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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 12, 2026
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Last week, the Whitewater Track & Field team competed in both Junior Varsity and Varsity Competitions. On Thursday, several athletes competed at the Jefferson JV Invite. Personal records were set by Payton Bunger in the Shot Put and Ethan Barels in the Discus. The Whippets’ JV squad returns to competition next Thursday at Lake Geneva Badger.
On Friday, Whitewater competed in the Fort Atkinson Invitational against five other teams. Several strong performances were had across the board by both squads. The boys were led by first-place finishes from Jack Hefty (3200m run) and CJ Tomomitsu (Pole Vault). Connor Raupp continued his strong 2022 campaign in both throwing events, taking 2nd place in both the shot put and discus. Other medalists included the 2nd place 3200m Relay team of Jack Hefty, Nate Holden, Cooper Hammond, and Ethan Dugan, and Traysen Thomason placed 3rd in the 200m dash.
The girls took home one gold medal from Izzy Dieter in the Discus, who won the competition with a PR throw by over 6 feet. The girls’ Pole Vault trio of Evie Troxel, Izzy Dieter, and Grace Villarreal took 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, respectively, while posting several PR’s. Other medalists included Grace Villarreal who placed 2nd in the 400m dash, and Calli Grosinske with a 3rd place finish in the Long Jump. The Whippets return to competition next Friday at Edgerton for the Tider Invitational.
Article Submitted by Matt Green
Whitewater High School Head Track and Field Coach
mgreen@wwusd.org
File Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippet Booster Club will be hosting their semi-annual Sports Auction on Saturday, April 30 at 841 Brewhouse.
The doors open at 5:00 p.m., and tickets are $20. Your ticket includes entry into the event, food, beverages, and an opportunity to win door prizes. The auction grand prize for the evening is a $1000 drawing but there are MANY more ways to win on the night!
This auction site at https://sportswwusd.sportngin.com/auction will show some of the big ticket items that will be at this year’s auction along with some of our raffle items.
If you have any questions about the event or wish to donate, please contact Booster Club President Tom Grosinske or Athletic Director Justin Crandall.
Make sure to save the date and come out to support our Whippet Athletics! Go, Whippets!
Article Submitted by Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org
The Whippets won in walk-off style on April 26! Carter Friend was the hero of the game with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 7th inning to propel the Whippet Baseball Team to a 2-1 victory over visiting Brodhead-Juda.
The Whippets put together a complete seven inning game, collecting six hits and only allowing three hits.
Marcus DePorter threw a complete game, only throwing 84 pitches.
The Whippets will be back in action again this Thursday as they travel to Brodhead.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippet Softball Team defeated Delavan-Darien this past Monday, April 25, 15-2 in five innings.
Delavan took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but Whitewater scored one in the bottom of the first and three runs in the second for a 4-2 lead. The Whippets broke things open with a 10 run third inning as they cruised to the win.
Cheyenne Bohmann pitched the first three innings for the win, while Ashlynne Bohmann pitched the last two innings to seal the victory.
Shyan Lesperance, Falyn Krahn, Lexi Juoni, Cali Kopecky, Gaby Kubicz, and Nataly Benes scored two runs each. Kopecky and Cheyenne Bohmann also drove in two runs apiece.
The Whippets will be at home this Thursday, April 28th, as they play host to McFarland. Game time is 5:30 p.m.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
On Saturday, April 23rd, the Whippet Softball Team hosted Brodhead in a doubleheader. In between games, the Varsity Softball Field was named in honor of the late softball coach Tim Hering.
Attending the ceremony were two of Coach Hering’s daughters, Kelly and Laura, along with their families. Also celebrating this special occasion were many former players, coaches, and friends.
Special thanks go to the Coulthart family for agreeing to share in the naming of the facility along with Larry Kachel and Don Vruwink who took the initiative to get this naming process moving forward. Thanks go to Athletic Director Justin Crandall and Athletic Assistant Shannon Cushman for all of their hard work in making this day a success.
Guest speakers along with Kelly and Laura were Justin Crandall, Don Vruwink, Diane Schwab, Larry Kachel, and Laurie Kyle Mack.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Greg Stewart
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC.)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults has a fall each year, and Wisconsin leads the nation in fall-related deaths for people ages 60 and older. The good news is that falls are preventable. The Stepping On program, offered by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), is a small group, community-based program that has been proven to reduce falls by 31 percent. Stepping On will be held in the Walworth County room on Tuesdays (9 to 11 a.m.) from May 3 to June 14, 2022, at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10.
In seven weekly, two-hour sessions, Stepping On gives participants strategies for avoiding falls, including balance and strength exercises, home safety check suggestions, medication review, and more. Guest experts, including a physical therapist and pharmacist, visit throughout the seven sessions to provide information and strategies for avoiding a fall. The workshop is designed specifically for people who are age 60 or older, have fallen, and/or have a fear of falling. Participants can expect to leave with improved strength, better balance, and a feeling of confidence and independence.
For questions, or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Whitewater Girls’ Soccer opened conference play against Jefferson on Thursday, April 21. Both teams played hard, with Whitewater winning 1-0.
The Whippets’ goal was scored by Belle Peterson (56’).
Marina Linos had five saves in goal for Whitewater. Becca Wolfe and Rachel Simonson played in goal for Jefferson.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Rummage Sale
N5907 State Road 89
Delavan
3/4 mile south of Duck Inn
Friday, April 22 – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 23 – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Harley apparel, outdoor misc., household items, etc.
******************************************************************************
We do not post individual sales outside the school district, but FYI are including the following info on a community sale.
Village Wide Rummage Sales in Johnson Creek
The Johnson Creek Community Wide Rummage sales will be held April 22 and 23. Many sales
will begin as early as April 21 and continue through April 24. Several non-profits will be holding
fundraisers during this event.
On Friday from 7:00-2:00 Mary Magdalene Church’s Women of Mary will be holding a plant and
food/lunch including homemade sweet rolls, hard rolls, Pilgrim potato soup, Chili, BBQ, hot
dogs, assorted desserts, coffee, water, soda will be offered. This event will be held at the
church at 242 William Street. Guest are asked to enter the parking lot off of West Street.
On Saturday from 9:00 to 1:0 the Johnson Creek Historical Society will host Garden Palooza.
Area gardeners are welcome to bring their divided plants to sell. The Society will be selling
soup and sandwiches at their museum, 110 Aztalan St. This sale will support ongoing expenses
to manage the museum.
Friday and Saturday will feature brats, hamburgers, and hot dogs at the American Legion Post
309 at their club house on 223 Williams Street from 10:30 to 1:30. The bar will be open.
The Friends of the Johnson Creek Library will be hosting their semi-annual used book sale both
Friday and Saturday 8-2 at the Village Community Center 417 Union Street. Proceeds of the sale
will support summer programming for children through adults.
Sustain Jefferson will be hosting a sale at 147 Pheasant Run from 8-3 both Friday and Saturday.
Organic seed potatoes will be sold, in addition to a wide variety of garage sale finds. Sustain
Jefferson will be raising money to support their mission of providing Sustainable Solutions for a
Sustainable World.
On Friday and Saturday from 8-3 the Crossroads Church at 111 South Street will have a
rummage sale. This sale supports the Church’s outreach programming. A wide variety of
clothing and household items will be for sale.
In addition, close to 50 sales will be held around the Village and adjacent towns. A complete list
of sales is available by email. Send an email to caroljo@tds.net to receive the final list. Listing
will be available on April 20.
A Banner Service – Garage Sale Ads
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property. Although we may eventually make a small charge for this service, initially it will be complimentary.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address.
Obituaries
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
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
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