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Today is Friday, June 26, 2026
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City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes public hearing regarding Consideration of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for U-Haul rentals for Ace Hardware located at 1415 W Main Street, Parcel # /A487200001, and Conceptual Plan Review of possible subdivision located on Elkhorn Road for Russell Walton Parcel # WUP 00346.
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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/642440733
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 642-440-733
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Pathway to Participation Presentation – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m. (Updated with link for the livestream.)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
We encourage you to come in person, tune into Channel 990, or watch the presentation live on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/event/3956484 ).
More information regarding this event may be found in this Banner article.
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 West
Whitewater St.
*In Person
Whitewater University Technology Park – Executive Committee – Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m.
Conference Rm. 115
Agenda
City of Whitewater Landmarks Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 312 West Whitewater St.,
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Water Tower Situation and Signage, Birge Fountain Fundraising, Territorial Oak, and Effigy Mounds Update.
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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/228748509
You can also dial in using your phone:
Access Code:
228-748-509
United States:
1 (312) 757-3121
“Barbie”
Tuesday, December 12, 1 p.m.
(Comedy/Fantasy) Rated PG-13;
1 hour, 54 minutes (2023).
This NOT your childhood Barbie! It’s a clever, droll take on beauty, perfection, and feminism.
Stars Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (Ken). Directed by Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird,” “Jackie,” and “Little Women”).
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. There is no charge to attend.
By Jeff Angileri
Executive Director, University Marketing and Communications
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, as proud families and friends gather for the 2023 December commencement ceremony.
Approximately 620 students will cross the stage to receive their degrees. The ceremony, about two hours long and presided over by Chancellor Corey A. King, will be held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
This year’s commencement speaker is Barbara Kreisman. Since earning a Bachelor of Science in journalism and a minor in English in 1972, she has served in professional roles at Dell Computer, where she worked for 12 years in strategic human resources, organizational development and staffing, and in faculty and leadership roles at the University of Denver, where she spent more than 17 years as associate dean of the Executive MBA Program for the Daniels College of Business. Kriesman calls herself a retirement journeys Sherpa — someone who helps individuals transition to retirement at a time they may fear losing their identity, network of colleagues, importance, power and influence.
The student speaker is Patrice Achu, who is earning his Doctorate of Business Administration. A native of Cameroon, Achu will be receiving his third degree from UW-Whitewater, completing an educational path that includes a BBA in accounting in 2010 and an MBA in project management in 2020. He joins May 2023 graduate Eric Barber as one of two Warhawks in the school’s history to earn a DBA and two other degrees from UW-Whitewater. He is currently North American comptroller for Kerry Group, a public food company headquartered in Ireland.
The ceremony will recognize 45 undergraduates from the College of Arts and Communication, 145 from the College of Business and Economics, 136 from the College of Education and Professional Studies, four from the College of Integrated Studies, 144 from the College of Letters and Sciences, and six degrees that are not college-specific, for a total of 480 undergraduate degrees. The School of Graduate Studies will award 140 degrees, including 130 master’s degrees and 10 doctorates.
The graduating class includes 3 international students, 64 military veterans and 141 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 74 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees.
Commencement will be broadcast live online by UWWTV, the university television station. Access to the livestream will be posted at uww.edu/commencement.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Seven Warhawk football players represent the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on the 2023 All-Region 6 teams announced by D3football.com Wednesday. UW-Whitewater’s contingent consists of five First Team selections, one Second Team honoree and a Third Team pick.
Senior defensive back Egon Hein became a three-time All-Region selection with First Team honors this season. A two-year team captain, Hein is a semifinalist for the 2023 Gagliardi Trophy and William V. Campbell Trophy. The First Team All-WIAC pick returned from injury to appear in seven contests. A lockdown defender frequently tasked with shutting down top receivers, Hein registered 22.0 tackles including 2.5 for losses while adding a pair of interceptions and five pass breakups this season.
Also representing the Warhawk defense with First Team honors this season, linebacker Joey Antonietti received his first All-Region nod. The sophomore led UWW in total tackles (90) and interceptions (4) while adding 5.5 tackles for a loss on the season. He ranked among the top ten in the WIAC in interceptions per game and tackles per game in 10 regular season contests.
Tamir Thomas was one of the top running backs in the nation all season. Through regular season games, Thomas ranked eighth in rush yards per carry (7.29) in Division III. In 10 games this season, Thomas averaged just under 100 yards per game, adding 12 rushing touchdowns including an 85-yarder. He added 75 yards on seven receptions with one receiving touchdown. On average, Thomas was responsible for 7.8 points per game in the regular season. The junior became the third fastest Warhawk back to reach 1,000 rushing yards hitting the milestone on his 139th carry (11th game this season) – the fastest since 1997 for UWW.
Bolstering the Warhawks’ lucrative run game were offensive guard Alex Pethan and center John Pekar – both were First Team All-Region 6 selections this season. The pair helped UWW post phenomenal numbers in the ground game with 2,595 rushing yards, averaging six yards per carry for the regular season. In 706 drop backs, Pethan and Pekar combined to allow just one sack. Through the 10-game regular season slate, UW-Whitewater led the WIAC and ranked eighth nationally in rushing offense (259.5 yards per game). UWW also led the WIAC in fewest sacks allowed (.90 per game) while holding second in total offense (464.4 yards per game). In conference contests only, the Warhawks averaged 1.7 yards more per carry and had 528 more rushing yards than any other team.
Matt Burba, a junior defensive tackle, earned Second Team All-Region 6 honors this season. In 10 games played, Burba registered 30 tackles including 7 for losses. He added 2.5 sacks for a total loss of 33 yards while forcing one fumble on the season. The 2023 First Team All-WIAC selection helped lead the league’s top defensive team (293.1 yards per game allowed), top scoring defense (18.0 points allowed per game) and best fourth-down defense (36.8 conversion percentage).
Mason Stepanski added Third Team All-Region 6 honors for special teams play. The sophomore was a Second Team All-WIAC pick this season. Stepanski tallied 27 tackles, the majority coming on special teams coverage. He helped lead the WIAC’s third-best kickoff return defense (16.22 yards per return allowed).
According to a press release from the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department, at approximately 7:44 p.m. on December 7 the department responded to a possible structure fire at 840 Executive Drive in the business park. Firefighters arrived on the scene at HyPro, Inc. within approximately five minutes, reporting heavy smoke and fire from the rooftop. Mutual aid was requested due to the size of the structure and the potential for the incident to grow. The fire was brought under control by 8:25 p.m. Damage was contained to one HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit. Whitewater Fire and EMS was assisted by Jefferson Fire Dept, Lauderdale LaGrange Fire Dept, Lakeside Fire Rescue, and the Whitewater Police Dept.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to a press release from Whitewater Fire and Rescue, the home at 9707 N. McCord Road in the Town of Lima, Rock County, was totally destroyed by a fire on the morning of December 7 that originated from a pellet stove. Per the Rock County Tax Database Search, unless there was a relatively recent transfer, the property is owned by Rafael Rodriguez and Ana M. Rodriguez.
The release, prepared by Assistant Chief Ryan Dion, includes the following:
At approximately 853 AM on Thursday December 7th, Whitewater Fire and EMS responded to a structure fire in Lima Township, Rock County. The owner of the home had a pellet stove for heating that was in operation on the first floor. The owner reported leaving the residence for approximately 40 minutes and returned to find smoke and flames issuing from the home. The fire department arrived at the property situated approximately 5 miles south west of the City of Whitewater fire station in just under eight minutes from the time of dispatch. A high volume of smoke was issuing from the home, and flames could be seen coming from the exhaust port of the pellet stove, extending the structural elements of the roof assembly. An aggressive interior attack was initiated. Crews were able to extinguish the origin fire in the stove rapidly, however the fire had extended into the attic/roof area prior to arrival. MABAS alarm 12-6 was requested to the 2nd alarm, and eventually reached the 5th alarm for water tenders. The absence of hydrants in the rural area, and the over 500-foot setback of the dwelling from the road hindered firefighting efforts.
Once confirmation was made that the structure was unoccupied, crews began a defensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 1130 AM, and crews continued to extinguish hot spots until approximately 1236 PM. The home and contents are a total loss.
Whitewater Fire and EMS would like to thank the over 23 fire departments that assisted from Walworth, Jefferson, Waukesha, Rock, and Dane Counties. We also extend a thank you the Racine Fire Bells for rehab assistance, and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office for scene control.
Editor’s note: The website for the Racine Fire Bells describes them as “fire buffs,” and includes the following description of the “rehab assistance” that they provide:
“Another aspect of fire buffing is providing a mobile Rehabilitation (Canteen) service for area fire departments. Over sixty groups throughout the United States and Canada respond with local fire departments on all working fires, Haz Mat incidents, and other emergencies for the purpose of providing food, water, and temporary shelter from the environment for fire fighters and fire victims alike. At times when a major fire keeps fire fighters busy battling the flame for an extended period of time, buffs and their Rehab Units supply a hot or cold meal, a cooling drink or a hot cup of coffee, air-conditioned or heated shelter from the elements, and a moment’s diversion from the dangerous job they face. On occasion Rehab Units have been used as Command Posts in unusual and unique situations since they often times have the necessary radios and cellular telephone equipment to allow an incident commander to coordinate the ongoing activity.
What is a fire buff? A unique individual with a special interest in the fire service and the fire fighters who protect us 24 hours a day.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is offering free yoga sessions for adults. Release holiday stress with a 60-minute gentle yoga flow that is nourishing to the body, led by Amanda Matzke. The practice will include poses to encourage strength and flexibility with a focus on breathing, listening to the body, letting go, and staying in the present moment.
Participants must bring their own yoga mat. Blocks and a bolster are suggested but not required. A firm blanket folded can be used in place of a bolster. Adults are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions, which will be held in the library’s Community Room at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates: 12/11, 12/14, 12/20, 12/21, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28 and 1/3.
The library is located at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater. Visit the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org for more information or contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we feature a Christmas display in the Main Street Shoppes building in downtown Whitewater. The photo was taken by George Scharfenberg in December 1998. The Main Street Shoppes was once the Schultz Brothers “dime” store that was renovated into offices and shops in the 1990s.
Join us next week for more holiday images from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(George Scharfenberg Collection, Whitewater Historical Society)
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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