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Storytime
Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. | September 10th-November 19th
Cravath Lakefront Building
Ages 2-5
Join Miss Deana for stories, songs, and silliness!
Storytimes are best for children ages 2-5, but older and younger siblings are always welcome. No registration is required. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 with any questions. Please note that there is no Storytime on Wednesday, November 12th.
The Whippets are gearing up for the end of the season, which can only mean one thing… it’s Conference territory! On Tuesday, October 28th, a group of our athletes competed at the JV Conference in Elkhorn and put together an incredible team performance — finishing 6th overall!
The Whippets kicked off the night strong with a 6th-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay, featuring Caitlin Alford, Maya Davis, Jalayne Hanson, and Storm DePorter. Their effort set the tone for an evening full of great swims, positive energy, and big time drops!
Best Times & Highlights:
• Caitlin Alford – 200 Medley Relay backstroke split: 35.44
• Maya Davis – 200 Medley Relay breaststroke split: 42.60
• Storm DePorter – 200 Medley Relay free split: 34.52
• Jalayne Hanson – 1:27.45 in the 100 Freestyle
• Caitlin Alford – 1:38.75 in the 100 Backstroke
• Jalayne Hanson – 36.75 split in the 200 Freestyle
• Maya Davis – 7:25.06 in the 500 Freestyle (17-second drop!)
• Storm DePorter – 7:44.58 in the 500 Freestyle (over 40-second drop!)
Medal Finishers:
• 200 Freestyle Relay – Caitlin Alford, Maya Davis, Jalayne Hanson, and Storm DePorter — 6th place
• 500 Freestyle (Maya Davis) – 6th place – 7:25.06
• 500 Freestyle (Storm DePorter) – 8th place – 7:44.58
• 200 Freestyle Relay – Storm DePorter, Caitlin Alford, Jalayne Hanson, and Maya Davis — 6th place
It was an exciting night for the Whippets! Their teamwork, energy, and spirit were on full display as they wrapped up a fantastic JV season.
Next up: the Varsity Conference Championship on Saturday, November 1st at Beloit Memorial!
Swimming starts at 11:00 am — hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Steve Watson writes “Cravath Lakefront Park fall photos. It’s pretty pretty at the park.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing these beautiful fall photos.
— 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!
By Al Stanek
Walworth County Board Supervisor District 4
As previously reported in ‘The Banner,’ Walworth County residents will be able to comment on the county’s proposed budget for next year Thursday, October 30. The public hearing will start at 6 pm in the County Board Room of the County Administration Center at 100 W. Walworth Street in downtown Elkhorn. It will be preceded by an announcement of a new name and new features for the county’s shared ride taxi service to be held in the Administration Center parking lot at 5:30.
How property taxes are levied and collected is a little confusing. Each of several governmental units (School District, City, County, Technical College District) project the next year’s revenues and expenditures. Each unit of government then establishes a levy (tax rate or mill rate) needed to provide services which is applied against each $1,000 of property value. Your property’s “assessed value” times the total combined amount of the levies from all of the involved government units determines your tax bill.
Equally confusing is who you get your tax bill from and the options for when you make a payment. The city mails out annual tax bills. The first installment, which is paid to the city, is due by January 31. Some taxpayers choose to pay their entire bill at that time. Otherwise, the second installment, which is due by July 31 is paid to the county.
As the Walworth County Board Supervisor representing most of the City of Whitewater, I’d like to share some information about the county budget and how it compares with other Wisconsin counties. Supervisor Brian Holt represents the southeast portion of the city.
The WI Counties Association issues an annual “Green Book” comparing Wisconsin counties’ financial status and demographics. Walworth County is one of only three of Wisconsin’s 72 counties that have paid off all of their past debt according to the report. Units of government borrow money to build and maintain buildings and infrastructure.
Careful financial planning by past and present administrations and a fiscally conservative County Board have updated or replaced almost all of our county facilities, improved and maintained county roads, and the county has a multi-decade capital plan that hopefully will keep Walworth County debt free for several decades according to the ‘Walworth County Administrator’s 2026 Preliminary Budget Report.’
The “Green Book” estimates that the average county has debt obligations of $539 per county resident. With a county population of just over 100,000 that means that if Walworth County were an average county it would have nearly $54 million of debt. Obviously that debt is paid back over various time frames and at low “Municipal Bond” rates but, not having to ask its county taxpayers for money to pay off present and future debts makes for lower county tax rates.
Half of Wisconsin’s counties had a 2024 per capita county tax levy of more than $3.69 per thousand dollars of property values with the other half with a per capita levy of less than $3.69 according to the “Green Book” report. Walworth County’s 2024 levy was $2.37 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Only six of Wisconsin’s 72 counties had a lower 2024 tax rate according to the “Green Book.”
Walworth County’s levy per thousand dollars of property value for 2026 is projected to be $2.26 according to County Finance Director Jessica Connelly. “That reduction in rate from the previous year would mark at least the tenth consecutive year of Walworth County tax rate decreases,” according to Connelly. Final adoption of the 2026 Walworth County Budget including the tax rate is scheduled for November 10.
Any county budget concerns can be addressed at Thursday’s budget public hearing. The meeting starts at 6 pm. An unveiling of a new name and new features for Walworth County’s shared-ride transportation services starts at 5:30 that same evening in the parking lot of the County Administration building in downtown Elkhorn.
Similar to Whitewater’s shared-ride taxi service, “Walworth County Connect” is available on a reservation basis for trips anywhere in Walworth County with one exception. Because the City of Whitewater offers its own shared-ride service, Whitewater “in-city” trip requests cannot be provided competitively by the county service under State of Wisconsin guidelines.
Service between Whitewater and any other location in Walworth County is available by calling 262-723-4402. One way trip fares are $3 for residents 60+ and $6 for adults. Trips can be for any purpose but should be booked as far in advance as possible. Service is provided seven days per week.
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 trick or treated this year on Sunday, October 26, and Palmyra’s was on Saturday, Oct. 25. 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. Jefferson’s is also on Friday, from 5-8 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 Thursday, October 30.
The event is sponsored by Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, Pro Landscape Supply, Whitewater Family Dentistry, Whitewater City Market, the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Walworth, Botanica Beauty Parlor, First Citizens State Bank, Olive the Journey Travel Company, and Studio 84, Inc.
Trunk or Treat will be at 402 W. Main Street [the Cultural Arts Center, and also the new location for the Chamber,] and Associated Bank is hosting the costume contest. There’s also a scavenger hunt for participating businesses that have a symbol. Kids can go to those businesses through this week and find the symbol. If they go to every stop, they win a small goodie bag.
Please see below for participating businesses!
– Mulberry Glen
– Pro Landscape Supply (Trunk-or-Treat)
– Associated Bank (Location of costume contest)
– Whitewater City Market (Trunk-or-Treat)
– Olive the Journey (Trunk-or-Treat)
– Revamp Nutrition
– Whitewater Unified School District
– Studio 84
– Cost Cutters
– FCCU
– Fairfield Inn & Suites Whitewater
– State Farm – Jennifer Visser
– Whitewater Parks & Recreation (Trunk-or-Treat)
– Whitewater Family Dentistry (Trunk-or-Treat)
– First Citizens State Bank (Main & West offices)
– Burtness Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
– Underground Cutz
– Edgerton Hospital Whitewater Urgent Care
– SSM Health Dean Medical Group – Whitewater
– Protect Wisconsin Waterways (Trunk-or-Treat)
– Toppers Pizza
– Cozumel Mexican Restaurant
– Walworth Jefferson County Ice Age Trail
– QPS Employment Group
– McCullough’s LTC Pharmacy
– Botanica Beauty Parlour
– The Dentist – Whitewater
– Culver’s
– Whitewater High School Key Club (Trunk-or-Treat)
– Warhawk Alley
– UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences
– PremierBank
– Burtness Chevrolet, Buick, GMC
– SteveO’s
– Fort HealthCare (Trunk-or-Treat)
– Starbucks
– Sampa-Tacos LLC (will be located at 239 E Milwaukee Ave)
See less
The Whippet Volleyball Program recently held its annual end-of-year banquet, recognizing the hard work, growth, and dedication of athletes across all levels — JV2, JV1, and Varsity. Each team was celebrated for their commitment to learning, improvement, and teamwork throughout the season.
JV1 and JV2 coaches, Coach Miller and Coach AJ, highlighted their teams’ strong work ethic, selfless play, and consistent progress. Every athlete was honored with a word symbolizing their unique contribution to the team, reflecting the character and effort they brought to the program each day. The coaches shared their excitement for the bright future ahead with this promising group of athletes.
Varsity Head Coach Lippens expressed heartfelt gratitude to the families, administration, and athletes for their continued support throughout the season. Together with Coach Kilar, she recognized the perseverance and commitment shown by this year’s varsity team. Although the win-loss record did not reflect the team’s full potential, their growth, resilience, and unity were undeniable.
This year’s varsity squad was led by five outstanding seniors — Peyton Clark, Danika Larson, Kaia Jones, Mya Graves-Koran, and Sydney Schilt — each leaving a lasting legacy on the Whippet Volleyball Program:
- Kaia Jones – the quiet leader with immense heart and determination.
- Danika Larson – a model of commitment and personal growth.
- Mya Graves-Koran – a steady setter who anchored the team.
- Peyton Clark – a versatile athlete who embodied perseverance.
- Sydney Schilt – a hardworking and passionate leader on offense and defense who set the tone on and off the court.
Together, these seniors set a standard of excellence and leadership that will continue to inspire future Whippet athletes.
2025 Whippet Volleyball Awards were presented to:
- Team Captains: Mya Graves-Koran, Kaia Jones, and Sydney Schilt
- Whippet Heart Award: Kaia Jones
- Most Improved Players: Junior Maddi Morton, Senior Danika Larson, and Sophomore Emery Kachel
- Offensive Player of the Year: Senior Sydney Schilt
- Defensive Player of the Year: Freshman Jasmine Kilar
- All-Conference Honorable Mention: Senior Kaia Jones and Senior Sydney Schilt
- Second Team All-Conference: Freshman Jasmine Kilar
- American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Phenom Watchlist: Freshman Jasmine Kilar
The Whippet Volleyball Program is proud of the achievements, character, and growth of its athletes and looks forward to continued success in the seasons ahead. The banquet was a true celebration of dedication, teamwork, and community — a reflection of the heart and effort that define Whippet Volleyball. As we say goodbye to our incredible seniors, we thank them for the leadership, passion, and legacy they leave behind, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors. As the program closes one chapter and looks ahead to the next, the Whippet Volleyball family remains united in purpose — striving for excellence, supporting one another, and playing with pride in every set, every match, and every season.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical® is finally here! Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.
Editor’s note: This article, Menopause the Musical 2 Review: A Gynecologist’s Perspective on Humor, Healing, and Hormonal Harmony, might help undecided readers to decide whether to attend.
The Young Performing Arts Center at UW-Whitewater, 930 W. Main Street
Thursday, October 30 – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets, available here, start at $38.
Parking is free; lot 2 off Prince Street provides the best access to the auditorium.
Obituaries
Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
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