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.
“Ofrenda de Dia de Muertos” is an exhibit dedicated to honor and remember the family and friends who have passed. It will feature an interactive altar, or ofrenda, where members of the Whitewater campus and community can honor loved ones who have passed by writing their names and leaving meaningful items in remembrance.
.A FREE public reception will be held on October 28, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by an open house from 7 to 8 p.m. Traditional Mexican beverages and conchas (sweet bread) will be served. 
This is a FREE exhibit, and all are welcome! For guest parking on campus, please reach out to ucart@uww.edu with your name and email.
The 5th Annual Pride Rally was held at Cravath Lakefront Park on October 4. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Wisconsin Department of Justice issued the following press release on October 27.
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting an officer involved death investigation in the City of Fort Atkinson that occurred on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.
At approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, officers with the Fort Atkinson Police Department were dispatched to a residence located in the 600 block of Washington Street in Fort Atkinson to respond to a report of a disturbance with shots fired. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers surrounded the residence. During the encounter, an officer with the Fort Atkinson Police Department discharged their weapon, striking the subject. A rifle not belonging to law enforcement was later recovered from the scene.
Aid was immediately rendered to the subject, who was flown to a hospital in Madison, where the subject was later pronounced deceased.
No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
The involved law enforcement officer was wearing a body camera during the incident and will be placed on administrative leave, per the agency’s policies.
DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Jefferson County Medical Examiner, the Dane County Medical Examiner, and a DCI crime response specialist.
DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over the investigative reports to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office when the investigation concludes.”
Editor’s note: A post, since deleted, on the City of Fort Atkinson website indicated that the police department was responding to a domestic disturbance.
Ferradermis wrapped up its 2025 offseason when 27 team members traveled to Roboteer Rumble in Tremont, Illinois from October 24-25. Team 2481, the Roboteers, hosts this event each fall featuring 36 high-caliber teams from across the Midwest. This year, teams traveled from Illinois, four Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri for some tough competition. Wisconsin had four teams represented. Included in the event were four teams who finished in the top 30 of the worldwide regional pool during the regular season, the Indiana District State Champion, and Team 4272 Maverick Robotics from Lafayette, Indiana who are a member of the reigning World Championship Alliance crowned in Houston in April.
Ferradermis more than held its own against this elite competition, ending qualifications with a 4-1 record and a #6 ranking. The robot was led onto the field by Drive Coach Erison Dreskler, Driver Margaret Brown, Operator Mason Genung, Human Player Vivian Harris, and Technician Paxton Wilson.
The Ferradermis robot Chief of the Reef experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure during the final qualification match. The arm which holds the end effector used to grab the game pieces was in bad shape going into the match, and the end effector ended up dragging on the ground, exposing it to accidental damage from other robots. By the time the match ended, the end effector had been literally destroyed and laid in pieces on the field.
With alliance selections for the playoffs happening immediately after that fateful match, Ferradermis had to make a quick decision about whether to withdraw from the playoffs before alliances were selected. Putting their trust in the pit crew led by Preston Miller and Owen Taylor, the team of Erison Dreksler, Rae Breisath, and Cam Avila moved onto the field and accepted the position of #5 alliance captain. They invited Team 1736 Robot Casserole from Peoria, Illinois and Team 3596 Rocket Robotics from South Milwaukee to join the alliance. They also selected Team 8430 The Hatch Batch from Washington, Indiana to join the alliance as a backup bot.
With the end effector rebuilt to be functional just in time for the first playoff match, the Ferradermis alliance fell to the eventual champion alliance led by Team 1706 Ratchet Rockers who set an event high score of 272 points during the match. A second playoff loss ended the day for Ferradermis, but the team enjoyed watching some intense high-caliber competition for the remainder of the day.
Other Ferradermis travelers supporting the team in the pit, as scouts in the stands, or filming matches included Zoey Ambrose, Chacha Binagi, Emilie Bruns, Frankie DiFiore, Asher Downs, Alex Fletcher, Eli Gonsior, Cooper Housel, Jayden Kehrer, Colby Long, Wyatt Meyers, Shae Onstott, Alex Perez-Aguilar, Sam Raupp, Julian Rennells, Johan Servin, Letty Trautman, and Mily Zeferino-Hernandez.
Team 6574 was 34-19-1 in official season play and 55-34-2 overall in 2025. The team will now focus on outreach events and training for the remainder of the fall until the new season kicks off in January.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
UPDATED 10/27/25 @ 8:45 a.m. to delete the Urban Forestry Commission meeting. Becky Magestro, city chief of staff, indicated that the commission will now be meeting every other month. The city website currently indicates that there will be a City Market on Tuesday; however, as was indicated on the Banner, the outdoor season ended last week. The indoor market will begin on November 8.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on Health Insurance, Final Review of Draft 2026-2027 Budget, and
Discussion on City Manager’s authority to create positions.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West 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: You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82065707749
Phone one-tap:
+19292056099,,82065707749# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 820 6570 7749
Whitewater Unified School District Annual Budget Hearing – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85941058417?pwd=yAQOnSKjXuz0Eaiw8ZzWqzoMnpvjnS.1
– Passcode: 094807
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 859 4105 8417
– Passcode: 094807
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes naming of Washington tennis courts, approval of tax levy and budget, CLOSED SESSION regarding personnel matters, followed by return to open session.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84603777093?pwd=EB04qrtjVoIRXeLJXoBXR0zZaQUiJs.1
– Passcode: 214922
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 846 0377 7093
– Passcode: 214922
The Whippets capped their 2025 campaign on a high note Friday evening, October 24, at the WIAA Sectional Meet in Cambridge. In what many would consider perfect fall racing conditions — 52 degrees, sunny, calm, and on a fast, runner-friendly course — the team delivered its best collective effort of the season. The rolling, wooded trails of Cam Rock Park produced season-bests for many and lifetime bests for others.
Boys’ Recap
Freshman Tyler Carollo once again led the Whippets, finishing 42nd in 17:57 in his first postseason race. The pack of the team’s 2–5 runners ran together deep into the race. Wyatt Esch emerged as the No. 2 runner, placing 76th in 19:12. Seniors Quinton O’Toole and Isaiah Mendez went head-to-head one final time, crossing nearly together — Quinton 82nd in 19:33.1 and Isaiah 83rd in 19:33.8. Marcus Roselle battled to 85th in 19:35.
Sam Nickelsburg turned in the race of his life with a 94th-place finish in 21:31. Angel Kilar rounded out the lineup in 95th with a time of 21:49. The boys placed 14th overall.
Girls’ Recap
As she has all season, Virginia Nelson led the girls’ squad and matched Tyler’s team placing — 42nd — finishing in 21:17. Melody Smith, racing in spikes for the first time, dropped a significant chunk of time to place 66th in 22:13. Ema Aranda surged late, passing numerous runners en route to 68th in 22:19. Senior Delaney Hammack ran strong and steady to finish 75th in 22:49.
Running together for much of the race, Peyton Comfort placed 88th in 24:28, senior Payton Brautigam closed her career with a lifetime PR of 24:38 for 90th, and Madelyn Taylor, filling in as the alternate, finished 91st in 24:53. The girls placed 13th out of 15 teams.
With no athletes advancing to the WIAA State Meet, the sectional meet concludes the season for the Whippets.
Full results: https://my.raceresult.com/368477/results
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Pictures Courtesy of Heather Hammack
The City of Whitewater will be upgrading its phone system on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. During this upgrade some phone lines will be out of order. Citizens needing to reach the Police Department for non-emergency matters can call 262-903-9530. If you are unable to get through at that number and have a time-sensitive concern, or in the event of an emergency, please call 911.
We appreciate your patience as we make improvements to better serve our community.
| Virginia Coburn and Dawn Hunter are leading the ongoing fundraising initiative for the Caryl Yasko Fund for Public Art, in partnership with the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Their efforts support the preservation of the Prairie Tillers Mural and help promote future public art throughout the community. “Caryl Yasko’s work has shaped the visual identity of our town,” said Virginia Coburn, a charter member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance. “This fund is our way of honoring her vision and keeping Whitewater’s public art vibrant and alive for generations to come.” The Prairie Tillers Mural, located at the corner of Center Street and Whitewater Street, is a cherished public artwork that celebrates Whitewater’s rich history, natural landscape, and enduring community spirit. Originally painted in 1980 by nationally recognized muralist and longtime resident Caryl Yasko, the mural began to fade within a decade due to the porous brick surface and exposure to the elements. By 1989, it had deteriorated significantly and was nearly lost. In 2004, a comprehensive restoration effort was launched: the wall was cleaned, reinforced with wire mesh, and resurfaced with three coats of concrete and stucco before the mural was carefully repainted. A re-dedication ceremony was held on September 26, 2004, to celebrate the restored work. In the summer of 2025, the Prairie Tillers Mural received much-needed upkeep and repair to preserve its vibrant presence in the community. Restoration efforts included the application of a UV-protective coating to maintain the mural’s vivid colors, along with the repair and repainting of damaged plaster in key areas. The project was funded by the Caryl Yasko Fund for Public Art, held by the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Dedicated to preserving Whitewater’s public art and supporting future installations, the fund continues to welcome contributions. Fundraising is ongoing, and community support remains vital to keeping these cultural landmarks vibrant and well cared for. “The Prairie Tillers Mural has always been more than paint on a wall—it’s a symbol of Whitewater’s creative spirit and history,” said Dawn Hunter, the Alliance’s founding president. “I’m proud to help ensure its preservation and to support future public art that continues that legacy.” Caryl Yasko’s artistic legacy spans decades and includes dozens of murals, as well as concrete sculptures, windmills, and flagpoles created for schools and cities across the country. Her work is known for its emotional depth, bold compositions, and community-centered approach. In addition to her public art, Yasko has a deep passion for native plants. She has planted prairie settings around many of her installations and often incorporates prairie flowers into her designs—bringing together ecology, history, and visual storytelling. The Prairie Tillers Mural remains one of Whitewater’s most cherished landmarks and was instrumental in the founding of the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Its continued care reflects the community’s commitment to honoring local art and artists. Donations are needed to support ongoing maintenance and future restoration efforts. Heartfelt thanks go to DLK Enterprises for the loan of a lift truck, Schneider Bros. Plasterers for their expert work, and Emeritus Professor Sue Messer for her generous assistance to the artists. To support the Caryl Yasko Fund for Public Art, donations can be made by check to the Whitewater Arts Alliance (PO Box 311, Whitewater, WI 53190) or online atwhitewaterarts.org/caryl-yasko-public-art-fund. Please note “Caryl Yasko Public Art Fund” on your contribution. For more information, Contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance Phone: 608-201-2151 Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com Website: whitewaterarts.org Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12 pm-4 pm Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running. “20 Years of Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!” |
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.
