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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, June 17, 2026
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Prairie Village – 863 Burr Oak Trail. Everything half-price. I need to get rid of this stuff! Make an offer if you don’t like my half-off prices.
Friday, May 22 now until 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Final arrangements have been made for Memorial Day activities to be held on Monday, May 25th in Whitewater and hosted by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5470.
At 6:00 AM members of the American Legion and anyone who wants to help will gather at the American Legion, 292 S. Wisconsin Street, Whitewater to place American flags along Main Street.
The parade will form at the Hearthstone Memory Care parking lot in Whitewater at 10:00 AM and will march off promptly at 10:30 AM concluding at the Whitewater Armory. The route will be just along North Street. Leading the parade will be a combined color guard of William Graham Post 173 American Legion and VFW Post 5470.
The Whitewater High School Band and the Whitewater Middle School Band will provide music for the parade.
Featured in the parade will be guest speaker, Whitewater native, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Jonathan Roe. Also participating will be American Legion and VFW
scholarship winners, Badger Boys and Girls State attendees, the American Legion Americanism award and American Legion Outstanding Athlete award recipients.
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Whitewater Youth Soccer, and other youth organizations are invited to participate.
In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled but the program will be held at the Whitewater Armory beginning at 11:00 AM.
Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Darcy Rallo has been promoted to the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Darcy has built a strong background in human resources, retail banking leadership, employee development, and operational management within community banking. Prior to joining First Citizens State Bank, she held leadership and human resources roles with First National Bank and Trust Company, supporting workforce development, employee management, training programs, and HR operations. Darcy has served as Director of Human Resources at First Citizens State Bank for the past three years, where she provides strategic leadership in HR operations, employee engagement, and organizational development. She earned her SHRM certification in 2020, is certified in Situational Leadership, and recently completed the Graduate School of Banking Human Resource Management School, further advancing her expertise in human resources leadership and community banking.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “Since joining First Citizens State Bank, Darcy has continued to elevate our Human Resources area through trust building, greater accessibility for our employees, and a consistent commitment to fostering a professional and supportive work environment. She has been actively engaged in Bank functions and has assumed additional leadership responsibilities along the way.”
Darcy commented, “I’m honored to step into the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at First Citizens State Bank. My journey here has been shaped by incredible colleagues, meaningful challenges and a shared commitment to doing what’s right for our people and communities.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. The bank takes pride in building lasting partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Written by Abigail Dotzler | Photos by Joe Kusumoto/USOPC, Craig Schreiner
With a supportive community at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater behind him, John Boie has achieved his dreams.
Boie — a UW-Whitewater alum, academic advisor at the Academic Advising and Exploration Center and two-time Paralympic gold medalist — shares his success with the friends, family and teammates that have spurred him to achieve.
On July 8, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame will welcome Boie into its ranks during a ceremony at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee. Because of his monumental achievements in wheelchair basketball, Boie will be the first Paralympic athlete to be inducted.
Boie was first introduced to wheelchair basketball at a camp held by UW-Whitewater when he was 11 years old. He played through a season the next fall and fell in love with the sport. Boie still returns to that camp every summer — now as a camp coach.
Boie felt the love as soon as he arrived at UW-Whitewater as a college student.
“[Wheelchair basketball provided] a big community [for me] to have coming into college and friends that I still have today,” Boie said.
In 2014, following an illustrious career on the Warhawk men’s wheelchair basketball team, he graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. He continued his education at UW-Whitewater with a master’s degree in human resource management and a master’s degree in accounting.
Boie has remained on campus as an academic advisor, working with students during their academic journey to ease their path to a degree and their intended profession.
“UW-Whitewater has such a strong tradition of wheelchair basketball, and we’re really excited to have someone who is a continuous and long-time member of our community just really excel at a state level, and national level, and global level,” said Marissa Gruel Hainstock, director of Academic Advising and Success and Boie’s supervisor.
Boie continued in his basketball journey, competing in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, earning his first gold medal and recognition at the White House. He tried out for Team USA for nine years before finally making the cut for the 2020 Paralympics.
Boie almost never left the court at his first Paralympics.
“[It felt] like I’d finally reached the goal I set when I was 11 years old,” he said.
The time, effort and dedication Boie puts into his sport give him the skills to achieve his dreams. He won gold again at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Boie credits part of his success to Jeremy “Opie” Lade, his long-time friend, coach and fellow Warhawk. Lade, who led the UW-Whitewater men’s wheelchair basketball team to six national championships, coached Boie during his time on the UW-Whitewater wheelchair basketball team and has encouraged Boie through his entire basketball career.
“He’s kinda always been in my corner since I was little. He gave me my first basketball chair when I was a little kid,” Boie said. “Opie was a heck of a coach. [He] prepared me for Team USA… and we even play on different club teams in the U.S., so he and I get the opportunity to play against each other.”
Boie continues to pour himself into the wheelchair basketball community — both on and off campus. He officiates tournaments, scrimmages with the Warhawk men’s wheelchair basketball team, and serves as a role model to all student-athletes. Preparing the next generation of gold medalists and Hall of Fame inductees, Boie inspires students to compete, to work hard and to succeed.
“I can still connect with students — especially student athletes,” Boie said about his role as an academic advisor. “Because I know what it takes to compete at a college level and beyond.”
While this latest recognition from the Wisconsin Hall of Fame is “still pretty surreal” for Boie, he’s incredibly excited.
“I’m thankful for all the people that have helped me get there: family, friends, and community — and that includes the Warhawk community of our campus.”
He’ll represent Team USA again this September at the 2026 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation World Championships in Ottawa.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The Whitewater Police Department would like to make residents aware that over the past several days, officers have responded to multiple reports of vehicles and residences being entered during the overnight and early morning hours.
The Whitewater Police Department is reminding all residents to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of these crimes. Residents are strongly encouraged to:
- Lock all vehicle doors, even when parked at home or in your garage.
- Remove valuables, wallets, purses, firearms, and electronics from vehicles or keep them out of sight.
- Ensure all residence doors and windows are locked before going to bed or leaving home.
- If your home has a sliding patio door, place a door wedge, security bar, or similar object in the track to prevent the door from being forced or slid open.
The Whitewater Police Department has increased extra patrols throughout the community and is utilizing a variety of proactive enforcement tactics in an effort to identify and arrest those responsible. Detectives are actively investigating these incidents and are narrowing down the identity of the suspects involved.
If you or someone you know has recently been the victim of a vehicle entry or burglary, please contact the Whitewater Police Department immediately. Even small details or information may assist detectives in identifying the suspects and solving these crimes.
Residents who observe suspicious activity are encouraged to call the Whitewater Police Department right away at (262) 473-0555. If an emergency is occurring, call 911 immediately.
The Whitewater Police Department appreciates the community’s assistance and cooperation as we continue working to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Editor‘s note: This press release was issued by the Whitewater Police Department.
��Thinking of purchasing your first or a new home?
First Citizens State Bank is holding its annual Homebuyers workshop on June 3rd at 5:30 pm at the main office in Whitewater and all are invited.
During this free event, you’ll walk through the financing process and have your questions answered. Learn about how to apply, qualify, and then purchase your new home. Discuss downpayment assistance programs, hear about the current housing market from trusted local realtors Jon Marshall from Tincher Realty and Linda Platner from Platner Realty, and learn about insuring your new home from expert, in-house, insurance agent, Kasey Reed – you’ll get a full picture of what it takes to make your homeownership dream a reality.
Start down your path to homeownership today.
RSVPs are appreciated by contacting Katie Lehman at 262-473-1401 or klehman@firstcitizensww.com or on the Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FYXw944CU/
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
#PathToHomeownership #ReachForYourDreams #CommunityBanking
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater renews their title sponsorship for the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, Fit Kid Shuffle, and 5K Teams event! The University has supported the event ever since its inaugural race in 2013. The DWS team is excited to work with the University again this year to continue this event’s success!
The 14th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The DWS is excited to announce that the start and finish line for both courses will be held at the university again due to the great turn out from last year! The courses will end at Perkins Stadium, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s football field; participants will be cheered on as they run through the stadium, ending with a huge celebration! The University has gone above and beyond to support the DWS by providing the assistance of volunteers, University Police, and other staff members to ensure the safety and quality of the event.
UW-Whitewater is a premier academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by the spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. UW-Whitewater offers many academic programs that range from study of the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and technology programs that benefit undergraduate, graduate, and online learners. All these programs can be offered at the associate, bachelor, masters, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners, leading them to a successful life and productive careers.
The University also helps support and staff the Kids Korral; an all-day child-care service that is free to all runners the day of the event. On race day, participants’ children have a morning of safe and fun play with certified caretakers from Aspiring Educators, some of whom graduated or are pursuing education from the University itself.
Participants will also have open entry to William’s Center during race day, having access to the showers, bathrooms, and other facilities that the University is providing! The DWS team is thankful for the University’s continued support of our 14th Annual Race!
To register for the 14th annual DWS and to learn more about its sponsors, charity partners, and the University’s involvement, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.
Photo courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Ron Binning recently was able to capture this photo of a male Rose-breasted Grossbeak and a male Baltimore Oriole at his bird feeder.
Is the Baltimore Oriole named for the city? Per Wikipedia, the species received its name from the resemblance of the male’s colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore.
Our thanks to Ron Binning for sharing this beautiful sight from his bird feeder.
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
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