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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Whitewater Soccer played their final conference game against Evansville on Monday, May 8.
Evansville won 4-0, with goals by Jaden LeRoy (6’, 40’), Alli Horgen (25’), and Kendra Frinfrock.
Marina Linos had 8 saves in goal for the Whippets, and MacKenna Slater had 6 saves for Evansville.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
You’re Invited!
Starin Park Purple Martin House Dedication
Saturday, May 13, 2 p.m.
The Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission invites the public to attend the dedication of a new Purple Martin house located in the Arboretum at Starin Park on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. behind the Senior Center. This Martin house is the third Purple Martin habitat that Urban Forestry has been able to put in place thanks to the city of Whitewater and donations from individuals throughout our community. The other two Martin houses, located in Minneiska Park and Clay Street Nature Preserve, have successfully fledged Martins every year since they were installed. Martins enjoy showing their aerial acrobatics and serenading an audience and are not put off by human visitors!
Purple Martins are beneficial insectivores that depend upon man-made housing. After migrating 4,000 miles from the Amazon, they lay only one clutch of eggs each year. They face severe competition from invasive house sparrows and starlings so these structures have to be managed until the Martins become established in each house. Through the efforts of Bill Chandler, member of Urban Forestry, our first two Martin houses have become very well established and are enjoyed by many people as well as the Martins! We look forward to providing this at the Arboretum at Starin Park as well.
Whitewater has earned the designations of both Bird City and Tree City. Please join volunteer members of the Urban Forestry Commission as well as city staff and others on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. at Starin Park for the dedication of the 3rd Purple Martin house.
Three Whitewater High School Computer Science Students were honored at the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards Ceremony at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday, May 7. Senior Jazmin Cederberg was honored as a Wisconsin State Winner, while Freshman Ace Hudec and Senior Dayna Carlson were honored with Wisconsin Honorable Mentions.
The three-hour formal program included guest speakers from industry, Q & A with a panel including college students currently studying computer science related majors, and a motivational speech from the National Director of the Aspirations program. 153 students from across the state of Wisconsin were honored as either winners, honorable mention, or rising stars.
A major focus of the program is to provide access to scholarships, internships, and connections with IT professionals for female and non-binary students who are pursuing their interests in computer science.
All three honorees have studied computer science at WHS and have been involved with the FIRST Robotics Competition Team Ferradermis as programmers. Both Jazmin and Dayna intend to continue their study of computer science at UW schools next fall.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #197 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sun., May 7, 2023, as a mark of respect for the firefighters of Wisconsin who have given their lives in the line of duty. “Every day in communities throughout our state, Wisconsin firefighters bravely put their lives on the line to protect the health and safety of others,” said Gov. Evers. “Honoring those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty is a responsibility we share as a state and nation, and I am proud to recognize these fallen heroes and share our deepest condolences with their families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones on these occasions throughout the year.” Executive Order #197 orders the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sun., May 7, 2023, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Previously, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend had been held in October, but beginning in 2023, was moved from October to May by the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. In Wisconsin, Wis. Stat. 995.225(1) still designates each week annually during which October 9 falls as Fire Prevention Week and designates the Saturday at the end of Fire Prevention Week as Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day. To that end, Executive Order #197 also orders the flags be lowered on Sat., Oct. 14, 2023, in honor of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day during Fire Prevention Week. |
You won’t want to miss our League’s BIGGEST membership event of the year, our
Annual Meeting! It will be held in person on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to Noon in
Fairhaven Senior Services’ Fellowship Hall, 435 W Starin Rd, Whitewater. A delicious
light brunch will be provided.
The League board encourages all League members and interested members of the
public to attend this important social and business gathering. Please join us as we
review and celebrate our work in the past year, look forward to the new one, and
conduct the business of the League, which includes voting on a slate of Board of
Directors and Officers, a proposed budget, and local programming focus for FY
2023-24.
As a member of our League, your vote on these significant actions counts – but only if
you appear in person. We want to hear from ALL of our members and get to know you
better! Please learn how your membership and volunteer work in our organization has
influenced our democracy! Materials for the Annual Meeting can be found on our
website.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages
informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of
major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area, like us on Facebook
and follow us on Instagram @lwvwhitewater.
Whitewater traveled to Big Foot for a conference match on Thursday, April 27. The game ended in a 3-3 tie.
Whitewater’s goals came from Sophia Garcia (22′) and Mayte Navejas (24′, 71′). Big Foot’s goals came from Aubrie Hanna and Addie Larson (76′, 78′).
It was an exciting game with many great saves from both keepers. Marina Linos played in goal for Whitewater and had 5 saves. Magali Casteneda played in goal for Big Foot and had 14 saves.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Whitewater played a conference game at home against Edgerton on Tuesday, April 25. The game ended in a 1-1 tie, with goals by Angelina Gonzalez (28’) for Edgerton and Mayte Navejas (57’) for Whitewater.
Keeper Julia Doll made six saves for Edgerton, and Marina Linos had three saves in goal for Whitewater.
Article Submitted by Madeleine Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Notice of Affordable Housing Public Input Session
City of Whitewater staff has drafted an Affordable Housing Fund Policy for the Community Development Authority to assist home buyers and developers by addressing the lack of housing available in the City of Whitewater, especially for low-income residents. With this policy, the city seeks to support home buyers in acquiring homes and incentivizing contractors/developers with construction of new housing units.
The goal of the Affordable Housing Fund is to aid homebuyers and provide gap financing for projects in the City of Whitewater that seek to increase the supply of safe, quality, affordable housing and facilitate long‐term affordability and sustainability. In addition, the funds seek to achieve a wider dispersion of affordable housing units throughout the city and discourage development of more affordable housing in areas with existing high concentrations.
Approximately $1.9 million will be allocated to fund single‐family housing projects that promote housing affordability and down payment assistance to purchasers of single‐family homes who qualify based on income in comparison to the median for the County in which the dwelling resides. This policy also proposes to allocate a small amount ($200,000) toward single‐family home rehabilitation in an existing program run by the CDA (view the affordable housing fund policy draft).
John Weidl, Whitewater city manager, shares, “Anyone interested in developing, financing, purchasing, or promoting affordable housing in the City of Whitewater, please attend our public input session and provide input and feedback on how to best allocate $1.9 million toward single-family homes that are affordable for current and future residents. We are grateful for your participation and please know that we value your input.”
The City of Whitewater will host an Affordable Housing Public Input Session “open house” on April 27, 2023, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI. This two‐hour open house will allow any person interested in discussing, reviewing, or commenting on the policy to do so.
Editor’s note: In response to our inquiry, Weidl told the Banner that approximately the first 20 minutes “will be a presentation of how the fund was developed, an explanation of the draft policy, and a recap of some of the major feedback we’ve received to this point. That will be followed by an open house style event. We also intend to livestream and record the event.”
Please feel free to contact City Manager John Weidl at jweidl@whitewater‐wi.gov or 262‐473‐0104 with any questions, comments, or concerns.
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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