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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the Whitewater Public Library. In case of inclement weather this event will be moved inside.
Johnathan Stallman is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated by Maryann Zimmerman “For supporting Whitewater area 4-H youth by participating in and contributing to the fair meat auctions, helping young people see the value of their hard work; for offering his construction services free of charge after the recent storm damage; and for establishing a scholarship at Whitewater High School for seniors who wish to pursue careers in the trades or start their own businesses.”
Following is the full nomination from Maryann:
“Johnathan is a local business owner who consistently demonstrates what it means to be community-minded. He actively and specifically supports Whitewater area 4-H youth by participating in and contributing to the fair meat auctions, helping young people see the value of their hard work.
More recently, during the storms that impacted our area last week, Johnathan stepped up in a remarkable way. Despite experiencing damage to his own property, he offered his construction services free of charge to community members who were affected. That kind of selflessness speaks volumes about his character.
In addition, Johnathan has invested in the future of our community by establishing a scholarship at Whitewater High School. This scholarship supports seniors who wish to pursue careers in the trades or start their own businesses—paths that are essential to the strength and sustainability of our local economy.
Johnathan is a young man with a young family, and he quietly gives back without seeking recognition. That, in my opinion, is exactly what makes him so deserving of this honor.”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Steve Watson writes:
Coots have returned.
Isn’t that a coot butt?
What are you looking at?
Our thanks to Steve Watson for these great photos which were taken on April 16.
— 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!
Updated 5/11/26 @ 11:20 p.m. to add WUSD governance workshop on Thursday.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Automotive Sales and Repair shop for Jordan Green. Located at 415 E Main Street; Discussion and possible approval for a Conditional Use Permit for Outside Storage and
Site Plan Review to be located at Howard Road and Greenway Court.
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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22201425766993?p=2li38nqEGZ1NY29SDT
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,648262576# United States
Phone conference ID: 648 262 576#
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding electric scooter use in other University cities.
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 meeting:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/291012745249217?p=GpeNg5mLwRM5FgiSx
Telephone:
Meeting ID:
Passcode:
+1 929-229-5663,,412308140#
291 012 745 249 217
bG7MW6BT
Phone conference ID: 412 308 140#
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes interviews for police and fire/EMS (Closed session followed by open session)
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.
Police and Fire Commission – 05-12-2026 | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams
You can also dial in using your phone:
Phone Number: 1-929-229-5663 Phone Conference ID: 995 143 953#
City of Whitewater Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission – Thursday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda Discussion with Whitewater Police staff on the enforcement of Ordinance 11.40.070 and possibility of changing same; Discussion and possible action on recommending adding new bike lanes within the City.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
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/212351375675532?p=P1ahCcCkaVy9cBai8Q
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Board Governance Workshop
Whitewater Unified School District Governance Workshop – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 S. Elizabeth Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
City of Whitewater Common Council Visioning Session – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding City Council Goals and Priorities; Discussion and Possible Action regarding the City of Whitewater Strategic Plan
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:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/230437752186963?p=RTlmgaauADTBPDfLh0
Meeting ID: 230 437 752 186 963
Passcode: fS9Px2Gm
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,339762034# United States,
Phone conference ID: 339 762 034#
Middle row: (L-R) Samantha Gustafson, Maddie Shaw, Martina Zulkosk Back row: (L-R) Nick Doedens, David Minarcik, Adam Davidov, A.J. Gillespie
Making a Difference Day is an annual event sponsored by UW-W that encourages
college students to volunteer and support their local community. This year, the
Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC) had the privilege of welcoming a
group of volunteers to assist with landscaping at the historic Bassett House on Friday,
April 24th.
The volunteers took on several important landscaping tasks, including weeding, raking,
replacing edging, planting shrubs, and removing branches and sticks that had
accumulated due to recent storm damage. Their efforts helped restore the grounds and
improve the appearance of the Bassett House.
The diligent work of the volunteers was in anticipation of a public event hosted by the
WFWC, scheduled for the afternoon of June 14th. This event will commemorate the 100-
year anniversary of the WFWC’s ownership of the Bassett House, marking a significant
milestone in the clubs’ history.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the WFWC.
(From timeanddate.com) The origins of Mother’s Day are attributed to different people. Many believe that two women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis were important in establishing the tradition of Mother’s Day in the United States. Other sources say that Juliet Calhoun Blakely initiated Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the late 1800s. Her sons paid tribute to her each year and urged others to honor their mothers.
Around 1870, Julia Ward Howe called for Mother’s Day to be celebrated each year to encourage pacifism and disarmament amongst women. It continued to be held in Boston for about ten years under her sponsorship, but died out after that.
In 1907, Anna Jarvis held a private Mother’s Day celebration in memory of her mother, Ann Jarvis, in Grafton, West Virginia. Ann Jarvis had organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to improve health and cleanliness in the area where she lived. Anna Jarvis launched a quest for Mother’s Day to be more widely recognized. Her campaign was later financially supported by John Wanamaker, a clothing merchant from Philadelphia.
In 1908, she was instrumental in arranging a service in the Andrew’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which was attended by 407 children and their mothers. The church has now become the International Mother’s Day Shrine. It is a tribute to all mothers and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The image above, “Happy Mothers Day ~ Fuzzy Flwrs” by Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon, is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0. The image on the homepage is by Dana from Pixabay.
The Whitewater Public Library is hosting the traveling exhibit, “World War I: Beyond the Trenches” starting on May 11. The exhibit will be available for viewing in the library’s atrium during all open hours, through June 8.
Generously provided by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, this exhibit marks the centennial of World War I. Over 122,000 Wisconsin men and women served on land, sea, and in the air during World War I. Sharing riveting stories of Wisconsin military history, this traveling exhibit features an up close and personal look at the Great War through the eyes of Wisconsin veterans.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
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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