Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
News & Events
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.
The Whitewater Whippets traveled to Beloit Turner on Tuesday night, September 14, and came away with an all level sweep for the second time in a row. The JV2, JV, and varsity all defeated the Trojans in an exciting night of volleyball.
Cali Kopecky started the varsity off by rattling off 9 straight points. The Whippets went on to win 25-7. The Trojans had a lot of fight in them and ended up winning the next two sets 25-23 & 22-25. Whitewater dug in in the fourth set and went on to win decisively again 25-13. In the last set, Cali Kopecky once again went back to the service line and helped the team string together a 6-point run. Turner sided the Whippets out but were not able to gain any momentum. Whitewater went on to win 15-6!
Thursday night the Whippets travel to Clinton for their third conference match of the year. Whitewater is currently 2-0 in the Rock Valley and 8-6 overall.
Article Submitted by Kathy Bullis
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
kbullis@wwusd.org
The Whippet CC teams were in Cottage Grove for the Dana Waddell Invitational hosted by Marshall High School on Tuesday, September 14. Fans who were in attendance were treated to a special performance, as the team saw significant improvement over their last meet with many runners throwing down lifetime best race times.
The boys started things off first with a strong showing in the top three runners of Jack Hefty (5th), Cooper Hammond (17th), and CJ Tomomitsu (18th). All of these boys earned a medal by being in the top 20 and looked really strong in their efforts. Miles Nickelsburg and Ben McCulloch rounded out the top five by placing 64th and 67th, respectively. The varsity team placed 9th out of 12 teams.
In the JV race, Onyx Thompson did the heavy lifting and was the team’s top runner by placing 24th. Payton Lyon got his first taste of the finish line by crossing in 48th. The JV team finished 5th out of 12 teams at this invite.
The girls followed after with some fun racing by the top three runners as well. Seniors Gwen Truesdale and Sophie Walton are very steady and consistent in the early stages of the race and did so again today. Caelyn Caputo has shown some great improvement lately and pursued them late in the race, and was nearly the team’s top runner. Gwen finished in 39th, Caelyn 40th, and Sophie in 43rd. Fourth and fifth runners Emma Weigel and Isabella Aranda finished 47th and 53rd, respectively. The varsity team finished in 8th out of 12 teams at the invite.
The JV race featured Lucy Troxel and Sami Van Daele in 22nd and 23rd as the team’s top runners. Both ran season bests on this day. Taiya Kolb completed her first race by placing 44th in this field. The girl’s JV team finished in 4th out of 12 teams.
It was a great day for many of these Whippets as they now turn their attention to the Racine St. Cats Invitational at UW-Parkside on Saturday. The first race is set to go off at 8:40. #OneTeamOneFamily
Full Results: https://wi.milesplit.com/meets/440943-2021-dana-waddell-invitational-2021/results/762713/formatted#.YUHkn51KjIU
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed against Edgerton/Evansville Tuesday night, September 14.
Winning their heats were:
200 Medley Relay – Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley and Brooke Bazeley with a time of 2:06.07
200 IM – Makayla Bazeley with a time of 2:25.82
50 Freestyle – Brooke Bazeley with a time of 28.76
100 Fly – Grace Foucault with a time of 1:06.29
100 Freestyle – Makayla Bazeley with a time of 58.99
500 Freestyle – Brooke Bazeley with a time of 6:14.19
We had a handful of swimmers compete in new events for the first time, including Michelle Abarca in the 100 Freestyle, Skylar Staebler in the 100 Fly, and Josie Treder in the 200 IM.
The best split of the night came from Makayla Bazeley in the 400 Freestyle Relay swimming a 100 freestyle in 56.28!
We are so very proud of our Whippets!
The team sends a huge thank you to members of the Edgerton/Evansville Team for their donations to help honor Trinity Nickels. Trinity Nickels was always passionate about animals. In her memory, the Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team will be accepting donations to the Lakeland Animal Shelter at their first home meet on September 21st, at 5:30 P.M. We hope this will be the first of many successful donation ventures in Trinity’s honor.
If you donate any of the following products you will receive free admission into the meet
· Bleach
· Liquid Detergent
· Dawn Dish Soap
· Dog or Cat Toys
· Used or New Stuffed Animals
· Used or New Towels, Blankets, or Washcloths
· Cat Litter
· Cat/Kitten Dry or Wet Food
If you are unable to attend the meet but would still like to donate, please contact us at whippetswim@gmail.com. Donations may also be brought to the Whitewater High School main office prior to September 21, 2021.
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area.
The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area is excited to again be hosting the annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
This year we are fortunate to once again have Whitewater City Manager, Cameron Clapper, who will be speaking on a variety of topics including city budgeting, an update on the Cravath Lake project and COVID-19. Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, will be joined by Business Manager Benjamin Prather as they celebrate both the student and staffs’ accomplishments, as well as looking forward to the year ahead.
This event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using the URL: bit.ly/lwv-ww_stateofcityandschools Passcode: 817513. Or, join us by telephone: Dial (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 899 2723 8868, Passcode: 817513. The event will also be livestreamed on the LWV-WW Facebook page (facebook.com/lwvwhitewater.org), as well as recorded for future broadcast on the City of Whitewater local access channel, Channel 990.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
The Girls’ Swim Team competed in the Elkhorn Invite over the weekend and had a great day! The girls took 6th place overall out of 10 teams, which included some Division 1 teams.
Out of 17 individual races, 15 were personal best times!
The top 8 in each event take home a medal. On Saturday, we were able to take home 9 medals which included:
200 Medley Relay (Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, and Brooke Bazeley) – 2nd place 2:17.72
200 IM (Emerson) – 7th place 2:57.50
50 Freestyle (Grace and Brooke) 1st place 28.80 and 7th place 31.22
100 Fly (Makayla) – 2nd place 1:10.09
400 Freestyle (Makayla and Brooke) 2nd place 5:05.12 and 6th place 5:26.42
200 Freestyle Relay (Grace, Emerson, Brooke, and Makayla) – 4th place 2:04.92
100 Backstroke (Grace) – 2nd place 1:09.13
The girls swim next at Edgerton on Tuesday, September 14.
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Girls’ Tennis Team visited Edgerton on Saturday for a Quad against Portage, Lake Mills, and Edgerton. As a team, Whitewater placed third but it was a successful day for several athletes.
Emilia Houwers, Whitewater’s 1 singles player, won 2 out of 3 matches with wins against Portage 6-2, 6-0 and Edgerton 6-3, 6-1, and lost in a competitive last match to Lake Mills 6-3, 6-3.
Anisa Dauti, Whitewater’s 2 singles player, went 1 for 3 on the day. Winning 6-4, 7-4 against Edgerton, losing 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 in a tiebreak against Portage, and losing 6-3, 7-5 in a close match against Lake Mills.
Brennan Fox-Simes, Whitewater’s 3 singles player, won 2 out of 3 matches, winning 7-5, 6-3 against Lake Mills, 6-2, 6-2 against Portage, and losing 6-3, 7-6 against Edgerton.
This week, Whitewater took on McFarland in a dual match where the Whippets fell 6 matches to 1, with Whitewater’s win coming in the 1 singles spot from Emilia Houwers. Emilia won her first set handily 6-1 and was able to battle back down in the second set and won 6-4. Emilia has now won 4 out of her last 5 matches.
On Wednesday, the Whitewater team travels to Janesville Craig and then finishes up Conference play back at home on Thursday for senior and parent night against Edgerton starting at 4:15.
Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org
During the 2021 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, many people identified Whitewater’s very own Reese Brantmeier as the youngest player in the main draw at the U.S. Open. So, we followed Reese in this tournament, and on Friday night, Reese and her doubles partner Elvina Kalieva of Staten Island, New York, won a thrilling three-set match to advance to the U.S. Open Girls’ Doubles Final on Saturday.
The eighth-seeded doubles team of Brantmeier/Kalieva were to take on the third-seeded doubles team of Robin Montgomery of Washington D.C. and Ashlyn Krueger of Highland Village, Texas. Thus, the match would be an All-American final featuring the top junior players in the country on the same court.
The three-set match went back and forth with some excellent rallies for both teams. Eventually, the doubles team of Montgomery and Kreuger defeated Brantmeier and Kalieva 5-7, 6-4, (10-4). The final set featured a championship tiebreaker to determine the match.
Congratulations, Reese, on a job well done! We are so very proud of you!
Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has received the Program of Study Validation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. This recognition extends to the Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology with a Networking and Security emphasis offered by the College of Business and Economics.
“It is an honor to earn this designation from the National Security Agency,” said Roger Yin, professor of information technology and co-director of the Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater. “This is one of the most difficult designations to receive, as the university is assessed on its research, program offerings, multidisciplinary approach, performance in cyber competitions and other factors.”
“Our IT major with an emphasis in Networking and Security delivers hands-on, practical instruction with heavy engagement and involvement with community and corporate partners,” said Andy Ciganek, department chair of information technology and supply chain management. “The NSA designation validates the high-quality instruction delivered by our professors and establishes UW-Whitewater as a first-choice destination and leader in cybersecurity education in the Midwest.”
Students graduating from the program can receive a certificate to show that they have completed the requirements of a CAE Program of Study. Though graduates will be entering a high-demand field, the credential will further enhance their professional prospects.
Government officials and industry leaders have raised the urgency of their cybersecurity efforts in the wake of attacks against critical infrastructure and businesses. However, the demand for trained workers is reaching a crisis level, and the current talent shortfall was estimated at 500,000 workers in a recent presentation to a congressional subcommittee. In an effort to close the skills gap, the CAE-CD program sets standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence and encourages integration across academic disciplines.
The CAE-CD program also prioritizes community outreach and leadership. Collaboration with a business center that provides community services and business outreach is integral to a successful application. The Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater is hosted by the College of Business and Economics. The CCB provides cybersecurity education and training for businesses, local governments, and educational institutions throughout Wisconsin and portions of Illinois.
“Our application received high marks, along with praise for the Cybersecurity Center for Business,” said Yin. “The reviewers stated that the university and the CCB set a new standard for other aspiring institutions to emulate.”
“I applaud the effort and persistence by our staff in the information technology and supply chain management department,” said Paul Ambrose, interim dean of the College of Business and Economics. “This achievement helps highlight the college’s commitment to meeting the ever-evolving needs of Wisconsin’s businesses and workforce through relevant, innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art resources.”
Students graduating as early as December 2021 can obtain the certificate for completing a CAE-CD Program of Study. The program validation will be effective through August 2026 and can be renewed upon review.
For more information, contact Roger Yin at 262-472-5473 or yinl@uww.edu.
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
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.
