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 22, 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.
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) held their annual brat cookout on Saturday, June 7, to raise money for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition (JCOCC). The cookout took place at FCCU’s Main Branch located at 800 Madison Avenue in Fort Atkinson.
The JCOCC is a community-based organization that aims to support individuals and families affected by cancer in Jefferson County. The coalition works towards raising awareness about early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer while also advocating for improved cancer care and support services within the community.
All items were donated by Kwik Trip and FCCU team members, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went to the JCOCC. FCCU team member Deanna Ugalde was instrumental in the coordination and execution of the event. “Thank you to the FCCU team,” said Deanna, event organizer. “Without their help and support, this event would not be possible every year.”
FCCU raised a grand total of $2,060.32 for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition this year! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support such a great cause!
About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.
For more information, please contact:
Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU)
wtownsend@fortcommunity.com
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of the Blugolds who have earned a place on the Dean’s List. Their commitment to excellence exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship at UW-Eau Claire. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment!
Students who were named to the Dean’s List are:
Alex Meyer, College of Business
At the end of each semester, each of UW-Eau Claire’s four colleges recognize excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the Dean’s List.
To be eligible, a student must:
– be in good academic standing.
– have a minimum semester GPA of 3.70.
– have completed at least 12 credits during the semester, with no incompletes, no courses below the 100 level, no repeats, and no Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory registrations (except in degree credit-bearing courses that are offered only on the S/U grading system in which a grade of S has been earned).
In an electrifying championship match at the USTA National Campus, the University of North Carolina’s dynamic duo, Reese Brantmeier and Alanis Hamilton, staged an impressive comeback for the second day in a row! Facing off against Auburn’s formidable pair, DJ Bennett and Ava Hrastar, Brantmeier and Hamilton battled through intense rallies to clinch victory with a nail-biting score of 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (10-5). The tension was palpable as they triumphed in the decisive tiebreak, showcasing their grit and determination! By winning the championship match of the American Collegiate Wildcard Playoffs Championship, the duo punched their ticket to play in the U.S. Open in New York City!
Come meet Reese at the Reese Brantmeier Project Opening on July 12th!
WHEN: JULY 12th, 2025, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
WHERE: 506 E Main St, Whitewater
Join us for an afternoon of tennis, games, prizes, exhibitions, booths, food, and so much more! Entry is free, and there will be fun for all ages and skill levels. There will be opportunities to meet local professional, collegiate, and high school tennis players, including Whitewater native and project founder Reese Brantmeier. Come to connect with our local tennis community, celebrate the efforts of so many supporters, and have a great time!
At 1:00 pm on July 12, there will be a welcome, ribbon cutting, and dedication, followed by an afternoon of fun and games. The full itinerary is available at www.reesebrantmeierproject.com
Please contact brantmeierb@gmail.com with any questions about the event.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.
Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Lizbeth Gallegos, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Jakub Toomey, School of Business, Dean’s List
To view an online listing, visit https://registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist/.
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 into the sale of illegal controlled substances in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin. The investigation included controlled buys and concluded with the execution of a search warrant.
On June 19, 2025, at approximately 9:16 a.m., the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, assisted by the City of Whitewater Police Department and the University of WisconsinWhitewater Police Department, executed a drug search warrant at the residence of 606 E. North Street in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin.
A resident, Yovani Ramirez Mendoza (11/28/1996), currently out on bond for the following cases: Walworth County: 2024CF000409, 2024CT000710, 2024CF000526, 2024CT000805, 2025CT000028, and 2025CF000021; Jefferson County: 2024CF000346, was detained.
While searching the residence, Cocaine, suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), THC, Psilocybin Mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, and one firearm were located and seized. A large indoor Psilocybin Mushroom grow operation was also located in the basement of the residence. Ramirez Mendoza was arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail and confined on the following charges:
- Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place – 961.42(1) Possession With Intent to Deliver Cocaine 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (cm)3
- Possession With Intent to Deliver THC 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (h)1
- Possession With Intent to Deliver DMT 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m) (hm)4
- Possession With Intent to Deliver Psilocybin 2nd & Subsequent – 961.41(1m(g)2
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd & Subsequent – 961.573(1)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon – 941.29(1m) (a)
- Felony Bail Jumping – 946.49(1)(b)
- Child Neglect – 948.21(2)(g)
- All the above-listed drug charges also include a criminal enhancer of Within 1000 feet of a School – 961.49(1m) (b)6
Another resident, Stephanie Anguiano (05/10/1991), will have charges referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office of:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon/Party To A Crime – 941.29(1m)/939.05
- Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place/Party To A Crime – 961.42(1)/939.05
- Child Neglect – 948.21(2)(g)
Additional aspects of this investigation are still ongoing.
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 proven guilty.
Carol McLernon will talk about her books at the Senior Center 504 W. Starin Rd. at 1p.m. on Thursday, June 26. She will be joined by Elkhorn author, Kay Pleuss Meyer who illustrated “Black Hawk: A Boy and his Vision”.
Meyer has always had a love for drawing and painting, becoming more serious after retiring from a nursing career. Many of her paintings have won awards in Wisconsin and Arizona. She and her husband, Kent, have two children and two grandsons.
McLernon’s newest book, “Journeys to the Land of Gray gold” tells of Native Americans, farmers, politicians, miners, entrepreneurs, and missionaries, Some of her ancestors left Yorkshire and established Methodist parishes in Dubuque, Iowa and other mining towns. She will relate what John Wesley had to say about Parishioners in Yorkshire and how churches began having their sanctuaries on the second stories.
The City of Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA) is proud to announce the approval of a $140,000 loan to Edgerton Hospital & Health Services, led by President and CEO Marc Augsburger. This critical funding will be used to purchase an X-ray machine to enhance diagnostic services at the Whitewater Urgent Care Center.
As a key condition of the loan, the Urgent Care Center is required to remain operational in Whitewater for at least ten years. This agreement reaffirms the City’s commitment to ensuring continuous and accessible healthcare for its residents.
“This investment marks a major step forward in our mission to bring healthcare infrastructure to the Whitewater community,” said Marc Augsburger.
The addition of this advanced diagnostic tool will provide multiple benefits to the community, including:
• Reduced wait times for patients through quicker on-site diagnostics.
• Decreased reliance on out-of-town emergency departments, easing the burden on patients and their families.
• Expanded local access to essential medical services, especially during evenings, weekends, and holidays when other facilities may not be available.
• Support for Whitewater’s strategic healthcare goals, aligning with the City’s broader vision of enhancing public health and quality of life.
By enhancing the capacity of the Urgent Care Center with this investment, the City and Edgerton Hospital are working hand-in-hand to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in Whitewater and surrounding areas.
According to additional information provided to the Banner by Betsy Swenson, the Urgent Care is scheduled to open in September, 2025 and will be in the same building as the current clinic.
The loan has no interest and includes annual forgiveness, subject to specific terms. Beginning on the first anniversary of the loan disbursement date and continuing annually thereafter for ten years, the CDA will forgive 10% of the original principal balance ($14,000 annually), provided the borrower has complied fully with the agreement. Any balance remaining after ten years, assuming full compliance, would be forgivable.
For more information, please contact:
Betsy Swenson
City of Whitewater CDA
Email: bswenson@whitewater-wi.gov
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been awarded funds for the development of three microcredentials designed to meet regional workforce needs.
The grants provided by the Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA) are part of the organization’s Microcredential Project, which targets individuals seeking employment or upskilling in high-demand fields.
“For decades, the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education has offered professional development programs in areas like teacher education and counseling, and with these microcredentials, we will now be able to meet growing workforce needs by fast-tracking people into high-demand careers,” says Matt Vick, dean.
Construction Safety Microcredential
Designed for current high school students and those looking to retool to enter the construction industry, the Construction Safety Microcredential is comprised of three courses that could be taught through dual enrollment within local high schools. The courses offered are designed by the Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources (OPLR), ensuring high-quality learning experience, in a consistent and user-friendly format. The unique course offerings provide experiential learning to individuals that may not otherwise consider a four-year institution and supports the need for entry-level safety training beyond the required OSHA certifications. Successful completion of at least two courses opens doors within the construction industry and transferability to Wisconsin two- and four-year partners, and will result in a microcredential. UWW looks forward to partnering with local high schools, and regional employers to implement this microcredential. Courses will be available to student learners beginning spring 2026.
Supply Chain Microcredential
Healthcare professionals seeking to transition into managerial roles are the target audience for this program, which is designed to address critical gaps in the healthcare sector by equipping professionals — especially nurses — with essential supply chain skills. The online modules focus on healthcare-specific challenges in planning, sourcing, production, and logistics, offering practical solutions to operational inefficiencies like stockouts, overstocking, and high costs. This promotes career advancement by enabling learners to transition into managerial roles, enhancing their ability to optimize operations and improve patient care. Successful completion of the microcredential is equivalent to a three-credit college course and learners who demonstrate competencies are eligible to pursue credit for prior learning, ensuing applicability towards degrees in healthcare administration and supply chain management. Partnerships with local healthcare systems are underway, with a cohort starting as soon as fall.
Microcredential on Cybersecurity Assessment of Payment Systems
Business are required by law to comply with payment standards, and the Microcredential on Cybersecurity Assessment of Payment Systems is designed for non-traditional learners and high school students to gain critical knowledge on an important aspect of cybersecurity assessment.
This microcredential will help learners prepare for individual certification (PCI Professional), pursue a degree program, and build a pathway to secure entry-level positions in the high-demand cybersecurity workforce. The program will be offered in a fully-online, asynchronous format, making it highly accessible to students. Successful completion of the microcredential will result in six-college credits, which will count towards the Information Technology major, and Cybersecurity and Networking emphasis. UWW looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Wisconsin Cyber Response Team to enhance the success of this program.
Courses in microcredential programs focus the educational expertise of academic institutions into shorter, stackable, skills-based non-degree credentials, and can typically be completed in 2-4 months.
Recruitment for the microcredential programs is slated to begin in summer 2025.
UW-Whitewater’s involvement in the Microcredential Project is another example of the university’s recent work to address needs in the workforce. In 2022, the university added a Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education Policy to help combat a nationwide childcare crisis. UW-Whitewater at Rock County’s Nursing Collaborative with Edgewood College, launched in 2023, takes on the critical need for nurses in the region.
For more information on the Microcredential Project at UW-Whitewater contact Continuing Education at contined@uww.edu.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the University boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities. Continuing Education is committed to meeting the lifelong learning needs of the residents of our region in offering a variety of classes, workshops and trainings that respond to the changing personal and professional interests of adult learners by connecting the University and community.
About HERA
The Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA) is a collaborative of 16 Southeastern Wisconsin public and private, two- and four-year colleges and universities and a network of partner organizations. HERA is dedicated to closing achievement gaps and educating students today to become an innovative and nimble workforce that meets the needs of the region’s industries tomorrow.
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
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.
