Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, June 10, 2025
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.
BOOK BUDDIES, a fun literacy program designed for children in our community, begins on Monday September 20 and runs through Dec. 6. Book Buddies will meet after school from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main Street.
Barb Penington and Karil Bilgen, co-directors of Book Buddies, have based the program on similar ones offered by the United Way and AARP. The purpose of Book Buddies is to give caring volunteers an opportunity to support parents and teachers in their efforts to foster a deeper love of reading in children and improve their reading skills. We know that good readers tend to have higher self esteem, fare better in school, and become knowledgeable citizens. As William Godwin more simply puts it, “Those who love reading have everything within their reach.”
There are two exciting options of Whitewater’s new Book Buddies program available:
“Preschool Pals” offers children ages 3 and 4 an opportunity to hear stories rooted in themes of inclusion, empathy, and kindness that are supported with movement and craft activities.
“Reading Buddies” pairs beginning readers (Kindergarten through Grade 3) with an adult or big buddy. The big buddies listen to their young partners read books the children have chosen from the Book Buddies collection. Big buddies help their partners sound out words, learn vocabulary, and have fun discussing the books, their characters, and themes.
These Book Buddies programs are FREE and open to any child in the community. ESL learners are especially invited to participate. Snacks are provided, and all participants receive a complimentary book bag filled with a new book and other “goodies!”
For more information or to register a child for the program, visit the First English Lutheran Church website (firstenglishlutheranchurch.360unite.com/home) or contact Barb Penington or Karil Bilgen at bookbuds1@gmail.com. A Spanish translation link is available on the website.
By Chris Lindeke
Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
The No. 2 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team scored 30 first-half points, including 17 in the final two minutes of the second quarter, on Saturday on its way to a 39-7 triumph against 25th-ranked Berry (Ga.) in a non-conference game in front of 8,102 fans at Perkins Stadium.
The Warhawks (3-0 overall) totaled 450 yards of offense and held the Vikings to 198 yards on the other end, and forced a pair of key turnovers to lead to UW-W scoring drives.
Quarterback Max Meylor continued his strong start to the 2021 season, completing 16-of-26 passes for 256 yards and three touchdows. Wide receiver Tyler Holte caught three passes for 68 yards and two touchdown, and wide receiver Ryan Wisniewski picked up six receptions for 54 yards.
Running back Tamir Thomas paced the UW-Whitewater rushing attack with 68 yards, while running back Alex Peete carried a team-high 16 times for 55 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Defensive back Mark McGrath led the defense with six tackles and one fumble recovery. Defensive lineman Reed Farrington made four stops, including two for a loss. Farrington, Shane McGrail, matt Burba and Mackenzie Balanganayi each posted one sack.
The two teams exchanged punts to start the game before the Warhawks found the end zone. UW-W converted three third downs on a 10-play, 80-yard drive highlighted by Holte’s 33-yard touchdown catch from Meylor with 5:38 to play in the first quarter.
On its next drive, UW-Whitewater drove 81 yards in 11 plays as Meylor completed 20- and 22-yard passes to Wisniewski and Sam DeLany, respectively, in third-and-long situations to set up a 13-yard touchdown to DeLany at the 10:42 mark of the second quarter.
Berry (2-1) punted back to the Warhawks on the next drive, and UW-W put together a nine-play, 73-yard drive, capped by a 24-yard field goal by Kacper Lupa.
On the next play from scrimmage, Balanganayi stripped the Vikings’ quarterback and recovered the fumble, and Peete barrelled in from two yards out to make it 23-0 with 45 seconds left in the half.
The Warhawks forced another quick turnover on the next drive as Niko Lemke stripped the quarterback. Meylor hit Holte for a 13-yard score with 32 seconds on the clock for a 30-0 UW-W lead.
The defense forced a three-and-out to start the second half, and a short Berry punt resulted in Peete’s second touchdown of the day, a one-yard run to make it 36-0 with 9:21 remaining in the third quarter.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Matt Maldonado converted a 33-yard field goal to increase the UW-Whitewater advantage to 39-0.
The Vikings found the end zone with 3:40 on the clock in the fourth to account for the final margin.
The Warhawks tallied 122 rushing yards on 15 carries in the fourth, holding the ball for more than 11 minutes to preserve the big lead.
UW-Whitewater enters its bye week before starting Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play Oct. 2 against UW-Stout. Kickoff for Alumni Day at Perkins Stadium is slated for 2 p.m.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Southern New Hampshire University.
MANCHESTER, NH (09/13/2021)– Maria Kulick of Whitewater has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s summer 2021 President’s List. Eligibility for the President’s List requires that a student accumulate an academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.7-4.0 and earn 12 credits for the term.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 150,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the “Most Innovative” regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.
2021 Youth Hunter Program
Dorothy Carnes County Park
October 9 & 10 – Statewide Youth Hunt
November 20 – November 28
The Jefferson County Parks Department has an opportunity for first time youth hunters to participate in a limited gun deer hunt in portions of Dorothy Carnes County Park.
There will be one hunter selected for each time period:
Period 1: October 9-10
Period 2: November 20-23
Period 3: November 25-28
Applicants will have to specify a preference for the hunt period of their choice on the Jefferson County Youth Deer Hunt application. Each hunter selected will have a 120-acre section of the park to hunt, with 40 acres of lowland woods and marsh adjacent to 80 acres of cropland.
Selected participants and their chaperones will be required to participate in an online orientation with Jefferson County Park Staff to review the rules of the hunt, hunting boundaries and expectations for access to the property. Applicants will also be required to be first time hunters between the ages of 10 to 14, and have a chaperone with a minimum of 5 years of deer hunting experience present at all times. Eligible hunters will also be required to possess a valid Wisconsin Gun Deer Tag.
The Jefferson County Parks Department will accept completed applications from qualified hunters September 14-October 6 @ 4:00 PM. Applications will be available in person or on our website https://jeffersonco.seamlessdocs.com/f/t3gov3f9m6zh Applications will be processed and three hunters will be randomly drawn to participate in the October/November hunts.
For more information or questions, please contact the Jefferson County Parks Department at 920-674-7260 or jeffcoparks@jeffersoncountywi.gov
The image on the homepage, “Mentoring Youth” by USFWS Mountain Prairie is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Fort McCoy, 40 miles east of La Crosse and the Minnesota border, is one of eight military bases in the U.S. that is temporarily housing refugees who fled from Afghanistan after the Taliban toppled Afghanistan’s U.S.-backed government on Aug. 15. As of this week, 12,500 Afghans were staying at the Wisconsin base. The Wisconsin State Journal reported this week that many Afghan refugees staying at Fort McCoy still had not been able to get a new set of clothes.
First United Methodist Church is participating in an “Ingathering for Afghan Daily Needs,” and will be arranging for transportation to Ft. McCoy for items received by Friday, September 24.
INGATHERING FOR AFGHAN DAILY NEEDS
Below is an updated list of needs for the guests at Ft McCoy as of 9/14/2021. Please
consider donating new or gently used items for this Ingathering. They
may be dropped off at FUMC, 145 S. Prairie Street. and we will take them to the designated
collection site. Donations may be brought to the Prairie Street entrance and left in the church library during office hours, Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
An even easier option is to click on this link, which has the current
list. If you click on “Check out my list on Amazon” it will take you directly to
the Resettlement registry where you can purchase items directly. Amazon
will then deliver the items directly.
This is an updated list for the guests at Ft McCoy as of 9/14/2021:
Mens Size 7-9 Closed Toe Shoes
Womens Size 5-8 Closed Toe Shoes
Kids elementary age All Sizes Plain Long Sleeve Shirts (no logos, sayings, or cartoons)
Kids elementary age All Sizes Pants
Kids elementary age All Sizes Closed Toe Shoes
Kids elementary age All Sizes Coats/Jackets
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area has provided the following suggestions:
The League of Women Voters supports policies responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises and we applaud efforts being made by Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to offer ways for Wisconsin residents to help Afghan individuals and families recently relocated to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, by Operation Allies Refuge.
The Afghan evacuees at Fort McCoy face the daunting task of adjusting to life in a new country and culture very unlike their own. They arrived with little or no luggage. In the spirit of universal kindness and belief in the value of diversity and inclusivity, the League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area encourages all Wisconsinites to support our Afghan allies in their time of need. Your donation to any of the following reputable charitable organizations is greatly appreciated.
Catholic Charities of La Crosse has gift registries set up through Amazon Smile, Target, and Walmart where donors can purchase needed items and have them shipped to La Crosse for distribution at Fort McCoy. Call 888-212-4357 or 608-782-0710. https://cclse.org/
Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church, Committee on Immigrant & Refugee Ministries: Give through your local church or through the Immigration Assistance button on the homepage at www.wisconsinumc.org. Call (608) 837-7328 or (888) 240-7328.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin, Refugee and Resettlement Services: Visit https://www.lsswis.org/ for ways to give and get involved. Call 414-246-2300.
International Institute of Wisconsin: Assists immigrants and refugees in transitioning into the Milwaukee community by offering programming and support services. From immigration and social services to refugee resettlement, the Institute promotes international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective. Call 414-225-6220. http://iiwisconsin.org/
World Relief of Fox Valley: World Relief’s work in the United States, specifically, focuses on helping refugees and other immigrants in vulnerable situations rebuild their lives in a new country. Call (920) 231-3600. https://worldrelief.org/fox-valley/
Jewish Social Services of Madison: Hasn’t yet been called upon to resettle SIV (Special Immigrant Visa) recipients being processed at Fort McCoy. Call (608) 442-4081 or visit https://jssmadison.org/ for news updates.
American Red Cross: Supports Afghan resettlement efforts across the nation. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/Red-Cross-Helps-as-Refugees-Flee-Homelands.html
Thank you for caring,
Mary Beth Byrne, Co-President, LWV Whitewater Area, WisconsinWoods@gmail.com
Ellen Penwell, Co-President, LWV Whitewater Area, ellen@lwvwhitewater.org
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Knight Public Affairs LLC.
The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon & 5K is set for this Sunday, September 19th, 2021. The W3 Fit Kid Shuffle is set for Saturday, September 18th, 2021.
The whole weekend is shaping up to be a fun-filled athletic event that involves the entire Whitewater community. On Saturday, volunteers will begin setting up everything at the high school and participants can start picking up their race packets. From noon to 3:00 p.m., children can participate in the W3 Fit Kid Shuffle, a free mile long run.
On Sunday, race festivities begin at 7:45 a.m. with Interim UW-W Chancellor Dr. Jim Henderson giving the welcoming remarks. At 8:00 a.m., the half marathon runners begin taking off. At 8:15, the 5K runners begin their race. Our awards ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m.
Parking will be available at Whitewater High School and Whitewater Middle School. We will be following our flag warning system to notify runners of weather conditions; green for good conditions, yellow for less than ideal conditions, red for potentially dangerous conditions, and black for a cancelled event.
It’s not too late to register as a volunteer or participant! Sign up today at https://runwhitewater.com. If you don’t want to participate, we encourage community members to come out and cheer on our runners. See you on Sunday.
About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.
Editor’s note: Our thanks to Marilyn Fuerstenberg for submitting these comments and photos.
The Whitewater High School Classes of 1960, 1961 and 1962 Celebrated 61,
60 and 59 Years. We celebrated Sept. 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, starting on
Thursday with a pizza party and pontoon boat rides at Lauderdale
Landing, A Friday Fish Fry at Willow Brook and a Saturday sit down
dinner at Evergreen Country Club, Sunday morning Pancake Breakfast at
the Fire House. Photos were taken by Jeff Bierman, son of Sharon Kehoe, a
member of the class of 1961.
Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing these photos of the Fire Department breakfast on September 11.
Celebrating 150 years of service 
Equipment spanning 150 years 
First hose 
WHS FFA members 
The line for a ride in a fire truck
Obituaries
A Celebration of Life for Dick Enstad will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 9:30-11:30 AM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First English Lutheran Church or an organization of your choice. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More