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Today is Thursday, June 25, 2026
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The Whippets Girls’ Swim Team competed in the Southern Lakes Conference Championship Meet on Saturday, October 28th.
Placing in the Top 16 included:
200 Freestyle: 1:59.57 (2nd) – Makayla Bazeley
200 Freestyle: 2:25.50 (16th) – Charlotte Hajewski *Best time
200 IM: 2:36.39 (8th) – Emerson Dunham
100 Butterfly: 1:00.11 (2nd) – Makayla Bazeley *Best time
500 Freestyle: 6:05.75 (9th) – Emerson Dunham
200 Freestyle Relay: 1:57.00 (11th) – Makayla Bazeley, Maggie Maas, Charlotte Hajewski, Emerson Dunham
400 Freestyle Relay: 4:16.16 (5th) – Markayla Bazeley, Maggie Maas, Charlotte Hajewski, Emerson Dunham
400 Freestyle Relay: 5:13.25 (15th) – Atreya Wilson, Georgia Esch, Payton Peacock, Lucy Davis
Best Times include:
Atreya Wilson dropped over 5 seconds in the 200 Freestyle going a time of 2:45.49
Payton Peacock (34.57) and Adalynn Frye (33.28) both had great swims in the 50 Freestyle.
Our 100 Freestylers of Maggie Maas (1:07.12), Adalynn Frye (1:19.24) and Georgia Esch (1:20.56) all dropped a significant amount of time.
Lucy Davis continues to swim strong in the 500 Freestyle going a time of 6:57.52.
With an impressive meet like this, we are so excited to watch them compete at Sectionals this Saturday, November 4th in Sauk Prairie! Go, Whippets!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Please join us for a Farewell Reception for Stacey Lunsford, Library Director, on Friday, November 10th, 2023 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 West Center Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that there are a lot of fun activities surrounding Halloween and encourages everyone to prioritize safety. Children and youth look forward to Trick or Treating, and we want everyone to enjoy the festivities. Below are some Halloween safety tips.
Trick or Treaters
• Do not Trick or Treat alone.
• An adult should accompany kids under 12 years old.
• Trick or Treat at lit houses. Do not approach a dark residence.
• Look both ways before crossing a road, and do not run.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks to be more visible.
• Fasten reflective tape to candy bags and costumes.
• Take a cellphone and call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious.
• Do not enter any residence. Remain outside.
• Wait to eat any treats until after an adult checks them for safety.
Do not eat any treats that are not in factory-sealed packaging.
Drivers
• Drive slow and watch your surroundings. Turn your headlights on.
• Take extra time to check for kids at intersections and when entering and exiting driveways.
• Avoid using electronic devices; focus on driving.
• Do not drink and drive. If you drink, get a sober ride home.
We wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween!
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by M. Harris from Pixabay.
According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, our area may experience the first snow of the season on Tuesday. Although it’s indicated that the heaviest and most widespread snowfall will occur during the morning hours, including the morning drive to work and school, the total accumulation is projected to only range from a trace to 2″.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Erwin from Pixabay.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Rock County Public Works Director Duane M. Jorgenson notified The Banner that the pavement markings on County N were completed on the afternoon of October 30 and the road would be reopened. Sure enough, as shown in the above photo, the “road closed” signs have been removed.
Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation website still indicates that the reconstruction of Highway 12 between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson will be completed by November 3. Is it possible that all roads leading to/from Whitewater will be open by the end of the week? At one point this summer there were detours affecting three roads.
Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Camden Harlan is a WUL hometown hero and has been nominated by Kim Simes for “her leadership and work as a member of Whitewater Pride and her caring and support of all students at Whitewater High School, including the LGBTQ+ students via the Gay Straight Alliance.”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Editor’s note: The following invitation was submitted by Shannon Frye.
Whitewater Area Regional Ministries (WARM) and First United Methodist Church (FUMC) is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for youth in grades 7 to 12 to embark on a transformative journey of service, learning, and adventure in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. We cordially invite students in the area to join us as we promote the value of community engagement, personal growth, and lifelong friendships through our Youth Community Service and Mission Trip.
Event Details:
– Date: June 8-15
– Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
– Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7 to 12
– Deadline: November 10
WARM hosts an annual service trip for local students by partnering with Youthworks. YouthWorks provides Christ-centered mission trips for thousands of teenagers and Adult Leaders in communities across the U.S. and beyond. Together we are committed to providing students with the tools, experiences, and opportunities to grow into responsible, compassionate, and globally-aware individuals. Our Youth Community Service Trip to North Carolina is designed to empower students, instilling in them a sense of civic responsibility, a passion for community service and an opportunity for students to keep their relationship with God. Youthworks trips are multi-denominational.
All are welcome!
Key Highlights of the Community Service Trip:
1. **Hands-On Service:** Participants will engage in meaningful community service projects, such as work with children and elderly, community beautification projects, serving and preparing meals at local soup kitchens, and assisting local organizations. We will partner with Youthworks to meet the needs of this rural community. Through their efforts, they will witness the direct impact they can make on the lives of others.
2. **Cultural Immersion:** North Carolina’s rich history and diverse culture provide a unique backdrop for cultural exploration. Students will have the chance to immerse themselves in local traditions, food, and customs.
3. **Personal Growth:** The trip is not just about serving others but also about self-discovery. Our expertly designed leadership and personal development activities will encourage students to grow, gain confidence, and discover their potential.
4. **Team Building:** Working side by side with their peers and local community members, students will develop crucial teamwork and communication skills that will serve them well in future endeavors.
5. **Lifelong Friendships:** Sharing this unique experience with like-minded individuals can lead to the formation of lasting friendships and an expanded network of support.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please reach out to Shannon Frye at warmprimetime@gmail.com by November 10th for more information about cost and fundraising opportunities. We look forward to welcoming students on this unforgettable journey of service and self-discovery in North Carolina.
The Whitewater Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Teams competed well against the state’s best athletes on Saturday, October 28th at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. The conditions were the coolest they were all season hovering in the mid 30’s with overcast skies and the course in great shape despite all the heavy rainfall leading up to the event.
The boys’ team raced first, and all seven runners were doing their jobs and establishing position early to begin preparing to endure the discomfort that eventually would set in. Jack Hefty ran a really great tactical race and put himself in a medal position for much of the race (top 10) but lost one of his spikes just over halfway into the race. This caused him to lose a few places by the finish; he ran an incredible race overall to place 13th in 16:28. This was his best place and time of all the three years he has competed at the state meet. Miles Nickelsburg moved up nicely in the back half of the course and eventually caught his teammate Nate Holden. He continued to motor to the finish line in 91st with a time of 17:47, the second-best time of his career. Nate was out strong and in the top 40 at the mile mark. Battling through a cold, he mustered everything he could for the team and placed 95th overall with a big improvement over his previous year’s state meet performance. Nate’s time was 17:48. Xavier Zei had a solid day in his first state meet race placing 126th with a time of 18:32. A year ago Xavier wasn’t even running under 20:00 minutes. Onyx Thompson ran a strong race only 14 seconds off his lifetime best and placed 143rd with a time of 19:30. Quincy Boudreau and Andrew O’Toole had nice efforts to place 142nd and 151st overall with times of 20:14 and 20:29. The boys’ team placed 14th overall with 311 points out of 16 in the event.
The girls were up next and did not disappoint. They came to race, and it showed from the get-go. From the early indicators, we were in a battle with Clinton with only a few points separating the two teams at each mile checkpoint. Clinton was the sectional champion in our sectional one week earlier by a fairly large margin. Mady Hefty once again led the team and placed 93rd with an overall time of 21:37. She completed a really nice comeback after an injury that derailed her season for a few weeks as we approached the championship phase of the season. Athena Soto wasn’t far behind and placed 101st in 21:52 in her third-best time of the season. Her improvement overall from last year to this year was huge in the team’s growth. Nola was moving up well in the later stages of the race and at the finish placed 116th in 22:16. Carley Boudreau rebounded well from a tougher sectional race a week earlier. Given the course conditions and terrain, this was far and away her best race of the season. Her previous PR was 22:10 on a flatter and faster course, and today she ran 22:17 and was 126th overall. Ema Aranda ran her lifetime best on the biggest stage and placed 144th in 24:10. Her previous best was last weekend when she helped the team qualify for state. Silvia Harris ran her second-best time of the season to stop the clock in 25:02, good enough for 147th. Isabella Aranda ran her second-best time of the season and placed 150th in 25:27. However, relative to the PR she set earlier in the season, this was the best effort she put together on race day. When the dust settled, Whitewater beat sectional champion Clinton from a week earlier and placed 15th with 393 points.
Coach Carstens added, “Overall both teams performed very well! There is so much to be proud of and incredible memories were made that will stick with these athletes as long as they live. They served the Whitewater community very well and should be proud of all they have accomplished. These two teams were able to rewrite history and qualify for state in the same year, a feat that has not been done in this town since 1996! Great job, Whippets!”
Full Results: https://live.pttiming.com/xc-ptt.html?mid=5912
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos courtesy of Bob Mischka and Jeff Hefty
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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