Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, July 31, 2024
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.
An Escape Room is Coming
Studio 84, a nonprofit art studio located in Whitewater, WI is doing a most unusual fundraiser. It’s an Escape Room with the theme of….well….what else….an art gallery! After all Studio 84 is an art studio, it seems rather fitting.
One half of Studio 84’s space will be transformed into an art gallery called Musee Gallerie 84. The director, Benjamin Kelly, will play the part of the exhibit’s curator Monsieur Claude Restes and founder Deborah Blackwell transforms into Mademoiselle Deborah Noir Bien. A curator, for those unfamiliar with the term, is an art gallery’s key person that organizes an exhibit. The curator and team are the ones who do the research, gather resources, secure the art and organize
the details of an exhibit.
Set with the theme of an art gallery, the ‘exhibit’ Life and Death Through the Artist’s Eyes will be sure to bring on chills and make you put your thinking caps on to solve the clues in order to escape this rather creepy exhibit. Director Ben Kelly states, “Since it will be during the month of October (aka Halloween month) we went with a creepy/scary/horror feeling.”
No knowledge about art or even interest in art is required to visit this gallery because it’s more about the escape than anything else. Once inside an escape room the goal is to escape as the team of ten participants are ‘locked’ inside and need to decipher clues to obtain the code that unlocks the door. All within the one-hour time period.
The Escape Room runs October 1 – 31, 2023 and tickets are now on sale. You can purchase a ticket for yourself and become part of a team of others during the same day/time. Or sign up with one friend or as a group of ten friends. Each time slot has a maximum of ten people with a minimum of five. Team members must work together to solve the clues for the code. Tickets are $30 each.
Studio 84’s founder Deborah Blackwell said, “Ben and I have been working on this for a few years now, not because it took that long, but we had plans to open in 2020 and then the pandemic hit and we had many delays afterwards as our focus was getting the Studio back to pre-pandemic operational mode again. We lost so many of our students and people just weren’t ready for such group events. We felt 2023 was the year and people were ready. So, we kicked into high gear to finish up the details of it. We are truly excited to have this come to fruition.”
All proceeds from the event will support Studio 84’s programing in the arts for people with disabilities and the community. They offer daytime studio time for all ages and all abilities. Kelly states, “We understand the needs of those with disabilities and so have a focus with them
and provide experiences that support their individual needs to help them become successful and discover their artistic, creative side, but know that you don’t have to have a disability to sign up for studio time; we are open to all ages and all abilities.”
Watch the video trailer of escape room here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRQE54Vnzv0
Order your escape room tickets by following this link.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Greater Whitewater Committee.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Dr. Artanya Wesley and Dr. Veronica Warren as guest speakers at its upcoming monthly meeting in October. The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 12th at 7:00 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. Dr. Wesley is the Vice Chancellor from the Division of Student Affairs at UW-Whitewater and Dr. Warren is the Director of Counseling Services.
An RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jeffery Knight at: jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, October 11th.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wesley and Dr. Warren update us about students at the University,” said GWC Chairman, Crystal Singer.
Photo By UW-Whitewater’s Craig Schreiner
Dr. Artanya Wesley serves as the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a Master of Science in Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Dr. Wesley has over 19 years of experience working within four and two-year public and private institutions as well as working at the University of Wisconsin System Administration, serving 13 universities and 26 campuses.
Dr. Wesley is an inspirational leader with a strength-based approach to identifying solutions to emerging trends in higher education. She develops relationships, trust, and respect through authentic engagement and partnership with colleagues, faculty, staff, students, as well as external groups. Dr. Wesley is an innovative and collaborative leader with experience and expertise in student development and programming, university strategic planning, business operations and finance, policy development and implementation, change management, and higher education law and compliance.
Dr. Wesley is a student-centered professional with experience both as a practitioner and policymaker whose academic and personal journeys have resulted in a unique set of skills creating the perfect mix of knowledge, expertise, and passion for today’s leaders in higher education.
Photo By UW-Whitewater’s Craig Schreiner
Dr. Veronica Warren is the Counseling Center Director at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is an experienced program director and collegiate professional with a proven track record in streamlining and implementing innovative processes and procedures. She has expertise in fostering strong relations with youth and college students as an educator, counselor, and advisor to improve their performance and quality of life. Highly accomplished in communication, organization, compliance, staff management and program development. Dr. Warren received her BA in Psychology at the University of Michigan, her M.P.A. in public administration at Central Michigan University, M.A. in Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. in general psychology at Capella University.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
The Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, presents:
Laurie Yahr, a long-time Wild Ones member and Madison Chapter newsletter writer and her wildlife biologist husband, Rich Kahl, have been searching for interesting plants in natural areas at every opportunity. The aim of this program is to share some of the beauty and diversity of orchid flowers so you might recognize one if you come across it. There are almost 50 species of terrestrial orchids in Wisconsin; most are elusive, rare, in trail-less habitats, or just plain tiny and cryptic. Having an accurate search image is only half the battle. There is also timing, appropriate ecosystem and luck. Occasionally orchids occur unexpectedly in violation of all the rules. But sadly, more often they seem to be disappearing from our landscapes.
WHEN: Saturday, October 21, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, Eagle, S91W39091 Highway 59, One mile west of Eagle, on Highway 59
Open to the Public. No admission fee.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.
Fort HealthCare is proud to announce they have once again received certification for their pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Fort HealthCare’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed to help people with lung problems (e.g., COPD/Emphysema, Asthma, shortness of breath) improve their physical condition to make daily living easier. The program involves progressive individualized exercise designed by a clinical exercise physiologist who will monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, blood pressure and exertion levels to ensure the safe progression of activity. One-on-one and group education sessions including breathing techniques and information on the nature and course of specific lung issues are also supported by members of the healthcare team.
To earn certification, Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
“This program goes beyond just exercise,” said Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator Cardiopulmonary Services – ACSM RCEP, CEP. “Continuing education and support for our patients and their families is also essential in building the specialized, comprehensive care program and we’re honored to have it recognized at a national level.”
For more information about Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program, please visit www.forthealthcare.com/clinic/cardio-pulmonary-rehabilitation/
Colleen Voll, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CEP; Leah Rebout, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CCRP; Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator, CEP; Amanda Baneck, RN
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.AACVPR.org.
In the photo, pictured (left to right): Colleen Voll, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CEP; Leah Rebout, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CCRP; Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator, CEP; Amanda Baneck, RN
WHITEWATER, WI (10/09/2023)– The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team enters the second half of the regular season with a 4-1 record. The defending Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions, the Warhawks are ranked among the top 10 in the nation by D3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association.
Established in 1889, the Warhawk football team has won six national championships and 39 WIAC titles. Last year, the team finished 8-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play and reached the first round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs.
After drawing an on-campus, NCAA Division III record 20,113 fans on Saturday against UW-La Crosse, the Warhawks begin the second half of the regular season on the road this Saturday, Oct. 14, at UW-River Falls. For the full schedule, visit https://uwwsports.com/sports/football/schedule.
The following student-athlete has been named to the roster of the Warhawk football team at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 season:
53190 Whitewater, WI: Brock Grosinske, who is majoring in Finance.
From Division III Warhawk Athletics, which boasts 20 team national championships and 68 individual national championships, to its club and intramural teams, Warhawks know how to win.
Our national championship athletic programs include football, women’s gymnastics, bowling and baseball. Club sports like bowling, rugby, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, paintball and men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball bring home the trophies – and the championships (27 total) – too. In fact, the men’s club bowling team brought home their second national championship in 2021.
And our world-class Warhawk Marching Band helps all Warhawks celebrate their teams on the court and on the field with the “Warhawk Strut” and other traditions.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
Reedsburg, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s golf team claimed the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title for the seventh consecutive season Sunday. The Warhawks overcame a ten-stroke first round deficit to win the title by 18-strokes. Four UWW golfers claimed All-WIAC honors with their performance over the weekend. Head Coach Andrea Wieland was named the Kwik Trip Coach of the Year – her third time earning the honor in the last four seasons.
UW-Whitewater registered the top team total the final two rounds of the WIAC Championship held at the Reedsburg Country Club. The Warhawks posted a 334 Friday followed by a tournament-best 310 in round two and capped by a 315 Sunday.
Kallie Lux (Janesville, Wis./Craig) led the Warhawks with a total of 229 (83-72-74) to finish as the conference runner-up. Lily Sheppard (Sherwood, Wis./Kaukauna) was third on the individual leaderboard with a total of 239 (81-79-79) and Ellie Johnson (Johnsburg, Ill./Johnsburg) finished sixth with a card of 242 (85-77-80). Lux and Sheppard claimed First Team All-WIAC honors while Johnson secured Second Team recognition.
Kellie Shanahan’s (Wauconda, Ill./Mundelein) 253 (89-82-82) and Abbie Reiser’s (Washington, Ill./Washington Community) 259 (85-88-86) were top 25 individual scores on the weekend and wrapped up the Warhawks’ scoring fivesome.
Haley Myers (Somerset, Wis./Somerset) represented UW-Whitewater as an individual at the tournament and used a phenomenal final round to jump into the top 10. Myers carded rounds of 85-87-73 for a total of 245 to tie for eighth and claim Second Team All-WIAC honors.
Also competing as individuals were Emma Norton (Lanark, Ill./Eastland) (84-86-82-252), Jessica Velent (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Adlai E. Stevenson) (92-82-86-260), Megan Honn (LaFayette, Ind./Jefferson) (89-87-84-260), Emily Akers (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) (86-87-88-261) and Sammy Galian (New Berlin, Wis./Eisenhower) (91-93-95-279).
Norton was also UW-Whitewater’s representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team.
The league title punches UW-Whitewater’s ticket into the NCAA Division III Championship slated for May 21-24, 2024, at the Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
The Whippet Swim Team traveled to Germantown High School on Saturday, October 7th to compete in the 2nd Annual Sprint Invite. This invite was fun and fast; the girls were able to compete in events that you don’t normally see in a regular high school meet. Events including 50 Fly, 50 Backstroke, 50 Breaststroke, 100 IM, and the relays which had an interesting twist with the Medley relay and the 400 Freestyle relay swimming with 8 girls in each relay.
Placing in the Top 16 (Top 6 medal) & Best Times include:
200 FR:
Makayla Bazeley – winning the event and dropping 3 seconds going a new season best time of 1:59.22
Zoe Zei – dropped nearly 16 seconds off her time going a 3:06.00
200 IM:
Emerson Dunham – 6th place finish going a time 2:40.57.
50 FR:
Lucy Davis – New Best Time (33.11)
Payton Peacock – New Best Time (35.42) 3 second drop!
Marijose Verduzco – New Best Time (36.91)
50 Fly:
Makayla Bazeley – 3rd place finish with a time of 27.86
Charlotte Hajewski – 14th place finish with a time of 34.21
Georgia Esch – 16th place finish with a time of 44.51
100 FR:
Payton Peacock – New Best Time (1:21.20) 4 second drop!
Adalynn Frye – New Best Time (1:22.37) 8 second drop!
100 IM:
Maggie Maas – 12th place finish with a time of 1:17.00
Charlotte Hajewski – 14th place finish with a time of 1:20.61
50 Breaststroke:
Emerson Dunham – 11th place finish with a time of 39.41
Atreya Wilson – 14th place finish with a time of 45.03
Adalynn Frye – 15th place finish with a time of 54.36
The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, October 10th against Delavan-Darien starting at 5:30 p.m. for their last home meet of the season! Let’s pack the pool! We hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin. WHS students and instructor Mike Fellin attended the Career Fair day at JP Cullen & Sons on Thursday, October 5th.
A variety of large hands-on demonstration areas such as concrete pouring, excavating, and carpentry skills activities were set up to allow students to put themselves into the shoes of the different trades. Active tradespeople shared their experiences, training, and advice to prospective students who wish to join the ranks and talk about career paths in the Skilled Trades.
Thank you to JP Cullen and Sons and sponsors for inviting WHS students to this event.
Whitewater High School would also like to thank the local companies who are sending representatives to our Technology and Engineering Advisory Board Meetings. Technology and Engineering Teachers Mike Fellin and Justin Buntrock, along with Computer Science Teacher and FIRST Robotics Advisor Laura Masbruch welcomed representatives from 10 local companies on September 25 to discuss Youth Apprenticeships as well as fieldtrip and guest speaker opportunities to introduce more students to the opportunities available in the trades.
Article and Photos Submitted by Whitewater High School Staff
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Obituaries
Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78 Fred was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on October 23, 1945, son of Chester and Elva (Klug) Traxler. He was born to eternal life at Ascension St. Francis Place in Milwaukee on June 1, 2024. Fred was a 1964 graduate of Whitewater High School. In his younger days Fred enjoyed bowling and polka dancing–and was very good at both. He was very competitive, especially when pitching horseshoes with his Dad, brothers, and cousin Sid. He was always ready for a card game, and was also a big fan of the Packers and Brewers. Fred is preceded … Read more
Read More
Harry Oliver Dempsey passed away peacefully and among family in Elkhorn, WI on July 24, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944 to William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey, Harry grew up on the family farm in Whitewater. In his younger years, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion that he later passed on to his own children. All his life he could often be found in his shop, building or fixing something – from a child’s toy to lawn mowers, cars, and tractors. His passion for self-sufficiency extended to his large garden whose abundance he happily … Read more
Read More
SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement. As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy. Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more
Read More
A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.
Read More
James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more
Read More
Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more
Read More
Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more
Read More
Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more
Read More
Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more
Read More
Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more
Read MoreOther Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
