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Celebrate kindness and inclusivity with stories and art activities for children during Spring Break! Families are invited to the “Embracing Our Differences” program on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy stories, work on a collaborative mural project that will be displayed in the library and create your own watercolor painting. A snack will be served.
The event will be presented with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and Be Kind Whitewater — a non-partisan group that promotes kindness and civility for the betterment of our community and region.
Best for ages 4K – 5th grade but all ages are welcome! There is no cost. Please register in advance by visiting whitewaterlibrary.org and clicking on “Events” or at this link: https://irvinlyoung.librarycalendar.com/event/embracing-our-differences-stories-art-activities-179. Please note that due to library construction, this event will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center at 341 S. Fremont Street.
Contact Sarah French with questions, accommodation requests, or for registration assistance at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.
The Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has recognized six area high school
seniors who exemplify the qualities of good citizenship. The 126-year-old organization held its annual Good Citizen Reception for the students and their guests on Thursday, March 6, at the Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson. Named “Good Citizens” were Carley Boudreau, Whitewater High School; Korynne Kutz, Fort Atkinson High School; Haley Woessner, Palmyra-Eagle High School; Mallorri Buonincontro, Cambridge High School; Piper Crabtree, Jefferson High School; and Leola Becker, Lake Mills High School.
“NSDAR (The National Society DAR) began recognizing Good Citizens in 1934; perhaps a great-great-great-grandparent of yours was so honored,” chapter Regent Nancy Olson said in welcoming attendees. “The first school our chapter honored was Fort Atkinson. Our chapter now recognizes seven schools with over 90 students being selected.”
She noted that no scholarships were awarded in those early days. Today, one is given to the chapter’s essay winner. “More important, I think, are the qualities of dependability, service and patriotism, values that stay with you the rest of your lives,” Olson said. DAR member Mary Narkis led the Pledge of Allegiance and Chaplain Valerie Cole offered the blessing. After introducing
herself and her guests, each student was presented a certificate of recognition by DAR Secretary Vicki Schicker and Historian Penny White.
Carley Boudreau
Carley Boudreau was the winner in the DAR chapter’s 2024 essay contest and received a monetary gift. She read her essay, titled “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.” In it, Boudreau noted that everyone is given a different
starting point in life, but service to others is important as he or she climbs the rungs. Whether large or small, each person’s American dream builds a ladder toward success. “Taking a step down from my ladder has and will never be a waste,” she said. “This is because getting others to the top of their ladders, no matter how big or small, is another step up on my own. “Alone, we are strong, but as a community together, the impact can only grow as this strength multiplies,” Boudreau noted.
As president of Whitewater High School’s National Honor Society, Boudreau said, she has seen firsthand the effects a community can have on its citizens. “Together, we’ve impacted our community in ways I could not do alone. Our goals, the peak of our ladder, is found in helping others up their own. This is something I feel so fortunate to be a part of … not just a community, but a community committed to serving others,” she said. The senior said that community service is part of Americans’ identity. “You help the people, helping the community, strengthening our American identity. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be attainable for all and absolutely are with the help of a community,” she concluded.
In addition to National Honor Society, Boudreau is president of Model United Nations and active in Forensics, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council and Lead Dogs. She is varsity captain of the girls’ soccer team and has participated in cross-country.
After graduation, she plans to study international relations at either the American University in Washington D.C. or University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Korynne Kutz
Korynne Kutz is class president on the Student Senate and vice president of National Honor Society at Fort Atkinson High School.
Also this year, she has been involved in Latinx Club, Debate, Brothers and Sisters in Christ (BASIC), Students Tutor Students and Link Crew. Kutz was captain of the varsity girls’ soccer team, participated in track and field and served as boys’ soccer team manager last year.
This fall, she plans to attend UW-Madison to major in finance investments and banking.
Haley Woessner
At Palmyra-Eagle High School, Haley Woessner has been active in Student Council, Varsity Dance Team, National Honor Society, Band, Math Meet and Hope Squad, serving in many leadership positions. She has been manager of the cross-country team, has
assisted teaching dance classes, was a delegate to Badger Girls State, was captain of the Varsity Cross-Country Team and served on Prom Committee.
After graduation, Woessner plans to attend Northern Michigan University to study theater entertainment arts and elementary education.
Mallorri Buonincontro
At Cambridge High School, Mallorri Buonincontro is senior class officer and she served as class secretary in grades 9-11. President of the National Honor Society, she is active in Eco Club, Flight Crew, the school musical and Solo and Ensemble. She also has served on the Homecoming and prom courts. In addition, Buonincontro has participated in track and field throughout high school, gymnastics the past three years, basketball as a freshman and volleyball as an underclassman.
In the fall, she plans to attend Wheaton College in Illinois to study Christian Formation and Ministry and then Biblical and
Theological Studies.
Piper Crabtree
During her senior year at Jefferson High School, Piper Crabtree has been involved in National Honor Society, Eagle Crew, Drama Club, Forensics, Student Council, Rotary Interact, Hope Squad and J-Club. She also is serving as Art Club secretary and secretary of Tri-M (Modern Music Masters). Crabtree is senior representative on the Band Council and also has participated in Jazz 1, Steel
Drum, One-Act Plays, musicals, Drama Club, Forensics, AFS, FBLA/DECA, track and field and tennis.
This fall, she plans to study elementary education at either St. Norbert College or UW- Whitewater.
Leola Becker
While at Lake Mills High School, Leola Becker has been active in Spanish Club, Drama Club, Lariat, Link Crew, yearbook, the fall musical, choir, Jazz Band and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has been president of Show Choir and representative-at-large on Student Council, as well as has participated in Solo & Ensemble all four years of high school. In addition, Becker has served on the Homecoming Court and as prom queen, and was manager of the boys’ basketball team.
After graduation, she plans to attend Carroll University to double-major in music therapy and psychology. Crabtree and Becker were unable to attend the DAR reception.
About the award, DAR Created in 1934, the Good Citizen award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of
dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. The students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree. Once a student is chosen as the DAR Good Citizen, he or she is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and an
essay; participation is optional.
Organized in 1899, the Fort Atkinson Chapter of DAR was one of the earliest and largest chapters in Wisconsin for many years. In 1992, it merged with the Eli Pierce Chapter, which was founded in Whitewater in 1941. Today, chapter members reside in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Whitewater, Milton, Janesville and surrounding communities, as well as in several other states.
The Whitewater Historical Society’s Whitewater Collects event is being held this Sunday, March 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S. Fremont Street, (Whitewater Street behind the arch.) Over a dozen Whitewater area collectors will be displaying collections that range from Native American Copper Artifacts to Pez Dispensers to Doc Martin shoes and many more antiques and collectibles. This is an annual event, but every year there are new and different collections on display. And, Carol Miller of Bailey’s Honor Auctions and Estate Services, LLC, will provide evaluations of up to two items to the public.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Wind Advisory from 7 p.m. on Wednesday until 7 a.m. on Thursday. There is also chance of 1-2″ of snow.
Carol McCormick writes, “Juvenile bald eagle on the left while mom takes the lower branch. Ice is leaving the lake on Trippe so there might be scouting for early fish meals. Always a sight to see!”
[Submitted by Carol McCormick on March 13.]
Our thanks to Carol McCormick for yet another wonderful wildlife photo.
— 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!
In Person Absentee Early Voting! 
Whitewater residents, make your voices heard! Early voting for the upcoming election will be available at the City of Whitewater Municipal Building from Tuesday, March 18, 2025 through Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Location:
Office of the Municipal Clerk (2nd Floor)
312 W Whitewater St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Early Voting Times:
Tuesday, March 18 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday, March 19 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday, March 20 – 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday, March 21 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Monday, March 24 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday, March 25 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday, March 26 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday, March 27 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday, March 28 – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday, March 29 – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Avoid the lines on Election Day and vote early! 
Spread the word and ensure your vote counts! #EarlyVote#WhitewaterWI#YourVoiceMatters
Editor’s note: The above announcement was made on the City of Whitewater Facebook page. Be certain to bring your photo ID. Same day registration is also available for those who will have resided at their address for at least 28 days by Election Day.
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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