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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Celebrate community, canines, and cold drinks on August 3.
Rotary Botanical Gardens is excited to host the first ever Dog Days of Summer on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM. This new dog-friendly event invites guests of all ages two and four-legged to enjoy a lively day of outdoor fun, food, music, and community.
Held on the scenic 20-acre garden grounds at 1455 Palmer Drive, Dog Days of Summer will feature food trucks, vendors, a pet photo booth, lawn games, dog cooling stations, and goodie bags for the first 100 guests. Attendees can shop at the local pet vendor marketplace, enjoy live entertainment, and take part in interactive dog-friendly games like bobbing for tennis balls and a dog/owner look-a-like contest.
Adding to the festivities is a custom beer release by Good Works Brewing Co., specially crafted and labeled for the event. This exclusive Dog Days of Summer brew will be available during the event alongside non-alcoholic options and treats from participating vendors.
Admission is $10 per person and includes full access to the gardens and all events. Children 6 and under enter free, and dogs are welcome at no additional cost (must remain leashed and follow posted guidelines).
“This event is all about enjoying the gardens in a new, playful way,” said Laura Kenyon, Community Engagement Manager. “We’re excited to bring the community together for something fresh, fun, and dog friendly.”
For full event details, visit:
https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event/dog-days-of-summer/
About Rotary Botanical Gardens
Rotary Botanical Gardens is a 20-acre non-profit botanical garden featuring 20 unique garden styles and over 4,000 plant varieties. Located in Janesville, WI, the Gardens provide a serene and inspiring space for visitors to connect with nature, engage in educational programs, and support conservation efforts. The Gardens rely on community support, donations, and events like Dog Days of Summer to continue their mission of horticultural excellence.
The following area student completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions comprising the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is a top-ranked university. It is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students, according to Niche’s Best Colleges ranking.
Students earning degrees in May include:
Whitewater, WI
Catherine Skindingsrude, Bachelor of Science, Biology Major, Highest Honors
LOUISVILLE, Ky.–All eight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s volleyball teams have collected the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, sponsored by INTENT, for the 2024-25 season.
The award, which was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, recognizes teams that displayed excellence in the classroom by maintaining a year-long grade point average of 3.30 or better on a 4.00 scale or 4.10 on a 5.00 scale.
UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls were cited for Team Academic Honor Roll recognition by representing the top 20 percent of team grade point averages in NCAA Division III.
Editor’s note: This announcement was published on the WIAC website.
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
Also, would you mind emphasizing that
:: Food Vendor: Taqueria la Estrella 2
Savory Sounds 2025 Concert Series
- Concert Times: All concerts are held on Thursdays from 11:30am – 12:45pm.
- Location: Outside the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) / Flat Iron Park (next to the Birge Fountain), 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
- The concert will go on–even if we have inclement weather. We will move the concert inside the CAC in this case (including for excessive heat). We will post updates on our Facebook Page.
- Seating: If the concert is held outside, please consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket. A few picnic tables and benches around the Birge Fountain are also available.
- 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
Wildlife, Whitewater version. 7-5-25
Steve Watson writes, “After witnessing this behavior, I had to look it up.
A doe licks her fawn’s rear end to stimulate defecation and urination, which she then consumes to keep the fawn’s scent down, minimizing the risk of attracting predators. This behavior is crucial for fawn survival as it helps keep the fawn clean and scent-free, allowing it to hide effectively.
Changing diapers don’t seem so bad, eh
all you moms.”
“That’s the spot!”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for figuring out the behavior in his photos – especially the first one!
— 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!
The second Concert in the Park of the season, Tuesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. features The Honey Pies. The event is free and open to all. We are super excited to be back on Tuesday nights for the Concerts in the Park Series. Our partnership with the City Market is truly unique and we are looking forward to Summer 2025!!
FREE Concerts will start at 6 pm! City Market 4-7 pm. ALL at Cravath Lakefront Park.
There is a limited amount of seating on benches next to the parking lot. Bring a chair or blanket, and, if you wish, bring supper or pick it up from the City Market vendors.
GOOD TASTE IN MUSIC [From the Honey Pies’ website]
In September 2017 three veteran Madison musicians, vocalist Jodi Jean Amble, singer and guitarist Tom Waselchuk, and multi-instrumentalist Doug Brown, put together a set of material for a one-and-done performance at the annual Spring Green BeatleFest. Their set was enthusiastically received. The players came away feeling the spark of a kindred musical spirit, and so began the Honey Pies. A year’s worth of performances confirmed each member’s initial feeling that they’d stumbled onto something special. To mark their one-year anniversary The Honey Pies introduced bassist and vocalist Matt Rodgers to the band.
Displaying a formidable range of musical backgrounds and notable depth of experience, The Honey Pies apply crystal vocal harmonies and virtuoso instrumental skills to the best of traditional, contemporary, and original Americana music.
“This is not your typical three-chord country-folk band! The four members of the Honey Pies are all terrific musicians in their own right but put together their musicality shoots to new heights. The sound is free-spirited, but amazingly focused and precise. Jodi & Tom’s voices blend so well and both have extensive vocal ranges. When Matt and Doug join in for four-part harmony, it’s just over the top. Tom & Doug’s fret work and Matt’s bass riffs are inspiring, and you just can’t help but love Jodi Jean any time she opens her mouth to sing. And what a range of styles!” Nancy Cullen • Rural Musicians Forum
Grow Your Gardening Skills with UW-Madison Extension’s Online Course
Want to be a better gardener? Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to deepen your skill set, Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening is the course for you.
Offered online by the UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program, this self-paced course runs Sept. 7–Dec. 6, 2025. You’ll learn how to grow and care for everything from trees to vegetables to houseplants—and everything in between! Learn more at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- Connect plant biology with good gardening practices
- Explain how to select, grow, and maintain the health of different kinds of plants
- Manage common plant problems
- Use Integrated Pest Management strategies to protect plant health and the environment
The course includes 14 modules with videos, virtual activities, readings, and live webinars featuring Extension experts. You can also sign up for optional online lab sessions to apply what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios (additional fee applies).
If you are interested in becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, this course is considered an “approved learning opportunity” to be eligible for the Master Gardener Program. For more information on how to become a Master Gardener, visit mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/join.
Early Bird registration is open July 16–Aug. 11, 2025, for $299, including a digital course manual. You may purchase a physical copy of the course manual for an additional fee. Scholarships are available during Early Bird registration for those eligible for financial assistance. Registration closes Aug. 28. Learn more and register at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening.
Questions? Email Amy Freidig at gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu
The Extension Horticulture Program provides research-based horticulture information to Wisconsin gardeners so they can make informed decisions that keep their plants healthy while protecting the environment. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Richard Duijnstee from Pixabay.
UW-MADISON ANNOUNCES 2025 SPRING GRADUATES
A total of 9,424 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison on May 9-10, including students from your area.
There were two live Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, one for undergraduates at Camp Randall and one for all graduate degree candidates at the Kohl Center.
Keynote speaker and celebrated sports columnist Jason Gay encouraged the graduates to embrace joy in their lives.
“Spend your time with people who give you happiness. Stay as open to new experiences as you are today,” Gay said. “Find satisfaction in small routines – the place where you live, community service, time outside in the natural world.”
Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin reminded graduates that an essential part of their UW-Madison education has been learning to find ways to connect, not disconnect, and to engage, not disengage. And to do that even when they disagreed – to move beyond bubbles and echo chambers.
“And that’s important,” Mnookin said. “You are stepping into a world that is both deeply complex and distressingly polarized, and you have the power to do something good in that world, especially if you can find ways to work with people you might not always agree with.”
Senior class president Sam Mahlum, who served as Saturday’s student speaker, said one of the things she and her fellow graduates learned at UW was the value of time, including the time it takes to climb Bascom Hill.
“We wish for more time to get assignments completed, to study for the next exam, to hang out with friends or to just stay here, in this special place in our lives, before we have to go out there and be whatever it is we have been working so hard to become,” she said.
For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu.
Here are the degree recipients from your area:
NAME, COLLEGE, DEGREE, MAJOR(S), DISTINCTION (if listed)
Whitewater, WI
Yogesh Ahlawat, College of Engineering, Master of Science-Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering
Jenna Caldwell, School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business: Finance, Investment and Banking and Business: Real Estate and Urban Land Economics
Elijah Grall, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Computer Sciences and Data Science
Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business: Finance, Investment and Banking and Business: Information Systems, Graduated with Distinction
Cc Liang, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Graduated with Distinction
Mohamed Mohamed, School of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharmacy
Kaden Tourdot, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Computer Sciences and Data Science
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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