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Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
director@downtownwhitewater.com
We are proud to announce the season kickoff for both the Whitewater Farmers Market and the Whitewater City Market. The Whitewater Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 8 to noon May through October at 301 W Whitewater St in the municipal parking lot. The Whitewater Farmers Market will be going into its 30th season and features an assortment of local farmers and producers.
The Whitewater City Market operates Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. May through October at 301 W Whitewater St around the historic train depot. The Whitewater City Market will be going into its 6th season and features local farmers, producers, artisans and food trucks. As the season builds towards summer you’ll also once again be able to enjoy live music and craft beer at the market. Stop by to enjoy the local goodies and relaxed community vibe.
Farmers markets are an important part of the farm to the community linkage and have continued to rise in popularity around the state and nation. This is due to the growing demand for fresh local products directly from nearby farms. Both the Whitewater City Market and Whitewater Famers Market provide our community access to locally grown/produced products. And to be honest, local just tastes better. See you at the markets!
Both markets host vendors who accept WIC and Senior FMNP.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
University of Kansas (KU) announced today that it has hired Lance Leipold as the head football coach for the Jayhawks, with a six year contract. Leipold, age 56, has served as the head football coach at the University of Buffalo since 2015, and at University of Wisconsin – Whitewater from 2007 to 2014. Per Wikipedia, “during his tenure at UW-W, the Warhawks won the NCAA Division III Football Championship in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. During his time at Whitewater, Leipold led the Warhawks to five undefeated seasons. Leipold reached 100 victories faster than any coach in NCAA history, doing so in his 106th game on October 18, 2014.”
Leipold, a Jefferson native and former UW-W Hall of Fame quarterback, finished his eight seasons with the Warhawks with a 109-6 record, and with his hiring at Buffalo jumped from Division III to Division I, a rare accomplishment. He was 37-33 at Buffalo with two division championships and three consecutive bowl appearances, going 24-10 since 2018. In recent times he had been speculated to be under consideration for a number of other college programs.
“I can’t thank Lance enough for everything he has done for our football program,” Buffalo Athletic Director Mark Alnutt said. “His vision and leadership helped elevate the UB football brand. We are grateful for what Lance has done here and we wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new journey.
“Since entering the FBS ranks in 1999, the UB football program continues to rise to unprecedented heights. From bowl victories to top NFL Draft picks, UB has established itself as one of the top programs in not only the Mid-American Conference, but the entire Group of Five. With our success on the field as well as facilities rivaling some of the best in the country, we know we are an attractive coaching destination and look forward to selecting the next leader of our football program,” concluded Alnutt.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Coach Leipold, Kelly, Lindsey and Landon to the Jayhawk Family,” KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “He is a man of integrity, a developer of young men, a program builder and a winner. His track record of sustained excellence is exactly what we were looking for in our next leader, and is what the University of Kansas and our fans deserve.”
“It is an exciting and humbling opportunity, and this is a day I will never forget,” Leipold said in a release. “We are going to build this program through developing players, discipline and determination. The philosophies ingrained in our programs along the way will be key as we turn this around. This is a program that has a lot of young talent on the roster and has the infrastructure in place to succeed. The best days for this program are ahead, and my family and I are ecstatic to be a part of it.”
Some media stories are linked below:
Kansas hires Buffalo’s Lance Leipold as football coach – espn.com – “Kansas is 18-90 since 2011 and last had a winning season under Mark Mangino in 2008. Leipold will be the team’s sixth head coach since that last winning campaign.”
Kansas Football can make considerable growth under Lance Leipold – throughthephog.com
Kansas Hires Buffalo’s Lance Leipold as Football Coach – usnews.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Box Score, Game 1: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/softball/2021/sb27.htm
Box Score, Game 2: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/softball/2021/sb28.htm
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team extended its win streak to four games and improved to 9-1 over its last 10 contests Wednesday with back-to-back victories over UW-Oshkosh in a non-conference doubleheader at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
The Warhawks (20-8 overall) defeated the Titans 7-2 in the first game before capping the day with a 10-4 triumph in Game 2.
In the opener, UW-Whitewater trailed 2-1 before plating six unanswered runs, including three in the bottom of the fourth and three in the fifth.
Catcher Nikki Mikosz put the Warhawks on the board first with a run-scoring single to center in the bottom of the first.
After UW-Oshkosh (15-9) tied the game in the top of the second and took the lead in the top of the fourth, UW-W took the lead for good with three runs in the bottom of the inning on a three-run homer by right fielder Taylor Briehl, her second of the year.
In the fifth, second baseman Delaney Becker delivered the big hit with a two-run base hit up the middle. Later in the frame, left fielder Krista Sbarra extended the lead with a two-out, RBI single to right center.
Kate Cleveland earned the win in relief of starter Rhiann Dick, tossing four shutout innings to improve to 7-3 on the year. Dick allowed two runs (one earned) over the first three frames.
Briehl finished 3-for-3 at the plate, while Mikosz and Becker each contributed two hits.
In the second game, UW-Whitewater turned a 4-3 deficit into a four-run lead with five in the bottom of the fifth inning, including a two-run homer by Mikosz, a two-run single by Briehl and an RBI single by centerfielder Vera Pflugradt.
Mikosz recorded there hits and three RBIs, while third baseman Meg Cohrs homered and finished with two hits and two RBIs. Shortstop Meghan Dunning tallied two hits, two runs scored and one RBI, Becker finished with two hits and one RBI, and first baseman Kaleigh O’Brien collected two hits and two runs scored.
Starting pitcher Mallory Hollatz struck out seven over four innings, scattering seven hits and allowing one run. Marissa Adams, who improved to 3-1 with the win, pitched the fifth inning, and Kate Cleveland tossed two shutout innings to close out the game.
The Warhawks host UW-Eau Claire on Senior Day at van Steenderen Softball Complex this Saturday. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 2 p.m.
Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing these photos from Saturday, April 24.
Monday, April 26, 2021
UW-Whitewater Softball Earns Non-Conference Sweep
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team extended its win streak in true road games to six on Monday afternoon with consecutive victories at UW-La Crosse in a non-conference doubleheader.
The Warhawks (18-8 overall) plated the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning for a 3-2 triumph in the opener in extra innings. In the second game, UW-Whitewater broke open a close game with six runs in the top of the seventh in an 11-5 win.
In Game 1, the Warhawks plated a run in the top of the seventh on a two-out, solo homer to left center by catcher Nikki Mikosz to force extra innings. UW-W loaded the bases but came away empty in the eighth before first baseman Kaleigh O’Brien came through in the ninth with a run-scoring single up the middle.
Pitcher Marissa Adams, who entered the game with two outs in the sixth inning, improved to 2-1 with the win. She allowed two hits over 3 1/3 innings. Kate Cleveland started the game and pitched 5 2/3 frames, surrendering two unearned runs on five hits.
O’Brien tallied four hits to lead UW-W, which out-hit the Eagles by a 14-7 margin, but left 14 runners on base in the contest. Mikosz and third baseman Meg Cohrs posted three hits apiece, and centerfielder Vera Pflugradt reached base twice with one hit and one walk.
In the nightcap, UW-Whitewater took advantage of five errors by UW-La Crosse (9-10), including four in the seventh inning, and totaled 11 hits.
After the Eagles took a 2-0 lead with two in the bottom of the first, the Warhawks responded in the top of the second as O’Brien and shortstop Meghan Dunning hit back-to-back homers.
Pflugradt hit a two-run triple to left in the fourth to give UW-Whitewater a 4-3 advantage, and after UW-La Crosse tied the game at 4-4, second baseman Delaney Becker put the Warhawks ahead for good with an RBI groundout.
Becker, Pflugradt, Mikosz and right fielder Taylor Briehl were each credited with RBIs during UW-W’s big seventh inning.
Pflugradt finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while Becker recorded two hits and two RBIs. Dunning collected three hits, three runs scored and one RBI, and O’Brien posted two hits, one run scored and one RBI.
Annie Morelli picked up her second win of the year, tossing one inning of relief. Rhiann Dick tossed the final three innings for her first career save, striking out four during her outing.
Morelli, Dick and starter Kathryn Kinsella combined to strand 11 Eagle runners on the base paths.
UW-Whitewater hosts UW-Oshkosh for another non-conference doubleheader Wednesday starting at 2 p.m. at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Warhawk Women’s Tennis Secures 14th Straight WIAC Title
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s tennis team claimed its 14th consecutive Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship Sunday by defeating UW-La Crosse 5-1 in the final of the conference tournament presented by Culver’s.
The Warhawks (12-5 overall) earned their 21st conference championship in program history and clinch the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. UW-W also extended its active winning streak against WIAC opponents in dual matches to 110.
UW-Whitewater started the dual with two doubles victories. Paige Nierman and Olivia Kraft topped Hannah Reigle and Kaitlyn Kalinka by an 8-4 score at the second position, and Molly Rueth and Courtney Day combined for an 8-4 triumph at the third position.
The Eagles (10-5) broke a 6-6 tie at No. 1 doubles by taking the last two games to draw within 2-1 heading into singles play.
The Warhawks struck first in singles as Sabrina Palavra posted a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 4. Nierman made it a 4-1 UW-W lead with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 2.
Rueth clinched the dual and the championship with a 6-4, 6-4 triumph at No. 5.
Kraft and Jessica Minkov led their matches at Nos. 3 and 6, respectively, when play was halted.
The NCAA Regionals are set for May 14-16 at sites around the country. The full NCAA Tournament field will be announced May 10 via press release on NCAA.com.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Box Score, Game 1: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/baseball/2021/uwspb24.htm
Box Score, Game 2: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/baseball/2021/uwspb25.htm
The No. 8 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team used a potent offense Saturday to earn two victories at UW-Stevens Point in a non-conference doubleheader.
The Warhawks (21-4 overall) put together one big inning early in each contest, defeating the Pointers 12-5 in Game 1 before finishing the day with a 17-1 triumph in seven innings.
In the opener, UW-Whitewater collected seven runs in the top of the third inning and never trailed. Catcher Ian Drays and second baseman Sam Vomhof recorded run-scoring singles before right fielder Jacob DeMeyer drew a bases-loaded walk to give the team a 3-0 lead. After shortstop Nick Santoro hit a sacrifice fly to plate Vomhof, first baseman Connor Moroder knocked a two-run single to right field and eventually came around to score on a wild pitch.
Moroder kept the offense going in the top of the fifth with a two-run homer, his first of the year, out to right field. The Warhawks added three more in the top of the ninth on a two-run single by Santoro and an RBI double to right center by left fielder Matt Korman.
Moroder collected three hits, two runs scored and four runs batted in. Santoro finished 2-for-4 with two runs and three RBIs, designated hitter Taylor White registered two hits and one run scored, and third baseman Tucker Criswell reached base three times with one hit and two walks while adding two runs scored.
Pitcher Max Huseboe tossed 4 2/3 innings in relief to pick up his first win of the year. Ben Muscatello earned his first save, collecting the final out of the eighth inning with two on base and pitching around a two-out walk in the bottom of the ninth. Along with starter Jim Jarecki, UW-W pitchers combined to strand 15 Pointer baserunners.
In Game 2, UW-Whitewater plated seven runs on six hits in the first inning and didn’t look back, and three Warhawk pitchers combined to hold UW-Stevens Point (18-7) to two hits and two walks in the contest.
Pitcher Trey Bretl started the game and earned his first win, striking out three over four innings of work. Vomhof tossed a pair of shutout frames in relief, and Hayden Fox closed the game in the bottom of the seventh.
Criswell and Korman posted three hits apiece to pace a balanced Warhawk offense. Criswell scored two runs and knocked in two, while Korman homered, scored twice and plated three runs.
Vomhof tallied two hits and two runs scored, and Santoro totaled two hits, two runs scored and two RBIs. Drays hit a three-run homer as part of UW-W’s big first inning.
DeMeyer reached base twice with one hit and one walk and added one RBI, and centerfielder Zach Campbell walked twice and scored two runs.
The Warhawks host UW-Stout for a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader Wednesday starting at 1 p.m. at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium.
Friday, April 23, 2021
Box Score, Game 1: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/softball/2021/sb23.htm
Box Score, Game 2: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/softball/2021/sb24.htm
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team defeated UW-La Crosse 6-2 in the first game before being edged 1-0 in the second game of Friday’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
With the split, the Warhawks (16-8 overall, 6-4 WIAC) remained in third place in the conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Eagles (10-8, 5-4).
In Game 1, catcher Nikki Mikosz hit her league-leading eighth home run of the season, and designated player Kennedy Cox, left fielder Krista Sbarra and second baseman Delaney Becker each plated runs to lead the offense.
Centerfielder Vera Pflugradt totaled three hits, finishing with a single, double and triple to complete three-fourths of a cycle, and scored one run.
Pitcher Kate Cleveland earned the win, allowing two runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. Reliever Marissa Adams picked up her second save of the year, tossing 2 2/3 shutout innings and escaping a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the top of the fifth.
UW-La Crosse took a 1-0 advantage in the top of the second before UW-Whitewater tied it in the bottom half of the frame on Becker’s sacrifice fly.
The Warhawks plated three in the third on an error and Mikosz’s two-run homer to deep left field. UW-W scored two more in the fourth on Sbarra’s infield single and Cox’s double to left center.
In the second game, the Warhawks loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh, but a line drive was caught, and the runner on second was doubled off to end the game.
Rhiann Dick scattered eight hits and struck out a season-high seven over five innings, taking the tough-luck loss to drop to 5-4. Adams tossed two more shutout innings in relief.
First baseman Kaleigh O’Brien reached base twice with one hit and one walk. Third baseman Meg Cohrs and right fielder Meghan Dunning accounted for UW-W’s other hits with one apiece.
UW-Whitewater visits UW-La Crosse for two more games this Sunday. First pitch of the non-conference doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.
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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