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No. 3 Warhawk Football Edges UW-River Falls

October 23, 2021

No. 3 Warhawk Football Edges UW-River Falls

Chris Lindeke, Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
October 23, 2021

Box Score: https://uwwsports.com/sports/football/stats/2021/uw-river-falls/boxscore/15414

The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team took the lead with just under three minutes to play Saturday and held on late for a 34-28 victory at UW-River Falls in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest.

After the Falcons (5-2 overall, 2-2 WIAC) tied the game with 5:41 left in the fourth quarter, Jaylon Edmonson returned the ensuing short kickoff 46 yards to the UW-RF 19-yard line.

From there, Matt Maldonado put his 28-yard kick through the uprights to give the Warhawks (7-0, 4-0) a 31-28 advantage.

On the ensuing kickoff return, Daniel Baggett forced a fumble that was recovered by Kyle Koelblinger at the Falcons’ 14-yard line.

Three plays later, Maldonado hit a 31-yard field goal to double the UW-W lead to six with 1:51 on the clock.

On the first play from scrimmage on the next drive, Koelblinger picked off Kole Hinrichsen at midfield, and UW-Whitewater ran out the clock for the win.

Quarterback Max Meylor threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Tamir Thomas and Alex Peete led the Warhawks’ rushing attack with 83 and 74 yards, respectively. Derek Kumerow posted five receptions for 64 yards to lead all receivers.

Koelblinger led the defense with four tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. Linebackers Shane McGrail and Aaron Sturdevant tied for the team high with six tackles apiece.

UW-Whitewater scored touchdowns on its first two offensive possessions and forced three-and-outs defensively on UW-River Falls’ first two possessions.

After a 41-yard punt return by Dain Hudson that was moved back to the Falcons’ 40-yard line on a penalty, the Warhawks took six plays to find the end zone. After a third-and-12 completion from Meylor to Ryan Wisniewski, Tyler Holte caught a 6-yard touchdown from Meylor at the 10:34 mark of the first quarter.

Thomas set up UW-Whitewater’s next touchdown with runs of 22 and nine yards, respectively. Meylor hit Wisniewski for a 23-yard score to make it 14-0 with 6:33 to play in the period.

UW-River Falls tallied 21 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 21-14 advantage into halftime.

After a UW-W punt, the Falcons drove near midfield. On third down, Niko Lemke recovered a UW-RF fumble to give the Warhawks the ball at the Falcons’ 44-yard line.

From there, UW-Whitewater tied the game at 21-21 on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Meylor to Sam DeLany with 10:16 remaining in the third quarter.

Following a UW-River Falls punt, the Warhawks took the lead on a 10-play, 70-yard drive that included a 16-yard pass from Meylor to Kumerow on fourth-and-4 from the Falcons’ 33-yard line. Edmonson ran for 11 yards, and Peete completed the drive with a six-yard scoring run with 2:51 to go in the frame.

A turnover deep in UW-W territory set up UW-River Falls’ game-tying touchdown and set the stage for the final six minutes of action.

UW-Whitewater hosts UW-Eau Claire during Homecoming next Saturday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m. at Perkins Stadium.

Eat & Drink for a Good Cause: Bethel House Farm & Vine to Table Benefit Dinner

October 22, 2021


Bethel House is hosting a fund-raising five-course dinner catered by Black Sheep with wine
pairing at the Staller Estate Winery on November 5 at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds support Bethel
House, Whitewater’s grass-roots nonprofit providing hope and housing to homeless families
with children in the Whitewater area. The cost is $75 per person.

Given the risk of the Covid variant, in order to stay safe and healthy while gathering, the plan is:
– Tables are spread out on both the upper and lower levels of Staller’s large event space;
– All the servers will wear masks;
– Attendees are encouraged to register for the dinner with people you know, for a table
size of 2, 4, 6, and 8.

The difficulty of supporting families experiencing homelessness and at great risk of becoming
homeless in these challenging times is described by Bethel House Executive Director Kristy
Weinberg:
“This has been such a difficult year for many families. Some have experienced hardship
because they contracted Covid and were very sick. Some lost their jobs because their
employer lost their business. Some have had to choose between their job and caring for
their children. Many have experienced additional issues with domestic violence or a mental
health crisis. The pandemic has taken its toll on everyone, but some have suffered
extensively. We do what we can. Sometimes that means giving more help than we usually
provide towards their rent or electric bills so they don’t get evicted. Often it means simply
giving a ride to an appointment, finding beds for the kids, or even just picking up a pack of
diapers. And in all cases, that means being a safe, listening ear for them to open up and
share their struggles.”

If you are interested in attending the dinner on November 5, email
becca.bethelhouse@gmail.com or call 262-473-2715. Donations can be mailed to Bethel
House, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, 53190.

Call for Art 2021 Whitewater Arts Alliance Members’ Show

October 22, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Arts Alliance.

The annual Whitewater Arts Alliance Members’ Show (and sale) will be exhibited in a hybrid format online at whitewaterarts.org and at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street, from Friday, Nov. 19th to Sunday, Dec. 19th. Except for Thanksgiving week (11/25 – 11/28), the gallery will be open Friday through Sunday each week from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. The virtual show will be available for viewing all month long. The Whitewater Arts Alliance will be recording a virtual reception to display on our youtube channel. Viewing the exhibit is free of charge and open to everyone interested in the visual arts. The city of Whitewater asks that visitors wear masks in the Cultural Arts Center regardless of vaccination status.

The WAA Members’ Show welcomes art pieces by Whitewater Arts Alliance members in any 2-D or 3-D medium completed during the last two years. The Alliance encourages each participant to submit three to four pieces. All participants will be entered in a blind drawing for a free 2022 WAA membership. The drawing will be Sunday, Nov. 21.

Anyone can become a member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance by completing a membership form and choosing their membership type. Check out whitewaterarts.org and click on “About” and “Become a Member” for more details.

Show visitors will also have an opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces on exhibit in-gallery or online.

Participating members of the Whitewater Arts Alliance are to bring their art and completed forms (unless submitted by email at wwartsalliance@gmail.com) to the Cultural Arts Center gallery on Sunday, Nov. 14 between 2:00 and 6:00 P.M. Current forms are on the WAA website whitewaterarts.org on the “forms” menu. Artists are to pick up their art pieces after announcement of the viewers’ choices on Sunday, Dec. 19 at about 2:30 P.M.

Exhibit Guidelines

1. Submitted pieces should represent work done during the last two years.

2. Submitted pieces must be original. If a piece references or reproduces a photograph,

the artist is to have taken the original photograph(s).

3. Submitted 2-dimensional pieces must be wired and ready for hanging.

4. Pedestals are available for 3-dimensional pieces, but if a display case is needed, the artist is to

provide it.

5. Members may submit up to a maximum of four pieces.

6. Complete the licensing contract to merchandise images (whitewaterarts.org). At the WAA website, click on “Forms” and then click on “Members’ Show Licensing Agreement.”

7. Complete the general insurance release form for liability while pieces are on exhibit at the CAC (whitewaterarts.org). At the WAA website, click on “Forms” and then click on “Members’ Show Insurance Release.” At the bottom of the insurance release form, you will find information tags for three art pieces. Complete one of the tags for each art piece to be submitted for the show. Attach the tag so that it can be viewed easily from the front.

8. Email digital copies of your art (JPEG format) to wwartsalliance@gmail.com for the virtual show.

9. Bring art pieces, completed forms (items 6 and 7 above, and unless emailed to wwartsalliace@gmail.com) to the CAC gallery on Sunday, Nov. 14 between 2:00 and 6:00 P.M. or at another time by special arrangement.

10. Pick up art after announcement of viewers’ choice award on Sunday Dec. 19 after 2:30 P.M.

The Cultural Arts Center is located on 402 West Main Street in the historic White building near the Birge Fountain. Parking is behind the building. An elevator is available for access from the parking lot entrance.

Big thanks to our sponsor, First Citizens State Bank!

Volleyball Season Ends with Loss to #1 McFarland

October 22, 2021

The Whippet Volleyball Season came to an end Thursday night when they lost (7-25, 12-25, 10-25) to McFarland that is the #1 seed in the region and the #3 seed in the state for Division 2.

Caleigh Yang

Whitewater finished the 2021 season 14-16 overall and 5-4 in the Rock Valley Conference for a 4th place finish.  

Stats Leaders for the night:
Kills: Kindyl Kilar-7
Assists: Avery Hintz-7
Digs: Caleigh Yang-8

Article Submitted by Kathy Bullis
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
kbullis@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob and Peter Mischka

Common Council Meeting: City Lakes Project to Move Away from Herbicide Usage

October 21, 2021

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The City of Whitewater’s project to combat unsightly vegetation growth on Cravath and Trippe Lakes will be accomplished almost entirely without the use of herbicides to knockdown the green areas that nearly encompass the remaining lake beds as the result of a two-year drawdown of the two bodies of water.

The announcement came from Parks and Recreation Director Eric Boettcher at the October 19 City Common Council meeting. The existing green areas will instead be mowed using six-foot wide commercial mowing blades drawn by an all-terrain vehicle, belt-driven traction vehicle and a commercial tractor. The work will be done by the same outside contractor that had been hired to spray the herbicide and is scheduled to begin the week of October 25. It will take place where the shoreline allows and may still require some minimal spraying according to Boettcher.

The use of herbicides had generated opposition from some city residents although the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approved chemical treatment was deemed to be safe. The change in plans will not likely add additional costs to the project according to Boettcher who explained that the change in methodology was required by the unusually dry conditions in September and early October that resulted in vegetation going to seed earlier than normal.

The Cravath and Trippe Lakes Drawdown and Dredge Project began in July of 2019. It took two years and the use of siphons in Trippe Lake to accomplish the drawdown. A controlled burn of the remaining mowed vegetation is scheduled to take place in November. The actual dredging phase of the project is scheduled to begin in January of next year. Both lakes are scheduled to be refilled in spring.

The project is similar in nature to other Wisconsin communities’ lake improvement efforts designed to improve water quality and depth, reduce aquatic vegetation, and eliminate invasive aquatic plant species. Lakes project updates are routinely posted on the City of Whitewater’s website at www.whitewater-wi.gov.

In other business the Common Council scheduled a special meeting for October 26th to continue renegotiations with the Whitewater Fire Department regarding their contract for services with the City. The Common Council also reluctantly agreed to a settlement with Walmart related to an excessive property assessment claim. The agreement calls for the 2021 assessment to not exceed $5,300,000. The current assessment is $5,657,300 and the property owner’s opinion of value was $4,500,000. Reduction in total property tax (all jurisdictions) is $8092 with the city’s share $2347. City Attorney Wally McDonnell advised that trying to resolve the issue in court would cost much more in legal fees than the amount of tax revenue lost. This is the second time that Walmart has filed suit alleging excessive assessment.

Discover Whitewater Series Banquet Celebrates $25,000 Total Contributions to Charities

October 21, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Knight Public Affairs, LLC.

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K and W3 Fit Kid Shuffle held its ninth annual race banquet on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Willow Brook Golf Course. Gathered for a night of celebration were race sponsors, team leaders, volunteers and five local charities. “The purpose of DWS is to support Whitewater by giving back to organizations that are devoted to helping this community,” DWS Executive Director Jeffery Knight said. “It’s always great to see so many members of the Whitewater community come together for this event.” 

During the banquet, DWS presented $5,000 to each of the five charities, totaling $25,000. These five charities are: Working for Whitewater’s Wellness, Bethel House, Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater LEADS and J-Hawk Aquatic Club. Beyond the DWS donations, there was an additional $740 directly donated from anonymous individuals to the charities of their choosing on the DWS website. Over the last nine years, the DWS has been able to raise a total of $229,500. “It really is incredible to witness the amount of work that goes into the DWS,” GWC Chairman Larry Kachel said. “The number of local sponsors, volunteers and community members who come together to help out is inspiring.”

This year’s DWS saw the return of the W3 Fit Kid Shuffle, the post-race awards ceremony, and open registration all the way up until race day. The DWS would like to thank everyone who came together to make this ninth year a success. Next year, the tenth annual DWS will take place on Sunday, September 18, 2021. Planning has already begun to make the DWS’s tenth anniversary race an extraordinary event. Keep an eye out for a special black Friday registration deal. 

Seniors in the Park Presents The Lost City of Z – Tues., 10/26

October 21, 2021

“The Lost City of Z” – October 26, 1 p.m. – (Biography/Drama/Adventure) 2 hours, 21 minutes; Rated PG-13 (2016)

A true-life adventure about British explorer Major Percival Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), who disappeared while searching for a mysterious indigenous city in the Amazon, in the 1920’s. This is a thrilling, thoughtful, hauntingly beautiful film that you will not soon forget. Also stars Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Franco Nero, and Tom Holland.

This Week’s Garage Sale

October 21, 2021

Rummage sale
329 E Cravath Street
Saturday/Sunday, October 23/24
9:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Lots of bargains. Household items, some clothes, furniture, and outdoor Disney Christmas items. Stop and find some bargains.

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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