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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Ripon College has announced its Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester recognizing academic excellence. To qualify for the Dean’s List at Ripon College, students must achieve a 3.40 grade point average or higher on a 4.00 scale and complete at least 12 credits of regular letter-graded works.
Heather Charter, a Senior from Whitewater, WI was named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Charter’s major(s) is/are Business Management, Economics. Minor: Philosophy
Founded in 1851, Ripon College is a private liberal arts and science institution nestled in Ripon, Wisconsin. Ripon College is dedicated to delivering personalized education through a diverse array of undergraduate programs and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring students enjoy a well-rounded college experience. Ripon College enrolls more than 700 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The college’s picturesque, historic campus and vibrant community provide a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Update 2/28/25 @ 5:30 p.m. – The forum will be livestreamed to our cable channel (Spectrum 990) and YouTube channel; here is the link to the livestream https://www.youtube.com/live/9I3i3lMcQdU?si=iYRS4Y74fVjNVbvO
Whitewater Common Council Candidate Forum on March 1
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold a Candidate Forum for City of Whitewater Common Council candidates on Saturday, March 1, 10:00 am-11:30 am, in the City of Whitewater Community Room, 312 W Whitewater Street.
Mike Smith and J Christopher Wilt are in a contested race for the Common Council Aldermanic District 1 seat. Both candidates will be in attendance at the forum. Uncontested candidates, who will also be present at the forum, are Steven Sahyun (AD3) and Patrick Singer (At Large Seat). Neil Hicks, running unopposed in AD5, will not be attending. League board member Lynn Binnie will serve as moderator.
The League sponsors candidate forums for the benefit of YOU, the voter. At the forum, you will be asked to write your questions on cards distributed by the League. Questions are reviewed by question checkers, who sort them by topic and check for redundancy, before forwarding them to the moderator. We do not accept questions targeted to specific candidates. Questions prepared by the League board will be used only if there are not enough questions provided by residents in attendance at the forum.
Bring your family and neighbors! Be an active participant in our democracy! And please mark your calendar for a WUSD School Board Candidate Forum, to be held on Saturday, March 15, 10 am – 11:30 am.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.
Updated 2/27/25 @ 4:45 p.m. to add the photo below.
The Whitewater High School Players will be performing “The Good Doctor” in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at WHS on Feb. 27 & 28 and Mar. 1 at 7 p.m., and Mar. 2 at 2 p.m. General seating tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. For more information call the box office at 262-472-8178.
Written by Neil Simon, “The Good Doctor” is charming, hilarious, sad, and touching. It consists of a series of short plays, based on short stories by Russian author Anton Chekhov. The scenes, when experienced one after another, give you a strong sense of Chekhov’s take on the human condition, embellished by Simon’s wit and pithy dialogue. The Writer is the one unifying element in the scenes, introducing and commenting on them. The audience meets a variety of characters, all of whom are immediately relatable and strikingly human.
The photo above is of “The Writer,” and the photos below are of the eight stories that are depicted in the play. All are from the final dress rehearsal, courtesy of Tom Ganser.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance will host “From Whitewater to the World: The Etchings of Léon Rene Pescheret” from February 27 to March 30, 2025, at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main St., Whitewater. The exhibition features the work of Léon Rene Pescheret (1892–1971), a British-born American printmaker known for his color and monochrome etchings of Gothic cathedrals in Europe, world’s fairs, northern Wisconsin woods, and the former “State Teachers College” (now UW-Whitewater). Pescheret set up his studio in Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1936 and worked there for over 30 years, producing prints that appealed to local and international viewers.
The exhibit is curated by Ashley Dimmig, PhD, a WAA Board member and the Crossman Gallery Director and Art History Lecturer at UW-Whitewater’s Department of Art and Design. She earned her PhD in Art History from the University of Michigan in 2019 and oversees the gallery, curates exhibitions, and teaches art history.
The exhibition features prints loaned by private collectors Ed Hale, Pat Blackmer, and Dan Richardson, alongside works from the Crossman Gallery at UW-Whitewater. Together, these pieces show Pescheret’s ability to turn diverse landscapes and cultural moments into detailed etchings. This exhibition presents nearly 80 of his prints, a mere slice of his vast body of work, shedding light on the depth and breadth of his career. Pescheret’s philosophy of creating affordable prints stemmed from his belief that art should be accessible to everyday people, not just wealthy collectors.
Join us for an opening reception and panel discussion with the curator and the collectors on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 12 pm-3 pm at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main St., Whitewater. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and hear insights from collectors about Pescheret’s enduring impact. This event is free and open to the public.
About Whitewater Arts Alliance:
The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community.
Whitewater Arts Alliance / Cultural Arts Center
402 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI, 53190
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance
Gallery Exhibit Hours
Thursdays: 12-4 pm
Fridays: 12-4 pm
Saturdays: 12-4 pm
Sundays: 12-4 pm
Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.
UW-Whitewater students recognized by Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
A total of 15 students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater were recognized as award winners at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) 2025 Student Forum on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
The following student was recognized at the WBA 2025 Student Forum as the recipient of a Student Excellence Award:
Whitewater, WI: Carter Waelchli, who is studying Communication, won the following award: First place, Best TV Sports Play-By-Play.
As an institution, UW-Whitewater took home 11 awards, including three for first place in a category, two for second place and six for third place. The university swept the Sports Show category by earning first, second, and third place. More than 30 students from UWW-TV, the university’s student television network, and WSUW / 91.7 The Edge, the university’s student radio station, attended the seminar.
The WBA is a state broadcasters membership group that was established in 1951. Its main purpose is to promote the development of the arts of aural and visual broadcasting in all its forms, working closely with statewide educators and broadcast managers/directors to encourage and promote customs and practices that will strengthen and maintain the broadcast industry to best serve the public.
The WBA also recognizes state broadcasters, professionals, and student/amateur broadcasters with annual seminars and recognitions. Students in the media studies program at UW-Whitewater have the opportunity each spring to attend several networking break-out sessions during the annual Student Seminar, typically held in late February or early March.
UWW-TV and WSUW, each supported by UW-Whitewater, provide students with hands-on experience in producing high-quality content both behind the scenes and on camera. To learn more about UWW-TV, visit uwwtv.org. To learn more about WSUW, visit 917theedge.weebly.com.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
Mark Dorn writes, “Eight afternoon visitors right outside my sunroom window at the Village at Trippe Lake condos. 4 pm Wednesday afternoon, February 19.”
Our thanks to Mark Dorn for catching and sharing another great 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!
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team, the defending NCAA Division III national runner-up and the favorite to repeat as conference champion, begins its 2025 season Friday, Feb. 28.
The Warhawks are picked to finish first in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) this spring and are ranked No. 1 in the D3baseball.com/National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason National Poll.
Last year, the Warhawks won the WIAC title by finishing 19-5 in conference play and 45-12 overall. UW-Whitewater won NCAA regional and super regional championships on its way to the NCAA Division III national championship series, where they were outlasted in a best-of-three series to finish as national runner-up.
John Vodenlich, a 2024 American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, enters his 22nd year as head coach of the Warhawks.
UW-Whitewater begins its season Feb. 28 at Asbury University (Ky.) and plays its first home game March 26 against St. Mary’s (Minn.). For a complete season schedule, visit uwwsports.com.
The following area student completed a certificate requirement at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in December.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions comprising the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is a top-ranked national university. It is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students, according to Niche’s Best Colleges ranking.
The following student completed her program requirements in December:
Whitewater, WI
Terilyn Robles, Certificate, Educational Leadership Certificate
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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