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The city and Discover Whitewater have installed a new electronic message board in Flat Iron Park (where the Birge Fountain is located). The sign will replace the banners that have been hung over Main Street at various times to encourage voting and announce pancake breakfasts and other events.
Michelle Dujardin of the Parks and Recreation Department told The Whitewater Banner that the department is in the process of creating a policy that will address what kinds of messages may be placed on the sign and what the charges will be for an announcement. The Banner will post this information as it is provided to us.
Tuesday, May 5 is the opening outdoor market day!! And the taco truck will be there too!!! So excited to be back and be with everyone again. The market will be back in the parking lot at Cravath Lakefront Park.
Expect to see Kristie’s Creative Kitchen, RedBud Acres, MY Farm, Murphy Farms. The Vegetable Stand, Good Dog Farms, Books By Kimberly, Wood Street Bakery, Kettle Moraine Honey, Jazzed up Marshmallows, Small Batch by Jackie, 3D Printastic, Studio 84, Morningside Farms, and Best Taste!! The Whitewater Fire/EMS will also be present!
We will have a few new vendors this year too. Veggies are already starting to come in for some. The Vegetable Stand will have fresh asparagus and even horseradish plants
Samuel Phoenix Celebrates 90 Years
On April 10, members of the Samuel Phoenix Chapter, NSDAR [National Society Daughters of the American Revolution], celebrated its 90th anniversary with a tea party and historical program at the Terraces of Lake Geneva. The guest of honor was State Regent Gena Selby.
Looking back, the year was 1936, a pivotal year in America, marked by New Deal reforms, natural disasters, cultural milestones and a decisive presidential election. The Great Depression was still deeply influencing our world. The Social Security act became operational. Our President Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a decisive victory over his opponent showing strong support for his New Deal politics. But here in southeastern Wisconsin, in Delavan, other monumental things were happening. Hazel Eugenia Vanderpool Elithorp was organizing a new chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They petitioned the National Society for adoption and it was accepted and adopted. The Charter read: Whereas certain members of the National Society of the American Revolution, did, under the authorization of the National Board of Management, on the 18th day of April, 1936, organize a Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in the City of Delavan State of Wisconsin. The chapter honored its organizing Regent, Mrs. George Elithorp, by naming the chapter after her ancestor, John Melchert Vanderpool. ancestor.
Other founding officers were Fannie Smith Spurling, Vice Regent; Agnes More Hazard, Secretary; Marvel C. Hobart, Treasurer; Nellie M. Castle Betzer, Chaplain; Miriam Kirkpatrick, Historian; and. Laura Sage Jones, Registrar. Other notable members were Florence Schuyler Ballantyne, Ruth Barker Crowe, Mary Alice Francisco and Geneva Bowler Llewellyn.
Thirty years later, a new board and members decided that the name was too long and petitioned the National Board again and this time asked for a name change to Samuel Phoenix Chapter. Samuel Phoenix and his brother were the founders of Delavan. The national board approved the name change and on April 18, 1936, it became official. Today our membership covers southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Presently, we have 47 members with a few more waiting approvals. We are a service organization that meets monthly. For more information, you may contact Peggy Schutt, Registrar, 608-201-8162, pjs3130@gmail.com. You can also see our announcements on Facebook by entering our chapter name.
Photo names:
Front, left: Sonette Tippens, State Regent Gena Selby, State Vice Regent JaNelle Powers, Peggy Schutt; Middle: Judy Bartlett, Barbara Fadowski, Joanne Laufenberg, Chris Brookes, Kay Sargent, Charlene Staples, Jennifer Muraski, Carolyn Schultz; Back: Janet Zimmerman, Joyce Pagel, Kim Kohls, Brenda Harmon, Kelly Talty, Mary King.
Kettle Moraine Oak Opening State Natural Area gets national recognition for its beauty and biodiversity
Palmyra, Wis.,—The Kettle Moraine Oak Opening State Natural Area is being nationally recognized for its old trees, beauty and biodiversity. It will be formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) during an event in Palmyra on May 16, 2026.
The Kettle Moraine Oak Opening is the 11th Wisconsin location to be recognized, joining more than 320 forests nationwide recognized in the Old-Growth Forest Network.
“We’re grateful for the hard work of those who keep the trails open and take care of this place so that old trees, wildflowers and the life they harbor can continue to flourish in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. We’re honored to welcome this place into the national Network.” said Nick Sanchez, Forest Conservation Manager with the Old-Growth Forest Network.
The OGFN is a nonprofit working to recognize at least one forest in every forested county in the United States, creating a roadmap of family-friendly hikes that showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of the nation’s oldest forests.
Designated as a State Natural Area in 1991, the Kettle Moraine Oak Opening lies in the heart of the jumbled and rugged landscape of the interlobate moraine, an area of glacially-formed kettles, kames, and gravelly hills and ridges. The area is a mixture of oak opening and oak woodland dominated by open-grown bur and black oaks well over a century old. Small dry prairie openings occur on gravel knobs and steep south and west-facing ridges.
The Oak Opening State Natural Area can be accessed via a 1.5-mile portion of the Blue Spring Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail which runs from the southwest corner of the property to the northwest corner. This is a small portion of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail, which follows the extent of the last glacier.
“It’s exciting that the Ice Age Trail passes through a place now officially recognized as old-growth forest,” says Melissa Pierick, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “The Trail already connects people to some of Wisconsin’s most remarkable landscapes. This designation highlights just how special those experiences can be. Now as hikers walk among the old oaks, they’ll appreciate the beauty, history and biodiversity that make the Kettle Moraine Oak Opening so extraordinary.”
Public Invited to recognition ceremony and hike
The day’s festivities will begin with a brief recognition ceremony at Rushing Waters, beginning at 10 a.m. The ceremony will include remarks from Old-Growth Forest Network staff, Walworth/Jefferson Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers, and Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit volunteers.
Following the ceremony, there will be guided, interpretative hikes through the State Natural Area (3 miles roundtrip). Attendees will learn more about the forest, trees, and Ice Age Trail. An alternative shorter hike will be offered.
Hikers are encouraged to carpool from Rushing Waters due to limited parking at the Bald Bluff Nature Trail. Attendees should register on the OGFN’s website oldgrowthforest.net/upcoming-events.
May 16 Event Details:
10 a.m.: Recognition Ceremony Rushing Waters (N301 Co Rd H, Palmyra)
Followed by Guided Hike: starting at Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook Parking area on Hwy H.
Free Registration at: oldgrowthforest.net/upcoming-events.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
Learn more at whitewaterreferendum.org
For four weeks, Whitewater resident James Olm has been covering different aspects of the Hope Shelter for Ukrainian Refugees in Przemysl, Poland. The last episode, fittingly titled “Distributing Hope” outlines the details of managing supplies in and out of the Shelter to Ukraine, as well as finishing up an interview with one of the Ukrainian refugees.
Please scroll down for the video.
UW-Whitewater adds lettermark logo to Warhawk athletics brand
Written by Chris Lindeke | Graphic by Chris Hilbelink
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has unveiled a lettermark logo to enhance and expand the visual identity of Warhawk Athletics while honoring its longstanding tradition of athletics excellence.
The “W”-shaped lettermark was designed to be a complement to the Warhawk head logo that has been a prevalent part of the university brand for the last 25 years, as intercollegiate teams built UW-Whitewater into a consistent, national powerhouse.
“When I talk to recruits and their families, or connect with alumni, I’m reminded that our brand is about more than a logo — it’s about what it stands for,” said Ryan Callahan, assistant chancellor and director of intercollegiate athletics. “This new mark captures that intensity. It feels competitive, confident, and authentically Warhawk.”
The lettermark embodies the spirit of Warhawk Athletics — the stories that lead up to championship moments and the pride felt across campus and the broader community.
The new mark is not a replacement or rebrand. It is an intentional addition to an already strong identity.
“This is not a departure from who we are — it’s an evolution,” said Ann Stadler, assistant chancellor for marketing and communications. “We wanted to create something that feels uniquely ours — something that honors where we’ve been and represents where we’re going.”
The new logo was designed by Chris Hilbelink, art director of University Marketing and Communications, in partnership with Warhawk Athletics. A focus group that included UW-Whitewater students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders engaged with university leaders to share feedback throughout the creative process.
The lettermark will begin appearing later this year across select athletics applications, including warm-up gear, uniforms, digital platforms, and merchandise available through the UW-Whitewater Bookstore.
UW-Whitewater brand identity and guidelines »
UW-Whitewater Athletics has claimed 21 team national championships, including 18 in the last 25 years, and is an established, perennial national power as a member of NCAA Division III. Warhawks champion a cultural tradition of student-athletes prepared to succeed far beyond sports. In 2024-25, each of the Warhawks’ 20 programs achieved a team grade point average above 3.0, and Warhawk teams engage in thousands of hours of community service annually.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
On April 20 a group of people who feel strongly about Whitewater’s future had a minor success when the Common Council voted to lend wastewater utility reserve funds to a private developer for a housing development along the railroad tracks east of what used to be “Strands on the Floor at Bluff Road Marketplace.”
Common Council members had turned down a 0% loan of public funds to the developer on April 9 but at the April 20 special meeting gave the project the go ahead with the revolving loan to be at 3.5%. The vote was 5-2, with councilmembers Hicks, Majkrzak, Orin Smith, Singer and Sahyun voting in favor. Brian Schanen and Michael Smith voted no. The meeting was held on Greg Majkrzak’s last day on the council, with Gavin Kelleher to be sworn in as the District 2 member the next day.
A majority of council members appeared to be swayed by Comptroller Jeremiah Thomas’s argument that the money currently earns “roughly” 3.5% interest and this would at least be a break-even situation. There was an assertion by city staff that it could be a “money-maker.”
The city manager argued that the city Plan Commission and Community Development Authority had both reviewed the project and endorsed it. One council member pointed out that the Plan Commission does not routinely review financing details.
What wasn’t considered thoroughly by council members was the city’s financial advisor’s caution that the agreement would have city staff reviewing and paying the project costs with reimbursement by revolving loan funds contributed by wastewater utility reserves which would “take considerable staff time.” There was also mention by the consultant of the potential to use a state funded revolving loan program which would require payment of a higher interest rate by the developer.
Another of the city’s financial advising firm suggestions is that they consider a commonly used standard “PAYGO” agreement or ‘pay-as-you go” revolving loan program where the developer pays as the project progresses rather than have funding in place, got little or no discussion at last night’s meeting although it may have been discussed in closed session in an earlier meeting. The consultant’s report suggested that under PAYGO “the developer takes the majority of the risk.”
Other concerns were raised by citizens over the lack of experience on the part of the developer, the appropriateness of public funding favoring one developer over another and the lack of the agreed upon loan interest not capturing any compensation for the risk of failure of the project.
The development calls for 14 modular homes to be built on relatively small lots adjacent to an active railroad line. Four units would be built at a time. The developer is projecting that the homes will be selling in the low to mid $300’s, which would be lower than most other current developments. A city authored financial analysis of the developer’s ability to have adequate financial backing to complete the project at each phase indicated only 15% of the cost of constructing each phase of four homes would be covered by the developer.
Concerns voiced over the acknowledged inexperience of the developer did not sway the council members who voted in favor of the agreement rather than slowing down the process or to consider putting out a similarly financed project out to bid by other developers. It was noted that while much of the property that is involved is owned by the city, other parcels are privately owned.
City Press Release
The following press release regarding the project was provided by the city on April 22.
Additional document provided by the city
The following memo, written by Rachelle Blitch, city director of financial and administrative services, was sent to the city manager and Common Council on April 22. A copy was distributed to the press.
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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