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Editor’s note: Below are some highlights of an article regarding Whitewater residents Jon and Terri Kachel that appeared in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on page A11 on Monday, July 1, 2024. The print article may be seen in the Irvin L. Young Library’s copy of that WSJ, which may be obtained at the circulation desk. The online version, with more copy and photos than the print version, may be found here. The article, written by A.J. Baime, is part of his weekly series titled “My Ride.” The Banner appreciates that Mark Dorn tipped us off to the article.
A Secret to Their Happy Marriage: His and Hers 1970 Muscle Cars
“Jon [Kachel]: I was still in high school in Whitewater when I bought a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. Terri was my girlfriend…. We lived the lives of kids with muscle cars.
Terri [Kachel]: It was like the movie “American Graffiti.” We would cruise with our friends…
Jon: The Plymouth Superbird was a special version of the Road Runner, with a wing on the back. The Superbird was only made one model year, 1970, and it didn’t sell well. But when Richard Petty started winning races in the Superbird, people noticed. Petty topped 200 miles per hour in a Superbird that year….
Terri: Jon and I got married on June 12, 1976…Over the years, we worked pretty hard. We raised three kids. In 2017, Jon decided to pursue this thing he had loved all his life..
Jon: Chrysler only built about 1,940 Plymouth Superbirds. I found one in 2017 and bought it from a car collector….I took off the glove box door and sent it to Richard Petty. He autographed it and sent it back.
Terri: This car is in gorgeous condition. But it’s almost 19 feet long. It was a lot more than I could handle. I always loved Dodge Challengers, so soon after Jon bought his Superbird, I started shopping around….I found one…..The color is Plum Crazy Purple.
Jon: In Wisconsin in the summer, you can go to a car show twice a week and not have to drive more than 40 miles….As rare as Plymouth Superbirds are, one of the only clubs in existence is based in Wisconsin. I went to one club meeting in 2022 and I remember seeing 13 Superbirds there.
Terri: Jon calls his passion a hobby…It’s more of an obsession….We grew up in southern Wisconsin loving muscle cars. We still live in southern Wisconsin and we still love muscle cars.”
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County Sheriff and the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office.
On July 2nd, 2024, at approximately 2:18 PM, the Walworth County Communications Center received numerous calls of a structure fire and reports of an explosion at a residence located on Kulow Road in the Town of Lafayette, Walworth County, Wisconsin. [The town of Lafayette is located a few miles southeast of Abells Corners.] Walworth County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Elkhorn Fire Department were dispatched. Upon the arrival of Sheriff’s Deputies, they reported a small fire and confirmed an explosion had occurred at the residence. Deputies immediately began to search for survivors and secured the area until the arrival of fire and rescue personnel.
The only occupant of the structure was a 68-year-old male resident, Leland R. Holden, who was located in the rubble and transported by Flight for Life to a local trauma center, where he later died. The Elkhorn Fire Department is investigating the cause of the explosion with the assistance of the State Fire Marshall and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.
We would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance: The Lake Geneva Police Department, the Elkhorn Area Fire Department, Flight for Life, the Lake Geneva Fire Department, the Lyons Township Fire and Rescue Department, the LaGrange Fire Department, the East Troy Fire Department, the Town of Delavan Fire Department, the City of Delavan Fire Department, the Troy Center Fire Department, the Paris Fire Department, the Kansasville Fire Department, the City of Burlington Fire Department, the South Shore Fire Department, the Somers Fire Department, the Bristol Fire Department, the Vernon Fire Department, the Racine Fire Department, the Racine Fire Bells and the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Editor’s note: According to ABC7, Elkhorn Fire Chief Trent Eichmann said it took 30-40 minutes to get to the victim before he was taken to the hospital. Preliminary information suggests that the incident may be a result of a propane gas explosion, Eichmann said. Since the area is rural, it is not serviced by natural gas.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Whitewater Police Seek Federal Funding
The Whitewater Police Department has been working to creatively address staffing needs within the police department to meet demand for law enforcement services. In June, the department submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. The grant, entitled FY24 COPS Hiring Program, is intended to advance public safety through community policing by funding additional full-time law enforcement positions to meet agencies’ community policing strategies. Whitewater Police have requested funding for three additional law enforcement positions through the grant. If granted, the funding will enable Whitewater Police to hire three additional officers, each supported by $125,000 over a three-year period. This initiative promises to strengthen community bonds and ensure a brighter, safer future for Whitewater.
Editor’s note: The following additional information was included in the Common Council agenda packet on May 7, 2024.
The CHP provides funding to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional sworn officers in an effort to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Agency requests for officers are capped at 20% of actual sworn force, and the maximum federal share per officer position is $125,000 over the three‐year funding period. Agencies are required to cost share at least 25% and are required to pay a progressively larger share of the cost of the award with local funds over the award
period.
Staff would plan to request three officers with the following cost breakdown per officer (based on the assumption that the total annual cost per officer is approximately $105,000):
2025: Federal share: $60,000 per officer ($180,000 total)/City share: $55,000 per officer ($165,000 total)
2026: Federal share: $40,000 per officer ($120,000 total)/City share: $75,000 per officer ($225,000 total)
2027: Federal share: $20,000 per officer ($60,000 total)/City share: $95,000 per officer ($285,000 total)
The City would be responsible for the full cost of each officer after the three‐year funding period. The City
is required to retain the additional positions for a minimum of 12 months beyond the three‐year funding
period.
The Common Council at the May 7, 2024 meeting unanimously passed a motion to approve the submission of the grant application.
Garage sale July 5 and 6. 8 am – 4 pm. 623 Waters Edge Dr, Whitewater
oak book case, steamer trunk, pine storage trunk, many books, HO gauge model RR stuff, 2 inflatable air mattresses, 1 queen 1 single, shop tools, push golf cart, dishes, glassware, bakeware, kitchenware, TV sound bar, small electric snow thrower, blue mason jars and more!
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on July 3 appointed Travis Maze as Jefferson County Sheriff. The appointment fills a vacancy created by Sheriff Paul Milbrath’s retirement, effective August 8, 2024. Maze will complete the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2027. “With more than two decades of experience demonstrating his commitment to public service and connection to the local community, Travis Maze brings the necessary qualifications and experience to serve the people of Jefferson County as their new sheriff,” said Gov. Evers. Maze has been with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years. After graduating from Waukesha County Technical College with an associate degree in police science, he joined the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer in 1998. The next year, he joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where he climbed the ranks from jail deputy, patrol deputy, detective, and patrol sergeant to patrol captain, a position he has held for the past four years. As patrol captain, he is responsible for the patrol and communication divisions, which consist of 50 personnel, and helps set the department’s budget, schedules, policies, and procedures. Maze has also completed numerous additional law enforcement training and leadership certifications. “I am very pleased with Gov. Evers’ selection of Captain Travis Maze to finish my term as sheriff,” said retiring Jefferson County Sheriff Milbrath. “These are challenging times for law enforcement, and Captain Maze has both the skillset and the knowledge to take on these challenges and lead the agency into the future. It is a comfort to me knowing the agency that I have led for 22 years and worked at for over 43 years is in such capable hands.” Maze lives in Jefferson with his family. In his role with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, he has extensive experience working with stakeholders in county government, including supporting crisis intervention training with the Jefferson County Human Services Department and helping to upgrade the county’s communication system. He also served for three years on the Jefferson School Board. “I am so honored and excited to have been chosen by Governor Evers to fill the Jefferson County Sheriff vacancy upon the retirement of Sheriff Paul Milbrath,” said Maze. “In my 25 years of service with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Milbrath has trusted me in several different leadership roles. I appreciate his confidence in supporting me in the position of Sheriff.” |
Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to present the “15th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition” featuring 95 juried works of 39 photographic artists from across the State of Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
The exhibition opens on Friday, July 5th and runs to July 28th, 2024, at the Cultural Arts Center 402 West Main Street, Whitewater. An awards reception will be held Sunday, July 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. where light refreshments will be served.
Admission to the exhibition and its reception are free of charge, open to the public, and all are invited. The gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Jeff McDonald, the event’s 10-time Chair and president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, said “This exhibit is an exciting and inspiring visual experience. As we celebrate the 15-year milestone of the Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition, it is fitting that the submitted works are so extraordinarily strong and have been submitted in record numbers from such a wide regional area. We hope you will be able to share in the experience. Join us at the awards reception for a surprise announcement!”
The exhibit features work by photographic artists from the local area, as well as from Wausau to Rockford and Madison to Milwaukee.
About Whitewater Arts Alliance:
The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community.
Whitewater Arts Alliance / Cultural Arts Center
402 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI, 53190
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwartsalliance
Gallery Exhibit Hours
Thursdays: 12-4 p.m.
Fridays: 12-4 p.m.
Saturdays: 12-4 p.m.
Sundays: 12-4 p.m.
Note: Gallery is normally closed outside of Exhibit Hours except for special events
The following students from the Whitewater area earned degrees from UW-Whitewater.
Editor’s note: It’s obvious that not all of these graduates have been long-term Whitewater residents. The university includes anyone who indicates that they consider Whitewater to be their home.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Chris Abts graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jocelin Beecroft graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Physical Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michael Blija graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gracia Boley graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alondra Buboltz graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Riley Burbach graduated with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Carlson graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brandye Carter graduated with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Juan Cuellar Meza graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Dahl graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Midalis Delacruz graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brian Duncan graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kennedi Finley graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Griffin Gerber graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jacob Godden graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Reilly Grasso graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nathan Gross graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Josie Hammes graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Hanlon graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Greendale, WI 53190: Megan Haskins graduated with the following degree: Special Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joshua Hetz graduated with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gaby Islas graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Talba Kabore graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Teagan Kane graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michael Kelley graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: David Kneiser graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Lalasz graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Special Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Earl Lewis graduated with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yingxin Lin graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Mathematics – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Lind graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Parker Louden graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isaac Lytle graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joey Maffiola graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Natalie Mayer graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Danielle McCauley graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW
Whitewater, WI 53190: Janessa Norvell graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Katie Oehm graduated with the following degree: Marketing – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Annabelle Olson graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Criminology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Partoll graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Montana Petersen graduated with the following degree: Sociology – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brodie Peyer graduated with the following degree: Cybersecurity – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Aeron Polley graduated with the following degree: Social Studies – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Prock graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayden Radloff graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Media Arts and Game Development – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sandra Rasmussen graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Reineking graduated with the following degree: School Psychology – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Melanie Reyes graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yacouba Soire graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashlee Steed graduated with the following degree: Biology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Keagan Stoltz graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lili Templeman graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Art Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Krystalyn Terski graduated with the following degree: School Psychology – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mason Thompson graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sebastian Van Wyhe graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Wagner graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Environmental Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joel Watter graduated with the following degree: Human Performance – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Carolyn Watts graduated with the following degree: School Psychology – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mackenzie Wesoloski graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Trenten Zahn graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Zimdars graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Elizabeth Zinda graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Approximately 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The graduating class included nine international students, 102 military veterans and 200 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 187 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.
A total of 231 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, were promoted in their current job, earned acceptance to graduate school or started their own business before commencement.
John’s Disposal is celebrating Independence Day as a holiday, and consequently the city trash pickup that normally occurs on Thursday will be on Friday.
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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