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Whitewater JV Gymnastics kicked off a great start to the season last week. The girls have been working very hard on new routines and skills for the meet.
The balance beam was the highlight of the night for the girls. The four girls had a no fall beam routine. Gabriella Pena Perroni scored a high for her at 5.1.
Maddie Joseph and Emy Islas competed on bars. The girls are both freshmen and working very hard on new skills for the bar.
The vault exercises were competed by all freshmen. This was the first time for all five of them competing in a meet. Maggie Maas scored a 5.8, and Amaya Conner scored a 5.9.
Zoe Zei kicked off the floor exercise scoring a 4.7. We had four girls compete the floor exercise and all scored very well.
Whitewater Whippets Gymnastics will have another home meet January 30 at 6:00.
Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
The Community Development Authority (CDA) for the City of Whitewater is excited to announce a unique business competition in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Whitewater (UWW) Enactus, a student-led organization that harnesses business strategies for social good.
This innovative competition, backed by a generous allocation of $160,000 from the CDA, aims to foster entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth within Whitewater. The competition will be a platform for budding entrepreneurs to receive essential support and training in business planning and other critical areas. Over several weeks, participants will be guided through a series of development stages, culminating in a public presentation where their business concepts will be evaluated.
City Manager, John Weidl, commented on the initiative, “This is exactly the type of bold initiative that will position Whitewater as a credible hub for innovation and public-private collaborations. It’s about bringing community-driven business ideas to life and catalyzing real change.”
A unique feature of this competition is the entire community’s direct involvement. Alongside a panel of expert judges, interested community members will have a say in the ranking and scoring of the business presentations via web-based application. This approach not only empowers local voices but also ensures that the selected businesses align with the community’s needs and aspirations.
Eligibility for the competition is focused on startups and new business ideas within key areas of the community, including the downtown sector and other economically significant locations in Whitewater. The competition is open to reimbursement for projects that lead to successful location in Whitewater and startup, encompassing a variety of activities, from interior and exterior improvements, equipment, and rent or down payment reimbursement. The aim is to bring innovative and impactful business ideas to fruition, boosting the local economy.
While detailed programmatic aspects will be finalized in an upcoming CDA meeting, this initiative marks a significant step towards cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Whitewater, in collaboration with the dynamic and forward-thinking students of UWW Enactus. If you have initial interest in this program please fill out our interest form here: https://forms.gle/ZoNtyXLTUbphkUtDA
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Paul Brennan from Pixabay.
The Polar Plunge is just under 2 months away. We only have a few spots left for our chili cook off. It is FREE to enter, and you have a chance to win some great prizes. This year we will be indoors at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center.
We will have our tables set up in the large meeting/party room. If you are interested in participating please fill out the form above and send it back to Jennifer French by Friday, February 16th. If you know of anyone else that may be interested please send them either my information or the information attached to this email. You can also sign up at https://whitewater.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=2.
Please let me know if you have any questions my phone number is 262-473-0535.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Jennifer French, Adult Program Coordinator for the city Parks & Recreation Department.
The City of Whitewater Police Department announced that on January 22 the Police and Fire Commission approved the promotion of Taylor Krahn to Patrol Lieutenant. According to the announcement, “In that role, Lt. Krahn will oversee one of our four patrol shifts. Taylor has served the Whitewater community as a sworn officer since 2020. He is a handgun and rifle instructor as well as a pistol-mounted optics instructor. Taylor also serves as a field training officer and as a member of the department’s Search Warrant Response team. Congratulations, Taylor!”
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Tests now encouraged for children ages 1 and 2, and those aged 3-5 who have not been previously tested
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends universal blood lead testing for children living in Wisconsin. Universal testing means all children should receive a blood lead test at ages 1 and 2 as well as any child between ages 3 and 5 who has not had a previous test. Children under 6 residing in the city of Milwaukee require additional testing per local health department guidelines.
Childhood lead poisoning remains a serious public health threat, despite significant progress in recent decades. Every year, thousands of children in Wisconsin are poisoned by exposure to lead in their environment. Lead, a toxic metal, can cause irreversible damage to a child’s developing brain, affecting their learning, behavior, and future potential. A simple blood test can detect lead exposure early, allowing parents and health care providers to take crucial steps to protect a child’s health. Depending on the child’s blood lead level, these crucial next steps could include:
- Finding and removing lead hazards from the child’s environment.
- Providing the child a diet high in iron and calcium.
- Connecting the child to early educational services.
- Scheduling follow-up blood lead testing.
“Early detection is key in preventing devastating consequences of lead poisoning,” said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. “A blood test is a quick procedure that can provide invaluable information about a child’s exposure to lead. With early intervention, we can minimize the long-term effects and ensure children reach their full potential.”
Why early detection matters:
- It’s not obvious: Lead poisoning often shows no obvious symptoms, making early detection through blood tests crucial.
- It can help minimize harm: Early identification of lead poisoning, through the testing of young children, allows for prompt action to eliminate sources of lead exposure and minimize harm.
- It can improve outcomes: With early action and support, children exposed to lead can achieve better developmental outcomes.
Early detection and intervention are critical in protecting children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. Parents and caregivers should talk with their child’s health care provider today and get a blood lead test scheduled. Visit CDC’s Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level page for additional information on follow-up and case management of children who have lead levels above the blood lead reference value.
Get more information about pediatric lead testing and reporting and the DHS universal blood lead testing recommendation on our website.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by bess.hamiti@gmail.com from Pixabay.
Update 1/24/24 @ 10:10 a.m. – The weather service has extended the dense fog advisory for our area to noon. Fog may limit visibility to one quarter mile or less at times.
According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, a Dense Fog Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Areas of dense fog will limit visibility to one quarter mile or less at times. Together with the dense fog, some light rain/drizzle is expected during the Wednesday morning commute. With temperatures hovering around freezing, there is the possibility of a glaze of ice once again on Wednesday morning.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Joe from Pixabay.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to an article on wpr.org and various other news outlets, four people dressed in red and black created a disturbance on Sunday evening, January 21 near the Knilans residence hall. They bellowed racist remarks, including, “We are everywhere. There will be blood, blood, blood,” and a swastika was projected on a wall of the building. Students were in the process of returning to campus, with classes resuming on Monday after the winter break. Campus police responded at approximately 5:40 p.m. and did not find the people. It is believed that they are not UW-Whitewater students but rather may be part of a group that has caused similar disturbances on other campuses.
According to The Hill, “The incident follows a large increase in antisemitic activity on college campuses since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Between Oct. 7 and 23, 312 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S., according to the Anti-Defamation League. In the same time period in 2022, only 64 antisemitic incidents were reported.”
Chancellor Corey A. King posted the following message to the university community:
Message from Chancellor King
Dear students, faculty and staff,
On Sunday, Jan. 21, at around 5:40 p.m., UW-Whitewater police received reports of four people outside of Knilans residence hall chanting racist words, lighting what appeared to be road flares and displaying antisemitic symbols.
Police quickly responded to the scene. The group had already left the area, confirmed by video surveillance, and no further sightings were reported. We have no reason to believe there is any current threat to safety on campus. The actions of the individuals are consistent with a group that has been visiting other campuses, and has no affiliation with UW-Whitewater whatsoever. In an abundance of caution, we have increased police patrol on campus.
The actions of the group last night are abhorrent and go against our core values. At UW-Whitewater, we strive to create a safe community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We take pride in our Warhawk family. We reject hate in all its forms.
I know this incident is disturbing and has impacted members of our university community. Please know that counseling services are available to you….Warhawks, look out for one another — especially individuals who may have felt especially targeted by this event.
Anyone with information about the incident last night is asked to contact University Police at police@uww.edu or 262-472-4660. We will continue to remain vigilant and inform you if there are any developments. I want to reassure everyone of our ongoing commitment to safety. UW-Whitewater Police are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In an emergency situation, please call 911. Any campus member can arrange to have an officer walk with them on campus by calling the non-emergency line, 262-472-4660.
On this first day of the new semester, I ask all of us to reaffirm our commitment to our core values and not let the actions of an outside group that seeks to incite hate, division and fear take us off course. I am confident that we will have ongoing campus conversations in this space. I welcome these conversations as we continue to create an inclusive community. Let’s support each other the Warhawk way.
Corey A. King
Chancellor
Come learn about the U.S. National Parks with Mike Oswald, creator of three U.S. National Park guidebooks (plus a journal!). He hopes you’ll bring your National Park travel dreams and/or stories to have an interactive conversation about these cherished public lands. Along the way, he’ll share photos and stories—from hollering at a grizzly in Glacier National Park to trying to sleep in the middle of a turf war between the crabs and rats of Dry Tortugas’ Jefferson Key—from his tours across the country.
Mike Oswald has been exploring and writing about the U.S. National Parks since 2008. Over the course of hundreds of national park visits, he’s hiked, paddled, and pedaled thousands of miles across America’s most treasured lands. He loves watching prairie dogs, making natural tripods, and sharing a smile with fellow park enthusiasts as they enjoy a beautiful day in a beautiful place. His goal is to help others make the most of their national park trips.
Join us on Tuesday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. to learn about the U.S. National Parks with Mike Oswald! Bring your National Park travel dreams and/or stories! There is no cost or registration.
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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