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Interested in finding out more about the robotics programs in the Whitewater Unified School District? There are many opportunities to catch one (or maybe even two) Ferradermis robots in action this summer!
You can find the team at the Whitewater City Market (weather permitting) on five dates this summer. The team will have a robot to demonstrate each week and will also be selling our laser engraved items that celebrate the team, Whitewater High School, and Whitewater in general. Come visit us on June 11, June 25, July 9, July 23, or August 6 to check out the robot or our array of keychains, ornaments, and signs that are available for purchase. The team also takes custom orders if you’d like something unique.
The team will be at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library for a robot demonstration on Thursday, June 13, from 1:00 – 3:00. Come talk with us about the program, and take the opportunity to drive the high school robot.
In addition, you can catch the team in the Whitewater 4th of July Parade at 10:00 am on July 4. Members of the Washington BrickLayers, Lincoln BrickLayers, Lakeview BrickLayers, and Whitewater Middle School Iron Dragons FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams are welcome to join us in the parade to walk and hand out goodies. Interested families should reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org for more information.
New members are welcome to join the team at any point this summer or fall. The high school team is open to any WHS student entering grades 9-12 this fall or any homeschool high school aged student residing within the boundaries of the Whitewater Unified School District. Meetings will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings this summer from 6:00 – 9:00 at Whitewater High School. Students should enter through door #38, which is between the rear of the auditorium wing and the overhead shop doors. Summer is a great time to ease into the team! Please reach out to the team advisor at the above email address with questions.
Have a skill you could share with the students? Ferradermis is truly a small business, and we are always looking for volunteer mentors who would like to share their talents in the areas of business, marketing, communications, engineering, CAD, electrical, machining, 3D printing, computer programming, and more. If interested, stop by one of our events or reach out to Laura Masbruch to find out more.
Although the regular season ended with the trip to the World Championships in Houston, Texas in April, Ferradermis has four off-season competitions on their calendar for this summer. You can catch the team in action in Kettle Moraine, Mukwonago, Rockford, and Eau Claire. All events are free and open to the public and provide some excellent fun entertainment for the whole family.
Can’t attend the events in person, but want to stay on top of the team’s activities? Follow the team on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ferradermis/ or at https://www.ferradermis.org/
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s graduation time and here are some graduates at a 60th reunion. The photo was taken in 1976 and features seven graduates of the Whitewater Normal School in 1916. Top row from left to right are: Russell Kutz, Margaret Baker Fish, Alvin Koser, and Ruth Engebretsen Dorr. The bottom row from left to right are Clara Lang Dierfeld, Edith Knilans, and Grace Kildow Baily. Probably 80 or older, they look very “spry” indeed.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5305P, Whitewater Historical Society)
By Angela Kelm|
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Eastlake, Ohio – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrapped up the 2024 campaign as the NCAA Division III runners-up after splitting a doubleheader with Misericordia Thursday afternoon in Eastlake, Ohio. The Warhawks forced a decisive third game in the NCAA Division III Championship Series with a high-scoring 16-10 win in game one. Misericordia came back to defeat the Warhawks in game two 10-5.
Championship Thursday was an offensive onslaught – UW-Whitewater was firing on all cylinders in game one while the Cougars took over early in game two. The Warhawks blasted 19 hits including 5 homeruns in the opener. Misericordia outhit UWW 14-11 in game two.
Michael Hilker Jr. got the ball in the first game of the day and the offense had his back from the get-go. Aaron Holland tagged the second ball he saw in the bottom of the first for a 1-0 lead. The Cougars came back to knot the game 1-1 in the top of the second, but the UWW offense was just getting started.
The Warhawks quieted a raucous Cougar fan base with a five-run second. The bottom of the frame saw a pair of RBI singles plate three runs before Eli Frank blistered a two-run blast to give UWW a 6-1 advantage. One of those singles was a hard shot into the right center gap by Matt Scolan. He recorded his 74th RBI of the season on that hit, breaking the UW-Whitewater program record for runs batted in during a season.
Andy Thies registered back-to-back jacks in his next two at bats. His first of the game came on the first pitch of his third inning at bat. In the fifth, he laced a no-doubter that easily cleared a 20-foot-high billboard behind the right center wall to extend the margin to 8-1.
Scolan got in on the long ball action later in the fifth with a three-run four-bagger. UWW added a single run on a groundout in the bottom of the sixth to make it 12-1.
Misericordia chipped away, plating three in the seventh and four in the eighth, mostly off of base knocks, to cut the lead to 12-8.
The Warhawk offense continued to surge and responded in the bottom of the eighth to give UW-Whitewater a cushion heading into the ninth. Dominick McVay plated the first run on a single through the right side. Two batters later, Holland tallied another base hit with a RBI single to right field. Scolan sent a deep fly ball to center for a sacrifice fly in the next at bat to push the lead back to eight, 16-8.
The Cougars were able to bring in two in the ninth, but the Warhawks got out of the jam to force a decisive third game in the best-of-three series.
Thies led the potent offensive effort with a 4-for-4 game at the plate adding four runs scored and a pair of RBI on his two solo homers. Scolan was 4-5 at the dish with a game-high six runs batted in.
Hilker Jr. claimed the win on the mound fanning five while allowing four runs in six innings of work. He capped the 2024 campaign with a 9-2 record. Relievers Sava Dupor, Ethan Wickman, Logan Eisenbarth and Jack Hagen combined to finish out the game for UWW.
Game two was a much different story with a rare 1-2-3 inning against the Warhawk offense sparking the Misericordia faithful in the stands. In the bottom of the first frame, the Cougars capitalized on early free bases before the bats heated up to the tune of seven runs on six hits including four doubles.
Misericordia added two more in the third courtesy of a pair of hits and a UWW miscue for a 9-0 advantage.
UW-Whitewater got on the board in the top of the fourth. Frank opened the inning with a single through the left side. Adam Cootway made it back-to-back base hits with a single to third. Following a fielder’s choice, Thies continued his phenomenal day at the plate with a double to right center that brought in UWW’s first run. Sam Paden plated the second run of the frame on a groundout in the next at bat.
The Cougars pushed their advantage back to eight with a single run in the bottom of the fifth. A leadoff single was followed by a sacrifice bunt and a pair of balks for the score.
The Warhawks cut the margin to five with three runs in the eighth. Cootway and Danny Hopper both scored on throwing errors by the Cougar catcher. Thies came around to score on Paden’s double down the right field line to make the score 10-5.
Cootway bolstered the offense in game two, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a run scored. Thies ended his day perfect in the batter’s box adding 2-for-2 in game two to his 4-for-4 in game one.
Cade Berendt suffered the loss to move to 7-2 on the season. Jack Hagen, Max Huseboe, Dupor and Hopper saw time on the mound in relief in the championship game.
Five Warhawks represented UW-Whitewater on the 2024 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship All-Tournament Team. Bennett Frazer, Hopper, Paden, Scolan and Cootway combined for 59 hits including 5 doubles, 1 triple and 7 homeruns. The five added 33 combined runs and 36 runs batted in over the course of the eight-game championship.
The nation’s top offense was on full display at the 2024 championship as the Warhawks belted 95 hits including 29 that went for extra bases. UW-Whitewater blasted 15 homeruns including two five-homer games – both are second-most in championship history. UWW’s seven homeruns in the final three-game series including the five-homer outing in Thursday’s opener are both championship series records.
The 2024 Warhawks tied the program record for wins in a season with a 45-12 record. UW-Whitewater also set program single season records in games played, hits, runs batted in, runs, total bases and strikeouts. The squad won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season title for the 22nd time in program history, the league tournament title for 8th time and were NCAA Division III Regional and Super Regional champions this season.
With the victory in game one, Head Coach John Vodenlich tied the WIAC record for most wins with 728. Coach Vodenlich holds an overall record of 728-229-1 in 21 seasons at the helm for UW-Whitewater.
Photos of the May 11 event courtesy of Tom Ganser
Classic Car Show Benefits LHCC Residents
Lakeland Health Care Center (LHCC), a skilled nursing facility operated by Walworth County, will host its Third-Annual Lug Nuts & Donuts classic car show on Wednesday, June 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.
“Providing activities and bringing the outside world to our residents is important to their morale and well-being,” says LHCC Administrator Denise Johnson. “For many of our residents, classic cars remind them of their youth and are a profound source of joy.”
Local gearheads will show off their classic rides and sports cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other motorized vehicles in LHCC’s front driveway. Donuts are provided. The residents will choose a first-place prize. The rain date is Wednesday, June 19.
Anyone interested in entering their classic car in the show should contact the Lakeland Health Care Center Recreation Department at (262) 741-3677.
Lakeland Health Care Center is located at 1922 County Road NN, Elkhorn. Learn more about Lakeland Health Care Center at www.co.walworth.wi.us/260/Lakeland-Health-Care-Center.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay.
Estate sale
Chester & Harriet Millard
454 Douglas Court
Whitewater, WI
Saturday, June 8th – 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 9th – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Numbers issued 1/2 hour prior to sale each day)
Square oak table, Pressback chairs, music stand, Lincoln rocker, Sofa, Swivel rocker, Sofa sleeper, 3 piece wicker set, Lazyboy
Fenton, Fiestaware, Depression, Candlewick & Lenox glassware
Snow blower, Magna rototiller, Troybilt & Honda lawn mowers
John Deere bike
And much, much more
See Craigslist for complete listing and pictures.
All sales final – No refunds – Cash – Sold in “as is” condition – No early sales – Not responsible for accidents
Please bring help and tools for removing your items on the day of purchase; our staff is unable to lift or load items.
For any questions contact Shirley Erdman, 920-563-9039.
The spring semester Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning. It honors 1,456 students.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average.
About UW-River Falls:
UWRF is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond.
Whitewater, WI
53190, Owen Kramer, Animal Science
53190, Gwen Truesdale, Agricultural Engineering
A Banner Service – Garage Sale Ads
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, of course your address, and if you wish, a few photos.
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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