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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The photo on the homepage was taken in November, 2020, the only occasion when the election was held in the UW-W Kachel Fieldhouse. Although most poll workers are likely motivated primarily by civic service, a modest hourly wage is paid.
The City of Whitewater is urgently seeking dedicated and civic-minded individuals to volunteer as poll workers for the upcoming election. With election day drawing near, this is a critical opportunity for our fellow citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure a smooth voting experience for all.
Poll workers play an essential role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of our elections. As trusted individuals who oversee polling sites, they help in guaranteeing the fundamental right to vote for every eligible citizen. Their involvement is crucial in upholding the democratic values that shape our great nation.
The City of Whitewater invites all community members, from eager first-timers to seasoned professionals, to lend their time, skills, and enthusiasm to this essential civic duty. By volunteering as a poll worker, you will gain firsthand experience in democracy at work, fostering a deeper understanding of the electoral process and contributing directly to the success of our elections.
The City of Whitewater also strongly encourages bilingual individuals who are fluent in both Spanish and English to reach out. It is important to ensure that all members of our diverse community have access to accurate information and support in their preferred language. This is an opportunity for bilingual residents to make a meaningful impact and provide assistance to voters who may require language assistance.
If you are interested please contact the City Clerk’s office at 262-473-0102.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
A total of 3,757 students earned a spot on the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 fall semester.
The following students [who consider Whitewater to be their home] were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester:
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Teaghan Carter
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Thomas McCulloch
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashlee Steed
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Keisha Cummings
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Holland Engele
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Keller
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jocelin Beecroft
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kianna Doerr
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Devin Fitzer
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Bennett Grzeszczak
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gaby Islas
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Callie Knoll
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Rylan Maly
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Destiny Mitchell
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Partoll
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Haskins
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Wagner
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Conner Young
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Chris Abts
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas Ackman
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Carlson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Dahl
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Christian Derenne
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gia Donofrio
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tanner Engeseth
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Myles Fannin
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cooper Gosse
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ruth Hammer
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Hanlon
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jackson Hollander
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Kloskey
– Whitewater, WI 53190: David Kneiser
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Josh Loiacono
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Miller
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabella Miscevich
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Nelson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Rachel Nelson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Nitka
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Benjamin Oldenburg
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Annika Potter
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayden Radloff
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Reinhardt
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gunner Schlender
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lili Templeman
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Dayna Wendelberger
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mackenzie Wesoloski
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Zimdars
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Godek
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Christopher Gomez
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Smith
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Molly Wade
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Yasmin Palomec-Garcia
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madelyn Hillesheim
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hailey Zaal
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Match Clark
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Welsh
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Pergande
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Chase Zimmerman
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Colton Meuret
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aurora Leonhard
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lexi Nelson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Sims
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jace Bezzo
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caden Schlender
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Marc Jones
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Matthew Gumenyuk
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lila Glatczak
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brock Grosinske
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caden Leutner
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reilly Grasso
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jaciel Flores
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caleb Karlson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cj Keating
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Savannah Schmieder
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jacob Veeder
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mason Baker
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aiden Murray
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrew Swartz
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Wade
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madelynn Buehler
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Michael Lange
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Sharlow
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Viktor Martinson
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alissa LoCicero-Geraths
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Carlos Baez
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Satterfield
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Grace Baker
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tania Verduzco
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aubrey Church
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Anders Clarksen
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Steven Gyenes
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Martin
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mel Prince
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cj Tomomitsu
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aidan Allamian
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Schneider
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Madeline Church
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Bianca Housworth
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Hammons
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Payton Lowe
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Natasha Footland
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Abi Hartwig
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Jordan
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Emily O’Donnell
– Whitewater, WI 53190: Dejaney Valles
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”
The Registrar’s Office reports 3,757 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the fall semester. More than 11,500 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Under normal circumstances the ballot for the April 2 Common Council election would now be finalized, as January 2 was the deadline for nomination papers to be filed. Unusual circumstances regarding two of the seats have resulted, per state statute, for the filing deadline to be extended to Friday, January 5 at 5:00 p.m. City Clerk Heather Boehm, who was recently appointed to the position after the resignation of Karri Anderberg, indicated that extension is effective for the At large position as well as for Aldermanic District 4.
At large seat
The only person to have completed the nomination process is Greg Majkrzak, 1294 Tower Hill Pass. Majkrzak previously served on the council in a district position.
Boehm indicates that Keith Staebler has filed a Declaration of Candidacy statement but has not yet submitted the required nomination papers.
The At large seat was held by the late James D. Allen, who passed away on December 23. The filing deadline was extended for this seat due to that occurrence.
Aldermanic District 2
Orin Smith, 901 W. Starin Rd., #502A, is the only person who has filed for this seat, for which there is no filing extension.
This seat is being vacated by Lukas Schreiber, a UW-W ’23 graduate who chose not to run for re-election.
Aldermanic District 4
Brian Schanen, 441 S. Buckingham Blvd., is the only person to have filed for this seat.
This seat is currently held by Jill Gerber, who did not file a Noncandidacy Statement nor a Declaration of Candidacy. The filing deadline was consequently extended except for the incumbent.
How to file
Persons who may be interested in running for the At large or District 4 seat may find information about the process here. Candidacy and nomination papers must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 5. Signatures must be obtained from at least 25 people for a district seat or 50 persons for the At large seat. Forms can be printed off at www.elections.wi.gov or picked up and returned to the City of Whitewater Clerk’s office, 312 W Whitewater St. The Declaration of Candidacy may be found here. The Nomination Paper may be found here. In case of questions, the phone number for the Clerk’s office is 262-473-0102.
Since John’s Disposal was closed on New Year’s Day, all routes will be delayed by one day. The city routes will be picked up on Friday, January 5.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
City Manager John Weidl announced on January 2 that in a letter to the city clerk dated December 27, David Stone resigned immediately from the Common Council, due to an “emergency situation.” Stone has represented District 1 since last April. Per a Common Council policy that was adopted in 2012, at its next meeting on January 16 the council is expected to ask the city clerk to advertise for applicants for the vacant position, while setting a deadline for such applications to be received. The council would then interview the applicants in an open meeting, and may decide to appoint a new council member by a vote of the members. Per state statute 17.23(1)(am), such a member could serve until the term expires in April, 2025, or until a special election is held. It might be expected that if such an election was called, it would likely be scheduled coinciding with the fall primary or general election, with the term still ending in April, 2025.
With the passing in December of Jim Allen, the Common Council now has two vacancies in its seven seats. The members are expected to consider advertising for applicants to fill Allen’s at large seat at the January 16 meeting. If appointed, such an individual would only serve until April 16, since that seat’s term expires on that date. For the present, if more than one member of the council is absent at a meeting, the lack of a quorum will prevent any action from taking place.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Last year the Whitewater Unified School District had twelve candidates on the ballot for three School Board seats, which resulted in a February primary to reduce the field to six candidates. Per Jaclyn Tueting, school board secretary, this year only three individuals filed as candidates for one of the two open seats on the board by the January 2 deadline, so no primary will be needed. The election will be held on April 2. The candidates are:
Larry Kachel (incumbent), 457 S. Buckingham Blvd.
Jeff Tortomasi, 658 Waters Edge Dr.
Maryann Zimmerman (incumbent), W7582 R and W Townline Rd.
Steve Watson writes,
“The end of 2023
Has finally come.
Here’s some photos,
Just for fun.
Happy New Year,
Everyone.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for this beautiful variety of photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
The Whippet Wrestling Team closed out 2023 by hosting the Mid-States Wrestling Classic Tournament held on the campus of UWW. This was the 45th year this tournament has taken place in which 42 teams gathered to compete on six mats over the course of two days.
Whitewater had ten team members competing in the tournament, and they competed well. The Whippets had five reach what Coach Schimming calls the blood round. This is the round that has winners move onto day two and claim a place in the top 12. Jesus Barajas and Vicente Soto both dropped tough losses in the blood round, just missing out on day two. Both guys competed very well on day one, finishing 2-2 in the tournament.
Jarvis Porcaro, Connor Friend, and Payton Lyon each made day 2. Porcaro and Lyon reached the quarterfinals before dropping their first loss while Connor Friend had three first period pins on day 1 to reach the semi-finals.
On day two, Porcaro won his first match, putting him on the podium as a top 8 finisher. Jarvis had two hard fought matches, unfortunately dropping them, and putting him in 8th place.
Payton Lyon dropped his first match on day two, unfortunately removing him from the podium, but he came back strong wrestling a very good match to put himself into the 9th place match. In the placement round Payton wrestled very well but came up just short in the 3rd period.
Connor Friend had a very good tournament. To open day two in the semifinals, he wrestled the number 1 seed from Sun Prairie. At the end of regulation, it was tied 6-6 so it went into 1 minute overtime where the first points win the match. The two got into a very intense scramble situation with Connor on the losing end. It is always tough to come back from a close loss in a big tournament. Connor drew a young man from Pecatonica whom he had lost to two weeks ago but wrestled a very patient match. Down 0-3 in the 3rd period, Connor got an escape and worked very hard pushing through a tough takedown attempt, putting his opponent to his back, and then securing the pin! The win put Connor into the 3rd place match and again, Connor kept composure and patience down in the 3rd period. Again, the patience paid off as Connor was able to secure a pin, bringing home the bronze medal. Connor was 5-1 in the tournament with 5 pins, and his sole loss was a very well contested overtime match.
The coaching staff was very happy with the performance of the team. Although we did not have as many make the podium as we would like, we felt like the team came and competed, and that is what we ask every time we take the mat in practice or competition.
Thank you to all that helped provide goods for the workers’ room and a big thank you for the great job the team did clearing three mats for the finals, then cleaning up and returning the mats to the high school. The tournament is a huge undertaking for the team, and they did great.
Next up for the Whippets is a Rock Valley Conference dual against Delavan-Darien on Thursday, January 4 at Delavan. The JV then hosts a 30-team tournament at Whitewater High School, and the girls travel to Kenosha Bradford on Saturday, January 6th.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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