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
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.
Wisconsin Badger Bench built by Rod Berg
Two items added to the ONLINE Silent Auction! A “Heart Prairie” cedar chest and a Wisconsin Badger bench – both built by the late Rod Berg – the last custom pieces built by Mr. Berg specifically for First English Lutheran Church.
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
About Our Auction
The Women of the ELCA at First English Lutheran Church (Whitewater, Wisconsin) conduct an annual Christkindlmarket. This year, the fundraiser will take place inside the church as well as out in the parking lot on November 5th, 2022. The ONLINE Silent Auction, that takes place earlier from October 10th – 31st, is part of this fundraiser.
Monies raised assist charities in the local area as well as in the larger world.
They include:
-Bethel House
-Lutheran Social Services
-ELCA World Hunger Appeal
-Whitewater Food Pantry
-Lutheran World Relief (shipping fund)
-Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless
-Lutherdale Bible Camp
-Lutherdale camper scholarships
-Campus & Community spaghetti suppers
-Women of the ELCA
-Seminary scholarships
About WELCA’s Christkindlmarket
A Christkindlmarkt is a European street market held during advent with a history that goes back to medieval times. At these markets, farmers came to town to shop and to offer their wares.
Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas decorations and traditional handicrafts, such as hand carved nutcrackers and straw ornaments. Linens were also sold at Christkindlmarkets.
From open-air stalls, food and drink were served. The early markets were usually held in front of churches and were looked at as part of a church visit.
The name, Christkindlmarket, can even be attributed to Martin Luther. He suggested that children exchange gifts because of das Christkind, the Christ Child
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or
bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some
women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take
control of their life.
A class can help. Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder
is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control
of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides information, group activities,
and simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three,
2-hour sessions over the course of a month. Dedication to the series of three classes is
required.
This is a workshop for females, taught by a female. It has been our most popular class in the last 15 months and has helped many, many women.
The ADRC of Rock County-Aging Unit and Mercy Health Systems are partnering to offer a
Mind Over Matter workshop this fall at the Hedberg Public Library in Janesville. The
workshop series will be on three Wednesday mornings (every other week) from 10 a.m. – 12
p.m. on November 16, 30 and December 14, 2022. Space is limited, please call ASAP if
interested.
To learn more, or to pre-register for the workshop by November 3rd, contact Lisa
Messer at the ADRC of Rock County/Aging Unit at: 608-757-5309.
Congratulations to Whitewater High School Senior Anderson Waelchli on his selection into the 2022 Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School State Honors Mixed Choir! This year, more than 1,100 students auditioned for 429 positions in five ensembles.
Anderson will be performing at the Overture Center in Madison on October 27th, at 8:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School will be honoring Anderson with the new Whippet Walk tradition on Wednesday, October 26th.
Congratulations, Anderson!
Article and Photo Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org
The Whippets battled throughout the regional final WIAA volleyball match on Saturday, October 22, that what would be their last of the season, losing to #1 seeded Edgewood in 4 sets 15-25, 15-25, 25-22, 21-25.
“Seeing this season come to an end is so bittersweet. We had such a great ride, and this team is something absolutely special; we are so sad to see it end. I think I can speak for every person who was part of this team when I say, this season is one we will all cherish. We won together, we lost together, we battled together, but most of all we supported each other, and we played some great volleyball!
This was the absolute best team I have ever coached. And, in reality, it had nothing to do with our wins, and we had some great ones, rather it had everything to do with the culture we created. We loved coming together on the floor in practice or game, and we made it our mission to make each other better. And, we did just that. We are all better because of the time we shared being part of this team. I have said many times before, I have never coached a more selfless team. These seniors led the way, and our younger players saw firsthand what it means to be part of something so special, what it means to be in a Whippet uniform.
Seniors Caroline Skindingsrude, CC Alexander, Cali Kopecky, Jenna Pope, Cristal Verduzco, Caleigh Yang, and Kindyl Kilar led this team by the example they set every day. Whether they were on the court or cheering from the sidelines, they cared about each other and played this game for each other. We definitely found success, with a record of 23-9, but saying good-bye to this team is incredibly hard. They all hold a special place in my heart, and we will all forever cherish the memories made this season!
The match found the Whippets struggling in sets one and two. However, they never quit. The Whippets rallied and took set three. This carried over to set four, and we were exchanging point for point. Ultimately, the Crusaders rallied to win the fourth. Even with the loss, I could not be more proud of this team, these athletes, and this program.
It is always hard to say goodbye to our seniors. However, what we know for certain is that each of these student athletes have bright futures. Special thanks to all our fans and families, and to Mr. Crandall, our Athletic Director, for his support this season.
Statistical leaders included Calli Grosinske with 28 assists, Cali Kopecky with 3 aces, Caleigh Yang with 20 digs, Aidyn Amundson and Kindyl Kilar with a block a piece, and Kilar with a double double with 17 kills and 18 digs. Leaders for Edgewood included Gillian Koning with 15 kills, Ella Weber with 18 assists, Jocelyn Romadka with 2 aces, Weber with 13 digs, and Addie Schmotzer with 5 blocks.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
The Whippet CC teams competed in their WIAA Sectional hosted by Racine St. Catherine’s at the UW-Parkside National CC course on Saturday, October 22. The weather was quite warm, but the racing was even better as this meet displays the best of the best as a trip to state is on the line as the top two teams and the top five individuals not on those qualifying teams earn a trip to State in one week.
The girls ran first and had a strong pack throughout their race. Mady Hefty led the team for the final time this season as she came home in 24th with a time of 23:16. Not far behind were three more Whippets. Athena Soto placed 26th, Nola Coburn 27th, and Jackie Franco 29th. Their times were 23:16, 23:28, and 23:40 respectively. Senior Caelyn Caputo gave it her all to finish 40th with a time of 24:22. Packed up in the 6th and 7th runner spots were Lauren Buehler finishing 51st and Emma Weigel in 53rd with times of 25:05 and 25:10. The girls finished in fifth place overall to cap off a great season. This girls’ program battled all season long and has done a terrific job representing not only themselves but the Whippet name, on a high level. The team officially says goodbye to the outstanding leadership from seniors Elisa Albertini, Caelyn Caputo, Evie Troxel, and Emma Weigel.
The Whippet boys toed the line next and were led by Nate Holden and Jack Hefty running side by side for the first time in program history (see the attached picture which was just over 1.5 miles into the race). They tag-teamed a runner from Clinton and put him away in the back woods loop as they spurred on. Nate emerged ahead of Jack in the final mile but Nate’s work was not done. He had secured himself a spot at state in his current position but he kept pressing and catching a few more runners and claimed 4th overall and was the first runner not on one of the qualifying teams. It was a huge race for him! Nate completed the race in 17:27. Jack came home in 7th overall, and the 4th individual qualifier to match his state qualifying position from last season. Jack finished in 18:00. Senior CJ Tomomitsu rebounded nicely after last week’s illness to finish his career off well by placing 29th in 19:36. Miles Nickelsburg placed 26th in 20:02. Sophomores Onyx Thompson and Andrew O’Toole packed together throughout to claim 66th and 67th with times of 21:44 and 21:45. Fellow Sophomore Xavier Zei placed 76th with a time of 22:13. This group placed fifth overall, one point away from fourth. They, too, had a really strong season and many reasons to keep their chin up and be proud of the accomplishments they achieved together. We officially say goodbye to the seniors as their race has come to an end. A special think you to Keith Cameron, Ben McCulloch, and CJ Tomomitsu for their leadership and guidance over the last four years!
Next up will be the WIAA State Cross Country meet for Nate Holden and Jack Hefty. The boys’ division 2 race is slated to begin at 2:35 at the Ridge Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, October 29th. All state meet information can be found at this link. You can also email Coach Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org, should you have any questions.
Go, Whippets!
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
Photos Courtesy of Erica Holden and Jeff Hefty
The Whippets had a sensational day in the pool on Saturday, October 22, in Platteville against 6 other teams! Taking a 4th place finish as a team, the Whippets brought home 18 medals and many best times!
Top 8 (medal winners):
200 Medley Relay (1st – 2:03.42): Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley
200 Freestyle (4th – 2:16.63): Brooke Bazeley
100 IM (8th – 1:11.84): Emerson Dunham
200 IM (2nd – 2:20.91): Makayla Bazeley
50 Freestyle (2nd – 26.59): Grace Foucault
100 Butterfly (2nd – 1:02.32): Makayla Bazeley
500 Freestyle (4th – 6:00.45): Brooke Bazeley
500 Freestyle (8th – 6:49.39): Charlotte Hajewski
100 Backstroke (1st – 1:02.02): Grace Foucault
100 Breaststroke (5th – 1:24.26): Emerson Dunham
100 Breaststroke (7th – 1:25.37): Josie Treder
400 Freestyle Relay (4th – 4:02.98): Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Grace Foucault
Other top 16 finishes included:
- Charlotte Hajewski (100 IM – 14th)
- Josie Treder (50 Freestyle – 15th)
- Karime Velazquez (100 Butterfly – 12th)
- Ashly Xochipa (100 Freestyle – 12th, 100 Backstroke – 12th)
- Atreya Wilson (100 Breaststroke – 15th)
Up next the Whippets head to the Conference Championship Meets. Tuesday, October 25 is JV Conference at Elkhorn, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 29th is Varsity Conference at Jefferson, starting at 11a.m. Hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the City of Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater would like to remind everyone that winter parking hours go into effect on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
It is unlawful for the operator or owner of any vehicle to park the vehicle on any street in the City between the
hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any day from November 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023, except as hereinafter
provided:
• Physicians and surgeons shall be permitted to park vehicles at any time when the physician is on
emergency call.
• Parking shall be permitted in the downtown parking area after 5 a.m. of such period.
• By special advance arrangement with the Public Works Director.
Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the penalties and provisions set
forth in Sections 11.56.010(4) and 11.56.010(5) of the Municipal Code. [According to the code, the minimum fine is $20, besides the possibility of towing and storage charges.]
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-0139
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The excitement and joy of solving challenging problems was evident as members of the elementary and high school robotics teams shared their experiences with members of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) on Thursday, October 20, in the high school library. DKG promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education, and this chapter is made up of mainly retired educators from the Whitewater School District. DKG has been a supporter of Ferradermis, the high school FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team for years, writing grants for the team to purchase a 3D printer and other materials. This year, members of DKG would like to focus their grant writing on our elementary and middle school FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams.
Presentations began with student representatives from the FLL teams at Washington, Lincoln, and Lakeview Elementary Schools, who shared information about both their robot tasks and their innovation projects. At one point, students carried their LEGO creations around the room to allow DKG members to see them up close. The FLL portion of the presentation concluded with a demonstration of one of their Spike Prime robots completing a mission to turn a wind turbine. FLL has been a part of WUSD for five years in various forms, with the first team being formed at Lincoln Elementary in the fall of 2018 under the guidance of then Ferradermis member Bennett Miles. Since that time, FLL has become part of the Advanced Learner Program in the district for 4th and 5th graders. The Washington teams are led by Val Troxel and Chris Nate, the Lincoln teams are led by Lisa Kaminski, and the Lakeview team operates under the guidance of Sara Brautigam. The team at the middle school this year is operating under the direction of Kerry Ramsden. Ferradermis member Peter Portwine is currently helping mentor the middle school team. The Whitewater teams are all waiting to hear if they will receive an invitation to compete at the Mukwonago Regional on November 19, but they are also planning an in-district competition between the teams.
Ferradermis members Peter Portwine, Maddi LaHaie, and Andrew Zimmermann then provided a brief update on the activities that Ferradermis has been engaged in over the course of the last year, before doing a demonstration of their swerve drive robot, and providing a tour of the new robotics workspace at the high school. Ferradermis is getting ready for one more off-season competition with last season’s game in Tremont, Illinois from November 4-5. They are currently merging the capabilities of the two robots that they built last year to capitalize on the best parts of both robots. The new FRC game for the 2023 season will not be unveiled until January.
If you have any questions about the robotics programs in the district, or if you would like to volunteer as a mentor or help sponsor the teams, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org. The teams are thankful for all of the support they have received from the community.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
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
Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 MoreOther Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
