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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Jefferson County residents with private drinking water wells can get their water screened for nitrate at the Jefferson County Fair. Staff from the Jefferson Country Land and Water Department and Health Department will be available for the nitrate screening on Wednesday, July 9th through Friday July 11th from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. They will be located in the Expo Building adjacent to the Activity Center.
When bringing in a sample to be screened for nitrate, please follow the below steps:
Collect sample in a clean glass or plastic bottle/jar (about eight ounces of water is sufficient)
Obtain the sample no more than 24 hours before the screening
Take samples from the main drinking water source without touching bottle/jar to faucet
Run faucet for 5-10 minutes on cold at full flow before collecting sample
Samples typically take 7 minutes for results
Jefferson County staff will explain the results and may recommend that a water sample be sent to a lab for analysis. Educational information about well water, groundwater contaminants and treatment options will be available.
On weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM throughout the year, citizens can also get their well water screened for nitrate at the Health Department (1541 Annex Road, Jefferson) or the Land and Water Conservation Department (311 S Center Ave, C1050, Jefferson).
For more information on nitrate screening or well testing in Jefferson County, please contact Colton Hutchinson at 920-674-7111 or CHutchinson@jeffersoncountywi.gov.
To learn more about health-related issues with nitrates, please reach out to Elizabeth McGeary at 920-674-7275 or Health@jeffersoncountywi.gov
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Walworth Avenue and Prince Street intersection
safety ideas.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
*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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83549177613?pwd=CLbav3QzvF0WaHio9MesLMUIbDSx0Z.1
Telephone:
Webinar ID:
Passcode:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
835 4917 7613
020567
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not been posted as of 7/6/25.
City of Whitewater Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Commission – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not been posted as of 7/6/25.
Whitewater Arts Alliance Presents the 16th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition
July 5–27, 2025 | Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI
Whitewater, WI – The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) proudly presents the 16th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition, continuing a tradition that honors the legacy of local photographer and educator Fran Achen. This year’s exhibition features both traditional gallery display of photographs from the Print Division, together with projected photographs from the new Digital Division. Online web galleries will display all images from both divisions during the run of the exhibit at whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2025.
Works by fifty-seven photographic artists from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Florida were selected from a much larger submission field by an experienced jury panel. Over 200 photographs will be on display at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater – about 100 on the gallery walls and another 100 or so using projection systems in the gallery.
The public is invited to a special reception, featuring a gallery talk and awards presentation, on Sunday, July 6, from 1 pm–3 pm. Many of the artists will be on-hand for the reception which will make it an excellent opportunity to meet them, enjoy refreshments, and explore the exhibit in an informal, friendly atmosphere where all are welcome.
While the awards presented at the reception will have been awarded by the jury panel, the public is also asked to weigh-in. The Print Viewer’s Choice Award is chosen by in-gallery voting. The Print People’s Choice and Digital People’s Choice Awards are chosen by public online voting. Voting for these awards continues throughout the run of the exhibit and the awards are announced on the last day of the exhibit.
Jeff McDonald, President of the Whitewater Arts Alliance and longtime chair of the Achen exhibit, shared: “The Fran Achen Exhibition continues to evolve in exciting ways, but its heart remains the same—celebrating the power of photography to connect, inspire, and reflect our shared experiences. It’s been a privilege to help nurture this event and witness the incredible talent it draws year after year.”
To mark the closing of the exhibition, WAA welcomes a special live performance by Pieces of Eight, a semiprofessional summer woodwind octet, on Sunday, July 27. Featuring musicians from southern Wisconsin, the ensemble will perform selections by Mozart, Hidas, Kalinnikov, and a newly commissioned work by Wisconsin composer Brian Packham. A suggested goodwill donation of $10 is appreciated.
Gallery Exhibit Hours
Thursdays: 12-4 pm
Fridays: 12-4 pm
Saturdays: 12-4 pm
Sundays: 12-4 pm
Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events.
Come celebrate the creativity, community, and enduring impact of the arts in Whitewater.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwartsalliance
“20 Years of Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!”
The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host Whitewater Unified School District’s newly named Superintendent, Samuel Karns, as a guest speaker at the upcoming July GWC meeting.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Whitewater Unified School District’s (WUSD) newly named Superintendent, Samuel Karns, as a guest speaker at the upcoming July GWC meeting. Karns will be presenting on the values and goals he brings to the WUSD and the greater Whitewater community.
This event will take place on Thursday, July 10th at 7:00 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center: 1260 W Main St.
Samuel Karns has assumed the role of Superintendent of Whitewater Unified School District. He expressed his honor and excitement about joining the Leadership Team at WUSD, with a primary focus on keeping students as the #1 priority. Karns is dedicated to fostering an equitable environment where high expectations for academic achievement and continuous improvement are upheld for every student, every day, in a unified way.
Before joining WUSD, Karns served as the principal at Todd Elementary in Beloit, WI, for the past three years. He recently received the Herb Kohl Leadership Award and was named Wisconsin’s 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) for his leadership at Todd Elementary; he is honored for promoting a collaborative culture, engaging the diverse needs of students, and raising the school and surrounding community to a higher standard than ever before. Karns is also committed to the Whole Child approach, actively promoting the Whole School Whole Community Whole Child framework from ASCD [fomerly known as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development] by speaking on it at national and state level conferences.
Samuel completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2007 and obtained a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University in 2013. He recently finished his superintendent licensure program at Concordia University in December 2024 and is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree.
Outside of his professional commitments, Samuel enjoys exercising, playing golf, and spending time with his wife, Jamie, and their four children: Jackson, Tanner, Milo, and Danbi.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 10th at 7 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about the new superintendent. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, July 9th.
“We are very excited to have Samuel Karns at our next meeting,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We are happy to have the chance to get to know him and welcome him to Whitewater.”
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Happy 4th of July! Here is a photo from 2005 of the 4th grounds at Lakefront Park. The 4th grounds were moved to Lakefront Park in 2001, so this will be the 24th year the festivities have been held here. Previously, the grounds were at Starin Park.
The historical society hopes everyone has a safe and fun 4th!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(Photo from the Dan Sable Collection)
Updated 7/2/25 @ 8:45 p.m. to add the push-in for the new fire truck on Friday.
Join us for Whitewater’s Annual 4th of July Celebration — happening July 3rd–6th at the Cravath Lakefront!
It’s a tradition generations strong — where family, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate Independence Day with:
TWO nights of fireworks
A family-owned carnival with rides, games, funnel cakes, & more!
Food & beer served up by local churches and civic groups
Live music at the Frawley Ampitheatre
A massive 4th of July parade full of hometown spirit
And don’t forget there’s also: Miss Whitewater Pageant, Karaoke, Car Show, AND family day complete with camel rides!
There’s something for everyone, and **you’re invited** to be part of the celebration!
4th of July Festival Quick Tips from the questions we get most often:
– Festival opens Thursday. Full schedule on Website – www.whitewater4th.com or at the bottom of this article
– Festival is cash only. Yup it’s true, plan ahead.
– Wrist band sessions are on the festival schedule and only at specific times not throughout the entire event.
– All food vendors south of the railroad tracks are local organizations – this is a fundraiser for them. Please support them as much and as often as you can. [Food and beverages from the community groups require tickets that are purchased from the festival booths. Those tickets may not be used for the carnival rides and food.]
– Fireworks are 10 pm 7/4, 7/5. If for any reason there are weather changes the ONLY place to stay informed is the Whitewater 4th of July Festival Facebook page, we are a water launch and a metal platform + explosives + lightning don’t mix.
– The festival (outside of family owned and operated carnival) is volunteer run; please be kind and thankful for the tremendous amount of time these folks invest in this event to celebrate with their friends and neighbors.
– The parade is 7/4 at 10 am. Preceded by the Whippet City Mile at 9:45. Road closure is a firm 9:30 am.
– Road closures around the festival on Whitewater St run through 7/7. Thanks for your patience.
– Helping hands make light work. The festival is always seeking volunteers and donor support. Connect with us down at the ticket booths or by email whitewater4th@gmail.com
– Thank the city streets crews when you see them. They are also working as hard as our volunteers, and we are so thankful for their partnership.
Last but not least, be patient with our social media page, we try to answer comments but once we’re on-site that is our primary focus.
Have an absolutely amazing holiday week, be safe, hydrate, and have fun! PS we really won’t mind if you share this post to help remind your friends!
Festival Schedule
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Session: 5-9 PM, $25 each wrist band
Family Day Sponsored by Generac 4-7 PM
Karaoke at Frawley Ampitheater: 4-6 PM
Miss Whitewater Pageant at Frawley Ampitheater: 6:30 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 4-11 PM
Friday, July 4
Whippet City Mile: 9:45 AM along parade route
4th of July Parade: 10 AM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 10 AM to 11 PM
Push-in ceremony for new fire engine – Noon at the Fire Department (holding off till 12:30 if the parade is still underway)
Christman Family Amusements: 12-4 PM Wrist band Session
Live Music at Frawley Amphitheater:
After the Parade – enjoy one of the bands in the parade on stage!
2 PM Jeff Winard Polka Party
5 PM Rural Route 3
8 PM Stetsin and Lace
Fireworks: 10 PM
Saturday, July 5
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Sessions: 12-4 pm, 5-9 pm – $25
40th Annual Car Show 2-6 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: Noon to 11 PM
Live Music at the Frawley Ampitheater:
12-1:30 PM Brian Matteson
2 PM Sawyer Road
5 PM Gebel Girls
8 PM Brightside
Fireworks 10 PM
Sunday, July 6
Carnival Only – Last chance for rides and a wrist band session!
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Special: 12 to 4 PM, $25 each
Editor’s note: This article is based on the festival’s Facebook page and website.
The editor was on vacation for ten days recently, and the Banner is most appreciative of our longtime volunteer staffers keeping the “presses” running so capably during this time. Laura Masbruch had her eye on the very active inbox while formatting and publishing the posts. Dee Hoglund provided support. Thank you, Laura and Dee, for your dedicated work throughout the years, and especially for taking on this additional responsibility.
Lisa Dawsey Smith, Whitewater 4th of July Festival Event Organizer, told The Whitewater Banner that due to the forecast of possible storms this evening, the fireworks show may begin earlier than the 10 p.m. scheduled time. “If there’s lightning in the area, and we get a break in the weather, the show might be launched as early as 9 p.m. I’d recommend that spectators arrive by 9 to ensure that they don’t miss the show.” By the way, one person who saw last night’s show said that she has seen many of our shows, and this was “the best I’ve ever seen here.”
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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