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UW-MADISON ANNOUNCES FALL DEAN’S LIST
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.
To view an online listing, visit https://registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist/.
Here are the students from the Whitewater area who have received this honor.
Andrea Alcala, School of Education, Dean’s List
Isabel Aranda, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Carley Lane Boudreau, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Crystal Chan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Shivam Kalra, School of Education, Dean’s List
Leah Newmann, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Lucien Pomazak, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Caleigh Yang, School of Business, Dean’s List
The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host the new Executive Director of The Young Performing Arts Center, Mike Stefiuk, to present on the Young’s current and upcoming projects and initiatives at the upcoming January meeting.
This event will take place on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Mike Stefiuk, the recently appointed Executive Director of The Young Performing Arts Center, is a strategic, results-driven performing arts executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in concert operations, artistic programming, and venue management. He has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led high-performing teams, and produced nearly 1,000 events annually across major venues serving audiences of up to 5,000 patrons. Known for his expertise in artist relations, contract negotiations, and cross-sector partnerships, Mike has collaborated with world-renowned artists and institutions while driving significant growth in ticket revenue, audience engagement, and operational efficiency.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about The Young Performing Arts Center. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, January 14th.
“The Young Performing Arts Center has always been a staple in the heart of the Whitewater community,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “Many of our members frequently attend the events they host. We are excited to hear about the recent initiatives and learn how we can support this incredible program.”
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
A New Year Intention-Setting Workshop in Whitewater – New Date!
Live Life Spiritual Direction Announces “One Word. Infinite Possibility”
Live Life LLC, led by local mind-body-spirit coach Denise Maple, is pleased to announce a reflective and creative workshop designed to help community members begin 2026 with clarity, intention, and purpose. The “One Word. Infinite Possibility.” workshop will be held in early January at The Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.
This inspirational experience invites participants to discover their personal Word of the Year—a single guiding theme that serves as both a touchstone and a compass for the year ahead. Through guided reflection, discussion, and manifestation-focused exercises, attendees will explore what energy or essence they want to cultivate in 2026.
Along with the intention-setting work, the workshop includes a hands-on creative component where participants will design and decorate a personal keepsake featuring their chosen word. This take-home piece serves as a daily reminder of their intention and a source of inspiration throughout the year.
“Choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful way to stay aligned with your values, goals, and inner truth,” said Maple. “This workshop creates space to slow down, listen inward, and begin the new year grounded and fully connected to what matters most.”
The event is open to adults of all backgrounds—no experience with coaching, creative work, or intention-setting practices is required. All materials will be provided.
Event Details:
What: One Word. Infinite Possibility.
Where: The Book Teller, Whitewater, WI
When: Tuesday, January 13th at 6:00 p.m. (originally planned for January 6th)
Registration: Learn more and sign up at https://livelifespiritual.com/events/word-of-the-year/
About Live Life Spiritual Direction
Live Life Spiritual Direction, a branch of Live Life LLC, is where soul-centered wisdom meets practical, grounded guidance. Led by Denise Maple a mind-body-spirit coach who serves as a spiritual life coach, bioenergetic testing practitioner, Reiki Master, and holistic business coach— this work is rooted in the belief that you deserve to live authentically, vibrantly, and in alignment with who you truly are. Denise welcomes clients at her cozy office on Main Street in Whitewater, Wisconsin, as well as virtually.
Denise founded Live Life Spiritual Direction to help people move beyond merely surviving and step into a life where they can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her approach blends deep spiritual training with over 30 years of business leadership and teaching experience.
As a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Illinois, honored as a Teacher Rated as Excellent by Students and a Dean’s Impact Award recipient, Denise brings a rare blend of heart, intuition, and grounded expertise. She serves as a compassionate guide to help you unearth and live the Song of Your Soul—so you can expand into your fullest potential with clarity, joy, and confidence.
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team hosted Elkhorn and The Prairie School on Tuesday, January 6th for an exciting triple dual. While the Whippets outswam The Prairie School 111–43, they came up short against a strong Elkhorn squad 109–61. Overall, the boys had some really good swims, and it was great to be back racing!
Highlights from the night include:
• 200 Medley Relay – Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Cruz Aranda, and Mateo Bazeley finished 2nd with a time of 1:50.19. Caleb had a strong 50 Breast split, clocking 34.44.
• 200 Freestyle – Langdon Coburn finished 2nd with a time of 2:04.78. Carson Miller and Ian Agen both tried the 200 Free for the first time and went under 3:30.
• 200 IM – Cruz Aranda won the event with a time of 2:07.94, moving him into 5th place on the Whippet Top 10 List. Eloy Rodriguez swam the event for the first time and did a great job.
• 50 Freestyle – Mateo Bazeley continued to swim fast, hitting right on his best time. Chacha Binagi dropped a huge 4 seconds, going 34.67, and Cooper Housel posted a new best time of 34.50.
• 100 Butterfly – David Enns and Mateo Bazeley both swam the event for the first time in their careers. Mateo finished 7th with a time of 1:07.30, and David followed with a solid 1:24.34.
• 100 Freestyle – Cruz Aranda took 2nd with a time of 52.12. Wyatt Esch dropped 5 seconds to go 1:02.18. Hunter Runnoe dropped an impressive 8 seconds, hitting 1:12.06, and Ian Agen had a massive 16-second drop, posting a best time of 1:24.88.
• 200 Freestyle Relay – Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, and Cruz Aranda won the event with a time of 1:39.23.
• 100 Backstroke – Chacha Binagi and Hunter Runnoe both had huge time drops. Chacha dropped nearly 15 seconds, finishing in 1:40.47, and Hunter dropped 14 seconds, posting a new best time of 1:34.80.
• 100 Breaststroke – David Enns continued his strong improvement with a best time of 1:23.43. Carson Miller dropped 10 seconds, touching in 1:52.58.
• 400 Freestyle Relay – Wyatt Esch led off with a strong split, bettering his 100 Free time again with a 1:01.23.
Up next: The Whippets head to Stoughton on Saturday, January 10th to compete in the Stoughton College Invitational. Swimming starts at 10:30 AM — hope to see you there!
Article Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits for January 2026
In 2025, more than half of the homes tested for radon in Walworth County had levels exceeding the safety threshold set by the EPA
This January, in recognition of National Radon Awareness Month, Walworth County Health and Human Services will offer radon test kits to residents for just $5 with the donation of a non-perishable food item. The $5 price includes shipping and laboratory analysis. Normally priced at $15, the kits are supplied by the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center. Donated food will be distributed through The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity. This offer is limited to one test kit per person.
Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment, as testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.
The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, located at 1910 County Road. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Cash and check payments only.
For more information on the promotion, or to learn more about radon testing, please contact the Walworth County Health and Human Services at (262) 741-3200, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, on Facebook @WalCoDHHS, or online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.
Residents with elevated radon results should contact Walworth County Health and Human Services or the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center at (262) 605-6731 for mitigation options.
Editor’s note: The tests that were distributed a few years ago had to be received by the testing lab within a limited number of days. It may be worthwhile to pay for expedited shipping.
Heather Boehm, city clerk, indicates that Teresa Golembiewski requested on January 7 to have her name removed from the April ballot for Common Council At-large. Boehm has confirmed that this request will be honored, and consequently there are two candidates: Orin Smith and Aubrey Thompson. As a result, there is no need for a primary in February.
The Whitewater Banner provided a list of Common Council and School Board candidates which may be found here.
Update 1/7/26 @ 10 p.m. to reflect Teresa Golembiewski’s decision to withdraw from the Common Council At-large race.
Update 1/8/26 @ 12:45 p.m. to indicate that there is no competition for the two Walworth County Supervisor positions.
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
City of Whitewater Common Council
Three City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, the following is the final status of the nomination filings, as of the January 6 deadline. A primary will be held on February 17 to determine the two candidates who will move forward to the election of the at-large seat.
District 2 (Currently represented by Orin Smith, who is not running for reelection for this position)
Gavin Kelleher, 451 Warhawk Drive
Sean Liebherr, 771 W. Lauderdale Drive
District 4
Chuck Mills, 336 S. Whiton Street
Brian Schanen [Incumbent], 441 S. Buckingham Blvd.
At-large (Currently represented by Greg Majkrzak, who is not running for reelection)Teresa Golembiewski, 1180 Bloomingfield Drive Candidate withdrew on 1/7/26
Orin Smith, 329 N. Tratt St.
Aubrey Thompson, 318 W. North St.
Whitewater Unified School District
The candidates for WUSD School Board who had filed by the January 6 deadline, per School Board Secretary Christine Dodge:
Stephanie Hicks [Incumbent], 1254 Tower Hill Pass
Lisa Huempfner [Incumbent], 976 W. Charles St.
Terri Jones, 148 N. Hyer Lane, Apt. 8
Christy Linse [Incumbent who had filed a noncandidacy statement but changed her mind and is now running.] W5106 Meske Rd., Fort Atkinson
Walworth County Supervisor, District 4
District 4 represents the western portion of the city; a map may be found here.
Incumbent Al Stanek is not running for reelection.
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Tyler Schneider, 160 S. Whiton St, is the only candidate.
Walworth County Supervisor, District 3
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Incumbent Brian Holt is the only candidate.
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FALL ELECTION
U.S. House of Representatives
The general election for this position is not until November 3. It is very likely that a primary will be held on August 11, as the following candidates have already been announced:
Bryan Steil (Incumbent) (Republican Party)
Miguel Aranda (Democratic Party)
Mitchell Berman (Democratic Party)
Randy Bryce (Democratic Party)
Enrique Casiano (Democratic Party)
Gage Stills (Democratic Party)
Connor Walleck (Republican Party)
Adam Follmer (Independent)
State offices – November election
Walworth County Sheriff – November election
Incumbent sheriff Dave Gerber has filed a noncandidacy statement.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to announce a public initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5 as a part of the League of Women Voters Women Defend Democracy campaign. Unite and Rise 8.5 seeks to inspire 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up to support democratic processes, free and fair elections, and the Rule of Law in our country. If just 3.5% of eligible voters participate in peaceful protests, we will create a meaningful difference to protect the Constitution and democracy.
Please join us to learn how you can make a change. Eileen Newcomer, Deputy Director of LWVWI, will speak on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Jean Eichman, richardeichman@sbcglobal.net.
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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!
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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