Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 19, 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.
Bench Dedication Ceremony Honoring Jim Allen
Join the City of Whitewater as we honor James (Jim) Allen, a beloved community member whose passion for our lakes and parks touched so many lives.
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5:00 PM, Trippe Lake Park – Lower Shelter
407 South Wisconsin Street, Whitewater
This memorial bench will serve as a lasting tribute to Jim’s spirit — a place to pause, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of the lakes he loved.
All are welcome to attend and share this special moment with our community. 
Editor’s note: Jim Allen served on the Whitewater Common Council for 15 years, including a number of terms as president. Among the committees on which he served was the recently formed Lakes Advisory Committee. His obituary may be viewed here. Nancy Des Jardin, Jim’s mother, told The Banner that “he loved this city, lived in this city, worked here, and learned to swim in this lake!”
Veterans Day Ceremony at UW-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater invites the community to attend its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
University Center, UW–Whitewater
Free parking available in Lot 12A
Everyone is welcome to join as we honor and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our veterans and military community.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by UW-Whitewater. The Whitewater Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Kim Heimbuch from Pixabay.
Surplus UW-Whitewater office furniture, chairs, and other seating will be offered for sale to the public at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 West Main Street (behind the Fairfield Inn) on Friday, November 7 and Friday, November 14. Sale hours both days are 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. ONLY cash and personal checks will be accepted. Parking and entry on the south side of building (closest to the hotel). Desks, tables, rolling chairs, guest chairs, bookshelves, and MORE will be available. Contact SURPLUS@UWW.EDU with any questions.
Library Closed October 27-November 8
As we pull into the final stretch of the library’s building project, the library is closed from October 27-November 8 as we move into the new space. We are excited to see books going back on shelves. Please pick up your holds at another Bridges library or “freeze” your hold until the library reopens for curbside pickup on Monday, November 10. Thank you for your patience as we wrap up this huge undertaking. The library plans on being fully reopen on December 8.
November 10-December 6: Curbside pickup services, including printing, will be available. The phone lines will also be open for reference questions and library account assistance. If you need assistance or have questions, contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov.
Thank you for your patience as we wrap up the library’s building project! We’re excited to see you in the newly renovated and expanded library soon!
Note that even while the library building is closed, we are still hosting some events and programs off-site. Click here to view the library’s events calendar.
Editor’s note: The above information is from the library’s website.
This past Thursday, October 30th senior David Enns performed in the WMEA State Honors Mixed Choral Ensemble at the Overture Center in Madison. This is the most prestigious honors ensemble in the state of Wisconsin with auditions happening this past February and rehearsals occurring during the summer. The Whitewater music department is very proud of David for representing our high school and community well.
Article and Photos Submitted by MacKenzie Gehrke
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Teacher
gehma01@wwusd.org
The We Energies Cookie Book is a holiday tradition dating back to 1928, when it promoted electric appliances for baking. The books were produced every year until 1974. The next edition was produced in 1984, and then subsequent editions were produced in 1991, 1998 and 2002. Since 2006, the book has been printed each year, restoring the annual tradition.
Every year, we receive hundreds of recipes from customers within our service area, and we’re honored you share them with us. This year is no exception. Bright flavors. Warm spices. Gooey caramel and chocolate. We had a hard time narrowing it down to just 37 recipes. Employees from across the company enjoy tasting the cookies and deciding which ones will fill the pages of the We Energies Cookie Book. This year, you’ll see a few of our favorites marked throughout the book.
Our cookie jar is overflowing with so many delicious treats. We hope you enjoy the recipes and find a few new favorites to fill your jar.
The 2025 book may be downloaded here.
For those who prefer to have a hard copy of the book, here is the distribution schedule for drive-through pickup. The closest site to us is the Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Ave. in Jefferson. Books will be available there on Wednesday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The cookie book archive is available online here.
Editor’s note: This announcement is from the We Energies website.
The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next monthly meeting on Monday, November 3rd from 5:30-6:30 PM. Join us at WHS – Room 403 or via Google Meet at the following link: https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa. At the last meeting, Erin Nickelsburg was elected President and Sponsorship/Fundraising Coordinator, and Ryan Clarksen was reelected Secretary and elected Public Relations/Volunteer Coordinator, but the elections of Vice President and Treasurer were tabled until the upcoming meeting.
Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing
Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing
Ways to get involved:
Way #1:
We know that our meeting times don’t work for everyone, but anyone can volunteer!
Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. To help coordinate these efforts, we have a SignupGenius form for events in November and December. Look for other opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers in the future. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.
SignupGenius Form: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044DA8A72DA3F8CF8-60073876-music
Way #2: If our meeting times are a better fit for you, run for one of the vacant seats on the Board! The positions of Vice President and Treasurer are up for election at the upcoming meeting. Position descriptions are in the Constitution.
Way #3:
Over the recent years, our funds have steadily decreased, so we could use people to donate and/or fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.
Donate/Share Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link
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
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.
