Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, June 5, 2025
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team advances to the Regional Final in Adrian, Michigan with a walk-off win against Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday evening.
Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) sent Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) into score on a walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the 11th to give the Warhawks the 4-3 win in a defensive battle. Between the two teams, there were seven double plays throughout the game
Throughout the first two innings, both teams were able to get runners on, but the defense on both sides kept the runs off the board. The Warhawks finally broke through in the bottom of the third. Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) hit a two-RBI, with Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) cleaning him up with a RBI single.
The Warhawk defense and pitching protected the 3-run lead until the 6th inning. WashU loaded up the bases, scoring a two-RBI double with one out. The Warhawks got out of the inning with a double play to maintain their advantage.
Heading into the ninth, the Warhawks were still up 3-2 with Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) getting the call to pitch the final three outs. The Bears only needed one swing, tying the game up with a solo home run in the top of the 9th.
The game headed into extra-innings, with both teams not allowing a single base-runner for 12 straight outs.
In the bottom of the 11th, Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) drew a five-pitch walk to become the first base runner. That was all the Warhawks needed, with Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) sending a double over the right fielder’s head that allowed Jackson to score the winning run.
Eisenbarth earned his second win in as many days, improving to 7-0 on the season. Eisenbarth allowed the tying run but then pitched 2.2 innings of hit-less baseball in extra innings.
The Warhawks will advance to the regional final, taking on the winner in the Saturday night-cap of Adrian and WashU. First pitch is scheduled for 10 AM (CDT) in Adrian. The game will be streamed on ncaa.com.
Rock River Community Clinic Launches Capital Campaign to Sustain Local Access to Community Health Care Community Health Care
After 17 years of providing medical care out of the Watertown YMCA, and 18 years of providing dental care out of the Fort HealthCare Handeyside Clinic basement, Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is preparing for their next phase of patient care as the locations prepare for sale late 2025.
“It’s bittersweet to be moving out of our Fort Atkinson and Watertown clinics” states Olivia Nichols, RRCC CEO/Executive Director. “The care we provide was brought to life here thanks to countless hours of devoted volunteers and providers. We’re quite proud to carry on their legacy as we embark on this next chapter of our mission and service – it is needed now more than ever.”
Both building sales are part of larger community initiatives designed to centralize patient care and improve community access to healthy living. While significant, the need to relocate services has also allowed RRCC to reimagine service settings in the greater Jefferson County area to maximize access to affordable, comprehensive care. At the forefront of clinic goals, is integrating patient services to minimize overhead costs and maximize patient access to affordable services.
Specifically, as part of the 2025 Capital Campaign, RRCC aims to:
● Open a new integrated medical, dental & behavioral client site on the first floor of the Fort HealthCare Johnson Creek clinic to expand and integrate patient care services – a hallmark of community health centers and opportunity to expand dental access.
● Renovate the existing medical clinic in Whitewater to expand into the empty lower suite for administrative and business offices that maximizes clinic space for medical and growing behavioral health services.
● Relocate and renovate the Watertown medical clinic to the empty Medical Clinic building (Dr. Turke’s old office) on the Watertown Regional Medical Center campus.
“By integrating care services in Johnson Creek, we reduce barriers to accessing health care and gain collaborations that measurably and efficiently improve health outcomes,” states Dr. Nichols. “The proposed capital expansion will aid us – the collective greater Jefferson County region – in moving further upstream to reduce health disparities.”
In 2023, RRCC medical & dental clinics served 2,984 patients across 7,642 visits. In 2024, those numbers increased to 3,176 patients across 8,250 visits. Through the Johnson Creek expansion, RRCC estimates those counts will increase to 4,550 patients by 2026 and – with the expansion of behavioral health services – include 12,040 total visits.
The total project cost is estimated at $1.65 million, with $1.2 million needed for the Johnson Creek renovation, $175,000 for the Whitewater remodel, $50,000 to relocate the Watertown clinic, and $225,000 to support initial increased operational expenses and meet any incidental construction costs. Grant funding from local and regional funders is expected to cover approximately 50% of the project, with the remaining $800,000 to fundraise through the generosity of local donors.
The project is further supported through the greater Rock River Health Care Network (‘HealthWorks’). HealthWorks is a coalition of local healthcare organizations working collectively to improve health outcomes in Jefferson, Dodge & Walworth Counties by focusing on low- income family’s access to primary care. HealthWorks partners include Fort Healthcare, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Watertown Regional Medical Center, Rainbow Community Care, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Human Services, City of Watertown Health Department, and Rock River Community Clinic.
“We’re incredibly thankful to our HealthWorks partners who support this work, and the early donors of this exciting project,” Nichols adds. “The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation has pledged a $250,000 grant and an additional grant for $80,000 has been committed by the Common Ground Healthcare Foundation. Matching gifts are also underway thanks to local providers including our Medical Director, Dr. Donald Williams. We’re so grateful for their investments in local community healthcare infrastructure and expansion.”
Donations are being sought from individuals, small businesses, and corporations, with giving levels ranging from $500 to $200,000. All donors will be recognized in the Johnson Creek lobby on our donor wall, with naming rights available at higher levels of donation for our business center, dental surgery room, lab rooms, etc.
“We realize the project presents a big ask to our communities, which already generously support our efforts,” states Nichols. “We believe wholeheartedly in the importance of this next step for RRCC and the foundational impact it will have on rooting our work and improving our care.”
RRCC hopes to confirm all capital expansion support by September 2025, with construction set to begin in October 2025. All clinic updates are planned to be completed by February 2026.
For more details, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.com/about-rrcc/capital-campaign-2025/ or contact Dr. Nichols at director@rockrivercommunityclinic.org or 262.472.6839.
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is a community health center that provides
comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes medical clinics located in Whitewater and Watertown, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.
At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit
www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
Cleveland, OH — The UW-Whitewater softball team topped host Case Western Reserve 7-6 in an eight inning thriller Friday to advance to the Regional Championship game. The Warhawks’ opponent for the title game will be determined upon completion of Friday’s slate of games. [The Warhawks will be playing Case Western Reserve again on Saturday at 10 a.m. They will play Case again at 12:30 p.m. “if necessary,” which appears to be if the Warhawks lose the 10 a.m. game.] It should be possible to watch the game(s) here.
UWW showcased grit and determination in the complete team win over the Spartans. However, the start to the game was one no fans of either team saw coming. After a three-up, three-down top of the first for the Warhawks (UWW was the home team via coin flip), the bottom of the frame showcased UW-Whitewater’s discipline at the plate against a rise ball pitcher. Five Warhawks reached on free passes – four by walk and one via hit-by-pitch. Meanwhile, Dani Peshia (Newark, Ill./Newark Community) singled to center field for the lone hit of the inning. All together three Warhawks touched home in the first for the 3-0 lead and before the inning was complete, UWW had chased the Spartans’ ace from the circle.
Case Western Reserve struck back, taking advantage of the tight zone and scoring two runs with the help of four walks in the top of the second to narrow the gap to 3-2. After 1.5 innings, nine free passes had been issued and the teams had just one hit combined while five runs had been tallied.
The Spartans captured their first, and only lead of the game, in the top of the third. Two singles, an error, a walk and a stolen base set up and plated the pair of runs for CWRU. The lead was short-lived as the Warhawks had an immediate response.
In the bottom of the third, Grace Wickman (Wausaukee, Wis./Peshtigo) led off with a walk. With two outs, Claire Kohnle (Tisch Mills, Wis./Kewaunee) watched four straight balls and headed down to first and Wickman advanced into scoring position. Taylor Koehler (Wauconda, Ill./Wauconda) was tapped for the pinch hit. The powerful lefty sent a blast to the wall in right center for a two-RBI double. Kaitlyn Weidemann (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) followed with a hit that fell in the Bermuda Triangle just inside the foul line in shallow right field. The base knock allowed Koehler to book it around third and slide safely into home for the 6-4 UWW lead.
The Spartans threatened in the top of the next inning with a speedy runner on when Kohnle made arguably the greatest catch of the season for UWW. A deep fly ball had the left fielder sprinting back toward the warning track. On the run, Kohnle reached up for an over-the-shoulder catch and as the ball hit her glove, she hit the wall. The ball was jarred loose but Kohnle used her free hand to reign it in before hitting the ground. Kohnle held up the ball as the umpires signaled for a catch to end the inning.
The 6-4 advantage for UW-Whitewater held until the top of the seventh. The Spartans were down to their last out when a double plated two and then the CWRU defense held to send the game into extras.
Case Western’s leadoff reached on a miscue and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, but Josie Hammen (Combined Locks, Wis./Kimberly) got out of the jam with a fly out and a pop out to bring up the Warhawk bats.
Emma Giese (Kenosha, Wis./Indian Trail) battled for a walk on a full count to open the bottom of the eighth and the speedy Belle Lapacek (Downers Grove, Ill./South) took over on the basepaths. Wickman laid down a perfectly placed bunt for the sacrifice to move Lapacek into scoring position. Peshia tagged a rocket to center field that caromed off the jumping centerfielder’s glove. Lapacek had to wait to make sure the ball was down and was held up at third as Peshia legged out the double. Auburn Roberson (South Elgin, Ill./St. Charles North) connected on the very next pitch with a liner to center for the walkoff single.
All in all, the teams combined for 14 hits and 17 walks. Peshia was 3-5 at the dish while Roberson tallied two RBI.
Rhiann Dick (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) and Brooke Hock (Green Bay, Wis./Preble) combined for the first six innings of work in the circle. Hammen came in for the final two innings to register the win and move to 17-2 on the day.
Adrian, Mich. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team survived Adrian College in the opening game of the NCAA DIII Regional Tournament.
The Warhawks got off to a slow start offensively, recording only one hit the first time through the order.
Adrian went the first two innings without allowing a single Warhawk base runner. The momentum of shutting out UWW carried into an RBI double for the Bulldogs to open up the scoring in the top of the 3rd.
The Warhawks recorded their first hit in the bottom of the third, as Jackson hit a single. A double play ended the inning though, keeping the advantage on Adrian’s side.
The Warhawks were held without a runner again in the fourth, but the Warhawks finally added a run to the board with Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hitting a sacrifice fly to tie the game. With two outs, Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) hit his two-run home run to left field, putting the Warhawks up 3-1 and sparking some life into the batting.
Adrian tied the game back in the 6th and kept the top of the Warhawk order off the base path. Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) did his work on the mound, not allowing Adrian to expand on their hitting momentum.
The Warhawks grabbed the lead after Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) led off the bottom of the 7th with a solo home run. Thies’s home run started a 7th inning rally, scoring four runs for the Warhawks. Paden put another sacrifice fly in play, with Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) and Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) hitting back-to-back RBI doubles to put the Warhawks up 7-3.
Another three-up-three-down inning for Eisenbarth allowed another rally for the Warhawks in the eighth. Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) hit an RBI single to give the Warhawks a five run lead.
Heading into the ninth, Adrian kept their chances alive by loading up the bases. But Brady Malkow (Brodhead, Wis./Brodhead) grabbed the last three outs of the inning, securing the win for the Warhawks & getting his first save of the season.
On the mound, Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) was credited with the win, going 2.2 innings without allowing a single hit. Malkow got the save with only one hit in the last inning while striking out one.
The Warhawks will face WashU tomorrow for the second game of the Regional tournament. First pitch is set for 1:30 PM (CDT) in Adrian, Michigan. The livestream may be viewed here.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE HOLDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY IN MAY
The following individuals from the Whitewater area are among the 2,919 prospective candidates for degree attending University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee commencement exercises Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Milwaukee.
UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with over 22,800 undergraduate and graduate students.
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, PROGRAM, DEGREEWhitewater, WI
Nicole Curtis, School of Information Studies, Master of Library and Information Science
Kymora Kimbrough, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts
Isaac McCready, Freshwater Sciences, Master of Science
Eleanore Treder, Sheldon B. Lubar College of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration
“I’m Still Here”
Wednesday, May 21, 1 pm
(Drama/History) Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 17 minutes (2025).
Oscar Winner: Best International Film.
(Languages: Portuguese, French; shown with English subtitles).
In 1971, A military dictatorship in Brazil reaches its height. The Paiva Family, Rubens, Eunice and their five children, live in a beach house in Rio. One day, Rubens, a congressman and outspoken critic of Brazil’s newly instituted dictatorship, is taken in for questioning… and does not return. Eunice is forced to reinvent herself and chart a new course for her family. A devastating, true story.
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 $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our 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/
Though the city-wide garage sales this Thursday to Sunday is an unofficial event advertised in the Daily Jefferson County Union, there will indeed be many residents participating as sellers and buyers. The Banner publishes garage sale listings free of charge every Wednesday evening.
East side
HUGE sale. LWV Whitewater Area fundraiser. 369 Lakeview Dr, Whitewater. Friday and Sat, May 16 and 17th, 8am-3pm. LOTS of miscellaneous..
Several family rummage sale May 15th (8-4), 16th (8-4) and 17th (8-1). Address is 736 E Chicago St, Whitewater. Located on corner of Chicago and Hazel, garage located on Hazel St. Household items, paint, stains, clothes, and more!! Wedding decor for sale, too! Still finding more stuff!!!
Downtown
FELC Thrift Shoppe
123 S. Church St. Whitewater WI
In store and parking lot behind building
Thursday May 15th 10 am till 2 pm
Friday May 16th 8:30 am till 4 pm
Saturday May 17th 8:30 am till 2 pm
West side
Rummage sale
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
May 16th, 17th and 18th 8am-4pm
1236 Tower Hill Pass, Whitewater
Household items, bedding, name brand clothes, jackets, coach hand bags and accessories, grace adele handbags and accessories, Lia Sophia jewelry, holiday items
Friday and Saturday, May 16th-17th from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm or inclement weather. 234 S. Pleasant St. Large quantity of men’s clothes mostly Large sized Eagle, Old Navy, Hollister, sporting; jeans/pants/shorts waist 31 length 32/34. Young women’s clothes and scrubs, Small/Small Petite. Clothes mostly under $3. Various household items, paintball, air soft items, video games for Xbox One and Xbox 360, gaming remote, gaming keyboard, headset, double monitors, TV mount for a 51 inch or smaller tv, desk and desk chair, and portable Blackstone. Items priced to sell or will consider offers.
Garage sale
1145 W South St, Whitewater, WI 53190
5/15 8 am-4 pm, 5/16 8 am to 4 pm, 5/17 8 am to 12 pm
Huge sale Women’s clothing – sizes junior, misses and plus. Some male clothing. Pants, jeans, prom dresses, homecoming dresses, shorts, athletic wear, sweaters and tops. Household items and bedding. American Girl dolls NIB.
Obituaries
Clarence Everett Hansen, Jr. (Bud), 87, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his family home in LaGrange, WI at 1:30 PM. Bud was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 6, 1937, to Clarence Hansen Sr. and Ruth (Dalson) Hansen and was baptized at Bethlehem Church in Milwaukee. Bud graduated from Lutheran High School in Milwaukee on June 9, 1955. Following high school, Bud enlisted in the US Army and was a light weapons specialist and sharpshooter. He was stationed in Germany and upon honorable discharge, served in the Army Reserves until 1962. Bud married his wife, of 63 … Read more
Read More
Edward (Ed) Geske passed away to the Great Workshop in the Sky on May 25, 2025, due to years of severe infections of the urinary tract. Edward E. Geske was born on Thanksgiving Day to Elmer and Alice McMillan Geske on November 25, 1943 at the family home in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was accompanied by his twin sister, Marjorie, on this momentous occasion. Edward’s siblings are: Nancy(Tom) Trewyn, Arlene (Richard) Trewyn, Marjorie Petska, Susan (Gordy) Gimiski, Ray (Patti) Geske, and Mary (Gale) Smith. Ed grew up and attended elementary school in Lima Center, WI, later graduating from Whitewater High School. … Read more
Read More
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
Read More
Faith Ann Hansen, 83, passed away on the evening of Monday, May 19th at Alden Estates in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She was born on April 20th, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald Hansen and Doris (Ceel) Hansen. Faith graduated from Brookfield Central High School. Following high school she married Clarence (Bud) Hansen, Jr. and owned and ran the Twin Oaks Inn bar in Little Prairie, WI. Faith then worked at the Lakeland Nursing Home for over 30 years, while there earning her nursing degree from MATC in 1992. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater … Read more
Read More
Ann S. Eckert, 85, of Port Charlotte, FL, died on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL. She was born in Madison, WI, on October 16, 1939. Ann was the only child of Clifford and Virginia Peterson. Ann was married for 65 years to Rev. Jerry Eckert. They had two children, David and Karen. Ann was a 1957 graduate of New London High School and earned her BS degree at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX, in 1961 with a major in home economics education. She taught a year in Seagoville, TX, and a part of … Read more
Read More
Robert (Bob) John O’Hara, a cherished member of our family and friends, passed away May 19, 2025. Bob was born September 14, 1956, to Charlotte Anna (Wallack) Lewers and Robert James O’Hara. Bob grew up in Elk Grove Village, IL and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1974. He relocated to Whitewater, WI in 1986 and worked various warehouse distribution positions and ended his career as a manager. A significant life event occurred in 1998 when his precious daughter, Kelly Lynd O’Hara, was born. Kelly was an important focus of his life and he enjoyed watching her grow … Read more
Read More
BRADLEY TERESA ANN Teresa Ann Bradley, age 84, of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Memorial service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Fr. Thi Pham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Teresa Ann was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 23,1940, to Paul and Hildegard (Weinandt) Bradley. She lived on a 5-acre farm in what is … Read more
Read More
Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting. He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke … Read more
Read More
Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist … Read more
Read More
Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” GorbyDecember 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025 Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas … Read more
Read More