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Editor’s note: The following statement was provided by Dan Meyer, chief of police, regarding the city public safety referendum which will be on the April 1 ballot.
As the Chief of Police for the City of Whitewater, I am honored to serve a community that values safety, growth, and inclusivity. Today, I want to share details about an important initiative that will help us meet our city’s growing needs: the $1.3 million public safety referendum on the April 1, 2025, ballot.
Whitewater is a vibrant community, but with growth comes challenges. Calls for service have nearly doubled in the last decade, from 7,501 in 2010 to over 14,000 in 2024. This reflects a dynamic city where evolving needs require us to adapt. While our Police and Fire/EMS teams have worked tirelessly to serve everyone, the increasing volume and complexity of calls demand additional resources.
The referendum will enable the City of Whitewater to make critical investments in public safety, including:
· Four additional police officers to improve response times and address rising call volumes.
· Increased Fire/EMS staffing, adding one person on every shift to enhance emergency response capabilities.
· Capital fund creation to eliminate borrowing for all public safety vehicles and equipment, saving taxpayer dollars in the long run.
· The addition of one dispatcher increasing staffing levels to prevent service disruptions and ensure efficient emergency response.
Additionally, the referendum’s structure allows for adding a second School Resource Officer (SRO). In this scenario, the two SROs would support our schools and assist with school traffic crossings during start and end times—a critical improvement for student safety that has been a growing concern in our community.
These enhancements will strengthen our ability to protect and serve all residents while preparing for the future. Importantly, this referendum builds on steps we’ve already taken, including adding a detective without increasing the levy, securing a $375,000 federal grant to fund three officers, and implementing cost-saving technologies.
Our commitment is to provide the highest level of public safety to all who call Whitewater home. This referendum represents a responsible, forward-thinking investment in that vision, ensuring our city remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just joined our community, these improvements will enhance your quality of life.
I encourage you to learn more about this referendum and the opportunity it presents to build a safer, stronger Whitewater. Further information can be found on the City website: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/615/CITY-OF-WHITEWATER-REFERENDUM-APRIL-2025.
Specific questions can be directed to: WW2025Referendum@whitewater-wi.gov.
Together, we can ensure our community thrives for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Dan Meyer
Chief of Police
City of Whitewater
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty and Whitewater Middle School Assistant Principal Caitlin Dowden presented at the 2025 Wisconsin State Education Convention on January 22.
Their breakout session, titled “From Absenteeism to Engagement: Proven Strategies for Increasing School Attendance,” explored the role of school boards in addressing chronic absenteeism. “While many Wisconsin schools are dealing with chronic absenteeism, the circumstances leading to absences may be different for every family,” said Dr. Pate-Hefty. “We are able to take an engaging and solutions-focused look at improving student attendance. The panelists in the session shared innovative strategies and successful practices designed to enhance student engagement and reduce absenteeism.”
The Wisconsin State Education Convention, held January 22-24 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, drew more than 2,000 attendees. The event is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO), and the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA).
Did you know that the Whitewater Banner website offers easy access to various community newsletters? Whether you’re looking for updates from local organizations, city news, or special interest groups, you can find them conveniently listed in the menus on the left side of the website.
One highlight is the regularly updated Seniors in the Park Newsletter, which provides the latest information on programs, activities, and resources for Whitewater’s active senior community. This newsletter, along with others, ensures you stay informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and local happenings.
Be sure to check back frequently, as these links are updated regularly with new editions and announcements. Stay connected, stay informed, and make the most of everything Whitewater has to offer!
Article submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by geralt from Pixabay.
On Thursday, January 30th the Whippet Boys’ Swim Team held their final conference dual meet at home against Delavan-Darien. The Whippets closed out the regular season with a 126 to 32 win over the Comets. The boys went 21 of 28 best times and even had a few try out a new event.
Angel Kilar and Jack Hefty both swam the 200 Free for the first time this season, Angel swam an impressive 2:58.78. Jack won the event with a time of 2:00.86, with Mateo Bazeley close behind where he went a 2:02.90, dropping 8 seconds. Jack’s time put him 10th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
Andrew O’Toole gave the 200 IM a shot and had a great swim going a time of 2:48.93. Xavier Ortiz stepped up to the challenge and crushed his previous time by 20 seconds.
Sam Nickelsburg, Isaac Straight, Cruz Aranda, and Langdon Coburn all went best time in the 50 Free.
Jack Hefty dropped 4 seconds in his 100 Butterfly going a time of 1:02.66, and Myles Morse dropped 8 seconds going a time of 1:03.90.
Wyatt Esch continues to drop more time in the 100 Freestyle going a time of 1:02.50 while battling it out against teammate Andrew O’Toole who went a time of 1:02.36.
Langdon Coburn and Caleb Kluck both gave the 500 Freestyle a try for the first time. Langdon went a time of 5:47.80, and Caleb went a time of 6:54.94. Sam Nickelsburg had a massive time drop; he dropped over 42 seconds going a time of 6:38.94.
Myles Morse swam the 100 Backstroke for the first time this season going a 1:11.98. Wyatt Esch dropped 3 seconds going a 1:14.50.
Cruz Aranda and Mateo Bazeley both swam the 100 Breaststroke for the first time. Cruz went a time of 1:10.70, which puts him 8th on the Whippet Top 10 List. Isaac Straight continues to drop time going a time of 1:29.60.
The Whippets are now headed into Championship Season. We have JV Conference up first on Tuesday, February 4th.
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Wrestling Results (Oregon 38.0 Whitewater 36.0) – Varsity
Oregon @ Whitewater on 02/01/2025
106: Cooper Housel (WTWR) over (OREG) (For.)
113: Juan Garrafa (WTWR) over (OREG) (For.)
120: Sam Fahey (OREG) over Jarvis Porcaro (WTWR) (Dec 5-1)
126: Evan Fahey (OREG) over Jasen Porras (WTWR) (Fall 1:01)
132: Caden Schwartz (OREG) over Brady Friend (WTWR) (MD 16-2)
138: Cade Aaberg (OREG) over Keenan Sheffield (WTWR) (Fall 0:28)
144: Connor Friend (WTWR) over Thomas ruth (OREG) (Fall 1:49)
150: Braeden Bakken (OREG) over Traysen Thomason (WTWR) (Dec 7-6)
157: Kaleb Klitzman (OREG) over Max Babcock (WTWR) (MD 12-0)
165: Avi Kalra (WTWR) over Camden Wood (OREG) (Fall 3:47)
175: Tomas Neumann (OREG) over Richi Kalra (WTWR) (Fall 1:29)
190: Paxton Krengel (OREG) over Trevor Piper (WTWR) (Fall 1:18)
215: Austin Retzlaff (WTWR) over Riley Black (OREG) (Fall 1:32)
285: Junior Soto (WTWR) over Ari Kamin (OREG) (Fall 3:10)
You can find more details regarding this dual using the following link:
https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/seasons/LoadBalance.jsp?pageName=DualMatches.jsp&dualId=8341743132
Information Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
She is focused on cherishing all the time she has with family and friends.
Area businesses, organizations, and friends have been stepping up to help raise money for a beloved friend and colleague who is battling cancer.
Kristina Heimsch, a Nurse Practitioner at Rainbow Community Care, was recently
diagnosed with an incurable form of esophageal cancer. She and her family now face an uncertain future. Kristina is no longer able to work and continue caring for patients and families and faces the rising cost of medical bills and lost wages. Rainbow Medical Director Dr. Thom McGorey partnered with several area venues to perform a special fundraising concert series in December to help support Kristina and her family.
Dr. McGorey and several of Kristina’s coworkers at Rainbow have arranged an upcoming 9-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament at Rock River Lanes (1010 Larsen Rd.) in Fort Atkinson next month that will unofficially wrap up the Concerts for Kristina fundraising series.
The bowling tournament fundraiser takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. Participants can choose between two sessions of bowling, each lasting two hours. Start times will be at 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. (with a ten-minute warm-up). Teams on adjacent lanes will alternate lanes for each frame, and each team will bowl two games in their two-hour session. 16 lanes will be used for bowling with up to teams of four people per lane. 9-pin tap means bowling a 9 on your first ball of any frame counts as a “strike” with regular scoring otherwise. No handicaps will be used. You can register as pair or a foursome (pairs will be joined to form a four-person team on each lane).
The cost is $50 for a pair or $100 per team and includes two games of 9-pin tap bowling, shoe rental, one free soda, and silent auction/door prize tickets. Free snacks and desserts will be available throughout the day. Dr. McGorey will be performing live music from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring many popular songs from the 1950s-80s and taking requests from an extensive catalogue of songs (for a small donation). Additional food is also available for purchase from the kitchen.
You can pay through Venmo by entering “concertsforkristina” in the search bar or you can pay in person at the event by cash, check, or credit card.
You do not need to bowl to participate in the event. You can just come out to watch and cheer on the bowlers, enjoy the snacks, listen to the music, and join in on the fun. Tickets will also be sold for drawings on door prizes, and anyone could go home a winner.
For more information and to sign up online for the Concerts for Kristina- 9-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament, visit https://bit.ly/concertsforkristina.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Rainbow Community Care. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.
Prioritizing health and wellness is key to maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Seniors in the Park offers a variety of classes and activities designed to promote strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Whether you prefer yoga, Tai Chi, or a simple indoor walk, there’s something for everyone! [Though the registration deadline has passed for some sessions that begin this week, it might be worth calling to see whether a late registration might be accepted.]
Yoga with Brienne
- Mondays, March 3-April 28 | 10:00-11:00 AM
- Fridays, March 7-April 24 | 10:00-11:00 AM
This one-hour class will focus on basic yoga postures to stretch, strengthen, and tone your entire body. Classes are held in-person at Cravath Lakefront Community Building or online via Zoom.
Monday Fee: $35 members; $49 non-members
Friday Fee: $30 members; $42 non-members
(No class March 14, 17 & April 18, 21)
Deadline to Register: Thursday, February 28
Qi Gong
- First, second, fourth, and fifth Monday | 1:00-2:00 PM
Follow along with a Lee Holden DVD to experience an easy routine that promotes vitality and joy at any age or ability level.
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (8-Week Beginner Course)
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 4-April 24 | 3:00-4:00 PM
This gentle movement class helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility. No prior Tai Chi experience necessary!
Deadline to Register: Thursday, February 27
Indoor Walking
- Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM
Join our indoor walking group and stay active despite the weather. We will walk along to “Walking Off the Pounds” DVDs.
“Fun”ctional Fitness
- Virtual: February 3-27 | Fee: $12 members; $24 non-members
- Next session: March 3-31
- In-person: Mondays & Thursdays | 9:30 AM
Experience a dynamic routine to promote coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. Online participants register for the month; in-person participants pay per session.
Daily Fee: $1.50 members; $3.00 non-members
Deadline for February session: Thursday, January 30
Register Today!
Register at Seniors in the Park, 405 W Starin Road Monday through Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM.
For more information, contact Jennifer Jackson at (262) 473-0535 or jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov.
Stay active, stay healthy, and join us for these fantastic wellness opportunities!
Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
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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