’ website at: www.evers.wi.gov.
Applicants with questions about the judicial selection process may contact the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at (608) 266-1212.
Large multifamily garage sale Friday 9/5 through Sunday 9/7 from 9 am to 4 pm. Teacher moving so many children’s items available. Books, Games, Clothing etc… Kitchen items, printer, jewelry, and something for everyone! 1241 W. Satinwood Lane, Whitewater
Updated 9/3/25 @ 3:50 p.m. to add links for surveys.
We will appreciate you taking approximately ten minutes to complete this survey about child care needs in the region. As an incentive, respondents to the household survey may choose to be entered into a random draw to win one of five $50 cash vouchers. Partners in this project include the City of Whitewater, the Whitewater Unified School District, the Whitewater Community Foundation and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, including its Children’s Center.
Agradeceremos que dedique aproximadamente diez minutos a completar esta encuesta sobre las necesidades de cuidado infantil en la región. Como incentivo, quienes respondan a la encuesta de hogares podrán participar en un sorteo para ganar uno de cinco cupones de $50. Entre los colaboradores de este proyecto se encuentran la Ciudad de Whitewater, el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater, la Fundación Comunitaria de Whitewater y la Universidad de Wisconsin-Whitewater, incluyendo su Centro Infantil.
The parking fee is waived for this event on Monday evenings.
Editor’s note: The image on the homepage: The University Community Band rehearses on September 25, 2017, conducted by Professor Glenn Hayes. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
