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Local Student Named to Campbellsville University’s Dean’s List

July 6, 2023

The academic honors Dean’s List for the Spring 2023 semester has been announced by Dr. Donna Hedgepath, Campbellsville University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.

The following student has been named to Campbellsville University’s Dean’s List for Spring 2023:

Brianna A Staebler, from Whitewater, WI.

The academic honors list recognizes students who achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or above for the semester with a course load of at least 12 hours. The Spring 2023 academic honors list includes a total of 875 students, with 398 named to the President’s List for achieving a 4.0 grade point average and 477 named to the Dean’s List for achieving a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

Warhawk Baseball Coach Vodenlich To Be Inducted into ABCA Hall of Fame

July 6, 2023

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater head baseball coach John Vodenlich has been announced as a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Vodenlich will be inducted in January of 2024 during a banquet at the 80th Annual ABCA Convention. 

Coach Vodenlich has accumulated over 700 wins in 20 seasons at the helm of the UW-Whitewater baseball program. A 10-time Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Vodenlich has led the Warhawks to 14 conference titles and 6 WIAC Tournament championships. 

Since taking over the program in 2004, Vodenlich has taken UWW to the NCAA Division III Tournament 16 times advancing to the DIII World Series 6 times including national titles for the Warhawks in 2005 and 2015. 

Vodenlich was named the Regional Coach of the Year six times, garnered ABCA National Coach of the Year honors in 2005 and 2014 and was named the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Man of the Year in 2005. 

A two-time All-American and four-year standout for the Warhawks as an athlete, Vodenlich was inducted into the UW-Whitewater Hall of Fame in 2007 as a student-athlete. A native of Racine, Wisconsin, he was inducted into the Racine County Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Following his collegiate career, he went on to play professionally in Europe, helping his team claim the Slovenian National Championship in 1994. Vodenlich was inducted into the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015 becoming the youngest inductee into the association’s Hall of Fame.

Vodenlich has continues to help grow the sport across the globe conducting and participating in clinics in Germany, England, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary over the years. 

The ABCA Hall of Fame Class of 2024 also includes Cal Bailey (West Virginia State), Danny Hall (Georgia Tech), Pat McQuaid (Nova High School, Fla.), Jim Morris (University of Miami), Brian O’Connor (University of Virginia), Tim Pettorini (The College of Wooster), Jim Wells (University of Alabama), Wayne Welton (Chelsea High School, Mich.) and Jeff Willis (Louisiana State University Eunice). The ten coaches will be inducted at the ABCA Convention on January 5, 2024 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.

14th Annual Fran Achen Photography Exhibition Award Winners

July 5, 2023

First place winning photograph “After the Storm” by Michael Knapstein. Michael was unable to make it the reception. Photograph taken by Whitewater Arts Alliance/Ashley McDarison.

(left) Gerry Emmerich, Jr. congratulates (right) Howard Rothstein for second place award winning photograph “Cardinal on Snowy Spring Morning”. Rothstein also won honorable mention for his photograph “Bleeding Heart Studio Portrait”. Photograph taken by Whitewater Arts Alliance/Ashley McDarison.

Third place winning photograph “Botanical V” by Annette Knapstein. Annette was unable to make it to the reception. Photograph taken by Whitewater Arts Alliance/Ashley McDarison.


The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is pleased to announce the award winners for the 2023 14th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition. Judges Gerald Emmerich, Jr. and Steve Heraly selected first, second, and third place awards together with 11 honorable mention awards. The exhibition consists of 83 photographs representing the work of 35 photographers and is now on display at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater. All these pieces can be viewed in the gallery during its open hours Thursdays through Sundays, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. through Sunday, July 30 or online at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2023. Editor’s note: Photographers will likely be removing their entries on July 30, so it is best to go early if visiting on that date.

The awards were presented at the reception on Sunday, July 2 by chair Jeff McDonald and judge Gerald Emmerich, Jr. Over 50 attendees viewed the presentation and critique session of each awarded piece by Emmerich, Jr.

AWARDS
❖ First Place – Michael Knapstein (Middleton, WI) : “After the Storm”
❖ Second Place – Howard Rothstein (Whitewater, WI) : “Cardinal on Snowy Spring
Morning”
❖ Third Place – Annette Knapstein (Middleton, WI) : “Botanical V”
❖ Honorable Mention – Cindy Vondran (Janesville, WI) : “Butter Paddle”
❖ Honorable Mention – Doug Richter (Fort Atkinson, WI) : “Crown Shyness”
❖ Honorable Mention – Doug Richter (Fort Atkinson, WI) : “Shadow Sojourn”
❖ Honorable Mention – Fletcher Crone (Whitewater, WI) : “Pursuit”
❖ Honorable Mention – Howard Rothstein (Whitewater, WI) : “Bleeding Heart
Studio Portrait”
❖ Honorable Mention – Jim Hayes (Mukwonago, WI) : “Farm Truck”
❖ Honorable Mention – Jo Christofferson (Clinton, WI) : “Hummingbird Art”
❖ Honorable Mention – Jo Christofferson (Clinton, WI) : “Monterey Bay”
❖ Honorable Mention – Michael Havice (Whitefish Bay, WI) : “Denise Smith 7896”
❖ Honorable Mention – Michael Knapstein (Middleton, WI) : “Hay Bale”
❖ Honorable Mention – Polly Marzahl (Delavan, WI) : “Sighted”

The Viewer’s Choice award is still available for voting both in gallery and online. Gallery visitors may vote for up to three photographs per visit using slips provided by the WAA. The online virtual show also allows online voting for up to three photographs per visit. Repetitive votes cast in close succession that are obviously “spam” will not count. Viewer’s Choice will be announced Sunday, July 30.

This Week’s Rummage Sales

July 5, 2023

Friday and Saturday, 7/7 & 7/8 8 am to 4 pm.
N7375 East Lakeshore Drive, Whitewater (WW Lake)
Womens clothing small – XXL, household, fishing equipment, tools, gardening items and much more.
Something for everyone!

Rummage/yard sale
Thursday, Friday 10-4
Saturday 9-12
233 N Queen St, Whitewater
Includes misc household, vintage Hallmark ornaments never removed from box, Beanie Babies, yard tools including shovels, sledgehammer, hand saws, vintage board and electronic games, round glass top patio table with chairs, four wood frame and canvas captain’s chairs, bird baths, vintage watering cans, wash tub, milking stool, hand meat grinders, kids play irons, vintage oil cans, brass bilge pump, newer twin air mattress, 24″ electric hedge trimmer, boom box with removable speakers, VHS tapes, dry wall tools, 2 Marlcont tents 7X7 never removed from box.

Balance/Fall Prevention Class for Seniors Starts Soon

July 5, 2023

One in Four people aged 65 and older has a fall each year! Stepping On graduates have a 31% reduced rate of falls!

The ADRC of Rock County, in partnership with SSM Health Systems- Janesville, is pleased to offer Stepping On, our most popular health and wellness class for those ages 60+ starting July 11, 2023.

Stepping On is a seven-week workshop proven to help participants prevent falls. The classes will include strength and balance exercises, home safety check suggestions, expert guest speakers, and a medication review. The workshop is for people who have fallen and for people who fear falling.

A Stepping On workshop will be held on seven Tuesday mornings from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. at SSM health in Janesville from July 11- August 29, 2023 (no class 8/15). A suggested donation of $15 is asked to cover the cost of class materials. Space is limited to 12-14 participants.

For questions, or to register by July 7th, 2023 call the ADRC of Rock County at: (608) 757-5309 or email: Lisa.messer@co.rock.wi.us

The program was developed by Dr. Lindy Clemson of Sydney, Australia, to help older adults learn ways to prevent falls. It was brought to the United States by Dr. Jane Mahoney, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, with funding from the CDC and other partners.

Editor’s note: The ADRC of Rock County has indicated to The Banner that, while Rock County residents have priority, they are happy to accommodate residents of other counties when space is available.

Sydney Johnson Joins Bethel House as new Director of Case Management Services

July 5, 2023

Bethel House has announced that Sydney Johnson has joined the organization as the new Director of Case Management Services. She officially started her position on June 5th.

“Bethel House is so excited to have Sydney as a part of our team leading the charge on our case management and client services,” states Megan Hartwick, Bethel House Executive Director. “We’ve experienced a lot of staff transition over the past six months, and we’re eager to grow our services now that we are back up to full staffing capacity. Sydney is already proving to be a tremendous asset to our organization and all those families who contact us looking for support.”

Johnson has her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Marian University and is currently working towards her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She previously served in a grant writing capacity with We EmpowHer and as a Case Manager with the Salvation Army of Fond du Lac.

“The hiring committee and board of directors felt Sydney would be a great fit for Bethel House because of her authentic passion for serving and supporting others,” states Jessie Dugan, Bethel House Board President. “We were impressed by her work with both The Salvation Army and We EmpowHER organizations in Fond du Lac and her visible belief in working with the whole client with kindness, clear communication, and a generosity of spirit.”

Working alongside Hartwick, Johnson will be responsible for overseeing Bethel House’s Emergency Assistance program and the Transitional Housing program, including all case management services provided to the housed families.

“I am looking forward to being the go-to person for the Bethel House housed families to help provide them the resources and support they need to get back on their feet,” states Johnson. “After speaking with some community partners, it became apparent that there are a large number of homeless and low-income families in the Whitewater community, and I am eager to help bring educational resources & support to those who can benefit from it.”

Johnson will serve in her capacity full-time and Hartwick will continue to serve in her part-time role. Bethel House will utilize summer open office hours from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday through August, with other times available by appointment only.

“The entire BOD is thankful for the Whitewater community as they’ve maintained support throughout these last few months of transition,” states Dugan. “Bethel House has been a mainstay of support in Whitewater for almost 30 years, and we could not be more excited to have Megan and Sydney securely at the helm for our future, already leading with optimism and enthusiasm.”

For more information on the programs & services Bethel House provides, or to inquire about how you can support Bethel House, visit www.bethelhouseinc.org or contact 262.473.2715.

Donation or administrative inquiries can be directed to Hartwick at director.bethelhouse@gmail.com and case management inquiries can be sent to Johnson at casemanager.bethelhouse@gmail.com.

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Bethel House is an ecumenical project helping families facing homelessness in the Whitewater area. Bethel House provides transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, and case management to families in need.

Bethel House utilizes seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation & building, life skills & decision-making, accessing other community resources & services, and much more. Emergency assistance support is also provided for families needing assistance with rental payments, utility bills, transportation costs, and more.

Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. For more details, visit www.bethelhouseinc.org or call 262.473.2715.

Whippet Volleyball Program Summer Camp for K through 8th Grade / El programa Whippet Volleyball Campamento

July 4, 2023

Hello Families!

The Whippet Volleyball program is excited to host summer volleyball camp for children entering grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. We invite all youth (male and female) to join us for three days filled with skill development and fun! All athletes who register by July 14th will be guaranteed a Whippet Volleyball t-shirt.
Cost of Camp:- $30 per athlete- $50 maximum per family
Dates of Camp: – Tuesday August 1st- Wednesday August 2nd- Thursday August 3rd
Times of Camp:- K-2: 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.- Grades 3-5: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.- Grades 6-8: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
You may register your athlete(s) via this link: https://forms.gle/JFkVaB4NgwFMe3tGA

The Whippet athletes and coaching staff are looking forward to working with your child(ren)!

¡Hola Familias!

El programa Whippet Volleyball se complace en organizar un campamento de verano de voleibol para niños que ingresan a los grados de jardín de infantes a octavo grado. ¡Invitamos a todos los jóvenes (hombres y mujeres) a unirse a nosotros durante tres días llenos de desarrollo de habilidades y diversión! A todos los atletas que se registren antes del 14 de julio se les garantizará una camiseta de Whippet Volleyball.

Costo del campamento:
– $30 por atleta
– $50 máximo por familia

Fechas del Campamento:
– martes 1 de agosto
– miércoles 2 de agosto
– jueves 3 de agosto

Horarios de Campamento:
– K-2: 5:00pm to 6:15pm– 3-5: 6:30pm to 8:00pm– 6-8: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Puede registrar a su(s) atleta(s) a través de este enlace: https://forms.gle/JFkVaB4NgwFMe3tGA

¡Los atletas y el cuerpo técnico de Whippet están deseando trabajar con su(s) hijo(s)!

John’s Disposal City Route is Delayed to Friday this Week

July 4, 2023

John’s Disposal Holiday Schedule

John’s Disposal will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in observance of Independence Day.
Please note the following route changes:

  • Monday’s route remains the same
  • Tuesday’s route is delayed to Wednesday
  • Wednesday’s route is delayed to Thursday
  • Thursday’s route is delayed to Friday (Whitewater city route)
  • Friday’s route is delayed to Saturday
    Additional questions may be directed to John’s Disposal at (262) 473-4700.

    Brad Marquardt
    Director of Public Works
    (262) 473-0139
    bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
    For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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