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Today is Thursday, June 25, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Continuing last week’s theme of historic houses (but with ones still standing) in Whitewater, this week’s view is a c.1870 stereoscope image of the Smith-Allen house at 445 W. Center St. Built in 1856, this house was one of the first stylish “mansions” built in Whitewater. Its style is Italianate (Italian Villa type), the most popular architectural style in the United States at the time. It is one of the finest historic houses in the area thanks to Dan Richardson and Pat Blackmer, who have restored and maintained it for a number of years.
Join us next week for another historic houses photo from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(1659ST, Whitewater Historical Society)
According to the Rock County Public Works website, the closure for paving and culvert replacement on County Highway N, which extends from the western end of Walworth Street, is now expected to continue through October 20. Originally this project was planned to be completed by August 31, with the completion date subsequently being delayed to September 29, and most recently, October 13.
Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation website still projects that the Highway 12 reconstruction between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson is anticipated to be completed on November 3. Originally it was indicated that work might be continuing until sometime in December.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Esmoth from Pixabay.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team heads to UW-River Falls to take on the league-leader this Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. | Game Notes PDF
IN THE POLLS
UWW: #7 D3football.com (down four spots) / #11 American Football Coaches Association (down eight)
UWRF: #4 D3football.com (up one) / #4 AFCA (up one)
LAST TIME OUT
The Warhawks fell to UW-La Crosse 37-34 on a field goal as time ran out last week. UWW came back from a 14-point fourth quarter deficit to knot the game 34-34 with just under six minutes left, but a late drive for the Eagles set up the game-winning field goal.
Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) was 10-16 for 154 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns. He added 72 yards and two more scores on the ground. Alijah Maher-Parr (Wauwatosa, Wis./Arrowhead) was responsible for 177 of the team’s 427 yards of offense. The running back went for 113 yards on seven carries with a rushing touchdown and added a single reception for a 64-yard score.
Defensively, Joey Antonietti (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) led the Warhawks for the second consecutive week with 14 tackles including seven solo. Hawk Heffner (Grafton, Wis./Grafton) and Kyle Koelblinger (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge) joined Antonietti in double digits with 12 and 11 tackles respectively.
Kamrin Hutt (Schaumburg, Ill./Maine West) had a career game in special teams play. In his first time punting for UWW, Hutt averaged 37.8 yards per punt with a long of 50 yards. He pinned the Eagles inside the 20 on one of his five boots. On the other side of special teams, Hutt got to the Eagles’ punter blocking a kick late in the game to set up UW-Whitewater with a short field.
UW-River Falls scored early and often in a 49-7 win at Eau Claire last week. The Falcons posted 14 points in each of the first three quarters, adding another touchdown in the fourth.
Kaleb Blaha is UWRF’s dominant offensive threat. He was 27-37 for 288 yards and four touchdown passes against the Blugolds. The quarterback added 99 yards on 24 rushing attempts with a TD.
Three Falcon defenders posted six tackles in the contest. Andrew Schumacher posted a solo sack for a loss of 16 yards. Cade Schmidt registered a 53-yard pick-six to lead River Falls.
ON THE AIR
Saturday’s game will air live online on the WIAC Network on the UW-River Falls portal. The contest can be heard on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.
SERIES
This is the 65th meeting between the Warhawks and Falcons. UWW leads the all-time series by over 20 wins and currently holds a 20-game win streak over the Falcons.
The Whippet Swimmers took on Delavan-Darien on Tuesday, October 10th. The Whippets took home a big win beating the Comets 108 to 56 and placing 1st in every event on the night.
1st place finishes include:
Medley Relay: (Maggie Maas, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Charlotte Hajewski) – 2:15.36
200 FR: Charlotte Hajewski – 2:27.93
200 IM: Makayla Bazeley – 2:18.30
50 FR: Lucy Davis – 33.35
100 FLY: Charlotte Hajewski – 1:21.87
100 FR: Makayla Bazeley – 56.92
500 FR: Emerson Dunham – 6:05.31
200 FR Relay: (Atreya Wilson, Georgia Esch, Payton Peacock, Lucy Davis) – 2:17.44
100 Backstroke: Maggie Maas – 1:18.85
100 Breaststroke: Emerson Dunham – 1:24.29
400 FR Relay: (Makayla Bazeley, Maggie Maas, Charlotte Hajewski, Emerson Dunham) – 4:23.60
Impressive Time Drops Include:
All 500 FR Swimmers went best times on the night. Emerson Dunham (3 second drop), Lucy Davis (16 second drop), Zoe Zei (8 second drop).
All 200 FR Swimmers went best times. Charlotte Hajewski (2 second drop), Atreya Wilson (7 second drop), Payton Peacock (7 second drop)
Georgia Esch went 4 for 4 on best times. She had an impressive 7 second time drop in the 100 Fly and 3 second drop in the 100 Backstroke.
Sanibel Fox-Simes put up a nice relay split in 50 Freestyle.
The Whippets are up again next week Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. against Beloit Memorial for their last dual meet of the season. Go Whippets!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
During the first portion of the school year, the WHS Choirs have been singing about and thinking about the idea of community. We are thinking about the community that is our choir, our school, our city, our state, our nation, and our world. The songs featured at our Fall Concert are songs we sing as a community or are about the communities in which we live.
A part of living in a community is helping others. In order to do that, the WHS Choirs will be holding a Community Baby Shower. Donations of diapers and wipes will be accepted between now and next Wednesday, October 18th. All donations will be given to The Community Space in Whitewater.
Students, WUSD staff, and community members can drop off donations at the WHS Choir room or the WHS main office.
We will continue the collection at our Fall Concert on Wednesday, October 18th when we will have boxes ready for donations at the concert. The concert will be held at Whitewater High School in the auditorium at 7:00 pm.
Thank you in advance for any support you can give to this project. We truly live in a special place!
Article Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org
This is a huge estate sale! It will be two weekends, with the first half this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is the entire main floor of the home! We may even have the garage ready by then!! (We don’t have the garage pictured yet, so it would be a SURPRISE! It is FULL!!!!)
N7545 Esker Ct
Whitewater, WI 53190
Thurs., Oct. 12 10-4.
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 13 & 14 9-4 both days
And Thurs., Oct. 19 10-4,
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 20 and 21 9-4 both days
Same address both weekends.
See pictures at http://shestatesales.com/sales. There really is too much to list.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as Lakeland and Fort Hospitals. Donations have been down and there is definitely a need for more volunteers. Please consider making an appointment by clicking here today. Save time by answering the questionnaire at home; this cannot be done before Friday.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by John Weidl on October 11.
Dear Whitewater Community,
I trust this message finds you in good health and spirits.
Recently, I explored a professional opportunity in Salem Lakes, WI, making it to the final rounds of consideration. However, the overwhelming support I received from you – including residents, elected officials, staff, committee members, business owners, and other developers still looking to start projects in Whitewater – has profoundly influenced my decision to withdraw my candidacy and continue serving as your City Manager in Whitewater.
Your encouragement and the collective achievements we’ve celebrated in affordable housing policy, Fire and EMS response times, staff recruitment and retention, and strategic planning have not only positively impacted our community but have also deeply affected me as a public servant.
I am invigorated by the recent renewed public participation in local government and the support for our staff and Strategic Plan. Rest assured, my dedication to advancing single family-style housing, commercial development, enhancing communication, supporting our local businesses, refining recruitment and retention strategies, and prudent management of our resources remains steadfast.
Whitewater’s encouragement, support, and vibrant, community-focused spirit are truly inspiring. Together, let’s continue to forge a path of growth and success for our beloved City of Whitewater.
With heartfelt gratitude, I am eager to get back to work.
Warmly,
John S. Weidl
City Manager, City of Whitewater
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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