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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Update 11/18 @ 10:30 p.m. to add CDA Agenda
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Fire Chief report, Police Chief report to include a review of the Fitch & Associates staffing study, COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grant award and the consideration of a Public Safety referendum. Also executive session, to reconvene in open session: Probationary EMT/Firefighter Employment Update and Presentation of EMT/Firefighter Paid on Call Candidates for Certification.
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 the webinar:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/871025725
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 871-025-725
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action for hiring a woodworker and mobile mill and setting a limit on the expense of the project [presumably related to making a bench(es?) from the removed oak tree.]
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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 the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87584294638?pwd=I1JYihaoTz3OCbXgmlNMJVcSrU5MyW.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Meeting ID: 875 8429 4638
Passcode: qT2AAhXV
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing regarding 2025 City of Whitewater Budget, Update on Absentee Ballot numbering process, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Starin Park Water Tower Referendum Results, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Approval of Proposed Scope of Services for Phase Two of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes with Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Selection of Communications Consultant.
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/86490332854?pwd=g9UPZLBOEWx3xBFLgmFxrnYDhvpjYo.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 864 9033 2854
Passcode: 650398
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on amending Whitewater Municipal Code 19.12 Subsection 19.12.010 to add exemption for dogs on a leash while in the Whitewater Bark
Park, Discussion and Possible Action on Capital Campaign implementation for WAFC upgrades, Discussion and Possible action on recommendation to contract Southport Engineered Systems to make upgrades to the HVAC system at the WAFC in the amount of $276,100 for work to be completed in 2025.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83183855655?pwd=8rCtMOhf0iba96DXxEBNd8cbTRx1Sm.1
Meeting ID: 831 8385 5655
Passcode: 603923
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83183855655#,,,,*603923# US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Joint Review Board – Thursday @ 11:00 a.m.
Agenda
The meeting will be held at the Whitewater City Hall, located at 312 W. Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/626359165
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 626-359-165
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session, to reconvene: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Development Agreement With Tanis Properties, LLC and Update regarding status of Ideawake/Inventalator Loan.
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 the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86898444845?pwd=HaeR_EA__X9LSKF-6xvSGw474nN0kA.LjGroTDLCXK7hsn3
Or Telephone:
Dial +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 868 9844 4845
Passcode: 009557
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Oshkosh, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team took down top-seeded UW-Oshkosh in a five-set thriller to claim the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title for the third straight season. The Warhawks secured the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship with the win setting blocking records along the way. The 3-2 victory featured set scores of 20-25, 25-14, 20-25, 25-18 and 15-12 for the program’s 19th league tournament title.
It was a purple block party in Oshkosh Saturday night — UWW registered 21.0 total blocks as a team breaking the program record for blocks in a single match. That mark is also the most by any Division III team this season. Both middle hitters, Hannah Proctor and Abbie Dix, registered double digit blocks in the match with 10 and 11 respectively.
The Titans used a 6-1 midset run to open up a 19-12 advantage leading to the first set win.
The Warhawks responded in a big way. The offense hit .500 in set two while the defense held UWO to a .000 attack efficiency. An 8-1 run in the middle of the set gave UWW a 13-7 lead. The Warhawks capped the set scoring seven of the last eight points. The final point came on a huge Jenna Weinfurt and Proctor block.
Set three went the Titans’ way but, once again, UWW had the response. The Warhawks held UWO to a hitting percentage of .041 in the fourth while the offense limited errors. A huge 8-0 run opened up a 19-8 lead for UW-Whitewater. Weinfurt and Dix teamed up for a block while Dix joined Aubrie Krzus on another in the run. All three added a kill in the series. Proctor put the finishing touches on the set with a kill to force the decisive fifth set.
The fifth was a nail-biter with the Titans pushing a lead to 10-7 on a four-point spurt. Like they had been doing the whole match, the Warhawks used a big block to sway momentum in UWW’s favor. Dix teamed with Chloe Werner to spark a run. Following a Titan point, UW-Whitewater ran off the next six to force match point, 14-11. The run featured three consecutive blocks — Alayna Jansky and Dix on the first followed by a solo from Dix and finally a Krzus and Dix double that made it 12-11. A Titan miscue made it 13-11 and a Jansky kill gave UWW match point.
UWO pushed a second match point but Dix pounded down a kill for the final point of the match.
Jansky led UWW with 18 kills while Weinfurt added 17. Dix added 10 kills in the contest. Krzus tallied 49 assists and added six blocks.
Jaedynn Evans bolstered the defense with a match-high 24 digs while Jansky posted 14 and Ally Longden had 10.
The Warhawks automatically qualify for the NCAA Division III Championship and will find out where they are headed, or if they are staying in Whitewater, during the NCAA Selection Show set for noon Monday.
Makayla Bazeley capped off her high school swim career at the WIAA State Meet in Waukesha on Friday, November 15, with two medals! Makayla swam to a 2nd place finish and new school record in the 200 Freestyle in a time of 1:54.44 and a 3rd place finish in the 100 Backstroke in a time of 57.72. Congratulations, Makayla, on an amazing season and swim career!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Jeanine Fassl writes, “Taking advantage of the wonderful Fall weather we’ve been having allowed us to dig up the cannas we planted at the Cravath Lakefront Park, this spring. We were both amazed at how productive they were. We are showing only some of the bounty that cannas create each season. Should any readers care to try planting these, in the spring of ’25, please call Rick to pick some up.”
Our thanks to Jeanine and Rick Fassl for sharing their bountiful 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!
Editor’s note: As a result of last year’s redistricting, the entire Whitewater area, with the exception of the town of LaGrange, will be in Senate District 15, which will be served by Mark Spreitzer beginning on January 6, 2025. Spreitzer was sworn in as a senator in 2023, having been in the Assembly since 2015, where he was Democratic Caucus Chair from 2016-22. In a previous article, The Whitewater Banner erroneously indicated that Steve Nass would continue to represent Whitewater until January, 2027. It turns out, however, that the new districts are becoming effective now, even though some senators are in the middle of their terms. Nass will continue to represent the town of LaGrange.
Sen. Mark Spreitzer Elected Senate Democratic Caucus Chair
State Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) was elected on November 12 by his Democratic colleagues in the Wisconsin State Senate to serve as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair in the 2025-2026 legislative session. Following the election, Sen. Spreitzer released the following statement:
“I am honored to be elected to serve as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair. The 2025-2026 legislative session represents a tremendous opportunity to continue to move Wisconsin forward, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on behalf of the people of our state.
“I look forward to working with our leadership team to build on the successes of last week – where Senate Democrats flipped all four competitive seats in the State Senate, despite national headwinds – and put ourselves on a clear and direct path to winning an 18-seat majority in 2026. With additional Democratic legislators elected in both the State Senate and State Assembly, it is clear from the results of this fall’s elections that the people of Wisconsin are supportive of our shared priorities for the state. I am excited to see the collective impact that our caucus will have with more members and a stronger voice in the State Capitol.
“I also want to take a moment to thank Senator Chris Larson for his service to our caucus as Caucus Chair over the past two years. He is a passionate leader who has always been a strong advocate for his community, our shared values, and our state. I look forward to continuing to serve together in the State Senate.
“I thank my colleagues for their support. I am excited to get back to work to advance the values that we share as Wisconsinites.”
Senator Mark Spreitzer was elected to represent the 15th Senate District in the State Senate in 2022, and served as the Senate Democratic Caucus Vice-Chair from December 2023-November 2024. Senator Spreitzer previously served as the State Representative for the 45th Assembly District from 2015-2023, and served as the Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair from 2016-2022.
DISCOVER THE VIBRANCY OF NATURE THROUGH BOLD COLORS WITH “PUSHING PAINT” AT ROBERTA’S ART GALLERY
“Pushing Paint,” by Australian native artist Derek Hambly, captures the powerful and brilliant motion of the natural world through expressionist landscapes and still life on canvas. This bright exhibit features a collection of Hambly’s work showcasing dynamic expressions of movement through thickly applied oil paint on canvas. Hambly’s exhibit is open from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11 with a meet-the-artist reception on Nov. 19, free and open to the public.
Using oil paint, Hambly captivates his audience’s senses and transports them into a 2-D world to highlight the ever-changing forms of nature. He has been painting for over 50 years. “After studying the masters, I let go of them and began studying myself,” says Hambly. “I realized for an artist to develop himself, he needs to get down to what he’s about and his own journey as a creator.”
Derek Hambly, a local Jefferson resident, earned his Master of Fine Arts from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, in 1967. Throughout his career, Hambly has documented the construction of the National Gallery of Victoria and studied abstract painting. “I now feel that I am a master of my own creative forces. I don’t just paint the canvas. I am the painter within the painting. My work is my signature,” says Hambly.
The exhibit reception will be held on Nov. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., with an artist talk and an audience Q&A from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by an open house with refreshments from 7 to 8 p.m.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists to coordinate and sponsor exhibits. Our hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. [Parking information is available here.]
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit www.uww.edu/rag for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag. For more information about Hambly’s work, please visit https://derekhamblystudios.com/.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Waukesha, Wis. — The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team came back from a nine-point halftime deficit to top No. 21 Carroll 62-60 on the road Saturday evening.
After an even first quarter where both teams scored 14, the Warhawk offense struggled in the second. UWW shot just 21-percent from the floor while the Pioneers put up 18 to take a 32-23 lead at the intermission.
UW-Whitewater regrouped and came out on fire on the other side of the break. The Warhawks shot a phenomenal 90-percent (9-10) from the floor including 2-3 from beyond the arc adding a perfect 6-6 from the charity stripe in the quarter.
UWW whittled away at the lead eventually grabbing the advantage at the 56 second mark on a layup by Maggie Trautsch. She added a pair of free throws to give the Warhawks a 49-46 lead at the end of the third.
An old-fashioned three-point play for Carroll to open the fourth knotted the game 49-49. UW-Whitewater responded with a five-point run courtesy of a triple from Kacie Carollo and a pair of free throws from Bri McCurdy.
Over the next three minutes, the only bucket was a Pioneer free throw. McCurdy broke the drought with a three-pointer at the 2:20 mark to give UWW a 57-50 lead.
The Pioneers hit a layup that was quickly countered by a Carollo layin for UWW. Back-to-back buckets for CU cut the gap to two, 59-57, with 30 seconds to go.
UWW inbounded to Carollo who dribbled through traffic as time ticked off the clock. The Pioneers finally fouled with 19 seconds left and Carollo hit both from the charity stripe to push the lead back to four, 61-57.
Carroll pushed the ball up the court and hit a quick three to narrow the gap to one with 13 seconds remaining. Carollo was fouled again and hit one of two to give UWW a two-point lead with just under 10 seconds to go.
A foul in the paint stopped the clock with two seconds to go and gave the Pioneers an inbounds play with enough time to get a shot off. Carroll did get a three-pointer off but the shot went wide to seal the Warhawk win.
Carollo paced the Warhawks with 26 points on 9-15 from the floor, 3-5 from deep and 5-6 from the free throw line. Trautsch added 17 bolstered by 3-4 from beyond the arc. Mallory Oloffson pulled down nine boards adding four steals in the game.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. — The UW-Whitewater football was dominant in a 48-7 win at UW-Eau Claire Saturday afternoon.
Tyler Vasey and the Warhawk special teams unit set the tone early. Vasey took the opening kick 71 yards down to the UWEC 24-yard line. Three plays later, Jackson Fox nailed a 35-yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead. That was the lone score of the first quarter.
On the first play of the second quarter, Dyson Klubertanz jumped a passing lane inside the Warhawks five-yard line and returned the pick to the 29. The turnover led to UW-Whitewater’s first touchdown of the game – a 14-yard Jason Ceniti to Brian Stanton connection for the 10-0 advantage. That would be all the Warhawks needed in the game, but UWW continued to roll.
UWW scored on the next drive as Drake Martin punched it in for the 17-0 lead. Jaden Hendrickson picked off a pass on the Blugold’s next drive and the Warhawks turned it into points on the other end. Another Ceniti passing touchdown, this time to Vasey from two yards out, put the finishing touches on the drive. Fox split the uprights on the point after for a 20-0 advantage.
On the other side of the break, the Warhawks added 14 points in the third courtesy of a 36-yard Noah Battle run and a 44-yard Vasey carry.
The fourth quarter saw 14 more added to UWW’s total in response to an Eau Claire touchdown early in the period. Ceniti took off on a 38-yard scoring sprint. He added a second score with his feet on a four-yard run to cap the scoring in the game for the 48-7 final.
Ceniti was 10-11 for 149 yards and a passing touchdown. He added 124 yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Vasey registered 75 yards on five carries with a touchdown in the game.
Vasey was also the top target with four catches. Steven Hein led the receiving corps with 45 yards on a pair of catches.
Defensively, Kamrin Hutt had a phenomenal game with 12 tackles including 10 solo and a tackle for a loss of two.
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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