Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, June 25, 2026
News & Events
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.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team fell to UW-Stout 69-59 in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinal Wednesday evening in Kachel Gym.
Box Score
The Warhawks (22-4) will await a possible at-large bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament. The DIII selection show is slated for Monday at 1:30 p.m. on ncaa.com.
UW-Whitewater struggled offensively shooting under 30-percent while the Blue Devils made over 41-percent from the floor. Despite falling into an 18-9 deficit after the first quarter, the Warhawks battled their way back into the game in the third quarter.
Trailing by nine entering the third quarter, Lunden Alexander drew a foul and knocked down a pair of free throws to cut the margin to seven, 34-27. After a free throw for UWS, Renee Rittmeyer hit one of her four three-pointers on the night to pull UWW to within five. Aleah Grundahl jumped a passing lane for a steal a minute later and cruised in for a layup to cut the lead to three, 35-32, with just over seven to go in the quarter.
Rittmeyer responded to another Blue Devil jumper by drilling a three off a Kacie Carollo pass to narrow the gap to two, 37-35 with 6:12 on the clock. From that point, UW-Stout went on a 7-0 run to push the lead back to nine. Carollo and Rittmeyer drained back-to-back three’s a minute later and the lead was back down to three, 44-41, with 1:27 remaining. The teams traded buckets to round out the quarter with UWS taking a 46-43 advantage into the fourth.
The Warhawks weren’t able to pull any closer than three the rest of the way as the Blue Devils sealed the game from the free throw line.
Katie Hildebrandt led UWW with 17 points, adding a pair of blocks and a steal in the game. Rittmeyer ended with 15 bolstered by 4-8 from downtown adding six rebounds in the contest. Carollo tallied another double-double, her third straight, with 10 points and 12 boards. She dished out a team-high four assists in the game.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Corey A. King is sworn in as the institution’s 18th chancellor.
The inauguration, which is free to attend and open to the public, is Friday, Feb. 23. The festivities begin with a ceremony at 2 p.m. in Young Auditorium, followed by a reception at 3 p.m. in the University Center. A livestream will also be provided; the link may be found here on Friday.
The ceremony will feature music performances from three of the university’s ensembles, and guest speakers from the Universities of Wisconsin, the city of Whitewater, and more.
“The inauguration is meant to be a celebration of the entire Warhawk family. Everyone — students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and friends of the university — is invited to share in this historic event,” King said. “To say I’m honored to lead UW-Whitewater is an understatement. We transform lives here. And we are boldly moving forward in that mission. We’re committed to student success, academic excellence and access to higher education, as well as our role as an economic engine for the region.”
While the inauguration is a ceremonial tradition, King officially began his role as chancellor on March 1, 2023. Over the last year, UW-Whitewater has achieved enrollment increases at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses, and welcomed a record number of visitors for camps and other events. The university was recognized nationally as a College of Distinction for a seventh consecutive year.
A celebrated leader with three decades of higher education experience, King has held leadership roles in student affairs, student services, and enrollment management.
Before joining UW-Whitewater, he served as vice chancellor for inclusivity and student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior, he was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Florida Atlantic University and led the Council for Student Affairs of the State University System of Florida. King also held leadership positions at East Carolina University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and the University of Florida.
King earned a bachelor’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in higher education administration/student affairs from Florida State University. He earned a doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit uww.edu/inauguration.
Landmark Trek has started the new year with a new episode covering the White Memorial Library. This also coincides with the new interior face-lift that the Arts Alliance has done inside the Gallery. Delve into the history, and then discover the present interior improvements to one of Whitewater’s treasured landmarks. Watch the new segment at this link.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Continuing Education.
For the first time in program history, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will host Mega Camp, designed for high school athletes seeking elite-level coaching and certified testing results. Athletes will have the unique opportunity to showcase their talent in front of college coaches from the University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, University of North Dakota, South Dakota State University, and many others.
“My staff and I are excited to combine our rich football tradition and great facilities to offer a tremendous opportunity for student-athletes,” Warhawk football coach Jace Rindahl said. “Athletes will be able to gain exposure to some of the best scholarship football programs in the country.”
Warhawk Football Mega Camp is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to noon, and will be held at the Berezowitz Student Athletic Complex. The emphasis for the camp will be on improving each athlete’s football skill set. This padded event is limited to the first 400 registrants. [Clinic Fee: $85 -The event fee includes instruction, a t-shirt, and insurance. Additionally, if a participant registers for the camp by Thursday, May 23, 2024, they are guaranteed a t-shirt in their preferred size.]
Warhawk football is “Powered by Tradition” with six national championships and 39 conference titles. Student athletes are an important part of this winning tradition. Additional Warhawk Football summer programs include Youth Camp on June 16, Perimeter Camp on June 19, Lineman Camp on June 23, and Passing Jamborees throughout July.
About Warhawk Camps
Since 1973, Continuing Education Services has hosted summer camps and clinics on the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. In 2023, more than 6,700 people experienced summer programming, breaking past participation records. Athletic, academic, arts, and enrichment programs are offered every summer for lifelong learners of all ages, in state-of-the-art facilities, with inclusivity, belonging, and safety as core priorities.
The Whitewater High School Forensics Team had a great showing at Tuesday night’s Sub District competition hosted by Fort Atkinson High School. This is part of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) State Series.
Five students will advance to the District Tournament at Stoughton High School in late March:
Makayla Bazeley (11) – Prose Reading
Carley Boudreau (11) – Informative/Demonstration Speech
Emilia Houwers (12) – Expository Speech
Marina Linos (12) – Informative/Demonstration Speech
Lauren Rollette (12) – Solo Serious Acting
Brand new team member Grace Coleman (10) deserves honorable mention for her Solo Serious Acting performance.
Up next for Whitewater Forensics is the Speech Bowl hosted by UW-Whitewater on Saturday, March 9th.
Article and Photo Submitted by Elizabeth Miller
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
emiller@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department on February 21.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 9:06 p.m., Whitewater Police received a report of an armed robbery at the BP Gas Station at 1138 W. Main St. in the City of Whitewater. The suspect, a 19 year old male, entered the gas station and displayed a facsimile (replica) firearm. The male demanded a pack of cigars, left the gas station, and fled in a vehicle. Officers located the suspect at Knilans Hall on the UW-Whitewater campus, and he was taken into custody without incident at 10:13 p.m.
The suspect was subsequently confined at the Walworth County Jail. Charges for Armed Robbery (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)),
Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)), and additional related charges will be forwarded to the Walworth County
District Attorney’s Office.
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the UW-Whitewater Police Department and the Walworth County
Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this incident. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of
conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nota del editor: el siguiente comunicado de prensa se recibió del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater el 21 de febrero.
La policía de Whitewater realiza un arresto en el robo de la gasolinera BP
Whitewater, WI – 21 de febrero de 2024 – El martes, 20 del febrero de 2024, a las 21:06 horas, la Policía de Whitewater recibió un informe de un robo a mano armada en la gasolinera BP en 1138 W. Main St. en la ciudad de Whitewater. El sospechoso, un hombre de 19 años, entró en la gasolinera y exhibió una réplica de arma de fuego. El hombre exigió un paquete de cigarros, salió de la gasolinera y huyó en un vehículo. Los agentes localizaron al sospechoso en Knilans Hall, en el campus de UW-Whitewater, y fue detenido sin incidentes a las 22:13 horas.
Posteriormente, el sospechoso fue recluido en la cárcel del condado de Walworth. Los cargos por robo a mano armada (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)), conducta desordenada (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)) y otros cargos relacionados se remitirán a la Fiscalía del Condado de Walworth.
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer al Departamento de la Policía de UW-Whitewater y a la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Walworth por su ayuda en este incidente. Cabe señalar que este caso no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia condenatoria, se presume que el acusado es inocente de todos los cargos.
Gus Schumacher, grandson of Nancy Cooper (longtime resident of Whitewater, currently resident at Fairhaven), won the gold medal in World Cup cross country ski race in Minneapolis.
From the Minneapolis Star Tribune – February 18, 2024 – Click here to see the entire article
“American Gus Schumacher claims shocking win in World Cup distance race in Minneapolis
The first World Cup cross-country ski race held in the U.S. since 2001 gets an American winner not named Jessie Diggins.
Gus Schumacher, a 23-year-old from Alaska, won the men’s 10-kilometer freestyle race at Theodore Wirth Park on Sunday, becoming the first American man to win a World Cup cross-country skiing distance event since 1983.
The race used a staggered start, with skiers going off every 30 seconds. Schumacher started 35th out of 76 skiers and finished in 20 minutes, 52.7 seconds. Then he waited.
The leaders in the World Cup standings, all Norwegians, were all still on the course. One by one, they finished, and Schumacher remained atop the leaderboard.
Overall points leader Harald Oestberg Amundsen, who is also on top of the distance standings, arrived first, in 20:57.1, good for only second place. Then came Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, Saturday’s sprint champion, in 20:59.02. The last skier to worry about was Paal Golberg, who started 70th. He crossed the finish line in 20:58.5, in third place.
Chants of “Gus! Gus! Gus!” and “U-S-A! U-S-A!” filled the stadium. Schumacher was mobbed by his U.S. teammates, and skiers from other countries joined in the celebration. He was in tears in a postrace interview.
“This has been the best day ever … Thank you, Minneapolis!” he said.”
Copied from usskiandsnowboard.org – February 18, 2024
Magic in Minneapolis: Schumacher Wins, Diggins Third
With tears streaming down their faces, Gus Schumacher won his first career World Cup and Jessie Diggins stepped on the podium in third place at the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The weather warmed up for Sunday’s race with a deep crew of Americans ready to attack the 10k skate course. The crowd showed up in droves, with another 20,000 people arriving to see their favorite ski racers race the local track at Wirth Park.
The men went first, with Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Schumacher skiing a strong race to take the lead, but he would have to sit for more than 40 athletes to see if the result would hold. Racer after racer came through the finish line as Schumacher’s eyes grew wider, continuing to beat Olympic medalists and world champions. His teammates gathered around him in the leader’s box with tears beginning to flow as the last racer crossed the finish line, confirming Schumacher’s win with yells and hugs.
“It’s hard to believe,” said a teary-eyed Schumacher. “I’m just so grateful for this whole team and everyone being here. It represents something big for our team and I really love doing it with these guys… This has been the best day ever.”
Schumacher was the first American man to win a distance World Cup in 41 years, since Olympic silver medalist Bill Koch won in a 30k in Sarajevo in 1983. The last American man to win a non-distance race was Simi Hamilton, who took a sprint in Lenzerheide in 2013, 11 years ago. Schumacher had also never podiumed; his previous best result was fourth.
It was also another feather in the cap for the successful Stifel U.S. Ski Team men, who have now accrued three podiums this season from three men: Schumacher, JC Schoonmaker and Ben Ogden. Prior to the 2023-24 season, the men had not had a podium since 2017.
Supporters continued to pack the course as the women took to the track. Diggins ran near the end of the start list, with every fan’s eyes on the local girl as she pushed for a top result. She left everything on the course, gasping for air and collapsing at the finish, but skied into third place to secure the podium. Surrounded by her family, friends and teammates, Diggins cried happy tears through the awards ceremony.
“It wasn’t even about the podium,” she said. “I just had the best day ever out there. No one had more fun than me, except maybe Gus because it’s his day! I’m so proud of him. It was so emotional. The whole team was over the moon for him. That was an incredible day.”
More than that, the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis was about bringing World Cup cross country ski racing back to the United States for the first time in more than 23 years. 40,000 fans showed up over the two days with signs, banners and cowbells. Tears were shed by athletes, staff, and fans throughout the weekend: the first time the skiers skied the buffed-out track, when crowds walked miles to pack the stands and sides of the course, when the U.S. national anthem was sung over the loudspeaker, when thousands of young girls and boys lined up for autographs from their heroes and get glitter put on their cheeks.
“I feel like this whole weekend was huge for the growth of skiing in this country,” said Diggins, who had been a massive part of bringing this World Cup to her hometown. “Everyone got to see how much people love this sport. People are psyched. We wanted this for a long time. It’s incredible that we got to experience it together and share it.”
Rounding out the Americans, Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Sophia Laukli snagged a top 15 result in 15th place. Julia Kern was 19th and Rosie Brennan 22nd and Haley Brewster 25th. Brewster had her first two World Cup starts in Minneapolis and secured impressive results. Sydney Palmer-Leger was 32nd, Kendall Kramer 36th, Movie McCabe 37th, Margie Freed 41st, Sammy Smith 42nd, Alexandra Lawson 50th and Alayna Sonnesyn 51st.
On the men’s side in the top 30, Scott Patterson was 22nd, Zanden McMullen 25th and John Steel Hagenbuch 30th. David Norris was 35th, Luke Jager 39th, Hunter Wonders 47th, Peter Wolter 52nd, Walker Hall 56th, Michael Earnhart 61st, Reid Goble 64th and Brian Bushey 67th.
Gus Schumacher
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
New state district maps that were submitted to the state Supreme Court by Governor Evers, passed by the Republican majority Senate and Assembly on February 13, and signed by Governor Evers on February 19, are expected to result in new state representatives for the Whitewater area. Effective in January, 2025, our area, which is currently represented by one of two Republicans in the Assembly, will be located Assembly District 43, which is generally expected to lean Democratic. Our transition in the Senate will not occur until January, 2027. Our current senator is a Republican, but our new Senate District 15 is expected to lean Democratic.
The Walworth County portion of the City of Whitewater is currently represented by Ellen Schutt (R) in the Assembly. Schutt resides in Clinton, which is not located in the new Assembly District 43. The Jefferson County portion of the city is currently served by Rep. Scott Johnson (R), who lives outside of Jefferson, which is also not located in the new district. Neither Schutt or Johnson’s office indicated to the Banner that they intend to move. It appears that no current Assembly members reside in this new district. This seat will be up for election in November, 2024.
All of the city and most of the area towns are in Senator Steve Nass’s current district, number 11. Nass (R) resides in La Grange, which is just outside the new Senate District 15. He will continue to represent the Whitewater area until January, 2027, as he was most recently elected in 2022. LaGrange is the one nearby town that Nass will continue to serve if he is re-elected. Senator Mark Spreitzer (D) represents the current District 15, and since his residence in Beloit is also in the new District 15, he would represent our area if he runs successfully for re-election in 2026.
The state will soon be updating their website where a citizen may enter their street address in order to confirm their districts. According to the online maps, in addition to the city of Whitewater, Assembly District 43 will include the towns of Richmond, Cold Spring, Whitewater, Johnstown, Lima, Milton, and Fulton, as well as the city of Milton and a very small portion of Janesville. Based on the 2022 election, this district is estimated to be approximately 55% Democratic, 43% Republican, and 2% Independent. Most sources seem to expect the district to lean Democratic, though at least one source sees it as one of the relatively few “competitive” districts.
In addition to all of Assembly District 43, Senate District 15 will include most of the city of Janesville, all of Beloit, and various towns. Based on the 2022 election, this district is estimated to be approximately 57% Democratic, 41% Republican, and 2% Independent. Most sources anticipate that it will lean Democratic.
On December 22, 2023 the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the current state districting maps were unconstitutional and had to be redrawn in time to be used in the fall 2024 elections. The maps had been said to be among the most gerrymandered in the country, and had contributed to Republican control of the legislature for over a decade. Although Wisconsin is considered to be a “purple” state, Republicans currently hold a 64-35 majority in the Assembly and a 22-10 majority in the Senate, with one Democratic-leaning Senate seat vacant. A number of new map proposals had been submitted to the Supreme Court, which had stated that if the legislature and governor could agree on a set of maps, the court would accept them.
According to an article on wpr.org, at least 32 counties and 21 municipalities have passed advisory referendums supporting the establishment of a nonpartisan commission to develop the map proposals for the redistricting that is required after each U.S. census. Iowa established such a commission in 2010.
The current redistricting will not affect the federal Congressional districts. A lawsuit filed in the state Supreme Court in January seeks to challenge those maps. The state is currently represented in the House by six Republicans and two Democrats.
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
