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The Whippet Swimmers had a close battle against Burlington Co-op, edging them out 86–82!
The Medley Relay team of Langdon Coburn, Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, and Caleb Kluck pulled off a nail-biter finish, out-touching Burlington with a time of 1:52.23. Mateo threw down a speedy 27.56 on the fly leg!
Our second Medley Relay crew — Hunter Runnoe, Carson Miller, Xavier Ortiz, and Ian Agen — all scored new best times, with Carson tackling the 50 Breaststroke for the first time and doing a great job.
Individual Highlights:
• Cruz Aranda – Lifetime best 2:10.53 in the 200 IM, moving up the Top 10 list to 7th!
• Ian Agen – Dropped 11 seconds in the 50 Free for a 38.56.
• Carson Miller – Dropped 22 seconds in the 50 Free for a 42.76.
• Caleb Kluck & Wyatt Esch – A 1–2 finish in the 50 Free, both with lifetime bests! Caleb at 26.06, Wyatt at 26.50.
• Eloy Rodriguez – Dropped 5 seconds for a 29.24.
• Langdon Coburn & Sam Nickelsburg – Another 1–2 finish in the 100 Fly. Langdon with a season-best 58.62, Sam with a 1:11.51.
• Mateo Bazeley – Season-best 53.96, taking 1st place in the 100 Free.
• Xavier Ortiz – Dropped 9 seconds for a 1:19.88.
• Caleb Kluck – Lifetime-best 6:46.61 in the 500 Free, dropping 8 seconds.
• Langdon Coburn – Lifetime-best 1:01.47 in the 100 Back, now 7th on the Whippet Top 10 list!
• David Enns – Another strong swim in the 100 Breast, improving to 1:27.00.
The Whippets are back in action Saturday, December 13th, heading to Elkhorn for the Elk Invite! Racing starts at 10:00 am.
Article Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
HELLO, WHITEWATER!
Today, I, Aubrey Thompson, am announcing my candidacy for Whitewater City Council- At Large.
My family and I have been residents since 2018. We came to Whitewater because of the affordable market-priced rental we leased, and stayed because of the small-town vibe. My family enjoys many community activities here in Whitewater, with some of our favorites being events at Flat Iron Park, use of City Parks (including the Skate Park), Farmers’ Markets, Holiday Parades, and Independence Day Fireworks.
Our family is active within the community as entrepreneurs and volunteers. We are a family of “creatives” with a passion for music, art, and nature.
Our children attend Whitewater School District; with one who recently graduated and is moving onto a career with the U.S. Marine Corps. Both our children have been active in sports within the school district and outside the school district.
With great faith and perseverance we began our Handyman business here in Whitewater and have been truly blessed by our neighbors who hired us over the years. Many of our customers have become our friends, and we are better people because of them. We strive to be open and honest, offer quality solutions, and a workmanship warranty that customers have told us is the reason we are re-hired for new jobs. I know that sounds like an ad for our business, but I say all this to elucidate some of our common-core principles: honesty, trust, communication, and creative problem-solving.
I cannot sit still for long. I enjoy being helpful and purposefully engaged in work. I also enjoy volunteering. In the past, I volunteered at Root Pike WIN trash cleanups in Racine, while more recently I volunteer with the Whitewater Creek Coalition as the President.
Neighbors, I imagine you asking me, “ok, but what’s your training?” I hold an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering (focus in Wastewater treatment) from Gateway Technical College. While there, I was equipped with knowledge in water treatment/chemistry, Stormwater preservation methods, 3- D architectural design, estimating, project management, construction materials, and a vast array of other skills related to civil construction and environmental engineering. I love learning, and continue my education in a variety of self-propelled learning mediums. Namely, books, scientific studies, and free online courses from Hillsdale College and MIT.
I am a former municipal engineering technician from Village of Mt. Pleasant. I am a former Quality- Control Supervisor at Millennium Forms in Elkhorn (where I also performed a variety of duties such as EHS Supervisor, R&D Manager, Vendor Quality liaison, Industrial Wastewater Operator, and point of contact for Walcomet, EPA, DNR). Most currently, I am an entrepreneur of our Handyman business.
I am running for City Council and humbly ask for your vote, because I want to see smart and transparent fiscal spending. I want to see our city continue to improve infrastructure and safety. I want to see growth in our city’s economy by bringing in diverse, (what I call) “fair-wage-plus” jobs. I want to see my Neighbors be able to pay their bills with income leftover each month. The ability to save money and be charitable, grows prosperity within our families and our community.
What I stand for:
1) Safe, Affordable Homeownership – Encourage repairs of existing single-family homes, build new affordable single-family houses, and oppose taxpayer-subsidized apartment projects that don’t fit Whitewater’s needs.
2) Economic Growth – Retain existing business and attract a diverse mix of small, medium, and large businesses to expand the local job market and match a broad range of skill sets.
3) Community Safety & Quality of Life – Improve existing infrastructure, safety of residents, and environmental standards; while also supporting family-friendly programs that strengthen neighborhood bonds and celebrate Whitewater’s unique culture.
Whitewater, I ask for your vote come April 7, 2026. Until then, I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you!
Contact me at: 608-279-0811
Aubrey.whitewater@protonmail.com
Editor’s note: Al Stanek, who is completing his second term on the County Board, told The Banner that he is encouraging others who show an interest to attend this meeting. Though he has enjoyed his service and feels he has made some significant contributions, Al indicated that he is willing to serve again only if there are no other qualified candidates. Whitewater has two seats, Stanek’s (D-4) and another (D-3) that includes portions of the east and south sides of the city along with various towns currently held by Brian Holt. The deadline for filing nomination papers is January 6, 2026.
Walworth County to Hold Informational Workshop for Interested Residents and Potential County Board Supervisor Candidates
County Administrator Mark Luberda will hold an informational meeting for interested residents and potential County Board Supervisor candidates who would like to learn
more about the duties and responsibilities of County Board Supervisors. The meeting will take place:
- Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6 p.m.
County Board Room 114, Walworth County Government Center
100 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
The workshop will provide an overview of Walworth County government and the
responsibilities and time commitment generally required of County Board Supervisors. The 90- minute class will provide an overview of what an individual could expect while serving on the Board. This will include outlining the wide range of services provided by County government, summarizing the County’s budget, highlighting some of the legal rules under which Supervisors must operate, addressing the relationship between the County Board and other elected and appointed officials, reviewing the committee structure, and discussing typical time commitments.
If you’re interested in running for County Board Supervisor, County Clerk Susi Pike will be available with nomination packets and can assist you in completing them.
For more information or to register, please contact County Administration at (262) 741-4357 or email countyadministration@co.walworth.wi.us.
The district maps on the county website may be viewed here.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance is happy to announce a series of three festive ornament-making workshops this December, designed to bring creativity and connection to three unique community groups. Participants will craft whimsical Santa ornaments made from paintbrushes, transforming everyday tools into joyful holiday keepsakes. Each workshop will feature the same ornament project, with all supplies provided and several helping hands on site to support attendees.
The first workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center for English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
The second will take place on Thursday, December 11, from 1 pm-2:30 pm. at the Cultural Arts Center for members of the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Initiative.
The final session will be hosted for the residents at Mulberry Glen on Friday, December 12, from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.
“These workshops reflect the Alliance’s commitment to inclusive, joyful art experiences,” said Gallery Director, Kim Adams “We’re thrilled to offer a welcoming workshop where creativity can flourish across generations and backgrounds.”
photo/Craig Schreiner)
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 13, as proud families and friends gather for the 2025 December commencement ceremony.
Approximately 888 students will be earning their degrees, including undergraduates from the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Integrated Studies, and the College of Letters and Sciences, and students earning a master’s degree or doctorate from the School of Graduate Studies.
The ceremony, about two hours long and presided over by Chancellor Corey A. King, will be held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
This year’s commencement speaker is Mark Perry, a San Francisco business leader whose father, Harold Perry, graduated from UW-Whitewater in 1933 and returned in 1958 to serve as commencement speaker. When Harold Perry retired in 1974, the family established the Harold M. Perry and Margaret A. Perry Scholarship Fund at UW-Whitewater. Recently, the family established the Harold M. Perry ’33 and Margaret A. Perry Endowed Faculty Chair, a $2 million gift in 2024 that provides resources to a selected UW-Whitewater faculty member or members to address complex issues, develop long-term solutions and positively impact Wisconsin’s economy.
The student speaker is Samuel Bardales, from Gurnee, Illinois, who is earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, secondary education licensure, and a minor in business law. On campus, he joined myriad student organizations and served in multiple leadership roles. Early on, he joined the Leadership Involvement Team for Wells Residence Hall and became deeply involved with Whitewater Student Government. He also was involved in Whitewater Cru and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Bardales hopes to work as a math teacher after graduation and later further his education.
82 percent of the graduating students come from Wisconsin, and 25 states and seven countries other than the United States are represented in the graduating class.
The graduating class includes nine international students, 69 military veterans and 154 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 77 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees.
A total of 56 graduating students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, earned acceptance to graduate school or started their own business before commencement. That represents an increase of 27% over the December 2024 class.
Commencement will be broadcast live online by UWW-TV, the university television station. Access to the livestream will be posted on our commencement webpage.
Stop by Studio 84 this Saturday, December 13th from 10 am-2 pm for Second Saturdays at Studio 84 located in downtown Whitewater at 121 W. Center Street. This month’s activity is Christmas card making! All materials and supplies are provided free of charge!
Studio 84 is a non-profit art studio, gallery and store. Our mission is to provide fully accessible opportunities in the arts to enrich people’s lives. Our regular weekday programming provides individual guidance and instruction to people of all ages and abilities for a cost. We are privileged to be able to provide this free opportunity to create art together as a community thanks to the generosity of the Geneva Lake Women’s Association.
An adult must accompany kids under the age of twelve at Second Saturdays. Anyone with special needs may also be required to have a guardian or caregiver present depending on their needs.
You can learn more about Studio 84 at our webstite www.studio84inc.org , Facebook @
Studio84, Inc. or Instagram @ studio84inc
Whitewater Unified School District has a 2-hour delay. Per our policy, the morning Early Childhood and 4K classes are cancelled. The full-day 4K and afternoon 4K classes will continue to be held. We apologize for the late notice, but for our students’ safety, there was one last-minute drive around the area, and it has gotten worse within the hour. Some of the townships have encouraged the bus company to hold off due to the roads.
Whitewater High School Schedule:
Abundant Life Christian School beat Whitewater 55-24 in non-conference girls’ basketball action on Monday, December 8. The game was close for the first 10 minutes before ALCS broke it open before halftime. In the second half, Whitewater went on a spurt but struggled to score against the ALCS defense. Emery Kachel led Whitewater with 15 while ALCS had two in double digits.
The Whippets play at Delavan-Darien Tuesday, December 9 before returning home to play East Troy on Friday evening. Both games start at 7:15 pm.
Other Recent Action from Last Week
The Whippets are struggling on the offensive end to start the season. Last week we lost to Lake Mills (61-36) and Marshall (58-23). The team is very young and is working to grow in each game with many players playing both JV and Varsity.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
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