Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

Today is Thursday, January 9, 2025

News & Events

WHITEWATER WEATHER

To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar.  Then, click on Submit Event.

Helpful Links

Search our Archives

To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.

Whitewater High School Varsity Soccer Youth Night

September 13, 2024

Whitewater United FC would like to thank the Whitewater HS Soccer coaching staff for inviting WUFC players to participate in Youth Night during the Varsity game on Sept. 5th! We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our coaches who were there helping with the players during halftime!! Thank you for another wonderful Youth Night!!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Emily Magana – Secretary of Whitewater United FC.

No. 4 UW-W Volleyball Takes Down Another Ranked Opponent

September 13, 2024
Alayna Jansky celebrates after the Warhawks score a point in a match earlier this season (Michael Gouvion)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Box Score || Whitewater, Wis. – The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s volleyball team took down No. 16 Millikin University 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 25-16) in Russell Arena Friday evening. The Warhawks, 9-0, have won four matches against top 25 opponents so far this season.

Two words that describe tonight’s thriller in Russell — resilience and relentless. UWW trailed much of the first set as the Big Blue strung together a few runs to build a 17-11 advantage. The Warhawks never quit battling back to within four, 22-18, when an Abbie Dix kill sparked a phenomenal run. With Jenna Weinfurt at the service line, UW-Whitewater rattled off six straight. The powerful outside put the finishing touches on opener serving set point and then tallying the kill from the back row to give UWW a 1-0 lead. 

A five-point run in set two – once again with Weinfurt serving – gave the Warhawks a 13-9 lead. UW-Whitewater held the margin until late in the set when Millikin turned the tables and went on a run of their own. With UWW leading 23-17, the Big Blue rattled off five consecutive to pull within one, 23-22. Alayna Jansky hammered down a kill to force set point. Following a Warhawk miscue from the service line, Jansky put set two away with another kill, her eighth of the second set. 

The squads traded the lead 30 times in set three. Similar to the first two, the end of the set was a battle. Millikin held a 23-21 lead before the Warhawks came back to tie it off of a Weinfurt kill and Big Blue attack error. However, MU responded with a pair of kills to extend the match to a fourth set. 

UW-Whitewater ran away with the fourth set. Ally Longden served a long run mid set that had the Warhawks enjoying a 16-8 advantage. UWW extended the gap to 22-13 and traded points the rest of the way for the win. Weinfurt sealed the deal with the final kill of the contest. 

Jansky led all players with 24 kills on 54 attempts. She added 13 digs in the match. Weinfurt registered 15 kills while adding a pair of aces and 11 digs. Dix joined the outsides in double digits with 10 kills adding a match-high six assist blocks. 

Aubrie Krzus posted 49 assists while Jaedynn Evans led UWW with 19 digs in the four-setter. 

The Warhawks will wrap up play in the second UW-Whitewater Invitational of the season Saturday against Concordia University (Wisconsin) at 2 p.m. 

Seniors in the Park Presents Perfect Days

September 13, 2024

“Perfect Days”

Wednesday, September 18, 1 p.m.

(Drama) Rated PG; 2 hours, 4 minutes (2023)

Our last art film of Summer is one of serene peace, joy, and contemplation. 

Hirayama is content with his life as a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassettes, reading books, and taking photos of trees: a life of simplicity and daily tranquility. Oscar nominated for Best International Film. Language: Japanese. Shown with English subtitles.

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Whippet Volleyball Opens Conference Play

September 13, 2024

On Thursday, September 12, the Whippet Volleyball Program traveled to Delavan-Darien to open up conference play. The Whippets fell short in the match-up at all three levels but battled until the end. Varsity scores for the match were 17-25, 9-25, 26-28.

Calli Grosinske

The Whippets were led by:

  • Calli Grosinske with 7 kills and 14 assists
  • Ella Spear with 17 digs
  • Zoe Kohl with 2 aces

The Whippets are back in action this weekend in Dodgeland for a tournament and then have their first home matches on Tuesday, September 17 against Monroe and Thursday, September 19 against Jefferson.

Come out and support your Whippet Volleyball Program. 

Article Submitted by Caitlin Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
dowca01@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka

Food Truck Fest Today 11-7 – UPDATE: Photo Gallery

September 13, 2024


The City of Whitewater is excited to announce its first-ever Food Truck Fest, scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, from 11 AM to 7 PM at Cravath Lakefront Park. This marks the first event of its kind in our community, and we are thrilled to bring a diverse lineup of 15 food trucks to the area.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of delicious options, including tacos, donuts, and so much more! Whether you’re in the mood for a savory meal or a sweet treat, there’s something for everyone at the Food Truck Fest.

In addition to the fantastic food offerings, the City is partnering with Second Salem Brewing Company to provide a selection of local beers for the event. This collaboration promises to enhance the festivity of the day, offering a perfect pairing of food and beverages in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Join us at Cravath Lakefront Park for a day of great food, community, and fun. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere of the inaugural Food Truck Fest!

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. Actually there was a food truck festival held at the library a number of years ago, but it featured about half as many trucks and no beer.

Today is Last Chance to Get Books from the Library Till Mid-Oct.; Giant Oaks Fall

September 13, 2024
The giant burr oak tree at the corner of Center and Church Streets being taken down [Lynn Binnie photos]
The burr oak near the parking lot entrance had already fallen with a crash loud enough to bring a neighbor out of her home on Saturday afternoon

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

As was previously announced on the Banner, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s major renovation and expansion project is underway. On Friday, September 13 two giant burr oak trees were taken down to make room for the construction. Observers opined that the trees were likely over 200 years old. It was the price of progress, they admitted, while also acknowledging that trees don’t last forever. The event brought back memories of the relatively recent loss of the failing “Territorial Oak” at Main and Franklin Streets, as well as the controversial destruction about a decade ago of the gorgeous huge oak behind the former Olsen Funeral Home at Main and Prince Streets.

The library will be closed for approximately one month beginning Saturday, September 14. It will be open today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and materials that are checked out will be given an October 21 due date, although it is hoped that the reopening will occur by October 12. Should patrons wish to return those materials sooner than that date, they could return them at any of the Bridges System libraries, which includes Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Palmyra. Anyone wishing to obtain materials during the library’s closure may do so by visiting one of those libraries, or by placing a hold on their desired materials on the library’s website but designating the library where they wish to pick them up. A patron’s library card is accepted at any of the system libraries.

Groundbreaking will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. with speeches at 5:15. Cake and beverages will be served.

Whippet Swimmers Battle Edgerton/Evansville

September 13, 2024

On Tuesday, September 10, the Whippet Swim Team took on Edgerton/Evansville in their first conference dual meet of the season. 

2024 Whippet Girls’ Swim Team

The Whippets put up a close battle against Edgerton/Evansville by putting up some impressive times. Here are some highlights from the night:

In the 200 Medley Relay, Makayla Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Charlotte Hajewski, and Maggie Maas beat out the rest of the competition by 5 seconds. 

In the 50 Freestyle, Laken DePorter, Lucy Davis, and Georgia Esch all posted best times.

Charlotte Hajewski swam a lifetime best of 1:18.26 in the 100 Butterfly. And a quick shout out to Marijose Verduzco for competing in the 100 Butterfly for the first time. 

In the 100 Freestyle, Maggie Maas, Maya Davis, Laken DePorter, and Caitlin Alford all posted best times. Maya Davis had an impressive 10 second time drop which puts her under 1:30. Way to go! 

In the 500 Freestyle, Georgia Esch went a lifetime best time of 7:33.78. Emerson Dunham went a season best time of 6:17.82. And finally, we were so excited to see Zoe Zei back competing in the 500! 

Marijose Verduzco went a lifetime best in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:34.40. 

Makayla Bazeley improved in the 100 Breaststroke by going a time of 1:17.20. This secures her 8th place spot in the Whippet Top 10 list. 

The Whippets are back in action on Saturday, September 14, at the Elk Invite in Elkhorn. We hope to see more red in the crowd cheering on our team!

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: East Side School in early 20th century

September 12, 2024

It time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Here is a post card image of the East Side School in the early 20th century after a large addition was made to the original building in 1906-1907. By the turn of the 20th century, the population of Whitewater had increased significantly and in 1884, a new west side “Union School” had been built; then that building became a high school building by 1893, when the Esterly School for elementary students was established, also on the west side. Finally, after 1900, the east side was addressed with an addition that doubled the size of the original building. In this configuration, the East Side school served this area of Whitewater for 50 years.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3100PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Obituaries

Obituary: William J. “Bill” West, 75

William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more

Read More

Obituary: David Harold Baker Jr., 61, of Portland, OR

David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Allen C. Hicks, 85

Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91

Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox.  She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years.  Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Isaac Richard Unger, 31

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more

Read More

Obituary: John George Mack, 61

John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater.   John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.   As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Clifford Maynard Witte, 103

Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte.  Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79

Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963.  She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later.  She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon.  She was … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Jean Lucile Zuill, 98

Jean Lucile Zuill, 98, of Whitewater passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Hearthstone Memory Care. Jean was born on April 20, 1926 in the Town of Lima to Howard and Florence (VanDuser) Hunt. Along with her brother Van, she grew up on their family farm in Lima. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1944. For a short time, Jean worked at the Parker Pen Company in Janesville. She married David “Dave” Zuill on August 9, 1947 in Whitewater. Upon marriage and having their two daughters, Janet and Mary, Jean undertook the meaningful job of mother and homemaker. … Read more

Read More

Obituary: Helen Ruth Delaney, 94

Helen Ruth Delaney, 94, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 20, 2024. She was born in Bellwood, West Virginia on August 8, 1930, daughter of Henderson C. and Bertha J. (Skaggs) Hamby. She attended Leedwood High School in West Virginia. She attended Cornell University in New York studying economics and business. On April 8, 1978, Helen married Laurence W. Delaney in Rockton, IL. Helen retired as the Manager of a Hallmark gift shop in Greenville SC and previously managed the Stop ‘N Go in Whitewater, WI. Helen was a member … Read more

Read More

Other Recent Posts

Click on the title to view the post.  To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.