Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, June 16, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
The Whitewater High School Student Council is proud to announce our first-ever Whitewater Cares Community Food Drive! The Whitewater community has a long-standing tradition of coming together to support one another in times of need, and this event embodies that spirit of generosity and care. All event details can be found on the attached flyer, and a link to sign up is also included below. Please sign up by Thursday afternoon, November 20. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact cluebke@wwusd.org. We appreciate your support and look forward to making a positive impact together!
Sign-up link
Information provided by Chelsea Luebke
Whitewater High School Student Council Advisor
cluebke@wwusd.org
𝗝𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗮.𝗺. 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺.
The Jefferson County Courthouse will be closed to the public on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to allow all employees to participate in a building-wide safety training.
During this time, courthouse doors will be locked and no public entry will be permitted. The courthouse will reopen promptly at 12:00 p.m. and resume normal business operations for the remainder of the day.
“This training reflects Jefferson County’s commitment to maintaining a safe and prepared workplace for both our employees and the public we serve,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “We appreciate the community’s understanding as we dedicate this time to ensuring that our staff are fully equipped to respond to emergencies and keep our courthouse a safe place.”
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for any in-person courthouse business and to make necessary arrangements outside of the training window. Information on county services may be found online at www.jeffersoncountywi.gov.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Jefferson County.
- Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays (starting September 10): 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Seasonal Closure - Last Wednesday open: November 19, 2025 (closes at 6:00 p.m.)
- Final Saturdays open (weather permitting):
o November 22
o November 29
o December 6
Important Notes - Whitewater residents only.
- Yard waste must be emptied from containers; containers must be taken home.
- Residents may take compost or wood chips (self-load).
- A loader is available for wood chips on the first Saturday of each month.
- Arrive early enough to unload—the site closes promptly at posted times.
🚫Reminder:
Per City Ordinance 12.08.010, depositing yard waste on city streets or right-of-ways is prohibited, except on
designated days. Editor’s note; There are no designated days for depositing yard waste on those areas except for brush and leaf pickup days.
📍Location: 599 N. Jefferson St. 📞Questions? Call Public Works at 262-473-0560
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Aviso: Sitio de Compostaje Otoño de 2025 ~ Cambio de Horario los Miércoles
Horario regular de Atención
- Sábados: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Miércoles (a partir del 10 de septiembre): 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cierre de Temporada - Último miércoles abierto: 19 de noviembre de 2025 (cierra a las 6:00 p.m.)
- Últimos sábados abiertos (si el clima lo permite):
o 22 de noviembre
o 29 de noviembre
o 6 de diciembre
Notas importantes - Solo residentes de Whitewater.
- Los desechos de jardín deben vaciarse de los contenedores; Los contenedores deben llevarse a casa.
- Los residentes pueden tomar abono o astillas de madera (autocarga).
- Un cargador está disponible para astillas de madera el primer sábado de cada mes.
- Llegue lo suficientemente temprano para descargar: el sitio cierra puntualmente a las horas publicadas.
🚫Recordatorio:
Según la Ordenanza de la Ciudad 12.08.010, está prohibido depositar desechos de jardín en las calles de la ciudad o
en los derechos de paso, excepto en los días designados.
📍Ubicación: 599 N. Jefferson St. 📞¿Preguntas? Llame a Obras Públicas al 262-473-0560
The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5k, Half Marathon Teams, and Kids Korral held their 13th annual race banquet on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Willow Brook Golf Course. Race sponsors, team leaders, volunteers, and four local charities came together for an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of the 13th Annual DWS race.
During the banquet, the DWS presented $5,000 to each of the four charity partners to total $20,000 distributed. The four charities include: Bethel House, Whitewater LEADS, the J-Hawk Aquatic Club, and UW-Whitewater Foundation-Athletics. In addition, $381 was donated directly from anonymous individuals to the charities of their choosing on the DWS website. Throughout the past thirteen years, the DWS has raised a total of $314,881 for the local charities of Whitewater.
“I loved this year’s event. The coming together and interaction of the runners with the volunteers was incredible. We could not have done it without the strong partnership of the University, the city, the school district, and the business community who made the 13th annual run a huge success. I’d like to thank the sponsors who have made this event a financial success that allows us to invest in these four amazing charities,” said Executive Director, Jeffrey Knight.
“This is now our thirteenth annual banquet. I always look forward to this wonderful night to honor everyone’s accomplishments, I can’t wait for next year’s race,” said Greater Whitewater Committee Chairman, Russ Walton
“It is great to see the results from race day and how everyone’s hard work paid off – each sponsor, volunteer, and community member. It is what makes the DWS such an incredible community event,” said Race Director, Dawson Miller.
The DWS Team would like to thank everyone who came together to make the 13th Annual race an amazing success. The banquet celebrated everyone’s hard work and dedication that was put forth by our incredible sponsors, volunteers, charity partners, and team leaders who make the DWS an event to remember each year.
For further details, please contact Executive Director, Jeffery Knight, at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to four local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, UW-Whitewater Foundation-Athletics, and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university, and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.
Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting – Monday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes City Attorney’s Memo on Advisory Committee Authority; Consideration of prioritizing cattail management and eradication in response to the continued spread and adverse ecological impacts resulting from the lake
drawdown; Discussion of current and proposed lake capital improvement projects and related lake initiatives.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88441272691?pwd=v6Inpg2FSc1pUm03ghJGQuXupAaEGS.1
Meeting ID: 884 4127 2691
Passcode: 794965
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,88441272691#,,,,*794965# US (New York)
+13017158592,,88441272691#,,,,*794965# US (Washington DC)
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda – closed session (followed by open session) for Interview of FTE EMT/Firefighter Candidate(s); Interview of Patrol Officer Candidates;Interview of Detective Lieutenant Candidate
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our meeting via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/414605453
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 414-605-453
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Building construction update; Update, discussion and possible action concerning a new Strategic Plan; approval of 2026-27 budget.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82194573151?pwd=kzh0dwYfkwisZYgNaGGbb1XX5QQ8KK.1
Meeting ID: 821 9457 3151
Passcode: stUx6tyY
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Commission – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: hearing of appeal for beverage operator’s license.
Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting
Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.,
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88205492506?pwd=ULkhLYOm0eEscTHWlfU44SUtnHfQHA.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 882 0549 2506
Passcode: 315937
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m
Agenda includes presentation of draft budget, resolution regarding storm water rates, proposal to combine Economic Development and Neighborhood Development Departments into Community Development Department.
Common Council Meeting
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the
webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82071826949?pwd=wpTE4SnHsm8waXIybH3FXcjDEVfZDA.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 820 7182 6949
Passcode: 167777
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Community Development Authority
Board of Directors
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 5:30 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
When: Nov 20, 2025 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CDA
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89426541134?pwd=qMq4Q8cvWIhs43tCZkRvsNFy2YBgUA.CJHQoNVgpKzQ1
_wD
Passcode:647974
Phone one-tap:
+16469313860,,89426541134#,,,,*647974# US
+19292056099,,89426541134#,,,,*647974# US (New York)
Join via audio:
++1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Passcode: 647974
International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdYHmEYl2yPl
Due to technical issues we are currently unable to post the information for this meeting at this time. Please check the city website or return to this page later. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Back to calendar
Discussion item:
Steve Watson writes, “There’s something lurking under the trees in Cravath Lakefront Park.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for alerting us to this suspicious development.
— 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!
Information gathered by the Whitewater Ministerial Association, thank you to Christine Dodge with WUSD for the translation.
Información recopilada por la Asociación Ministerial de Whitewater, gracias a Christine Dodge de WUSD por la traducción.
The Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson has announced a new exhibit currently on display at the museum. The exhibit, “Finding a New Home in a New Land,” shares the story of the Marino-Accomando family as they immigrated from Sicily to Fort Atkinson in the 1950s. The exhibit is on display at the museum during regular museum hours until the end of 2025.
“This exhibit began as a conversation,” said Merrilee Lee, director of the Hoard Historical Museum. “One day, Mimma (Accomando) Nelson came to the museum to view another exhibit here and asked if the museum would be interested in some items that belonged to her family. As she started describing the items and her family’s story, I was just amazed by both the objects and the people who used them.”
Born in Sicily, Mimma (Accomando) Nelson immigrated to the United States with her father Pete (Pietro), mother Anna (Rosaria), and younger brother Frank (Francesco) in 1956. They moved to Fort Atkinson to be near Pete’s sister Nina and husband Joe Marino who had both immigrated prior to WWII. Once in town, Pete began working at Jamesway Manufacturing and Anna started working at Jones Dairy Farm. Mimma started kindergarten even though she did not speak English yet but Francesco was too young to start school.
Recognizing the importance of their journey, the Accomandos saved items from their trip from Italy to Wisconsin. Nelson donated numerous family items to the museum earlier this year while also sharing an oral history to the museum regarding her family’s experiences. These items and the oral history were used by museum staff to create the new exhibit on their family.
“When Mimma shared with me that she still had the clothing they wore on their trip across the Atlantic, including shoes and bags, I was shocked. Those sorts of personal items are rarely kept for long and it’s a testament to the Accomando family that they valued their experiences.”
The Accomando/Nelson family also shared several family photos, including photos of the Accomandos arriving in Fort Atkinson after a two-week journey from Sicily. “My personal favorite photo is a group photo of the Accomandos and Marinos. The Accomandos all look tired after traveling with two small children for weeks while the Marinos are just beaming with joy. It’s a very relatable photo: tired travelers and joyful family members.”
Both Mimma and her brother Francesco (Frank) graduated from Fort Atkinson High School. Mimma remained in Fort Atkinson while Francesco moved elsewhere in Wisconsin. Both Pete and Anna have passed away and are buried St. Joseph Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.
“Through family and friends in town plus determination and strength, the Accomandos found a new home here in Fort Atkinson and the museum is honored to be able to tell their story,” said Lee. “While their story is uniquely theirs, it is also a familiar story to many of us whose families have migrated from somewhere else to find a home in Fort Atkinson. Whether the family members migrated in the 1850s or 1950s, the story has similar parallels: a long journey, finding a community in a new town, and working towards a new future for everyone.”
Lee continued, “The museum is dedicated to telling the stories of all Fort Atkinson residents and it is especially exciting when those residents can come visit their exhibit. Thank you very much to the Marino, Accomando, and Nelson families for letting us share your stories with Fort Atkinson. We’re very honored!”
The exhibit will be on display until the end of 2025. The museum is free to visit and open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 am – 4:30 but will be closed during the upcoming holidays in November and December.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum are located at 401 Whitewater Avenue in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The museums are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call the museums at 920.397.9914, visit our website www.hoardmuseum.org, and
like us on Facebook.
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
