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No Garage Sales this Week, But a Free Vintage Piano

October 30, 2024

This old spinet piano might be the ticket for a family hesitant to invest in a new piano until more comfortable that the piano student will pursue lessons and “practice” that skill set to enjoy playing piano in the future.

The piano was last tuned in 1995 and may have a crack in the sound board and remains in a carpeted room.  Transfer would be from carpeted room to small garage and out …….all at ground level.

We obtained the piano under similar circumstances and our own kids did not continue to take advantage of lessons.

Call 262-949-5678   Connie

Be Sure to Complete WUSD Community Survey by Monday

October 30, 2024

Reminder for the Whitewater community! Be sure to complete the community survey by Monday, November 4, 2024. 📝

This is your opportunity to share feedback on which projects, if any, from the recently developed facility plan should move forward.

Each survey requires a unique, one-time-use code. If you need a code or a paper copy of the survey, please call the WUSD District Office at 262-472-8700.

Our facility plan helps spread out facility investment costs over time, making them more affordable for taxpayers. Learn more at www.wwusd.org/page/facilities-planning-2

#TheWhippetWay #1Family #WhippetNation

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

Winter Street “No Parking” Hours Begin on Friday at 2 a.m.

October 30, 2024

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Winter “no parking” hours go into effect at 2 a.m. on Friday, November 1. Beginning at that time and continuing through March 31, 2025, it is illegal to park vehicles on any city street between 2-6 a.m. The only exceptions are (a) Physicians on a house call (how often does that happen now?), (b) Parking is permitted in the downtown parking area after 5 a.m., and (c) By special advance arrangement with the public works director. Violations may subject the vehicle owner to a fine between $20-105, plus the possibility of the vehicle being towed, resulting in additional expenses.

By the way, on October 15 the Common Council discussed a suggestion to delay the start of the winter parking ban to December, based on the fact that the area hasn’t been experiencing much snow in November. Public Works Director Brad Marquardt provided a report showing that the average snowfall in the month in Madison and Milwaukee over the past fifteen years has only been 3.1″. In 2019, however, 15.9″ and 13.7″ fell respectively. Marquardt’s primary objections to changing the start date were “having to avoid and plow around cars, and the possibility of frozen snowbanks left behind. Also, there is no great way to communicate a “snow emergency” to the residents if we needed the cars off the street for a snowstorm.” The Council voted to maintain the November 1 start date.

Local Students Graduate from UW-Madison

October 29, 2024

 

Just over 1,300 students received doctoral, bachelor’s, master’s and professional degrees in August 2024 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

While there is no commencement ceremony in August, many of the graduates take part in the ceremonies the previous spring or in December.

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu

Here are the degree recipients from the Whitewater area:

 Lynn Lindahl, School of Education, Educational Specialist, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
 Meghan Tracy, College of Letters and Science, Master of Science-Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
 Andy Vo, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Editor’s note: The above announcement was received from UW-Madison.

Be Kind Yard Signs Delivered to Your Door!

October 29, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Be Kind committee.

Laurie Giorno is a Hometown Hero

October 28, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).

Laurie Giorno is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated by Janie Anderson “For volunteering as a leader for the Whitewater 4-H club for over 28 years, serving as the 4-H food leader for Walworth County and in charge of the House of Pork, the county’s main fundraiser at the Walworth County Fair, and coordinating the United States Postal Service food drive.”

Laurie Giorno is a Hometown Hero

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Robotics Booster Club to Host Toppers’ DoughNation Night Wednesday

October 28, 2024

Who’s hungry for Toppers!? This Wednesday, October 30, from 4:00 – 9:00 pm, Whitewater Toppers will donate 20% of all sales to the WUSD Robotics Booster Club. The booster club not only supports Ferradermis at the high school, but also the Iron Dragons FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams at the middle school and the BrickLayers FIRST Lego League teams at Washington, Lincoln, and Lakeview! The robotics program is strong and growing in the WUSD!

For information on the Robotics Booster Club, contact Sue Wildermuth at wilderms@uww.edu.

UW-W Women’s Tennis Claims 18th Consecutive WIAC Title

October 28, 2024
UW-Whitewater secures the WIAC trophy for an 18th straight time (Dave Lindow)


By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Madison, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s tennis team claimed the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title for the 18th consecutive time Sunday. The Warhawks won four singles flights and swept the titles in doubles play en route to the championship. 

The WIAC champion is determined by using a combination of the regular season dual meet standings and the WIAC Championship results. The Warhawks entered the championship tied for first with six points from dual meet results. UW-Whitewater added 14 points from the championships for a total of 20 to claim the title by two points over UW-La Crosse. 

SINGLES
No. 1: Gracie Ha secured her second straight singles title (No. 2 singles champion in 2023) after defeating UW-Eau Claire’s Samantha Fuchs 6-2, 6-1 in the title match. To get to the title, Ha received a bye before defeating UWO’s Mana Usui 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. 

No. 2: Molly Asfeld battled back from a 6-2, 6-4 loss in round two to eventual champion Shelby Roth (UWL) to secure bronze. In the third place bout, Asfeld took down Maya Kunze (UWSP) 6-3, 6-4. Her first round win was a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Alexis Budzinski (UWRF) Saturday. 

No. 3: Abby Weaver picked up a pair of wins Sunday to claim gold in the third singles flight. After topping Morgan Dekan (UWEC) 6-0, 6-2 in the second round, Weaver bested UWL’s Lauren Lindow 6-1, 7-5 for the championship. She was 3-0 in singles play with a first round win over Ella Lamppa (UW-Stout) 6-1, 6-2 on day one. 

No. 4: Alex Repplier won her second consecutive title in singles play Sunday. The top seed defeated Brianna Owens (UWO) 6-1, 6-1 before securing the title with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Maia Samuelson (UWL). She adds the 2024 championship to a No. 5 singles gold from 2023. 

No. 5: Sarah Ferguson went 2-0 after receiving a first round bye for the title. She took down Allie Brosteau (UWSP) 6-0, 6-1 in the second round and defeated Emma Heinert (UWL) 6-4, 6-0 in the championship. 

No. 6: Crystina Lee battled hard in the No. 6 singles championship match. After taking the first set against top-seeded Hannah Cady (UWL), she dropped set two 6-4. Lee finished as the runner-up after the tiebreak went to the Eagles 10-2. On her way to the title match, Lee defeated Lexie Stein (UW-Stout) in straight sets and Tea Armstrong (UWEC) 3-6, 6-1, 10-5 in the second round. 

DOUBLES
No. 1 – Gracie Ha & Abby Weaver: The Warhawk tandem in the top doubles flight came in as the No. 1 seed and punched their ticket into the championship with an 8-1 win over a UWSP pair. Ha and Weaver took down UWL’s Tasha Bailey and Roth 8-5 for the title. The championship is the second consecutive at No. 1 doubles for Ha. 

No. 2 – Molly Asfeld & Alex Repplier: As the top seed in the second doubles flight, the Warhawks received a first round bye. In round two, Asfeld and Repplier defeated Morgan Dekan and Liv Herzog (UWEC) 8-6 to secure their spot in the championship. UW-Whitewater won the title with an 8-5 victory over UWL’s Samuelson and Cady. The doubles title is the second straight for Asfeld.

No. 3 – Ava Andrae & Crystina Lee: The Warhawks’ pair in the third doubles flight entered as the No. 2 seed. The duo defeated Hailey Reuvers and Mykela Hanson (UWRF) 8-1 and the UWEC tandem of Armstrong and Aubrey Wittwer 8-3 to punch their ticket to the title match. Andrae and Lee won a thrilling battle for the championship defeating Lindow and Heinert (UWL) 8-7(4). 

Following the completion of the championship, the WIAC announced Cassie Lee as the Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete. A full release on Lee’s accomplishments will be published in a separate story. She is the fourth Warhawk to earn the honor in the last five seasons and thirteenth in program history. Gracie Ha was selected as UW-Whitewater’s representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team. 

UW-Whitewater has now won 25 WIAC titles in program history. The top four teams from the conference championship (UWW, UWL, UWEC, UWSP) advance to the team tournament that will determine the league’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Championship. The team tournament will be hosted by UWW on April 26, 2025. 

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