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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Frank Weinberg, Robert Anderson, Jerry Vannoy, Jon Coombe, Don Wargowsky
Sitting Left to Right
Arlene (Geske) Trewyn, Mary (Malone) Roe, Nancy (Riedel) Dole, Carol (Collins) Kelney, Ann (Kerrs) Warner
Whitewater High School – Class of 1957
Class Reunion on Aug. 17, 2024 at 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater
Photo by Tom Ganser (tganser33@gmail.com)
“One of the NFL’s eldest franchises made history Sunday in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field.
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 16-10, on Sunday for the franchise’s landmark 800th victory.
The victory came in quarterback Malik Willis‘ first-career start for the Packers. Willis started in place of an injured Jordan Love, and Green Bay relied on a run-heavy approach to get the W. Josh Jacobs rushed 32 times for 151 yards and Matt LaFleur’s team totaled 261 yards on the ground.
Green Bay (1-1) is the first club to reach the milestone mark, improving the franchise’s record to 800-599-38. Trailing behind the Pack for second on the all-time wins list are the Chicago Bears, who enter their Sunday night game at 794-634-42.
The Packers are in their 104th season, having debuted in 1921 as part of the American Professional Football Association. They are the third-oldest club in the NFL, trailing only the Bears (originally the Decatur Staleys) and the Arizona Cardinals (originally the Chicago Cardinals).”
The City of Whitewater will ask voters to weigh in on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower through a non-binding referendum during the November 5th, 2024 election. The Whitewater Common Council approved the following question for the ballot:
“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 referendum is non-binding, meaning it serves as an advisory vote to gauge public opinion. While it does not carry legal force, the results will provide important insights to guide the Common Council in making the final decision on whether to preserve or demolish the historic water tower.
Historical Significance and Structural Assessment
The Starin Park Water Tower was built in 1889 and served the community until the new Southwest Water Tower became operational in 2022. The structure stands approximately 100 feet tall, with a 70-foot masonry base and a 30-foot steel tank. On December 14, 2022, the water was removed from the tower, and it was officially decommissioned.
A structural analysis, conducted by McEnroe Consulting Engineers in January 2023, found the water tower to be in “good condition with some elements in fair condition,” though maintenance and repairs are needed to ensure its long-term stability. Key structural concerns include:
- Stone cracking and deterioration
- Cracked stone at the entry arch
- Deteriorated mortar joints at the exterior and interior
- Corroding steel at the base of the tank
The report estimates repair costs between $950,000 and $1,100,000, with additional ongoing maintenance costs of $250,000 every 10 years.
Cost of Preservation vs. Demolition
In addition to repair costs, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for
demolishing the water tower. The phased approach to repair includes an initial repair budget of $600,000, with future phases costing $420,000 and $320,000, respectively. The total project cost by 2026 is projected to reach $1.6 million, which includes repairs, engineering, and project
management.
As part of the report, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for demolishing the water tower. This cost would be the responsibility of the Whitewater Water Utility. If the water tower is not demolished, the Whitewater Water Utility can put the $600,000 toward the repairs of the water tower. The remaining costs to repair, including engineering and project management costs, are estimated at $1 million for the year 2026. The remaining $1 million would need to come from City tax dollars or donations.
Referendum Impact
The outcome of the November referendum will help inform the Common Council as they consider the community’s input and determine the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. The question of whether to preserve this historic landmark as a City-owned asset or demolish it due to its financial burden is a critical issue for the city.
Voters are encouraged to participate in the referendum on November 5th, 2024, to have their voices heard on the future of this important local landmark.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
The following was posted in a previous article in the Banner regarding the tower:
“According to the Architectural & Historical Survey of Whitewater (Cartwright, 2008; pg. 50), ‘The best example of stone construction in the city is the water tower in Starin Park, built in 1889. The regularly coursed rusticated limestone walls are laid up in stepped sections that expand from larger to smaller as the structure rises. The walls are accented with belt courses and round arches. Also historically significant, the water tower is distinctive for its stone construction and potentially eligible for the National Register.’ “
The image on the homepage was posted in a previous Banner article, with this information from the Whitewater Historical Society: “This view from 1889 shows the building crew completing the metal tank on the old water tower in Starin Park. The water tower was part of the new water system installed in that year that included a pump house, a water reservoir, and several miles of pipe. Because of the new water tower, the old water tower will be decommissioned after over 130 years of service.”
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. – NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Agenda includes building project, Mid-Year Review of the 2024 Strategic Plan Activities, Review and possible action of Library Card Project Proposal with the WWUSD.
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:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81646531133?pwd=nbtwdgXN28yy7oDscs52jaJkIZPu7J.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 816 4653 1133
Passcode: K4DBZvcn
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. – NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Agenda includes guest speakers Chancellor Corey A. King and Whitewater Student Govt. President Bradley Douglas, first reading of Ordinance 2024-O-14 an ordinance revising the Junk Ordinance-Municipal Code Enforcement, Discussion and Possible Action regarding forming a Spring Splash Task Force-Economic Development Director, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Starin Road Pedestrian Safety.
UW Whitewater, University Center, 190 Hamilton Green Way, 2nd Floor, RM 259
*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/87863215809?pwd=aDK7ke2IcuNlxdu1dcZILGTtXGWamj.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 878 6321 5809
Passcode: 319491
Irvin L. Young Library Board Development Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discuss upcoming vacancy of library board of trustee position
Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor
312 West Whitewater Street
*In Person
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on request to provide funding for an additional Blue Martin house at Trippe Lake, Discussion and possible action on Park Tour and budget planning.
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/88075861911?pwd=xvzDGnIiR0pUWrEaIgFrWQ3apfGbUf.1
Meeting ID: 880 7586 1911
Passcode: 569595 One tap mobile +13126266799,,88075861911#,,,,569595# US (Chicago)
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors Meeting – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not yet been published as of September 15.
(In-Person & Virtual)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Meeting Cancellation
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
The Board of Zoning and Appeals meeting scheduled for September 19th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Community Room of the Municipal Building located at 312 W Whitewater St, has been CANCELED due to the lack of quorum.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area’s September 18th public program, Courageous Conversation: Project 2025, has been cancelled due to unexpected circumstances. Cancellation signage will be posted on the doors of the program venue, Cravath Lakefront Community Center, for those who may not see this cancellation notice in advance.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused and are looking forward to publishing our next event, an October 5th forum for Assembly District 43 candidates. Information on the candidate forum will be available soon.
Whitewater Arts Alliance Teams Up with Culver’s for Fundraising Night The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is excited to announce a special fundraising event in partnership with Culver’s on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. From 4 – 7 pm at the Whitewater Culver’s, 1414 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. In addition to the fundraiser, the WAA will also hold a 50/50 drawing during the event. For over 30 years, Culver’s franchisees have demonstrated a strong commitment to their local communities through various initiatives including sponsorships, donations, and support for schools and community organizations. This ongoing dedication reflects Culver’s core values and their focus on making a positive impact where they operate. The upcoming Culver’s Night is a great chance for community members to enjoy a meal and support a good cause. During this event, 10% of all sales will go directly to the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Community members are encouraged to join in the fun and support the Whitewater Arts Alliance by dining at Culver’s on September 17. Not only will patrons enjoy a great meal, but they will also play a part in supporting the cultural vitality of the Whitewater Arts Alliance. |
Fort HealthCare Featured for Work in Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities
Fort HealthCare is featured in a new report released last week by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) demonstrating Fort HealthCare’s work, along with hospitals around the state, to provide quality care. Fort HealthCare’s initiative, “Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities,” is one of many case studies featured in the 2024 Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report published by the statewide association.
Released annually, the Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report features some of the numerous initiatives and outcomes associated with quality improvement and patient safety efforts taken by hospitals and health systems across Wisconsin. Included in those successes was Fort HealthCare’s project, “Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities,” which describes how a shared vision among rural community partners has built a foundation for identifying and reducing health disparities. This shared vision brought together eight partners to form the Rock River Health Care Network (RRHCN). The network focused on advancing access to primary care for lower-income individuals and achieving the Federally Qualified Health Center Look-A-Like designation for the Rock River Community Clinic in December 2022.
“We are honored to be recognized in the 2024 WHA Quality Report for our dedication to advancing health equity,” said Michael Anderson, MD, President & CEO of Fort HealthCare. “Our collaboration with community partners reflects our shared vision of creating a healthier community. We are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing our work to address health disparities.”
Beyond the Fort HealthCare case study featured in the Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report, WHA provides a wide variety of health care metrics through its online CheckPoint website. Launched in 2004, CheckPoint was the first-ever statewide health care quality reporting initiative in the nation – establishing Wisconsin hospitals as a leader in monitoring, tracking, and improving care outcomes. Since its launch, this publicly available tool has grown to measure performance metrics on over forty-five key metrics on topics running from births, infections, patient experience and more.
“When compared to other states, Wisconsin ranks among the top states for hospital ratings,” said Nadine Allen, Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) Chief Quality Officer. “We would like to thank all health care professionals and staff at Fort HealthCare who work tirelessly towards achieving this goal. Together, we can overcome any challenges and continue to provide exceptional health care for our patients.”
Both the 2024 Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report and CheckPoint quality reporting tool are available for review by visiting wha.org.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Fort HealthCare.
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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