Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

Today is Wednesday, January 15, 2025

News & Events

WHITEWATER WEATHER

To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar.  Then, click on Submit Event.

Helpful Links

Search our Archives

To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.

Soccer Falls to Cambridge 4-1

September 15, 2022

The Whitewater Whippet Boys’ Soccer Team struggled to find their footing in a tough 4-1 loss to Cambridge on Tuesday night, September 13. Cambridge was able to score 4 first half goals against a struggling Whitewater midfield and defense. The second half was an improvement that saw our Whippets fight back for a goal and keep a second half clean sheet.

The families of our athletes were honored before the game during the annual “Parent Night” celebration. The team has an away game this coming Thursday at Big Foot Union High before returning home to play East Troy on the 19th. 

Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Bullis Earns Big West Setter of the Week Honors

September 14, 2022

Emme Bullis, Whitewater High School Class of 2021, was named Big West Setter of the Week. Bullis plays volleyball for Cal Poly as a redshirt freshman.

For the full article, visit https://gopoly.com/news/2022/9/12/womens-volleyball-bullis-earns-big-west-setter-of-the-week-honors.aspx

Article submitted by Kathy Bullis

Swimmers Continue to Log Strong Performances

September 14, 2022

The Whippet Swimmers competed against Burlington Co-Op Tuesday night, September 13, in Whippet territory. 

Charlotte Hakewski sang her heart out in the National Anthem to start off our meet. 

We started off tonight’s competition with a 1st place finish and a new best time in the 200 Medley Relay (Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, and Makayla Bazeley) with a time of 2:01.88! 

In the 200 Freestyle, we had 3 new Whippet swimmers try out this event (Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Charlotte Hajewski). Karime Valaquez had a lifetime best going 2:49.36! 

In the 200 IM, Makayla Bazeley and Emerson Dunham each had a lifetime best! Makayla also found herself a new spot in the Top 10 at #7. 

In the 50 Freestyle, all our Whippet competitors swam a season best time (Sanibel Fox-Simes, Michelle Abarca, Grace Foucault, and Brooke Bazeley). Way to go Whippets! 

One of the highlights from tonight includes Michelle Abarca swimming the 500 Freestyle. Michelle joined the team last year, where she competed mostly in 50 and 100 Freestyle events. However, this year, it was so fun to watch her conquer the 500 Freestyle!  

Another swimmer took on the 500 Freestyle, Brooke Bazeley, where she started off the season strong with a time of 6:08.50. 

Grace Foucault continues to be a powerhouse in the 100 Backstroke by going a time of 1:01.99. 

In the 100 Breaststroke, Josie Treder (1:28.24) and Atreya Wilson (1:58.60) went a season best time! 

The Whippets are home again next Tuesday at 5:30 pm against Platteville/Lancaster and PSC. Come show our Whippet swimmers some support!

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Congratulates Steve Johnson from Winchester True Value on his retirement

September 13, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Council.

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors congratulated Steve Johnson from Winchester True Value on the sale of his store and his retirement recently.

The Winchester True Value operation has been a staple in Whitewater for 152 years. 46 years ago Steve Johnson began working at the store and shortly after his graduation from UW-Whitewater he took over the operation and has made it the successful store it is today. Winchester True Value is one of the longest standing and valued members of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce who have been involved in the community in many ways.

Steve, as a biking enthusiast, has also been a member of the Whitewater Tourism Council helping shape the outdoor recreation messaging sent to visitors. The community will certainly miss having him at the helm of the store and we wish him well on his retirement. We are happy to know that he is remaining in Whitewater and continuing his work with the Tourism Council, in between his many upcoming biking adventures!

The Chamber is also excited to welcome the new owners of our favorite hardware store, Niemann Foods, Inc. We are sure that they will keep the hometown feel of the store and embrace the Whitewater community as is the tradition at Winchester. We are excited to see what changes and additions they will bring to the store and happy to be able to continue the long-standing relationship with the Chamber! For more information about the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce and our members contact Executive Director Kellie Carper at (262) 473-4005.

Picture Winchester Congratulations;
Front Left to right, Krystal Walsh-Chamber Board member from Premier Bank, Amy Fox-Chamber Board member from Nexthome Success, Michele Smith with the City of Whitewater, Kellie Carper-Exec. Director for the Chamber, Steve Johnson-retiring owner of Winchester True Value, Robert Sivek with LakeHome Info
Back Left to right: Dave Saalsaa-owner Quiet Hut Sports, Amy Oeding-Chamber Board member from UW-Whitewater, Karen McCulloch-Chamber Board President from The Book Teller

Swimmers Earn 14 Medals at Elkhorn Invite

September 13, 2022

The Whippet swimmers went back to Elkhorn on Saturday, September 10th, to compete in the Elkhorn Invite. The Whippets had an awesome meet, placing 5th overall as a team. The team took home 14 medals and had many heat winners and lots of best times!

Top 16 finishes: 

200 Medley Relay:

  • Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley (1st)
  • Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder, Charlotte Hajewski, Karime Velazquez (9th)

200Freestyle:

  • Makayla Bazeley (1st) 
  • Brooke Bazeley (6th)
  • Josie Treder (13th)

50 Freestyle:

  • Grace Foucault (1st)
  • Emerson Dunham (15th) 

100 Fly:

  • Makayla Bazeley (1st)
  • Charlotte Hajewski (13th)

100 Freestyle:

  • Ashly Xochipa (16th)

400 Freestyle:

  • Brooke Bazeley (5th)

200 Freestyle Relay:

  • Makayla Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, Grace Foucault (2nd)

100 Backstroke:

  • Grace Foucault (1st)
  • Charlotte Hajewski (14th)
  • Ashly Xochipa (15th) 

100 Breaststroke:

  • Emerson Dunham (9th)
  • Josie Treder (12th) 

400 Freestyle Relay:

  • Charlotte Hajewski, Karime Velazquez, Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder (9th) 

The Whippets are back in action at home on Tuesday, September 13 at 5:30pm against Burlington Co-op.

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

National Voter Registration Day is September 20th

September 12, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the League of Women Voters.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is a proud supporter of the National Voter Registration Day and will provide Voter Registration Education in Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, and Delavan, WI in order to celebrate this nonpartisan civic holiday.

Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day is designed to create an annual moment when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right – the right to vote.

According to U.S. Census data from 2020, as many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote. Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote.

Please tap into our collective expertise with all your voting concerns on this special day.

You can find us at the following locations and times on
Tuesday, September 20th.

10am to 2pm: MATC, 827 Banker Road, Fort Atkinson

12 noon to 2pm: Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center St,
Whitewater

3pm to 7pm: Aram Public Library, 404 E Walworth Ave, Delavan

3pm to 7pm: Outside City Market at the Whitewater Depot

4pm to 6pm: Dwight Foster Public Library, 209 Merchants Ave, Fort Atkinson

Whippets Record Top Five Finish at the Kettle Moraine Invite Tournament  

September 10, 2022

The Whippets saw their best finish in several years at the Kettle Moraine Tournament this past weekend, with a 5th place finish in the gold bracket. Teams included Kettle Moraine, Lake Mills, Arrowhead, East Troy, Kewaunee, Wauwatosa East, Muskego, Manitowoc Lincoln, Dominican, Barneveld, Sun Prairie West, Verona, Appleton East, The Prairie School, Newman Catholic, and Whitewater.

The Whippets faced The Prairie School (Racine) in the first round of pool play and beat them in best of three sets with the scores of 25-8, 22-25, 15-12. This was a battle, and the Whippets came out on top with statistical leaders of Calli Grosinske with 19 assists, Kindyl Kilar and Ella Spear with 3 aces apiece, Kilar with 9 digs, and Kilar with 21 kills.

Up next was another match in pool play where the Whippets battled Newman Catholic (Wausau). This match found the Whippets losing in a two of three-set match with scores of 23-25, 25-23, and 13-15. Statistical leaders for this match included Calli Grosinske and Cali Kopecky with 3 aces apiece. Grosinske finished with a double-double with 19 assists and 28 digs, and Kindyl Kilar also finished with a double-double with 17 kills and 11 digs.

Following pool play, the Whippets were reseeded to 6th place, which placed them in the Gold Bracket playoff (top 8 teams moved here). The Whippets faced a tough Kettle Moraine team and struggled in the first set. They came back in the second set, falling just short with scores of 10-25 and 20-25. Statistical leaders for this match included Kilar with 10 kills, Caleigh Yang with 8 digs, Cali Kopecky with 2 aces, and Calli Grosinske with 12 assists.

The first-round loss in the playoffs left the Whippets playing off for 5th place, facing Appleton East. The Whippets came out dominating and won in two straight sets with scores of 25-21 and 26-24. Statistical leaders included Kindyl Kilar with a double-double with 17 kills, 12 digs, and 2 aces, Caleigh Yang with 17 digs, and Calli Grosinske with 17 assists.

The coaching staff could not be prouder of this squad. Coach Kilar stated, “For us to come out and battle against schools much larger than us and truly come together and compete, was fun to see. We didn’t back down, we persevered through some ups and downs and came out on top in our last match. To place 5th is an absolutely solid accomplishment for our varsity squad.”

Next up is conference play, with the Whippets heading to Brodhead on Tuesday (9/13) followed by a home match (Parents’ Night) against McFarland on Thursday (9/15).

Article and Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org

Whippets Sweep Big Foot on Educator Appreciation and Youth Night

September 9, 2022

You could feel the energy in the gym the minute the Whippet Varsity Volleyball team took to the court on Thursday, September 8! The Whippets were honoring something bigger than volleyball, the inspirational educators who have made a difference in their lives. As Kindyl Kilar spoke to the crowd at the beginning of the match, “You have been chosen not only for the subject you teach, or the lessons you have created, but for the meaningful relationships you have created with each one of us. You have cared for us, inspired us, and allowed us to see potential in our futures. So tonight, we honor you!” Each member of the program chose an inspirational educator that touched their lives in some way. Whether a grade school educator, a coach or a counselor, they have made an impact and were honored.

Kilar shared, “Showing gratitude for people in our lives who have made a difference is bigger than volleyball. The wins are nice, but understanding in this world that honoring people who have touched our lives in a positive way is so much bigger than volleyball. Tonight, there were some true educators who have been called to a vocation and those educators touched each of our athletes in some way. We were honored to have so many educators in the gym with us, and I was honored to be able to highlight them with our athletes.”

The Whippets went on to sweep the Chiefs in three straight sets behind a very loud and energetic crowd. “This was such a fun night. The fans were awesome, the youth came out and supported us, our educators were here, and it was great to bring home a win,” said Kilar.

This was a program win for the Whippet teams as all three levels defeated Big Foot. “As a coaching staff, we are so proud of what our athletes are doing. They are working hard in the gym and weight room, and it is producing positive results,” said Kilar.

Kindyl Kilar

Statistical leaders on the night included Calli Grosinske with 26 assists, Ella Spear with 12 digs, Jenna Pope with 2 blocks, Cali Kopecky, Grosinke, and Pope with 3 aces and Kindyl Kilar with 26 kills. The Whippets won 25-16, 25-19, and 25-23.

Article and Group Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Obituaries

Obituary: Bradford L. “Brad” Tuttle, 75

Bradford L. “Brad” Tuttle, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Brad was born on November 4, 1949 in Ohio to Charles and Jean (Homstad) Tuttle.  Brad graduated from Warren G. Harding High School.  After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  On August 3rd, 1974 he married the love of his life, Beth.  They were happily married for 50 years.  Brad was also employed by the City of Whitewater for over 30 years.  He enjoyed rooting for his Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns with his family.  He was also an … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)

In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills

Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger.  He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021.  They enjoyed traveling … Read more

Read More

Obituary: William J. “Bill” West, 75

William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more

Read More

Obituary: David Harold Baker Jr., 61, of Portland, OR

David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Allen C. Hicks, 85

Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91

Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox.  She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years.  Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Isaac Richard Unger, 31

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more

Read More

Obituary: John George Mack, 61

John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater.   John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.   As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Clifford Maynard Witte, 103

Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte.  Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more

Read More