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

Today is Friday, July 26, 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.

Bullis Earns Big West Setter of the Week Honors

September 14, 2022

Emme Bullis, Whitewater High School Class of 2021, was named Big West Setter of the Week. Bullis plays volleyball for Cal Poly as a redshirt freshman.

For the full article, visit https://gopoly.com/news/2022/9/12/womens-volleyball-bullis-earns-big-west-setter-of-the-week-honors.aspx

Article submitted by Kathy Bullis

Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Congratulates Steve Johnson from Winchester True Value on his retirement

September 13, 2022

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

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors congratulated Steve Johnson from Winchester True Value on the sale of his store and his retirement recently.

The Winchester True Value operation has been a staple in Whitewater for 152 years. 46 years ago Steve Johnson began working at the store and shortly after his graduation from UW-Whitewater he took over the operation and has made it the successful store it is today. Winchester True Value is one of the longest standing and valued members of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce who have been involved in the community in many ways.

Steve, as a biking enthusiast, has also been a member of the Whitewater Tourism Council helping shape the outdoor recreation messaging sent to visitors. The community will certainly miss having him at the helm of the store and we wish him well on his retirement. We are happy to know that he is remaining in Whitewater and continuing his work with the Tourism Council, in between his many upcoming biking adventures!

The Chamber is also excited to welcome the new owners of our favorite hardware store, Niemann Foods, Inc. We are sure that they will keep the hometown feel of the store and embrace the Whitewater community as is the tradition at Winchester. We are excited to see what changes and additions they will bring to the store and happy to be able to continue the long-standing relationship with the Chamber! For more information about the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce and our members contact Executive Director Kellie Carper at (262) 473-4005.

Picture Winchester Congratulations;
Front Left to right, Krystal Walsh-Chamber Board member from Premier Bank, Amy Fox-Chamber Board member from Nexthome Success, Michele Smith with the City of Whitewater, Kellie Carper-Exec. Director for the Chamber, Steve Johnson-retiring owner of Winchester True Value, Robert Sivek with LakeHome Info
Back Left to right: Dave Saalsaa-owner Quiet Hut Sports, Amy Oeding-Chamber Board member from UW-Whitewater, Karen McCulloch-Chamber Board President from The Book Teller

Swimmers Earn 14 Medals at Elkhorn Invite

September 13, 2022

The Whippet swimmers went back to Elkhorn on Saturday, September 10th, to compete in the Elkhorn Invite. The Whippets had an awesome meet, placing 5th overall as a team. The team took home 14 medals and had many heat winners and lots of best times!

Top 16 finishes: 

200 Medley Relay:

  • Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley (1st)
  • Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder, Charlotte Hajewski, Karime Velazquez (9th)

200Freestyle:

  • Makayla Bazeley (1st) 
  • Brooke Bazeley (6th)
  • Josie Treder (13th)

50 Freestyle:

  • Grace Foucault (1st)
  • Emerson Dunham (15th) 

100 Fly:

  • Makayla Bazeley (1st)
  • Charlotte Hajewski (13th)

100 Freestyle:

  • Ashly Xochipa (16th)

400 Freestyle:

  • Brooke Bazeley (5th)

200 Freestyle Relay:

  • Makayla Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, Grace Foucault (2nd)

100 Backstroke:

  • Grace Foucault (1st)
  • Charlotte Hajewski (14th)
  • Ashly Xochipa (15th) 

100 Breaststroke:

  • Emerson Dunham (9th)
  • Josie Treder (12th) 

400 Freestyle Relay:

  • Charlotte Hajewski, Karime Velazquez, Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder (9th) 

The Whippets are back in action at home on Tuesday, September 13 at 5:30pm against Burlington Co-op.

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

National Voter Registration Day is September 20th

September 12, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the League of Women Voters.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is a proud supporter of the National Voter Registration Day and will provide Voter Registration Education in Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, and Delavan, WI in order to celebrate this nonpartisan civic holiday.

Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day is designed to create an annual moment when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right – the right to vote.

According to U.S. Census data from 2020, as many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote. Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote.

Please tap into our collective expertise with all your voting concerns on this special day.

You can find us at the following locations and times on
Tuesday, September 20th.

10am to 2pm: MATC, 827 Banker Road, Fort Atkinson

12 noon to 2pm: Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center St,
Whitewater

3pm to 7pm: Aram Public Library, 404 E Walworth Ave, Delavan

3pm to 7pm: Outside City Market at the Whitewater Depot

4pm to 6pm: Dwight Foster Public Library, 209 Merchants Ave, Fort Atkinson

Whippets Record Top Five Finish at the Kettle Moraine Invite Tournament  

September 10, 2022

The Whippets saw their best finish in several years at the Kettle Moraine Tournament this past weekend, with a 5th place finish in the gold bracket. Teams included Kettle Moraine, Lake Mills, Arrowhead, East Troy, Kewaunee, Wauwatosa East, Muskego, Manitowoc Lincoln, Dominican, Barneveld, Sun Prairie West, Verona, Appleton East, The Prairie School, Newman Catholic, and Whitewater.

The Whippets faced The Prairie School (Racine) in the first round of pool play and beat them in best of three sets with the scores of 25-8, 22-25, 15-12. This was a battle, and the Whippets came out on top with statistical leaders of Calli Grosinske with 19 assists, Kindyl Kilar and Ella Spear with 3 aces apiece, Kilar with 9 digs, and Kilar with 21 kills.

Up next was another match in pool play where the Whippets battled Newman Catholic (Wausau). This match found the Whippets losing in a two of three-set match with scores of 23-25, 25-23, and 13-15. Statistical leaders for this match included Calli Grosinske and Cali Kopecky with 3 aces apiece. Grosinske finished with a double-double with 19 assists and 28 digs, and Kindyl Kilar also finished with a double-double with 17 kills and 11 digs.

Following pool play, the Whippets were reseeded to 6th place, which placed them in the Gold Bracket playoff (top 8 teams moved here). The Whippets faced a tough Kettle Moraine team and struggled in the first set. They came back in the second set, falling just short with scores of 10-25 and 20-25. Statistical leaders for this match included Kilar with 10 kills, Caleigh Yang with 8 digs, Cali Kopecky with 2 aces, and Calli Grosinske with 12 assists.

The first-round loss in the playoffs left the Whippets playing off for 5th place, facing Appleton East. The Whippets came out dominating and won in two straight sets with scores of 25-21 and 26-24. Statistical leaders included Kindyl Kilar with a double-double with 17 kills, 12 digs, and 2 aces, Caleigh Yang with 17 digs, and Calli Grosinske with 17 assists.

The coaching staff could not be prouder of this squad. Coach Kilar stated, “For us to come out and battle against schools much larger than us and truly come together and compete, was fun to see. We didn’t back down, we persevered through some ups and downs and came out on top in our last match. To place 5th is an absolutely solid accomplishment for our varsity squad.”

Next up is conference play, with the Whippets heading to Brodhead on Tuesday (9/13) followed by a home match (Parents’ Night) against McFarland on Thursday (9/15).

Article and Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org

Whippets Sweep Big Foot on Educator Appreciation and Youth Night

September 9, 2022

You could feel the energy in the gym the minute the Whippet Varsity Volleyball team took to the court on Thursday, September 8! The Whippets were honoring something bigger than volleyball, the inspirational educators who have made a difference in their lives. As Kindyl Kilar spoke to the crowd at the beginning of the match, “You have been chosen not only for the subject you teach, or the lessons you have created, but for the meaningful relationships you have created with each one of us. You have cared for us, inspired us, and allowed us to see potential in our futures. So tonight, we honor you!” Each member of the program chose an inspirational educator that touched their lives in some way. Whether a grade school educator, a coach or a counselor, they have made an impact and were honored.

Kilar shared, “Showing gratitude for people in our lives who have made a difference is bigger than volleyball. The wins are nice, but understanding in this world that honoring people who have touched our lives in a positive way is so much bigger than volleyball. Tonight, there were some true educators who have been called to a vocation and those educators touched each of our athletes in some way. We were honored to have so many educators in the gym with us, and I was honored to be able to highlight them with our athletes.”

The Whippets went on to sweep the Chiefs in three straight sets behind a very loud and energetic crowd. “This was such a fun night. The fans were awesome, the youth came out and supported us, our educators were here, and it was great to bring home a win,” said Kilar.

This was a program win for the Whippet teams as all three levels defeated Big Foot. “As a coaching staff, we are so proud of what our athletes are doing. They are working hard in the gym and weight room, and it is producing positive results,” said Kilar.

Kindyl Kilar

Statistical leaders on the night included Calli Grosinske with 26 assists, Ella Spear with 12 digs, Jenna Pope with 2 blocks, Cali Kopecky, Grosinke, and Pope with 3 aces and Kindyl Kilar with 26 kills. The Whippets won 25-16, 25-19, and 25-23.

Article and Group Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Swimmers Top in Seven Events at Elkhorn Dual

September 9, 2022

The Whippet Girls’ Swim Team traveled to Elkhorn for their dual meet on Thursday, September 8. Out of the 11 events, the Whippets placed 1st in 7 events overall! These 1st place finishes were: 

🏆200 Medley Relay – Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, and Brooke Bazeley

🏆200 Freestyle – Grace Foucault 

🏆200 IM – Makayla Bazeley 

🏆50 Freestyle – Brooke Bazeley 

🏆200 Freestyle Relay – Makayla Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, and Grace Foucault 

🏆100 Backstroke – Makayla Bazeley

🏆100 Breaststroke – Grace Foucault 

Our new Whippets had an opportunity to compete in individual events. These swimmers include:

✔Atreya Wilson swam in the 100 Breaststroke and then immediately swam in the 400 Relay. 

✔Ace Hudec and Andrea Alcala competed for the first time this season. They both did a great job in conquering the dive and flip turns in the 50 Freestyle. 

✔Big shout out to Charlotte Hajewski for taking on the 200 IM, which is never an easy swim, and to Josie Treder for taking on the 100 Butterfly for the first time! 

We are so proud of all our Whippet swimmers! The dogs next compete on Saturday at the Elkhorn Invite.

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: UWW Centennial Candle

September 8, 2022

It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Here is another photo from the Robert Ortmann collection. Robert was a student at UWW (then Wisconsin State University-Whitewater) from 1967-1971. This view is from 1968 and features the “Centennial Candle” marking the 100th anniversary of the UWW in that year. This is the first photo of this the museum has seen–who remembers it?

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(5038P, Whitewater Historical Society)

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