News

NEW Whitewater Music Apparel Sale

You asked for more variety, and Music Boosters listened again: we are selling new Whitewater Music apparel in several WUSD colors!  We have T-shirts for $16 and crewneck sweatshirts for $30. All shirts come in various youth and adult sizes and are available in blue, green, or red. Apparel will be available for pickup during or after the October meeting (10/6 at 5:30 p.m.)!

The merchandise may be viewed at this link. Per the website, the order closes on September 15. Whitewater Music Boosters, originally founded as the Whitewater Music Parents Association, supports the WUSD music program by coordinating volunteers and providing funds to the program and to students attending music camps, the website indicates.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by WWUSD Music Boosters.

Local UW-W Student-athletes Selected to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

UW-Whitewater student-athletes selected to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

More than 400 student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earned a spot on the 2024-25 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference [WIAC] Scholastic Honor Roll.

The following Warhawk student-athletes from the Whitewater area were recognized:

Wyatt Jensen of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team(s) whose major is General Business.

Brady Malkow of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team(s) whose major is Management.

Carter Capstran of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s basketball team(s) whose major is Finance – BBA.

Gunner Schlender of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s cross country/track and field team(s) whose major is Physical Education – BSE.

Lee Barnes of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Marketing.

Brock Grosinske of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Finance.

Blake Haggerty of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Finance.

Peyton Nichols of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s soccer team(s) whose major is Finance – BBA.

Justin Krause of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s track and field team(s) whose major is Business Administration – MBA.

Kacie Carollo of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Integrated Science – Business – BS.

Renee Rittmeyer of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Human Resource Management.

Olivia Zuege of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Human Performance – BS.

Kelly Whipple of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team(s) whose major is General Business – BBA.

Marlee Nichols of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s cross country/track and field team(s) whose major is Human Performance.

Morgan Hoffman of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s soccer team(s) whose major is Human Performance.

Taylor Koehler of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater softball team(s) whose major is Criminology.

Brianna Zimdars of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s swimming and diving team(s) whose major is Business Admininistration.

The WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll represents students that achieved a 3.00 grade point average or better (on a 4.00 scale).

A total of 231 men and 197 women from UW-Whitewater were selected to the Scholastic Honor Roll.

UW-Whitewater joined the seven other WIAC schools in earning the All-Academic Award. In order to be eligible for the award, institutions must have a grade point average for its student-athletes that is equal to, or greater than, the grade point average of the overall student body.

At UW-Whitewater, all 22 varsity sports achieved a GPA above 3.00 for the first time in recorded history.

During the 2024-25 season, Warhawk Student-Athletes collected nine Academic All-American honors, two NCAA Elite 90 recognitions, and 6 WIAC Scholar Athlete of the Year awards.

Editor’s note: It is likely that some of the above students didn’t reside in the Whitewater area prior to enrollment in UW-W. The university includes in this list any students who have registered Whitewater as their home address.

Concerts in the Park Presents “Ladies Must Swing” – Tonight

The third Concert in the Park of the season, Tuesday, August 5, at 6 p.m. features Ladies Must Swing. The event is free and open to all. We are super excited to be back on Tuesday nights for the Concerts in the Park Series. Our partnership with the City Market is truly unique and we are looking forward to Summer 2025!!

FREE Concerts will start at 6 pm! City Market 4-7 pm. ALL at Cravath Lakefront Park.

There is a limited amount of seating on benches next to the parking lot. Bring a chair or blanket, and, if you wish, bring supper or pick it up from the City Market vendors.

Ladies Must Swing

A Big Band In Tune

Our story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 27 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!

The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!

Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being to Be Held Here on August 7

Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being to Be Held August 7 in Whitewater, WI
A Community Gathering to Inspire Healing, Unity, and Collective Action

The Wellness Collective is proud to host the Summit for Peace & Collective
Well-being on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown
Whitewater, Wisconsin. This one-day gathering invites individuals, leaders, healers, and
changemakers from all walks of life to come together for a transformative experience dedicated
to inner healing and outer peace.

With a mission to foster meaningful dialogue and compassionate action, the Summit offers a
sacred space to explore what it truly means to live in alignment with ourselves, our
communities, and our planet. The event will feature heart-centered workshops, spiritual
practices, and dynamic speakers focused on creating peace within and around us.
Highlights include:
● Interactive sessions and healing workshops
● Opportunities for discussion, connection, and collaboration
● Local wellness vendors and food trucks
● Meditation and movement experiences
“We believe peace starts from within and radiates outward. The Summit is a call to action for
anyone ready to be a part of the shift toward a more compassionate and unified world,” says
event organizer and life coach, Denise Maple.
The event is open to the public, and registration is now live. In addition to attending,
community members are invited to get involved as:
● Food Truck Partners
● Wellness Business Vendors
● Sponsors committed to community well-being
● Volunteers

Registration is encouraged. The first 50 registrants will receive a goody bag! Please consider a donation to help us cover the costs of the event and to offer future peace and well-being events. Suggested donation: $10
To register, volunteer, become a vendor and/or donate, visit:

� https://livelifespiritual.com/events/summit-for-peace-collective-well-being

Let’s come together for a day of inspiration, healing, and unity — and co-create the peace we
wish to see in the world.

About The Wellness Collective
The Wellness Collective is a group of wellness practitioners and guides from Whitewater and
surrounding areas committed to strengthening our world through compassion, grace, and
conscientiousness. They believe there are a multitude of ways to shift energy in the world, and
one way is through getting into a deeper, more honest relationship with oneself, first, and then
with those within the community. Their mission is to foster meaningful dialogue and
compassionate action.

Social Media Link
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CmzUgsk7F/

This Week’s City Meetings

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc.
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84824083114?pwd=8VCQqBB12h5aBtQa2S3AzVxfQTw14N.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 848 2408 3114
Passcode: 685680

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Resolution Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of Up To $1,506,107 Taxable General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2025, And Providing For Other Details And Covenants With Respect Thereto, And Approval Of Related $2,545,121 Financial Assistance Agreement; Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and
Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc
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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89679338612?pwd=tIesa0sExbBDv1KodjlxyKfIWjeFNP.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 896 7933 8612
Passcode: 027592

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the recommendations related to Starin Park Water Tower.
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.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/249142285
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 249-142-285
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission = Thursday @ 5:00 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.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/249072189
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 249-072-189
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

60th Reunion – WHS Class of 1965 [Updated with candid photos]

Whitewater High School Class of 1965 – Class Reunion, July 12, 2025 – Photo by Tom Ganser

1st Row (Sitting) L – R:    Al Dennis, Nancy Grahler Zastrow, Dave Rinn, Edna Koele Leason, Donna Nelson Herman, Mary Ludeman Hoof, Kenny Hoof, Veronica Hewuse Bakken, Kay Wentworth Robers, Jo Grant Werner, Judi Pizzichini, Rosalee Kern Carey

2nd Row L – R:  John Sobolewski, Jeff Winn, John Grosskreutz, Bob Boynton, Jim Hall, John Milner, Chris Thompson Pitterle, Mike Krebs, Judy Zabel Rausch, Charlotte Pellmann Kutz, Carol Hitchcock Geske, Carole Hepfinger Lewis, Barb Harris Kohlmetz, Carol Wojdula Cantando, Betty Patterman Strese; Hester Roe Mullenix

3rd Row L – R:  Marty Peyer, Bryan Bishop, Dale Brown, Linds Kollwelter Schubert, Alan Berg, Maury Deaver, Klaus “Bill” Schlichtholz, Jim Holden, Ron Petak

[Above] Enlargement of the first photo for better view of the faces

Our Readers Share: Steve Watson – Mother duck and brood feeding on spillway


Steve Watson writes “Mother duck and her brood feeding on the spillway. Their webbed feet propel them through the water and allows them to stand steady in the fast-moving spillway water.”

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing yet another interesting wildlife photo.

— 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!

Balkin Returning to UW-W as Head Tennis Coach

Balkin tying the school record for most wins in 2014 [UWW Website]
Balkin [submitted]

UW-Whitewater Announces Byron Balkin as Head of Tennis Program

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is proud to announce the hiring of Byron Balkin as the new head coach of the Warhawk men’s and women’s tennis programs.

A 2014 UW-Whitewater graduate, Balkin returns to his alma mater with a strong record of leadership and competitive success. He most recently served as the head tennis coach at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia from 2018-25, where he led the program to the second-highest win total in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference over that span.

Prior to his time at HSC, Balkin spent eight years in Whitewater. From 2014-18, Balkin served as the assistant under longtime head coach Frank Barnes. Balkin was also a member of the Warhawk tennis team from 2010-14. 

“I am excited for Byron to become the next head coach at UW-Whitewater,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “As a former player and assistant coach here at UWW, Byron understands what it takes to continue the legacy that Ron Wangerin built and Frank Barnes continued to elevate for the past 23 years.”

As an assistant for the Warhawk tennis program, Balkin helped guide UW-Whitewater to eight NCAA Division III tournament appearances and four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. He was named the Wilson/ITA Women’s Tennis National Assistant Coach of the Year and the Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year (men’s and women’s) in 2016. That year, the UWW men’s and women’s teams advanced to the NCAA’s Round of 16 while three singles players and a women’s doubles team qualified for the NCAA Individual Championship. 

“The hiring of Byron Balkin will go down as a great move for Warhawk Tennis,” added former Coach Frank Barnes.  “Coach Balkin understands the culture here at UWW and knows what it takes to win here. He bleeds purple and it was only a matter of time before he returned back home to his roots. A phenomenal athlete and coach while here, he went on to elevate the program at HSC to its first national ranking when given the opportunity to run his own program. He has all the tools necessary to bring the athletes here to their full potential.”

Balkin was a standout on the court for the Warhawks. A three-time All-American, Balkin compiled over 170 singles and doubles victories during his phenomenal four-year career. He played a role in four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances including a Round of 16 finish in 2011. 

Balkin earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated business and science and a Master’s in higher education with an emphasis in athletic administration — both from UW-Whitewater. 

“I am honored and excited to accept the position as the next head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis programs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,” said Balkin. “I would like to thank Chancellor Corey A. King, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan, and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity and for their confidence in me. UW-Whitewater has a storied tradition of athletic and academic excellence, and I look forward to building on that foundation with our outstanding student-athletes.”

“I also want to extend my sincere congratulations to Coach Frank Barnes on an exceptional career,” Balkin continued. “His contributions to Warhawk Tennis have been remarkable and it’s a true privilege to follow in his footsteps. I’m eager to get started and proud to be a part of the Warhawk family. Go Warhawks!”

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.