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Local UW-W Student-athletes Selected to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

August 3, 2025

UW-Whitewater student-athletes selected to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

More than 400 student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earned a spot on the 2024-25 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference [WIAC] Scholastic Honor Roll.

The following Warhawk student-athletes from the Whitewater area were recognized:

Wyatt Jensen of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team(s) whose major is General Business.

Brady Malkow of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team(s) whose major is Management.

Carter Capstran of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s basketball team(s) whose major is Finance – BBA.

Gunner Schlender of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s cross country/track and field team(s) whose major is Physical Education – BSE.

Lee Barnes of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Marketing.

Brock Grosinske of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Finance.

Blake Haggerty of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater football team(s) whose major is Finance.

Peyton Nichols of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s soccer team(s) whose major is Finance – BBA.

Justin Krause of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater men’s track and field team(s) whose major is Business Administration – MBA.

Kacie Carollo of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Integrated Science – Business – BS.

Renee Rittmeyer of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Human Resource Management.

Olivia Zuege of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team(s) whose major is Human Performance – BS.

Kelly Whipple of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team(s) whose major is General Business – BBA.

Marlee Nichols of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s cross country/track and field team(s) whose major is Human Performance.

Morgan Hoffman of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s soccer team(s) whose major is Human Performance.

Taylor Koehler of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater softball team(s) whose major is Criminology.

Brianna Zimdars of Whitewater, WI (53190), a member of the UW-Whitewater women’s swimming and diving team(s) whose major is Business Admininistration.

The WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll represents students that achieved a 3.00 grade point average or better (on a 4.00 scale).

A total of 231 men and 197 women from UW-Whitewater were selected to the Scholastic Honor Roll.

UW-Whitewater joined the seven other WIAC schools in earning the All-Academic Award. In order to be eligible for the award, institutions must have a grade point average for its student-athletes that is equal to, or greater than, the grade point average of the overall student body.

At UW-Whitewater, all 22 varsity sports achieved a GPA above 3.00 for the first time in recorded history.

During the 2024-25 season, Warhawk Student-Athletes collected nine Academic All-American honors, two NCAA Elite 90 recognitions, and 6 WIAC Scholar Athlete of the Year awards.

Editor’s note: It is likely that some of the above students didn’t reside in the Whitewater area prior to enrollment in UW-W. The university includes in this list any students who have registered Whitewater as their home address.

Crime Stoppers Presents National Night Out

August 3, 2025

Concerts in the Park Presents “Ladies Must Swing” – Tonight

August 3, 2025

The third Concert in the Park of the season, Tuesday, August 5, at 6 p.m. features Ladies Must Swing. The event is free and open to all. We are super excited to be back on Tuesday nights for the Concerts in the Park Series. Our partnership with the City Market is truly unique and we are looking forward to Summer 2025!!

FREE Concerts will start at 6 pm! City Market 4-7 pm. ALL at Cravath Lakefront Park.

There is a limited amount of seating on benches next to the parking lot. Bring a chair or blanket, and, if you wish, bring supper or pick it up from the City Market vendors.

Ladies Must Swing

A Big Band In Tune

Our story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 27 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!

The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!

Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being to Be Held Here on August 7

August 2, 2025

Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being to Be Held August 7 in Whitewater, WI
A Community Gathering to Inspire Healing, Unity, and Collective Action

The Wellness Collective is proud to host the Summit for Peace & Collective
Well-being on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown
Whitewater, Wisconsin. This one-day gathering invites individuals, leaders, healers, and
changemakers from all walks of life to come together for a transformative experience dedicated
to inner healing and outer peace.

With a mission to foster meaningful dialogue and compassionate action, the Summit offers a
sacred space to explore what it truly means to live in alignment with ourselves, our
communities, and our planet. The event will feature heart-centered workshops, spiritual
practices, and dynamic speakers focused on creating peace within and around us.
Highlights include:
● Interactive sessions and healing workshops
● Opportunities for discussion, connection, and collaboration
● Local wellness vendors and food trucks
● Meditation and movement experiences
“We believe peace starts from within and radiates outward. The Summit is a call to action for
anyone ready to be a part of the shift toward a more compassionate and unified world,” says
event organizer and life coach, Denise Maple.
The event is open to the public, and registration is now live. In addition to attending,
community members are invited to get involved as:
● Food Truck Partners
● Wellness Business Vendors
● Sponsors committed to community well-being
● Volunteers

Registration is encouraged. The first 50 registrants will receive a goody bag! Please consider a donation to help us cover the costs of the event and to offer future peace and well-being events. Suggested donation: $10
To register, volunteer, become a vendor and/or donate, visit:

https://livelifespiritual.com/events/summit-for-peace-collective-well-being

Let’s come together for a day of inspiration, healing, and unity — and co-create the peace we
wish to see in the world.

About The Wellness Collective
The Wellness Collective is a group of wellness practitioners and guides from Whitewater and
surrounding areas committed to strengthening our world through compassion, grace, and
conscientiousness. They believe there are a multitude of ways to shift energy in the world, and
one way is through getting into a deeper, more honest relationship with oneself, first, and then
with those within the community. Their mission is to foster meaningful dialogue and
compassionate action.

Social Media Link
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CmzUgsk7F/

Whitewater United FC Registration Open Till Aug. 8

August 2, 2025

Registration will be open until August 8th, and any additional information/steps for registering can be found on our website: Whitewater United FC – Whitewater United FC Youth Soccer (whitewaterunitedfc.com).

This Week’s City Meetings

August 2, 2025

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84824083114?pwd=8VCQqBB12h5aBtQa2S3AzVxfQTw14N.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 848 2408 3114
Passcode: 685680

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Resolution Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of Up To $1,506,107 Taxable General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2025, And Providing For Other Details And Covenants With Respect Thereto, And Approval Of Related $2,545,121 Financial Assistance Agreement; Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and
Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to
join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89679338612?pwd=tIesa0sExbBDv1KodjlxyKfIWjeFNP.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 896 7933 8612
Passcode: 027592

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the recommendations related to Starin Park Water Tower.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/249142285
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 249-142-285
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission = Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/249072189
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 249-072-189
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

60th Reunion – WHS Class of 1965 [Updated with candid photos]

August 1, 2025

Whitewater High School Class of 1965 – Class Reunion, July 12, 2025 – Photo by Tom Ganser

1st Row (Sitting) L – R:    Al Dennis, Nancy Grahler Zastrow, Dave Rinn, Edna Koele Leason, Donna Nelson Herman, Mary Ludeman Hoof, Kenny Hoof, Veronica Hewuse Bakken, Kay Wentworth Robers, Jo Grant Werner, Judi Pizzichini, Rosalee Kern Carey

2nd Row L – R:  John Sobolewski, Jeff Winn, John Grosskreutz, Bob Boynton, Jim Hall, John Milner, Chris Thompson Pitterle, Mike Krebs, Judy Zabel Rausch, Charlotte Pellmann Kutz, Carol Hitchcock Geske, Carole Hepfinger Lewis, Barb Harris Kohlmetz, Carol Wojdula Cantando, Betty Patterman Strese; Hester Roe Mullenix

3rd Row L – R:  Marty Peyer, Bryan Bishop, Dale Brown, Linds Kollwelter Schubert, Alan Berg, Maury Deaver, Klaus “Bill” Schlichtholz, Jim Holden, Ron Petak

[Above] Enlargement of the first photo for better view of the faces

Our Readers Share: Steve Watson – Mother duck and brood feeding on spillway

August 1, 2025


Steve Watson writes “Mother duck and her brood feeding on the spillway. Their webbed feet propel them through the water and allows them to stand steady in the fast-moving spillway water.”

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing yet another interesting wildlife photo.

— 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!

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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