Why Did The Banner Add an Extra Security Step?

Readers have undoubtedly noticed that now in order to access The Whitewater Banner there is a brief delay. We recently added an extra security verification step because the website has been receiving a large volume of automated bot traffic. This helps protect the site from being overloaded and keeps it available for real readers. Most visitors should only see the check briefly before continuing to the site. Thank you for your patience and for reading The Banner.

UW-W Baseball Opens NCAA Regional on Home Field with 13-4 Win Over Scots [Updated]


Updated 5/16/26 @ 12:20 a.m. to indicate that UW-W will face Bethany Lutheran on Saturday [see final paragraph below.]

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team opened up the NCAA Regional Tournament with a 13-4 win over Macalester College at Prucha Field. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) set the tone early with a lead-off home run as the Warhawks scored at least one run in seven of their eight offensive innings.

Jackson Koenig (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) got the start on the mound, retiring the Scots to get the Warhawks going early. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) followed it up with a lead-off home run on just the third pitch he saw to put the Warhawks up 1-0. 

In the second inning, Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) added an RBI single, followed by RBI double from Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North)Keli Grennier (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) added the next runs in the third inning with a 2-RBI homer to left center, his first of the day. 

The Warhawks threatened to extend their 6-0 start to the game, loading up the bases in the bottom of the 4th, but an inning-ending double play got Macalester out of it. The Scots turned the momentum into offense with three runs in the top of the 5th on back-to-back RBI doubles. 

Wyatt Jensen (Luck, Wis./Luck) tacked on an RBI single in the 5th to get the Warhawks back up to a four-run lead. 

After putting a zero back up on the board at the top of the 6th, the Warhawks had their biggest inning of the day with a 5-run spot in the bottom of the frame. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) kick-started the run with a solo shot to center field. Keli Grennier (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) blasted his second home run of the day to tack on another three runs. Jensen added the last touch with an RBI single to put the Warhawks up 12-3.

Macalester was able to add another run on a fielder’s choice, but Leyten Bowers (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) got it back with an RBI double in the 7th. The Warhawks took the win 13-4, with Skyler Sievert (Laguna Niguel, Cal./Dana Hills) pitching the final three innings to earn the save. 

The Warhawks will face Bethany Lutheran of Mankato, MN in the 2:30 PM game on Saturday, May 16th at Prucha Field. Bethany Lutheran beat Luther 8-3 on Friday. Most everything you need to know may be found on UW-W’s Regional Tournament page. That includes admission costs, parking info (remember, Saturday is commencement, so parking arrangements will change), and the schedule for the tournament. Also see the Gameday Central page for further information.

Seniors in the Park Presents “Sentimental Value”

“Sentimental Value”

Wednesday, May 20, 1 pm

(Family Drama/Norwegian) Rated R (language)

2 hours, 13 minutes (2025).

We begin our annual Wednesday Summer series of foreign/art films with the Oscar and AARP Winner for Best Foreign Film.  An intimate exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art. Golden Globe to Stellan Skarsgard: Best Supporting Actor. Also stars Elle Fanning. A riveting, emotional film. Shown in Norwegian dialogue with English subtitles. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/ 

Due to copyright issues, Seniors in the Park will no longer be able to publicly announce the movie titles being shown beginning in June.  If you wish to find out each month’s titles that Projectionist Mark Dorn has selected, you may call Seniors in the Park at 262-473-0535  Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Downtown c.1880



It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is from c.1880 and is the east block of the south side of Main Street.

On Sunday, May 17 at 1:00 at the Cravath Lakefront Community Building, the historical society will hold its annual meeting and program, “Whitewater Stories.” The stories are new information that is being posted on our website. One of the stories we will present is a short history of how downtown Whitewater developed over the decades.

This image prominently features the corner building, the First National Bank Block, built in 1873, and attached to an older building on First Street that was built in 1856. Later the home of the First Citizens State Bank, the building has always been a prominent location in the downtown. Note that the building to the left is not the building that is there today. That building was demolished in 1885 for the Stewart Block that stands there today. This helps date the photo to pre-1885.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society

(1718ST, edited, Whitewater Historical Society)

UW-W Students Recognized in Hired Before Graduation

 The following University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students who will graduate Saturday, May 16, 2026, are among more than 200 Warhawks who were hired, promoted, accepted to graduate school, or started their own business before graduation:

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sydney Lehman, who will graduate with a degree in General Business.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Bryce Joel, who will graduate with a degree in Marketing.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Thomas McCulloch, who will graduate with a degree in Cybersecurity MS.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Tristin Trevino, who will graduate with a degree in Occupational Safety.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Olivia Nanni, who will graduate with a degree in Human Resource Management.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Elyse Jacobson, who will graduate with a degree in Legal Studies.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Juan Silva, who will graduate with a degree in Accounting.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Alyssa Brazouski, who will graduate with a degree in Finance.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jaelyne White, who will graduate with a degree in Higher Education Leadership MSE.

View the entire album, which includes future plans for all recognized, on UW-Whitewater’s Facebook page.

Every year, UW-Whitewater showcases the many students who have landed a job, earned a job promotion, been accepted to graduate school, or started a company before commencement. These students are invited to take a professional photo and be recognized on the university’s social media channels.

As a result of a UW-Whitewater education, students gain valuable and transferrable skills, secure coveted internships and are often hired by employers before graduation. At UW-Whitewater, our faculty and staff have connections with employers across Wisconsin and the country. Each year, more than 600 employers come to campus for job fairs, giving students a chance to network and even apply for jobs and internships on the spot.

More than 98 percent of recent graduates report they are employed or enrolled in continuing education within one year of commencement.

To learn more about UW-Whitewater’s Hired Before Graduation, visit uww.edu/hired.

Gov. Evers Appoints Sara Gehrig-Woodman to the Rock County Circuit Court

Sara Gehrig-Woodman

Gov. Tony Evers announced on May 14 his appointment of Sara Gehrig-Woodman to the Rock County Circuit Court – Branch 7. The appointment will fill the vacancy created by Judge Barbara W. McCrory’s retirement. Gehrig-Woodman will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.

“Sara Gehrig-Woodman brings a breadth of legal experience and a deep commitment to her community to the circuit court,” said Gov. Evers. “She will be an excellent judge for the people of Rock County.”

Gehrig-Woodman is a partner at Nowlan Law LLP in Janesville. Her practice includes all aspects of civil litigation, including contract disputes, complex employment and construction cases, and family law in both state and federal courts. She also serves as an independent hearing officer for the School District of Janesville. Earlier in her career, Gehrig-Woodman was a prosecuting attorney in both Alaska and Idaho, where she focused on prosecuting crimes of violence against women, children, and vulnerable adults.

“I am pleased that Gov. Evers appointed Sara Gehrig-Woodman to succeed me,” said McCrory. “She brings a wealth of experience to the bench. I look forward to seeing how she uses that experience to serve Rock County.”

Gehrig-Woodman lives in the town of Janesville and is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Law School. In the community, she serves on the board of the United Way Blackhawk Region and has previously served as board president for the Boys and Girls Club of Janesville.

“I am extremely grateful to Gov. Evers for this appointment, as well as to numerous past and present colleagues, community members, and family members who supported me in my application,” said Gehrig-Woodman. “Having practiced in several jurisdictions, including state and federal courts in Alaska, Idaho, and Wisconsin, I am honored and humbled to be selected to serve in this role in Rock County, the community where I was raised. I am particularly honored to succeed the first female judge to serve in Rock County, the Hon. Barbara W. McCrory. I will attempt to continue her legacy of exemplary service, making Branch VII of the Rock County Circuit Court a place of inclusion, fairness, and just adjudication of conflict and controversy for all who appear before me.”

UW-W Hosting DIII Baseball Regional Beginning Friday

UW-W baseball kicks off the regional competition on Friday, May 14 at 11 a.m. at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. Their first opponent is Macalester College of St. Paul, MN. Most everything you need to know may be found on UW-W’s Regional Tournament page. That includes admission costs, parking info (remember, Saturday is commencement, so parking arrangements will change), and the schedule for the tournament.

The information below was previously printed on The Whitewater Banner.

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA Division III Baseball Committee has announced the 64 teams that will compete in the 2026 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship.

Four teams will compete at each of the 16 regional sites from Friday-Sunday, May 15-17. Regionals will use a double-elimination format. Forty-one conference champions qualified automatically.

Winners of the sixteen regional tournaments will qualify for eight, best-of-three series at the super regionals, Friday-Saturday, May 22-23. The eight super regional winners will then qualify for the pool play double-elimination championship at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, Ohio, Friday-Thursday, May 29-June 4, 2026.

UW-W is an automatic qualifier after having clinched the WIAC Championship last weekend over La Crosse. That team will be the only other WIAC competitor in the 64-team field. Wisconsin-Whitewater is the reigning DIII baseball champion, after beating Messiah 21-5 in 2025. 

UW-Whitewater will host the first round of the competition beginning this Friday, May 15. In the first game UW-W (41-4) will face Macalester (29-15) at 11 a.m. at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium.

[Ad] Household Sale Including Golf Cart: Susan Mealy, Prairie Village, Whitewater

Shirley Erdman Household Sale
Susan Mealy
Prairie Village
863 Burr Oak Trail
Whitewater, WI 53190

Saturday, May 16th 9:00am-2:00pm
Sunday, May 17th 9:00am-12:00pm

*Numbers issued ½ hour prior to sale on both Saturday & Sunday*


Additional photos may be viewed here.

Furniture: Dining Table/Chairs, Wing-Back Chair/Ottoman, Spoon Carved Commode, Table & Floor Lamps, Desk, Desk Chair

Glassware: Stemware, Cut-Glass, Stoneware, Set of Noritake China, Rockdale Pottery

Artwork: Lighthouse Print by Donna Elias, Watercolors by Marilyn Fuerstenberg, and Nikki Knudson, Oil on Canvas by Tom Jewel, Old Main by Gray

Household Items: Usual Kitchen Items, Area Rug, Silk Tree, Baskets, Books, Pictures & Frames, Sea Shells, Holiday Decorations, T.V., Optelec Compact 10HD with Speech, Packer Collectibles, Step Stool, Uttermost Wall Clock, Set of 34 Leather Bound Wisconsin Reports Law Books dating back to 1908

Garage Items: Garden Tools, Hand Tools, yard Decorations, Wisconsin Corn Hole Game, Rossignol Ski Shoes, Set of Lady’s Golf Clubs

Items of Special Interest:

  1. ½ Wooden Indian Canoe made into a Glass-topped Coffee Table
  2. 2023 Club Car Golf Cart with many extras including Aluminum Cargo Box, Premium Seat Cushions, Canopy Top, Lithium Battery, with many more extras – Approximately 100 miles.

Terms & Conditions

All Sales Final · No Refunds · Cash · Sold in “As Is” Condition
No Early Sales · Not Responsible for Accidents
Please bring help and tools for removing your items on the day of purchase – our staff is unable to lift or load items.

Citywide Garage Sale May 15-17: Over 30 listed

The city’s unofficial citywide garage sale is this weekend, Friday through Sunday. The first sales that are shown below are ones that were submitted directly to the Banner. Below those is a list from the Facebook page “Whitewater City Wide Rummage, 53190.” Our thanks to the reader who passed on that information.

Look yard sale Saturday May 16 at 1140 W Highland St 10-5 clothes diamond art rims and tries jewelry and DVDs  so come take a look 

HUGE Multi-family rummage 426 S. Buckingham Blvd , Whitewater Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.   Entertainment including DVD’s, CD’s, VHS, vinyl, books, games, and toys. Microwave, Countertop oven, tools, boxspring metal frame, Kitchen, Aquarium and Pet supplies, sporting goods, hardwares, housewares, Chicco bassinet, baby through adult clothing and accessories, magic cards, stamp collecting, collectible coins, Brewers items, crafts, Singer sewing machine and so much more. Something for everyone!

GARAGE SALE 
336 S Summit St, Whitewater
Fri & Sat, May 15 & 16, 8am to 4pm
Rummage and Vintage: 
End Tables, Lamps, Decor, Seasonal, Doilies, China, Corelle,  Glassware, Jewelry and Jewelry Boxes, Wooden Cigar Box, Authentic Cowbell, Wicker Hamper,  Kitchen & Office,  Bedding, Totes, Cassettes, Gifts & Collectibles, AND SO MUCH MORE!

Yard Sale 
Saturday May 16th from 9-1
1660 Mound View Place, Whitewater

____________________________________________________________________________________

The following sales are posted to the “Whitewater City Wide Rummage, 53190” Facebook page.

476 Ventura Lane
Thu–Sat | 9 AM–4 PM Boys clothing (NB–18M), baby/kids toys, household items, women’s clothing (S/M, teen/college styles), purses & bags

N468 Fremont St
Fri–Sat | 9 AM–4 PM Bicycles, home goods, lots of antiques

336 S Summit StFri–Sat | Vintage estate items, jewelry, home decor, lamps, end tables, china & Corelle, household items, clean quality items throughout

282 Lakeview Dr
May 16–17 | 10 AM–4 PM
Snow blower, kids shoes (0–12), baby clothes, toys, household items

351 S Summit St
May 15–17 | 9 AM–5 PM
Clothing (women/men/children), shoes, baby items, toys, household items

512 E North St
Sat–Sun | 10 AM–2 PM
Office desk, ice maker, kitchen items, kids toys

214 S Woodland Dr
May 14–15 | 8 AM–4 PM
May 16 | 8 AM–1 PM
Kids toys, clothing, shoes, kitchen table, stools, Paw Patrol, books

755 N Tratt St Lot 200
May 15–17 | Various times
Clothing, tools, kitchen items, baby items, pet supplies, misc

1245 Tower Hill Pass
May 15–17
Plus-size women’s clothing (1X–5X), household items

1140 Highland St
May 16 | 10 AM–5 PM
Tires/rims, jewelry, clothing, DVDs, misc items

405 Ventura Lane
Fri–Sat | 8 AM–4 PM / 8 AM–12 PM
Women’s, teen, boys clothing, home decor

426 S Buckingham Blvd
Fri–Sat | 7 AM–5 PM
5-family sale: clothing, bedding, decor, household goods

331 S Whiton St
Fri–Sun
Storage sale: clothing, collectibles, housewares, toys

529 S Franklin St
Sat–Sun | 9 AM–4 PM
Women’s clothing, scrubs, wedding decor, home goods

1343 E Jakes Way
Thu–Sat | 8 AM–6 PM / 8 AM–1 PM
Stockpile items, household goods, misc

736 E Chicago St
Thu–Sun | 9 AM–3 PM
Clothing, decor, tools, hunting items, antiques

133 N Newcomb St
Fri–Sat | 8 AM–4 PM
Furniture, tools, collectibles, clothing, vintage items

1270 E Jakes Way #9
May 15–16 | 9 AM–4 PM
Generator, electronics, appliances, clothing, misc

233 Ash Lane
Thu–Fri | 8 AM–5 PM
Clothing, Harley items, household, camper & boat for sale

340 S Woodland Dr
May 14–16 | 9 AM–3 PM
Furniture, golf clubs, toys, clothing, household items

1145 W South St
May 15–16 | 8 AM–4 PM / 8 AM–1 PM
Kitchenware, dolls, clothing, misc items

1011 W Walworth Ave
May 15–17 | 9 AM–5 PM
Clothing, toys, diecast, Christmas items

1212 W Salisbury Lane
Fri–Sun | varied hours
Clothing, furniture, toys, plants, household goods

415 E Main St
Thu–Sun | 9 AM–5 PM
Bikes, tools, mailboxes, hardware, household goods

365 W Ann St
Fri–Sat | 8 AM–4 PM
Clothing, bedding, kitchenware, decor

747 E Clay St
May 15–16 | 9 AM–4 PM
Kitchen items, towels, Christmas decor, clothing

263 S Green St
May 16 | 8 AM–3 PM
Brand name clothing, shoes, sports, lawn equipment

1254 Tower Hill Pass
May 15 | 8 AM–5 PM
Misc items

1320 Tower Hill Pass
May 16–17 | 8 AM–4:30 PM
Clothing, toys, workout gear, baby/kids bag sale

1277 E Bluff Rd Unit 10
Thu–Sun
Storage sale items, household goods, misc

620 W High St
May 16 | 8 AM–4 PM
Miscellaneous / everything sale

160 N Park St
Sat–Sun
Antiques, vintage, furniture, clothing, tools, toys






Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, Proclaims “Hmong-Lao Veterans Day” Across the State 
 
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #293, ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Thurs., May 14, 2026, in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day. Each year since assuming office, Gov. Evers has proclaimed May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin.

“Through their service and sacrifice, our Hmong-Lao veteran community has earned every honor and respect we can give them by serving this nation during the Vietnam War and in many conflicts since, and for that, we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude,” said Gov. Evers. “Here in Wisconsin, we are committed to our promise to protect, defend, and support the veterans who’ve protected, defended, and supported us, and that includes our Hmong-Lao heroes.”

During the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong-Lao people courageously fought alongside the United States and, following the end of the war, faced harsh retribution from the Vietnamese and Lao governments for their service. Many Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families were ultimately forced to flee their homes, and many later resettled in communities throughout the United States, including in Wisconsin. Today, Wisconsin is home to the third-largest Hmong population in the United States. The last day of airlift evacuation of remaining Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos, to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand took place on May 14, 1975.

On May 14, 2021, Gov. Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, officially designating May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin. Act 31 also requires the governor to the governor to annually issue a proclamation for the observance of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day that orders the flags at the State Capitol Building to be flown at half-staff, requests that the day be used to recognize Hmong-Lao veterans’ accomplishments and to thank Hmong-Lao veterans for their service, and encourages schools to discuss Hmong military service in support of the armed forces of the United States.  

Gov. Evers has long made supporting the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Wisconsin’s Hmong and Asian American communities, including Hmong-Lao veterans, a priority of his administration. In 2024, Gov. Evers signed 2023 Wisconsin Act 205, which ensures Hmong veterans can have veteran status on their driver’s license or ID by adding to the definition of “veteran” any person who was admitted to the United States under the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act. Additionally, last month, Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 206, which ensures qualifying Hmong and Laotian veterans can receive military funeral honors. 

In 2024, Gov. Evers celebrated Hmong Heritage Month by signing 2023 Wisconsin Act 266, requiring schools to include education on the contributions and history of Hmong Americans and Asian Americans in Wisconsin. Wisconsin law requires K-12 schools to teach Black American, Hispanic American, and Native American history. 2023 Act 266 added Hmong and Asian American histories to this required curriculum, promoting greater awareness and understanding among Wisconsin students of the histories, cultures, and traditions of these diverse communities in Wisconsin. Gov. Evers also proclaimed April Hmong Heritage Month in accordance with national observances.

Last year, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War and the Secret War in Laos, among other events that significantly impacted the lives of millions in Southeast Asia, Gov. Evers also issued a proclamation in recognition of the 50th anniversary to honor the resilience of Southeast Asian American communities. 

Executive Order #293 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Thurs., May 14, 2026, and is available on Gov. Evers’ website.