News

For more than a half century, Drum Corps International, Marching Music’s Major League™, has been the leader in producing events for the world’s finest marching ensembles for musicians and performers of all ages. A non-profit entity was officially established in 1972, and today DCI supports numerous programs around the globe while sanctioning participating recognized drum corps, SoundSport® performance ensembles and DrumLine Battle™ teams performing in more than 80 competitive events that make up the annual Drum Corps International Tour.

For many years, Drum Corps International (DCI) has been returning with a great drum corps show at Perkins Stadium, 907 Schwager Drive on the UW-Whitewater campus. Whitewater holds a special place in DCI’s history, as this is where their first competition took place. This year they return on Saturday, July 11 with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. and the competition beginning at 5:45 p.m.

The lineup, subject to change, is as follows:

Reserved seating starts at $46.95. General admission tickets are $26.95. [Editor’s note: Ticket prices will increase on the day of the event, but It appears that general admission tickets are not for sale in advance.] Children under 3 do not need a ticket as long as they are sitting on a lap and not taking up another seat. Please purchase your tickets in advance! Cash will NOT be accepted at the box office on the day of the event.

All Sales are FINAL. No Refunds, No Exchanges, and No Raincheck. [In previous years when there was rain, an abbreviated program was presented in the Kachel Fieldhouse.]

PARKING INFORMATION

Spectator Parking:(opens in a new tab) Parking passes are $15 and must be purchased through the UW-Whitewater website (opens in a new tab) in order to park at the University.

1. Click on this link(opens in a new tab)
2. (opens in a new tab)Agree to the Terms of Service
3. Select the Event Type “Whitewater Classic”
4. Select the Event “Whitewater Classic – Madison Scouts 7/11/2026”
5. Select the Permit Type “WW Classic – Madison Scouts 2026 ($15 / Once)
6. Select “Add Vehicle” and complete the form. Then select “Add”

If you have any issues, contact the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Parking Services by calling (262)472-1011 from 7:30am – 4:30pm CT, Monday – Friday or by emailing parking@uww.edu. (opens in a new tab)

---

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we present a new photo of an old object. Do you know where this object is located? You can find out if you come to the White Building, 402 W. Main Street, for the Whitewater Arts Alliance July exhibit celebrating America and Whitewater 250. Called “Living Democracy,” this special exhibit was curated by Carol Cartwright and Ellen Penwelll of the Whitewater Historical Society and Pat Blackmer of the Whitewater Landmarks Commission and the Walworth County Historical Society. It runs through July 26 and is open from 12:00-4:00 Thursdays through Sundays. Don’t miss it!

(Photo by Carol Cartwright)

The Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit (KMSFSU) in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are proud to announce the new accessible kayak launch at Ottawa Lake. Designed to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors of all abilities, the accessible launch provides a safer and more convenient way for individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy Ottawa Lake. The new launch complements the area’s accessible amenities and expands recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Ottawa Lake is adjacent to the Ottawa Lake Campground, which is the most visited campground in the KMSFSU and features an accessible cabin that is reserved consistently throughout the summer. As a non-motorized lake that is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, Ottawa Lake is an ideal location for this important accessibility improvement. The specialized launch is designed to provide greater stability and easier transfers, helping paddlers of varying mobility levels safely enter and exit their kayaks.

The approximately $40,000 project was made possible through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Friends Grant. The grant provides up to $20,000 in matching funds per property with the remaining project costs supported through donations, donated materials, volunteer labor, and community partnerships.

Anne Korman, President of the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, shares, “The addition of this accessible launch on Ottawa Lake is another great example of how the Friends of KMSFSU works to provide improved amenities for the visitors of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Our ability to fund this improvement project using Knowles Nelson stewardship matching dollars allowed us to stretch our money further. Our goal is to provide a high quality outdoor recreational experience to all users of this beautiful state forest, and projects like this one are a perfect example of that.”

The project reflects the Friends group’s ongoing commitment to improving outdoor access while preserving the natural beauty of the KMSFSU. The Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting a greater appreciation of the cultural and natural history of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit. Through partnerships with Wisconsin DNR staff, volunteers, and community supporters, the Friends group helps preserve, restore, and enhance the forest by supporting recreation, education, accessibility, and conservation projects.

“Providing greater access to Wisconsin’s public lands is an important part of our mission,” said DNR Deputy Superintendent Colton Kelly. “The accessible kayak launch is one of the latest improvements aimed at making the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit more welcoming and accessible for visitors of all abilities. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and financial support to make this project possible.”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The public is invited to attend and celebrate the completion of the project during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. at the new accessible kayak launch at Ottawa Lake.

Following the ceremony, attendees are encouraged to explore the new launch, meet members of the Friends group, learn more about upcoming projects, and enjoy light refreshments. Kayakers are also invited to bring their own kayaks and experience the new launch firsthand following the ceremony.

The Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit welcomes community members, outdoor enthusiasts, and local media to attend this special celebration recognizing another milestone in making Wisconsin’s public lands more accessible. To learn more about the Friends group, upcoming events, or membership, visit www.kmsufriends.org.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at approximately 12:58 p.m., the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of HWY 12 and CTH P in the Town of Whitewater, Walworth County, WI. Callers reported that the occupants were injured and that the vehicles were obstructing traffic.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Highlander was westbound on HWY 12 and a Ford Explorer was eastbound on HWY 12. Witness statements and the initial investigation determined that the Ford Explorer initiated a left turn to head north on CTH P, crossing into the path of the Toyota Highlander, causing a head-on collision.

The passenger in the Toyota Highlander, a resident of the Town of Whitewater, was pronounced deceased on scene despite lifesaving efforts by first responders. The driver of the Toyota, and all occupants of the Ford, were transported by ambulance to local hospitals.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating this crash. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the City of Whitewater Fire/EMS Department, LaGrange Fire/EMS Department, Fort Atkinson EMS, Mercy MD-1, Whitewater Police Department, UW Whitewater Police Department, Whitewater Street Department, Walworth County District Attorney’s Office, Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office, Nitardy Funeral Home, and Rhodes Towing.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to all who are affected by this crash.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.

Three students from Whitewater Unified School District (Emma Schultz-Majkrzak, flute & Emma Kuzoff, clarinet & Karlee Luna, bassoon) were accepted to be a part of the Wisconsin All-Stars of Music performance tour in Hawaii!  July 7 was their home performance at Verona Area High School before leaving for two performances in Hawaii under the direction of Dr. Corey Pompey, associate director of bands at UW-Madison.  Congratulations to the students for their hard work and dedication to their instruments!!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Justin Kamp, band teacher at Whitewater Middle School.

Fort Community Credit Union [FCCU] is thrilled to announce the 4th Annual Common Cents Kids Camp, set to take place
on Thursday, July 30 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm at the FCCU Home Mortgage Store at 732 Madison Ave in Fort Atkinson.

This engaging camp aims to empower children grades 2-5 with financial skills. Participants will learn the basics
of money management, budgeting, and saving in a fun, interactive environment. The camp will be taught
by FCCU’s Certified Financial Coaches using hands-on activities, games, and unique experiences to reinforce what
is learned.

“One of the most important investments we can make is in our children,” said Whitney Townsend, Director of
Business and Community Development at FCCU. “Through the Common Cents Kids Camp, we’re helping young
people develop lifelong money management skills in a way that’s interactive, exciting, and age-appropriate.”

The camp is free and open to all kids in grades 2-5. Registration can be completed online by visiting link.fortcommunity.com/3Tc8hFc. Space is limited; register today to invest in your child’s financial
wellness!

Join us for an unforgettable day of fun at FCCU’s Common Cents Kids Camp, where every child can discover the
joy of saving!

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Fort Community Credit Union.

Students from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics (CoBE) DECA Chapter had very successful results at the 2026 International Career Development Conference (ICDC), including winning a National Championship in International Marketing.

The Collegiate DECA ICDC brings together 1,200 Collegiate DECA members to engage in competitive events, professional development academies, networking and more. This year’s conference was held from April 18-21 in Louisville, KY and 25 students represented UW-Whitewater at the international stage.

The UWW chapter walked away with 70 individual/team awards from the conference, including a number of students/student teams who made it to event finals, and several students who placed in the top three of their events. Below is a rundown of the finalists from UWW and a few select team honors.

Chapter Honors
UW-Whitewater was recognized as having the sixth largest Collegiate DECA chapter in the country.

Student Honors
International Marketing, 1st Place, Team of Shalomi Sahabandhu (Senior, Accounting BBA) and Carla Martinez-Falero Gestoso (International Student)

Professional Sales, 2nd Place, Caden Boehnen (Senior, Entrepreneurship BBA)

Sales Management & Leadership, 2nd Place, Caden Boehnen

Advertising Campaign, 3rd Place, Team of Tamber Pelischek (Senior, Accounting BBA), Mady Lockman (Junior, Accounting BBA), and Ella Duckworth (Senior, Accounting BBA, Finance 2nd)

Human Resources, Top 10, Ellie Goeden (Junior, Accounting BBA)

Retail Management, Top 10, Tiana Heitmann (Junior, Finance BBA, Entrepreneurship 2nd)

Financial Statement Analysis, Top 10, Team of Hayden Itzenheiser (Junior, Associate of Arts Collaborative) and Shalomi Sahabandhu, Team of Ellie Goeden and Tiana Heitmann

Hotel & Lodging, Top 10, Rylee Monroe (Sophomore, Political Science BS)

Travel & Tourism, Top 10, Megan Hermes (Senior, Accounting BBA, Finance 2nd)

Digital Marketing Strategies, Top 10, Anna Quartucci (Senior, Communication BA), George Zimbric (Junior, Marketing BBA, Finance 2nd), Team of Evan Kraucyk (Junior, Marketing BBA) and Caillean Braatz (Sophomore, Communication BA)

Marketing Management, Top 10, Andrew Fictum (Sophomore, Business Education BSE)

Business Ethics, Top 12, Team of Sarah Arndt (Senior, Finance BBA) and Janvi Chauhan (Junior, Finance BBA)

Entertainment Marketing, Top 12, Team of Evan Kraucyk and Caillean Braatz

These accomplishments demonstrate the impact of experiential learning and the exceptional talent of the students who engage in it. The results reflect both individual excellence and the College of Business and Economics’ commitment to providing hands-on educational experiences that support student success and future career readiness.

About UWW DECA
UW–Whitewater’s Collegiate DECA chapter prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management at both the high school and collegiate levels around the globe. Members compete to solve real-world business problems, volunteer their time to serve the local community, and engage with students across campus to build new relationships and professional networks. Learn more at uwwdeca.com/.

More about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE)
Wisconsin’s largest business college, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, is home to the #1 ranked online Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools. The College of Business and Economics offers a rich breadth of co-curricular activities to enhance student development and learning outcomes. CoBE is in the top 1% of the world’s business schools, earning both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.

Ron Binning wrote on June 3, “The backyard was good today.” He identified the beautiful bird as an Indigo Bunting.

Our thanks to Ron for sharing another beautiful 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!