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The Whitewater Unified School District School Board has approved a $30 million capital referendum question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
If approved by voters, the referendum will fund a series of improvement projects across the district’s schools. This includes replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; repairing roofs; upgrading electrical and plumbing systems; replacing windows; enhancing safety and security; updating the high school auditorium; updating the auditorium space; and expanding/improving the Career and Technical Education space.
“Whitewater schools are known for providing students with an exceptional learning environment that supports their growth and potential,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “While we address facility and maintenance needs where we can, some projects exceed what our operational budget can support. This is why we will be engaging with community members about the ways a capital referendum could position WUSD for continued success.”
WUSD partnered with Bray Architects to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its facilities, identifying priority areas for improvement. The full facility report is available at https://bit.ly/WUSDfacilities.
If the referendum is approved, the projected tax impact for the 2025-26 school year would be $.47 per $1,000 of estimated fair market value for a home within the district. For a home assessed at $300,000, this would result in an increase of $141 per year ($11.75 per month).
A fall survey, conducted by an independent firm and garnering 832 responses, found that 69% of WUSD parents residing in the district said they would definitely or probably support a $32 million capital referendum. Support for a referendum among respondents who are not parents or staff was at 43%. Voter approval of at least 50% is necessary for capital referendums to be approved.
The district will share more information about its facility needs and the proposed solution in the weeks ahead. This will include a webpage featuring answers to frequently asked questions.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host the first-ever Youth Safety Summit on February 20-21, 2025, at Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
For more than 50 years, the UW-Whitewater’s Continuing Education Services (CES) department has offered athletic, arts, academic and enrichment programs for youth. In recent years, CES has prioritized protecting and empowering youth in their camps, clinics, and events, and now leads the way in sharing expertise.
The Youth Safety Summit is offered by UW-Whitewater in partnership with Tree House Child and Family Center, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Universities of Wisconsin. Session presenters include experts from all organizations, and those from legal, mental health, and substance abuse fields.
“Protecting young people, in our community, and all educational and recreational settings – especially rural and under-resourced K-12 and nonprofit organizations – is of the utmost importance,” said Corey King, chancellor at UW-Whitewater. “We must continually review, assess, and adapt our practices to stay at the forefront of youth safety. Our local partnership with Tree House Child and Family Center makes important events like this summit possible.”
The Youth Safety Summit was developed to bring experts and innovative strategies to the people who work with kids in all different settings and situations. Critical topics such as mental health awareness, digital safety, and emergency preparedness are some of the topics that will be covered. Staff at school districts and youth-serving organizations are encouraged to attend this pioneering event to strengthen our shared commitment to the well-being of the youngest members of our communities.
Staff from the Badgerland Council of Girl Scouts will be attending the summit in February.
“I know the interactive sessions and case studies at the summit will help staff build practical skills, like conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and responding to safety concerns in a proactive and culturally competent manner,” said Nick Harnish, director of education at Badgerland Council. “The team will have the opportunity to connect with other organizations and broaden our network, potentially leading to collaborations, shared resources, and innovative ideas for promoting youth safety.”
On Thursday, Feb. 20, youth leaders are invited to a pre-conference on youth mental health first aid during the morning session. The program is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, giving them a 5-step action plan for how to help youth in crisis and non-crisis situations. Participants who successfully complete the pre-work and conference session will be certified in youth mental health first aid through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
The main conference begins Thursday afternoon and continues through Friday, Feb. 21. The summit will feature a keynote address on peer-to-peer abuse by Glen Pounder, the Chief Safeguarding Officer for Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts). Additional session topics include navigating legal landscapes, responding to child abuse disclosures, and signs of child maltreatment.
Further information about the Youth Safety Summit may be found here. Registration is open at that site until February 13.
About Warhawk Camps
Since 1973, Continuing Education Services has hosted summer camps and clinics on the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. In 2023, more than 6,700 people experienced summer programming, breaking past participation records. Athletic, academic, arts, and enrichment programs are offered every summer for lifelong learners of all ages, in state-of-the-art facilities, with inclusivity, belonging, and safety as core priorities.
Registration for UW-Whitewater’s youth summer camps — where youth protection is a priority — is now open for more than 70 #WarhawkCamps. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome for summer programs ranging from game development to gymnastics, from band to basketball. For more information, visit www.uww.edu/ce/camps/.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree. More than 170 undergraduate and graduate majors and minors are offered as well as an education specialist and a doctoral degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the university boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top public universities in the Midwest by the U.S. News & World Report and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the home page by Ortrun Lenz from Pixabay.
NEW WILMINGTON, PA – Amber Krebs of Whitewater (53190), Wis., was among 345 students named to the Westminster College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester.
Krebs, majoring in Psychology, is a Whitewater High School graduate.
To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
About Westminster College: Westminster College is nationally known for its collaborative environment, outstanding experiential learning programs, focus on student success, and the effort invested in making higher education affordable and attainable to all students. Established in 1852, Westminster is proud to be the first college in the country open to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex or religion from its founding charter by the Presbyterian Church (USA).
| The annual lot owners and directors meeting of the Cemetery Association of Whitewater will be held in the rec. room of Blackhawk Manor, 1155 Blackhawk Ln., Whitewater on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. |
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Lee Hollingshead.
“Copper Enameling” will kick off 2025’s “Mondays@Makers” art workshops at Wisconsin Makers in Whitewater. It will take place at the community makerspace, 200 E. Clay St., from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27.
The fee is $20 plus the price of copper used, likely $1-$10 depending on the size of the piece.
Students may register by calling Chris Spangler at (920) 728- 2960 or emailing her at editorspangler@gmail.com. Payment may be made at the workshop, which is geared toward ages 10 and up.
Leading “Copper Enameling for Beginners and Beyond” is Leani Schoor of Madison.
Copper enameling is a traditional technique that involves fusing powdered glass to a copper surface at high heat to create a permanent, colorful coating. Students will be able to decorate a small dish and/or jewelry to take home that night.
Also that day, Schoor will offer “Beginning Felting.” The cost is $15, with materials included.
Schoor earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years.
The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schoor teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting. “I find inspiration for my work through nature,” Schoor said. “I transform the shapes and ideas into works of art using a variety of media.”
Mondays@Makers
Suggestions for “Mondays@Makers” classes are welcomed. “If there is a skill in the arts you are interested in learning, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you on your journey,” Schoor said.
Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an
affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Dane and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more.
The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities. For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920)728-2960.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Chris Spangler.
The following, and the image on the homepage, is from an article that was published on January 3 on Pittsburghsportsnow.com
“Jake Frantl spent four seasons at Pitt, and while he never saw the field with the Panthers, he’ll have a chance to see the field a whole lot more back home.
Frantl — 6-foot, 205-pound redshirt junior walk-on quarterback from Erin, Wisc. — transferred to Wisconsin-Whitewater (D-III) for his final season of college eligibility, he announced on social media. He entered the transfer portal last month.
It’s a big opportunity for Frantl to finish his college career on a high note after serving as a key practice quarterback for the Panthers over the last few seasons.
Wisconsin-Whitewater is coming off a 6-4 (4-3 WIAC) season, failing to qualify for the Division III playoffs. But there’s a history of major success, and the Warhawks are looking for a quarterback.
Frantl initially committed to Pitt as a preferred walk-on in 2021, arriving for the ACC title-winning season as the newest quarterback.
He didn’t see the field during his four seasons in Pittsburgh, but Frantl played an important and often unrecognized role with the team. He often served as the quarterback, spending time during practice with the position players and throwing up balls to the wide receivers and tight ends.
It can be hard for a walk-on to make an impact at his school, but Frantl is someone who made an impact with the program — and will have a chance to make an impact on the field elsewhere…..”
Enjoy a day with friends as you learn new things and take time for yourself. This program is for anyone 18 and over.
On Thursday night, January 9, the Whippet Wrestlers were back in action after some time off from hosting the 46th annual Mid-States Tournament and recovering over Winter Break by hosting neighboring Delavan-Darien.
Coming into the evening Coach Schimming knew without a doubt that this was going to be a competitive dual meet with quality wrestlers at both ends setting the tone for a great night for fans. The Whippet JV team did not disappoint, coming out and winning 9 out of the 10 matches and looking much improved in the process.
In Varsity action, the Whippets got things started strong with two first period pins at 144 and 150 pounds by Connor Friend and Traysen Thomason. Ironically both used the exact same technique on their way to their pins. A fan mentioned to Coach Schimming afterward, “Well, can see what was drilled over break!”
The Whippets dropped the next four matches in a row, all by pins, putting the team in a hole that would require the team to really dig their heals in down the homestretch. Junior Soto stopped the Comets in their trajectory toward a victory by getting a first period pin over his opponent at heavyweight. The teams traded forfeits at 106 and 113. To Jarvis Porcaro and Jasen Porras’s displeasure they each received a forfeit, bringing the team score to a deadlock at 36-36. Brady Friend came out with a lot of confidence and was able to secure a big pin to put the Whippets up 42-36. Adding to the excitement, the Comets were able to get the pin in the final match to tie up the dual meet.
After the excitement of the dual meet for fans, students, and coaches, it was determined by criteria letter F that Whitewater would win based on having filled more of the weight classes. This pushed the Whippets to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Rock Valley Conference “Valley” Standings.
The team is next in action on Tuesday night, January 14, when they travel to Edgerton to take on the Tiders of Edgerton and the Trojans of Beloit Turner. Both duals look to be good competitive matches for the Whippets as well to help prepare them for the upcoming tournament series less than one month away. Wrestling at Edgerton High School will begin at 5:00.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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