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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”
Tuesday, December 27, 1 p.m.
(Action/Adventure/Comedy)
Rated R (violence, language)
2 hours, 19 minutes (2022)
Look forward to the future and the new year, as we enter the Multiverse, a theoretical reality that includes a possibly infinite number of parallel universes. In this adventure, an aging Chinese immigrant (Michelle Yeoh) is swept up in an insane adventure, in which she alone can save our world, by exploring other universes connecting with the other lives she could have led. Also stars Jamie Lee Curtis. This film has garnered a lot of 2023 Oscar buzz. As the 2023 Golden Globe and Academy Awards approach, Seniors in the Park will be screening the nominated films.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Since its opening in 1993, the Young Auditorium on the UW-Whitewater campus has been known locally and in surrounding communities as a “jewel” — an unusually large premier performing arts venue for a community of Whitewater’s size. The facility has 1300 seats and a 400 square foot stage, and is fully accessible. It hosted dozens of dance, music, theatre, comedy, and university events every year. The auditorium is fortunate to be in close proximity to Milwaukee and Madison, as oftentimes touring groups that are on the schedule at venues there have added a stop in Whitewater, usually with a more affordable ticket price. Guests also appreciate the convenient, free parking.
Since the start of the pandemic the Young has been largely dark, with a notable exception of the Holiday Gala on December 3, and until recently it had lost nearly all of its staff. That is in the process of changing, particularly with the appointment, effective December 5, of Jay Craggs as director. Jay’s twenty-five year tenure at UW-W has included serving as assistant director for facilities, University Center; technical director of Young Auditorium; and as a music and communication instructor. Craggs holds an M.A. in arts, entertainment and management from Columbia College and a B.M. in music education from UW-W. He’s had experience on both sides of the entertainment industry, as both a performing artist (electric guitar/vocals) and in booking events. In announcing Jay’s appointment, Eileen Hayes, dean of the College of Arts and Communication, said, “We look forward to benefiting from his depth of experience in the arts and entertainment industry as well as his business acumen as he joins the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Young Auditorium.”
The Young staff also includes longtime staff member Michael Morrissey, now serving as Event Manager; Brian Breezer, Marketing Specialist; Harley Faustrum, Stagehand; Heather Haywood, Office Manager; and Josh Werner, technical director.
Craggs told the Banner that he is excited for this new opportunity, and is already actively seeking bookings, hopefully even on late notice for the spring semester. Watch for further information in the near future.
On Christmas Eve, Saturday, the First United Methodist Church choir will be singing at the 7 p.m. service. Communion will be celebrated at the 11 p.m. service. An elevator provides easy access to the sanctuary, which is on the second floor. If you are unable to join us live, please consider watching the livestream on our YouTube channel. The service will also be archived there.
Although there are normally two worship services on Sunday, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., on Christmas Day there will be only one service at 9 a.m.
Click on this link for a message from our Pastor, Dan Fahs. https://www.facebook.com/fumcwhitewater/videos/3301068420141630
A warm welcome to all!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
“Christmas Greetings” to everyone from the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is from the society’s collection of holiday “penny” post cards, popular during the first two decades of the 20th century.
On the back of this card sent to Miss Ida Edwards, the sender wishes Ida a Merry Christmas and “lots of presents.” The card is postmarked December 21, 1910.
Join us next week for greetings for the New Year!
(post card in the manuscript collections of the Whitewater Historical Society)
The Whitewater Boys’ Swim Team competed against a tough and very fast Badger Co-op on Tuesday, December 20th.
The Whippets logged many best times on the night; those include:
- In the 200 Medley Relay, we had a few notable splits: Miles Nickelsburg – 28.81 (50 FR), Xavier Zei – 45.22 (50 BR), David Enns – 30.70 (50 FR)
- 200 Freestyle Crew all had best times: Jack Hefty – 2:13.73, Sam Nickelsburg – 2:51.77 (4 second drop), Onyx Thompson – 3:01.33 (20 second drop)
- All 50 Freestyles went best times: Cruz Aranda – 26.28, Myles Morse – 30.44, David Enns – 33.30
- Sam Nickelsburg tried out the 100 Fly for the 1st time and had a great time of 1:22.43
- Myles Morse and David Enns continued to swim fast on the night both dropping significant time in the 100 Freestyle.
- Tyler Arnett continues to have a strong performance in the 500 Freestyle, winning the event and going a season best time of 5:30.46.
- Miles Nickelsburg tried out the 500 for the 1st time in his career, swimming a great time of 6:42.77
- Tyler Arnett and Miles Nickelsburg, after a short break from the 500 Freestyle, were back in the water swimming a 100 Backstroke where both swam great times.
- Xavier Zei continues to drop more time in the 100 Breaststroke going a 1:47.20
- Miles Nickelsburg (1:05.60) and Cruz Aranda (1:00.49) both had great splits in the 100 Freestyle.
The boys are back in action on Tuesday, January 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in Elkhorn.
Article and Team Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Whitewater’s girls’ basketball team traveled to Brodhead for a conference game Tuesday night, December 20.
The Whippets got a spark on offense early in the game when Kindyl Kilar hit a jump shot within the first two seconds, forced a turnover in transition, and then Danielle DePorter hit a 3-point shot. That gave us confidence and momentum. We battled on defense throughout the game keeping the score within 9 with 9 minutes left in the second half.
Foul trouble changed that momentum, and Brodhead went on a 19-point scoring run to win 66-32.
Mayte Navejas led the team with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Kindyl Kilar followed with 8 points and DePorter added 5.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, a winter storm warning will be in effect for our area from Thursday at 9 a.m. until Saturday at 6 a.m. This will be for a combination of snow, (moderate to heavy at times Thursday), blowing/drifting snow, and plummeting temperatures with bitterly cold wind chills.
While it remains uncertain if we will see new snow Thursday night through Friday, the combination of fresh snow on the ground and very strong wind gusts will create significant travel impacts across southern Wisconsin. Wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph are expected Thursday night through Friday. This will likely result in significant blowing and drifting of snow, and periods of blizzard conditions.
In addition to the snow and wind, very cold temperatures will build into the area Thursday. Wind chills between -25 and -35F are possible between Thursday night and Sunday morning with Wind Chills at their lowest Friday morning. Anyone who becomes stranded while traveling between Thursday night and Saturday night will quickly find themselves in a life threatening situation!
Total snowfall for our area is projected to be between 2-4″. Wind gusts nearly as high as 50 mph are expected around midday on Friday. Wind chills may be as high as -35 degrees F in the early morning hours on Friday, and may continue to be around -20 degrees F through Saturday morning.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Hans from Pixabay.
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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