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Daniel Portwine named to MSOE Dean’s List for Spring Semester 2025 .
MILWAUKEE, WI — Daniel Portwine, from Whitewater, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Dean’s List for the 2025 Spring Semester. Portwine is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
MSOE encourages excellence in academic achievement and, as a result, publishes the Dean’s List and Honors List each fall and spring semester. Students taking undergraduate courses who have earned at least 12 credits in residence at MSOE, are in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher are on the Dean’s List. Students on that list who have maintained a 3.70 or higher receive “high honors.” Students with a term GPA of 3.20 or higher, who are not on the Dean’s List, are on the Honors List.
Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,900 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Oneida Nation Chairman Gerald L. “Jerry” Danforth |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #265 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., June 7, 2025, in honor of former Oneida Nation Chairman Gerald L. “Jerry” Danforth, who passed away on Sat., June 1, 2025, at the age of 78. “Chairman Danforth led the Oneida Nation with integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to upholding and protecting Tribal sovereignty and culture,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I are sending our deepest condolences to Chairman Danforth’s family and loved ones and the Oneida Nation as they mourn his passing.” Born on the Oneida Reservation, Chairman Danforth served two terms as chairman of the Oneida Nation, first elected in 1999 and then returning as chairman in 2005. As chairman, Danforth prioritized Indian gaming interests and economic development, as well as issues around healthcare, higher education, Oneida language preservation, and expanding communication between the state and the Native Nations. Prior to his tenure as chairman, Danforth led a more than 30-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1994 as the force master chief of the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Danforth also served the Oneida Judiciary as a judge. Services for former Oneida Nation Chairman Gerald L. “Jerry” Danforth will be held on Sat., June 7, 2025, in Oneida. |
UW-Stevens Point undergraduates honored for scholastic achievement
STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,400 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.
Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.
Students who received honors include:
Whitewater, WI
Giovanni Anello, Honors
Grace Black, High Honors
“Green and Gold”
Tuesday, June 10, 1 pm
(Drama/Family);
Rated PG; 1 hour, 45 minutes (2025).
Foreclosure looms over a Wisconsin dairy farmer (Craig T. Nelson) with mounting debt and loss of the land his family has cultivated for four generations. With time running out, he places a daring Super Bowl bet on his beloved Green Bay Packers in a Hail Mary attempt to save the farm. Filmed in Door County, and at Lambeau Field. Also features Wayne Larrivee (radio voice of the Green Bay Packers) and LeRoy Butler.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
On the first day of competition at the WIAA State Track and Field Championships, seniors Jack Hefty and Traysen Thomason delivered standout performances for their team.
Traysen was the first to take the stage, lining up in Heat 1 of the 100m dash. Despite a slight stumble out of the blocks, he quickly regained his stride, showcasing his top-end speed and determination. He surged to a second-place finish in his heat and ultimately qualified fifth overall—securing a coveted spot in Saturday’s final.
Next on the track was the highly anticipated 1600 meters, where Jack Hefty sought to defend his state title for a third consecutive year. With championships already under his belt as a sophomore and junior, the field gave him due respect, resulting in a cautious opening lap of 1:11.20. Sitting back in 8th, Jack remained calm and poised.
As the pace began to build, so did Jack’s momentum. He worked his way up to 3rd by the halfway point, clocking a 63.26 second lap. The third lap was decisive—Jack surged into 2nd and then powered down the homestretch to take the lead with a 61.75 split.
Now in front, he faced a major threat: Joseph Hunt of Green Bay Notre Dame, a dangerous 800m specialist (and eventual 800m state champion). But Jack didn’t flinch. As they entered the final bend, he began to pull away. Fueled by adrenaline and roars from the crowd, Jack delivered a devastating final lap of 57.58 to cross the line in 4:13.78.
His closing 1200 meters of 3:02.58 was a dominant display of strength and tactical brilliance. With this win, Jack becomes just the fifth athlete in the 126-year history of the state meet—across all divisions—to win the 1600 meters three times. A legendary finish to a storied high school career.
Later that afternoon, Traysen returned for the 200m prelims. This time, he got out clean and charged through the curve with power and precision. Exploding into the straightaway, he crossed the line second in his heat with a new personal best—and tied the school record of 22.04, originally set by Larry Gnatzig in 1971. Heading into the final, Traysen is seeded third and primed to make more noise on championship Saturday.
On Saturday, Traysen will compete in the finals of the 100 and 200, while Jack will suit up one more time and compete in the 3200m run.
Full results can be found here: https://live.pttiming.com/?mid=7650
Article and Photos Courtesy of Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Assistant Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Research shows that suicide rates are higher within the rural and agricultural communities.
June 17 and 19 (Tuesday and Thursday)
9 a.m.–Noon, virtual via Zoom
The University of Wisconsin – Madison Division of Extension offers a virtual education program to help the Wisconsin agriculture community identify and respond to various behavioral health challenges. The next virtual Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the agriculture community is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, June 17 & 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – noon via the Zoom platform. Participants are required to attend both virtual sessions. Pre-registration and approximately two hours of self-paced, online pre-work are required to participate in the June 17 & 19 trainings. To register for this free program, go to https://go.wisc.edu/1dlwnc
Nearly one in five adults lives with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Research shows that suicide rates are higher within the rural and agricultural communities. The stigma of mental health challenges and thoughts of suicide is prevalent in our rural and farming communities. Mental Health First Aid helps community members better understand how they can support their friends, family members, and neighbors and help break the stigma around mental health.
Just as CPR teaches you how to help someone having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid instructs how to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge, including, but not limited to, depression and anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, and substance misuse, as well as someone thinking about suicide. The program gives participants the skills, confidence, and resources to provide initial support and respond in crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid is a program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of these challenges.
The instructors for this training are two UW-Madison Division of Extension Educators: Joy Kirkpatrick, Farm Succession Outreach Specialist and Danielle Sander, Sauk County Health & Well-Being Educator. If you have questions about the training, please contact either joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu , 608-263-3485 or danielle.sander@wisc.edu , 608-355-3256.
Funding for these training programs is provided by the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center: Engaging Programs to Support Producer Well-being (NCFRSAC), USDA/NIFA award numbers 2020-70028-32728 and 2024-70028-43552.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Madison Division of Extension.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s officially the summer season in Wisconsin and this week we have an image of an early roadside campground for people traveling in automobiles in the summer. This is Ward’s Tourist Camp, located just outside Whitewater on Highway 12 on the way to Fort Atkinson. These camps sprang up largely in the 1920s and this camp was first advertised in June of 1923. It advertised picnic grounds with water, tables, and stoves and operated during the late spring to late fall. The image features someone who has pitched a tent for, perhaps, an overnight or longer stay. Eventually these types of tourist camps gave way to roadside cabins, then motels. The last mention of this camp in the newspaper was in 1931.
Join us again next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#4328PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Starting Monday, June 9, 2025, Walworth Avenue will be closed to traffic from US Hwy 12 to Janesville Street. Local access will be maintained for residents of Walworth Avenue.
Motorists heading to Whitewater High School or the Aquatic & Fitness Center should use Elizabeth Street from the north to cross Walworth Avenue. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of August.
As was previously mentioned on The Banner, “Normally road construction in the city is its own responsibility. The Walworth Avenue project, however, was selected to be included in the funding provided to the state under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Consequently, the state will be responsible for 80% of the cost, leaving the city with only 20%.
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A partir del lunes 9 de junio de 2025, Walworth Avenue estará cerrada al tráfico desde US 12 hasta Janesville Street.
Los automovilistas que se dirijan a Whitewater High School o al Centro Acuático y de Fitness deben usar Elizabeth Street desde el norte para cruzar Walworth Avenue. Se espera que la construcción esté terminada a finales de agosto.
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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