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By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
River Falls, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s cross country team finished second while the Warhawk women were third in the 2023 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships in River Falls Saturday. Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights) paced the men winning the individual title. The UWW women registered the second-best finish in program history.
Patzka made a move mid-race and held off last year’s champion Ethan Gregg (UWL) to claim the individual title after crossing the line in 24:20.5. He is the sixth Warhawk to become a WIAC Individual Champion joining David Fassbender (2021), Gary Garcia (2004), Tom Hoffman (1968, 1967, 1966), Bud Duex (1965) and Phil Nordfren (1964) in the program record books. [Per WIAC, “Patzka topped the field of 91 runners, completing the 8,000-meter course in 24:20.5. He becomes the second Warhawk in the last three seasons to win the individual title.”]
Patzka led a contingent of seven Warhawks to earn All-WIAC honors, the most in program history. Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) posted a time of 24:49.3 to finish fifth and join Patzka with First Team honors. UWW runners garnering Second Team recognition included Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell) who finished ninth with a time of 25:00.6 and Craig Hundley (Grayslake, IL/North) who crossed the line 12th with a time of 25:06.9. Chris Allen (Downers Grove, Ill./North) (15th, 25:13.7), Justin Krause (Ixonia, Wis./Pewaukee) (18th, 25:25.9) and Tucker Johnson (Poynette, Wis./Poynette) (20th, 25:32.7) earned Honorable Mention honors.
Krause is the first UWW runner since Tom Hoffman in the late 1960s to earn All-WIAC honors four times.
Nick Hardin (Greenfield, Wis./Whitnall) (25:37.6), Alex Metko (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) (25:56.9), Jonah Block (Whitefish Bay, Wis./Whitefish Bay) (26:24.7) and Keegan Bratt (Waukesha, WI/West) (26:28.3) also represented UW-Whitewater in the men’s 8k race Saturday.
UW-La Crosse won the men’s team title with 22 points followed by UWW (41), UW-Stout (117), UW-Platteville (123), UW-Oshkosh (142), UW-Eau Claire (143), UW-Stevens Point (147) and UW-River Falls (260)
WOMEN’S RECAP
The Warhawk women’s third-place finish is the second-best in program history (1990, second place) and is the first time UWW has finished with bronze at the conference championship meet.
Katie Erb (Winnebago, Ill./Winnebago) was the first Warhawk to cross the finish line posting a time of 22:54.7 for 16th. Ari De La Cerda (Milwaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) was right behind in 17th with a time of 22:57.3. The pair earned Honorable Mention All-WIAC honors for their performances Saturday.
UWW’s Jocelyn Ramirez (Jefferson, WI) (23:22.9), Payton Scoggin (Kenosha, Wis./Indian Trails) (23:26.2), Abbey Wedwick (Westby, WI) (23:27.6), Paige Fassbender (Slinger, Wis./Slinger) (23:29.9) and Renee Forystek (Waukesha, WI/North) (23:41.3) all finished among the top 38. Also representing the Warhawk women were Marlee Nichols (Burlington, WI) (24:43.0), Miranda McNally (Downers Grove, Ill./North) (25:01.9), Emma Shingledecker (New Berlin, Wis./West) (25:58.0), Abby Motz (New Berlin, WI/Eisenhower) (26:02.0) and Kristan Larson (Rio, Wis./Rio) (26:14.0) in the field of 87 runners.
UW-La Crosse won the women’s team title with 29 points followed by UW-Eau Claire (46), UWW (115), UW-Stout (115), UW-Oshkosh (120), UW-Stevens Point (176), UW-Platteville (183) and UW-River Falls (207).
Carol McCormick writes, “Unofficial mascots of Trippe Lake. Once again surveying the water for potential breakfast. Glad to see they’re still in the area!”
Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing another great photo.
— 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!
JOINT REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL MEETING
CITY OF WHITEWATER, WISCONSIN
TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCE DISTRICTS NO. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 – Wed. @ 1:30 p.m.
312 West Whitewater Street
Municipal Building, Second Floor, Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
Agenda includes Review Annual PE-300 Reports and the performance and status of the City’s active Tax Increment Districts as required by Wis. Stat. § 1105(4m)(f).
THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD BOTH IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/796116965
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
796-116-965
United States:
+1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Landmarks Committee – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Water Tower Situation and Signage; Birge Fountain Fundraising
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/226297181
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 226-297-181
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Edgerton Hospital and Health Services.
Edgerton Hospital and Health Services is pleased to announce a partnership with Senior Life Solutions. Senior Life Solutions will be located in Edgerton Hospital at 11101 N. Sherman Rd. Edgerton, WI 53534.
Edgerton Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions department is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically 65 and older experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. Individuals may benefit from the Senior Life Solutions program if they are experiencing any of the following common indicators or triggers of depression and anxiety:
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Lost a spouse or close family member
- Loss of energy
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Recently experienced a traumatic event
Following an individual assessment, participants meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting.
The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community.
Marc Augsburger, CEO of Edgerton Hospital and Health Services, noted the importance of the partnership with Senior Life Solutions, “This partnership is another step in our organization’s continued commitment to meeting the needs of the community. Mental health services are an important part of healthcare and one that our community has expressed an expanded need for. Senior Life Solutions will allow us to provide more services and resources to older adults.”
Anyone can refer a patient to the program, including a physician, family member, the patient, or another healthcare professional.
For more information, call the Edgerton Hospital Senior Life Solutions program at 608-561-6660.
###
About Senior Life Solutions
Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities. PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 30 states. The company’s services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems. For more information, visit www.seniorlifesolutions.com.
About Edgerton Hospital and Health Services
Edgerton Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital. The hospital serves the communities of Edgerton, Milton, Evansville and surrounding areas. Founded in 1923, the facility offers inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic, emergency, specialty, mental health, and rehabilitation services. For additional information about Edgerton Hospital, please visit www.edgertonhospital.com.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team reclaimed possession of the Miner’s Axe with a 45-23 win over UW-Platteville in the George Chryst Memorial Bowl Saturday. The Warhawks are 25-3 over the Pioneers since the inception of the rivalry game named in honor of UWP’s legendary coach George Chryst. UWW saw over 11,000 fans visit Perkins Stadium Saturday in the team’s annual Homecoming game and Hall of Fame celebration.
The Warhawks set the tone early picking off the Pioneer quarterback on the first play of the game. Dyson Klubertanz (Franklin, Wis./Franklin) jumped a passing lane at the UWP 42 and returned in nine yards to set up UWW at the opponent’s 33. From that point, UW-Whitewater scored 21 unanswered in the first quarter to take a hefty lead in the game. The first two scores came on the ground with Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) punching it in from one yard out followed by a three-yard scamper by Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) that made it 14-0. The third score was a 15-yard TD strike from Ogden to Drake Martin (Rhinelander, Wis./Rhinelander).
The Pioneers got on the board with a 38-yard touchdown pass and a 34-yard field goal to cut the margin to 21-10, but the Warhawks swung all of the momentum back to their side on the very next play.
On the ensuing kickoff after the field goal, Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge) hauled in the boot at UWW’s seven bursting up the middle of the field. He weaved through traffic and found open space pulling away from the Pioneer special teams unit trying to track him down for a 93-yard kickoff return. The return marks Vasey’s first career touchdown as a Warhawk and is the first kickoff returned for a TD for UWW since Justin Howards’ 99-yarder against UW-Stevens Point in 2013. From that point, the Warhawks never looked back.
Ogden drove UWW 66 yards in 10 plays on UW-Whitewater’s next drive, capping it with a two-yard burst into the end zone to make it 35-10 at the break.
On the Warhawks first possession of the second half, Ogden hit Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) in stride from two-yards out to put the finishing touches on an 81-yard drive that extended the lead to 42-10.
UWW added to their total early in the fourth with Jeff Isotalo-McGuire splitting the uprights on a 26-yard field goal before the Pioneers wrapped up the scoring with just 22 seconds remaining for the final, 45-23.
Ogden, the Offensive Player of the Game for UWW, was 19-30 for 190 yards and two passing touchdowns. He added 80 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. Klubertanz was selected as the Defensive Player of the Game after registering two interceptions and a pair of tackles. In addition to the first pick, he hauled in a fantastic over-the-shoulder interception and returning it 34 yards early in the fourth.
Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) was the Warhawks’ leading rusher in the game with 83 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown. Vasey led the receiving corps with 64 yards on five catches while Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) was Ogden’s favorite target with 56 yards on seven receptions.
Joey Antonietti (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) led the UWW defense with six tackles while Ethan Gallagher (Homer Glen, Ill./Lockport Township) set the tone early with a sack. He posted 1.5 tackles for a loss in the game.
For UW-Platteville, Brandt Stare hauled in a few great catches with 106 yards on six receptions including a touchdown grab for Offensive Player of the Game honors. Justin Blazek posted five tackles and an interception with a 23-yard return to earn Defensive Player of the Game honors for the Pioneers.
At halftime, UW-Whitewater honored award winners from Homecoming festivities and the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 that includes athletes Brent Allen (football), Dan Hytinen (track and field), Rebekah Nelson Johnson (volleyball), Jessica Kohlman (track and field), Kate LaZotte Langfeldt (volleyball), Andre McKoy (men’s basketball), Derek Stanley (football, track and field) and Ann Kingsnorth Zessin (gymnastics). Bob Lanza will be inducted during Saturday evening’s ceremony as a longtime administrator in UWW Athletics while Tim Patterson will earn the Distinguished Service Award.
By Sherry Stanek
On October 24th, 2023 Whitewater’s historic Territorial Oak was taken down. Since the 1800s, it has been located at the intersection of what became Franklin and Main Streets. Unfortunately, the tree had been in decline for a long time, but in the past few years had stopped producing acorns and produced only a few leaves as is common for dying trees. Unlike its sister tree located just across Franklin Street in a front lawn with plenty of soil to live in, this tree has struggled to thrive in its confined quarters between a cement sidewalk and a street and had become a hazard to drivers and pedestrians as it had started to drop chunks of branches, some landing on cars. Its time had come.
When this tree sprouted from its acorn, this was still Indian country. The squirrel who probably planted this tree nearly 250 years ago was just doing its job. When the area was surveyed, this tree’s diameter at breast height was 16 inches and was used as the “witness” tree from which much of this area was platted. On October 23rd that measurement was 169 inches. Just imagine all that this tree has been witness to! The Urban Forestry Commission along with the Landmarks Committee and city staff decided that we can’t just say goodbye to this historical treasure.
The City of Whitewater and its Urban Forestry Commission intend to honor this tree by keeping it as an active part of this community. When the Arboretum at Starin Park was proposed a few years ago, the designs included a natural play area that will be adjacent to the existing playground. When we started this project, we had no idea that the Territorial Oak would be coming down at this time. Next summer, parts of this tree will be used to create a natural playground at Starin Park.
Sections of the tree will be used to create different kinds of play spaces and signage will be located throughout the area to explain why these logs and “wooden boulders” have come to live in the park. There will be safe and interesting climbing, jumping and educational opportunities for many, many years to come as this tree continues to be a living part of Whitewater’s community.
Slices of the trunk will be used to create historical tree ring maps that will show the life of this tree from its beginning until now. They will chronicle historic events in line with the rings of the tree, showing its size at various points of its history and the history of our town and the world. These will be on display at Starin Park and also at the Walworth County Historical Society. Other slices will be used for signage at the Generac Welcome and Education Center at the Arboretum to honor the donors who’ve been essential to creating this arboretum, and at the local Historical Society at the Whitewater Depot.
The Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission is always grateful for volunteers who have skills that would be useful to our efforts both at continuing to build and maintain the plantings at the Arboretum, this playground project, or for other ideas that you have and would like to share. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department to get involved in our great community!
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
An article was published in The Gazette on October 26, titled “Police: Whitewater principal allegedly tackled student toilet-papering his home.” The alleged incident occurred at Whitewater High School Principal Brent Mansky’s home in Williams Bay and was investigated by that village’s police department.
According to the Gazette article, “The principal of Whitewater High School allegedly tackled a Williams Bay High School student and put him in a chokehold for toilet-papering his home, police records show. The students involved told police they had permission from Williams Bay High School to toilet paper designated houses in the neighborhood where Whitewater High School Principal Brent Mansky resides, as part of their Homecoming celebration on Sept. 21. They did not have permission to toilet-paper Mansky’s home….Mansky is also the former principal of Williams Bay High School…Mansky was not arrested….However, the incident has been forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office for review…The two students were both cited for attempted vandalism and trespassing.”
“…An officer who responded said Mansky reported in the past there’s been ‘kitchen condiments sprayed on his house, beer cans thrown resulting in damage to his siding and now this year toilet paper.’ ”
The Gazette article, which is considerably longer than the above quotes, may be found here.
Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty issued the following statement on behalf of the Whitewater Unified School District on October 27 in response to the media report:
“The Whitewater Unified School District conducted an investigation into the alleged incident
involving Whitewater High School Principal Brent Mansky on September 21 in Williams Bay.
Upon review of all the documentation and statements provided by the Williams Bay Police
Department and the Williams Bay School District, we have been able to confirm that only juveniles were issued citations related to the incident. Mr. Mansky was not cited.
Furthermore, based on the documentation, it is clear that the article published in a recent media
report did not contain all of the facts, important context and information surrounding the incident in question.
Our focus will continue to be on our students and staff. We will continue to give our students the best educational experience. Every Student, Every Day, In a Unified Way.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
Community members are invited to read and discuss “Somewhere in the Unknown World,” a collection of powerful stories of refugees who have found new lives in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, told by the award-winning Hmong American author Kao Kalia Yang. In her exquisite, necessary telling, these fourteen stories of refugee journeys restore history and humanity to America’s strangers and redeem its long tradition of welcome.
A limited number of library copies are available for checkout at the front desk. Read in advance and then join us for a book discussion at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library (431 W. Center St., Whitewater) on Tuesday, November 7 at 5:30 p.m.
In addition, community members are invited to a book discussion and Q&A with the author on the UW-Whitewater campus. Virtual options are available. More information may be found at https://my.uww.edu/SignUp/Public/Register/17536.
Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.
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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