Editor’s note: This proclamation, which was read at the Common Council meeting on June 2, was submitted by Jenny Rule, Local Group Lead, Moms Demand Action-Whitewater Area. Jenny added the following: Links to the Wear Orange coalition website: wearorange.org (also in Spanish here). Please consider sharing information about Wear Orange on your personal social media this week to spread awareness far and wide. Use the hashtag #WearOrange
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, 2014.
A lifelong love of the Colorado mountains started with childhood trips to visit family in Denver and Estes Park. Throughout her life she visited often to hike, explore, camp and be with family. She had fond memories of climbing the fourteener, Long’s Peak, when she was in her 50’s. When her family had grown, she enjoyed many road trips to Estes Park with her girlfriends to spend a week soaking up the mountains.
Lois lived in Whitewater for 60 years where she volunteered at the First English Lutheran Church, helped form the Whitewater Tennis Association (which led to the HS tennis team), supported Warhawk sports, coached track at WWHS, and worked for UWW. She was an active tennis and bridge player.
Family was everything to Lois. She supported and celebrated all of her kids, grandkids and even great-grandkids’ activities. She loved family time at “The Woods,” cider making in the fall, card games, baking, cooking, gardening and travel.
Lois leaves her loving family including children: Lisa (Stuart) Smith, Jeff (Jeri) Lauritzen, Karen (Larry) Centro, grandchildren: Elesif (Kyle) McDonald, Damon (Karlee) Smith, Katie (Tanner) Prestegard, Cara (Alex) Strunk, Matt (Kelsey) Lauritzen, Francesco Centro, and Ana Centro. Great grandchildren: Bode and Lennon McDonald, Miller Wilson Smith, Henry and Audrey Prestegard, Carter, Kennedy and Graham Strunk and Freddie Lauritzen.
Lois is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother and nephew Mark Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to First English Lutheran Church of Whitewater or the Whitewater Warhawks Tip-Off club.
Lois requested a private family service.
The Third Annual Unity Walk will be Saturday, July 18 at 10 am starting at the Whitewater Armory. All are welcome to enjoy live music, visit tabling community organizations, and hear speeches about unity at this non-partisan, inclusive community event. Unity signs will be available to carry from the Armory to the Cultural Arts Center and back. The Unity Walk, a Symbol of Civility, offers all residents from all backgrounds an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to bringing Whitewater together as one human family. Save the date.
Reservar la fecha – La Tercera Caminata Anual por la Unidad será el sábado 18 de julio a las 10 am comenzando en el Armory de Whitewater. Todos son bienvenidos a disfrutar de música en vivo, visitar las organizaciones comunitarias en los puestos y escuchar discursos sobre la unidad en este evento comunitario inclusivo y no partidista. Habrá carteles de Unidad disponibles para llevar desde el Armory hasta el Centro de Artes Culturales y de regreso. La Caminata por la Unidad, un Símbolo de Civilidad, ofrece a todos los residentes de todos los orígenes la oportunidad de demostrar su compromiso de unir a Whitewater como una sola familia humana. Reserven la fecha.
Editor’s Note: This information was provided by the Unity Walk Committee.
Have you ever wanted to try some of our classes, but you weren’t sure where to start? Join us on Saturday, June 6th for our Fit Expo!
We will be showcasing a variety of classes, as well as having local health and wellness vendors on site.
The class showcases will offer shorter versions of everyone’s favorite classes, whether they’re on land, in the leisure pool, or in the lap pool.
If you’re coming to join the Fit Expo, entry is free for the event.
Class offerings include…
Fitness Studio Schedule:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Lift
8:50AM – CIRC’L Mobility
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Strength + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spin
Lap Pool Schedule:
8AM – Heart Racers
11AM – Water Warriors
12PM – Aqua Strength Fusion
Leisure Pool Schedule:
8:40AM – Aqua Flow
9:30AM – Hydro Power
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Strong in 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga
¿Alguna vez has querido probar algunas de nuestras clases, pero no estabas seguro de por dónde empezar? ¡Únete a nosotros el sábado 6 de junio en nuestra Fit Expo!
Presentaremos una variedad de clases, además de contar con proveedores locales de salud y bienestar en el lugar.
Las muestras de clases ofrecerán versiones más cortas de las clases favoritas de todos, ya sea en tierra, en la piscina de ocio o en la piscina de carriles.
Si vienes a unirte a la Fit Expo, la entrada al evento es gratuita.
Las ofertas de clases incluyen…
Horario del Estudio de Fitness:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Levantamiento
8:50AM – CIRC’L Movilidad
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Fuerza + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spinning
Horario de la Piscina de Carriles:
8AM – Corredores del Corazón
11AM – Guerreros Acuáticos
12PM – Fusión de Fuerza en Agua
Horario de la Piscina de Ocio:
8:40AM – Flujo Acuático
9:30AM – Poder Hidro
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Fuerte en 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga
A multi-agency response crew has located and recovered the body of a drowning victim who went missing at approximately 3:00 p.m. on June 2 in the Rock River, adjacent to Highway N in Jefferson. The body was recovered at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 3. The Jefferson County Medical Examiner is responding to positively identify the victim. The individual’s name has not been released pending next-of-kin notification.
From incident reports:
Two individuals were boating on the Rock River during the afternoon of June 2 when one person entered the water. The other boater called 9-1-1, and first responders arrived within minutes. The search began immediately and continued until 9:00 p.m., when it was suspended for the night. The search resumed at 8:00 a.m. on June 3 and continued until the individual was recovered.
The Sheriff’s Office urges all boaters to understand boater-safety laws, use personal floatation devices (PFDs), observe current weather and water conditions, and avoid entering water unless you are fully aware of the risks. The Rock River has cloudy water, potentially dangerous currents, mud, silt, tree branches, and other debris that can be hazardous to swimmers.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Jefferson Fire & EMS would like to thank all of the agencies from Jefferson, Rock, Waukesha, and Brown Counties that responded with personnel and equipment.
In addition to the City of Jefferson and Jefferson County, responders came from:
Special crews and equipment:
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
CAST A LINE, CATCH SOME FUN!
Join Whitewater Parks & Recreation for Reel Fun Fishing Day during Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend!
Sunday, June 7th
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cravath Lakefront Park (341 S Fremont Street)
Whether you’re an experienced angler or have never held a fishing rod before, this event is for YOU! Learn the basics of fishing, try your luck on the water, and make some great memories outdoors.
Bring your own fishing gear or borrow ours.
No fishing license required for Wisconsin residents
FREE hot dogs while supplies last
Fun for all ages
PLUS… everyone who attends will have a chance to win a FREE raffle prize!
Grab your family, invite your friends, and spend the day enjoying one of Wisconsin’s favorite outdoor traditions. We can’t wait to see what you catch!
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Department.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing his photographic mastery with us once again.
— 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!
The Bassett House, a cherished local landmark in the city of Whitewater, is set to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its ownership by the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC) on June 14, 2026. The public is warmly invited to join the festivities, which will begin at 1:00 PM.
This historic residence, located at 708 W. Main Street, was originally constructed in 1857 by Thomas Bassett. For seventy years, his only daughter, Florence Bassett, called the house her home until her passing in 1926. In 1878, an addition was built at the rear of the house, further enhancing its structure. Upon her death, Florence Bassett bequeathed the home to the Federation, with the condition that the club incorporate, which it did to fulfill her wishes.
Over the years, the Bassett House has played a vital role as a meeting venue for many clubs established by the Federation, dating back as early as 1897. Today, it also serves the broader community as an event space available for public rental, accommodating a variety of celebrations.
The centennial celebration on June 14th will feature musical performances to delight guests. The Kettle Moraine Blues will perform on the lawn from 1:30-3:30, an a cappella choral group, Fortzando, led by Professor Benjamin Whitcomb, will present a selection of Americana songs in honor of America 250, performing on the front porch from 1:00-1:30. Inside the house, James Olm will provide piano music for the afternoon. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet “Florence Bassett,” who will greet visitors, serve refreshments, and share the history of her home.
The Federation, as stewards, has demonstrated great care in preserving the Bassett House, establishing a dedicated preservation fund to ensure its ongoing maintenance. Recently, the kitchen underwent a significant interior remodel, and attention will soon turn to the restoration of the soffits and facias on the exterior, planned for completion this summer. The Bassett House stands as one of the finest examples of Italianate architecture in the county.
If you are interested in membership in the Federation, information will be available at the event.
Updated 6/3/26 @ 3:45 p.m. to add carnival wristband (unlimited rides) hours: July 2 hours: 4:30 pm- 10:30 pm (wristbands 5:00 pm -9:00 pm) July 3 hours: 11:30 am- 10:30pm (wristbands 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm) July 4 hours: 11:30 am- 11:30pm (wristbands 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm) July 5 hours: ? [Per Karin Silvius of Downtown Whitewater]
The community is gearing up for four days of fun, entertainment, and patriotic celebration as the Annual 4th of July Festival returns July 2–5. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to join in the festivities, which will feature a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, July 2, with the annual Miss Whitewater Pageant along with the opening of the carnival, beer garden, and local food vendors.
On Friday, July 3, festivalgoers can enjoy the carnival, a variety of food vendors, live music, and the popular beer garden, providing a full day of great food, entertainment, and community spirit.
The excitement continues on Saturday, July 4, starting with the Whippet Mile, followed by the parade. Once that is over, the carnival, food vendors, live music, and beer tent open throughout the remainder of the day. The evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display, scheduled to launch at 9:45 p.m., lighting up the sky in celebration of America’s independence.
The festival wraps up on Sunday, July 5, with Family Day, presented by Generac. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a petting zoo, balloon artist, flea market, and much more. Family Day is designed to provide fun and entertainment for attendees of all ages.
“We are excited to bring the community together once again to celebrate our nation’s independence and create lasting memories with family and friends,” the 4th of July Committee said. “There is truly something for everyone throughout the four-day festival.”
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in this year’s celebration. Additional event details and updates will be announced as the festival approaches.
Come celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, and neighbors at this year’s Annual 4th of July Festival!
Updates may be available at whitewater4th.com.
A promotional video may be viewed here. The band lineup is shown below.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Universities of Wisconsin on June 1, 2026.
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a proposal this week to increase resident undergraduate tuition by 2 percent for the 2026–27 academic year.
If approved, the increase would remain below the current inflation rate and would help universities address rising operating costs while continuing to maintain affordability for Wisconsin students and families.
The proposal comes after several years of significant financial restructuring across UW universities, including reductions in structural deficits, operational changes, and campus-level cost containment efforts designed to strengthen long-term financial stability.
“We recognize Wisconsin families are managing rising costs in every part of their lives, and that reality informed this proposal,” said Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “This is a measured increase that helps our universities continue providing strong student support and high-quality academic experiences while keeping a UW education among the most affordable in the Midwest.”
Over the past decade, resident undergraduate tuition at Wisconsin comprehensive universities has increased at a substantially lower rate than public universities in neighboring Midwestern states.
Even with the proposed increase, the Universities of Wisconsin would continue to rank among the most affordable public university systems in the region.
The proposal would also include an average 3.5 percent increase in segregated fees, or approximately $56 annually. When tuition, segregated fees, and room-and-board costs are combined, the total estimated cost of attendance for resident undergraduates would increase by an average of 2.5 percent.
Revenue generated through the proposal would support essential university operations, including utilities, facility maintenance, employee salaries and benefits, and student services.
The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the proposal at its meeting in Milwaukee later this week.
Proposed 2026–27 Resident Undergraduate Tuition and Segregated Fees
The proposed resident undergraduate tuition and segregated fees for each university in 2026-27 is proposed as follows:
UW-Eau Claire: $10,268
UW-Green Bay: $9,133
UW-La Crosse: $10,563
UW-Madison: $12,416
UW-Milwaukee: $11,153
UW-Oshkosh: $9,180
UW-Parkside: $8,851
UW-Platteville: $9,007
UW-River Falls: $9,448
UW-Stevens Point: $9,692
UW-Stout: $10,289
UW-Superior: $9,477
UW-Whitewater: $8,984
In addition, selected programs would undergo program-specific tuition adjustments.
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About the Universities of Wisconsin
The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.