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| Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Critical UW Projects |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, chair of the Wisconsin State Building Commission, on January 10 announced the Commission approved a comprehensive budget adjustment for various University of Wisconsin (UW) System projects and authority to construct two important projects. “While it’s unfortunate that these reallocations to help support UW campuses across our state were unnecessarily delayed, I’m glad they were finally approved today to ensure these critical projects can move forward,” said Gov. Evers. “Our UW System is a central part of Wisconsin’s ability to compete in recruiting, training, and retaining a talented workforce, and it is absolutely essential that we support the UW’s important work, from these projects to robust state investments in our next budget.” The Commission’s approval of key projects today comes as Republican lawmakers on the Commission last month delayed reallocating over $70 million, made available due to other projects the Commission previously approved coming in under budget, toward critical UW System building projects that were likewise already approved by the Commission. The Commission today approved reallocating funding to support the below projects the Commission already approved: |
- $29 million for an expanded UW-Madison engineering building to address critical infrastructure and facility needs, expand enrollment, degrees, and program offerings, modernize classrooms and instructional and research laboratories, and to support its goal of increasing student enrollment by 1,000 in the engineering program;
- $10.5 million for the Winther Hall/Heide Hall Entry additions and renovations at UW-Whitewater to resolve infrastructure deficiencies and improve instructional and departmental spaces throughout the facility;
- $5.4 million for the completion of Heritage Hall at UW-Stout, creating a new, unified home for the College of Arts and Human Sciences by consolidating and co-locating spaces across several facilities.
“January is Presidential: the month of the Inauguration (January 20) features biographical dramatizations of two American Presidents.”
“The Apprentice “
Tuesday, January 14, 1 PM
(Period Drama/Biography)
Rated R (language); 2 hours, 2 minutes (2024).
The story of how a young Donald Trump started his real estate business in the 1970’s and 80’s New York with the helping hand of the infamous lawyer, Roy Cohn. Starring Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Troy University for the Fall Semester/Term 2 of the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Chancellor’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.
About Troy University
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The second of our winter views for 2025 is this view of lots of snow on First Street. In the background is the three-story, five-storefront, building at the center of the south side of Center Street. You can barely see the storefronts. In the 1920s, the third story was removed from this building, but two stories are still extant.
In a close-up you can see three women on the sidewalk. They are standing in front of a side storefront of the old bank building (until recently, a restaurant). This was the location of a long-time millinery or hat shop and no doubt they were visiting or window shopping.
Join us again next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3162PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
| Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #253 Declaring Energy Emergency |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on January 9 that he signed Executive Order #253 declaring an energy emergency in the state of Wisconsin. Due to persistent challenges caused by severe regional winter weather and its impact on the distribution of residential heating fuel, including heating oil and propane, Executive Order #253 will allow for the swift and efficient delivery of these products throughout the state. “From coast to coast in the U.S., Winter Storm Blair has impacted residents and industries alike. This has increased demand for heating fuel and caused strain on delivering essential products across our state, including fuel for home heating, which is critical for the health and safety of folks during the Wisconsin winter,” said Gov. Evers. “Getting residential heating fuel like propane and heating oil moving now to those who need it will help Wisconsinites remain safe as we continue to face cool and freezing temperatures in the coming months.” According to the Public Service Commission’s Office of Energy Innovation, multiple suppliers report challenges such as long lines at terminals and having to drive further distances to collect needed products. Executive Order #253 will provide a 30-day waiver of certain state and federal hours-of-service restrictions, allowing suppliers to get caught up from weather-related delays. |
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay.
After two weeks of no competitions, the Whippet Boys’ Swim Team was back in action on Tuesday, January 7th. The Whippets took on Badger and Platteville Lancaster in a triple dual. The Whippets were victorious against Platteville/Lancaster with a score of 131 to 35; they however fell short against a very tough Badger team with a score of 67 to 103. The boys swam really well and had many best times on the night!
Best Times Include:
200 Freestyle:
- Cruz Aranda – 1:54.75 (Improved his 5th place spot on the Whippet Top 10 List)
- Caleb Kluck – 2:31.34
- Sam Nickelsburg – 2:44.75
200 IM:
- Jack Hefty – 2:26.18 (10 second drop from previous time)
- Myles Morse – 2:27.77 (15 second drop from previous time)
- Miles Nickelsburg 2:33.81 (5 second drop from previous time)
50 Freestyle:
- Mateo Bazeley – 24.74
- Wyatt Esch – 27.12
- Andrew O’Toole – 27.31
100 Butterfly:
- Langdon Coburn – 1:01.78 (10th on the Whippet Top 10 List)
- Myles Morse – 1:11.14
100 Freestyle:
- Mateo Bazeley – 53.04 (9th on the Whippet Top 10 List)
- Isaac Straight – 1:28.00
100 Backstroke:
- Andrew O’Toole – 1:20.52
- Xavier Ortiz – 1:34.08 (18 second drop from previous time)
100 Breaststroke:
- Jack Hefty – 1:14.69
The Whippets are back in the water on Tuesday, January 14th against Elkhorn & PSC at Elkhorn High School. Swimming starts at 5:30 pm; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Submitted By Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Update 1/10/25 @ 5:30 p.m. – 511wi.gov is no longer showing the freeway as being closed.
A press release, shown below, from Rock County Public Works announced a road closure on I-39/90 due to a crash. Though the release does not indicate whether both sides of the interstate are closed, 511wi.gov indicates that it is only the southbound traffic that is detoured. Per below, it is expected that the detour will continue through Friday evening’s commute.
“On January 10, 2025, at approximately 11:47 a.m. a significant crash occurred on I-39/90 near mile marker 182 eastbound. The investigation showed the accident involved a semi tractor trailer and a Rock County Department of Public Works plow. At the time of the incident, the plow was clearing snow on the inside median as part of winter maintenance efforts following this morning’s snow event. The semi tractor trailer struck the plow on the rear passenger side. The driver of the plow reported being uninjured but is being evaluated at a local hospital.
Traffic on I-39/90 is currently being re-routed utilizing STH 11, CTH G and CTH BT. The anticipated length of the closure is unknown but will likely extend into the evening commute. The Wisconsin State Patrol is currently on scene and will be investigating this incident. County resources are supporting the incident response.”
I-39/90 South CLOSED from WIS 11 West/Avalon Rd to beyond Ramp from WIS 11 East/Avalon Rd because of a crash. Alternate Route – Southbound traffic will exit I-39/90 at WIS 11. West on WIS 11 to CTH G. South on CTH G to CTH BT. East on CTH BT to CTH S. Continue on CTH S back to I-39/90. Last Updated 1/10/25, 11:55 AM.
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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