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By Kristine Zaballos
Asst. Director University Marketing & Communications
Fort Atkinson-based PremierBank, a community bank with nine locations in southeastern Wisconsin, has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Several key leadership roles at the bank are filled by Warhawk alumni. The bank offers internships to students and first jobs to newly minted graduates. And the bank supports Warhawk Athletics — most notably as a sponsor of game previews and of the PremierBank recap.
On Wednesday, Nov. 29, Chancellor Corey A. King and Athletic Director Ryan Callahan met with PremierBank Chairman/CEO Russ Turk and other bank leaders to celebrate the funding that will deepen that partnership in 2024.
“UW-Whitewater is such an important part of the community, not only as an employer and educational resource but also as a community-building resource offering so many programs that enrich Whitewater and beyond,” said Turk. “Supporting the Athletics Department allows us to show our support of the institution and reach a wide range of stakeholders.”
“We are grateful for our partnership with PremierBank,” Callahan said. “UW-Whitewater shares a commitment to the betterment of the local community with PremierBank. We feel we can successfully prepare our student-athletes to pursue excellence inside and outside of competition and, as graduates, make a positive impact on their communities thanks to the support of PremierBank.”
Three PremierBank leaders who are UW-Whitewater alumni also attended. Joel Kohl, who earned a BBA in economics in 2001, is a vice president and loan officer for the bank, where he has worked for more than seven years. Peggy Stebbins, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the bank, earned a BBA in accounting in 2008 and an MPA in 2009. She joined the bank in early 2023 after working in several other financial institutions.
“When I was a student at UW-Whitewater, I did my internship at what is now referred to as Baker Tilly — then it was Virchow Krause — and I had the opportunity to work with several local community banks in Southeastern Wisconsin,” said Stebbins. “ I am so thankful that UWW incorporated an internship program into the curriculum — it set me up for long-term success in my career.”
Matt Zastrow, first vice president and chief lending officer, is also an alumnus, having earned a BBA in operations management in 2001.
“My degree helped me get into a small community bank setting where I started as a credit analyst and, as I grew in that role, I was given the opportunity to get into commercial lending,” said Zastrow. “After 16 years, I had an opportunity to take on a leadership role with PremierBank.”
“I enjoyed my time at UW-Whitewater because it had the small town feel, yet its graduates can compete with anyone out there,” said Zastrow, who has been working at the bank for more than five years.
“That is very similar to PremierBank; we are a community bank serving smaller communities — but we have all the products and services of the big banks.”
Update 12/5/23 @ 9:45 p.m. – In the Common Council meeting on this date, John Weidl, city manager, indicated that the presentation will be streamed as well as recorded.
The City of Whitewater will be hosting a presentation entitled “Pathway to Participation” on December 12th at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
The City of Whitewater is pleased to announce an upcoming educational presentation aimed at informing potential candidates, current council members, and residents about the various ways they can actively participate in city government. As nomination papers for Common Council were made available on December 1st, it is crucial for individuals to be well-prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to engage effectively in the local decision-making process.
The presentation will make clear the essential role of the city manager in government affairs, familiarizing attendees with the powers vested in the City Council, and emphasizing the significant impact that boards, commissions, and committees can have on shaping the community. Furthermore, the session will provide valuable insights into the resources and tools that entrust individuals with the power to effect positive change within the city.
The city manager’s office cordially extends an invitation to all interested parties to attend this presentation. By participating in the event, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of city government, enabling them to make informed decisions and potentially contribute to the betterment of the City of Whitewater.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Nelson Salisbury House at 404 W. North St
Saturday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with pizza supper if you want to stay.
Remember, you are still an artist if you pursued another career for financial stability.
You are still an artist if you have a survival job and make art when you can.
You are still an artist if you haven’t created in a while.
You are still an artist if you only make art as a hobby.
* Contact hosts, Suzanne Popke and Zachary Popke if you need directions, or need special acoustical/physical set up at:
intsim@idcnet.com or zacharyekpop@gmail.com
You might also like to read the following article on called “Being an Artist and a Baha’i.”
The Whippet Swimmers traveled to Milton on Saturday, December 2nd to compete in the Tom Lieder Invitational. The Whippets placed 7th overall as a team.
Placing in the Top 16 include (Top 3 medal):
- 200 Medley Relay:
- 7th – Langdon Coburn, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Myles Morse (2:00.14)
- 200 IM:
- 4th – Cruz Aranda (2:23.94)
- 6th – Jack Hefty (2:30.10)
- 100 Fly:
- 7th – Cruz Aranda (1:04.45)
- 16th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:22.54)
- 100 Free:
- 4th – Jack Hefty (55.86)
- 100 IM:
- 6th – Langdon Coburn (1:05.99)
- 200 Freestyle Relay:
- 6th – Miles Nickelsburg, Wyatt Esch, Onyx Thompson, Caleb Kluck (2:04.29)
- 100 Backstroke:
- 6th – Langdon Coburn (1:07.86)
- 400 Freestyle Relay (8 Swimmer swam a 50 Freestyle)
- 2nd – Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, David Enns, Miles Nickelsburg, Caleb Kluck, Sam Nickelsburg, Myles Morse, Jack Hefty (3:44.07)
The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, December 5th in Edgerton at 5:30 p.m.
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
U.S. News & World Report has named Washington Elementary to its list of the 2024 Best Elementary Schools across the United States.
Washington earned a spot at number 290 out of the 951 elementary schools that U.S. News analyzed in Wisconsin.
The publication analyzed and ranked elementary schools’ proficiency in mathematics, reading, and language arts based on state assessment data. The rankings are not based on the test scores alone, as they also take into consideration local socioeconomic demographics. This two-part calculation ensures schools listed are serving all students.
“This is a recognition to be celebrated for our staff, students, and families of Washington Elementary,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “These results show the success of our teaching models and initiatives to make our schools more inclusive and equitable for all students. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to best prepare our students for their continued educational journey.”
Washington Elementary scored 69.58 out of 100 overall. The school ranked 305 in reading proficiency and 456 in math proficiency, out of 951 Wisconsin schools.
Additionally, about 88 percent of Washington Elementary teachers have three or more years of experience. About 42 percent of students scored at or above proficient in both math and reading, compared to the state average of 36 and 37 percent, respectively.
To learn more about Washington Elementary’s ranking, please visit https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/wisconsin/washington-elementary-225107.
Editor’s note: This article is primarily based on a news release from Washington Elementary School.
Updated (twice) on 12/4/23 with agenda for Board of Zoning Appeals. The full packet has now been provided.
City of Whitewater Police & Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Recognition Of Police & Fire Commission Member Dr. Glenn Hayes For His Service To The
City of Whitewater and closed session (to be followed by open session) including interview of Detective Lieutenant candidate
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/430445381
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 430-445-381
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session to Discuss Bargaining and Negotiation strategy related to the contract with the Police Union, 2024 salary resolution, first reading of an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction Standards Adopted, and Discussion and possible action regarding the Proposed Nonconforming Use Agreement for Kienbaum Iron & Metal.
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/85173798964?pwd=MnEg8oCuovzvPXye11bTMqeJCT_gA.pBZXd8Utj5U9Bv22
Or Telephone: 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 851 7379 8964
Passcode: 518542
The Landmarks Commission meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, December 7 has been canceled due to lack of a quorum.
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes appeal by Jes Cisneros, 421 Indian Mound Parkway, to exceed the four foot height in street yard.
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/624685101
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 624-685-101
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
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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