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

Today is Saturday, July 27, 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.

Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Local Business’s Growth

November 11, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Council.

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce recently helped one of Whitewater’s longest standing Edward Jones offices celebrate their expansion and move to a larger office location.

Michael Harenza, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, has been serving the Whitewater community’s investment needs for almost 30 years. He recently moved his offices to 1204 E Bluff Rd in Whitewater giving him the opportunity to invite additional financial advisors to join him in helping Whitewater residents and businesses navigate their investment journeys. The new offices offer a beautiful and flexible space to host clients and provide financial services beyond the normal suite of offerings. Joining Michael in the new offices are financial advisors Josh Peterson and Heather Stelzer and Client Account Administrators Amy Scherrer and Theresa Thompson. This dynamic team is ready to guide their current and new clients through the landscape of financial security and freedom.

The Chamber and its ambassadors celebrated this move and expansion with an official ribbon cutting on November 1st. The sunny and warm fall morning provided a great opportunity to congratulate them on this momentous occasion and tour their wonderful new facility! The Chamber encourages anyone looking for someone to guide them on their investment needs to stop in and meet this amazing group. The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have partners like Edward Jones on our team!

Picture Edward Jones Ribbon Cutting;
Left to right, Amy Oeding-Chamber Board member with UW-Whitewater, Josh Peterson-Edward Jones, Kathy Weiss-Edward Jones, Amy Scherrer-Edward Jones, Michael Harenza-Edward Jones, Theresa Thompson-Edward Jones, Heather Stelzer-Edward Jones, Lisa Dawsey-Chamber Board member with Downtown Whitewater, Inc., Kellie Carper-Chamber Exec. Director, Krystal Walsh-Chamber Board member with Premier Bank , Amy Fox-Chamber Board member with NextHome Success, Steve Fairchild-Chamber Ambassador with SteveO’s, Denise Maple-Chamber Ambassador with Live Life Spiritual Direction, LLC

For information about Chamber membership and the benefits of becoming a partner in Whitewater please contact Executive Director, Kellie Carper at (262) 473-4005 or by email at info@whitewaterchamber.com.

UW-W’s Tanya Y. Kam Honored as an Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award Recipient

November 11, 2022

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the University of Wisconsin System.

UW System honors Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award recipients for 2022

The University of Wisconsin System has announced the 13 recipients of the 2022 Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award, an annual honor given to faculty, staff, students, or community members to recognize their achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the UW System as well as communities across the state.

This year is the 27th anniversary of the award through which more than 400 women of color have been recognized for their transformational work.

“The UW System has a longstanding commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at our universities,” said UW System President Jay Rothman. “We are proud to honor these women of color whose achievements in advocacy and scholarship have transformed our campuses and communities to be more equitable and inclusive.”

Recipients will be formally recognized on November 10, 2022, in Madison at an awards ceremony and reception hosted by UW System. The ceremony and reception will be held in conjunction with UW System’s presentation of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Awards for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People.

The 2022 Outstanding Women of Color in Education honorees are:

  • Stacey M. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University Counseling Center Clinician, UW-Eau Claire
  • Robyn Davis, President and CEO, Brown County United Way, Green Bay, Wis., selected by UW-Green Bay
  • Jazzma Holland, Interim Assistant Director, Multicultural Student Services,UW-La Crosse
  • Carolina S. Sarmiento, Assistant Professor, School of Human Ecology; Affiliate, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, UW-Madison
  • Wilkistar Otieno, AssociateProfessor, Chair, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, UW-Milwaukee
  • Heidi J. Nicholls, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, UW Oshkosh
  • Trina D. Patterson, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, UW-Parkside
  • Brittany Sherman, Multicultural Advisor, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, UW-Platteville
  • Dionna Berzat, Student, Elementary Education Major, Communication Studies Minor, UW-River Falls
  • Guresi Mena, Assistant Coach, Women’s Volleyball, UW-Stevens Point
  • Masako Onodera, Professor, Department of Art and Art History, UW-Stout
  • Cherie Dakota, Assistant Professor, Social Work, UW-Superior
  • Tanya Y. Kam, Professor, Department of Literature and Languages, UW-Whitewater

Each UW System university was invited to select one woman to receive the award, which highlights each recipient’s contributions to improving the status and climate for women and people of color and to advancing the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served – No Mail

November 10, 2022

[From Wikipedia]

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces (who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).[1][2] It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.[3] Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major US veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.[4]

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a US public holiday in May. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all US military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.[5] Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the US military. Additionally, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number of US states that specifically honor women who have served in the US military.

Editor’s note: The image on the homepage, “Veterans Day” by The U.S. Army is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Community Space Reopening Food Pantry Only Tues.; Donations Welcome During Open Hours

November 10, 2022

The Community Space has gotten to a point where we’re willing to reopen beginning Tuesday, November 15. We will be providing our visitors with food pantry services only, during regular hours of operation.

Tuesday 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Wednesday 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m. until noon

At this point we are working together design a way to deal with the rest of The Community Space. One thing we’re sure of is that we need more dedicated volunteers to get us back in action. Takes a village!!! We need help.

We will also begin to take donations again! This will only be during our open hours and by appointment!

There should be NO donations dropped off when we are closed!


The Community Space 
(262) 379-0187

Effigy Mounds Preserve Tour – Saturday

November 10, 2022
Meeting place for the tour (Lynn Binnie photo)

Kori Oberle, member of Whitewater Landmarks Commission, a historian and award winning author, will be giving a guided tour of the Effigy Mounds Preserve, a Whitewater Landmark, on Saturday, November 12 at 10 a.m.

The public is invited to attend. The meeting spot will be in front of the green Effigy Mounds Preserve sign on the west side of Indian Mound Park Way. The tour will take about 30-40 minutes, and just 3 of the 13 mounds will be somewhat visible.

Oberle spoke at the Whitewater Effigy Mounds Preserve presentation on Monday evening at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. Whitewater residents spoke of their concern about the current state of the preserve.

Oberle stated the preserve is only one third of the way accessible due to overgrowth.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: National Guard Deployment 1951

November 10, 2022
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Happy Veterans’ Day and thanks to all the men and women who have served in the armed forces. This week’s image is from July of 1951 as Whitewater’s National Guard unit was packing up to leave Camp Ripley in Minnesota after a two-week training deployment.

The late Russ Fero of Whitewater was a member of the National Guard and donated a number of photos of National Guard summer camp activities, including this view. According to a report on the Camp Ripley deployment, the Whitewater guardsmen were named the best group in their regiment (the 127th) and the 127th regiment was named the best group of the camp. Quite an honor for Whitewater men!

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(1839P, Whitewater Historical Society)
 
 

Music Mosaics : Jay Craggs & Friends

November 9, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music is excited to announce the second concert of the Music Mosaics series this fall with Contemporary Electric Guitar with Jay Craggs & Friends. All proceeds from the Music Mosaics series go directly towards scholarships for Department of Music students. This performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13 in the Light Recital Hall. Advance ticket prices are $14 for the general public, $12 for over 65, $7 for individuals under 18 and free for all UW-Whitewater students. A $2 surcharge will be added to tickets purchased at the door. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222.

As a guitarist and composer, Jay Cragg has extensive experience as headliner, sideman, and bandleader on thousands of local, regional, national, and international bookings. Jay has performed, recorded, or opened for a large number of jazz, rock, and entertainment notables including Bobby Shew, Jeff Tyzik, Wynton Marsalis, Steve Wiest, Paul McKee, James Moody, Ritchie Cole, Bob Mintzer, Dennis DiBlasio, Chris Vadalla, Buddy Rich, Dave Wekl, Ricky Lawson, Steve Houghton, Dave Mancini, and many others. As an educator, Jay has developed curriculum and taught music technology courses for Columbia College Chicago, Madison Media Institute, and UW-Whitewater. Jay has also presented clinics, lectures, and performances at music industry trade shows throughout the U.S.

Join Jay Craggs and Friends for an evening of contemporary electric guitar. The performance will feature exciting compositions by Chic Corea, Pat Metheny, and Jay Craggs, as well as classic jazz standards and interesting insights into the music and composers. Featuring some of the Midwest’s strongest performers, this will be a musical experience you won’t want to miss.

School District Referendum Passes; Superintendent Shares Gratitude for Support

November 9, 2022

Unofficial results for the Whitewater Unified School District Referendum on November 8 indicate that it passed with approximately a 56.2% “yes” vote. The count by county is as follows:

WalworthJefferson RockTotal
Yes29686242403832
No22624592642985
Total 523010835046817

The following statement was received from Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent.

WUSD Residents Approve Operational Referendum

The preliminary results of the November 8 election indicate that voters have approved the operational referendum question on the ballot for the Whitewater Unified School District. 

As a result, WUSD will be able to maintain academic and athletic opportunities, student support and mental health services, comprehensive instructional and co-curricular programs, and technology and facilities infrastructure. It will allow the district to exceed its revenue limit to cover operational expenses over the next four years.

The mill rate will not increase due to the approved referendum. In fact, the current mill rate is projected to decrease from the current $11 per every $1,000 of fair market property value, to $8.76.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and the great conversations we have had throughout this process,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “Thanks to the engagement of our community, we were able to present a solution that made the most sense for our district and our residents. We look forward to continuing our efforts to provide the best-possible learning opportunities for our students across grade levels.”

The canvass to certify the results will be held on Friday, November 11, at the District Office. 

Obituaries

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

Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

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

Read More

Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

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

Read More