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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Ready to start your farm succession planning? Virtual workshop series to connect you and your family wherever you are.
Join UW-Madison Extension Farm Management Outreach Specialists Joy Kirkpatrick, Steph Plaster, Kelly Wilfert, and Kevin Bernhardt as they lead important discussions and helpful activities in the Cultivating Your Farm’s Future workshop series. This series provides tools and resources for farmers who are ready to start their succession plans.
Cultivating Your Farm’s Future explores the three-step process of planning your business succession:
- Where are you now?
- Where do you want to be?
- How do you get there?
The workshops prepare you to shape and communicate your ideas about the future of the farm and business and also save time by having crucial conversations before visiting with professionals.
Who should attend?
This series is for farm businesses and farm families ready to shape the future ownership of their farm. If you are the owner generation, you may be wondering how to transfer to the next generation or develop a fair inheritance distribution plan. If you are the next generation, you may have questions or ideas about your future role in the farm business or how to make it financially feasible and realistic for your goals. Multiple farm/family members are encouraged to attend together.
What topics are covered?
● Communication preferences and how to talk about the farm’s future
● Common tensions around farm succession
● Inheritance distributions – Is equal fair?
● Financials for farm succession
● Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats – SWOT analysis
● Estate planning including probate and estate tax
● Wills, trusts, and business entities
● Setting goals and action steps
When are these workshops?
February 2026
Thursday evenings, 6:30–8 p.m., February 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026. This series also offers an optional action-planning session on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Where are the workshops held?
All sessions are held live via Zoom, so participants can join from anywhere! Each week participants will receive an email with homework assignments. The homework is designed to help gather information and prepare for the discussions and activities during the live Zoom sessions. The homework is a mix of short videos, worksheets or reading assignments. Hard copies of program materials will be mailed to each participant before the first class. - Registration details
- The cost to register is $150/per farm. Multiple farm/family members are encouraged to participate—all for $150/farm. The registration fee covers one Cultivating Your Farm’s Future workbook and one Cultivating Continuity book per farm, a participant manual for each person registered, access to digital course materials, and four (with an optional fifth) live zoom classes.
- Additional Cultivating Your Farm’s Future workbooks can be purchased for $15/each and Cultivating Continuity books for $25/each.
- Register online at https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/farm2526/reg/Site/Register
- The registration deadline is January 16, 2026, to ensure participants receive the mailed materials in time for the first class. Registration is limited to 20 farms.
- Even if you have attended other transition, estate, or succession planning classes, consider attending this program to get a START on YOUR succession plan.
- For more information contact Joy Kirkpatrick, Farm Succession Outreach Specialist, joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu, 608.263.3485
The Whitewater Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Freddy from Pixabay.
Saint Peter, Minn. – The No. 10 UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team mounted a phenomenal fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Gustavus Adolphus 47-44 on the road Tuesday evening. With the win, the Warhawks will head into 2026 with a 10-1 record.
Gustavus Adolphus held a lead through most of the contest widening the margin to as much as 10. By the end of the third, UWW trailed by eight.
Renee Rittmeyer (Winnebago, Ill./Winnebago) sparked the Warhawks early in the fourth with an old fashioned three-point play to narrow the gap to five, 38-33. Caden Krohn (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha West) broke a scoring lull with a pair of free throws just under the seven-minute mark to pull UWW to within three.
The Gusties knocked down a three but Bri McCurdy (St. Croix Falls, Wis./St. Croix Falls) had the quick response nailing a triple to make it a three-point game once again. Rittmeyer drew another foul and hit one of two at the line before Brooke Stenklyft (Cambridge, Wis./Cambridge) hit a jumper in the paint to tie the game 41-41 with just over four minutes remaining.
The rest of the Warhawk points came from the charity stripe. Krohn drained a pair to give UWW the lead. Rittmeyer added another to push the lead to 44-41. McCurdy and Camryn Nies (Platteville, Wis./Platteville) also hit one each to extend the gap to five, 46-41, with 39 seconds left.
Gustavus Adolphus hauled in a defensive rebound and called timeout to advance the ball. They capitalized with a three-pointer to cut the margin to two with 29 seconds on the clock. The Gusties got the steal shortly after the inbound and called timeout. Their shot from deep caromed off the rim and into the hands of Rittmeyer. Coach Carollo signaled for timeout and advanced the ball into UWW’s offensive end. McCurdy was fouled and went to the line, hitting the second to push the advantage to three.
GAC was able to get two shots off in the final 10 seconds. Mia Gillis (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) blocked the first and the second was no good at the buzzer for the win.
UW-Whitewater shot 43% from the floor in the fourth while holding Gustavus Adolphus to just 13% from the field. The free throw line was UWW’s biggest advantage in the contest as the Warhawks hit 15-24. The Gusties had just eight attempts from the charity stripe making three of their chances.
McCurdy led UWW with 11 points while Stenklyft added 10. Rittmeyer paced the Warhawks on the glass with six rebounds.
Editor’s note: This report was posted to the UW-W Athletics site.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday on New Year’s Day from the Whitewater Historical Society.
The Whitewater Historical Society would like to extend “A hearty wish for the New Year” with this post card from 1908. It is from our collection of holiday post cards from the early 20th century.
Have a Happy New Year and join us for special celebrations in this 250th year of the Declaration of Independence.
Wishing you good health and happiness in the new year!
The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage and above by Waseem Ahmad from Pixabay.
Mark Dorn writes “Some hearty souls!”
Thanks to Mark Dorn for sharing this chilly holiday photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Updated 1/2/26 @ 9:30 p.m. with up-to-date information about Council candidates.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Anyone wishing to run for city, state or federal office must complete the necessary steps by Tuesday, January 6 at 5 p.m. For Common Council, nomination papers with at least 25 signatures must be submitted for a district seat, or 50 signatures for an at-large position. The clerk’s office at the municipal building is closed on New Year’s Eve and Day. It will be open on January 2 and January 5 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on January 6 until 5:00 p.m.
City of Whitewater Common Council
Three City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. If there are more than two candidates in any race there will be a primary on February 17, 2026. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, the following is the status of the nomination filings, which are listed in alphabetical order.
District 2 (Currently represented by Orin Smith, who has filed a noncandidacy statement)
Gavin Kelleher, 451 Warhawk Drive – campaign registration is complete.
Sean Liebherr, 771 W. Lauderdale Drive, campaign registration is complete.
District 4 (Currently represented by Brian Schanen)
One other person has indicated an interest in running but has not yet completed any papers.
Brian Schanen, 441 S. Buckingham Blvd., campaign registration is complete.
At-large (Currently represented by Greg Majkrzak, who has filed a noncandidacy statement)
Teresa Golembiewski, 1180 Bloomingfield Drive, campaign registration is complete.
Orin Smith, 329 N. Tratt St., campaign registration is complete.
Aubrey Thompson has submitted her campaign registration forms but has not yet submitted her nomination signatures.
Whitewater Unified School District
Information regarding the School Board election may be found here.
Walworth County Supervisor, District 4
District 4 represents the western portion of the city; a map may be found here.
Incumbent Al Stanek has indicated that he is not running for re-election.
Tyler Schneider has announced that he is a candidate.
The Banner has not sought an update from the county, but understands that no one else had filed as of December 31.
Walworth County Supervisor, District 3
Incumbent Brian Holt has not filed a noncandidacy statement.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
John’s Disposal will be closed on:
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Collection will be delayed by one day.
Residents may contact John’s Disposal directly by calling (262) 473-4700 or by emailing
office@johnsdisposal.com. You may also view their website at https://www.johnsdisposal.com.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
Penny Ardelt has been part of the First Citizens State Bank family for nearly 27 years and has had the opportunity to work with many community members through her roles in New Accounts/Relationship Banking and Business Development. Please join First Citizens State Bank in wishing Penny all the best as she begins her retirement journey! An open house will be held at the bank’s main office at 207 W. Main Street in Whitewater on Friday, January 2nd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stop in, have some cake, and share stories and well wishes for Penny’s next adventures.
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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