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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s 151st spring commencement celebrated the achievements of 1,250 students in two ceremonies May 17 inside Kolf Sports Center. Recognized for earning doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s or associate degrees, the new graduates joined the ranks of more than 100,000 UWO alumni.
Whitewater, WI
Martin Gonzalez, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Allison Martens, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
Jazmine Peterson, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Jazmine Peterson, Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Lois Mast writes “This beautiful bird loves to hang out in Whitewater Creek and can be seen from the wooden walkway leading to the Trippe Lake pavilion.
Our thanks to Lois Mast for sharing this beautiful photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Everyone is invited to the 39th Annual Lutherdale Fest Quilt Auction on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This outdoor event runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. or until all the quilts are sold. The live quilt auction, conducted by professional auctioneer Gary Finley, starts at 10 a.m.
The auction features more than 300 donated quilts of all sizes, from baby to king size, plus wall hangings and table runners. The quilts are handmade by hundreds of quilters from Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida.
View the quilts online at www.lutherdale.org/quilt-auction. There will also be many quilts featured in this year’s online auction that will allow bidders to join the fun without being at camp. This can all be found on Lutherdale’s website.
Friday’s Quilt Preview will be held on Friday, August 8th from 4 pm – 7 pm with silent bids accepted on both quilts and Silent Auction items. Our Wisconsin Fish Fry will be available for inside & outside dining or carryout. Meal tickets are $18/adults and $10/youth 10 & under. Proxy silent bidding for quilts ends Friday, August 8 at 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, our Chef is serving a delicious lunch menu. There will also be an ala carte menu of bakery items, snacks, and beverages from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All food will be served near the auction area.
Free admission. Free parking. For more information, call Lutherdale at 262-742-2352 or visit website at www.lutherdale.org
Lutherdale Bible Camp is a not-for-profit organization, accredited by the American Camp Association, serves all denominations, non-profits, school groups, and more.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
It’s also time for produce stands. This image is from 1994 of a produce stand located along East Main Street. The man is not identified, but I am sure some of you may know who this is. The historical society hopes everyone enjoys the fresh produce of the season.
(George Scharfenberg collection)
“Black Bag”
Tuesday, July 29, 1 p.m.
(Spy thriller/Mystery/Romance)
Rated R (language). 1 hour, 33 minutes (2025).
The tale of a British spy (Michael Fassbender) who must ferret out a traitor in their midst amongst five potential suspects… one of which is his wife (Cate Blanchett). Also stars Pierce Brosnan. An erudite, clever, well-acted cat-and-mouse cloak-and-dagger spy mystery!
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/
Governor Tony Evers, whose second term will end in January, 2027, announced on July 24, 2025 that he will not be running for another term. Governors in the state are elected to four-year terms and they have no term limits. Evers will turn 74 in November.
The governor’s video message is available here. A transcript of the video message is provided below.
Hey, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here.
You know, I was a scrawny kid with glasses who grew up scraping mold off of cheese. I never dreamed I’d end up governor of Wisconsin. But here I am.
For the last six years, you’ve welcomed me into your churches, businesses, classrooms, farms, hospitals, and communities. I cherish every moment—every tour, visit, high five, question, and selfie. It’s the honor of my life to be able to give back to the state that raised me.
I promised you when I ran for this office that I’d always work to do the right thing, that I’d always give it to you straight, and that I’d always try to be a governor for all of Wisconsin. And I work every day to keep those promises. That’ll never change.
I began my run for governor as a proud Plymouth Progressive, and that’s still who I am today. I’m a science teacher at heart who ended up running for office and winning five straight statewide elections.
So, would I win if I ran a sixth time? Of course. No question about that. But whether I’d win or not has never been part of my calculus about running again.
Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa.
I’ve spent 50 years in public service. I’m damn proud I devoted my entire career—and most of my life—to working for you. And from Plymouth to Baraboo, Tomah to Oshkosh, Verona to Madison, and everywhere in between, Kathy and my family supported me all the way.
Marrying Kathy is the greatest accomplishment of my life because it gave me a lifetime with her, three amazing kids, and nine incredible grandkids. For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service. They’re my world. And I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together.
It’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing that I will not be running for a third term.
I’m so humbled to be your governor. This is the best job I’ve ever had. And folks, we are not done yet.
There is, as always, much work to do. And, Wisconsin, I’ll be working just as hard as I have for the last six years to keep doing the right thing and deliver for you.
So, let’s get back to work. Forward, for you and for Wisconsin, always.
Thank you.
Due to the ongoing heat, the Whitewater Arts Alliance [WAA] has decided to move the Savory Sounds mariachi band concert inside the Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, July 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. WAA wishes for everyone to enjoy the concert without concern about being negatively affected by the heat.
July 24 – Mariachi Nuevo Mexico
:: Mariachi : A high-energy mariachi band from the Chicago area. There will be a special children’s workshop, offering fun, hands-on activities inspired by the day’s music.
:: Sponsored by The Coburn Company
:: Food Vendor: Taqueria la Estrella 2
Savory Sounds 2025 Concert Series
- Concert Times: All concerts are held on Thursdays from 11:30 am – 12:45 pm.
- Location: Inside the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
- Food & Refreshments: Food and other refreshments will be available from the food vendor or bring your own lunch.
- Parking: CAC lot and city street parking is available with additional parking available at First English Lutheran Church.
Savory Sounds Sponsors:
- Anonymous Donor
- Coburn Company
- Culver’s of Whitewater
- D.L.K. Enterprises
- Fairhaven Senior Services
- Harbor Homes
- TDS
The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the City of
Whitewater Police Department and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Police Department, conducted an investigation that involved the sale of illegal
controlled substances and fraudulent identification documents in the City of
Whitewater. The investigation included controlled buy(s) of fraudulent documents, [and] illegal controlled substances and culminated with a search warrant.
On July 17, 2025, at approximately 7:19 a.m., the Walworth County Drug
Enforcement Unit, assisted by the City of Whitewater Police Department, the
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Police Department, Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Federal Bureau of
Investigations (FBI), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed
a drug search warrant at the residence of 645 E. North Street, in the City of
Whitewater.
While searching the residence, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and one firearm was
located and seized. Also located was a computer and printers used to manufacture fraudulent photo identification cards and Social Security cards. Additional fraudulent documents were also located during the search.
Two residents were arrested during the search warrant and transported to the
Walworth County Jail:
Freddys Manual Gaitan Ruiz, DOB:12/26/2000 (AKA Freddys M. Moreno
Ruiz) and Anner Amilkar Bustamante Talavera, DOB: 11/28/1994.
Gaitan Ruiz was arrested on the following charges:
Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place – 961.42(1)
Delivery of Cocaine – 961.41(1)(cm)1g
-Within 1000 feet of a School – 961.49(1m)(b)6
Delivery of Cocaine – 961.41(1)(cm)1r
-Party To A Crime 939.05
Possession With Intent To Deliver Cocaine – 961.41(1m)(cm)2
– Within 1000 feet of a School – 961.49(1m)(b)6
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 961.573(1)
Child Neglect – 948.21(2)
Bustamante Talavera was arrested on the following charges:
Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place – 961.42(1)
-Party To A Crime 939.05
Delivery of Cocaine – 961.41(1)(cm)1r
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 961.573(1)
Misdemeanor Bail Jumping – 946.49(1)(a)
Bustamante Talavera also had active warrants and had been out on bond in the
following criminal cases: Fond du Lac County 24CT122 and Walworth County
Cases 2023CT000689, 2024CT000211, 2024CT000228, and 2024CM000202. [All of which are traffic or bail jumping offenses.] Information is being provided to Walworth County District Attorney’s Office and federal authorities for consideration of additional charges.
Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme
Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an
accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proved guilty.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
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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