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

Today is Monday, November 25, 2024

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.

Middle School Students/Parents Invited to Conversation on Improving Services for Students at Irvin L. Young Library

September 19, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was received from the Irvin L. Young Library.

THE IRVIN L. YOUNG LIBRARY RECEIVES NATIONAL GRANT FOR SMALL AND RURAL LIBRARIES
$3,000 Grant Will Help the Library Work with students to improve services for tweens and teens.

The Whitewater Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.

The competitive award comes with a grant that will allow the Library to host a community conversation and develop programs, services and resources for middle school students. As part of the grant, Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today.

Library staff will host a conversation with students at Whitewater Middle School to collect information about how the Library can improve services for this age group. The Library wants to encourage young people to feel a sense of ownership and agency over what the Library does for them. The intention is to hear directly from the students about their current needs, interests and concerns.

Middle school students and their parents are invited to participate in this community conversation at the Whitewater Middle School Library Wednesday, October 13th at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Please follow us on social media and visit whitewaterlibrary.org for continued updates and information about this project.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”

Whitewater Lions Donate to the Whitewater Dream Fund

September 19, 2021


(Above) Viviana Lechuga and Laura Flores Cortes, co-presidents of the Dream Scholars and Colleagues student organization at UW-Whitewater, proudly display a generous donation from the Whitewater Lions Club to the Whitewater Dream Fund. The Fund helps support DACA-eligible students attending UW-Whitewater. Thank you, Whitewater Lions for helping to make someone’s dream of a higher education come true.

Editor’s note: The above information was provided by the Whitewater Lions Club.

This Week’s City Meetings

September 19, 2021

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
VIRTUAL MEETING AGENDA includes Discussion of police department policies, materials and training related to the
use of force. Also, include an update on current/recent legislation on the same topic.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/295745349
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 295-745-349

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
This meeting will be both in-person and virtual.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85706046034?pwd=dDM5MnVXazVpbklqZzZwK3creThVUT09
Meeting ID: 857 0604 6034
Passcode: miYQ1LgG
Or Dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 857 0604 6034
Passcode: 55745451

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes proposed residence restrictions for sex offenders and Landmarks Commission update on Effigy Mounds Preserve.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or 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/81444271513?pwd=VG5mc0F4aGl5bnBZVHlEaWZZQmdTQT09
Passcode: 151790
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 1 888 475 4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 814 4427 1513
Passcode: 151790

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Sale of Vacant Land Located on Howard Road (Tax Parcel /A444200002) and
Sale of Vacant Land Located on Universal Blvd. (Part of Tax Parcel /A305000001)
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room (First Floor)
312 W. Whitewater Street
This will be an IN‐PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Citizens are welcome and encouraged to join us in person, or 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/84370930146?pwd=WWN0VkVZKzVQVmwwT09uN0NDQW9qdz09
Or telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 843 7093 0146
Passcode: 641837


Cross Country Runners Tackle Tough Course

September 19, 2021

UW-Parkside was the host site for Saturday’s CC invitational. The Whippets haven’t been there in two years due to COVID, and it was thrilling being back. Although it is very tough to spectate, it is absolutely awesome for runners with the trails, forests, and varying terrain throughout the entire 3.1-mile racecourse. Bouncing back for their second race in the same week, several Whippets came away with strong races and a great effort notched on their belt. 

Whitewater Whippet 2021 Cross Country Team

Jack Hefty continues to lead the boys and was the 3rd best freshman in the Varsity race that featured a significant portion of the event with D1-sized schools; Jack placed 30th in 17:27. Although his first three races have been close overall in terms of time, this is his best race so far due to the difficulty of the race course and level of competition at this meet. Cooper Hammond found himself in 83rd, with a time of 18:37. He is getting stronger on the hills and confident in the second half of the race. The boys’ varsity team placed 21st out of 34 complete teams. In the JV race, Sterling Truesdale has been cutting large chunks of time off his race, and it is happening with his early race toughness to get out faster. He and Onyx Thompson were running side by side heading into the second mile, with Keith Cameron in pursuit. By the finish, Keith and Sterling had the same time of 24:37 and placed 187th and 188th, with Onyx not far back in 191st. It is great to see teammates finding each other and challenging each other on the race course. Senior Casey Schilling ran his lifetime best by placing 236th with a time of 28:19. Also running a lifetime best was freshman Xavier Zei placing 245th, with a time of 30:27. The JV boys’ team finished in 20th out of 20 complete teams.

The girls’ program had Sophie Walton resume the number one position by placing 99th in 23:52, which is the third race in a row she has run that time, but with the difficulty of the course, is her best race so far. Gwen Truesdale then led a trio of Whippets by placing 111th in 24:23, with Caelyn Caputo in 114th in 24:35, and Emma Weigel in 115th, completing the race in 24:41. Running strong races and once again cutting a few seconds off their best times of the season so far were Nole Coburn and Isabella Aranda. Rounding out Varsity was Jenny Villarreal, who also was just off her season best from Tuesday on the challenging course. The girls’ varsity finished in 19th out of 21 complete teams.

The girls’ JV race didn’t have a minimum of 5 scoring runners required for a team score, but Evie Troxel was the top Whippet and ran a great race to place 108th in 28:12, showing the way for the two freshmen, Lucy Troxel and Sami Van Daele, who were not far behind in 111th and 112th overall. 

Next up is the Janesville Midwest Invitational on Saturday, September 25th. Races are set to begin at 9:00 am from Blackhawk Golf Course. 

Full Results: http://wisconsinrunner.com/results/2021/2021angelinvite/

Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Book Buddies Comes to Whitewater!

September 18, 2021


BOOK BUDDIES, a fun literacy program designed for children in our community, begins on Monday September 20 and runs through Dec. 6.   Book Buddies will meet after school from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main Street. 

Barb Penington and Karil Bilgen, co-directors of Book Buddies, have based the program on similar ones offered by the United Way and AARP.   The purpose of Book Buddies is to give caring volunteers an opportunity to support parents and teachers in their efforts to foster a deeper love of reading in children and improve their reading skills.  We know that good readers tend to have higher self esteem, fare better in school, and become knowledgeable citizens.  As William Godwin more simply puts it, “Those who love reading have everything within their reach.”

There are two exciting options of Whitewater’s new Book Buddies program available:

“Preschool Pals” offers children ages 3 and 4 an opportunity to hear stories rooted in themes of inclusion, empathy, and kindness that are supported with movement and craft activities.

“Reading Buddies” pairs beginning readers (Kindergarten through Grade 3) with an adult or big buddy.  The big buddies listen to their young partners read books the children have chosen from the Book Buddies collection.  Big buddies help their partners sound out words, learn vocabulary, and have fun discussing the books, their characters, and themes. 

These Book Buddies programs are FREE and open to any child in the community.  ESL learners are especially invited to participate.  Snacks are provided, and all participants receive a complimentary book bag filled with a new book and other “goodies!”

For more information or to register a child for the program, visit the First English Lutheran Church website (firstenglishlutheranchurch.360unite.com/home) or contact Barb Penington or Karil Bilgen at bookbuds1@gmail.com.  A Spanish translation link is available on the website.

No. 2 UW-W Football Caps Non-Conference Slate With Win

September 18, 2021

By Chris Lindeke
Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The No. 2 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team scored 30 first-half points, including 17 in the final two minutes of the second quarter, on Saturday on its way to a 39-7 triumph against 25th-ranked Berry (Ga.) in a non-conference game in front of 8,102 fans at Perkins Stadium.

The Warhawks (3-0 overall) totaled 450 yards of offense and held the Vikings to 198 yards on the other end, and forced a pair of key turnovers to lead to UW-W scoring drives.

Quarterback Max Meylor continued his strong start to the 2021 season, completing 16-of-26 passes for 256 yards and three touchdows. Wide receiver Tyler Holte caught three passes for 68 yards and two touchdown, and wide receiver Ryan Wisniewski picked up six receptions for 54 yards.

Running back Tamir Thomas paced the UW-Whitewater rushing attack with 68 yards, while running back Alex Peete carried a team-high 16 times for 55 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Defensive back Mark McGrath led the defense with six tackles and one fumble recovery. Defensive lineman Reed Farrington made four stops, including two for a loss. Farrington, Shane McGrail, matt Burba and Mackenzie Balanganayi each posted one sack.

The two teams exchanged punts to start the game before the Warhawks found the end zone. UW-W converted three third downs on a 10-play, 80-yard drive highlighted by Holte’s 33-yard touchdown catch from Meylor with 5:38 to play in the first quarter.

On its next drive, UW-Whitewater drove 81 yards in 11 plays as Meylor completed 20- and 22-yard passes to Wisniewski and Sam DeLany, respectively, in third-and-long situations to set up a 13-yard touchdown to DeLany at the 10:42 mark of the second quarter.

Berry (2-1) punted back to the Warhawks on the next drive, and UW-W put together a nine-play, 73-yard drive, capped by a 24-yard field goal by Kacper Lupa.

On the next play from scrimmage, Balanganayi stripped the Vikings’ quarterback and recovered the fumble, and Peete barrelled in from two yards out to make it 23-0 with 45 seconds left in the half.

The Warhawks forced another quick turnover on the next drive as Niko Lemke stripped the quarterback. Meylor hit Holte for a 13-yard score with 32 seconds on the clock for a 30-0 UW-W lead.

The defense forced a three-and-out to start the second half, and a short Berry punt resulted in Peete’s second touchdown of the day, a one-yard run to make it 36-0 with 9:21 remaining in the third quarter.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Matt Maldonado converted a 33-yard field goal to increase the UW-Whitewater advantage to 39-0.

The Vikings found the end zone with 3:40 on the clock in the fourth to account for the final margin.

The Warhawks tallied 122 rushing yards on 15 carries in the fourth, holding the ball for more than 11 minutes to preserve the big lead.

UW-Whitewater enters its bye week before starting Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play Oct. 2 against UW-Stout. Kickoff for Alumni Day at Perkins Stadium is slated for 2 p.m.

Local Student Named to SNHU President’s List

September 18, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Southern New Hampshire University.

MANCHESTER, NH (09/13/2021)– Maria Kulick of Whitewater has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s summer 2021 President’s List. Eligibility for the President’s List requires that a student accumulate an academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.7-4.0 and earn 12 credits for the term.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 150,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the “Most Innovative” regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

2021 Jefferson County Parks Youth Hunter Program

September 18, 2021

2021 Youth Hunter Program
Dorothy Carnes County Park
October 9 & 10 – Statewide Youth Hunt
November 20 – November 28

The Jefferson County Parks Department has an opportunity for first time youth hunters to participate in a limited gun deer hunt in portions of Dorothy Carnes County Park. 

There will be one hunter selected for each time period:
Period 1: October 9-10
Period 2: November 20-23
Period 3: November 25-28 


Applicants will have to specify a preference for the hunt period of their choice on the Jefferson County Youth Deer Hunt application. Each hunter selected will have a 120-acre section of the park to hunt, with 40 acres of lowland woods and marsh adjacent to 80 acres of cropland. 

Selected participants and their chaperones will be required to participate in an online orientation with Jefferson County Park Staff to review the rules of the hunt, hunting boundaries and expectations for access to the property. Applicants will also be required to be first time hunters between the ages of 10 to 14, and have a chaperone with a minimum of 5 years of deer hunting experience present at all times. Eligible hunters will also be required to possess a valid Wisconsin Gun Deer Tag.  

The Jefferson County Parks Department will accept completed applications from qualified hunters September 14-October 6 @ 4:00 PM. Applications will be available in person or on our website https://jeffersonco.seamlessdocs.com/f/t3gov3f9m6zh  Applications will be processed and three hunters will be randomly drawn to participate in the October/November hunts.

For more information or questions, please contact the Jefferson County Parks Department at 920-674-7260 or jeffcoparks@jeffersoncountywi.gov

The image on the homepage, “Mentoring Youth” by USFWS Mountain Prairie is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Obituaries

Obituary: Edward W. Hamilton, 83, of Davenport, IA

Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home.  Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old.  He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree.  He also served two years in the army.  He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001.  Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Verne Paul Schrank, 94

Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank.  He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss, 94

After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Raymond Miles, 96

Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Connie Jean Sukowski

Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more

Read More

Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper, 88

Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield,  MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning.  She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening.  As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more

Read More

Obituary: James Robert Trier (Jimbo), 89

James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more

Read More

Memorial Celebration: Martin Jack Martinelli, 64

Editor’s note: Martin Martinelli’s obituary may be found here.

Read More

Obituary: Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56

Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Oct 31, 2024. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on November 14, 1967 to Ponciano and Blanca Rodriguez. He graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at Gateway, earning a degree in marketing. He had a love for helping people and worked in healthcare for over 30 years as a CNA.  He enjoyed shooting darts with his lifelong friends: Robert Bramley, Brian Quass, and Todd Piper.  To know Manny, you knew he had a love for his Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders.  He loved to play … Read more

Read More

Death Notice: James Trier

James Trier, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Edgerton Hospital.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be on held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Whitewater. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service.   A full obituary will follow.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Read More