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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Some months ago, the Whitewater Cinemas had reduced their hours to just weekends; however, now the theater is open every day except for Monday, with extra hours during the day. There’s a Tuesday special with $5 admission for all showings.
The Whitewater Banner provides a “helpful link” on our website to the cinemas’ website: helpful links/entertainment & fun/whitewatercinemas
Thursday, April 24, 5-7 p.m.
St. John’s Masonic Lodge, 226 W. Main St, Whitewater
$15 Adults, $5 Children <12 yrs
Dine in or Carry-out
Roast Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Applesauce, Dessert
Fort HealthCare is very honored to accept two Top Workplaces awards: the 2025 Top Workplaces award by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and, for the fifth year in a row, the 2025 Top Workplaces USA award by USA Today.
“Fort HealthCare is an exemplary place to work. To receive numerous Top Workplaces awards the past several years is a testament to the culture we have instilled and nurtured,” Michael Anderson, MD, President and CEO of Fort HealthCare, remarked. “We are extremely proud of our Fort HealthCare employees. They are responsible for contributing to and sustaining the
supportive workplace environment we have.”
Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have positive work cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Award winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee-engagement survey issued by Energage. The confidential survey measures the unique employee experience and reveals the strengths of Fort HealthCare’s culture, including how engaged, valued, respected, and supported employees feel.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together. TM
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark
available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.
A previous article in The Whitewater Banner indicated that Lettsew K9 Foundation is dissolving after five years of fundraising for Jefferson County K9s and the surrounding area. Lettsew K9 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. LETTSEWK9
FOUNDATION stands for Law Enforcement Training Teams of Southeastern Wisconsin.
LETTSEWK9 shared the following story and photos from their Facebook page.
“Yesterday was a very bittersweet day…..
“The mission of Lettsew is to support canines in law enforcement and educate the communities they serve and protect.”
Our local K9s are trained to assist in
—explosive detection
—narcotic detection
—suspect apprehension
—searching for suspects and missing persons
—crowd control and building searches.
These small K-9 units have always been “FOR the community, BY the community, which means they are not taxpayer funded.
Through Lettsew’s hard work and dedication we were able to present each K9 and handler with a check in the amount of $5,550, totaling $55,500!!!!! This achievement is something that we, as a very small nonprofit, are extremely proud of. It has been an honor to provide funds to these units for various expenses, including individual and group trainings, vet bills, emergency services, dental bills, training drugs, dog food, protective vests, leashes, reward toys, treats, etc.
We are truly blessed to have these dedicated teams in our communities. Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe.”
Officer Lawrence and K9 Smitty from Fort Atkinson with Melanie Lynn Crandall
Program Helps People with Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes
More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County and Aurora Health Care. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes, including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate medication use, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.
Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held on Tuesdays, from April 29 to June 3, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI. The workshop has a suggested contribution of $10.
For questions or to register for the program, contact Edie Africano, Health Promotion Coordinator, at 262-741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the ADRC of Walworth County.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The four Common Councilmembers who were elected in the spring election were installed at the April 15 council meeting that was held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. City Clerk Heather Boehm administered the Oath of Office. Patrick Singer, beginning his eighth full term, was elected as president of the body.
There was a brief period in early 2024 when the majority of the council was female: Brienne Brown, Jill Gerber, Carol McCormick and Lisa Dawsey Smith were serving. It would seem that might have been the first time in city history when that occurred. (If anyone knows otherwise, please advise the Banner.) Today, however, all seven members are male. No females chose to run for an open seat in the April election.
Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Michael Smith was installed by City Clerk Heather Boehm for his first term as Aldermanic District 1 Councilmember.
Steven Sahyun was installed for his first term on the Common Council representing Aldermanic District 3.
Neil Hicks was installed for his second term representing the 5th Aldermanic District.
Patrick Singer, who most recently served as the Aldermanic District 1 Councilmember, assumed his at-large role.
Easter,[nb 1] also called Pascha[nb 2] (Aramaic, Greek, Latin) or Resurrection Sunday,[nb 3] is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.[12][13] It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.
Easter and its related holidays are moveable feasts, not falling on a fixed date; its date is computed based on a lunisolar calendar (solar year plus Moon phase) similar to the Hebrew calendar. The First Council of Nicaea (325) established only two rules, namely independence from the Hebrew calendar and worldwide uniformity. No details for the computation were specified; these were worked out in practice, a process that took centuries and generated a number of controversies. It has come to be the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or soonest after 21 March.[18] Even if calculated on the basis of the more accurate Gregorian calendar, the date of that full moon sometimes differs from that of the astronomical first full moon after the March equinox.[19]
The earliest date on which [Western] Easter Sunday can occur is March 22. This was the case in the year 1818, and it will not happen again until the year 2285.
The latest date it can fall on is April 25. The last time Easter Sunday fell on April 25 was in 1943, and the next occurrence will be in 2038.
[From Wikipedia]
Whitewater Unified School District students earned top placements in the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) statewide Battle of the Books competition, demonstrating their dedication to reading, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Students from Lakeview Elementary, Washington Elementary, Whitewater Middle School, and Whitewater High School competed against hundreds of schools. Whitewater High School’s team, “The Final Braincell,” placed third among 65 high schools. Meanwhile, Whitewater Middle School’s team, “The Red Knights” finished 19th. At the elementary level, Lakeview Elementary’s “Grumpy Monkeys” secured 23rd place, while Washington Elementary’s “Reading Costco Guys” placed 41st out of 259 teams.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and enthusiasm for this program,” said Kathy Retzke, WUSD Library Media Specialist. “This competition is about more than books—it’s about teamwork, comprehension, and critical thinking. Our students put in countless hours preparing, and their hard work has certainly paid off.”
Each year, book lists for Battle of the Books are released on June 1, and teams form in November. Students read and analyze 20 books before competing in quiz-style “battles” in late January. Weekly meetings with advisors help teams refine their strategies and deepen their understanding.
To view full statewide rankings and more information, visit the WEMTA website at https://sites.google.com/wemta.org/battle/home.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
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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