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Walworth County Finance Director Jessica Conley will present the 2026 Preliminary Budget on behalf of the County’s Finance Committee at a Public Budget Hearing on Thursday, October 30, at 6 p.m., in the Board Room at the Government Center, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. The hearing is one of the final steps before formal budget adoption at the County Board meeting on Monday, November 10, at 5 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend the hearing to learn more about the budget and provide feedback to the Board of Supervisors and staff. Changes to the preliminary budget may be made by Supervisors up until the budget is adopted.
Walworth County residents can expect several direct benefits from the proposed 2026 budget. First, the County is budgeting an additional $1 million in sales tax revenue, helping to maintain services without raising property taxes. The County has also budgeted $1.29 million of contingency reserves, ensuring quicker responses to emergencies like severe weather and infrastructure needs without impacting core services.
The County is investing over $5 million of its existing reserves in capital projects, 41% of the total 2026 capital plan, while remaining debt-free. Among the capital projects outlined in the proposed budget, the future of the Government Center in downtown Elkhorn is particularly significant. The budget delays all Government Center capital improvement projects for 2026 to allow time for a comprehensive evaluation of long-term options, including potential relocation or renovation. This strategic pause avoids unnecessary spending while preserving flexibility and transparency in future planning. Finally, the County’s long-term capital planning process has been strengthened through a more complete 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, ensuring that infrastructure investments are aligned with community needs and fiscal sustainability.
The public budget hearing agenda, supporting documents, and the link to view the livestream can be accessed at https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/agendacenter. Members of the public can also attend in person. For more information about the proposed budget, visit www.co.walworth.wi.us/250/Budget.
By Olivia Pagnotta
UW-W Senior
Social Work BA
By the time foster children enter their teens, they have been through many homes. They have experienced trauma and have been bounced around from place to place, waiting for someone to be their home. What these children need is stability, structure, and therapy. They need someone to show them their worth and to help them process their hardships. 80% of teens and children in foster care have mental health issues. This is because they lack stability, and many have little family structure and have experienced childhood trauma. The foster care system focuses on finding a place for the adolescents to stay, but what it needs to do is focus on healing their emotional wounds so that they can be set up for success.
The foster care system is there for when it is not safe for the children to stay with their biological family anymore. The foster system places them in a different home, either temporarily or permanently, based on what is best for the child. While it is great that foster children are receiving placement and getting into homes, they also need mental health support. Giving them a bed is a short fix, but mental health care is a long-term solution. Children are going through many changes, and so they do not know how to cope and make sense of their trauma. By talking to a mental health professional, they can start their healing journey and become their happiest self. In society, needs like food, shelter, and physical health are often met, while mental health is left out.
People need to care because this is the future generation. Care4Kids is a program designed to provide Wisconsin children and teens with the necessary healthcare. This includes mental health care. However, it is not supported in Walworth and Jefferson County. To help the children, please reach out to the Department of Health Services to advocate for the kids’ rights.
References
Care4Kids Program. (2014, April 24). Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/care4kids/index.htm
Foster VA. (n.d.). Facts About Mental Health In Foster Care | FosterVA.
www.fosterva.org. https://www.fosterva.org/blog/facts-about-mental-health-in-foster-care
Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Children in Foster Care. (2020). Aap.org.
Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Children in Foster Care
Editor’s note: The Whitewater Banner does not normally publish letters to the editor. We have received several submissions from UW-Whitewater students and are choosing to publish them since they have been written as a class assignment. The Banner appreciates having permission from Pixabay to use the photo on the homepage.
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Los Jóvenes de Crianza Merecen, no Solo una Cama
Por Olivia Pagnotta
Estudiante de último año en UW-W
Licenciatura en Trabajo Social
Cuando los niños de crianza llegan a la adolescencia, han pasado por muchas casas. Los
niños han experimentado un trauma y han estado de un lugar a otro, esperando que una persona
sea su hogar. Los niños necesitan estabilidad, estructura y terapia. Necesitan que alguien les
demuestre su valor y les ayude a procesar sus dificultades. 80% de los adolescentes y niños en
crianza tienen problemas de salud mental. Esto es porque ellos faltan estabilidad, muchos tienen
poca estructura familiar y han experimentado traumas de niños. El sistema de acogida se centra
en encontrar un lugar para los adolescentes, pero lo que debe hacer es curar sus heridas
emocionales para que puedan prepararse para el futuro.
El sistema de acogida existe para cuando ya no es seguro para los niños estar con su
familia biológica. El sistema de acogida pone a los niños en un hogar diferente, ya sea temporal
o permanentemente. Hacen lo que es mejor para el niño. Es positivo que los niños de acogida
estén entrando en hogares. También necesitan apoyo en materia de salud mental. Ofrecerles una
cama es una solución a corto plazo, pero la atención de salud mental es una solución a largo
plazo. Los niños están experimentando muchos cambios y no saben cómo afrontar su trauma. Al
hablar con un profesional de la salud mental, pueden comenzar su proceso de salud mental y
alcanzar su máximo potencial. En la sociedad, las personas necesitan comida, una casa y salud
física. No se satisfacen las necesidades de salud mental.
La gente necesita preocuparse porque esta es la generación del futuro. Care4Kids es un
programa que ayuda a los niños y adolescentes de Wisconsin a obtener la atención médica
necesaria. Esto incluye atención de salud mental. Sin embargo, no cuenta con los condados de
Walworth y Jefferson. Care4Kids es un programa que brinda a los niños y adolescentes de
Wisconsin la atención médica necesaria. Esto incluye atención de salud mental. Sin embargo, no
cuenta con apoyo en los condados de Walworth y Jefferson. Para ayudar a los niños, contacta con
el Departamento de Servicios de Salud para defender los derechos de los niños .
Nota del editor: El Whitewater Banner normalmente no publica cartas al editor. Hemos recibido varias contribuciones de estudiantes de la UW-Whitewater y hemos decidido publicarlas ya que han sido escritas como parte de una tarea de clase.
Proceeds from all sales on Thursday, October 23rd from 4:00-9:00 pm will go towards the Bus Fund.
The Whitewater Grocery Co-Op (Grocery Co.) will be holding its annual meeting on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Engagement Center located at 1260 W. Main St., Whitewater. During the meeting, Owners will discuss the future community owned grocery store.
The Grocery Co., as it is commonly called, was established in 2017 when the Sentry Store closed. Since then, the Co-Op has gained over 900 Owners and continues to remain active. Over the past 18 months, the focus has been on site selection. Starting with a list of over thirty possible locations, the Board looked at sites from every angle, including: number of parking stalls, space rental costs, income projections, food desert status, and more.
While the ALDI store coming to town has reduced some of the food desert status, the east side of town remains a food desert. Additionally, the Whitewater Grocery Co-Op remains steadfast in its commitment to locally sourced, sustainable, reasonably priced products. Market studies conducted since the opening of ALDI continue to indicate a strong market for the Grocery Co. in Whitewater’s food ecosystem.
Whitewater Grocery Co-Op is your (future) friendly neighborhood grocer supporting fresh and local products. We value: community ownership, quality customer service, welcoming everyone, a lively learning and gathering space, and sustainable practices: people, planet, profit.
Former Wisconsin Poet Laureate and UW-Whitewater Professor Nicholas Gulig presents a lyrical reflection on his return to Wisconsin adjoined to the literary echoes of Fort Atkinson’s famed 20th century poet Lorine Niedecker (1903–1970). “Welcome Poets” is a PBS Wisconsin production that connects the shared and divergent landscapes, personal histories and poetry of both writers — exploring themes of place and displacement, nature and culture, alienation and belonging. Gulig retraces the terrain of his childhood and coming of age as a Thai-American growing up in Eau Claire, his education and career taking him out of state and abroad to Southeast Asia and ultimately back to Wisconsin — landing in Fort Atkinson, the same town where Lorine Niedecker lived her entire life, writing and publishing in relative obscurity until shortly before her death in 1970. Gulig’s story accompanies Niedecker’s biography and poetry in a lyrical, layered conversation, her words etched in the geographies where Gulig is reestablishing home.
The film screening will be followed by a discussion with former Wisconsin Poet Laureate, UW-Whitewater and film writer/narrator Professor Nicholas Gulig and Colin Crowley, productor, director and videographer.
This event will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Summers Auditorium in the University Center at UW-Whitewater. It is free and open to the public. No registration required.
More info: https://events.uww.edu/lectures/event/welcome-poets
This Tuesday, October 21, will be the season finale for the outdoor City Market, from 4-7 p.m.
The market will be moving to the Cravath Lakefront Community Center on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon beginning November 8.
The Whippets traveled to Milton on Saturday, October 18th to compete in the Red Hawk Relays! The girls had a phenomenal day in the water, placing 4th overall as a team and bringing home multiple medals!
Top 5 Relay Finishes:
- 850 Free Relay (50–100–200–500) – 5th place, 10:54.20
• Maggie Maas swam the 200 leg in 2:22.37
• Lucy Davis closed the relay with an impressive 6:50.97 in the 500, a season best! - 300 Breaststroke Relay (50–100–50–100) – 5th place, 4:26.61
• Maya Davis – 1:34.10 (best time)
• Emma Maas – dropped 5 seconds with a 40.81 50 split
• Atreya Wilson – lifetime best 1:24.77 for her 100 - 200 Free Relay (Juniors/Seniors) – 4th place, 2:13.72
• Grace Coleman, Georgia Esch, Paige Kollwelter & Charlotte Hajewski earned the first medals of the day!
• Georgia, Paige & Charlotte all swam season-best splits. - 200 Medley Relay – 5th place, 2:22.12
• Emma Maas – 39.14 (Back)
• Atreya Wilson – lifetime best 36.91 (Breast)
• Lucy Davis – 35.63 (Fly)
• Grace Smith – 30.44 (Free) - 400 Free Class Relay (FR–SO–JR–SR) – 5th place, 5:27.43
• All swimmers went best times!
• Georgia Esch – 1:20.61
• Paige Kollwelter – 1:21.11 (4-second drop!)
• Caitlin Alford – 1:27.52
• Storm DePorter – 1:18.19 - 4×100 IM Relay – 4th place, earning medals with a fantastic team effort!
• Maggie Maas – 1:15.12
• Atreya Wilson – 1:18.69 (6-second drop!)
• Emma Maas – 1:20.40 (5-second drop!)
• Charlotte Hajewski – 1:20.26 - 200 Fly/Back Relay – 4th place, 2:24.04
• Lucy Davis, Grace Coleman, Charlotte Hajewski & Maggie Maas brought home another set of medals! - 200 Reverse IM Relay (FR–BR–BA–FLY) – 5th place, 2:42.69
• Laken DePorter, Maya Davis, Georgia Esch & Jalayne Hanson rounded out an impressive team performance!
The Whippets continue to show depth, teamwork, and steady improvement across every event — an incredible showing at a fun and competitive meet! 
Next up, the Whippets are back in the water on Tuesday, October 21st for their final dual meet of the season against Edgerton/Evansville — it’s Senior Night! 
Come celebrate our seniors and cheer on the team! Swimming starts at 5:30 pm at home!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office released the following press release on October 20:
“On October 20, 2025 at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Whitewater Police Department, Milton Police department along with Fire personnel from Whitewater and Lakeside fire were dispatched to a traffic crash with injuries. The location of the crash was in the 11000 block of E CTH N in Lima Township.
The investigation revealed a passenger car driven by a 56-year-old female of Whitewater was WB on E CTH N. There was a passenger SUV being driven by a 53-year-old male of Janesville traveling EB on E CTH N. The WB car had gone into the EB lane with the front of both vehicle’s colliding in a virtually head on collision. There were no other occupants of either vehicle. Both operators were wearing their seatbelts.
The driver of the passenger car was pronounced deceased on scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the SUV was treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.
The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office, Rock County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team and Rock County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team assisted with this crash.
The name of the deceased will later be released by the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The crash investigation is ongoing.”
CURTIS N. FELL
SHERIFF
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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