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Free Film Screening: “All the Lonely People” by people overcoming loneliness

November 11, 2024

Rainbow among local organizers to present documentary by people overcoming loneliness

Rainbow Community Care, in collaboration with the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation and the Watertown Area YMCA, invites the public to attend a free community screening of All the Lonely People on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson. Following the film, there will be time for a panel discussion and social hour. Loneliness, social isolation, and ways to support one another will be topics discussed as well, including how to build supportive networks. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided along with free soda and water and a cash bar is also available.

Presented by the Clowder Group, this powerful documentary film follows a handful of people from different walks of life as they overcome social isolation and chronic loneliness – a condition that is affecting millions of people in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Researchers believe the effects of loneliness on our health are as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The added stress of feeling alone increases heart disease, stroke, anxiety, and even an earlier onset of dementia.

Caring for a loved one is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles a person can take on, but it can also be tiring and stressful. When you’re a primary caregiver, especially in a rural community, it can feel isolating – both physically and emotionally. If your loved one was once the one handling daily tasks and responsibilities and now relies on you for help with a serious illness or other challenges, that change can create even more strain, limiting your ability to connect with others. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings, seek support, take care of your own physical and mental health, and remember that you’re not alone.

Limited to the first 200 people. For more information and to register for this free event please visit: https://bit.ly/AllLonelyPeople.

Whitewater FFA Fruit Sale Ends Tuesday

November 11, 2024

It is the best time of year, FRUIT SALES!! The FFA would GREATLY appreciate your support. There is truly something for everyone: fruit, cheese, and sausage. The sale ends November 12th at 11:59 P.M. I have attached my online link below. Thank you in advance!

Online Fruit Sale Link: https://app.fundraiseit.org/shop.php?code=254259

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Emily Schmidt.

Veterans Day –  Honoring All Who Served  – No Mail

November 10, 2024

[From Wikipedia]

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces (who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).[1][2] It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.[3] Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major US veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.[4]

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a US public holiday in May. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all US military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.[5] Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the US military. Additionally, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number of US states that specifically honor women who have served in the US military.

Editor’s note: The Whitewater Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Kim Heimbuch from Pixabay.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

November 10, 2024

City of Whitewater Municipal Board of CanvassMonday @ 8:00 a.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Towing and Auto Repair Shop located at 601 E Milwaukee Street for Lee Loveall. Tax Parcel #/A288100001.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/821435909
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 821-435-909
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Starin Road crosswalks near the University.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83912779961?pwd=Zw6nXRJLaq7fkpv5FutbvQk7mQoUd1.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 839 1277 9961
Passcode: 653674

City of Whitewater Public Art Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action on painting of traffic boxes.
Whitewater Municipal Building Council Chambers, 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 my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/991676437
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 991-676-437
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 Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda Discussion and possible action on Resolution Creating The City of Whitewater Trippe and Cravath Lake District
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/87690770035?pwd=PuylzY4adVuoQHpR5a2kaMeHiVek1r.1
Meeting ID: 876 9077 0035
Passcode: 132515
Dial +1 312 626 6799 US

Whitewater Unified School District Transportation Committee – Thursday @ 4:15 p.m.
Agenda: Representatives of the School Board and staff members of the district and Nelson’s Bus Service will meet. No action will be taken.
Whitewater High School
Student Services Conference Room
534 South Elizabeth Street

City of Whitewater Community Involvement & Cable TV Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager Conference 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 join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/802229605
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 802-229-605
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install



Bazeley Qualifies for State Swim with Sectional Victories in Two Events

November 10, 2024

WOW!! The Whippet swimmers came and absolutely demolished their times on Saturday, November 9, at the WIAA Sectional Meet at McFarland. Whippet swimmers went 18/18 best times, and Makayla Bazeley is heading back to state for the 3rd year in a row! 

Whippet Sectional Competitors

Makayla Bazeley won her events in speedy fashion. In the 200 Freestyle she dropped 2 seconds to go a time of 1:56.70. In the 100 Backstroke she broke her own school record with a time of 57.63! By winning both her events she earned herself an automatic qualification to the state meet!

Throughout the season, Emerson Dunham consistently took on two of the most challenging events which included the 200 IM and 500 Freestyle! Emerson showed up and rocked those events! In the 200 IM she placed 8th with a time of 2:33.85; that’s a 7 second time drop. In the 500 Freestyle, she placed 10th with a time of 5:53.33, which is a lifetime best and 10 second time drop! 

The team dropped over 1 minute and 22 seconds in all events combined. Best times include: 

Grace Coleman 

  • 50 Freestyle – 32.28 
  • 100 Backstroke – 1:28.99

Lucy Davis 

  • 200 Freestyle – 2:30.47
  • 50 Freestyle – 31.30

Georgia Esch

  • 100 Freestyle – 1:16.39
  • 100 Backstroke – 1:27.87 (7 second time drop)

Charlotte Hajewski

  • 200 Freestyle (14th) – 2:19.70
  • 500 Freestyle (14th) – 6:14.89 (6 second time drop)

Atreya Wilson

  • 100 Freestyle – 1:10.72 (8 second time drop and a heat win!)
  • 100 Breaststroke – 1:27.44 (5 second time drop and another heat win!)

Maggie Maas 

  • 50 Freestyle – 28.85 
  • 100 Freestyle (14th) – 1:03.48

Maya Davis

  • 50 Freestyle – 34.87
  • 100 Breaststroke – 1:36.92 

Proud is an understatement! What an awesome way to end the 2024 season for the majority of the girls! Up next is State; come cheer on Makayla on Friday, November 15th at Waukesha South Natatorium. The meet begins at 5:30 pm.. 

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #166 Blessing Backpack Project Thanks Fairhaven Residents

November 9, 2024

Thank you to Fairhaven Leisure Services staff member Terrie Munger and her knitting and crocheting group of residents from Fairhaven and Prairie Village for their contribution of handmade scarves to our annual Paul Frank Florine American Legion Auxiliary Unit #166 Fort Atkinson Blessing Backpack Project. One of the scarves will be placed in each of our backpacks along with other items for warmth, physical and dental hygiene. The backpacks are then given to the Fort Atkinson Homeless Coalition and another organization to be handed out to those in need. The residents have teamed up with us to do this project since the beginning (Fall of 2022). Putting an item in each backpack that is handmade with love by this group  gives the backpacks a special touch.  Thank you for your continued support, you have touched many lives.

Local Students are Members of Warhawk Marching Band

November 9, 2024
The Warhawk Marching Band performs at halftime of the UW-W football game at Perkins Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2024. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)


UW-Whitewater reveals 2024-25 Warhawk Marching Band

A total of 136 students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are members of the Warhawk Marching Band for the 2024-25 academic year.

The following local student musicians are part of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band for the 2024-25 academic year:

Anders Clarksen, from Whitewater, who is studying Mathematics at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the alto saxophone section.

Mel Prince, from Whitewater, who is studying Music at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the baritone section.

The Warhawk Marching Band performs at all UW-Whitewater football regular season home games and other select campus and community events during the fall semester. UW-Whitewater hosts the annual Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Marching Band Championships every October.

Last season, the Warhawk Marching Band performed at halftime of a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field.

The marching band is one of several musical ensembles at the university. In addition to Lambeau Field, UW-Whitewater’s ensembles perform in other famous venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Symphony Center in Chicago, and at venues in Germany, Poland and England.

The Warhawk Marching Band is directed by Glenn “Doc” Hayes, a professor of music in the university’s College of Arts and Communication who has also held the role of director of bands since 1987. He is the second person in history to be inducted into the WSMA Marching Band Hall of Fame. Tobie Wilkinson, senior lecturer of music in the college, leads UW-Whitewater’s percussion studio and serves as associate director of the marching band.

To learn more about the Warhawk Marching Band, visit the band’s web page.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

Save the Date: WHS Class of 1975, 50th Reunion

November 9, 2024

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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