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Today is Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Whitewater Traveling Basketball Club is excited to announce the details of the 2024 shot club. Registration is currently open and the spring portion of the Club starts April 7. Registration closes April 30.
1. Registration must be completed by completing the Google Form: https://forms.gle/JGjzDLAVBUG8W5N78
2. In order to receive recognition at a game next season, the player will need to make 10,000 game like shots and participate in four (4) shot club training sessions between June 15 and August 31.
The rules of the Whitewater Shot Club are:
1. Every game like shot made counts as “1 make”;
2. Every 10 minutes of focused ball handling counts as 10 makes (limit of 2000 makes for the 2024 with ball handling);
3. Students in grades 9-12 for the 2024-25 school year have until August 31 to get 10,000 makes. Students in grades 5-8 have until October 31 to get 10,000 makes.
4. Makes are submitted weekly. Information on recording and submitting makes will be sent out to athletes that sign up. Workouts will be run by Coach Dowden and Coach McCabe and more information will be coming to families that sign-up. Open gyms begin Sunday, April 7 at 5 pm. In May, Open Gyms run from 4-6pm. There is no open gym on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day; otherwise gym is open at 4 pm starting on Sundays in May until basketball season starts.
This programming is new for the community, and we look forward to answering questions and working to get better at basketball!
Coach Dowden and Coach McCabe
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the Whitewater Traveling Basketball Club. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the homepage image by Schorsch from Pixabay.
Registration opened on April 8 for 4K and new-to-kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year!
WUSD Families can complete the 2024-25 annual update and add their 4K/new kindergartner into the portal.
1) Please log into your Infinite Campus portal account: https://wicloud3.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/whitewater.jsp
2) On the left navigation bar, click on “More”
3) Click on “Online Registration”
4) Select the “2024-25 School Year Annual Update” option
Once on the Annual Update page, you can proceed with updating student and family information and register 4K or New to K students for school.
Step-by-step instructions with screenshots to follow are available on the Parent Technology Resources page: https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/ptr/infinite-campus/annual-update.
➡️ New families to our district can complete the full online registration here: https://www.wwusd.org/o/wwusd/page/new-family-enrollment
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
In a letter to the city manager dated April 1, Municipal Judge Patrick Taylor tendered his resignation effective June 1. Taylor, who has served for five years, indicated that his wife, Grace Crickette, “has taken a position as vice president of her alma mater, the University of Redlands in California, and I must follow her there.”
Taylor added, “Many thanks to my staff, Beatriz Aranda and Mike Ciardo, for their support and guidance. I am also grateful for the participation of WUSD high school and middle school administrators who wholeheartedly accepted my invitation to be active participants, as well as Walworth County Health and Human Services professionals who provide needed services beyond the significant capabilities of the schools. It was also a privilege to work with the city attorney and witness the professionalism of the WPD as few people can.”
“Preparation, understanding, impartiality, and creative resolutions are among the keys to successfully administrating community justice and are prerequisites to steering lives onto a more constructive path. To my successor I would suggest adopting this philosophy and an inclusive 360-degree approach, and never underestimate the positive effect you can make. I will be available to assist as needed. Above all, I am exceptionally grateful to this community filled with kind, thoughtful and generous people. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you.”
Per a state statute, the Chief Judge of the Judicial Administrative District may designate another municipal judge…until the municipal governing body fills the vacancy…The power of appointment by the Chief Judge is limited to 90 days…” John Weidl, city manager, placed discussion of the subject on the council agenda for April 16, obviously presuming that the council would prefer to make a timely appointment rather than relying on an outside temporary designation. He provided a proposed schedule “designed to ensure the seamless integration of the new appointee with the outgoing judge, facilitating an effective onboarding period before June.” Weidl suggested establishing a deadline for applications of April 30, with vetting of the candidates to occur at the May 7 council meeting. Alternatively he proposed the possibility of calling a special meeting to expedite the process, with the hope that the incoming judge might be able to attend the New Municipal Judge Orientation hosted by the Wisconsin Judicial Education division of the Director of State Court’s Office. This orientation will take place in Appleton from May 7-10. Weidl’s view is that the city’s “prompt identification and appointment of the new judge could significantly benefit from this educational opportunity, ensuring a well-prepared judiciary to serve our community.”
The state statute specifies that ultimately a special election should be held, and Weidl suggests that this be scheduled as part of the November election, indicating that the winner will serve out the remainder of the original term that expires in May 2027.
Whitewater Girls’ Soccer hosted Clinton for a Rock Valley Conference game on Thursday, April 11.
The Whippets won 11-0 with goals from Carley Boudreau, Mayte Navejas, Belle Peterson (2), Isabella Aranda, Payton Brautigam, Karlee Villegas-Korbel, Ayden Clark (2), and Sami Van Daele (2).
The Clinton keeper played a tremendous game, and made 29 saves. Marina Linos and Calli Hartzheim played in goal for Whitewater.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week, we feature a mid-20th century postcard of the Starin Park Community Building in its original form.
In the 1930s, funding for a community building was started in Whitewater, but due to the financial hardships of the Great Depression, the effort was slow. In 1936, the federal government expanded its work program for the unemployed under the Works Progress Administration or WPA and began to help fund community projects. The Starin Park Community Building benefited from this program and the building was completed by July of 1936. The architect of the building designed it as a somewhat “rustic” lodge, a popular style for park buildings at the time. It has been enlarged and remodeled and has served the community for over 80 years as a general-purpose community center and as a Senior Center.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(2290PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Whitewater’s chapter of FBLA traveled to Green Bay this past weekend to compete at the state competition. Members participated in leadership seminars as well as rounds of competition in various events. While there, they were also able to tour Lambeau Field and other local businesses.
Three members were able to advance to the national level. These members were Jared Apgar in Word Processing, and Ghati Binagi and Alexandra Meyer in Broadcast Journalism.
Article and Photos Submitted by Alex Meyer
Whitewater High School FBLA Member
bwest@wwusd.org
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Updated 4/12 @ 11 a.m. – Per their website, hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Starbucks new store, located in front of Walmart, opened on April 11. As of 7 p.m. there was a sign on the door stating, “Our drive-thru is open. We have temporarily closed our in-store cafe, but our drive-thru remains open….Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.” Hours for the store were not posted. Twelve cars were in the drive-thru. There is seating both inside and outside.
According to a sign in the drive-thru, all customers are now allowed to provide their own clean personal cup in exchange for a ten cent discount. Per a January 3, 2024 article on NBC Chicago, beginning on that date the policy was in effect at many of their stores. “The coffee company said it was motivated to offer this due to the fact that the majority of Starbucks beverages are enjoyed “on-the-go.” It also said it gives customers the opportunity to choose reusable products and supports Starbucks’ commitment to reduce waste by 50 percent by 2030.” Starbucks’ website indicates that customers need to tell the barista when they order that they brought their own cup. “Baristas will collect customers’ personal cup without the lid using a contactless vessel to ensure hygiene and safety. The beverage will be returned the same way,” the website states.
The Whippet Baseball Team competed against Evansville on Tuesday, April 9, and unfortunately came out on the losing end by a score of 6-4.
The Whippets fell behind 4-0 in the middle innings but cut the deficit to 4-2 in the top of the 6th. The tying run was on 2nd base when the final out was recorded.
Leading the offense was Owen Hicks and Emmett Spear who went 2×4 and 1×2 respectively.
Owen Hicks handled the starting pitching duties and went 4⅔ innings. Mike Pope came in relief to finish the game.
The Whippets will be in action again on Friday, April 12, against Big Foot at home. Game time is set for 4:45 pm.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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