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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to an announcement at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, now that the campus visits by five chancellor candidates have been completed, next week the UW System President and the Special Regent Committee will receive a summary of the visit feedback. It is then anticipated that during the week of January 9 the president and committee will interview the candidates and identify a candidate to recommend to the full Board of Regents. A special meeting of the Board of Regents would then be called during the week of January 16 or 23 to consider approval of the recommendation, with an announcement to follow.
Further information about the search, including the names of the candidates, may be found here.
From wiacsports.com
Official D3football.com Release
Five Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been selected to the 2022 D3football.com All-America Team.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ Michael Brown and UW-Whitewater’s Ryan Liszka were first team selections, while UW-La Crosse’s Mike Bertoia and UW-Whitewater’s Seth Roberts collected second team honors. UW-Platteville’s Justin Blazek was a third team pick.
Brown is the first individual in program archives to receive first team honors from D3football.com. He led the WIAC with eight interceptions and recorded multiple interceptions in three games, including a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown against UW-Stevens Point on Oct. 1. Brown added 42 tackles and broke up five passes.
Liszka led a UW-Whitewater defense that allowed the fewest yards per game in the conference at 287.0 per outing. The Warhawks also topped the WIAC with 66.7 rushing yards allowed per game – a mark that ranks No. 11 in NCAA Division III. Liszka added 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He registered double figures in tackles five times, including a season-high 12 against Aurora University (Ill.) on Nov. 19.
Bertoia’s selection marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that UW-La Crosse has been represented on the D3football.com All-America squad. He guided an offensive line that helped UW-La Crosse average 34.4 points per game and 418.3 yards of offense per contest. The Eagles had a season-high 632 yards of total offense and 386 rushing yards against UW-Eau Claire on Oct. 15.
Roberts helped UW-Whitewater register 2,171 rushing yards on 433 attempts, an average of 5.0 yards per rush. In the WIAC, the Warhawks gained 1,689 yards on the ground, averaging 5.8 per carry – the most yards and highest average in conference play for UW-Whitewater in over a decade. Roberts allowed one sack in 408 pass and quarterback run attempts this season.
The selections of Liszka and Roberts mark the ninth straight season that UW-Whitewater has had multiple D3football.com All-Americans.
Blazek is the program’s first D3football.com All-America honoree since the 2016 campaign when Dan Arnold was a first team honoree. Blazek, the WIAC Kwik Trip Defensive Player of the Year, finished second in the conference with nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He was third on the team with 58 tackles, including a season-high 10 against UW-River Falls on Oct. 15. Blazek recorded a pair of multi-sack contests, including three for 29 yards lost at UW-Stout on Oct. 29. He forced turnovers in back-to-back games, collecting an interception against Hardin-Simmons University (Texas) on Sept. 17, before recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown at UW-Oshkosh on Oct. 1.
| 2022 D3football.com All-America First Team | |||||
| Name | School | Year | Pos. | Hometown (High School) | Prev. Selections |
| Michael Brown | River Falls | So. | CB | Victoria, Minn. (Chaska) | —- |
| Ryan Liszka | Whitewater | Sr. | LB | Naperville, Ill. (Benet Academy) | —- |
| 2022 D3football.com All-America Second Team | |||||
| Name | School | Year | Pos. | Hometown (High School) | Prev. Selections |
| Mike Bertoine | La Crosse | Jr. | T | Lake Zurich, Ill. (Lake Zurich) | —- |
| Seth Roberts | Whitewater | Sr. | G | Johnson Creek, Wis. (Johnson Creek) | —- |
| 2022 D3football.com All-America Third Team | |||||
| Name | School | Year | Pos. | Hometown (High School) | Prev. Selections |
| Justin Blazek | Platteville | Sr. | DE | Naperville, Il.. (Neuqua Valley) | —- |
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Total enrollment at the two UW-Whitewater campuses, which has declined for the past three years, has fallen once again. The 10th day fall enrollment, the standard measure of enrollment, was 11,087, a decline of 373 students from last year. Total enrollment when UW-Rock County consolidated with UW-Whitewater in 2018 was 13,059. The all-time record enrollment of 12,628 at the Whitewater campus was in 2016-17, versus the current 10,494.
A bright spot is Graduate Studies enrollment on the Whitewater campus, with a record 1,712 students pursuing Master’s or Doctor’s degrees, compared with 1,683 last year. Nine years ago graduate students numbered only 1,163.
Declining high school graduation classes in the state and nationally, together with low unemployment and rising wages, are contributing to enrollment declines at most universities. Initial estimates for the entire UW System for the current school year indicated that there was a decline of approximately 1%. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found that undergraduate enrollment at four-year public universities fell by 1.6%. Graduate enrollment dropped by 1%. UW-W’s total decline was approximately 3%.
In response to the Banner’s inquiry regarding enrollment, Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth provided the following statement:
“We are proud that students continue to choose the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to further their education. Every day I’m inspired by the dedication of our faculty and staff and their commitment to student success at every level. Their passion draws students to our university, both at our Whitewater and Rock County campus, and enables students to feel supported every day.”
“We are seeing encouraging areas of enrollment. For example, we are enthusiastic about our trends in first-time full-time students, graduate students, and online students. Outside of UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, we are number one in the system in total student aid provided, enrollment from non-resident students and underrepresented minority students, and distance education students. We are also number one in our percentage of graduating transfer students in six years or less. And the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County is the third-largest branch campus in the state and we are planning to add new academic and student opportunities there.”
“Looking ahead, stabilizing our enrollment is among our top priorities. But it’s not just about enrolling students, it is about retaining them, graduating them, and then supporting their transition into the next chapter of their lives, whether it’s the start of a career or graduate school.”
A summary of the recent enrollment statistics is shown below. Longer term statistics may be found here.
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | |
| Whitewater Campus Undergraduate | 9657 | 9133 | 8782 |
| Graduate | 1567 | 1683 | 1712 |
| Total Whitewater Campus | 11224 | 10816 | 10494 |
| Rock County Campus | 771 | 644 | 593 |
| Grand Total | 11995 | 11460 | 11087 |
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Negotiation of sale of properties at 413 West Center Street, 414A/B Forest Avenue, 424 Forest
Avenue, Whitewater; Complete a 360 review of the changing needs of the library (print vs digital
expenditures, staffing, workflow) and update the library’s budget; Approval Of The Draft Revision Of The Collection Development Policy.
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
This will be an in-person/virtual hybrid meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85040365333?pwd=Z1JieVMvN1lnUllYU2pIaGpDVnNCUT09
Meeting ID: 850 4036 5333
Passcode: fdh3VE6t
or dial 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 850 4036 5333
Passcode: 76285245
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. (Closed session); 7:00 p.m. (Open session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89106332735?pwd=YlJmZDYxQ0JyWlJpdVdvSE11Tlg4QT09
– Passcode: 177861
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 891 0633 2735
– Passcode: 177861
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Closed Session
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Open Session
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes 2023-24 High School Curriculum Changes/Course Proposals and Review of 2021-22 Financial Audit.
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82553957313?pwd=aHkrekg3a1NLaFprM0h0OGpFYkFOUT09
– Passcode: 827459
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 825 5395 7313
– Passcode: 827459
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes adoption of 2023 salary resolution, SEWRPC report on housing in Whitewater, discussion regarding honoring Martin Luther King day as a holiday for city employees, and update regarding CDA Director position.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an in person AND a virtual meeting.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88045220373?pwd=MFhZSGFpTkJmV3pNRFZtcHRob09SUT0
9
Passcode: 096103
Or Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 880 4522 0373
Passcode: 096103
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz, WHS Counselor.
National Honor Society members at Whitewater High School purchased Holiday presents for ten WUSD children in need through the United Way Gift Giving Program in December! Money spent was from funds raised through the Spring Silent Auction. Thank you, Evelyn Troxel, Allison Alvarado & her sister Ava for purchasing the gifts, and to Evelyn, Allison & Caleigh Yang & Kayla Mikos for wrapping the gifts! A great time was had by all! Here is a photo story of pictures taken during this project!
A YouTube video depicting the project may be viewed here.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The First United Methodist Church choir, together with additional singers from other Whitewater Area Regional Ministry congregations and other community members, presented a Christmas cantata titled “Little Lion, Little Lamb” by Heather Sorenson on December 11 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A 22-piece orchestra accompanied the choir, as did James R. Athas on piano. Christine Hayes directed, while Pastor Dan Fahs narrated. Vocal soloists were Barb Athas, Benjamin Crone, Jen Crone, Charlie Fortney, Katie Fortney, Nathan Roley, and Barb Taylor. The concert was dedicated to the late Marge Triebold, who sang in the choir for over 65 years. All photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
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 Monday.
Please click on this link to make an appointment.
The Whitewater Unified School District 5th Grade Choirs presented a concert on December 13 at the high school auditorium. Directors are Justin Kamp (Lakeview), Christine Hayes (Lincoln), and Val Troxel (Washington). Barb Taylor accompanied on the piano. All photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
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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