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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Sunday, June 8, 2025
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Are you in 5th through 8th grade? Do you know someone who is and enjoys history and writing?
This year, to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 11, the American History Essay contest for grades 5-8 focuses on the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The essay topic is, “Imagine you had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during WWI. You and your family attended the Nov. 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. Describe what this meant to you and your family. Why is it important to remember those who gave their lives to serve our nation? “ The length is 300-600 words for 5th grade and 600-1,000 words for grades 6-8.
For those in high school, a “Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest” is being offered . The topic this year is, “ Select a figure from the American Revolution era (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. “ Your figure may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small. The word length for this essay is 800-1200 words.
Please contact Vicki Schicker of the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce DAR Chapter (Schicker@hotmail.com) for further guidelines, information or with questions about the contest. The deadline for entering an essay this year is December 17th. Prizes are awarded at the Chapter, State, Division and National levels.
These contests are open to all students in public, private or parochial schools as well as those who are home schooled.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Whitewater resident Caryl Yasko was recently commissioned to restore the bicentennial mural “The Stonecutters” which she painted in the Village of Lemont, Illinois in 1975. Per the village Facebook page, “After week one of the restoration, the colors are starting to POP! Caryl Yasko and team, Harrison Halaska and Ingrid Kallick are working on the mural most weekdays beginning in early afternoon. Rob Moriarty joins them early evenings, and they all work on the mural as long as daylight allows. Stop by and watch them restore this beautiful mural on the Digs on Canal building at 316 Canal Street in Budnik Plaza – don’t be shy – go right on up to the front of the mural and watch them at work. Be sure to leave a note on the paper pad located on the side of the scaffolding. Caryl would LOVE to HEAR for YOU! ”
Yasko is particularly known in Whitewater for the Prairie Tillers mural she painted on the east exterior wall of 119 W. Center Street in 1980. (See last image below.) Per Community Built Organization, “Caryl Yasko has been a leading figure in the American Public Art Movement for more than forty years. She is well published internationally. She was a founding artist in the Chicago Mural Group and taught mural techniques at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and many colleges and universities, mostly in the Midwest. She developed a concrete fresco technique and a line-drawing system for public participation. Caryl’s works include building filigree windmills and prairie, 60′ foot poles with airplane beacon, and colorful murals in all situations and locations, often with a cast of thousands in the spirit of public participation.”
Caryl Yasko pictured with her team 
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Arboretum Report: DNR Grant update and next steps;
Purple Martin Report: Funding of PM house #3
Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
(This will be a hybrid meeting)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/940598565
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 940-598-565
Downtown Whitewater Board of Directors – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda – Virtual Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89492152017?pwd=cHFhSVluYXo3bGNQZDBxRkhiMj
E3UT09
Whitewater Unified School District Board – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
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Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner) includes Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street
7:00 p.m.
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82811372039?pwd=bGJmdzBCRVpkK3VIY0RoQXZ6VTEvUT09
– Passcode: 509411
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 828 1137 2039
– Passcode: 509411
PUBLIC NOTICE: The health and safety of District employees, School Board, and the community is a top priority. As such, some Board members may participate virtually. Members of the public may attend in-person on a first come, first serve basis by submitting a Google Form: https://forms.gle/FVTddjN1GNyDm5kx8, 24 hours prior to the meeting time. A capacity of 20 individuals is set for in-person attendance. Additionally the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those individuals unable to attend in-person.
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If participants wish to speak on Agenda Items they may speak regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. A Citizen Comment Request should be filled out prior to speaking. In accordance to Board Policy 187, personal criticism and/or derogatory remarks directed at School Board members or employees of the district will not be tolerated. Should there be a number of citizens planning to speak, the President will announce the total time for citizen comments and divide the time between speakers equally with no more than three minutes allotted to each participant.
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City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes development of Capital Improvement Program for 2022-23
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
City Manager’s Conference Room (2nd Floor)
Meeting will be held in a BLENDED format (in-person and Virtual). You may join the meeting
in person in the City Manager’s Conference Room located on the 2nd floor of the Municipal
Building or from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/530273725
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 530-273-725
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wed. @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2021/22 WAFC Fee Schedule, Halloween Program And Events Discussion And Recommendation,
No Mow May Discussion
(Virtual Meeting)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/650006053
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (786) 535-3211
Access Code: 650-006-053
Editor’s note: All City of Whitewater residents are eligible to use this service, even if they live in the Jefferson County portion of the city.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Dept. of Health & Human Services.
Free Financial, Legal & Safety Resource Session for Older Adults and Their Families
The Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ (WCDHHS) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will host the annual Safe and Savvy Senior Day, a free, in-person information and resource session for older adults and their families. The Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held on Saturday, October 9th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn.
“Many older adults and their family members are not aware of the important legal documents and actions that should be taken care of as they age,” says WCDHHS Adult Protective Services Specialist Karen Gillingham. “Safe and Savvy Senior Day will help them understand some of the essentials, such as advance directives, power of attorney for health care and finance, and burial trusts.”
During the event, attendees can learn about current scams and ways to protect themselves and their assets; meet with Veteran Services staff; complete a free memory screen; drop off unused medications; receive a flu, shingles or COVID-19 vaccination; get valuable information from the ADRC and/or Lakeland Health Care Center; and check out the new Mobile Health Hub.
Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366 or emailing kgillingham@co.walworth.wi.us. Current CDC guidelines suggest wearing a mask indoors in public settings if you are in an area of high transmission to maximize protection from the Delta variant and possibly prevent spreading it to others. If you are unable to attend in person and would like more information, please contact the ADRC at (262) 741-3400.
About the ADRC: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the general public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and help provide options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.
The image on the homepage, “International Day of Older Persons” by Campbelltown City Council is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the governor.
| Gov. Evers Proclaims September 25 “Bob Uecker Day” |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that he has proclaimed Sat., Sep. 25, 2021, as “Bob Uecker Day” in Wisconsin. The governor made this proclamation to celebrate the legacy of Bob Uecker in Major League Baseball and to recognize his 50th anniversary as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers. “As a lifelong Brewers fan, some of my favorite baseball memories over the years have been narrated by Bob Uecker,” said Gov. Evers. “Bob is a homegrown Milwaukeean who has tremendous pride and love for the sport, his hometown, and his home state, and is more than deserving of this statewide day of celebration of his career, legacy, and achievements.” “For generations, Bob has brought the ballpark experience into the homes of Brewers fans throughout the state, and his ability to create that magic is unrivaled. Bob is more than an icon in the state of Wisconsin; he is one of the world’s great entertainers and personalities,” said Rick Schlesinger, Brewers President-Business Operations. “We are fortunate to call him one of our own as we celebrate his 50th anniversary as the voice of the Brewers.” Text of the governor’s “Bob Uecker Day” proclamation is available below. A copy of the proclamation is available here. WHEREAS; born in Milwaukee on January 26, 1934, Bob Uecker is an icon in the world of professional sports, with a long and storied career in Major League Baseball (MLB), both as a player in the 1960s and as one of our nation’s preeminent sportscasters over the past 50 years; and WHEREAS; the first Milwaukee native to sign with the Milwaukee Braves, Bob played for the club’s Northern League affiliate, the Eau Claire Bears, and Pioneer League affiliate, the Boise Braves, beginning in 1956, and made his MLB debut as a catcher for the Braves on April 13, 1962; and WHEREAS; after one season with the Milwaukee Braves, Bob was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he helped bring the team to their 1964 World Series win against the New York Yankees and, perhaps more famously, entertained his teammates by shagging fly balls with a tuba ahead of the series’ second game; and WHEREAS; Bob was later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, before returning to the Braves—who had since moved to Atlanta—for the last season of his career as a player; and WHEREAS; upon his retirement from playing in the MLB, Bob returned to his hometown of Milwaukee and, after a brief stint as a scout for the city’s new team, the Milwaukee Brewers, he began his new career in sports broadcasting in September 1971; and WHEREAS; as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for 50 years and counting, calling play-by-play action for our state’s premier professional baseball franchise, Bob has ingrained himself into the day-to-day life of baseball fans in Wisconsin and across the United States; and WHEREAS; Bob’s notorious sense of humor and extraordinary abilities behind the microphone have made him a legendary and beloved figure in professional baseball, and among the numerous awards and accolades he has received, he has been named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year on five separate occasions, been inducted into both the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame, and been awarded the Ford. C. Frick Award for major contributions in baseball by a broadcaster; and WHEREAS; affectionately known as “Mr. Baseball,” a nickname given to him by the late Johnny Carson, Bob has also led a remarkable career in entertainment as a comedian and performer in movies and TV, alongside unforgettable appearances on The Tonight Show and in the iconic “Miller Lite All Stars” advertising campaign; and WHEREAS; today, in recognition of his 66 years in Major League Baseball, half a century with the Milwaukee Brewers, and innumerable contributions to the history and culture of professional baseball in our country, the state of Wisconsin joins baseball fans in Wisconsin and across the United States in celebrating Bob Uecker; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2021, as “BOB UECKER DAY” throughout the State of Wisconsin and I commend this observance to all our state’s residents. |
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have reported a 70% COVID-19 vaccination rate as of Sept. 24 — reaching the milestone five weeks ahead of the recently extended UW System deadline of Oct. 31. Vaccinated UW-Whitewater students are now eligible for the UW System drawing of 70 scholarships valued at $7,000 each that will take place later in the fall. UW-Whitewater students who have not yet been vaccinated or reported their vaccination can still be eligible for the scholarship drawing, as long as they complete the vaccination series and report their record by Oct. 31.
“Congratulations to our Warhawks for achieving the 70% vaccination rate. This is a university-wide accomplishment, and I’d like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the students, faculty and staff who have participated in our vaccination efforts,” said Jim Henderson, interim chancellor. “We also received generous support from alumni and donors to fund weekly $500 drawings, totaling an additional $20,000 in vaccine incentives.”
Employees, including faculty and staff, report a 91% vaccination rate. All of these figures are based on vaccination records submitted by students, faculty and staff to UW-Whitewater and verified by staff.
“From the beginning of the pandemic, the UW-Whitewater community has prioritized the wellbeing of the entire Warhawk family and that helped us chart a successful path through this challenging time,” Henderson said. “Our efforts do not stop at this milestone. I strongly encourage students, faculty and staff who have not yet done so to get vaccinated if they are able, and to report it to UW-Whitewater as soon as possible.”
Banner note: The following vaccination rates were reported by the UW System as of September 22. On September 24, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater both reported having achieved the 70% level.
UW-Madison: 93%
UW-Milwaukee: 81%
UW-La Crosse: 75%
UW-Eau Claire: 74%
UW-Whitewater: 69%
UW-Oshkosh: 66%
UW-Stout: 65%
UW-River Falls: 61%
UW-Green Bay: 58%
UW-Superior: 51%
UW-Platteville: 49%
UW-Stevens Point: 49%
UW-Parkside: 41%
Starting this Saturday, the Wisconsin National Guard is returning to Jefferson County to help boost access to testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
PCR testing will be available at the Jefferson County Health Department every Saturday from Sept. 25 to Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Jefferson County Health Department is located at 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson.
Pre-registration at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov is recommended, but not required. Anyone 12 months of age or older is eligible for testing.
County health officials say that persons with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status. Those who get tested because they have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of their health-care provider or a public health professional.
The following individuals should get tested:
• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• People who are fully vaccinated should get tested three to five days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
• People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in five to seven days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, or local health department.
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms, do not need to get tested after a known exposure to COVID-19.
Health officials remind the public that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing illness, hospitalization and death.
“Wisconsin surveillance data clearly support this and show the surge in COVID-19 cases continues to be driven by cases among people who are not fully vaccinated,” said Jefferson County epidemiologist Samroz Jakvani. “Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19.”
To find a COVID-19 vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 211.
People also may call (844) 684-1064 or (800) 232-0233.
Many pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or your local pharmacy chain) might offer walk-in vaccinations. Call ahead to ensure availability.
Obituaries
Clarence Everett Hansen, Jr. (Bud), 87, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his family home in LaGrange, WI at 1:30 PM. Bud was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 6, 1937, to Clarence Hansen Sr. and Ruth (Dalson) Hansen and was baptized at Bethlehem Church in Milwaukee. Bud graduated from Lutheran High School in Milwaukee on June 9, 1955. Following high school, Bud enlisted in the US Army and was a light weapons specialist and sharpshooter. He was stationed in Germany and upon honorable discharge, served in the Army Reserves until 1962. Bud married his wife, of 63 … Read more
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Edward (Ed) Geske passed away to the Great Workshop in the Sky on May 25, 2025, due to years of severe infections of the urinary tract. Edward E. Geske was born on Thanksgiving Day to Elmer and Alice McMillan Geske on November 25, 1943 at the family home in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was accompanied by his twin sister, Marjorie, on this momentous occasion. Edward’s siblings are: Nancy(Tom) Trewyn, Arlene (Richard) Trewyn, Marjorie Petska, Susan (Gordy) Gimiski, Ray (Patti) Geske, and Mary (Gale) Smith. Ed grew up and attended elementary school in Lima Center, WI, later graduating from Whitewater High School. … Read more
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Irv A. Madsen, 86, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 02, 2025. He was born in Askov, MN on May 20, 1938, to Ludvig and Augusta Madsen. Irv graduated from Amery High School in 1956 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater in 1960 and his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison in 1965. He began his career teaching Business Education at Milton High School and then moved to UW-Whitewater to become the Director of Admissions for 42 years. During his time at UW-Whitewater he coached Women’s Softball, announced Football games for 50 years and was “the voice of … Read more
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Faith Ann Hansen, 83, passed away on the evening of Monday, May 19th at Alden Estates in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She was born on April 20th, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald Hansen and Doris (Ceel) Hansen. Faith graduated from Brookfield Central High School. Following high school she married Clarence (Bud) Hansen, Jr. and owned and ran the Twin Oaks Inn bar in Little Prairie, WI. Faith then worked at the Lakeland Nursing Home for over 30 years, while there earning her nursing degree from MATC in 1992. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater … Read more
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Ann S. Eckert, 85, of Port Charlotte, FL, died on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL. She was born in Madison, WI, on October 16, 1939. Ann was the only child of Clifford and Virginia Peterson. Ann was married for 65 years to Rev. Jerry Eckert. They had two children, David and Karen. Ann was a 1957 graduate of New London High School and earned her BS degree at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX, in 1961 with a major in home economics education. She taught a year in Seagoville, TX, and a part of … Read more
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Robert (Bob) John O’Hara, a cherished member of our family and friends, passed away May 19, 2025. Bob was born September 14, 1956, to Charlotte Anna (Wallack) Lewers and Robert James O’Hara. Bob grew up in Elk Grove Village, IL and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1974. He relocated to Whitewater, WI in 1986 and worked various warehouse distribution positions and ended his career as a manager. A significant life event occurred in 1998 when his precious daughter, Kelly Lynd O’Hara, was born. Kelly was an important focus of his life and he enjoyed watching her grow … Read more
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BRADLEY TERESA ANN Teresa Ann Bradley, age 84, of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Memorial service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Fr. Thi Pham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Teresa Ann was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 23,1940, to Paul and Hildegard (Weinandt) Bradley. She lived on a 5-acre farm in what is … Read more
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Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting. He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke … Read more
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Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist … Read more
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Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” GorbyDecember 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025 Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas … Read more
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