News

Community ESL Program Recognized by WI Policy Forum


The Wisconsin Policy Forum presented its 2024 Salute to Local Government Award Winners on October 9, stating, “The 32nd Annual Salute celebrates the benefits that public sector ingenuity and excellence bring to taxpayers and communities throughout Wisconsin. Award categories recognize local governments and school districts for innovative problem-solving, advancing racial equity, and public-private cooperation, as well as individuals in the public sector for excellence, leaders of the future, and lifetime achievement.”

Whitewater’s Community ESL Program was awarded the following recognition.

Editor’s note: This press release was submitted by Miguel Aranda.

UW-W Music Events for Remainder of October include The Music of Fall

Featuring the talented faculty member, Michael Hackett, the Michael Hackett Quintet is sure to deliver a dynamic and harmonious night.

The Music Mosaics concert series began in 2002 with disparate pieces pulled together to create something meaningful and beautiful. The faculty, community and alumni who generously donate their time and talents to support scholarships are an inspiration. The series benefits the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund, allowing the department to recognize students for their musical talents and academic excellence. Join us as they create a music mosaic for you with students’ success as the ultimate outcome. Admission is $10 for adults; $6 for those under age 18 or 65+.

Join us for an unforgettable evening with The Whitewater Brass Quintet as they bring to life timeless compositions crafted for the brass quintet. Featuring the exceptional talents of faculty members Matthew Onstad and Christopher Ramaekers on trumpet, Dafydd Bevil on horn, Carson King-Fournier on trombone, and Josh Biere on tuba, this concert promises a vibrant showcase of musical mastery. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the brilliance of our esteemed faculty musicians in an inspiring performance. Admission is $7 for adults; $4 for under age 18 or 65+.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $4 for under age 18 or 65+.

Prepare to be enthralled by the mesmerizing interplay of two pianos and the seamless harmony of one piano and four hands as they showcase decades of award-winning talent. Join us for an evening of pure artistry as Varshavski & Shapiro Piano Duo takes you on a musical adventure that will leave you in awe. Secure your seats now to witness the brilliance of these remarkable performers! Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for under age 18 or 65+.

Tickets for all events may be purchased here. There is a $2 per ticket surcharge at the door. All events take place in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street. Parking for these events is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.

Obituary: David B. “Dave” Varsos, 67

David B. “Dave” Varsos, 67, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Dave was born on February 21, 1957 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was enrolled in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1974. After the Army, Dave made a career as a laborer. He enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles, a clean pressed black t shirt, and a hot cup of Folgers coffee.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Paige (Travis) Heyer. He will leave behind many friends, family, and neighbors who will miss his long winded chats over a glass of Maker’s Mark.

He is preceded in death by his partner of almost 20 years, Sylvia Johnson.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Dominick Vincent Antol, 21

Dominick Vincent Antol passed away Friday, October 11, 2024 due to complications with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He was born on July 24th, 2003. He was survived by his mother Roseanna Antol and fathers Javier Lara and Avery Blackwell. Grandparents Charles and Florence Antol and Darnelle Blackwell. Brothers Johnathan Rodriguez Isiah Antol and Gabriel Lara. Also brother Marchant and Ziona Blackwell. Uncle Chuckie and Aunts Nicole Johnson Elizabeth Antol and Misty Oswald. Many other uncles and aunts and 14 cousins.

Dominick enjoyed playing video games till the sun came up, watching YouTube videos and Packers games while eating chicken wings. Dominick loved Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars and country music. He also loved law enforcement, the army and classic cars. Dominick had a warm heart and a smile of gold that would light up any room he entered. He always made people feel loved no matter who they were. He will forever be missed and loved in the Whitewater community.

The celebration of life services will be at
The Chapel Whitewater
445 Warner Rd
Whitewater Wi 53190
November 16th, 2024
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Obituary: John Martin Hanekamp, 75

John Martin Hanekamp, 75, passed away at his home in Whitewater on October 16, 2024 after a courageous year and a half long battle with cancer.

 John is survived by his amazing and loving wife of 52 years, Susan (Steck) Hanekamp, brother Mike (Tina) Hanekamp, sister Ann Manzella, sister-in-law Rebecca Turley, a son Stephen (Alyssa) Hanekamp, a daughter Michelle (Jon) Marshall and 7 wonderful grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Emily, Makenzie, Caitlyn, Tucker and Tanner. He was proceeded in death by his brother Robert, sister Carol and brother-in-law Doug Turley. 

John was born February 16, 1949 in Evanston, Illinois.  John graduated from Des Plaines High School in 1968.  He then attended UW-Whitewater before deciding to work at Art Lien’s Menswear in Whitewater, where he met the love of his life, Susan. The rest was history. They were married in 1972. With John’s entrepreneurial abilities, John and Sue opened and ran a very successful business, Sassy Shirts in Whitewater for 30 years. 

In 2010 they sold Sassy Shirts and moved to Miramar Beach, Florida. John loved walking and biking along the beach and enjoying the sunshine. John always looked forward to his walks with Tucker and Tanner and early morning breakfast runs with Jacob and Joshua when they visited.

In March 2023, John discovered the tickle in his throat was cancer and he began his fight with chemo and radiation. The cancer became too aggressive and with other health complications his body just gave out. 

John will always be remembered by his family for his love of his grandchildren. He absolutely adored talking to them, watching them play sports and attending their school activities. He was the best “Papa.” 

A visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater on October 26, 2024 at 11:00 am with a service to follow at 12:30 pm. The family would like to invite you for a light luncheon at 841 Brewhouse following the service. 

The family would like to extend their thanks to Rainbow Hospice and the many doctors, nurses, and staff at UW Hospital in Madison.  In lieu of flowers, the family would request a donation be made to the UW Carbone Cancer
Center in memory of John. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

“Whenever you see a rainbow, know that it’s Papa looking down and smiling at you.”

Whitewater Lions Halloween Pancake Breakfast


Come join us on Sunday, October 27 at the Lions Club – N7462 Kettle Moraine Drive from 7 am to 11 am.

We will be serving, scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes, and our world famous sausage. We are featuring Whitewater’s Own Nordskov Coffee as well as OJ and milk.

It is a free will donation and we will also have a 50/50 raffle as well as some secondary prizes courtesy of Staller Winery.

As always, the Lions Club accepts used eyeglasses, hearing aids and ink cartridges. We also have bins around the area for your deer hides; please ask us where they are located.

Local Student Named a Launch Pad Scholar at UW-W

Zoheb Rakhangi, a WHS graduate who is studying Information Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has been named a Launch Pad Scholar for the fall 2024 semester.

The UW-Whitewater Launch Pad program is a startup accelerator focused on helping students launch new companies and nonprofits.

The program consists of weekly student meetings, 1-on-1 coaching, office space at the Whitewater Innovation Center, preparation for pitch competitions and more. Launch Pad is open to all UW-Whitewater undergraduate and graduate students regardless of major. Students have the option to earn up to three elective College of Business and Economics credits.

The program directors are Dave Gee, a lecturer and UW-Whitewater graduate, and William Dougan, a professor. Both are faculty members in the College of Business and Economics’ Department of Management.

Visit uwwlaunchpad.org to learn more.

Yes, Whitewater’s Trick or Treat is Always on Halloween!

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

A number of communities in south central Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday, October 27 from 1-4 p.m., Palmyra’s on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., and Jefferson’s on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls. Again this year the hours will be 4-7 p.m.

How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!

Ghoul’s Night Out is on Thursday, October 24, 2024. See this article for details.

AAUW Janesville Presents: Big Money in Politics – A Continued Threat to Women’s Economic Equity

Big Money in Politics – A Continued Threat to Women’s Economic Equity, and More
Speaker: George Penn, United to Amend  
Sponsored by AAUW [American Association of University Women] Janesville

Money in politics threatens democracy and our financial security.  Learn about a grassroots movement to reform campaign finance, increase representation in government, prioritize problem solving, and restore political morality.

Tuesday, October 22 – 6:30 pm
Woman’s Club, 108 S. Jackson St., Janesville
Click here for Zoom at 6:30

AAUW meetings are open to the public. Visit aauw-janesville.net for more information.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Barta IV from Pixabay.

Lutherdale Celebrates 80 Years of Ministry and Community


Lutherdale, a summer camp and year-round conference and retreat center, is thrilled to announce its 80th Anniversary Celebration. This milestone marks eight decades of faith, fellowship, and community service. Lutherdale was established on the Lauderdale Lakes in 1944, and is excited to announce a communitywide event to celebrate 80 years of business in the Walworth County & Elkhorn area community, as well as 80 years of impacting youth and families across the region.

The Fall Festival will take place on October 26, 2024 with events throughout the day with events concluding at 4 pm. Event highlights include:

• Lutherdale Harvest Hustle- kicking off at 9:00 am, this fall fun run with courses of either 5K or 1 mile (or virtually) with proceeds to benefit future campers at Lutherdale’s programs
• Pancake Breakfast
• Pumpkin Patch
• Silent Auction
• Food Trucks
• Live Music
• Family fun activities throughout the day

About Lutherdale: Founded in 1944, Lutherdale has been a beacon of spiritual growth and community engagement. Over the years, it has provided countless individuals with opportunities for retreat, reflection, and renewal.

Support Lutherdale: As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to support our mission. Your generous donations help us continue providing impactful programs and maintaining our beautiful facilities. To make a donation, please visit our website at
www.lutherdale.org/donate or contact Rhonda VanAntwerp at rhonda@lutherdale.org or 262-742-2352.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and love from our community over the past 80 years,” said Tracy Polzin, Executive Director of Lutherdale. “This celebration is not just about our history, but also about looking forward to the future with hope and excitement.”

For more information, please visit our website at www.lutherdale.org or contact Tracy Polzin at tracy@lutherdale.org or (262) 742-2352. To sign up for the Harvest Hustle, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Elkhorn/Lutherdale