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Today is Thursday, June 18, 2026
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Residents are reminded that blowing, placing, or leaving grass clippings and other lawn debris in any
City street is prohibited.
This regulation exists for several important reasons:
- Prevents Flooding: Grass clippings, leaves, and debris can clog storm drains, leading to street
and property flooding. - Protects Water Quality: Storm drains flow directly into local lakes without treatment. Grass
clippings add excess nutrients that contribute to harmful algae blooms. - Improves Safety: Grass clippings left on roadways can create slippery conditions, posing
hazards for bicyclists and motorcyclists.
Proper Lawn Care Practices: - Use a mulching mower to return nutrients back into your lawn.
- If using a discharge mower, direct clippings toward your property, not the street.
- After mowing, clean up any debris from streets, sidewalks, and storm drains using a blower,
broom, or rake. - Grass clippings may be bagged, but they may not be disposed of in garbage totes.
- Residents are encouraged to compost clippings on their property or take them to the City’s
designated compost site.
City Code – Chapter 12.08: Street Obstructions - It is unlawful to deposit grass clippings or other debris on any street, alley, sidewalk, gutter, or
public ground. - Violations may result in a penalty ranging from $25 to $250, plus associated costs.
Your cooperation helps keep our streets safe, prevents flooding, and protects our local waterways.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community clean and safe.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
UWW Finishes 2026 Season 43-6
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team fell in extra innings to Bethany Lutheran College in the Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament. The heartbreaker came to an end in the bottom of the 11th, with the Vikings hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly to score the winning run.
The Warhawks struck first in the game, scoring at the top of the first as the designated away team. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) scored the first run of the game off a single from Jackson Spring (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North).
From there, it was the Vikings quieting the Warhawks’ offense, keeping UWW at just one run until the 8th inning. On the offensive end, Bethany Lutheran piled on some runs to take the lead. A 2-run homer in the third put a crooked number on the board. The Vikings added one run in the fifth, and a solo home run plus an RBI double in the 7th to build a 6-1 lead.
Entering the last two down by five, the Warhawks’ time was running out. Leyten Bowers (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) was able to spark some momentum with a solo home run over the right field scoreboard to get the first run on the board since the first inning.
The four-bagger from Bowers kick-started the Warhawks’ offense. Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) got a hold of one for his own three-run homer with Wyatt Jensen (Luck, Wis./Luck) following up McVay’s at bat with another solo shot to tie the game up at 6-6.
Still in the top of the 8th, the Warhawks kept the inning going with a single from Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine). Hopper moved up 180 feet, getting second on a wild pitch & third from an errant throw down by the catcher. Hopper came in for the go-ahead run off a deep double by Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North). With just one inning, the Warhawks had flipped the script & took a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the 8th.
Bethany Lutheran was able to tie up the game from a wild pitch in the 8th, but no scores in the ninth sent the game to extras. In the 10th, the Warhawks had just a single base runner, but couldn’t move him past second. The Vikings were able to get runners on second & third, but the UW-Whitewater defense escaped the frame to send it into the 11th.
UW-Whitewater was retired in order on the 11th as the side flipped back to the Vikings. A single, sacrifice bunt, and a single put runners on the corners with just one out. A fly ball to right field did the job for the Vikings, as they scored the winning run after 3-hours & 40-minutes of game time.
The Warhawks 2026 campaign came to a close with a 43-6 record, the second-highest winning percentage in Warhawk history. The 2026 season included a school-record 36-game win streak as well as a perfect 28-0 record in conference play, the first time a team has done so in WIAC history.
Editor’s note: The above is from the UW-W Athletics website. Attendance was 632.
The Walworth County Department of Public Works will conduct roadside vegetation management activities in late April and early May to control invasive plant species and reduce long-term mowing costs.
Beginning the latter part of April, weather permitting, residents may observe Public Works crews applying herbicide treatments along County Highway rights‑of‑way. Crews will also conduct selective spraying within the rights‑of‑way of designated State highways, including State Highways 50, 11, and 89. These activities support the County’s ongoing Vegetation Management Plan, which is designed to improve roadside ecosystem health while lowering expenditures for mowing labor, equipment maintenance, and fuel.
Invasive plant species such as wild parsnip, ragweed, field sow thistle, and chicory remain a significant concern in southeastern Wisconsin and are present throughout Walworth County. These plants can pose safety risks to highway workers, hinder visibility, and displace native vegetation. Vegetation management efforts over the past few years have substantially reduced invasive growth, resulting in more efficient and safer mowing operations.
For the 2026 season, County staff—trained and certified in herbicide application—will use an EPA‑approved blend of broadleaf herbicides and plant growth regulators formulated to target invasive species while minimizing impacts on native plants, including grasses and milkweed. This approach supports pollinators, enhances wildlife habitat, and helps restore ecological balance along roadways.
Residents, including organic growers, who have questions or concerns about the vegetation management program are encouraged to contact the Walworth County Public Works Highway Division at (262) 741‑3114. Find more information at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1278/Vegetation-Management.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County Highway Department. Our apologies that it was not posted earlier.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our final
2026 Boater Safety Education Course on May 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and
June 6, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S.
Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a Boater Safety
Education Course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on
Wisconsin waters. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years old or turn 12
shortly after the class.
Boater Safety Education Course – Class #2
Session 1: May 20, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: June 6, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open. [Editor’s note: As of Saturday evening, May 16 there are still openings.] Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/boater-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the
submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The
student must have a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number to register.
The course fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the first session (exact cash or
check). If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first
session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session.
Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
Updated 5/16/26 @ 10:50 p.m. to add the link to the Parks & Recreation Board meeting and to clarify that the meeting is at the Old Armory.
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation by McMahon Associates, Inc.; Approval of closing the library from 9 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27 for ActiveThreat Training for all city staff by the Whitewater Police Department
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
*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:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81027814762?pwd=ynpXw0yVVG5Yw5RQoLaxXPq06xNe5M.1
Meeting ID: 810 2781 4762
Passcode: tiVFuq8Z
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Spring Splash report, Storm after action report; 2026-R-14 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Not to Exceed $9,200,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A- Finance 2026-R-15 Resolution authorizing the Issuance and Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Not to Exceed $5,275,000 Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026B; First reading of an ordinance to repeal the ordinance for the Equal Opportunities Commission; Discussion and Possible Action regarding incorporating the Public Arts Committee with the Whitewater Arts Alliance.-Discussion and Possible Action regarding options for holding Common Council meeting in the Community; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park 2026-2027 Mobile Home License;
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29508693503716?p=1AMyIgH7LZOyMe9dQe
Meeting ID: 295 086 935 037 16
Passcode: Aj9kz2nP
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,961778606# United States,
Phone conference ID: 961 778 606#
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Location: Old Armory, 146 W. North Street
Agenda includes Tour Armory Building, including second floor food pantry area; Discussion and possible action on lease agreement with Whitewater Food Pantry at the Old Armory; Tour Armory Building, including second floor food pantry area; Discussion and possible action on lease agreement with Whitewater Food Pantry at the Old Armory; Discussion on city building rental policy.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/286491604653378?p=WvH3Fh7Nx85vlibU6v
Whitewater Unified School District Strategic Planning Work Group – Thursday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Comprehensive Plan Feedback: Discussion and possible action; EXECUTIVE SESSION to be followed by open session: Discussion and possible action Becker & Bolton DA amendment: Discussion and possible action; Lifetime Manufacturing/Summerset Marine DA:
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/294338385313009?p=VOg5AedvZ4ABvSW3tD
Meeting ID: 294 338 385 313 009
Passcode: pg2gA96R
Need help? | System reference
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,138251129# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 138 251 129#
Readers have undoubtedly noticed that now in order to access The Whitewater Banner there is a brief delay. We recently added an extra security verification step because the website has been receiving a large volume of automated bot traffic. This helps protect the site from being overloaded and keeps it available for real readers. Most visitors should only see the check briefly before continuing to the site. Thank you for your patience and for reading The Banner.
Updated 5/16/26 @ 12:20 a.m. to indicate that UW-W will face Bethany Lutheran on Saturday [see final paragraph below.]
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team opened up the NCAA Regional Tournament with a 13-4 win over Macalester College at Prucha Field. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) set the tone early with a lead-off home run as the Warhawks scored at least one run in seven of their eight offensive innings.
Jackson Koenig (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) got the start on the mound, retiring the Scots to get the Warhawks going early. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) followed it up with a lead-off home run on just the third pitch he saw to put the Warhawks up 1-0.
In the second inning, Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) added an RBI single, followed by RBI double from Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North). Keli Grennier (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) added the next runs in the third inning with a 2-RBI homer to left center, his first of the day.
The Warhawks threatened to extend their 6-0 start to the game, loading up the bases in the bottom of the 4th, but an inning-ending double play got Macalester out of it. The Scots turned the momentum into offense with three runs in the top of the 5th on back-to-back RBI doubles.
Wyatt Jensen (Luck, Wis./Luck) tacked on an RBI single in the 5th to get the Warhawks back up to a four-run lead.
After putting a zero back up on the board at the top of the 6th, the Warhawks had their biggest inning of the day with a 5-run spot in the bottom of the frame. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) kick-started the run with a solo shot to center field. Keli Grennier (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) blasted his second home run of the day to tack on another three runs. Jensen added the last touch with an RBI single to put the Warhawks up 12-3.
Macalester was able to add another run on a fielder’s choice, but Leyten Bowers (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) got it back with an RBI double in the 7th. The Warhawks took the win 13-4, with Skyler Sievert (Laguna Niguel, Cal./Dana Hills) pitching the final three innings to earn the save.
The Warhawks will face Bethany Lutheran of Mankato, MN in the 2:30 PM game on Saturday, May 16th at Prucha Field. Bethany Lutheran beat Luther 8-3 on Friday. Most everything you need to know may be found on UW-W’s Regional Tournament page. That includes admission costs, parking info (remember, Saturday is commencement, so parking arrangements will change), and the schedule for the tournament. Also see the Gameday Central page for further information.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
CORRECTION 5/17 @ 7:15 a.m. – Sunday’s first game begins at 11 a.m. [The Banner previously stated noon.] If the Warhawks win the first game, the “if necessary game” will begin 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first. Our apologies for the error.
After midnight on Saturday UW-W published stories on both of Saturday’s games.
Bethany Lutheran [unranked on the d3baseball.com poll and #32 on NCAA] snuck past Whitewater [#2 and #3 on the same polls] by a score of 8-7 on Saturday, May 16 in the NCAA DIII regional. The box score may be viewed here. A rather respectable crowd of 743 people was reported to be on hand for the contest. That game was played at 2:30.
The Warhawks didn’t get much rest, as their next contest was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday but actually started at 6:25. They shook off the earlier loss and snuck past Macalester by a score of 9-8. The box score may be viewed here. Attendance was reported to be 651. Macalester was their opening opponent on Friday, and they beat them 13-4 then.
The only teams that haven’t been eliminated by two losses are now UW-W and Bethany Lutheran. The latter hasn’t lost a contest. Those two teams will face off on Sunday at 11 a.m. If UW-W wins, they will face Bethany Lutheran once again, beginning 45 minutes after the first game.
The Warhawks could sure use a strong cheering section on Sunday. Most everything you need to know may be found on UW-W’s Regional Tournament page. That includes admission costs, parking info (remember, Saturday is commencement, so parking arrangements will change), and the schedule for the tournament. Also see the Gameday Central page for further information.
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
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