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Today is Sunday, June 7, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
It is high school graduation season and here is a post card featuring the Whitewater High School Class of 1921. According to the Whitewater Register, there were 21 graduates and of these 19 are shown in this photograph. Of note is graduate Edwin Coe, editor of the Whitewater Register for many years in the 20th century. Also of interest is this rare interior view of the old “Big Brick” High School building (burned 1927). We have a lot of views of the exterior of that building, but only a few of the interior. Congratulations to all graduates this June!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3325PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Editor’s note: This proclamation, which was read at the Common Council meeting on June 2, was submitted by Jenny Rule, Local Group Lead, Moms Demand Action-Whitewater Area. Jenny added the following: Links to the Wear Orange coalition website: wearorange.org (also in Spanish here). Please consider sharing information about Wear Orange on your personal social media this week to spread awareness far and wide. Use the hashtag #WearOrange
The Third Annual Unity Walk will be Saturday, July 18 at 10 am starting at the Whitewater Armory. All are welcome to enjoy live music, visit tabling community organizations, and hear speeches about unity at this non-partisan, inclusive community event. Unity signs will be available to carry from the Armory to the Cultural Arts Center and back. The Unity Walk, a Symbol of Civility, offers all residents from all backgrounds an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to bringing Whitewater together as one human family. Save the date.
Reservar la fecha – La Tercera Caminata Anual por la Unidad será el sábado 18 de julio a las 10 am comenzando en el Armory de Whitewater. Todos son bienvenidos a disfrutar de música en vivo, visitar las organizaciones comunitarias en los puestos y escuchar discursos sobre la unidad en este evento comunitario inclusivo y no partidista. Habrá carteles de Unidad disponibles para llevar desde el Armory hasta el Centro de Artes Culturales y de regreso. La Caminata por la Unidad, un Símbolo de Civilidad, ofrece a todos los residentes de todos los orígenes la oportunidad de demostrar su compromiso de unir a Whitewater como una sola familia humana. Reserven la fecha.
Editor’s Note: This information was provided by the Unity Walk Committee.
Have you ever wanted to try some of our classes, but you weren’t sure where to start? Join us on Saturday, June 6th for our Fit Expo!
We will be showcasing a variety of classes, as well as having local health and wellness vendors on site.
The class showcases will offer shorter versions of everyone’s favorite classes, whether they’re on land, in the leisure pool, or in the lap pool.
If you’re coming to join the Fit Expo, entry is free for the event.
Class offerings include…
Fitness Studio Schedule:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Lift
8:50AM – CIRC’L Mobility
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Strength + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spin
Lap Pool Schedule:
8AM – Heart Racers
11AM – Water Warriors
12PM – Aqua Strength Fusion
Leisure Pool Schedule:
8:40AM – Aqua Flow
9:30AM – Hydro Power
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Strong in 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga
¿Alguna vez has querido probar algunas de nuestras clases, pero no estabas seguro de por dónde empezar? ¡Únete a nosotros el sábado 6 de junio en nuestra Fit Expo!
Presentaremos una variedad de clases, además de contar con proveedores locales de salud y bienestar en el lugar.
Las muestras de clases ofrecerán versiones más cortas de las clases favoritas de todos, ya sea en tierra, en la piscina de ocio o en la piscina de carriles.
Si vienes a unirte a la Fit Expo, la entrada al evento es gratuita.
Las ofertas de clases incluyen…
Horario del Estudio de Fitness:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Levantamiento
8:50AM – CIRC’L Movilidad
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Fuerza + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spinning
Horario de la Piscina de Carriles:
8AM – Corredores del Corazón
11AM – Guerreros Acuáticos
12PM – Fusión de Fuerza en Agua
Horario de la Piscina de Ocio:
8:40AM – Flujo Acuático
9:30AM – Poder Hidro
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Fuerte en 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga
A multi-agency response crew has located and recovered the body of a drowning victim who went missing at approximately 3:00 p.m. on June 2 in the Rock River, adjacent to Highway N in Jefferson. The body was recovered at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 3. The Jefferson County Medical Examiner is responding to positively identify the victim. The individual’s name has not been released pending next-of-kin notification.
From incident reports:
Two individuals were boating on the Rock River during the afternoon of June 2 when one person entered the water. The other boater called 9-1-1, and first responders arrived within minutes. The search began immediately and continued until 9:00 p.m., when it was suspended for the night. The search resumed at 8:00 a.m. on June 3 and continued until the individual was recovered.
The Sheriff’s Office urges all boaters to understand boater-safety laws, use personal floatation devices (PFDs), observe current weather and water conditions, and avoid entering water unless you are fully aware of the risks. The Rock River has cloudy water, potentially dangerous currents, mud, silt, tree branches, and other debris that can be hazardous to swimmers.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Jefferson Fire & EMS would like to thank all of the agencies from Jefferson, Rock, Waukesha, and Brown Counties that responded with personnel and equipment.
In addition to the City of Jefferson and Jefferson County, responders came from:
- Fort Atkinson
- Janesville
- JCEC
- Johnson Creek
- Lake Mills
- Lakeside
- MD-1
- Rock County
- Salvation Army
- Waterloo
- Western Lakes
- Western Waukesha
Special crews and equipment:
- ARGO amphibious XTV/UTV from Cambridge
- ATV from Sullivan
- Boats from DNR, Fort Atkinson, Janesville, Jefferson, Lake Country, Lake Mills, Rock County, Rock River Safety Patrol, and Western Lakes
- Robotic submersible from Green Bay
- Whitewater Surface Water Rescue
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
CAST A LINE, CATCH SOME FUN!
Join Whitewater Parks & Recreation for Reel Fun Fishing Day during Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend!
Sunday, June 7th
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cravath Lakefront Park (341 S Fremont Street)
Whether you’re an experienced angler or have never held a fishing rod before, this event is for YOU! Learn the basics of fishing, try your luck on the water, and make some great memories outdoors.
Bring your own fishing gear or borrow ours.
No fishing license required for Wisconsin residents
FREE hot dogs while supplies last
Fun for all ages
PLUS… everyone who attends will have a chance to win a FREE raffle prize!
Grab your family, invite your friends, and spend the day enjoying one of Wisconsin’s favorite outdoor traditions. We can’t wait to see what you catch!
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Department.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing his photographic mastery with us once again.
— 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 Bassett House, a cherished local landmark in the city of Whitewater, is set to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its ownership by the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC) on June 14, 2026. The public is warmly invited to join the festivities, which will begin at 1:00 PM.
This historic residence, located at 708 W. Main Street, was originally constructed in 1857 by Thomas Bassett. For seventy years, his only daughter, Florence Bassett, called the house her home until her passing in 1926. In 1878, an addition was built at the rear of the house, further enhancing its structure. Upon her death, Florence Bassett bequeathed the home to the Federation, with the condition that the club incorporate, which it did to fulfill her wishes.
Over the years, the Bassett House has played a vital role as a meeting venue for many clubs established by the Federation, dating back as early as 1897. Today, it also serves the broader community as an event space available for public rental, accommodating a variety of celebrations.
The centennial celebration on June 14th will feature musical performances to delight guests. The Kettle Moraine Blues will perform on the lawn from 1:30-3:30, an a cappella choral group, Fortzando, led by Professor Benjamin Whitcomb, will present a selection of Americana songs in honor of America 250, performing on the front porch from 1:00-1:30. Inside the house, James Olm will provide piano music for the afternoon. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet “Florence Bassett,” who will greet visitors, serve refreshments, and share the history of her home.
The Federation, as stewards, has demonstrated great care in preserving the Bassett House, establishing a dedicated preservation fund to ensure its ongoing maintenance. Recently, the kitchen underwent a significant interior remodel, and attention will soon turn to the restoration of the soffits and facias on the exterior, planned for completion this summer. The Bassett House stands as one of the finest examples of Italianate architecture in the county.
If you are interested in membership in the Federation, information will be available at the event.
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
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