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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Tickets at http://www.youngauditorium.com
Per https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-are-back, facial coverings are currently required in all UW-W buildings.
It’s time again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society!
This week’s image features an undated aerial view, which would have been taken before 1970, of one of the senior living facilities in town, Fairhaven. Rev. Dr. Jess H. Norenberg, then superintendent of the Wisconsin Congregational Conference (which later became the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ), was one of the key players in bringing the idea to fruition. Ground was broken on the $1,750,000 project on October 2, 1960, with the first five residents moving in in early 1962. Over the years, the facility has continued to grow, providing an increasing number of services and facilities for the aging.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!
(2128PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW- Whitewater.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater welcomed its largest freshman class in four years, with 1,873 new freshmen enrolled for the fall 2021 semester. Total enrollment at the university is 11,447, with 10,804 students at the Whitewater campus and 643 students at the Rock County campus. The figures represent preliminary enrollment numbers taken on the 10th day of instruction. Final figures are expected to be available later in the fall semester.
“We’re elated to see students once again engaged in learning in the classrooms and laboratories, and competing on the athletic fields. We know how important in-person instruction is to our students and 83% of our undergraduate classes offer them that experience. There is a wonderful energy permeating the campus this semester with many athletic and social events,” said Jim Henderson, interim chancellor. “While our overall enrollment is down slightly, the larger freshman class and other recruitment successes point to a positive trajectory for our enrollment moving forward.”
The School of Graduate Studies is seeing its largest class in history with 1,683 students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates, an increase of 116 students from last year.
With the fall 2021 semester underway, UW-Whitewater is already accepting and processing applications for the fall 2022 semester. Students applying for undergraduate admission can do so at no cost, and ACT/SAT test scores continue to be optional as part of the university’s comprehensive review process. The admission application also serves as a student’s application for many new student scholarship opportunities. Daily campus tours are available at the Whitewater campus and weekly tours at the Rock County campus.
New this year, UW-Whitewater is part of a $1 million initiative to help guide high school students in preparing for, applying to, and enrolling in one of UW System’s 13 universities. UW-Whitewater pre-college coaches will start this fall semester and work in Beloit Memorial and Turner high schools, Janesville Craig and Parker high schools, and in Badger (Lake Geneva), Bigfoot (Walworth), Delavan-Darien, and Elkhorn high schools.
“Our counselors are excited to engage earlier with students as they explore their college options across the UW System and find the appropriate education pathways that align with their career interests,” said Matt Aschenbrener, associate vice chancellor for enrollment and retention. “The focus of the pre-college pipeline initiative is to work with regional high school partners to identify and prepare under-represented and underserved students to help them be successful at the university and beyond. We are fortunate to be working with 8 of the 25 high schools involved with this project.”
Banner note: The following table is copied from https://www.uww.edu/documents/ir/University%20Data/Enrollment/Enrollment%20Summary.pdf
Below that table the Banner is providing a comparison of this year’s enrollment with last year’s.
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Whitewater Campus Undergraduate | 9657 | 9121 |
| Graduate | 1567 | 1683 |
| Total Whitewater Campus | 11224 | 10804 |
| Rock County Campus | 771 | 643 |
| Grand Total | 11995 | 11447 |
Banner note: The following information was provided by the UW System. UW-W’s reported enrollment dropped by over 4%.
UW System enrollment drops 1% for the fall semester, according to initial estimates
MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System today released an initial fall 2021 enrollment estimate of 163,708 students, an estimated 1 percent decrease compared to fall 2020 based on initial first-day figures.
UW System typically discloses only final fall enrollment figures, and typically later in the semester, but is again announcing initial estimates based on first-day figures because of interest in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
System President Tommy Thompson noted freshman and new transfer registrations have increased by 1,316, or 4 percent, including at eight of 13 university main campuses, according to the estimates, but dropped by 3,305 among other undergraduates, or 4 percent.
“These preliminary estimates reflect a number of factors,” Thompson said. “It’s clear that students continue to view the UW System as a tremendous value and their ticket to a brighter future. New freshman and transfer students are up, thanks to our added recruitment tools coupled with the extraordinary work done by admissions and registrations staff.”
Overall enrollment increased at three universities and dropped at 10, according to the estimates. UW-Madison, UW-Green Bay, and UW-Superior show increases, according to the estimates.
“The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging, not only for our UW schools, but also at colleges of all types throughout the nation,” stated Thompson. “With plentiful jobs and COVID-19 creating challenges, retaining students has been especially difficult for all of higher education.”
The final enrollment figures to be made public later this year may still differ from the first-day enrollment estimates released today.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Saturday, October 23 from noon to 1:30 p.m. will be an opportunity to celebrate Whitewater’s LGBTQ+ community. Students from the Whitewater High School Gay-Straight Alliance and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s PB Poorman Pride Center and IMPACT, along with the Unity Project, Studio 84, First United Methodist Church, The Book Teller, and Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) are inviting supporters to join them on Saturday, October 23 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center (near the Birge Fountain) in Whitewater to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
The event will feature family-friendly music and entertainment, including performances by volunteer members of the Warhawk Marching Band, student drag performer Victorya Attwood, singer/songwriter Felix Ramsey, and more!
Stephanie Selvick (she/her) is the LGBTQ Coordinator at UW-Whitewater. Students in the PB Poorman Pride Center and IMPACT say: “The Whitewater Pride event is important because it can help people find safety in their identity within a small-town community. Inclusive events help to debunk stereotypes that render LGBTQ+ people in small towns invisible. Gen Z has already gone viral for being the most LGBTQ+ identified generation yet (16% in a 2020 Gallup poll!). This Pride celebration offers young people a platform to connect, celebrate each other, and showcase the gender and sexual diversity that of course already exists in Whitewater.”
Camden Harlan (she/her/hers) is an advisor for the Whitewater High School Gay-Straight Alliance. She said, “Our GSA is honored to be one of the sponsors of the PRIDE event this October. Our focus is to educate our students, staff, and community on positive ways to speak out against hate, prejudice, and injustice. This opportunity allows our students to meet others who share these concerns, make friends, and know that they are not alone. A safe space where they can express themselves or learn how to be a more active Ally is empowering for them, and honestly, this event is saving lives. What an honor!”
Lauren Smith (she/her), one of the founders of Whitewater Unites Lives, said, “WUL is so delighted to partner in this PRIDE event, as it is a perfect fit for the mission of WUL. Our group is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity. Our thanks to the Unity Project in Fort Atkinson for expanding their event from last year’s Fort location to include neighboring communities. Everyone should feel welcome and appreciated in their communities.”
More information about the event can be found on Facebook at Whitewater Pride Rally.
There is limited parking behind the Cultural Arts Center, and people are invited to park in the First English Lutheran Church lot across from the CAC. People are encouraged to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID.
The image on the homepage, “Pride rainbow flag” by Thompson Rivers is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
By Chris Lindeke
Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Stats: https://uwwsports.com/documents/2021/10/2/26034.pdf
The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team combined an opportunistic offense with a defense that stood its ground in the red zone Saturday afternoon for a 37-6 victory against UW-Stout in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams in front of 8,963 fans at Perkins Stadium.
The Warhawks (4-0 overall, 1-0 WIAC) posted a balanced offensive attack with 165 rushing yards and 193 passing yards, while the defense limited the Blue Devils’ potent offense to one fourth-quarter touchdown.
UW-Whitewater held UW-Stout (3-1, 0-1) to 6-of-18 on third-down conversions and 2-of-6 on fourth down, including three times in UW-W territory.
Max Meylor completed 14-of-17 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Ryan Wisniewski. Alex Peete rushed for 69 yards on 18 carries and scored two touchdowns.
Shane McGrail paced the defense with nine tackles, including 0.5 for a loss. Egon Hein totaled eight tackles, and Mackenzie Balanganayi posted three tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and four quarterback hurries.
After the Warhawks forced a three-and-out on the opening drive, punctuated by a sack by Balanganayi, the Blue Devils fumbled the punt snap, setting UW-W up at the UW-Stout 3-yard line.
Peete took the handoff on the first play of the drive and crossed the goal line to give UW-Whitewater a 7-0 advantage with 12:46 to play in the first quarter.
The Warhawks increased the lead at the 13:42 mark of the second quarter. A 28-yard pass over the middle from Meylor to Wisniewski capped an eight-play, 78-yard drive, and gave UW-W a 13-0 advantage.
Midway through the period, Balagnanayi and Kyle Gallagher combined for a stop on fourth-and-1 in UW-Whitewater territory. The Warhawks took over on downs, and Meylor connected with Sam DeLany on a 23-yard scoring play between two defenders to make it 20-0 with 4:51 left in the half.
The Warhawks started the second half with a 10-play, 75-yard drive. After a first-down run by Meylor on third-and-3, Peete plunged in from one yard out to make it 27-0 with 9:52 remaning in the third quarter.
The Blue Devils drove to the UW-Whitewater 5-yard line on the ensuing drive, but Thomas Wojnowski batted down a fourth-down pass in the corner of the end zone to give UW-W the ball back.
In the fourth quarter, after another UW-Stout turnover on downs, Meylor capped a five-play, 70-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Wisniewski, who eluded one defender and dove just inside the pile-on to make it 34-0 at the 13:00 mark.
Following a three-and-out by UW-Stout, Dain Hudson returned the punt 49 yards into UW-S territory, and Matt Maldonado kicked a 39-yard field goal with 8:33 to play.
The Blue Devils scored with 6:46 remaining to account for the final margin.
The Warhawks return to action next Saturday, Oct. 9, as they host UW-Platteville during Family Fest at UW-Whitewater. Kickoff at Perkins Stadium is slated for 1 p.m.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda (Amended 10/4) includes Creating Municipal Wards (Redistricting due to results of Federal Census) and request for consideration of waiver of requirement for second reading, Ordinance amending storage of vehicles, Creating Chapter 1.33, Residence Restrictions for Sex Offenders, Presentation of 2022-2023 Whitewater Municipal Budget, and Discussion and possible direction regarding ATV and UTV use and bicycle regulations
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or via computer, smart phone,
or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual
participation, unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case
the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum. Should you wish
to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
262-473-0108
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84187101042?pwd=T00way9xVmwraVRKcDFyS1Roc3ZUdz09
Passcode: 279124
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 877 853 5257 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 841 8710 1042
Passcode: 279124
City of Whitewater Lakes Chemical Aquatic Application Meeting – Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m.
Agenda
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/469475541
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 469-475-541
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Thursday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda: First of three meetings to review the proposed 2022-23 budget.
Meeting will be held in a BLENDED format (in-person and Virtual) You may join the meeting
in person in the City Manager’s Conference Room located on the 2nd floor of the Municipal
Building or from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/899402645
You can also dial in using your phone.
(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
One-touch: tel:+15713173122,,899402645#
Access Code: 899-402-645
Whitewater Fire Department, Inc Business Meeting – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion options for a Finance & Administration Position
a. Bring finances inhouse from City of Whitewater
Location: WFD, Inc Training Room
This meeting will have a virtual option. Please join the meeting from your
computer, tablet or smartphone :
meet.google.com/yae-dobz-oxn
You can also dial in using your phone
Meeting ID: 1 513-909-3933
Passcode: 585 868 360#
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Effigy Mounds Preserve – Report on Presentation to Common Council and Progress on City
Manager’s Plan
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards has designated October 3-9 as Wisconsin School Board Week as a
time to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected school board plays in our communities.
Whitewater Unified School District is joining all public school districts across the state to celebrate Wisconsin School Board Week to honor local school board members for their commitment to Whitewater and its children.
“It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making
sure our schools are helping every student, every day, in a unified way,” Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty said.
Dr. Pate-Hefty said the key work of school boards is to raise student achievement by:
● Creating a vision for what the community wants the school district to be and for making student achievement
the top priority
● Establishing standards for what students will be expected to learn and be able to do
● Ensuring progress is measured to be sure the district’s goals are achieved and students are learning at
expected levels
● Being accountable for their decisions and actions by continually tracking and reporting results
● Forming partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems
● Focusing attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues
related to student achievement
“School board members give the Whitewater citizens a voice in education decision making. Even though we make a
special effort to show our appreciation in October, their contribution is a year-round commitment.”
The members serving our district and their years of service as follows:
Casey Judd, President – 12th year
Thayer Coburn, Vice President – 11th year
Steve Ryan, Clerk – 11th year
Jim Stewart, Treasurer – 27th year
Jennifer Kienbaum – 3rd year
Larry Kachel – 1st year
Maryann Zimmerman – 1st year
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Highlights of the WUSD School Board meeting of September 27:
In other business:
- John Houwers was congratulated for having been selected as the Inspiring Educator of the Year.
- The Board approved a proposal to move Digital Life Skills from the Middle School to younger pupils, and convert the Middle School curriculum to both Family Consumer Science and Technology Education.
- The “Third Friday Count,” which is used for revenue limit purposes, showed enrollment of 1881 students, an increase of 77 students compared with last year’s 1804. It was indicated that this year’s enrollment includes 35 newcomers from Nicaragua. In 2019 the Third Friday Count was 1962. The Third Friday Count includes only students who are present on that day or the day before/after.
- Although it was indicated that some of the students who open enrolled out of the district last year have returned, this year there are 289 open enrollments “out” versus 264 last year. At a cost of $8161 per student, enrollments out will reduce the district’s revenue by approximately $1.9 million. Elkhorn Area School District is the biggest beneficiary. Open enrollments “in” totaled 56 versus 62 last year.
- Third Friday Enrollment per school is shown in the table below.
| School | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | Difference ’20 to ’21 |
| Lakeview | 210 | 162 | 163 | +1 |
| Lincoln | 386 | 361 | 374 | +13 |
| Washington | 341 | 292 | 320 | +28 |
| Middle School | 394 | 406 | 430 | +24 |
| High School | 604 | 560 | 570 | +10 |
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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