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.
Per a Facebook post, “Whitewater Softball is Sectional final bound!!!!!! Whippets with a 6-5 win at Pewaukee! We now play in the sectional final at our house!!!! Game time 5pm vs Whitnall tomorrow [Thursday, 6/5]!”
More than 1,200 athletes from across the state will compete in Cornhole, Powerlifting, Soccer, Tennis, and Track & Field at the 2025 Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) Summer Games, held at UW-Whitewater June 5-7. Several health-focused activities will complement Friday and Saturday competition, providing free oral, vision, podiatry, hearing, and fitness screenings.
The public is welcome to watch the competition and cheer on the participants.
UW-Whitewater Athletics Facilities (907 Schwager Dr.)
WHEN: Thursday, June 5
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Parade of Athletes & Opening Ceremony – Perkins Stadium
Friday, June 6
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cornhole & Soccer competition – Kachel Fieldhouse
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Track & Field competition – Foster Track
Saturday, June 7
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Powerlifting, Tennis, & Soccer competition – Kachel Fieldhouse
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Track & Field competition concludes – Foster Track
Summer Games is one of four Special Olympics Wisconsin State-level Games held throughout the year and one of nearly 200 sporting events held annually.
SOWI Summer Games returns to Whitewater for the third consecutive year. It is made possible by support from Jersey Mike’s; Knights of Columbus; Dunkin’; Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation; Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin; Kriete Truck Centers; WisPact Foundation; Ho Chunk Gaming; Spartan Nash Foundation; and OUR TEAM partners Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Admirals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks.
About Special Olympics Wisconsin
Special Olympics Wisconsin has empowered people with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years, providing year-round sports training and competition, health and wellness programs, school-based inclusion initiatives, and leadership development. Learn more about how together we can create a more inclusive Wisconsin at SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
Updated 6/5/25 @ 5:45 p.m. – The university is providing a livestream of the celebration at Prucha Field.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will welcome home the 2025 NCAA Division III National Champion Warhawk Baseball Team at a Champions Reception tonight (6/5) at 7 pm at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. The reception is followed by a parade at 8 p.m.
Below is the schedule of events for tonight’s Champions Reception.
Schedule of Events
7:00: Gates open for Fans/Families
7:10: Player and Coach Introductions (Athletic Director Ryan Callahan)
7:20: Congratulations from Dr. Corey King
7:23: Statement from Coach Vodenlich
7:30-7:50: Photos on Field and Media Interviews
7:50: Players Leave on Float for Parade
Parking is available for this event in Lot 22. *Due to construction and Special Olympics Wisconsin occurring on campus, it is suggested you access Lot 22/Miller Stadium off of Schwager Drive from Tratt Street*
Here’s the route for the parade that begins at 8 p.m.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a “Red PM2.5” (“Unhealthy:) Air Quality Advisory which is in effect for the Whitewater area, and a large portion of the state, until noon on Thursday. The concern is largely related to the wild fires in Canada. PM2.5 stands for fine particulate matter, a type of air pollution that can cause serious health problems.
The advisory indicates that “improving air quality is expected to move into Wisconsin from the northwest on Wednesday. However, smoke will continue to impact surface air quality across southern and eastern Wisconsin. Unhealthy AQI [Air Quality Index] is most likely in eastern areas near the Green Bay and Lake Michigan water bodies. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI is more likely for western portions of the advisory area.
Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside. Go inside if you have symptoms. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Everyone else: Keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Go inside if you have symptoms.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Matthias Fischer from Pixabay.
The community is invited to join the Summer Reading Program with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, which runs June 9 through August 1. The library is under construction, but still has many free events planned around Whitewater throughout the summer! The fun kicks off with Science Heroes on Monday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m., an interactive program for all ages about real-life science heroes and experiments to help you discover your science power! This event will take place at the Frawley Family Amphitheater at Cravath Lakefront Park. Bring your own blanket and/or chair, if desired.
Other events during the first week include:
- Teen Book Cover Design contest
- William Snakespeare: help create a snake out of painted rocks
- Storytime at Starin Park on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:30 a.m. (will continue weekly)
- Fun Fridays on the library’s lawn: a new activity each week for kids at 3:00 p.m.
- Reading Under the Lights on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Perkins Stadium
For complete information and the full lineup of all events during the Summer Reading Program, visit whitewaterlibrary.org or connect with the library on Facebook and Instagram.
No summer reading program would be complete without the reading! Children, teens, and adults may participate in a challenge to read at least thirty days. Complete the challenge to win a prize and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Children may also complete an activity challenge to receive an additional prize. Reading logs may be picked up at the library in a box near the book drop, at any library event, or downloaded from the library’s website.
Special thanks to First English Lutheran Church for sponsoring the adult summer reading program grand prize of a Kindle Fire! The library would also like to thank Bridges Library System, Tanis Construction, the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Springs Water Park, Little Amerricka, Dairy Queen, and Old World Wisconsin for their sponsorship.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The library building is closed June 1-22 due to construction. Curbside services begin on June 23. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions or visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Bulk trash pickup is routinely provided on the second Thursday of every month, but in recent years the city has arranged with John’s Disposal to provide extra “bulk trash” pickups during the month of May. That service, of course, is particularly appreciated due to university student moveouts. This year, as was announced on The Banner, there would be four bulk pickups in the month: May 1, May 8, May 15, and May 22, 2025. Unfortunately, it seems that a number of residents understood that there would be bulk pickups on all five Thursdays in May, including the 29th. Consequently, there is still bulk trash on a number of tree lawns that won’t be picked up until June 12. Removing it from the tree lawn until the evening of the 11th would be appreciated and would ensure that residents won’t receive a notice from Neighborhood Services.
MANCHESTER, NH — Kaatje Gunnink of Whitewater (53190) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University‘s (SNHU) Spring 2025 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.
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.
