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.
Please join the Whitewater Public Library for the following October programs:
Halloween Bingo
Thursday, October 30th at 3:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building
Ages 5-11
Goblins and ghouls, you are invited to try your luck at Halloween Bingo! Will you win tricks or treats? No one knows! Bingo is geared towards children 6-10 years old, but older and younger siblings are always welcome! No registration is required, but bingo cards are first come, first served. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 478-2588 with any questions.
Teen Cemeterrariums
Friday, October 31st at 1:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building
Ages 12-18
Make your very own cemetery in a terrarium. A cemeterrarium! Jars, trappings, and headstones provided by the library. Ghosts must be acquired on your own. This program is open to teens ages 12-18. Please register via our event calendar: https://whitewaterpl.librarycalendar.com/events/month
Limit 15 participants. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 478-2588 with any questions.
Please note that the library is still closed for construction and both programs will take place at Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 South Fremont Street.
From the Social Security website:
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.
Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1 percent. The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025.
Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some recipients receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”
Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100.
Social Security begins notifying recipients about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Those who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. You can set up text or email alerts when a new message–such as your COLA notice–is available in your my Social Security account.
You will need to have a personal my Social Security account by November 19 to see your COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2026 benefit amount will be available via my Social Security’s Message Center starting in late November. Those who do not have an online my Social Security account will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.
Help Support the Starin Park Splash Pad & Park Enhancement Project! 
The City of Whitewater is applying for a Wisconsin Department of Administration Non-State Grant to help fund a new splash pad and park enhancements at Starin Park — creating a free, safe, and inclusive space for children and families of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Earlier this year, the City conducted a community-wide parks and recreation survey, and the Starin Park Splash Pad was identified as the most requested project by residents. Your feedback helped shape this plan, and now we need your help again to make it a reality!
We’re asking for letters of support from community members, local organizations, and businesses to demonstrate the strong community backing for this project.
How to help:
Please email your letter of support to kboehm@whitewater-wi.gov by Tuesday, October 28, 2025. In your letter, share why this project matters to you, how it will benefit families and visitors, and why you believe investing in Starin Park is important for Whitewater’s future.
Together, we can make Starin Park a place for everyone to play, cool off, and connect! 
#WhitewaterWI#StarinPark#CommunitySupport#SplashPad#ParksAndRecreation#GrantProject
Editor’s note: This announcement appeared on the Whitewater Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
“Sinners”
Tuesday, October 28, 1 pm
(Folk Horror/Period Drama/Supernatural/Thriller)
Rated R (language/violence/frightening & intense)
2 hours, 17 minutes (2025).
Our annual Halloween horror film has received multitudinous accolades and awards season buzz. It has a high Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97 (critics) / 96 (audience). And Oscar buzz.
It’s a good, old fashion rip-roaring monster movie. Please be advised to bring your own crucifix, garlic, silver bullets, and a wooden stake. Just sayin’…
Mark will have Halloween treats!
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
All are welcome for Trunk or Treat at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the First United Methodist Church.
The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department indicates that the person who died following a motor vehicle crash on October 20, 2025 was Terri L. Apgar, age 56 of Whitewater. The incident took place in the 1100 block of East County Highway N in the town of Lima and was reported to authorities at approximately 7:57 a.m.
Per the press release, Mrs. Apgar was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary results of the forensic examination confirmed that she died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. It is indicated that the incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department.
A previous article concerning the crash appeared here.
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Willow Brook Golf Course, N9035 Hwy 89, Whitewater, WI 53190
Whitewater Community Foundation is excited to invite the community to a special social event on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Willow Brook Golf Course. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved!
The evening will feature a short presentation at 6:00 PM, featuring our team, highlights of our recent projects and exciting updates on what’s ahead for our community.
Join us for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and community spirit. Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to our organization, this is a wonderful chance to engage with our mission and discover ways to participate in our initiatives.
Light refreshments will be served. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family!
For more information, please contact: info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
Our Website: https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitewatercommunityfoundation
Editor’s note: This invitation was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Update: The Old Main fire took place on February 7, 1970, not 1971.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s UWW Homecoming week, so here is a nice view of Old Main, probably from the 1960s. It is also a lovely fall photo. Before the 1970 Old Main fire, the UWW had one of the prettiest campus entrances in the state system.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5092PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
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.
