Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, June 15, 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.
Did you know that Whitewater Music Boosters gives thousands of dollars to support music at all WUSD schools? That money dries up, and the decisions don’t happen, without the help of family and community members like you!
If you haven’t been to a Whitewater Music Boosters meeting – or if it’s been a while – the first meeting of the year is arguably the most important one, and your opportunity to see what this year will hold is right around the corner. We are holding our first meeting on Monday, September 8th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Join us at WHS – Room 403 (come in through the auditorium/music doors) or via Google Meet at the following link: https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa.
The agenda will be finalized this week. It will be available with previous agendas, past minutes, and other important organizational documents here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing Did you get this message from a music teacher? Join our email list: https://forms.gle/NYGKUrk3TgbSwLmF9
Our constitution went through some updates over the last year-and-a-half. You can find it here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing
Meetings are casual, and kids are welcome. Come see what we’re about and how we support your students’ music!
If you can’t attend this meeting, there are many ways to get involved:
Way #1: Run for a seat on the Board! The positions of Treasurer and Sponsorships/Fundraising Chair are currently vacant. Position descriptions are in the Constitution.
Way #2:
Volunteer!
Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for other opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.
Way #3:
Donate/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 here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link
Fall Book Club Announcement
League of Women Voters Whitewater Area
The League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area is pleased to announce the continuation of our book discussions that explore issues regarding the League’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy.
The book for this fall is entitled American Madness: Fighting for Patients in a Broken Mental Health System by Alice Feller, M.D., which explores the complex realities of mental health care in the United States. Core themes of the book include: the current state of mental health care in America and its devastating impact on patients and families, the obstacles patients face in accessing appropriate care, the shortage of hospital beds, personal stories and advocacy for systemic change and improved treatment options, and patient vignettes that bring the realities of a broken system to life, encouraging empathy and understanding among readers.
Please join us as we discuss the book and mental health issues in our local community in three separate sessions, all of which will be held at The Book Teller, 171 W Main Street, in Whitewater, 6:30PM – 8:00PM, on the following dates:
Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Introduction through Chapter 4
Thursday, October 9, 2025 – Chapters 5 – 9
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Chapters 10 – Epilogue
ACQUIRE THE BOOK TODAY! A limited supply of books is available at The Book Teller (call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy to purchase) and local libraries. You can also order the book from Amazon.
You do not need to be a League member to attend and refreshments will be served. For questions or further information please contact Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com, or Deb Gamble, shebagam@gmail.com
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
John’s Disposal will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.
Please note the following route change:
Thursday’s route is delayed to Friday
Residents may contact John’s Disposal directly by calling (262) 473-4700 or by emailing office@johnsdisposal.com. You may also view their website at https://www.johnsdisposal.com.
______________________________________________________
AVISO: John’s Disposal estará cerrado el lunes 1 de septiembre de 2025, en conmemoración del Día del Trabajo. Tenga en cuenta el siguiente cambio de ruta:
La ruta del jueves se retrasa hasta el Viernes
Home of Wisconsin’s largest business school, UW-Whitewater produces graduates in finance and accounting who go on to work in banking and personal finance across the region. Chancellor Corey King and Willie Warhawk stopped at PremierBank in Whitewater this past spring to celebrate the university’s mutually beneficial relationship with the bank as part of our Mascot on Main campaign.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Z0fLnzb3XN4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1ccgeJqJ7g
Editor’s note: The above was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Dr. Suzanne Popke (dpopketherapy.com), psychologist in Whitewater, will give a free public presentation called “Introduction to Meditation for Mental Health” at her office on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 PM.
Address: Historic Nelson Salisbury House at 404 W. North St, Whitewater.
She will share some of her knowledge about Siberian meditation which she learned while living in the Republic of Buryatia, Siberia.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Dr. Suzanne Popke. The Whitewater Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by vined mind from Pixabay.
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.
Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
Source: Wikipedia
The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.
The Whippets fell to Clinton 30-8 on Friday night, August 29.
Comments from Coach Bartlett:
We started this game slow, and Clinton took advantage. They came in with a strong game plan and executed it flawlessly. Credit to their offensive line for getting off the ball all night. They controlled the game by running the ball effectively, mixing in timely passes, and using time of possession to keep our offense off the field. That prevented us from establishing a rhythm and made every possession feel limited.
On our side, we simply made too many mistakes — the kind you can’t afford if you expect to win. We know we are capable of winning games, but it comes down to making the choices and taking the actions throughout the week that winning programs make. As we’ve said all season, our focus is to Pound the Stone daily — to keep improving and to become a better team each week.
There were a couple of standout performances for us. Quarterback Ty Bucholtz (#4) battled all night. Even though we didn’t protect him as well as we should have, he fought to extend plays and showed the leadership that makes him a captain. On defense, senior Casey Lyon was everywhere. He played with great effort, including a textbook strip and forced fumble after wrapping up the ball carrier. He continues to prove he’s the perfect fit for us at the Mike linebacker position.
Rushing:
- #4 Ty Bucholtz: 7 carries, 20 yards (2.9 avg)
- #21 Corbin Vaughn: 2 carries, -2 yards (-1.0 avg)
- #6 Brady Friend: 6 carries, 6 yards (1.0 avg)
- Team Total: 15 carries, 24 yards (1.6 avg), 0 TD
Passing:
- #4 Ty Bucholtz: 11 completions on 22 attempts, 133 yards (12.1 avg), 1 TD, 2 INT
- Team Total: 11/22, 133 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Receiving:
- #2 Casey Lyon: 3 catches, 47 yards (15.7 avg), 1 TD
- #3 Emmett Spear: 5 catches, 63 yards (12.6 avg)
- #15 Connor Brummeyer: 2 catches, 10 yards (5.0 avg)
- #10 Hayden Armstrong: 1 catch, 13 yards (13.0 avg)
- Team Total: 11 catches, 133 yards (12.1 avg), 1 TD
Notable Defensive Stats:
- #4 Ty Bucholtz: 4 Solo, 8 Assists, 1 FR
- #2 Casey Lyon: 3 Solo, 8 Assists, 1 FF
- #3 Emmett Spear: 3 Solo, 11 Assists, 2 TFLs
Article Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
File photos courtesy of Olivia Kowlaski.
Fall “Kick-Off” Sunday, September 7!
FUMC: 145 South Prairie St. Whitewater, WI
First United Methodist Church in Whitewater is planning an exciting “kick-off” Sunday, as we begin our fall worship and programming events. Sunday, September 7 promises to be a spiritual and uplifting time as we begin our fall schedule.
On September 7 we resume our 8:00 and 10:00 worship times. At the 10:00 worship we are planning a service of renewal expressed through prayer and music. Service opens with a new choral introit with handbells, children, and our chancel choir. This opening song was written by our own Tom Ryan. Our choir will sing an exciting new anthem accompanied by flute, violin, and cello. This instrumental group will also bless us with other incidental music during communion.
This service will also feature a “blessing of the backpacks” for all ages of students and educators, as they start a new school year. We will also acknowledge volunteers who assist with Promise Point and our new Sunday School schedule. Pastor Clarissa will provide an uplifting message as we are led into a new church year.
Our kick-off Sunday continues after worship, with a church cook-out with brats and hot dogs on the grill. We will also have salads, baked beans, condiments, and drinks. We are arranging children’s/family activities. We’ll have a bouncy house, corn hole and limbo games, chalk art and coloring. There will also be bubbles, card games, and face painting!
First United Methodist Church will be decorated and “dressed up” to welcome all to our fall kick-off event. The entire Whitewater area community is invited to come and enjoy this time of friendship, fellowship, and worship.
Prime Time Pizza Party: Anyone in High School is Welcome! – September 14
All High School students are invited to come to First United Methodist church on Sunday, September 14, at 6 pm for the ultimate pizza taste-off. We’ll be sampling pizzas from local restaurants and voting to crown the very best in Whitewater.
Bring a friend, come hungry, and hang out with us as we also chat about our plans for the year and reveal the date and location for our 2026 mission trip. It’s the perfect way to kick off the school year together!
Questions? Please reach out to Tom/Julie at tomjulieduval@gmail.com or 262-949-7309 or Kelly/Corey at kellymross@gmail.com; 262-203-1999
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.
