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Today is Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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Join UW-Whitewater faculty, staff and students for a talk on a timely topic. We’ll share information, then have a conversation with each other. All Warhawk Talks are followed by refreshments and open to the public. RSVPs requested.
Warhawk Talks are held at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 West Main Street, Whitewater. Entrance and free parking are in the rear of the building. Click here for more details.
Third Parties in American Politics: Why They Usually Don’t Succeed, and Why This Time May be Different
In the summer of 2022, dozens of former Republican and Democratic officials announced their commitment to a new national party: the Forward Party. Backers hope this new organization will provide a viable alternative to the two major parties in the United States, which continue to win nearly every major election despite the fact that more Americans identify as Independents than as Republicans or Democrats, and most Americans believe a third party is needed in this country. Join us to discuss why third parties struggle to gain traction in American politics, and why leaders of the Forward Party think they have the winning formula this time around. Do they? Let’s discuss!
Presented by Eric Loepp, Professor, Politics, Government, and Law
Thursday, November 3, 2022, 6 p.m.
If you have a disability and require accommodations, please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA. Please contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information.
Reservations requested; please RSVP here.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the map, “Electoral College Ratings” by nordique, which is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
WHS senior, Anderson Waelchli, performed at the Overture Center in Madison with the Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Choir on Thursday evening. Anderson was chosen last February to sing as one of the 25 tenors from around the state selected to perform in the Honors Mixed Choir under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson. The concert was held in Overture Hall along with the Honor Treble Choir. Congratulations to Anderson on a fantastic performance!
The Whippet Swim Team competed in the Southern Lakes Conference Championships Saturday, October 29, at Jefferson. The Whippets placed 6th overall!
🎉The girls started off strong with a 5th (Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, and Brooke Bazeley) and 14th (Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder, Charlotte Hajewski, and Karime Velazquez) place in the 200 Medley.
🥇Introducing our 2022, 200 Freestyle Conference Champion- Makayla Bazeley. She went a season best time of 2:03.33!
🎉Karime Velazquez also had an impressive 200 Freestyle by going a 2:50.37 and finishing in 12th place.
🎉Josie Treder took 13th place in the 200 IM with a best time of 2:46.93. That’s almost a 3 second drop!
🎉In the 50 Freestyle, Brooke Bazeley placed 11th with a time of 28.30 and Karime Velazquez with a best time of 33.06.
🎉Makayla Bazeley continues to swim strong with 2nd place finish in the 100 Butterfly by going a life time best of 1:00.24. She also earned herself a new place on the Top 10 list at #2!
🎉Grace Foucault took a 3rd place finish in the 100 Freestyle with a season best time of 57.18.
🎉Ashly Xochipa went a lifetime best in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:06.96!
🎉We had an impressive lineup of 500 swimmers including Charlotte Hajewski, Emerson Dunham, and Brooke Bazeley. Brooke Bazeley earned herself a 3rd place finish with a time of 6:02.48, Emerson Dunham earned herself a 5th place finish with a best time of 6:06.51, and Charlotte Hajewski earned herself a 14th place finish with a 10 second time drop by going a 6:31.29!
🎉In the 200 Freestyle Relay – Josie Treder, Ashly Xochipa, Karime Velazquez, and Charlotte Hajewski all had impressive splits with a 12th place finish (2:04.80).
🎉Grace Foucault adds some more hardware to her collection with a 4th place finish in the 100 Backstroke by going a time of 1:02.08.
🎉Ashly Xochipa continues to drop time in the 100 Backstroke by going a 1:19.02.
🎉The Whippets rounded up the events by placing 6th in the 400 Freestyle Relay (Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, and Grace Foucault).
With an impressive meet like this, we are so excited to watch them compete in Sectionals next weekend (11/5) in Whitefish Bay! Go, dogs!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Saturday, October 29th, was a beautiful day for cross country! The Whippets headed to Wisconsin Rapids for the 2022 State Cross Country Meet, where Junior Nate Holden and Sophomore Jack Hefty competed against the best runners in the state. Overall, the D2 race was comprised of 146 competitors. A fast field and the support of their family, friends, and teammates had the Whippets out in flying fashion, as Hefty and Holden cruised through the first mile in 5:05 and 5:13, respectively.
The second mile of the course proved challenging, as expected, due to the hills, sharp turns, and elevation changes. Hefty held his Top-40 position through the 2-mile marker, reaching it in 10:52. Holden, in his first State XC appearance, arrived at that same mark in 11:35.
A similarly challenging third mile also contained its fair share of twists, turns, hills, and an all-out sprint to the finish line to complete the course. Hefty made up some ground in the final stretch, and was able to finish the race in a time of 17:06, while Holden crossed the finish line in 19:07. Hefty’s time was good for 30th place in the D2 field, while Holden finished 126th.
This race capped off an excellent season for both boys! This season was full of awards for Jack and Nate as they both earned first-team all-Rock Valley Conference honors earlier this season as well as state meet births from their sectional races. The boys not only get it done on race day, but they also get it done in the classroom. Jack and Nate also earned academic all-state honors as their GPA is well above the 3.5 threshold set by the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association to receive this honor. Congratulations, boys!
Full Results: https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Cross_Country/2022/d2bstateresults.pdf
Article and Photos Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Whitewater Whippet Cheerleading is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser
beginning on October 31st, 2022, and running through December 30th, 2022, to raise funds for
uniforms. Whippet Cheerleading will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn,
used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those
dollars will benefit Whippet Cheerleading. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new
shoes at UWW University Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, First English Lutheran Church, Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools, Middle and High Schools.
All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise
(small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create,
maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are
limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed,
clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her
son to law school.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Jorie Raudenbush, Coach. “We know that most people
have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for our
growing program’s uniform needs, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who
need economic opportunities. Shoes will also be donated locally. It’s a win for everyone.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Whippet Cheerleading, the shoes will be given a
second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world and in our own community.
[From the Funds2Orgs website] Funds2Orgs accepts all gently worn, used and new shoes, sneakers, and even cleats. However, there are some restrictions, which are as follows:
- Single Shoes or mismatched pairs of shoes
- Ice Skates
- Rollerblades / Roller Skates
- Wet / moldy shoes
- Shoes with holes or tears
- No thrift store shoes are accepted.
If possible it would be helpful if you could rubber-band the shoes together or tie the laces together to prevent the pairs from separating.
About Whippet Cheerleading
The Whippet Cheerleading program is for students in grades 6-12 who attend Whitewater public
schools. Currently the program includes approximately 30 cheerleaders who cheer for middle and high
school basketball teams and the high school football team. Our cheerleading program provides
students opportunities to improve upon their athleticism, and build communication, teamwork, and
leadership skills.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Dim Hou from Pixabay.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes First reading of ordinance regarding Unnecessary or Preventable Calls for Emergency Services; discussion/direction regarding minimum housing sizes; discussion/direction regarding Starin Road neighborhood development plan; discussion regarding request to increase quota of beer/liquor Class A (off premises) licenses; presentation of 2022-23 budgets.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person).
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85202017406?pwd=eDBFUENaT1VIM1BFR2grRWNnRmhwQT09
Passcode: 966725
Or Telephone:
1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 852 0201 7406
Passcode: 966725
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission (In Person and Virtual) – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Landmark Hotel restoration update, Converse House nomination as a local landmark, Starin Park water tower update.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/452658125
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 452-658-125
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that there are a lot of fun activities surrounding
Halloween and encourages everyone to prioritize safety. Children and youth look forward to Trick
or Treating, and we want everyone to enjoy the festivities. Below are some Halloween safety tips.
Trick or Treaters
• Do not Trick or Treat alone.
• An adult should accompany kids under 12 years old.
• Trick or Treat at lit houses. Do not approach a dark residence.
• Look both ways before crossing a road, and do not run.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks to be more visible.
• Fasten reflective tape to candy bags and costumes.
• Take a cellphone and call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious.
• Do not enter any residence. Remain outside.
• Wait to eat any treats until after an adult checks them for safety.
Do not eat any treats that are not in factory-sealed packaging.
Drivers
• Drive slow and watch your surroundings. Turn your headlights on.
• Take extra time to check for kids at intersections and when entering and exiting driveways.
• Avoid using electronic devices; focus on driving.
• Do not drink and drive. If you drink, get a sober ride home.
We wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween!
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by M. Harris from Pixabay.
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
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