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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is one donated by the Leffingwell family. This donation was of photos from Halverson’s and Leffingwell’s men’s store. It shows a mid-20th century holiday float. Clearly it celebrates Santa and his reindeer, perhaps pulling a special hut where kids could visit Santa, but also wishes people a happy new year.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(4332P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Whitewater Arts Alliance and FACT Reader’s Theatre Present
A Hometown Christmas
Two classic radio plays:
Christmas on Pine Mountain
Meet Me in St. Louis
One performance only at Whitewater’s Cultural Arts Center
Saturday, December 14 at 2 pm
Presented by Fort Atkinson Community Theater
Directed by Benjamin Whitcomb
Suggested donation of $10 per person at the door would be greatly appreciated.
Light refreshments will be served.
The Landmarks Commission of Whitewater is taking a significant step
toward determining the future of the iconic Starin Park Water Tower. Following a non-binding referendum presented to voters, the results revealed 44% support for saving the tower and 56% opposing the use of taxpayer funds for restoration.
The question posed to voters on the November 5th ballot was: “The City of Whitewater Water Utility has decommissioned the Starin Park Water Tower, meaning it is no longer part of the water system. The Water Utility can spend up to $600,000 (the cost of demolition) to maintain it as a City-owned Historical Landmark. The remaining costs, approximately $1,000,000 for repairs and $250,000 every 10 years for maintenance, would need to come from City tax dollars or donations. Should the City of Whitewater use tax dollars to repair and maintain the Starin Park Water Tower?”
The City Manager recommended that the matter be referred to the Landmarks Commission. Recognizing the water tower’s historical, cultural, and economic significance, the Common Council chose to follow the
recommendation of the City Manager and refer the matter to the Landmarks Commission. The Common Council instructed the Landmarks Commission to report back to the Council with a plan on how best to proceed regarding the Water Tower by May of 2025.
The Landmarks Commission met on December 4th to discuss the non-binding referendum results and how best to proceed via the Common Council’s direction. The Commission has decided to establish a community
committee to gather feedback and explore the best course of action for the structure.
This landmark has significant historical, cultural and economic significance. Due to there being such a large impact on our community, the commission felt that it was best to have community feedback as they proceed. Katy Wimer, the director of content and communications for Discover Whitewater notes its significance: “Over the years, the Starin Park Water Tower has become one of a few central figures in Whitewater’s story,
drawing visitors and history enthusiasts looking to explore Wisconsin’s historical sites and intrigued by its spiritualism lore. The tower’s popularity has grown significantly in recent years due to Whitewater Chamber of
Commerce’s Annual Spirit Tour, making Whitewater a must-visit destination, especially for travelers who want a taste of history mixed with a bit of the supernatural. These visitors don’t just come for the day—they book overnight stays in our hotels and patronize our local restaurants, shops, and other businesses. The tower is a true economic asset to Whitewater and can be an even greater asset in supporting local tourism if maintained well and appreciated for what it represents beyond its original use.”
The Landmarks Commission will be developing a range of options, including preservation, fundraising, or alternative uses for the tower, while actively seeking community input through the newly formed committee.
The Commission is committed to reporting its recommendations to the Common Council by May 2025.
Community members interested in participating or sharing ideas are encouraged to contact the Landmarks Commission at 262-473-0149.
Together, we can ensure that the Starin Park Water Tower continues to inspire and contribute to the story of Whitewater for generations to come.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is proud to support the Bethel House as part of the company’s third annual Week of Giving campaign.
One of the company’s core values is giving back to the communities it serves. Last week, themed TDS Cares giving events were held throughout the company’s service areas, including in Whitewater. Events included Cyber/STEM Monday, Giving Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Food Bank Friday.
On Wednesday, a dozen TDS associates presented a $2,500 donation and contributed a total of 36 volunteer hours to help the Bethel House continue its mission of preventing homelessness for local children and families.
“The TDS Week of Giving campaign is centered around supporting organizations that make our communities strong. We’re proud to donate more than $100,000 to local charities and organizations across the country, and we hope to inspire others to join us in giving back this holiday season,” said Drew Petersen, TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs.
TDS Cares initiatives occur throughout the year and through the Be Good Citizens program, TDS provides associates with 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer at the 501c3 organization of their choice.
Kacie Carollo’s career-high 33 points paced the No. 8 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team to a 65-58 win over Wheaton (IL) Wednesday night.
The Warhawks capitalized on the pace of play, pushing the ball forward to outscore the Thunder 22-4 on fast break points. The free throw line became pivotal late in the contest as UWW hit 20-25 in the contest compared to Wheaton’s 14-16.
UW-Whitewater pushed the pace early, tallying 10 fastbreak points in the first 10 minutes to build a 20-14 lead after the first period. Carollo took over in the second quarter, scoring 12 of the Warhawks’ 16 points in the period. She was 4-8 from the field, 2-4 from three-point range and 2-2 from the charity stripe. At the intermission, UWW held a 36-29 advantage heading into the locker room.
The Thunder whittled away at the lead on the other side of the break eventually pulling to within two, 42-40. A bucket by Renee Rittmeyer followed by a pair of Carollo free throws quickly pushed the margin back to six, 46-40, with 4:17 left in the third. Carollo added another free throw about a minute later before Wheaton capped the scoring in the period with a pair of free throws. Heading into the fourth, UWW held a 47-42 lead.
The Warhawks scored the first four points of the fourth from the charity stripe – all four made by Katie Hildebrandt – to extend the gap to nine, 51-42. Over the next seven minutes, Wheaton cut into the margin eventually tying the game 56-56 at the 1:43 mark.
On the offensive end, Carollo knocked down one of the biggest triples of the game to put UWW back on top. The Thunder countered with a step back jumper that dropped to narrow the lead to one and the Wheaton coach immediately signaled for a timeout. UW-Whitewater perfectly executed a play with Hildebrandt hitting a cutting Carollo perfectly in stride for the layin and another three-point UWW advantage with 29.4 seconds to go.
Wheaton forced up a three-pointer on their end and Bri McCurdy chased down the board drawing a foul in the process. She hit both free throws to add a cushion with 11.1 to go. Carollo came up with a big block on the defensive end before capping the game with the final two points of the contest on a pair of free throws for the seven-point win.
Carollo tallied a double-double with 33 points and 10 boards. She added three assists, three blocks and three steals in 39 minutes played. Hildebrandt added 13 bolstered by a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe while hauling in five boards. Rittmeyer was active on defense with five steals while dishing out three assists on the offensive end.
UW-Whitewater will head south for a pair of games at Daytona Beach on December 20 and 21. The Warhawks will wrap up 2024 against Calvin at 1 PM on December 30 in Kachel Gym before opening 2025 with conference play.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Cold Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. on Wednesday to 10 a.m. on Thursday. They indicate that “The combination of air temperatures in the low single digits to negative single digits and wind gusts between 35 to 40 mph will lead to wind chills as low as -25 degrees. Wind chills will be the worst between Midnight and 8AM Thursday.”
The former Wind Chill Advisories are now being called “Cold Weather Advisories.” Such an advisory is issued when the wind chill is anticipated to be at least -20 degrees F. It appears that much of Rock and Walworth Counties will barely miss falling to that level, and consequently the advisory is not being extended to them – but it will still be very cold.
The Whippet swimmers started off conference duals with a win against Edgerton/Evansville with a score of 112 to 46 on Tuesday, December 10th. The night was filled with a lot of really good swims!
Most notable swims include:
- Medley Relay of Miles Nickelsburg, David Enns, Myles Morse and Caleb Kluck out touched the Tide at the wall to secure a 1st place finish. Caleb Kluck had an impressive split in the 50 Freestyle going a time of 26.98.
- Langdon Coburn and Miles Morse finished 1st and 2nd in the 200 Freestyle. Langdon swam a lifetime best with a time of 2:08.24
- Isaac Straight dropped over 6 seconds in his 50 Freestyle going a time of 40.08, and Sam Nickelsburg continues to drop time in his 50 Freestyle going a time of 32.34
- Mateo Bazeley made his way onto the Whippet Top 10 List in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 53.93. He is now 10th overall.
- Xavier Ortiz dropped 6 seconds in his 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:11.55.
- Miles Nickelsburg swam a lifetime best in the 500 Freestyle with an impressive time of 6:07.13.
- In the leadoff spot of the 200 Freestyle Relay, Cruz Aranda went a 23.93. With that time he now sits 7th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Angel Kilar dropped over 30 seconds in his 100 Backstroke to go a time of 1:40.97.
- Jack Hefty and David Enns both swam great races in the 100 Breaststroke.
The Whippets are back in the water on Saturday, December 14th at the Elkhorn Invite. The meet begins at 10 am; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
In an announcement dated December 6, Kim McDarison, the editor and sole employee of WhitewaterWise indicated that the online publication, together with Fort Atkinson Online, will be placed on “indefinite pause with the close of 2024.” McDarison stated that, “The pause is a result of life-related changes which require a reallocation of time…” by herself. She thanked the many individuals who have contributed to the site, including freelancers as well as the readers and advertisers. It was indicated that archived articles will remain available for an undetermined period, although advertisements will be removed at the end of the year.
Raised in New England and a 1986 graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Kim McDarison indicated in an earlier release that she wanted to be a journalist from the time she was nine. While in college, she earned a bachelor of business administration (BBS) degree, with a concentration in MIS (management information systems), and a minor in journalism. In the early 2000’s she served as the editor of the Whitewater Register, and since that time her work has been published in many area newspapers, including the Daily Jefferson County Union.
McDarison founded Fort Atkinson Online four years ago, and having also had a longtime interest in Whitewater, that publication increasingly provided news from our city. She launched WhitewaterWise in the summer of 2023 and has devoted a great deal of time providing extensive coverage of Common Council and School Board meetings, together with other news and events.
We are certain that we join many in the community in thanking Kim for her contributions to keeping Whitewater informed. Her publications will be missed, and we wish her well on her future endeavors.
Written by Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
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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