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Local Student Recognized on Cedarville University Dean’s Honor List

January 22, 2024

Mina Truesdale of Whitewater, was named to the Dean’s Honor List at Cedarville University for Fall 2023. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Gov. Evers Appoints Kathleen Kostock as Walworth County Register of Deeds

January 22, 2024
Kathleen Kostock

Editor’s comment: The following press release was received from the Office of the Governor.

Gov. Tony Evers on January 22 announced his appointment of Kathleen Kostock to serve as Walworth County Register of Deeds. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Michele Jacobs, effective December 10, 2023. Kostock will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term ending January 5, 2025.

“Kathleen Kostock’s background in public service makes her well-qualified to carry out the duties as register of deeds for Walworth County,” said Gov. Evers. “She will lead the office and serve the people of Walworth County well in this role.”

Kostock has been a resident of Walworth County for over 24 years and currently serves as a member of the Elkhorn Area School Board.

“I am pleased to accept the appointment of Walworth County Register of Deeds and look forward to continuing the outstanding work of my predecessor Michele Jacobs and her team,” said Kostock. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Walworth County and maintain the high level of professionalism and customer service to which you’ve become accustomed. Thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues for your continued encouragement.”

Winter Weather Advisory Till 2 p.m.; Second Update: Roads/Sidewalks are Very Icy at 9 a.m.

January 22, 2024

Update 1/23/24 @ 9 a.m. – Many roads and sidewalks in town are very icy. Travel is actually much more difficult than yesterday in many areas.

Update 1/23/24 @ 6:30 a.m. – As of 4:30 a.m., the National Weather Service indicates that they are still expecting a wintry mix of freezing rain, snow and rain today. However, warmer surface temperatures are reducing the chance of ice in the Whitewater area from about 60% to about 10%. Fog and freezing fog has developed in some areas.

[Previous announcement] According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, “Wintry precipitation starts late tonight and continues through Tuesday, with all precipitation types possible. Freezing rain with ice accumulations of a glaze to 0.1″ possible along with some light snow late tonight into Tuesday morning, which will likely impact the Tuesday morning commute.”

Slippery roads are likely, especially during the Tuesday morning commute time.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Bonnie Kolarik from Pixabay.

Whippet Wrestlers Takedown Jefferson to Finish Undefeated in Valley Division

January 22, 2024

On Thursday night, January 18, the Whitewater Wrestling Team hosted the Jefferson Eagles in a full night of wrestling, also honoring seniors and parents. The night kicked off with a whopping 38 JV matches, allowing for many wrestlers to have the opportunity to compete in front of their family and friends. Upon completion of the JV matches, 55+ wrestlers and managers recognized their parents, thanking them for their support over the course of the last eight weeks and continued support for the weeks ahead.

Parent Recognition

Coach Schimming then recognized the 17 seniors that are involved in the program: three managers – Mackenzie Schimming, Leah Newmann and Adrea Alcala and 14 wrestlers – Jason Villegas, Odair Porras, JJ Gonzalez, Nate Black, Avery Janovec, Sebastian Cuellar, Yovanni Rojas-Reyes, Jesus Barajas, Payton Lyon, Ethan Barels, Lauren Buehler, Giulia Ristagno, and Myia Cobbs. These students have been involved in wrestling since middle school, or for some, only this year. Thank you for your efforts in making coaching an enjoyable time for the coaches!

Whippet Senior Wrestlers and Managers

After all of the recognitions, the varsity competition got underway with our dual meet against Jefferson. The team wrestled very well. After seven matches, the team was still in a close dual, up 24-18, with JJ Gonzalez (157), Sebastian Cuellar (165), Payton Lyon (190), and Vicente (Junior) Soto (HWT) all winning by pin. The team then took a brief intermission so the pom squad could do a performance for the crowd; it was an outstanding performance and enjoyed by the crowd. Once wrestling action began again, the Whippets dominated the second half, winning all but one of the final seven matches to close out the victory 55-24. Those winning by pins in the final six were Connor Friend (132), Curtis Rossmiller (138), and Odair Porras (150). Winning by a technical fall (15 points) were Jasen Porras (113) and Jarvis Porcaro (120). 

The win on the evening pushed the Whippets record to 8-1 overall and 4-0 in the Valley Division of the Rock Valley Conference, thus securing the championship for the Valley Division.

Coach Schimming was very impressed with the performance of all students involved during the events. Great job to all!

Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org

Whippets Swim 19 of 22 Personal Bests at Jefferson Invite

January 22, 2024

The Whippets traveled to Jefferson on Saturday, January 20th to compete in the Eagle Jay Invitational. They posted 19 of 22 best times on the day!

Top 16 finishes & some highlights include:

200 Medley Relay
✔(10th – 1:58.85): Langdon Coburn, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Wyatt Esch

200 Freestyle –
✔Cruz Aranda (4th – 2:00.16) This time now put Cruz 7th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!
✔Wyatt Esch dropped 10 seconds off his time going a 2:26.66.

200 IM –
✔Jack Hefty (3rd – 2:21.65) Jack took home a medal for his 3rd place finish and now sits 10th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!

50 Freestyle –
✔Myles Morse (27.33), Wyatt Esch (28.55), David Enns (29.71) and Angel Kilar (35.21) all posted new best times!
✔Angel Kilar won his heat!

100 Butterfly –
✔Cruz Aranda (10th – 1:04.03)

100 Freestyle –
✔Langdon Coburn (16th – 59.08) – Langdon dropped nearly 2 seconds!
✔Onyx Thompson won his heat by dropping 7 seconds going a new time of 1:10.48.
✔Angel Kilar continues to drop more time in the 100 Freestyle, going a new time of 1:20.44!

500 Freestyle –
✔Myles Morse (7th – 5:46.96) – Myles won his heat by over 10 seconds!

200 Freestyle Relay
✔(10th – 1:44.49) – Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, Myles Morse, Jack Hefty

100 Backstroke –
✔Langdon Coburn (6th – 1:06.04) – Langdon won his heat by out touch his competitor at the finish!
✔Onyx Thompson dropped 6 seconds of his previous time going a 1:23.35

100 Breaststroke –
✔Jack Hefty (9th – 1:14.24)
✔David Enns drops 8 seconds off his time to go a 1:28.10
✔Isaac Straight continues to make improvements in his breaststroke and goes a time of 1:44.51!

400 Freestyle Relay
✔(14th – 4:49.32) – Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Onyx Thompson, Angel Kilar

The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, January 23, at home against Beloit Memorial starting at 5:30 p.m. We hope to see you there for their last conference dual meet!

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

January 21, 2024

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes discussion of landscape plans for Dollar Tree, Aldi, and Starbucks; Future of Territorial Oak felled timber and possible projects relating to it; protection of oaks from library expansion
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/519418125
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 519-418-125
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School
Agenda: WUSD Organizational Chart

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes report on Assistant Fire Chief Transition from Part-Time to Full-Time Position; closed session, to reconvene, for interviews of FTE EMT/Firefighter candidate, patrol officer candidate, and patrol lieutenant candidate.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://meet.goto.com/326407381
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 326-407-381

Whitewater School Board – Monday @ 6:30 (Closed Session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
———————————————–
6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82039500370?pwd=K0pkN0l4dW5BQWM4bVplbE1SOE0zUT09
– Passcode: 304438
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 820 3950 0370
– Passcode: 304438
———————————————–
Closed Session Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes: discuss circumstances related to restrictions placed on a community member’s access to District property; discuss and prepare for the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center negotiations.
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online — Open Session
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes WUSD Strategic Planning & Scorecard Review, Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary School (Informational);  Establish 2024-25 Regular and Special Education Open Enrollment Space Limitations (Action Item); 2024-25 High School Curriculum Course Proposal: Earth Science (Action Item).
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87078321810?pwd=QllRL2tWNEQ1bk0yWTVwQ2pzQVExUT09
– Passcode: 330848
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 870 7832 1810
– Passcode: 330848

City of Whitewater Finance Committee Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Shared-Ride Taxi Rate Increases.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/770646165
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 770-646-165
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Thursday @ 5:00
Agenda includes committee goals and objectives.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St,
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82117796832?pwd=WVpXUHI4WC9STFVLRmwyZXFhVWtiZz09
Meeting ID: 821 1779 6832
Passcode: 417810
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US

City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda – Applicant: RLA Properties
Property: 355 W. James Street
Relative Code: 19.15.060 Yard Requirements Side yard of 10 feet.
Variance Requested: To place new structure on old structure location that is only 4.5 feet
from side property line.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/305001373
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 305-001-373
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

New Immersive Exhibit: “Memoria” by UWW Student at Roberta’s Art Gallery

January 21, 2024

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Roberta’s Art Gallery.

IMMERSIVE ART EXHIBIT EXPLORES THE LANDSCAPE OF HUMAN MEMORY AT ROBERTA’S ART GALLERY 

Dive into the mesmerizing past and present worlds at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “Memoria,” by artist Will Timilin. This exhibit features digital imagery and projections that unfold illusions from the human memory. “Memoria” opens on Jan. 10 and will be on display until Feb. 9. 

“Memoria” is an immersive gallery experience that allows audience members to explore the vast landscape of the mysterious recollection. Through digital art and technology, Timlin encourages his audience to search these projected, enchanting spaces for stories. “The stories in the pieces are etched into the intricate folds of our minds,” says Timlin. “They include splinters of illusionistic hauntings fused with the grand, celestial, and euphoric.” 

“Disruption”
“Painted Soul”

Will Timlin is a graphic designer and digital artist based in Milwaukee, Wis. This will be Timlin’s first solo exhibition. Timlin is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in marketing. “I hope my audience will leave with an emotional response and understanding through my projections, whether it’s confusion or love,” says Timlin. “I want to highlight the misinterpretations of memory.”   

The artist reception takes place on Jan. 30 with an artist talk and an audience Q&A from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by an open house with refreshments from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. During the academic year, which starts on Jan. 22, gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday. 

At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag.  

DNR Air Management & Wisconsin Air Quality Presentation

January 21, 2024

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by The Jefferson County Solid Waste Committee.

The Jefferson County Solid Waste Committee is hosting a free, educational presentation on Thursday, January 25 at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Extension, Jefferson County Office located at 864 Collins Road in Jefferson, WI. This event is open to any interested citizen!

Craig Czarnecki, WI DNR Air Management Outreach Coordinator and Lindsay Haas, WI DNR Air Management Communications and Outreach Specialist will present on the DNR Air Management and Wisconsin Air Quality followed by an opportunity for questions.

We hope that you will join us for this great educational opportunity!

Please contact Kim at 920-674-7430 or kimb@jeffersoncountywi.gov with any questions.

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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