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Today is Monday, June 15, 2026
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YARD SALE – FRIDAY, 8/29 ONLY!!!
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
129 N. Park St, Whitewater
Kids Clothes (Ages 5 and up), Adult Men and Women Clothes, Winter Coats, Household Items, Decor. Shoes, Toys.
or come say hi at the “Lemonade Stand.”
The 2025 Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Teams, & 5K is one month away!
On Sept. 21st, 2025 runners of all ages will line up at the starting line of the 13th annual DWS in Whitewater. The DWS team is thrilled to see all our participants this fall!
This year, our race starts on Schwager Drive, near Perkins Stadium, and ends on the Perkins Stadium football field. Perkins Stadium is located at 910 W Schwager Dr, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Below is a description of everything to expect on the week of the race.
Packet pickup will be on Friday, Sept. 19th, at 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Kachel Gymnasium, 907 Schwager Dr, Whitewater, WI 53190. Enter on the north side of the Kachel Gymnasium. (ramp in Lot 11). The packets will include the race schedule, registration information T-shirts, and coupons for the runners. They are also available for pick up from 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 21st (race day).
- Online site registration is available on race day as well. For a full schedule of the day visit http://runwhitewater.com
- Half Marathon Wheelchair Division start is 7:55 a.m.
- Half Marathon/Half Marathon Teams start at 8 a.m. and the course will be open until 12 p.m.
- 5K Wheel Division start is 8:10 a.m.
- The 5K start is 8:15 a.m.
- Because of construction on Walworth Ave, we could not guarantee that we would be able to host our race at Whitewater’s high school. This year, DWS is excited to host the start and finish lines at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater! Specifically, the team wants to highlight their new starting line on Schwager Drive and their new finish line at Perkins Stadium football field. The DWS team worked hard to make new courses that reflected the values of the race-still reflecting Whitewater’s beauty and history. The half marathon calls back to Whitewater’s racing history; this course is a part of the original Olympic Trial run that was in the 80s and 90s!
- We’ll have eight pacers running on the course in neon green shirts, so they’ll be easy to find. Participants can follow the pacer to keep a steady time during the race.
- FREE childcare: Did you know the DWS offers free childcare to our participants? Our Kids Korral is a combined effort of the UW-W’s College of Education & Professional Studies and Creative and Resourceful Educators to provide activities for children in a safe environment. The Kids Korral is for children six months to ten years, and they must be registered by Wednesday Sept. 17th. This can be done at http://runwhitewater.com.
- Awards Ceremony: This year we split up the awards for the half marathon, half marathon teams, and 5K. First, second and third (men and women) place finishers will receive a cash prize.
- Half Marathon Men’s/Women’s Overall winners of 1st place will receive $400, 2nd place will receive $250, and 3rd place will receive $100. Marathon Teams 1st place finishers will receive trophies. 5K Men’s/Women’s Overall 1st-3rd finishers will receive trophies. All finishers of the half marathon, half marathon teams, and 5k will receive a medal and a T-shirt.
- 5K awards start at 9:45 a.m.
- Half marathon and half marathon team awards start at 10 a.m.
- Thanks to the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, we will be hosting our award ceremony and post-race nutrition at the Coulthart Family Pavilion which is located on Schwager Dr, and as a special treat.
- Post-Race Celebration: This year’s post-race festivity will take place at 841 Brewhouse, located at 841 E Milwaukee St in Whitewater. 841 will be open and taking drink tickets starting at 10 a.m. on race day; participants can come together for one free glass of either beer, wine, or soda! For more information or to view 841’s menu make sure to visit their website at https://www.841brewhouse.com.
Monthly newsletters are emailed to participants and volunteers of the race. Message the DWS team on Facebook or email us at info@runwhitewater.com to receive the newsletter and stay up to date on all things involving the race.
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com
About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features. All the proceeds from the race are donated to four local charity partners: Bethel House, Whitewater LEADS, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, and Warhawk Athletics through the UWW-Foundation. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and the University to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit runwhitewater.com. For general race inquiries email info@runwhitewater.com.
The Whitewater Unified School District has appointed Mike Dowden as activities and athletics director after a comprehensive search that drew 27 qualified applicants.
Students, coaches, boosters, and community members interviewed Dowden, rating him the highest among all candidates for his leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening Whippet extracurricular programs.
Dowden currently serves as head coach of the Whitewater High School girls basketball team. He also has experience coaching baseball, football, softball, and track. He currently teaches mathematics and supports the district’s Equitable Multi-Level Systems of Support (EMLSS) framework.
“We are excited to begin this new chapter under Mr. Dowden’s leadership and guidance,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “His passion for students, experience in academics and athletics, and vision for building strong, inclusive programs will be a tremendous asset to our school community.”
Dowden earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Norbert College and a bachelor’s degree in education from Beloit College. A former multi-sport athlete at Big Foot High School, he competed in basketball at both colleges.
WUSD looks forward to welcoming Mr. Dowden into this new role and working together to continue building a strong foundation of excellence in both academics and activities for all students.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Community members are invited to a free seminar, The Success Mindset: How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Make It Happen. The event is sponsored by the Whitewater Public Library and will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center at 341 S. Fremont St. on Thursday, September 4 at 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Learn how mindset is just as important as strategy and completing tasks. This transformative experience equips you with the mindset and tools necessary to overcome challenges, set and achieve meaningful goals, and unlock your full potential. Whether you’re looking to excel in your career, personal life, or any other area, this seminar provides the guidance and inspiration needed to make success a reality.
After completing this workshop, you will be able to:
- Understand why mindset is important.
- Know the tools to overcome imposter syndrome.
- Discover how to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth.
- Develop a plan to work towards your goals with purpose and focus.
You can learn more about the facilitator, Denise Maple, at livelifespiritual.com.
This seminar is for adults and registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and register in advance on the library’s event calendar (link: https://whitewaterpl.librarycalendar.com/event/success-mindset-seminar-denise-maple-351). You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
Steve Watson writes: Friday morning I had vision.
In long morning shadows cast by the sun.
A young fisherman casting for the big one.
Down at the park, Cravath Lake.
You never know what you’ll take.
Maybe a bluegill, carp, or pike.
Wistfully waiting for a strike.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for this beautiful photo and poem.
— 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!
| Gov. Evers, WisDOT Encourage Eligible Students to Apply for Financial Assistance for Drivers Education |
| Successful program received $12 million in continued funding as part of 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed by the governor |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced that applications are now being accepted for Wisconsin’s Driver Education Grant Program. The program, funded by the 2025-27 biennial budget signed into law by Gov. Evers, provides funding for income-eligible students to take driver education courses with the goal of becoming safe, licensed drivers. The financial assistance available will cover driver education tuition costs for coursework and behind-the-wheel training for eligible students. “Combatting reckless driving across our state has been a bipartisan priority over the last few years, and teaching our kids the skills they need to be safe drivers is another important step toward cracking down on unsafe driving. Doing what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state and ensuring the next generation of drivers can make good and safe decisions behind the wheel is critically important to building safer roads and communities for everyone,” said Gov. Evers. “Expanding opportunities for kids to take driver education and learn to drive safely is a no-brainer, and I’m proud the bipartisan, pro-kid state budget I signed into law last month invested $12 million to help do just that. I look forward to seeing this successful program continue to lower costs for working families, promote driver education, and expand pathways for safe driving on our roads.” The Driver Education Grant Program provides grants to cover driver education tuition costs for 30 hours of classroom coursework, six hours of observation, and six hours of behind-the-wheel training for eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program, have not previously held a driver’s license, and who are between 14.5 and 19 years old may apply for the Driver Education Grant Program here. “This program has already helped thousands of students learn to become safe, licensed drivers,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “We’re proud to continue delivering these critical grants under the leadership of Gov. Evers to reduce driver training barriers for families and work toward our goal of making Wisconsin’s roads safer.” Originally created by Gov. Evers in the 2023-25 Biennial Budget, the Driver Education Grant Program has provided $6 million in grants to more than 10,000 students since the program was launched in September 2024. After the program’s launch, it quickly reached capacity in just over a month. The 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed by Gov. Evers earlier this summer continued this important program with an investment of $12 million over the next two years that will be dispersed quarterly. “We are excited to announce that we were successful in making the annual $6 million allocation permanent,” said Brenda McMurtry, board member of Common Ground of Milwaukee, a diverse coalition of partner organizations working to create positive change, and who championed the creation of this program back in 2023. “Now, each year $6 million in grants will be available to help low-income students across Wisconsin learn safe driving practices and get their licenses.” Enrolled students will receive confirmation of eligibility, which they can take to a driver training school of their choice. WisDOT developed an interactive map to help students locate a program conveniently near them. These students may take the classroom portion and/or the behind-the-wheel training with an authorized driver training school. WisDOT will reimburse the school for the students’ training. WisDOT will deliver an initial phase of $1.5 million in grants to the first wave of applicants who apply beginning Aug. 25, 2025. Students unable to enroll this quarter and who did not receive funding may sign up to be notified when applications are accepted in the following quarter. Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Office of the Governor. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay. |
Editor’s note: This article originally had conflicting indications of the day of the week on which the sessions will be held. The ADRC personnel has confirmed that they will be held on Wednesdays. Our thanks to Barb Taylor for pointing out the typo.
Boost Your Brain & Memory Education Series
For all those 55+ who are experiencing normal aging brain changes
Wednesdays September 10 – October 15, 2025
From 1 – 2:30 pm
At Edgerton Library
Register Now
In partnership with the Edgerton Library, the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County, is pleased to be offering a 6-week class to those experiencing normal aging brain changes. The Boost Your Brain & Memory provides information and skills to improve memory and brain health. This evidence-based class focuses on 6 areas – nutrition, physical activity, emotional health, spiritual activity, intellectual activity and social engagement and the concept of cognitive reserve to provide techniques for improving brain health and memory abilities.
This class is not for people with brain change of more than normal aging or a dementia diagnosis.
Reservations are required. Space is limited. To make reservations please contact Karen Tennyson, dementia care specialist of Rock County at (608) 921-7165.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County. The agency has previously advised The Banner that residents outside of Rock County are generally welcome to join their programming on a space available basis.
What a fantastic way to start the season! The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team dove into competition this past Saturday (August 23) at the Milton Invite, and we are already seeing impressive improvements after just two weeks of practice.
Every 50 Freestyler dropped time from their practice time trials! Huge congrats to:
- Newcomers: Emma Maas (32.49), Grace Smith (33.95), Storm DePorter (40.55), Jalayne Hanson (44.44), and Paige Kollwelter (38.11).
- Returners: Georgia Esch (36.46), Kendra Serrano (32.42), Laken DePorter (34.63), and Caitlin Alford (37.81).
- Special shoutout to Laken DePorter, Caitlin Alford, and Kendra Serrano, who each achieved lifetime bests in the 50 Freestyle!
Top 16 Individual Finishes:
- Charlotte Hajewski – 11th in the 200 Freestyle (2:32.79), 8th in the 500 Freestyle (6:56.06)
- Maggie Maas – 9th in the 100 Freestyle (1:07.50), 10th in the 100 Backstroke (1:16.24)
- Atreya Wilson – 14th in the 100 Breaststroke (1:30.10)
This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what this talented group accomplishes this season. Way to go, ladies!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
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