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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
A total of 3,757 students earned a spot on the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 fall semester.
The following students [who consider Whitewater to be their home] were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester:
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Teaghan Carter
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Thomas McCulloch
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashlee Steed
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Keisha Cummings
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Holland Engele
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Keller
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jocelin Beecroft
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kianna Doerr
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Devin Fitzer
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Bennett Grzeszczak
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gaby Islas
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Callie Knoll
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Rylan Maly
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Destiny Mitchell
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Partoll
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Haskins
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Wagner
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Conner Young
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Chris Abts
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas Ackman
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Carlson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Dahl
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Christian Derenne
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gia Donofrio
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tanner Engeseth
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Myles Fannin
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cooper Gosse
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ruth Hammer
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Hanlon
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jackson Hollander
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Kloskey
– Whitewater, WI 53190: David Kneiser
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Josh Loiacono
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Miller
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabella Miscevich
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Nelson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Rachel Nelson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Nitka
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Benjamin Oldenburg
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Annika Potter
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayden Radloff
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Reinhardt
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gunner Schlender
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lili Templeman
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Dayna Wendelberger
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mackenzie Wesoloski
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Zimdars
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Godek
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Christopher Gomez
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Smith
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Molly Wade
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Yasmin Palomec-Garcia
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madelyn Hillesheim
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hailey Zaal
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Match Clark
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Welsh
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Pergande
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Chase Zimmerman
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Colton Meuret
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aurora Leonhard
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lexi Nelson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Sims
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jace Bezzo
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caden Schlender
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Marc Jones
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Matthew Gumenyuk
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lila Glatczak
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brock Grosinske
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caden Leutner
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reilly Grasso
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jaciel Flores
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caleb Karlson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cj Keating
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Savannah Schmieder
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jacob Veeder
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mason Baker
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aiden Murray
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrew Swartz
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Wade
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madelynn Buehler
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Michael Lange
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Sharlow
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Viktor Martinson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alissa LoCicero-Geraths
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Carlos Baez
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Satterfield
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Grace Baker
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tania Verduzco
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aubrey Church
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Anders Clarksen
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Steven Gyenes
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Martin
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mel Prince
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cj Tomomitsu
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aidan Allamian
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Schneider
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madeline Church
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Bianca Housworth
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Hammons
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Payton Lowe
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Natasha Footland
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Abi Hartwig
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Jordan
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Emily O’Donnell
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Dejaney Valles
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”
The Registrar’s Office reports 3,757 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the fall semester. More than 11,500 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Under normal circumstances the ballot for the April 2 Common Council election would now be finalized, as January 2 was the deadline for nomination papers to be filed. Unusual circumstances regarding two of the seats have resulted, per state statute, for the filing deadline to be extended to Friday, January 5 at 5:00 p.m. City Clerk Heather Boehm, who was recently appointed to the position after the resignation of Karri Anderberg, indicated that extension is effective for the At large position as well as for Aldermanic District 4.
At large seat
The only person to have completed the nomination process is Greg Majkrzak, 1294 Tower Hill Pass. Majkrzak previously served on the council in a district position.
Boehm indicates that Keith Staebler has filed a Declaration of Candidacy statement but has not yet submitted the required nomination papers.
The At large seat was held by the late James D. Allen, who passed away on December 23. The filing deadline was extended for this seat due to that occurrence.
Aldermanic District 2
Orin Smith, 901 W. Starin Rd., #502A, is the only person who has filed for this seat, for which there is no filing extension.
This seat is being vacated by Lukas Schreiber, a UW-W ’23 graduate who chose not to run for re-election.
Aldermanic District 4
Brian Schanen, 441 S. Buckingham Blvd., is the only person to have filed for this seat.
This seat is currently held by Jill Gerber, who did not file a Noncandidacy Statement nor a Declaration of Candidacy. The filing deadline was consequently extended except for the incumbent.
How to file
Persons who may be interested in running for the At large or District 4 seat may find information about the process here. Candidacy and nomination papers must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 5. Signatures must be obtained from at least 25 people for a district seat or 50 persons for the At large seat. Forms can be printed off at www.elections.wi.gov or picked up and returned to the City of Whitewater Clerk’s office, 312 W Whitewater St. The Declaration of Candidacy may be found here. The Nomination Paper may be found here. In case of questions, the phone number for the Clerk’s office is 262-473-0102.
Since John’s Disposal was closed on New Year’s Day, all routes will be delayed by one day. The city routes will be picked up on Friday, January 5.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
City Manager John Weidl announced on January 2 that in a letter to the city clerk dated December 27, David Stone resigned immediately from the Common Council, due to an “emergency situation.” Stone has represented District 1 since last April. Per a Common Council policy that was adopted in 2012, at its next meeting on January 16 the council is expected to ask the city clerk to advertise for applicants for the vacant position, while setting a deadline for such applications to be received. The council would then interview the applicants in an open meeting, and may decide to appoint a new council member by a vote of the members. Per state statute 17.23(1)(am), such a member could serve until the term expires in April, 2025, or until a special election is held. It might be expected that if such an election was called, it would likely be scheduled coinciding with the fall primary or general election, with the term still ending in April, 2025.
With the passing in December of Jim Allen, the Common Council now has two vacancies in its seven seats. The members are expected to consider advertising for applicants to fill Allen’s at large seat at the January 16 meeting. If appointed, such an individual would only serve until April 16, since that seat’s term expires on that date. For the present, if more than one member of the council is absent at a meeting, the lack of a quorum will prevent any action from taking place.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Last year the Whitewater Unified School District had twelve candidates on the ballot for three School Board seats, which resulted in a February primary to reduce the field to six candidates. Per Jaclyn Tueting, school board secretary, this year only three individuals filed as candidates for one of the two open seats on the board by the January 2 deadline, so no primary will be needed. The election will be held on April 2. The candidates are:
Larry Kachel (incumbent), 457 S. Buckingham Blvd.
Jeff Tortomasi, 658 Waters Edge Dr.
Maryann Zimmerman (incumbent), W7582 R and W Townline Rd.
Steve Watson writes,
“The end of 2023
Has finally come.
Here’s some photos,
Just for fun.
Happy New Year,
Everyone.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for this beautiful variety of photos.
— 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!
The Whippet Wrestling Team closed out 2023 by hosting the Mid-States Wrestling Classic Tournament held on the campus of UWW. This was the 45th year this tournament has taken place in which 42 teams gathered to compete on six mats over the course of two days.
Whitewater had ten team members competing in the tournament, and they competed well. The Whippets had five reach what Coach Schimming calls the blood round. This is the round that has winners move onto day two and claim a place in the top 12. Jesus Barajas and Vicente Soto both dropped tough losses in the blood round, just missing out on day two. Both guys competed very well on day one, finishing 2-2 in the tournament.
Jarvis Porcaro, Connor Friend, and Payton Lyon each made day 2. Porcaro and Lyon reached the quarterfinals before dropping their first loss while Connor Friend had three first period pins on day 1 to reach the semi-finals.
On day two, Porcaro won his first match, putting him on the podium as a top 8 finisher. Jarvis had two hard fought matches, unfortunately dropping them, and putting him in 8th place.
Payton Lyon dropped his first match on day two, unfortunately removing him from the podium, but he came back strong wrestling a very good match to put himself into the 9th place match. In the placement round Payton wrestled very well but came up just short in the 3rd period.
Connor Friend had a very good tournament. To open day two in the semifinals, he wrestled the number 1 seed from Sun Prairie. At the end of regulation, it was tied 6-6 so it went into 1 minute overtime where the first points win the match. The two got into a very intense scramble situation with Connor on the losing end. It is always tough to come back from a close loss in a big tournament. Connor drew a young man from Pecatonica whom he had lost to two weeks ago but wrestled a very patient match. Down 0-3 in the 3rd period, Connor got an escape and worked very hard pushing through a tough takedown attempt, putting his opponent to his back, and then securing the pin! The win put Connor into the 3rd place match and again, Connor kept composure and patience down in the 3rd period. Again, the patience paid off as Connor was able to secure a pin, bringing home the bronze medal. Connor was 5-1 in the tournament with 5 pins, and his sole loss was a very well contested overtime match.
The coaching staff was very happy with the performance of the team. Although we did not have as many make the podium as we would like, we felt like the team came and competed, and that is what we ask every time we take the mat in practice or competition.
Thank you to all that helped provide goods for the workers’ room and a big thank you for the great job the team did clearing three mats for the finals, then cleaning up and returning the mats to the high school. The tournament is a huge undertaking for the team, and they did great.
Next up for the Whippets is a Rock Valley Conference dual against Delavan-Darien on Thursday, January 4 at Delavan. The JV then hosts a 30-team tournament at Whitewater High School, and the girls travel to Kenosha Bradford on Saturday, January 6th.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
How have you handled the holidays?
Caregiver GPS
Learn how to navigate the journey of family caregiving
We invite you to join the Aging and Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Dane Counties for a year-long, virtual, family caregiver education series. Webinars will be offered the 3rd Thursday of each month from Noon – 1 p.m. beginning January 18, 2024. The class is free of charge and open to anyone in Wisconsin. Registration is required to obtain the link. Attend all 12 sessions or just those that are of interest to you.
Family caregivers will learn from experts about topics including: dementia information; communication skills for dementia caregivers; legal, financial and crisis planning; home safety; assistive devices; having difficult conversations; resource connections; travel planning as a caregiver and enjoying your holidays. Each session will allow for question-and-answer time.
For a schedule of topics, more information or to register for the link, please contact Rock County Dementia Care Specialist, Karen Tennyson at 608/741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us
Obituaries
Clarence Everett Hansen, Jr. (Bud), 87, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his family home in LaGrange, WI at 1:30 PM. Bud was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 6, 1937, to Clarence Hansen Sr. and Ruth (Dalson) Hansen and was baptized at Bethlehem Church in Milwaukee. Bud graduated from Lutheran High School in Milwaukee on June 9, 1955. Following high school, Bud enlisted in the US Army and was a light weapons specialist and sharpshooter. He was stationed in Germany and upon honorable discharge, served in the Army Reserves until 1962. Bud married his wife, of 63 … Read more
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Edward (Ed) Geske passed away to the Great Workshop in the Sky on May 25, 2025, due to years of severe infections of the urinary tract. Edward E. Geske was born on Thanksgiving Day to Elmer and Alice McMillan Geske on November 25, 1943 at the family home in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was accompanied by his twin sister, Marjorie, on this momentous occasion. Edward’s siblings are: Nancy(Tom) Trewyn, Arlene (Richard) Trewyn, Marjorie Petska, Susan (Gordy) Gimiski, Ray (Patti) Geske, and Mary (Gale) Smith. Ed grew up and attended elementary school in Lima Center, WI, later graduating from Whitewater High School. … Read more
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Irv A. Madsen, 86, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 02, 2025. He was born in Askov, MN on May 20, 1938, to Ludvig and Augusta Madsen. Irv graduated from Amery High School in 1956 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater in 1960 and his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison in 1965. He began his career teaching Business Education at Milton High School and then moved to UW-Whitewater to become the Director of Admissions for 42 years. During his time at UW-Whitewater he coached Women’s Softball, announced Football games for 50 years and was “the voice of … Read more
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Faith Ann Hansen, 83, passed away on the evening of Monday, May 19th at Alden Estates in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She was born on April 20th, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald Hansen and Doris (Ceel) Hansen. Faith graduated from Brookfield Central High School. Following high school she married Clarence (Bud) Hansen, Jr. and owned and ran the Twin Oaks Inn bar in Little Prairie, WI. Faith then worked at the Lakeland Nursing Home for over 30 years, while there earning her nursing degree from MATC in 1992. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater … Read more
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Ann S. Eckert, 85, of Port Charlotte, FL, died on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL. She was born in Madison, WI, on October 16, 1939. Ann was the only child of Clifford and Virginia Peterson. Ann was married for 65 years to Rev. Jerry Eckert. They had two children, David and Karen. Ann was a 1957 graduate of New London High School and earned her BS degree at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX, in 1961 with a major in home economics education. She taught a year in Seagoville, TX, and a part of … Read more
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Robert (Bob) John O’Hara, a cherished member of our family and friends, passed away May 19, 2025. Bob was born September 14, 1956, to Charlotte Anna (Wallack) Lewers and Robert James O’Hara. Bob grew up in Elk Grove Village, IL and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1974. He relocated to Whitewater, WI in 1986 and worked various warehouse distribution positions and ended his career as a manager. A significant life event occurred in 1998 when his precious daughter, Kelly Lynd O’Hara, was born. Kelly was an important focus of his life and he enjoyed watching her grow … Read more
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BRADLEY TERESA ANN Teresa Ann Bradley, age 84, of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Memorial service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Fr. Thi Pham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Teresa Ann was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 23,1940, to Paul and Hildegard (Weinandt) Bradley. She lived on a 5-acre farm in what is … Read more
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Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting. He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke … Read more
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Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist … Read more
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Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” GorbyDecember 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025 Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas … Read more
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