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By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team defeated Ripon College 79-55 in the team’s home-opener in Kachel Gym Wednesday.
Box Score
In the Hoops for Hunger campaign put on by the Warhawk men’s and women’s basketball teams and sponsored by Ketterhagen Ford Wednesday, UW-Whitewater collected nonperishable food donations that will go to The Community Space in Whitewater to help those in need.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a quick lead scoring the first ten points of the game. The UWW defense held Ripon off the board for more than five minutes to start the game.
The Warhawks extended the gap in the second quarter, doubling up the Red Hawks with a 22-11 second period. UWW held a 40-21 lead at the break and never looked back.
Five UWW players registered double digits in the scoring column led by Aleah Grundahl’s (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) 15. She was 7-14 from the field adding five rebounds and a game-high five assists.Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) added 13 points on 6-10 from the floor.Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) also registered 13 points and led the Warhawks with eight rebounds.Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) andMallory Oloffson (Normal, Ill./Normal Community) rounded out the double figure scorers with 11 each as Carollo hauled in seven boards.
The Whitewater Varsity Girls’ Basketball team lost in their season opener Tuesday night, November 14, at Fort Atkinson. Fort Atkinson jumped out to an early lead and led almost the whole game. The energy and ball movement improved in the second half, and the girls battled the whole game. Whitewater hosts Elkhorn in their home opener on Friday night, November 17!
The Junior Varsity Whippets jumped out to a double-digit first half lead and hung on to win their season opener by one point! It was an exciting 26-25 finish and a great win for a team full of many new players.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
WHS Grad and UNC sophomore Reese Brantmeier swept the singles and doubles titles at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Fall National Championships in San Diego on Sunday, November 6th. Reese became the first player since 2001 to accomplish the feat. Reese Brantmeier won a three-set match against Ayana Akli of South Carolina 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 for the title.
A few hours later, Reese and UNC teammate Elizabeth Scotty would compete in the women’s doubles final. The UNC doubles team won the ITA championship with a win in the finals over Oklahoma State’s Ange Oby Kajuru and Anastasiya Komar in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. Brantmeier and Scotty did not lose an entire set in doubles play at the ITA doubles tournament.
On top of all the success on the court, there is a project very special to Reese. Reese began her tennis career at Washington Elementary school. It was here that she began as a tennis player.
The Reese Project Court Restoration Project Announced
Reese has reached out to many people and organizations in the nation’s tennis community to band together and support her efforts to restore the courts on the Washington Elementary school grounds. This is a passion project for Reese who is a graduate of WUSD and a Washington Elementary alum.
Events that are currently in the works are …
- The UNC’s Women’s tennis program (current NCAA 2023 National Champions) is hosting a donor event in January as they kick off their season to raise money for the project.
- The legendary Billie Jean King and Rosie Casals have donated autographed wooden racquets and a signed book as well as their time and efforts to the project.
- The Pancho Gonzalez Foundation and the Latin American Tennis Foundation have donated items for raffles and continue to put project organizers in contact with other interested organizations.
- Sports agencies are helping Reese get the word out to companies wanting to support community efforts to provide a lifelong sport to this community.
- The nationally ranked UWW men’s and women’s teams have offered their support to help in events at Washington to grow interest in tennis and the project.
To create sustainable courts, we are looking to raise $200,000 through these above efforts as well as through anyone interested in donating to the project. For more information on the project or to donate, go to the Reese Brantmeier Project.
Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart, WHS
gstewart@wwusd.org
LWV Whitewater Area to Honor Jenny Rule, founder of the Whitewater Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, on November 19
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is honored to announce that Whitewater resident Jenny Rule has been selected to receive the League’s 2023 Making Democracy Work award for her outstanding leadership in the Whitewater Area Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. The League’s Making Democracy Work Award recognizes citizens who strive to make their community a safer and fairer place in which to live.
A public reception celebrating Jenny’s advocacy on ways to reduce gun violence and encourage responsible gun ownership will be held Sunday, November 19, at 2 p.m., at the Prairie Village Community Center, located at Prairie Village on County U and Fremont Street in Whitewater. Refreshments will be served.
Jenny organized the local Whitewater Area Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in 2018, driven by a desire to do something positive in the wake of the horrific Parkland High School shooting. Her first meeting drew six people. The group now reaches out to over 100 concerned citizens on their mailing list.
Please join us on November 19th in honoring Jenny Rule, who became civically engaged and motivated others to join her in the fight against gun violence. Learn more about Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and how you can become involved.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Two of Whitewater High School’s former students, Ella Smith (above) and Haley Street, are appearing in the fall musical at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The production is the modern musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Ella Smith, after completing a year of training at Manhattan School of Music in New York and a year of international travel, is now a freshman at UW-Madison. Ella plays the part of Feste with enthusiastic singing, guitar playing, acting, and dancing to her credit.
Haley Street, another enthusiastic member of the ensemble, is a sophomore at UW-Madison majoring in Vocal Performance with a certificate in Theatre. This is her first production at UW-Madison. Haley has several singing performances in Twelfth Night in addition to acting and dancing throughout the musical.
The musical was declared a success this past weekend and will delight audiences once again this coming weekend: Thursday, Nov. 16 @ 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18 @ 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at the UW-Madison’s “Campus Arts Ticketing” site. Admission is $26 for adults, $21 for seniors, $9 for college students and children K-12. CONTENT ADVISORY: This play contains mature content and depictions of physical violence.
Quotes from the musical’s program describe the vibe: “‘Twelfth Night is a rousing contemporary musical inspired by Shakespeare’s classic comedy. The musical features an original jazz-funk score. Expect pure joy and lots of laughs with a deeper message of empathy and compassion.”
Twelfth Night is a rousing contemporary musical inspired by Shakespeare’s classic comedy about love, mistaken identity, and self-discovery. Separated from all she knows after a wreck at seas, young Viola washes up on the shores of Illyria, and disguises herself as a man in order to survive. Sent to court a Countess on behalf of her new employer, she instead falls hard for him herself! Hilarious mishaps ensue as she navigates this strange and wonderful new land, finding her true self and true love in the process. Featuring an original jazz-funk score by Shaina Taub, this fresh take on Shakespeare’s classic delivers its meaningful messages of empathy and compassion with music, joy, and lots of laughs.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the Jefferson County Parks Department.
Each year, in collaboration with all our wonderful park users, the Jefferson County Parks Department creates an exceptional calendar of dogs, doing dog things, at the Jefferson County Dog Park. These calendars have been a huge success the past 10 years, and we are proud to be releasing the 11th edition just in time for the holiday season.
Each Calendar sells for $10 and all sales proceeds go directly to the maintenance and development of the Jefferson County Dog Park. Proceeds from the sale of the annual calendar make up almost 15% of the total operating budget of the Dog Park. Your help is essential in keeping the park as beautiful as possible.
To purchase your calendar today you can:
*Stop by the Jefferson County Parks Office
311 South Center Ave, Room C1060
Jefferson WI 53549
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or
*Follow us on Facebook (Jefferson County Dog Park Friends) for updates on when staff will be selling them at the Dog Park (W5098 Canine Dr., Johnson Creek, WI 53038).
As always, we also want to thank our many dedicated sponsors for their contributions to this year’s calendar including Nestle Purina, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Jefferson Veterinary Clinic, Sullivan Veterinary Service, Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic, Pidder Padder Paws, and Theisen’s. Without all of you, we can’t do what we do.
Thank you,
Jefferson County Parks Staff
311 South Center Ave
Jefferson WI, 53549
920-674-7260
jeffcoparks@jeffersoncountywi.gov
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Updated 11/14/23 @ 3:15 p.m. to show a response at the bottom of the article from the state project manager regarding the sealer that the county used on their project.
County Highway N
Readers may have noticed areas on the newly resurfaced County Highway N that look oily or shiny. Some people have even expressed the opinion that the road is slippery when wet or cold. The Banner reached out to Duane M. Jorgenson, Jr., director of public works for Rock County, to inquire about these reports. His response is shown below.
“We applied a thin asphaltic emulsion sealer on CTH N (similar to a couple other county highways in the past couple years). This is a treatment to fill in small air voids in the surface material to reduce the early deterioration of the pavement in an effort to extend the life of the pavement. (Typical life expectancy is approx. 24 years; we are trying to extend it to 30 years). These small air voids get water in them and with the freeze thaw cycles we see and combination of the pavement oxidizing over time (you see the pavement turn lighter gray over time) the pavement begins to break down. This is an effort to slow that deterioration process down.
The sealer does leave a slight sheen appearance initially, but that will wear off in time. There should not be any significant difference in slipperiness as compared to a new asphalt pavement. We did some friction testing on a section last year and it was consistent with new pavement.”
US Highway 12
Upon the long-awaited reopening of Highway 12 between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson, some people expressed great relief but questioned why not all the pavement looked new. The Banner reached out regarding this to Craig Hardy, the project manager for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Per Hardy, resurfacing of Highway 12 took place in three phases over the past five years:
– Whitewater Bypass intersection with Business Highway 12 to Buckingham Road started on 4/12/18 and was completed on 9/28/18.
– Buckingham Road to south of Star School/Carnes started 3/6/23 and was completed the week of July 4th.
– Star School/Carnes to County Highway M started 7/6/23 and was completed 11/3/23.
Hardy stated, “When asphalt is placed, all of the oils on the surface are fresh and give off the “new pavement” look. When the southern sections of asphalt were originally placed, it was just as black as the new pavement on the northern half. Over a short period, the sun, dirt and dust have a “bleaching” effect that lightens the color of the pavement. In a few months the northern half of the project will have a similar grey look like that of the south half of the project.”
Update: Reader Eric Cutshall inquired as to why the sealant used on CRH N wouldn’t have also been used on US Highway 12. Hardy provided this response to the Banner, “WisDOT doesn’t typically use the emulsion sealer on our projects. It is a tool that entities can use in their proposed pavement life cycles, but not a requirement. As technologies improve, and studies are completed, maintenance strategies change from organization to organization. As this time we do not use it as a standard practice.”
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Jefferson County Sheriff issued a press release on November 13 soliciting help from hunters, specifically around STH 106/CTH A, in watching for anything that may lead to a conclusion in a double homicide case involving suspect Kevin P. Anderson. It was stated that the case remains active while Anderson remains at large, and the agency has continued to follow up on leads generated from across the country.
On June 16, 2020 Kevin P. Anderson is alleged to have shot and killed his sister and brother-in-law, Nedra J. and James H. Lemke, at their family farm in rural Jefferson County. Anderson then proceeded to burn the farm house down and shot at a sheriff’s deputy responding to the farm. Anderson is believed to have fled the area as no remains were found in the farm house. Anderson is an avid hunter and camper. He is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one count of attempted intentional first-degree homicide, one count of arson, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Anderson is described as a white male in his mid 60’s, 6’0″ tall, weighs about 200 lbs., has blue eyes, and balding brown hair.
Anyone seeing Anderson, who should be considered armed and dangerous, should not approach him but should immediately contact local law enforcement. Anyone who believes they have seen Anderson, have any knowledge of his whereabouts, or information to share pertaining to this case, should contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 920-674-7310.
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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