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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, March 31, 2025
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Ferradermis competed at the Phantom Lakes Regional at Mukwonago High School over Spring Break from March 27-29 and finished qualifications ranked #5 out of the 39 participating teams with an 8-3-1 record. The 39 teams came from around the world – 2 from Mexico and 1 each from India, Turkey, and Chinese Taipei! The field also included teams from 5 states – Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri.
The mechanical team, programmers, and drive team had been working hard since the team’s first competition in Duluth at the end of February to make improvements to the robot. In the three weeks since Duluth, the robot had been adjusted to score additional points in the autonomous period, handle algae (the large green playground balls) and pick up coral from the ground. All of these changes improved the offensive capabilities of the robot, and the team’s EPA (estimated points added) rating jumped nearly 10 points at this competition.
The Whitewater High School team became the captain of the #4 seeded alliance for the elimination round and invited Team 6223 – Arsenal of Engineering from Menomonee Falls and Team 2202 – BEAST Robotics from Brookfield to join their playoff alliance. After getting hung up on top of an algae during the first playoff match, losing to the #5 seed, Ferradermis led their alliance in a valiant effort in the second match before falling 151-148 to the #8 seed.
Dean’s List nominees Erison Dreksler and Chacha Binagi each interviewed with a panel of judges during the event, highlighting their personal contributions to the team. A Dean’s interview is something like a job interview and is the only time in FIRST that the focus is on the individual student rather than the team.
Ferradermis members participating in the event and filling various roles from drive team to impact presenter to safety captain to pit crew to match strategist to scout to media team member to mascot included seniors Andrew O’Toole, Zoe Olson, Emerson Dunham, Andrew Zimmermann, and Maddi LaHaie, juniors Erison Dreksler, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Nina Heim, Georgia Esch, Chacha Binagi, Ace Hudec, and Margaret Brown, sophomores Toby Kapfer, Colby Long, Preston Miller, and Carson Miller, and freshmen Emilie Bruns, Asher Downs, Eli Gonsior, Cooper Housel, Jayden Kehrer, Virginia Nelson, Sam Raupp, and Letty Trautman.
The team is next in action this coming weekend at State Fair Park in West Allis for the Wisconsin Regional where 48 teams from Wisconsin and Illinois will go head to head. The public is invited to attend this free event on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6.
Ferradermis continues its fundraising efforts for the trip to the FIRST Championships in Houston, Texas in April. If you would like to support the team, online donations are accepted at https://www.ferradermis.org/ or checks made out to WHS can be sent to the team at Whitewater High School c/o Laura Masbruch, 534 S Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Team members are also selling Kwik Trip cards and planning several upcoming restaurant nights.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The Jefferson County Spring Clean Sweep will be held on Friday, April 4 from 3–5:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 5 from 8-10 a.m. at the Jefferson County Parks Maintenance Facility – 1555 South Industrial Drive, Jefferson WI 53549. The event is open to households, farms, and small businesses to properly dispose of their hazardous waste.
Registration is required for this event! Please call 920-674-7430 to register by Wednesday, April 2 at 4 p.m. Costs: trunk load $10; truck load $50; truck & trailer $100 for Households and Farms. Feel free to bring items from multiple residences/families. Payment is preferred in cash.
Small businesses are welcome! Please pre-register at least one week prior to the event. Businesses are charged based on weight. Businesses will complete an inventory record of items they have and then will be provided with an estimated disposal cost payable at the event. Businesses may pay by credit card or company check.
What is considered hazardous waste? Typically, any product that any of the following words appear on such as “Danger, Warning, Caution, Poison, Flammable, and Corrosive” are considered hazardous. They should be brought to a Clean Sweep Event! For a list of accepted hazardous chemicals go to www.Jeffersoncountywi.gov/cleansweep
Latex paint will NOT be accepted. Latex paint may be dried out and tossed in your trash – empty paint containers should be recycled. Unused prescription drugs, Electronics and Appliances will not be collected at this event.
For information about this or upcoming events, go to www.Jeffersoncountywi.gov/cleansweep or contact
Kim at 920-674-7430 or kimb@jeffersoncountywi.gov
Editor’s note: Jefferson County has previously indicated to The Banner that residents of the City of Whitewater are welcome to participate in their events, regardless of whether they live in Jefferson or Walworth County.
(UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Kacie Carollo named Regional Player of the Year for UW-Whitewater women’s basketball
Kacie Carollo, a Integrated Science-Business major from Whitewater, WI, and senior guard on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team, has been named the Region 9 Player of the Year by D3hoops.com.
Carollo, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year, was recently named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy – the prestigious honor awarded to the top player in Division III. Additionally, she garnered First Team All-Region honors for the third consecutive season. An All-WIAC pick for the fourth time, Carollo was also selected to the All-Defensive Team for the third straight season.
Carollo’s 635 points this season is ranked fifth nationally. She also ranks among the top 2 in Division III in assists, field goals, free throws, points per game, rebounds and three-pointers. Over the course of the 2024-25 campaign, Carollo broke the league record for three-pointers made. She also broke the UWW program record for career rebounds, career double-doubles, points in a season, season scoring average and three-pointers made in a season.
This is the third consecutive season the Region 9 Player of the Year has been a Warhawk – joining Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) from the two previous seasons.
Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups will begin roadside cleanup efforts in April as part of the coordinated, statewide highway beautification program to remove the trash, recyclables, and litter from state and county roads. Drivers should exercise caution and be aware of the Adopt-A-Highway groups as they are traveling Walworth County roads.
Volunteer groups in need of supplies should contact Walworth County Public Works at (262) 741-3367. To make this a safe and productive volunteer program, volunteers should remember to be aware of their surroundings and should not pick up litter on medians, bridges, tunnels, overpasses, or around other structures that would pose a danger. If volunteers see suspicious items, they should not touch them and should contact Walworth County Public Works (262) 741-3114, Option 1.
Groups interested in adopting a road section should contact Walworth County Public Works for information at (262) 741-3367. The County has several segments available on County Highways A, B, C, D, DD, E, K, M, N, O, and X.
About the Walworth County Department of Public Works: We strive to enhance the quality of life, health, and safety of all citizens by being accountable and responsible for maintaining Walworth County’s infrastructure. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/293/Public-Works.
The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces the next show of this year’s Theatre/Dance season, “DanceScapes ‘25” with Artistic Director Barbara Grubel. This production will run in the Barnett Theatre from April 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. and April 5-6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222.
DanceScapes is an annual dance concert that serves as a vibrant platform where students, faculty, and guest artists can explore, experiment and redefine the boundaries of dance. The 2025 guest artist and alumni, Joseph Ravens, known for his avant-garde performance art, brings his extensive experience and vision to create a piece with students that is truly unique and unexpected.
Barbara Grubel, Professor of Dance and Artistic Director of “DanceScapes ‘25” says, “We take immense pride in our students, alumni, faculty and guest artist Joseph Ravens, who bring their work to life on stage before you. Our audience is an integral part of this creative exchange and we encourage you to share in this experience with us.”
Ravens received a BFA in theater from UW-Whitewater and studied audiovisuals at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam before earning a Master of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Numerous grants and awards have allowed Ravens to build an international reputation as an artist, curator, and academic throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Ravens is founder and director of Defibrillator Gallery and faculty in the Performance Department at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
“DanceScapes ‘25”will run in the Barnett Theatre from April 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. and April 5-6 at 2 p.m. Tickets ($18 for adults, $16 for those age 65+ and $13 for those under age 18) are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in advance online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. Tickets for the Saturday matinee are half-price. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. The Barnett Theatre is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: Accept superintendent’s resignation and consider search firms to assist with the search for a new superintendent.
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on lakes education session presentations & May 6th city
council presentation; Discussion and possible action on Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe
Lakes
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 click the link below to join the webinar: [Access information is currently unclear; will be added when clarified.]
Starin Park Water Tower Committee – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda [not yet posted as of 3/30/25)
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/826803957
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 826-803-957
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on Territorial Oak Signage Placement; Discussion and possible plan for Landmarks Commission regarding America 250 in Whitewater.
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 my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/489305565
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 489-305-565
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
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 includes Discussion and possible action regarding plans for the Art Innovation Celebration.
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 rthe meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/572673901
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 572-673-901
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Guest Speaker Kristen Fish-Peterson; Deb Reinbold, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium, responses to questions had on housing presentation; Derek D’uaria from Walworth County Economic Development Association responses to questions during the housing presentation; Ordinance 2025-O-11 An Ordinance creating section 2.62.060 Public Comment during Common Council and Committee Meetings; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Memorandum of Understanding with Bird Rides, Inc. (Bird Scooters); iscussion and Possible Action regarding changes to Lot C (corner of Whitewater St and Center St) including reducing parking stalls and adding sitting area
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/81963161629?pwd=BxlWzMTjRbrfEg34obU9BMwKYAlAIz.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 819 6316 1629
Passcode: 878627
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee Public Education Sessions – Saturday @ 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Municipal Building- 1st Floor, 312 W Whitewater St,
Notable Change and Invitation to be “social” with Studio84 Inc.
Studio 84 is entering a new chapter! As Deborah embarks on her well-deserved retirement, we are making some adjustments to our staff and their roles. While there are a few changes behind the scenes, Studio 84 remains the same creative and inclusive space you know and love.
As part of this transition, we have migrated to a new Facebook page to reflect our evolving team. We’d love for you to like, follow, and share our new page so we can continue keeping you updated on our amazing artists, studio happenings, and upcoming events.
Follow us here: Studio 84’s New Facebook Page
Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to share what’s next for Studio 84!
Submitted by: Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Logo image use permitted by Studio 84 Inc 03/13/2025
Hello!
The Tree House Child and Family Center is excited to announce a new program in collaboration with Walworth County Health and Human Services that offers fathers unique opportunities to enhance their parenting knowledge and skills. This program is aimed at fostering self-awareness, compassion, and a sense of responsibility among fathers.
Additionally, each session will provide free onsite childcare, a light dinner, and gas cards. The group will begin on Tuesday, June 17th from 5:00-6:30 pm at the Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, 203 S Wells St., Lake Geneva. Advanced registration is required.
Obituaries
Marie Mehring, age 93, of Whitewater passed away peacefully at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek on March 16, 2025. Marie was born November 1, 1931. She was the daughter of Evelyn and Joseph Swatek. She graduated from Elkhorn High School. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Chuck Mehring, at the roller rink; they were married June 3, 1950. Soon, they added to their family Deb, Ron, Jane and Pat. In 1962, Marie and Chuck moved their family to a farm in the Hebron area. In addition to homemaking, Marie was employed at the Whitewater Commercial … Read more
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Kathleen Barbara Beerman, 73, Whitewater, passed away at her home in Whitewater on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Kathleen was born on December 4, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI to Raymond and Ruth (Laff) Griffin. She graduated from Milwaukee Custer High School in 1971 and from MATC in 1973 where she received her degree in nursing. Kathleen worked as a nurse at Marion Franciscan Center in Milwaukee for 20 years. She married John Beerman on November 6, 1971. Kathleen started a Christian bookstore in Whitewater, volunteered at Fairhaven Senior Living, and traveled to Israel. She enjoyed quilting and sewing. She is survived … Read more
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James M. Leaver, 85, of Whitewater passed away on March 19, 2025. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 W. Center St., Whitewater, WI 53190 or to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, 146 W. North St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
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Wayne Dean Boos, 83, of Sullivan (Rome), WI passed away on March 18, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital. Wayne was born on June 21, 1941, in Rome, WI, the son of Dewey and Augusta (Boerst) Boos. Wayne married Shirley M. Baumann on June 8, 1974, in Lake Mills. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. Wayne worked for Art Thomas Construction, Braun’s Construction Inc., and the School District of Jefferson. During retirement, he enjoyed tending to his red geraniums, feeding and watching the birds, and traveling with family. Wayne played softball for many years … Read more
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Charles O. Brizius, 95, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Charles was born on March 23, 1929 in Evansville, Indiana to Oscar and Laurena (Inderrieden) Brizius of Newburgh, IN. His sister, Mary, married Edmund Weingart and settled in Oakland, CA. Charlie met his sweetheart, Ruth E. Blum, at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Indiana. Soon after they married, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Korea during the Korean War. Their first child, Chuck, was born during that time. After the war he attended Cumberland Law School in Lebanon, Tennessee and then … Read more
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Britt Minton passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. He was born on February 9, 1961, in Waukesha to Wayne and Joyce (Majeskie) Minton. Growing up, he spent much of his life on various farms due to his father’s work. He lived in Hales Corners before moving briefly to Chandler, AZ, in 1963. In 1969, after spending several years in Prescott, MI, he and his family settled in Palmyra, where he lived until he married and moved to Whitewater, WI. As a child, Britt was an active member of 4-H and had an interest in … Read more
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George V. Clokey, age 72, passed away on March 6, 2025 at Oak Park Place. He was born on November 28, 1952 in Pittsburgh, the son of Mildred (Fitzurka) and George V. Clokey, Sr. He grew up on a small farm in Dorseyville, PA with his sister Susan. His mother died unexpectedly when he was in his teens and the family then moved to Baltimore. He attended high school at St Paul’s where he excelled in lacrosse and football. He spent his undergraduate years at theUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison, studying zoology, limnology and geology, obtaining his BS in 1981. … Read more
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Stephen William Bowen “Bo, Grandpa B.” joined our ancestors on February 25, 2025, at age 73. Stephen was born on September 16, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from the very start, he brought warmth and resilience into every space he occupied. He was gifted to this world through a love shared between his mother, Ida, and his father, Richard. He was the second of three children: his older brother Robert Anthony and his younger sister JeraiLyn. Stephen attended Pius XI Catholic High School, where he began cultivating the deep sense of faith and compassion that would guide him throughout his … Read more
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Irv A. Madsen, 86, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 02, 2025. He was born in Askov, MN on May 20, 1938, to Ludvig and Augusta Madsen. Irv graduated from Amery High School in 1956 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater in 1960 and his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison in 1965. He began his career teaching Business Education at Milton High School and then moved to UW-Whitewater to become the Director of Admissions for 42 years. During his time at UW-Whitewater he coached Women’s Softball, announced Football games for 50 years and was “the voice of … Read more
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Richard “Dick” Carl Enstad, 87, Whitewater passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater. Dick was born on May 27, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN to Carl and Austred (Oas) Enstad. He taught at UW-Whitewater in the Mathematics Department from 1963-1999. He enjoyed making model airplanes, writing weekly newsletters on sports, pickleball, collecting sports memorabilia, Badger and Warhawk sports and singing with the Whitewater Warblers. Dick was a member of First English LutheranChurch. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, Whitewater; son Craig Enstad and wife Sophie Naudeau, Brazil; grandchildren Lucie and Chloe; and sister Karyl … Read more
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