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.
A total of 17 students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater combined to earn 10 Best of the Midwest Media awards for UWW-TV from the Wisconsin Community Media for the 2024-25 academic year.
Carter Waelchli, a Communication major from Whitewater, earned the following award: second place, Warhawk Volleyball vs. UW-Platteville 2024 .
Award winners were recognized at the Midwest Media Fest Conference and Banquet on Thursday, May 1. Attendees had the opportunity to network and celebrate during the exhibitors reception and banquet.
The 2025 Midwest Media Fest Conference and Banquet celebrates local Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access programming and Low-Power Community Radio programming. The event recognizes local programming produced by both professionals and amateurs and provides producers with feedback on their work from a slate of four judges.
The nine-state Alliance for Community Media Midwest Region includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
UWW-TV provides students with hands-on experience in producing high-quality content both behind the scenes and on camera. To learn more about UWW-TV, visit uwwtv.org
Theme: Artistic works that capture the essence and aesthetics of life in Wisconsin.
Jurors for the 1st Annual Paint Wisconsin Exhibition:
Frank Juárez is an award-winning art educator, curator, and arts advocate based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Known for his commitment to elevating contemporary art and supporting Wisconsin artists, Juárez has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the Midwest Artist Studios Project and the 365 Artists 365 Days Project. In addition to his roles as publisher of Artdose magazine and editor-in-chief of SchoolArts magazine, Juárez has curated exhibitions and juried art shows throughout the Midwest. His dedication to art education and advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, making him a pivotal figure in Wisconsin’s art community.
Graeme Reid serves as the Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) in West Bend. Originally from Scotland, Reid has curated over 100 exhibitions that celebrate Wisconsin’s artistic talent and cultural heritage. With a background in art history and education, he is also a respected writer, public speaker, and instructor. Reid’s extensive experience and dedication to the arts have established him as a leader in supporting and preserving Wisconsin’s rich artistic legacy.
Thomas Jewell is a renowned representational artist known for his vibrant landscapes, wildlife paintings ,and commissioned portraits. With decades of artistic experience, Jewell’s work has been featured in galleries, museums, and corporate collections across the United States. He is also a seasoned art educator, judge, and illustrator, having led workshops in drawing, watercolor, and acrylic painting. Jewell’s dedication to capturing nature and inspiring others through his art underscores his passion for creativity and community.
Visit Whitewater Arts Alliance for guidelines and online registration.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.
Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.
As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, during the weekend of May 17 Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate graduation and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until Sunday, June 8. The response to this effort by the community has been really positive!
In a time of real division and polarization, we are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them.
If you would like to request a yard sign, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/ZqM 5uj ECnCR juNe 9 (There are limited quantities available).
Whitewater YES is happy to accept donations for the cost of the signs. If you would like to support that effort, simply send a check made out to Whitewater YES via Sharon McCullough, 1262 W. Melrose Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Scolan Goes for Cycle; Warhawks to Face Titans in WIAC Title Bout
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team were victorious in the rematch against UW-Platteville in the elimination game of the 2025 WIAC Tournament.
The Warhawks’ Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) added a new accolade on his already storied career. Scolan went 4-for-4 from the plate, completing the cycle, the fourth time in Warhawk history. Scolan joins Daytona Bryden (2016 & 2018) and Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) (2023) in the Warhawk record books.
Scolan recorded his single in inning number one but was stranded after the Warhawks two-lead off singles to start the game.
UWW offense got clicking quickly though, spotting three runs in the bottom of the second. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) hit a two-RBI double to clean up Daryl Jackson and Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine), as Scolan tallied his double to score Holland.
The Warhawk defense was also clicking, not allowing their first base runner until the third inning. The Pioneers went 4.1 innings without a hit as Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) continued to deal on the mound.
Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) added another run to the lead with a solo home run in the bottom of three, his second of the day. UW-Platteville was able to get out of the inning without any more damage and held the Warhawks without a run in the fourth.
Scolan led off the bottom of the fifth with a triple to left center. Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) sent one to left field to give the Warhawks a 6-0 lead. However, the inning wasn’t over, with Dany Hopper hitting an RBI single, followed by Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) 2-run homer to push the lead up to nine.
Holland had a productive at bat to score another, with Scolan achieving the cycle with a no-doubter over the right field scoreboard in the bottom of the 5th.
In the bottom of the 6th, Paden pushed in Cootway on a fielder’s choice. The Pioneers had two singles to lead off the 7th, but a 643 double play and Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) strikeout gave the Warhawks the 13-0 win.
Hansen only allowed five hits while fanning five in his complete game win.
UWW baseball will take on UW-Oshkosh in the WIAC Championship Saturday morning, May 10. The game is set for 11 am. The Warhawks will need to win the first game in order to force a decisive second game for the WIAC Tournament Title.
Tournament Schedule
Thursday, May 8
Game 1–UW-Platteville (#4) 6, UW-Whitewater (#1) 3 (Box Score)
Game 2–UW-Oshkosh (#3) 15, UW-La Crosse (#2) 4 (8 inn.) (Box Score)
Friday, May 9
Game 3–UW-Whitewater 6, UW-La Crosse 5 (Box Score) (UW-La Crosse eliminated)
Game 4–UW-Oshkosh 15, UW-Platteville 5 (7 inn.) (Box Score)
Game 5–UW-Whitewater 13, UW-Platteville 0 (7 inn.) (Box Score) (UW-Platteville eliminated)
Saturday, May 10
Game 6–UW-Oshkosh at UW-Whitewater, 11:00 AM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Game 7 (if necessary)–Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 2:00 PM
| Hosted by UW-Whitewater at Prucha Field at Jim Miller Stadium |
| Dogs, cats and other pets (with the exception of licensed service animals) are prohibited on the site of all WIAC championships and postseason tournaments (regardless of whether the event is conducted on- or off-campus) |
Softball Tournament at van Steenderen Complex
Tournament Schedule
Friday, May 9
Game 1–UW-Platteville (#5) 9, UW-La Crosse (#4) 0 (6 inn.) (Box Score) (UW-La Crosse eliminated)
Game 2–UW-Stevens Point (#6) 9, UW-Eau Claire (#3) 4 (Box Score) (UW-Eau Claire eliminated)
Saturday, May 10
Game 3–UW-Platteville at UW-Whitewater (#1), 11:00 AM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Game 4–UW-Stevens Point vs. UW-Oshkosh (#2), 1:30 PM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Game 5–Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 4:00 PM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Sunday, May 11
Inclement weather date
In May, Seniors in the Park resumes its monthly, Summer Wednesday matinees of independent and foreign art films, including a documentary and an award-winning animated film in the mix.
“Sing Sing”
Tuesday, May 13, 1 pm
(Docudrama/Prison drama)
Rated R (language); 1 hour, 47 minutes (2023).
Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he did not commit, finds purpose by acting in a theater group with other incarcerated men and an unforgettable ensemble cast of actual, formerly incarcerated actors. Nominated for three Oscars, including Best Actor, Song, and Screenplay.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
For more than 30 years the National Association of Letter Carriers has sponsored the largest volunteer one day food collection effort to “Stamp Out Hunger.” Residents will be receiving postcards and/or plastic bags in the mail as a reminder of the food drive. This food drive is to help relieve shortages that food pantries experience in the spring and summer after holiday donations have been depleted. Food pantries need our help. One in eight children in the United States-approximately 13 million- are, or may, experience food insecurity. When USPS employees join with people in their neighborhoods to support local pantries, it helps hard-hit families put food on the table. Just put your nonperishable contribution in or near your mailbox on Saturday, May 10th, and your mail carrier will take the food to the Whitewater Food Pantry.
The Whitewater Community Food Pantry serves over 225 families. Generous donations and support from everyone make it possible for the food pantry to take care and provide for these families. Last year, the USPS food drive helped collect over 5200 pounds of food for the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Suggested donations include peanut butter, jelly, individual packets of oatmeal, canned tuna, dried cereal, pasta sauce, soups, hygiene products, canned fruits and canned vegetables.
Our local sponsors include: Whitewater 4-H, Whitewater FFA, Richmond 4-H, LaGrange 4-H, PremierBank, Kwik Trip, Casey’s General Store, Festival Foods, Linda Giorno & Ben Bradley, Ralph & Laurie Giorno, The Whitewater Community Food Pantry, and The Whitewater Post Office.
For more information about Whitewater Community Food Pantry, visit facebook.com/WhitewaterFoodPantry/
Questions? Laurie Giorno, lead volunteer in Whitewater, can be reached at 262-903-9416.
UW-W Baseball & Softball Earn Conference Regular Season Titles; Hosting WIAC Tournament Today & Sat.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship for the 23rd time in the program’s history and the seventh time in the last eight seasons.
UW-Whitewater clinched the title outright – its second straight – on May 3 with a 19-4 victory against UW-Platteville.
The Warhawks are hosting the WIAC Tournament this weekend. The team dropped its opening game by 6-3 in the tournament against UW-Platteville and takes on UW-La Crosse in an elimination game today – Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m.
The NCAA Tournament begins with regional tournaments next week. UW-Whitewater was ranked No. 2 in the nation in the latest D3baseball.com National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Top 25. D3baseball.com/National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Top 25.
Softball also clinched WIAC title; Also hosting WIAC tournament this weekend
The 2025 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team, clinched its 16th Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship with a 12-2 league record.
The Warhawks, who’ve won six of the last eight league regular season titles and eight of the last 11, will host the WIAC Tournament starting Friday, May 9. As the top seed, the team has a first-round bye and plays its first game Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
The NCAA Tournament begins next week with regional tournaments. UW-Whitewater was ranked 15th in the nation in the most recent National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll.
On May 10th from 10 am-2 pm at the gymnasium area of Whitewater High School, the Whitewater Unified School District’s Robotics booster club will be hosting the 2nd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Faire to celebrate and support robotics programs across our community.
Organizations from all over the city and state will be there hosting interactive art, science, and technology activities for kids and adults. As just a few examples, at the WOOSH Rocketry booth you can design, build, and launch your own compressed air-powered model rocket. At the US Air Force booth, you can learn about drones in combat and try your hand at flying in a flight simulator. At the UW-Whitewater’s Media Arts and Game Development booth you can beta test video games and experience virtual reality. With dozens of exciting exhibitors, you can freeze dry candy, make your own jewelry, carve a walking stick, drive a robot, frost cookies, 3D print a fidget, make your own ice cream, pet a real axolotl, and so much more! The fair is a fun filled, all ages family event- with face painting, a bounce house, a giant obstacle course, and free books and puzzles to take home. Kids and adults from age 2 to 102 will all have a great time! The event is free with a donation for the Lakeland Animal Shelter (shelter staff will be at the faire with adoptable puppies and kittens to cuddle).
.
An exciting addition to this year’s event is the LEGO build competition for children in K-12 grade sponsored by Lake Home Info, LLC. Children can build their own LEGO creations, exhibit their work at the faire, and receive amazing LEGO kit prizes for their designs. To learn more please visit: https://forms.gle/jpMyfqvJYZ89geg4A.
Robotics is a wonderful opportunity for children in our district, but it is a very costly sport.
The booster club works to offset costs for all the teams and to ensure that every interested student can participate regardless of family income level. We are proud to share that in 2025 the booster club will be funding a scholarship for a graduating high school senior.
We look forward to seeing you at the fair. We are thrilled to have the following exhibitors joining us this year!
Lakeland Animal Shelter
Whitewater Axolotls
Whitewater Pride
Wisconsin Makers
WOOSH Rocketry
Whitewater Police Department
Studio 84
RC Flying Club
Radio Club
Pet Supplies Plus
Makers Mashup
MAGD
Lima Center 4H
Lakeland Treats
Lego League and Iron Dragons Robotics
Ice Age Trail
Ghostbusters
Gateway Technical College
Fort HealthCare
First Citizens State Bank
Ferradermis
Community Space
Be Kind Whitewater
Whitewater Historical Society
Air National Guard
Applied Material Solutions
Generac
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.
