Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

Today is Tuesday, July 30, 2024

News & Events

WHITEWATER WEATHER

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.

Seniors in the Park Presents It Ain’t Over

September 23, 2023

“It Ain’t Over”
Tuesday, September 26, 1 p.m.
(Sports/Documentary)
Rated PG. 1 hour, 39 minutes. (2022)

An intimate portrait, and emotional and uplifting documentary, that takes us beyond the caricature and “Yogi-isms,” and into the heart and personality of one of baseball’s most beloved legends, on and off the field: Yogi Berra. 

Urban Forestry Commission Meets Monday Sept. 25

September 23, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Meeting Monday Sept. 25

September 23, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

Monday, September 25, 2023
Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online

– Passcode: 231234

  • Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
  • Webinar ID: 810 0241 0083

– Passcode: 231234

Closed Session

7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online

– Passcode: 214996

  • Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
  • Webinar ID: 862 6040 3948

– Passcode: 214996

PUBLIC NOTICE: The meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those Board members and individuals
unable to attend in-person. If you require special accommodations to fully participate, please notify the
School Board Secretary by phone (262) 472-8702 or in writing at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time.

The time estimates noted for agenda items are for informational purposes only and may not be
reflective of actual discussion during the meeting.

  1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL (6:30 PM)
  2. ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
    A. Adjourn into closed session, pursuant to the provisions of 19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats., considering employment, promotion,
    compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or
    exercises responsibility; specifically, to review the Superintendent evaluation. (Action Item)
  3. OPEN SESSION (7:00 PM)
    A. Reconvene into open session, pursuant to §19.85(2), Wis. Stats., for possible action on any matter discussed in closed
    session. (Action Item)
  4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Action Item)
  6. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS – 5 MINUTES
    A. Wisconsin School Board Week Proclamation – October 1-7, 2023
  7. STUDENT REPORTS – 5 MINUTES
    A. Whitewater Student Council Report – Andrea Alcala and Emilia Houwers, Whitewater High School
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
    A. NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Citizens may speak regarding items not on the agenda under Public Comments, but no School
    Board action will be taken. Issues raised may become a part of a future agenda. AGENDA ITEMS: Citizens may speak
    regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. Participants are allotted a three minute
    speaking period.
  9. SPECIAL REPORTS AND/OR ACTION
    A. Annual Multilingual Services Programming Update – Melania Argueta Borchert, Multilingual Services Coordinator – 15
    MINUTES
    B. Phone Purchase – John Houwers, Director of Technology (Action Item) – 15 MINUTES
  10. PERSONNEL REPORT (Action Items) – 5 MINUTES
    A. Resignation – CERTIFIED – Science Teacher, High School
    B. Transfer – SUPPORT TO CERTIFIED – Science Teacher, High School
  11. SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS – None
  12. BUSINESS OFFICE REPORTS – 10 MINUTES
    A. Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment
  13. CONSENT AGENDA (Action Item) – 5 MINUTES
    A. Minutes Approval of Regular Meeting – August 28, 2023
    B. Minutes Approval of Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Negotiations Joint Meeting with the City of Whitewater Common
    Council – September 11, 2023
    C. 2nd Reading of Policies: 251, Job Descriptions; 445, Student Interviews with Outside Agency Personnel; NEW – 445-Rule,
    Student Interview with Outside Agency Personnel Procedures; 521.1, Board-Staff Communications; 751.1-Rule (2), Unusual
    Hazards Transportation Plan; 870, Public Complaints; 870-Rule, Public Complaint Procedures
    D. Voucher Approval – August 2023
  14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None
  15. NEW BUSINESS (Action Items) – 10 MINUTES
    A. Donation of $1,000 from Schenck Process LLC for Ferradermis
    B. Donation of $1,500 from Walmart for Ferradermis
    C. Donation of $2,000 from the UW-Whitewater Community Optimist Club for the Family Emergency Fund
    D. Donation of $2,500 from MicroPrecision for Ferradermis
  16. BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
  17. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
    A. Board Engagement Opportunities
  18. ADJOURN

Whippet Volleyball Honors Seniors

September 23, 2023

The Whippet Volleyball Team honored our seniors at the home match against East Troy on Thursday, September 21. Meg Roselle, Emmanuella Mbifi, Marina Linos, and Aidyn Amundson were honored for their 4 years of volleyball dedication to the program. Giulia Ristagno is also a senior foreign exchange student from Italy.

Each one of the seniors were honored by a speech from their fellow teammates and a personal message from their coach. We wanted to honor them by sharing how much they will be missed:

Aidyn,

Your drive to be the best teammate you can be, even when faced with adversity and injury is inspiring. You lead by example, a true attribute of leadership. You have supported your team to achieve all they can, and given perspective about not taking this great opportunity of playing volleyball for granted. You will be so missed, but we know you are off to do BIG things!

Manny,

You are such a student of the game! You soak in every ounce of information and put it into practice. You give 100%, and lead by your work ethic. You are kind, encouraging, and the best example of a positive teammate. You will be missed!

Marina,

You want more for your team to do well than anything else- the true definition of selfless leader! To watch you encourage your teammates, and push yourself to be better for them, is such an inspiring example for our program. You have stepped up, and led with poise. You should be so proud of all you have accomplished, you will be so missed!

Meg,

Your energy, honesty, and leadership will be so missed! You know what our team needs to be focused, get better, and be there for one another. You set this example every day in team meetings and at practice. You strive to make yourself and those around you better both on and off the court! You will be so missed!

Giulia.

Your smile lights up a room! Our time together has been short, but we are so glad you chose to play volleyball! It still makes me smile when I think of your first time going in the game- Coach looked at you and said you would be going in and you smiled, and then shook your head NO! But, you overcame your fear and went in the game and passed perfectly! Never doubt your abilities!

While we couldn’t pull out a win on Senior Night, that doesn’t diminish how proud we are of each of these seniors. We wish them the best of luck in all they do!

Article and Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org

Swimmers Host Pair of Conference Teams

September 23, 2023

The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed at home against Platteville/Lancaster and Badger on Tuesday, September 19. Our athletes showed up to compete as many obtained personal best times for the season. We also want to note that a majority of the team took on new and challenging events. 

Like her fellow teammates, Makayla Bazeley shows up to compete. In the 200 Freestyle, Makayla placed 1st by over 8 seconds with a time of 2:02.52. And in the 100 Butterfly, she placed 1st with a time of 1:00.17. 

Lucy Davis went 3 of 4 best times in her events. In the 100 Backstroke, Lucy dropped 15 seconds off her time from last year. She continues to get stronger in the 200 IM despite it being one of her least favorite events. 

Emerson Dunham beat out the Platteville/Lancaster swimmer in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:24.56. She had an impressive split in the 400 Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:05.24.

Georgia Esch competed in the 100 Butterfly for the first time in her swim career. Not only is this a difficult race, but Georgia completed it with an impressive time of 1:47.35.

Sanibel Fox-Simes earned herself a best time in the 100 Freestyle. She continues to gets faster and faster every week in the 100 Freestyle. We are looking forward to what next week has in store for her! 

Charlotte Hajewski sang her heart out in the National Anthem and it was beautiful! She competed in the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. Charlotte earned herself a best time in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:24.08.

Maggie Maas went a best time in the 50 (30.01) and 500 (6:41.05) Freestyle. Maggie is very close to earning herself a spot on the Under 30 Club for the 50 Freestyle. We are excited to see her make the list this season! 

Marijose Verduzco continues to take on new and challenging events. She completed in the 500 Freestyle where she earned herself an impressive time of 8:56.04. Marijose had a best time in the 50 Freestyle as well. 

Atreya Wilson competed in the 100 Freestyle where she dropped 11 seconds. She is now the proud owner of a new time of 1:19.08. She continues to swim a strong 100 Breaststroke. 

Zoe Zei willingly took on the 500 Freestyle for the second time this season. Within a week, Zoe dropped 15 seconds in this event. This is impressive to say the least! 

The Swim Team is back in Whippet territory on Tuesday, September 26 against Jefferson/Cambridge. We hope to see you all there!

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Roberta’s Art Gallery Presents “THE WALL: WITNESS TO THE WAR IN UKRAINE.”

September 22, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

Roberta’s Art Gallery is honored to host “The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” by Iva Sidash, which features photos of buildings now scarred by full-scale war in Ukraine. In each image lies memories of the past, bringing awareness of the families, friends, and stories of what these now destroyed walls once held. Sidash’s work has been part of group exhibits in Kyiv, Paris, Berlin, and elsewhere, but this will be her first solo exhibit. 

“The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” by Iva Sidash

The exhibit opens on Sept. 25 and will be on display until Oct. 20. There will be an artist reception on Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., which includes an artist talk with Sidash, an audience Q&A, and an open house with refreshments.    

“The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” is a collection of photographs taken in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. These photographs depict burned homes and fragments of walls. This exhibit invites the audience to reflect on these scorched remnants and what they once represented. Sidash’s photographs are symbolic of what has been done to the people who lived within the walls. Sidash says, “Now all Ukrainians are like those walls, burned by war, covered with scars, and forever changed.”   

“The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” by Iva Sidash

Sidash is a Ukrainian documentary photographer based in Lviv who has been covering the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine since its beginning in 2022. Before the invasion, Sidash was a finalist in the International Fujifilm Moment Street Photo Awards, and her work has been exhibited in France, Germany, and Spain. Sidash uses her own visual language to connect viewers with the trauma of war in Ukraine. Sidash says, “I found this language in a series of artistic photographs. I believe it is necessary to talk about the war in all possible languages.” 

Sidash will participate in a UW-Whitewater History Department public event on Monday, Sept. 25, with visiting photography scholar Abigail Lewis of the University of Notre Dame at 7 p.m. in Summers Auditorium in the University Center. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Lewis will introduce Sidash at the exhibit reception at Roberta’s Art Gallery. 

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. During the academic year, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday. 

“The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” by Iva Sidash

At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries and follow our Instagram at uww_rag.  

Bizarre History of Wisconsin Featured at Library Oct. 3

September 22, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

Chad Lewis will visit the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. to tell the Bizarre History of Wisconsin. Filled with strange deaths, ghosts and spirits, sea serpents, peculiar people, medical anomalies, oddities, psychic phenomena, and UFOs, this presentation will certainly change the way you view the good ol’ days of Wisconsin. Adults and teens are welcome to attend this free event.  

Chad Lewis is a paranormal researcher and author for Unexplained Research. Chad holds a Master’s of Science degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Chad had trekked across the world in search of the paranormal. From tracking vampires in Transylvania and chasing the Chupacabras in Puerto Rico, to searching for the elusive monster in Loch Ness, and pursuing ghosts in Ireland’s castles, Chad brings over 18 years of research experience to his presentations. 

The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782. 

Southern Lakes Conference Sports Reunion (Classes 1954 to 1962) is Sept. 29

September 22, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Tom Kraus.

The 6th Annual Southern Lakes Conference Sports reunion will be held at 11:30 September 29th at Someplace Else in Elkhorn. This year it as been extended to include Classes 1954 to 1962. It is for anyone who played any sport those years (FB, BB Golf etc). If you have any former teammates please invite or bring them along. We need some kind of running total of attendees so please text John at kilkenny@fontier.com. Conference: Mukwonago,Burlington, Delavan, East Troy, Lake Geneva, Wilmot, Whitewater and Elkhorn. Also you can call me Tom 262-215-9985 or text gatortom57@yahoo.com. It is a cash bar and food. So “PLEASE” come and meet some of the guys who maybe put a hit on you or blocked one of your shots again.

Obituaries

Obituary: Harry Oliver Dempsey, 80

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

Obituary: Janet Irene Heckert, 87

Janet Irene Heckert, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 in Delavan, Wisconsin. Born on November 1, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Gladys and Henry Jansen. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Heckert and her brothers Sonny and Paul and sister Darlene. Janet was a graduate of Elkhorn High School in 1955. On October 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Heckert, at Elkhorn Baptist Church in their hometown of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Janet worked for many years as a seamstress, but her true passion was as a … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

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

Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

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

Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

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

Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

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

Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

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

Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

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

Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

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

Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

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 More