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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Established in the spring of 2024, the National High School Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (NHSTFXCCA) created standards to recognize outstanding performances, at the national level, by awarding them a certificate for All-American honors. Whitewater had one athlete meet the criteria in the 1600 meter run. Jack Hefty ran 4:13.0 en route to winning his second straight state title. The standard for All American in this event is 4:16.0. Congratulations, Jack!
The coaching staff then began diving into the history books and found several other Whippet track and field athletes who would have earned this award had it been in place during their time in a Whitewater uniform. The staff wanted to recognize these athletes for their superior performances even though the program had not yet been in place for all the years these performances were recorded. Through research and help from former athletes, it was discovered that Janet Partoll had earned honorable mention All-American honors in 1985! Unfortunately, not all the athletes listed below have pictures to go with them. Thank you to all those involved in securing the photos we do have of these athletes as we take a trip down “memory lane” and remember how incredibly rich the sport of track and field is in Whitewater, Wisconsin!
- 2024 Boys 1600 – Jack Hefty
- 2023 Girls 4×200 – Madelynn Buehler, Sydney Schilt, Emma Weigel, Kindyl Kilar 1:42.95
- 2023 Connor Raupp – Discus 169′ 0″
- 2019 Boys 4×200 – Will Leibrand, Juan Cuellar, Jared Clapper, Jack Mayer 1:29.27
- 2012 Molly Griep – Shot Put 43′ 3″
- 2012 Molly Griep – Discus 152′ 1″
- 2010 Loussaint Minett – Discus 178′ 9″
- 2001 Rachael Travis – Discus 139′ 4″
- 1987 Troy Hansen – Discus 172′ 9″
- 1986 Girls 4×200 – Tina Partoll, Janet Partoll, Julie Paynter, Samantha Reeb 1:43.93
- 1986 Janet Partoll – High Jump 5′ 8″
- 1979 Jack Mead – Shot Put 60′ 1.5″
To see all the event qualifying standards, visit this link: https://www.nhstfxcca.org/all-american…/2024-outdoor-tf
If you can provide a photo for any of the athletes missing a photograph, please reach out to Coach Carstens at the email below.
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
10-27-24
Steve Watson writes, “Wisconsin St. by the scenic overlook.
While trying to figure out what hawk this is sitting on the pole….. (continued)
….this eagle came by with breakfast….. (continued)
….landing on the next pole, and a crow doing a flyby.”
1-2-25
A lone eagle looking for food.
The skate park trees offer no solitude.
A murder of crows lingers above.
Among eagles and crows there is no love.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing more beautiful nature photos and a nice poem.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
A National Day of Mourning will be observed on Thursday for Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at 100 years old.
In a proclamation after Mr. Carter’s death, President Biden called him “a man of character, courage, and compassion.”
In announcing the day of mourning, he said: “I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
The day of mourning will be held on the same day as Mr. Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral. President Biden will deliver a eulogy at the funeral, and a eulogy written by Gerald R. Ford, who died in 2006, will be read by his son Steven Ford.
Post offices will be closed, and no mail will be delivered on Thursday due to the National Day of Mourning to honor former President Jimmy Carter.
U.S. stock markets will also be closed.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage from The Carter Center.
State of Our Community – Whitewater City and Schools Addresses
The League of Women Voters Whitewater-Area is excited to host its annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the City of Whitewater Council Chambers (Community Room), 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. The Council Chambers are located on the first floor of Whitewater City Hall, 312 W Whitewater St.
Presenters are Whitewater City Manager John Weidl, WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, and UW Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King. Each speaker will have the opportunity to share information on the condition of their area(s) of responsibilities. Audience members will be invited to ask each speaker questions following their presentation.
The presentations are a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn what is happening in our community as 2025 starts. Please plan to join us for this informative presentation. Light refreshments will be served.
_____________________________________
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Spring Splash Task Force Report, First reading of an ordinance reducing the speed on Starin Road between Prairie Street and Prince Street, First reading of an Ordinance adding stop signs on Starin Road at Prince Street and
Warhawk Drive, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Stop Here for Pedestrian Signs and Speed Bumps
on Starin Road, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Public Safety Referendum Question. CLOSED SESSION, TO RECONVENE: Offer to Purchase a 10.96 acre parcel of vacant land (Tax Parcel No. /A444200001) and Potential development of 67-acre parcel of vacant land.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81961659332?pwd=hGn1C8KPkvTgrD5qSOiB9gWGZt9pfE.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 819 6165 9332
Passcode: 878627
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on Education of Possible City of Whitewater Trippe and
Cravath Lake District
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271751846?pwd=S76ziM56Bz6TUijjvaUSSkPCo6MRIp.1
Meeting ID: 842 7175 1846
Passcode: 701407
Or dial
- +1 305 224 1968 US
- +1 309 205 3325 US
- +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of posting for call for artists.
Cravath Lakefront room, 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/604676365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 604-676-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Special Meeting – Friday @ 2:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion of policies and possible criteria at the Innovation Center, Discussion of housing goals, Discussion of goals and objectives for downtown revitalization.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87483083723?pwd=rb4VuPZyN3YRmiqQhttXyHH4dqQbGt.1
Phone: 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Webinar ID: 874 8308 3723 Passcode: 211541
Phone one-tap: +13052241968,,87483083723#,,,,211541# US
+13092053325,,87483083723#,,,,*211541# US
Brodhead jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they beat Whitewater 57-28 in Rock Valley girls’ basketball crossover action on Tuesday, January 7. This was the first crossover game for both teams. Whitewater has a non-conference game on Saturday to begin a stretch of four games on the road. The next home game will be Tuesday, January 21.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
The city portion of the April ballot has now been finalized. There will be additional “outside” races, yet to be announced, including a seat on the State Supreme Court. There will not be a primary on February 18 for local races but may be for other races.
City of Whitewater Common Council
Four City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, filed for candidacy by the January 7 deadline:
District 1 (Currently represented by Patrick Singer)
Michael E. Smith, 327 E. Clay Street, #29
J. Christopher Wilt, 334 Parkside Drive
District 3 (Currently represented by Brienne Brown)
Steven Sahyun, 250 N. Franklin Street
District 5
Neil Hicks, 1254 Tower Hill Pass (incumbent)
At-large (Currently represented by Lisa Dawsey Smith)
Patrick Singer, 263 Amber Drive
Whitewater Unified School District School Board
Two school board seats are up for election. The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, filed for candidacy by the January 7 deadline.
Miguel Aranda (incumbent)
Nick Baldwin
Jennifer Kienbaum (incumbent)
Wayne Redenius
The first annual Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown, scheduled for January 26 at Lake Lawn Resort, will feature eight teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs, including a team of two students from Whitewater High School. Molly Donner and Kevin Gonzalez will be working alongside chefs from The Abbey Resort!
Registrants will sample two dishes from eight pro/am teams:
- Team #1: Delavan-Darien High School + Delavan Lake Yacht Club
- Team #2: Elkhorn Area High School + Lake Lawn Resort
- Team #3: Badger High School + Jonathan’s
- Team #4: Whitewater High School + The Abbey Resort
- Team #5: Bigfoot High School + Geneva National Resort
- Team #6: Williams Bay High School + Oakfire
- Team #7: Career & College Academy of Elkhorn + Pier 290
- Team #8: East Troy High School + East Troy Brewery
—-
In order to attend and sample the dishes, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
$20 – Individual Registration (Noon-2:30 pm)
$35 – Individual VIP hour, 11am – Noon (Beat the crowd and enjoy tasting among a small group prior to the opening of the event.)
Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/culinaryshowdown25
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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