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Today is Saturday, June 13, 2026
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Zoheb Rakhangi, a WHS graduate who is studying Information Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has been named a Launch Pad Scholar for the fall 2024 semester.
The UW-Whitewater Launch Pad program is a startup accelerator focused on helping students launch new companies and nonprofits.
The program consists of weekly student meetings, 1-on-1 coaching, office space at the Whitewater Innovation Center, preparation for pitch competitions and more. Launch Pad is open to all UW-Whitewater undergraduate and graduate students regardless of major. Students have the option to earn up to three elective College of Business and Economics credits.
The program directors are Dave Gee, a lecturer and UW-Whitewater graduate, and William Dougan, a professor. Both are faculty members in the College of Business and Economics’ Department of Management.
Visit uwwlaunchpad.org to learn more.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
A number of communities in south central Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday, October 27 from 1-4 p.m., Palmyra’s on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., and Jefferson’s on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls. Again this year the hours will be 4-7 p.m.
How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!
Ghoul’s Night Out is on Thursday, October 24, 2024. See this article for details.
Big Money in Politics – A Continued Threat to Women’s Economic Equity, and More
Speaker: George Penn, United to Amend
Sponsored by AAUW [American Association of University Women] Janesville
Money in politics threatens democracy and our financial security. Learn about a grassroots movement to reform campaign finance, increase representation in government, prioritize problem solving, and restore political morality.
Tuesday, October 22 – 6:30 pm
Woman’s Club, 108 S. Jackson St., Janesville
Click here for Zoom at 6:30
AAUW meetings are open to the public. Visit aauw-janesville.net for more information.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Barta IV from Pixabay.
Lutherdale, a summer camp and year-round conference and retreat center, is thrilled to announce its 80th Anniversary Celebration. This milestone marks eight decades of faith, fellowship, and community service. Lutherdale was established on the Lauderdale Lakes in 1944, and is excited to announce a communitywide event to celebrate 80 years of business in the Walworth County & Elkhorn area community, as well as 80 years of impacting youth and families across the region.
The Fall Festival will take place on October 26, 2024 with events throughout the day with events concluding at 4 pm. Event highlights include:
• Lutherdale Harvest Hustle- kicking off at 9:00 am, this fall fun run with courses of either 5K or 1 mile (or virtually) with proceeds to benefit future campers at Lutherdale’s programs
• Pancake Breakfast
• Pumpkin Patch
• Silent Auction
• Food Trucks
• Live Music
• Family fun activities throughout the day
About Lutherdale: Founded in 1944, Lutherdale has been a beacon of spiritual growth and community engagement. Over the years, it has provided countless individuals with opportunities for retreat, reflection, and renewal.
Support Lutherdale: As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to support our mission. Your generous donations help us continue providing impactful programs and maintaining our beautiful facilities. To make a donation, please visit our website at
www.lutherdale.org/donate or contact Rhonda VanAntwerp at rhonda@lutherdale.org or 262-742-2352.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and love from our community over the past 80 years,” said Tracy Polzin, Executive Director of Lutherdale. “This celebration is not just about our history, but also about looking forward to the future with hope and excitement.”
For more information, please visit our website at www.lutherdale.org or contact Tracy Polzin at tracy@lutherdale.org or (262) 742-2352. To sign up for the Harvest Hustle, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Elkhorn/Lutherdale
Local Celtic music group The Bog Bodies will be performing at The Wright House on October 25 at 7 pm. Made up of local musicians who celebrate their love for traditional Celtic music, The Bog Bodies seek to share some spookier tunes and tales that are sure to delight and fright! Terry Maloney is the heartbeat of the group, beating the dead goat of the bodhrán and whacking away on a casket-like cajon. His thuds and throbs root the music in its ancient past, while he impresses with his animated playing. Joining the thrum are the wild rhythms of open-tuned guitar and the tinkling, tipping, and rolling of fae-ful spoons in the hands of Andreas Transø. And upon opening his mouth, ancient songs and narrations swarm the senses, bathing all in the old style song and tale-telling passed down through generations of Andreas’ family. Driving the dance tunes are the unruly trinity of Alerdale, Pat, and Sarah, whose infectious melodies cause toes to move, feet to stomp, and thighs to be slapped. Lifting and lilting melodies that bring forth life! A music educator by day, Alerdale “The Hair” Wimer is truly a mad fiddler by night. He is known for his bouncing curls, which captivate with hypnotic effect, and many a young musician has been electrified by and lured into the traditional music scene as a result. And while local crafter and fiber artist Sarah Weh doubles on fiddle and squeeze box, too, she breathes life into the music, and it is with a bow possessed by restless spirits and fingers faster than a witch’s broomstick that she summons tunes that could even wake the dead. The ensemble is punctuated by poet and professor “The Mighty” Patrick Moran on cittern and octave mandolin. So many strings weaving harmonies and melodies, launching the music ever upwards in its search to break free of its bonds, to reach beyond. Music in movement so powerful, in texture so graceful…such like the clouds dragging across the moon. From ancient memory to fresh life, The Bog Bodies offer an exciting experience of music and community for all who dare fancy a bit of the craic. Register on Eventbrite: https://bogbodies.eventbrite.com Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Sarah Beth Nelson. |
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 to create a piece
of furniture from the oak tree that was removed from library property.
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/84266679041?pwd=HXduISzqV50LTN7OZMbar26Fo3j7XP.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Meeting ID: 842 6667 9041
Passcode: ps2hG2vK
City of Whitewater Public Art Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Update 10/21 @ 9:20 a.m. – This meeting has been canceled due to lack of a quorum.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Paid Parental Leave Discussion, Pregnancy Fairness Policy, Bring your baby to work policy, AI policy draft, Bring your own device policy, Discussion regarding parking violation fee increase.
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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86340589966
Or One tap mobile :
+13126266799,,86340589966# US (Chicago)
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 863 4058 9966
City of Whitewater Special Meeting of Finance Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2025 draft budget review (2 of 3), PT IT tech position.
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.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85319530987
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 853 1953 0987
Photo of Tamir Thomas (Photo Credit: Olivia Zinani)
By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team [D3football.com #19] bounced back in a big way with a 66-0 romp of UW-Stevens Point. The Warhawks put up over 600 yards of total offense, while holding UW-Stevens Point to less than 150.
After winning the coin toss, the Warhawks elected to receive. It turned out to be a good decision, as Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge) took the opening kick-off 88-yards to the house.
The Pointers opening drive only lasted three plays before the Karsten Libby (Wheaton, Ill./North) intercepted a pass to get the Warhawks back on offense. Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) capitalized on the turnover, rushing it in from the one yard-line to finish off the Warhawks’ drive.
The Warhawks added one more touchdown before the end of the first quarter, with Jackson Chryst (Orinda, Calif./Palo Alto) connecting with Brian Wilterdink (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) for a 36-yard touchdown pass.
With a 21-0 lead after the first frame, the Warhawks kept on the gas and added three more touchdowns in the second quarter. Chryst recorded two touchdown passes in the second quarter, including a 61-yard catch-&-run from Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) on the opening drive.
Jackson Fox (Kirkland, Wash./Lake Washington) connected on a 21-yard field goal to end the half, putting the UWW up 45-0 over UW-Stevens Point.
In the second half, the Warhawks focused on controlling the pace of the game, draining time off the clock with the run game. In the second half alone, UW-Whitewater accounted for 194 rushing yards.
The Pointers started to put together a drive in the third quarter, looking to get their own points on the board, but Mason Stepanski (Appleton, Wis./Kimberly) intercepted the pass in the end zone to put a stop on the drive.
The Warhawks finished off the night after a long 8-minute drive. Ty Schultz (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) punched it in from six-yards out as the Warhawks hit the 60-point mark.
On the ground, Schultz and Thomas each had two touchdowns with over 100 yards. The Warhawks gathered a total of 353 yards on the ground.
Through the air, Jackson Chryst (Orinda, Calif./Palo Alto) went 11-13 with 266 yards and three touchdowns. Nick Wind (Downers Grove, Ill./Montini Catholic) led the receiving corps with three catches for 95 yards.
The Warhawks are on the road next Saturday against UW-Platteville in the 29th-annual George Chryst Memorial Bowl. Kick-off is set for 1 PM in Platteville.
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
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