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Today is Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
The Whitewater Community Foundation Board is seeking a Program Coordinator to help plan and organize the programs and activities of the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Title: Program Coordinator for the Whitewater Community Foundation
Reports to: Foundation President
Hours: 20 hours per week at $18.00 to $20.00 per hour
Starting date: ASAP
Position Summary: This position is responsible for planning and organizing the programs and activities of the Whitewater Community Foundation under the direction of the Foundation Board of Directors. This includes the responsibility of developing, interpreting and recommending program goals and objectives, policies, procedures, and courses of action according to the established guidelines of the Board and sound administrative practices.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Essential duties and responsibilities: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Serves as the Foundation’s chief point of community contact for Foundation programs and activities.
- Communicates with community stakeholders on Foundation programs and activities.
- Develops and distributes press releases, the Foundation annual report and other public information materials as approved and directed by the Board.
- Maintains the Foundation website and social media platforms.
- Administers the Foundation Scholarship Program, the Community Action Grants, and the Conduit Accounts and Agreements.
- Prepares and coordinates monthly reports for Board meetings and coordinates special projects and follow-ups as required.
- Demonstrates a commitment to the Foundation mission and vision.
Application deadline: Until position is filled.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of application and resume to Chairperson@Whitewatercommunityfoundation.org Direct questions to Chairperson@Whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.
Each year, thousands of educators, caregivers, health and aging professionals, and older adults across the country focus their efforts on one goal: preventing falls. That is why Fort HealthCare is collaborating with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free® Initiative to observe Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 23, and throughout the entire month of September and October.
Falls are a leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. There are proven ways to prevent them. Fort HealthCare’s fall prevention screening community events will empower older adults to stay active, independent, and safe in their homes and communities.
Bringa Johnson, Physical Therapist at Fort HealthCare, has an interest in fall prevention, and is helping to coordinate the efforts this year with multiple locations, dates, and times for community members to participate. Bringa describes these screenings as “providing a brief assessment on a person’s risk to have a fall based on questions and physical tests. Based on the initial screenings, less or more further testing can be completed and should not take longer than 10 minutes. Recommendations for further fall prevention can be made based on the screenings.”
These free balance assessments appointments will be offered at various locations starting Wednesday September 13th at Club 55 in Lake Mills and will be offered at four other locations in Fort HealthCare’s service area through October 27th. The schedule of events, addresses, and contact information to make an appointment is below:
- Club 55 (Lake Mills): Wednesday September 13th from 9a-12p – 920-728-2176
- Jefferson Senior Center: Wednesday September 20th from 9a-12p – 920-674-7728
- Cambridge Community Outreach: Wednesday October 11th from 11a-1p – 608-423-8142
- Whitewater Senior Center: Thursday October 12th from 12p-3p – 262-473-0535
- Fort Atkinson Senior Center: Friday October 27th from 8:30a-10a – 920-397-9913
Wisconsin leads the country in the highest rate of deadly falls. Bringa notes, “Wisconsin has the deadliest rate from a fall in the country and I’ve seen the significant physical, emotional and financial effects from falls; all of these have played a role in why I’m passionate on falls screenings and prevention.”
To find out more about Falls Prevention Awareness Day, go to www.ncoa.org/FPAD. For questions about the fall prevention screenings at Fort HealthCare, please contact Bringa by calling 920-563-9357 or by emailing Bringa.Johnson@forthc.com.
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA empowers individuals with trusted solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and protects and strengthens federal programs that people depend on as they age. Working with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA’s goal is to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.
About the Falls Free® Initiative
Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative.
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life, while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. For more information, visit FortHealthCare.com.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
In honor of Labor Day on Monday, this week’s image shows two men working in the Whitewater Condensery, later known as the Hawthorn Mellody Milk Plant, in Whitewater. This image is probably from the mid-20th century and is a rare look inside an industrial plant in Whitewater.
The historical society wishes everyone a great Labor Day holiday.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#2514P Whitewater Historical Society)
Join us for an informational meeting and brainstorming session on Monday, September 11th at 6 PM in the Community Room of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. The event is open to anyone in the community who is interested in learning more about the Whitewater Effigy Mounds Preserve and would like to help conserve it for future generations.
NOTICE: Effective Wednesday, September 13, 2023 the hours of operation for the compost site will change from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. to 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. This will remain in effect until the site closes for the season on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. However, the site will still remain open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. through November 11, 2023.
For additional questions or concerns contact the Streets Department at (262) 473-0560.
The Whitewater High School Girls’ Tennis Team started off conference play on Tuesday, August 29, by defeating Jefferson 6-1.
Singles:
- No. 1 – Emilia Houwers defeated Amy Kamenick 6-4 , 6-1
- No. 2 – Jackie Franco defeated Hannah Werning 6-4 , 6-2
- No. 3 – Liz Servin defeated Maryam Perez-Hernandez 6-4 , 6-2
- No. 4 – Vicki Ramirez defeated Ava Geyer 7-6 (8), 3-6 , 11-9
Doubles:
- No. 1 – Maritza Vidales & Stephanie Wence lost to Aeryn Messmann & Breleigh Mengeldef 6-1 , 6-3
- No. 2 – Vanesa Wence & Leah Newmann defeated Piper Crabtree & Vanessa Ganser 6-7 (10), 6-4, 10-7
- No. 3 – Isabel Aranda & Aimee Servin defeated Olivia Miller & Jenifer Vasquez 6-3, 6-3
The team returns to action Friday at 4:15 when they take on out-of-conference opponent Wayland Academy at home.
Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
After nearly six months of discussion and sometimes tense negotiation, the City of Whitewater Common Council (“Council”) and the Whitewater Unified School District School Board (“Board”) have agreed on the terms for a new six year agreement to operate the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. At the conclusion of the most recent joint meeting of the two bodies on August 21 the Council voted unanimously to approve the terms that had been nailed out in that evening’s discussion. The Board’s agenda, however, did not call for action, choosing instead to discuss the matter in closed session at their regular meeting on August 28. Later in open session the Board voted unanimously to approve the same terms that the Council had approved a week previously.
The agreement, which will be effective on January 1, 2024, provides for the following:
The city will pay $258,000 towards operating expenses in 2024, and will be responsible for any shortfalls. This payment will escalate by 3% per year.
WUSD will contribute a fixed $178,000 towards operating expenses in 2024, with future annual payments increasing by 3%.
Both the city and the district will pay a $100,000 annual capital expense contribution. This payment will remain unchanged for the first three years, after which a determination will be made as to whether it needs to be increased.
An advisory board which is anticipated to include a representative from both bodies plus three community members with relevant experience will provide oversight of WAFC. Previously this has been the responsibility of the city Parks & Recreation Board.
The Council and Board will meet again in joint session on September 11 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building to discuss various remaining issues, including the disposition of the estimated nearly $222,000 in deficits that the city estimates that the district will owe for the period from July, 2021 through the end of 2023.
A proposed written agreement will be drafted by legal counsel, possibly necessitating one more meeting before it is ready to be signed.
Master Gardener, Ruth Flescher, will be at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m. to present “Seed Saving 101.” The public is invited to attend and learn why it’s important to have open-pollinated varieties to save from, ways to isolate the blooms to ensure you get the genetics you want, the difference between market maturity and seed maturity, both wet and dry seed processing, seed storage, and average seed life.
The presentation will be held in the library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration. For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.
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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