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The spring primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 21 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Whitewater has only one polling place for this election, the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street. The ballot for city residents may be viewed here. Wards 1-10 are in Walworth County; Wards 11-13 are in Jefferson County. However, aside from formatting, the ballots are identical.
State Supreme Court – Vote for One
Candidates in Ballot Order
– Janet C. Protasiewicz
– Daniel Kelly
– Everett D. Mitchell
– Jennifer R. Dorow
Updated: A nonpartisan voters guide to the Supreme Court race may be viewed here. Una guia no partidista a la elección de la Corte Suprema se puede ver aquí.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Member – Vote for up to three; the six candidates with the highest votes will advance to the general election on April 4, with three candidates being elected.
Candidates in Ballot Order
- Christy Linse
- Joseph A. Kromholz
- Michael Bergman
- John D. Truesdale
- Daniel Dern
- Chuck Mills
- Nathan Vander Pas (Editor’s note: Vander Pas withdrew from active candidacy)
- Stephanie Hicks
- Will Dammeir
- Brian Schanen
- Thayer A. Coburn
- Lisa Huempfner
All eleven active candidates responded to a Banner questionnaire. Their responses may be viewed here.
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area held a school board forum on January 28. Ten of the eleven candidates participated in this two hour event. The video may be viewed here.
Specific types of photo identification are required in order to vote. This website shows the acceptable forms of ID.
Citizens may register to vote at the polls. Proof of residence is required. This website shows the acceptable forms. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:
- will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
- has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election.
The Whitewater Wrestling Team traveled to Evansville on Saturday, February 18, to participate in the Sectional Wrestling tournament with the top three advancing to the individual state tournament. This is a competitive day with lots of emotions for students, coaches, and families. Whitewater competed hard in every match, and when the dust settled we will have two competing on Thursday at the Kohl Center.
Lauren Buehler became Whitewater’s first qualifier in the new format by securing two pins on her way to the championship. She started the day with a very fast pin and in the finals was down 4-5 going into the 3rd period, went up 10-5, and then was able to secure the pin. The excitement on her face was priceless.
Aaron Porras started out the day with a convincing 15-point victory and then followed that up with a very tough win against a strong young man from Belleville. This brought him into the championship. This was an outstanding match but unfortunately ended up in a scramble and got put to his back in a tied match. He then had to hold onto his second-place finish and did so defeating a young man who had defeated him at the Mid-States tournament.
Just missing out on a trip to state was Connor Friend who placed fourth, losing his 3rd place match 6-5.
Great job Lauren and Aaron!
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The gymnastics team competed at the conference meet on Friday night in Waterford. All the girls crushed it. Our JV team had their best meet of the season with 9 out 15 season or lifetime best scores and their highest team score!
Every single one of our JV Beam gymnasts had a lifetime best score and a season best team score of 21.1. Brooke Bazeley, Grace Coleman, and Alexa Wildenberg all scored 5.40, while Stephanie Walters scored 4.9, and Gabby Pena Perroni scored 3.6. Brooke and Alexa had no fall beam routines. Mady Hefty and Halee Peters from the varsity side also had no fall beam routines.
Although we had no season best scores on Vault – all the girls were so close to their season best scores that they earned a season best team score of 31.375.
The Floor was another strong rotation for our JV team. Stephanie Walters earned a 6.8, followed by Brooke Bazeley with a 6.4 and Payton Brautigam with a 6.10 – lifetime best scores for all three. JV scored their highest team score on floor with a 22.8. Varsity girls also had their highest team score of the season with a 30.35. Alexa Wildenberg earned herself a season best score of 6.2. The rest of the Varsity team scored very close to their bests.
The girls will be competing at sectionals at Mount Horeb High School on Thursday, February 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
In collaboration with the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), the Vinery Stained Glass Studio will be hosting a social night at their building—218 Elkhorn Road, Whitewater, WI 53190–on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. This is a $40 class on fused glass with the theme of barn squares. All materials are provided onsite. This is a precursor course to bring awareness to the WAA’s Public Art Project. Members of the alliance can get a 10% discount, they need only give their name to the Vinery to obtain it. The class is open to everyone of all ages. Additionally, this is a new collaboration that should appear bi-monthly.
No sign up required; show up at the Vinery the day of!
To learn more about the class, visit either the WAA’s page, https://www.whitewaterarts.org/vinery-glass-waa-night, or the Vinery’s Facebook page, https://facebook.com/events/s/fused-glass-barn-quilt/2205916136261185/.
Greetings everyone from The Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Beginning March 1st, 2023, The Whitewater Community Food Pantry will close at 11:30 a.m. rather than 12:00 noon. Therefore, the new hours for Wednesday and Thursday will be 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The pantry is located at 146 North Street, Whitewater, WI, Second Floor of the Old Armory.
With the end of the year 2022 The Whitewater Community Food Pantry served 262 families. In the average week we provided food for about 72 adults and 41 children. Your generous donations and support from everyone, including the churches, schools, companies, organizations, clubs, our farmers and gardeners and the various food drives have made it possible for the pantry to take care and provide for these families.
The food pantry has 22 volunteers who have put in over 3070 hours of their time to serve and help the patrons.
With the new year well underway, as of the end of January, we have 90 families registered which amounts to 228 individuals.
Anyone in need of food is welcome to register with The Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Should you need help you will need to provide us with:
1. Identification of yourself and all occupants of your household. For children: birth certificate, passport, school report card or library card.
2. Proof of your name and address (utility bill, rental agreement etc.) to show you live within the Whitewater Unified School District.
3. These documents must be provided as soon as possible but no later than the third visit.
4. You must show ID each time you pick up food.
Beginning March 1, the food pantry will be open every week Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thank you all for your thoughtfulness to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
The varsity gymnastics team had their last invite of the season in Platteville, Saturday, February 11, 2023. The season may be winding down, but the girls are getting stronger!
The girls started strong on the Floor where Halee Peters did a front layout for the first time. She led the team with an 8.0725, followed by Makayla Bazeley with a 7.725, and Mady Hefty with a 7.45. Rounding out our Floor competitors were Nola Coburn with a 6.9 and Alexa Wildenberg scoring 5.75. The team scored 30.1475 on Floor.
The next rotation brought the girls to the Vault where they were all very close to their season best scores. Mady Hefty led the team with an 8.0, followed close by Halee Peters with a 7.9. Makayla Bazeley scored a 7.5, while Nola Coburn came in with a 7.3 and Brenda Aguilar scored a 6.95. The Vault team scored a 30.7.
Uneven Bars was another amazing rotation for the girls where all of them scored very close to their season bests or exceeded. Makayla Bazeley led this round scoring her lifetime best of 7.70 when she included uprises into her routine. She has been working extremely hard to be able to add them into a meet; we were all so excited to see her do them so confidently. Halee Peters was just behind her with a 7.625, while Mady Hefty scored 5.875 and Nola Coburn scored 4.325. The team scored 25.525 on Bars.
The last rotation was on the Balance Beam where the team scored 27.2. Halee Peters led the way again with her no fall Beam routine and earned a 7.775 while Mady Hefty scored a season best of 7.0 and also had a no fall routine. Makayla Bazeley came in at 6.325, Nola Coburn scored a 6.1 and Brenda Aguilar scored 5.85.
All Around scores came in with Halee Peters at 31.3725, Makayla Bazeley at 29.25, Mady Hefty at 28.325 and Nola Coburn at 24.625.
Come watch more twists, flips, leaps, and turns on Friday, February 17th, when the girls compete at the conference meet at Waterford High School. Sectionals will take place on Thursday, February 23rd.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Whippets traveled to Evansville Monday night for a girls basketball game. We played a very strong 1st half. Our defense was tough both inside and out. The key was our communication, which helped us protect the hoop and close out on the shooters on the perimeter. Offensively, we attacked the rim and shot confidently from outside. We went into half up 25-23.
In the second half, Evansville adjusted their defense giving them an opportunity to go on a scoring run by getting steals and connecting on fast breaks. That created a 24-point scoring deficit quickly. We fought back tirelessly, putting pressure on them defensively and working our offense by getting the ball inside. We closed the gap but came up short 51-57.
Calli Grosinske led the Whippets with 14 points, 5 assists, and 7 steals. Mayte Navejas added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 steals. Cali Kopecky scored 9 points and had 6 rebounds. Danielle DePorter also added 9 points and 4 rebounds.
The Whippets take on Clinton at home for Senior Night on Thursday, February 16.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Three current and one former Whitewater High School student were recently honored by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) with the Aspirations in Computing award. Senior Jazmin Cederberg and former student Arsonic Webster-Barczak were named Wisconsin Winners, while Senior Dayna Carlson and Freshman Ace Hudec earned Wisconsin Honorable Mentions. All four have studied computer science extensively at WHS and are members of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team.
The students will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on May 7 that will feature college booths, many young IT professionals with whom students can network, and a keynote speaker. Students will receive a medal and a prize bag filled with goodies from local businesses and organizations that value each student’s accomplishments and applications.
NCWIT is a non-profit community of more than 1,400 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women in the world of computing. NCWIT helps organizations recruit, retain, and advance those who identify as women or non-binary from K-12 and higher education through industry and entrepreneurial careers by providing community, evidence, and action. They do this by providing opportunities to awardees for networking, career development, and community-building.
Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Obituaries
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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more
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Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs. He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class. After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958. Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun. He was … Read more
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