Final arrangements have been made for Memorial Day activities to be held on Monday, May 26th in Whitewater and hosted by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5470.
At 6:00 AM members of the American Legion and anyone who wants to help will gather at the American Legion, 292 S. Wisconsin St., Whitewater to place American Flags along Main Street.
The parade will form at the Hearthstone Memory Care at Fairhaven parking lot [426 W. North Street] at 10:00 AM and will march off promptly at 10:30 AM concluding at the Downtown Whitewater Armory.
In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled but the program will be held at the Armory beginning at 11:00 AM.
Leading the parade will be the color guard of William Graham Post 173 American Legion. The Whitewater High School Band and the Whitewater Middle School Band will provide music for the parade. Featured in the parade will be guest speaker Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and American Legion Post 173 Vice-Commander Jessica Kienbaum. Also participating will be American Legion and VFW scholarship winners, Badger Boys and Girls State attendees, the American Legion Americanism award and the American Legion Outstanding Athlete award recipient. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Whitewater Youth Soccer, and other youth organizations are invited to participate.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Steve Smith.
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of EMS Professionals Who Have Given Their Lives in the Line of Duty
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #262 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., May 24, 2025, as a mark of respect for the emergency medical services (EMS) professionals who have given their lives in the line of duty. Gov. Evers proclaimed National EMS Week throughout the state of Wisconsin beginning Sun., May 18, and lasting through Sat., May 24, 2025. The governor’s National EMS Week proclamation is available here.
“EMS professionals play a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of Wisconsinites across our state, as well as the safety and security of our communities. No matter the emergency or the danger of the situation, we count on first responders to be there and care for us when we need them most,” said Gov. Evers. “National EMS Week is an opportunity for us to reflect on and acknowledge this difficult and even dangerous work and all of the folks and their families who make these daily sacrifices while honoring those who have lost their lives in service of the health and safety of others.”
Samuel Karns hears a question from an audience member.
Samuel Karns was the first candidate to be introduced.
Kurt Schneider was the second candidate to address the community members and parents.
John William Nelson asking a question
Laurie Fiorenza was the third and final candidate. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
Updated 5/23/25 @ 10:23 p.m. to recognize photos by Tom Ganser. Apologies for the omission.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Editor’s note: The school board’s announcement regarding their choice of finalists may be found below the “Meet & Greet” article.
Thirty-one community members and parents attended the “Meet & Greet” for the three finalists for superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District at the high school auditorium on Thursday evening. Most in the audience stayed for the entire two-and-a-half-hour session. Bios for the candidates were provided in this previous Banner article. The candidates appeared in the order shown above. Each was allotted a forty-five minute period to introduce themselves and answer questions.
Some of the participants had done their homework, bringing prepared questions or even referencing matters that they had found in doing media research. Fiorenza, at the conclusion of her question/answer period, brought up something she thought might be an elephant in the room: why she resigned from her recent employment without landing another job. She stated that she left that district on very good terms but recently having achieved empty nest status, she was ready to take on a superintendency and knew that if she took the plunge she would land such a position.
All of the candidates had a number of positive comments to make about what they had seen and heard in their tours of the buildings earlier in the day. They remarked on the recently passed capital referendum, the increasing focus on tech ed as well as the plan to hire a Career and Technical Education Coordinator, and the 18 pathways that are being developed at the high school. They were also impressed with the ability of students to earn credits through Gateway Technical and UW-Whitewater.
This writer cannot reference who asked many of the questions, but Kelly Davis consistently stated that she has three children in the district and asked each candidate if they would live in the district. While insisting that they would be visible in the community regardless of their residency, neither of the men made a commitment. Fiorenza stated without reservation that she would be living here.
Other comments/questions referenced such subjects as: – Concerns from students/parents that so much focus is placed on serving students with special needs that others don’t feel that they get the focus that they deserve. – Would the candidates be open to teachers or parents bringing concerns to them? – What would they do to stem the tide of open enrollments out of the district? – Their role with the school board. – How to reduce bullying, for example on social media. – Improving teacher retention – What learnings do they take from the COVID-19 experience? How do they feel about e-learning?
Parents and other community members who attended were given the opportunity to respond to an online survey regarding what they felt each candidate would have to offer to the district together with any questions they were left with about them. As Fiorenza left the auditorium, the representative of the search firm asked for a show of hands for each candidate to indicate if audience members felt that they were a good fit for the position. It seemed clear that Karns received the most affirmation. The representative opined that the other two candidates received a rather similar number of votes. He also expressed appreciation for the good turnout, which he said was about twice as large as the average such audience, though university towns usually do turn out better. He seemed satisfied that he could tell the board that all the candidates received more than a token number of votes. Geoff Hale, however, asked how many people didn’t vote for any of the candidates, so a new raise of hands was requested. Four hands were observed.
WUSD Board Issues Statement on Superintendent Finalists
The Whitewater Unified School District issued the following statement on May 23: “The Board of Education has narrowed the search for the district’s next superintendent to two finalists: Kurt Schneider and Samuel Karns.
The board met Thursday evening to continue deliberations, and while no final decision was made, the board is confident in the two remaining candidates. Each candidate brings a strong background in educational leadership, and the board is carefully considering who will best serve the needs of our students and school community.
The board appreciates the engagement and input from staff, parents, and community members throughout the process.
Pending further discussion, a final decision may be made at the upcoming board meeting on Tuesday, May 27. The board remains committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process.”
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team opened up the NCAA Super Regionals with a 14-1 win over UW-Oshkosh on Prucha Field. The Warhawk bats got going early, and the momentum kept carrying through as Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) and Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) both had five RBIs on the day. The Titans had no answer to a complete game win from Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) on the mound.
Head Coach John Vodenlich reached a career milestone with his 800th win (768th at UW-Whitewater). Vodenlich is the second Warhawk coach to reach the 800 win mark in as many days, with Warhawk Softball head coach Brenda Volk reaching the milestone in their own Super Regional win yesterday. Read More…
UW-Oshkosh scored their only run of the day on a wild pitch in the first inning. The Titans rallied two singles with two outs before scoring on the WP.
UW-Whitewater answered back with their own two-out rally, this time with Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) driving in a run.
The Wahawks expanded their lead with an RBI-single from Holland, followed by a three-run homer from Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran). Cootway’s 18th homer of the season leads the Warhawks and ranks second on the Warhawk Single Season Record list.
The Titans grabbed two singles again in the top of the third, but both were stranded after two consecutive strike-outs from Hansen. The first and third were the only two multi-hit innings for UWO against Hansen.
In the bottom of the 4th, the Warhawks expanded on their lead with a walk and three singles. Holland, Cootway, and Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) all drove in a run during the fourth, with Frank hitting a sacrifice fly to put the Warhawks up 8-1 after four complete.
The batting didn’t slow down from there, with Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hitting a lead-off double to start another 3-run inning in the 5th. Paden’s double and Cootway’s homer from the 2nd were the only extra-base hits of the Warhawks’ 19 total hits. Holland and Cootway both drove in more runs during the frame to put the lead at double-digits, 11-1.
Holland, Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South), and Thies completed the third consecutive three-run inning for the Warhawks in the sixth.
With the 13-run lead, the Warhawks defense closed out the game with 9 straight outs. Oshkosh only recorded one hit in the final three frames, but the runner was put out on a double play.
Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) threw his third complete game of the season, but first 9.0-inning one. Hansen allowed only five hits, with one earned run, while fanning seven Titan batters.
The Warhawks and Titans will return to Prucha Field Saturday, May 24 at 11 am for the second game of the best of three Super Regional. If a third game is necessary, the start time will be 45-minutes after game two.
This Whitewater Banner article provides the story of how UW-W baseball won the right to compete in the Super Regional, which will be held on their home field.
2025 NCAA Division III Baseball Super Regional Hosted by UW-Whitewater | May 23-24, 2025
Prucha Field at Jim Miller Stadium 910 W. Schwager Dr.
*NO PETS allowed at Prucha Field per NCAA Policy*
Tickets – Cash only $10 – Adults $8 – Seniors / Students
Parking Lots 22 (nearest Prucha Field) and 24 (next to Perkins Stadium) NO PARKING IN LOT 11 (by the Williams Center)
More information regarding the teams’ records, rosters and stats may be found here.
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Rep. James F. Rooney
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #261 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., May 23, 2025, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. James F. Rooney, who passed away on Sat., May 3, 2025, at the age of 89.
“Former Rep. Rooney led an extraordinary life of selflessness, serving his community and our state with humility, perseverance, and compassion over his decades of dedicated public service,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to Rep. Rooney’s friends, family, loved ones, and the Racine community as they honor his memory and mourn his passing.”
Born in Racine, former Rep. Rooney served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. In 1972, former Rep. Rooney was elected to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature, where he represented the 61st Assembly District and the 20th Assembly District for more than a decade. During his time in the Assembly, former Rep. Rooney served on various committees, including the committees on elections, financial institutions, government operations, rules, and more, and he was elected as majority caucus chair in 1983. During the legislative session in 1977, former Rep. Rooney aided in the creation of the Wisconsin Waterways Commission and served as chair of the commission for over three decades. In addition to his life of public service, former Rep. Rooney was also deeply committed to the Racine community, serving as a member of the Racine Yacht Club and the Racine Heritage Museum Board, Racine County highway commissioner and director of public works, chairman of both the Racine County Board of Harbor Commissioners and Racine County Board of Supervisors.
Services for former Rep. Rooney will be held on Fri., May 23, 2025, in Racine.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is a walkway through Hillside Cemetery, c. 1900. Historically, Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was known prior to World War I, was a popular day for walking through local cemeteries and laying flowers on loved ones’ graves, particularly the graves of people who died in wars. Today, we still remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
UW-Whitewater at Rock County recognizes students at award ceremony
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County recognized more than 60 students at a recent award ceremony to celebrate the 2024-25 academic year.
The following students from your coverage area earned at least one award:
Whitewater, WI: Michelle Abarca, who is enrolled in the Arts and Science degree program and earned the following award(s): First Year Lecture – Promising Students.
Whitewater, WI: Lilith Ashmore, who is enrolled in the Liberal Arts degree program and earned the following award(s): Excellence in Critical Thinking & Engagement in Communication Studies.
Students were recognized by URock faculty and staff members for their work in the classroom and within the campus community.
UW-Whitewater at Rock County held its 2025 spring commencement ceremony for graduates of the College of Integrated Studies on May 20 in the gymnasium of the Wells Cultural Center.
The commencement speaker was Jane Blain Gilbertson, owner and executive chair of Blain’s Farm & Fleet. The company was founded in 1955 and currently employs 5,500 associates in stores throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan. A Janesville native, Blain Gilbertson received her Bachelor of Science in Retailing from Miami University. She currently serves as vice chair of the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, Janesville Performing Arts Center, and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.
The student speaker was Gloria Lara, a Delavan resident and mother of three who is earning her Associate of Arts and Sciences. Her academic goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work followed by a dual master’s degree in social work and public health. She eventually hopes to develop a nonprofit community-based program to support first-generation daughters of immigrants.
During the ceremony, the Outstanding Alumni Award will be presented to Aimee Thurner, who attended URock in 1998. She is the president and CEO of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, where she has worked for more than 20 years, and serves on the board of directors for Visit Beloit and the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards will also be announced at the Rock County campus ceremony.
Learn more about UW-Whitewater at Rock County by visiting uww.edu/rock.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater is excited to announce the selected artists for the 2025 Traffic Box Art Project. This initiative aims to transform ordinary traffic control boxes into vibrant public artworks, celebrating creativity and enhancing the streetscape of our community.
After careful review of numerous inspiring submissions, the following artists have been selected to bring their artistic vision to the city’s traffic boxes:
Stephanie Krellwitz
Linda Saumer
Studio 84 Inc
Jessica Fuchs
Judith Perez
Emma Siskoff (Dolan)
Kelly Marie Hasknecht
Kiba Freeman
In addition, the City of Whitewater has designated the following artists as alternates in the event that additional opportunities become available:
Hollyn Peterson
HG Little
James Richter
Brittany McKenzie The Traffic Box Art Project is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to public art and community engagement. Artwork installation is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The artist applications that were submitted, including examples of their work, may be viewed on this Public Arts Committee agenda.
Household items, Hide-a-Bed, Lawn chairs, Lawnmower, Drop leaf table and 4 chairs, Dressers, chairs, Holiday decorations and so much more
… You don’t want to miss out on this one. Weather not an issue. Most items will be inside.
Thursday from 12 until 5
Friday 8 until 5
Saturday will be 8 until 12 all remaining items will be half price! Moving sale
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to offer a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. If desired you can also include a few photos; we prefer the jpg format if possible.
Superintendent Finalists Meet & Greet for Parents and Community Members
As part of the selection process for the new District Superintendent, the three finalists will spend a day in the district on Thursday, May 22. The day will include a tour of the schools and time to meet with staff and students. Parents, families, and community members will also have an opportunity to meet the candidates in a public session that evening.
All interested families, parents, and community members are invited to participate in the session, which will take place on Thursday, May 22 from 5:30 to 8:05 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Auditorium. Each of the finalists will introduce themselves and take questions during their individual 45-minute session.
All district and community participants throughout the day will be able to share their feedback with the board via an online form, available through a link and QR code. The school board will conduct final interviews with each of the candidates that evening.
Bios for the finalists are shown below.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
