Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 19, 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.
BaristaCats Cafe and Sanctuary for Wayward Cats invites the community to a heartwarming event celebrating the joy that our feline friends bring into our lives. Join us on February 13 and 14 from 1 to 6 PM for a special experience filled with love, companionship, and of course, cats!
For a $5 donation, you will receive a personalized Pawlentine from one of our adorable coolcats. These charming tokens of affection make the perfect gift for loved ones or a cherished keepsake. As a special treat, each participant will also receive a delicious snack to share (with the kitties), generously provided by our friends at Fussie Cat.
BaristaCats Cafe and Sanctuary is more than just a café—it’s a place to relax, destress, and connect with both friendly faces and our resident kitties. We are committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all who visit.
Cats – Community – Coffee
Reservations are required [for which there is an additional cost besides the $5 for the Pawlentine] and space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. To book your tickets, visit https://baristacatscafe.org/reservations. Before your visit, please review our Pawlor Rules and Frequently Asked Questions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Join BaristaCats in spreading love this Valentine’s season with the purr-fect celebration at BaristaCats Cafe!
Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Updated 2/13/25 at 2:35 p.m. – Location of the discussion changed.
“JAMES: A NOVEL” -League of Women Voters Book Club Discussion, Part I
The League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area’s Book Club is pleased to announce the first of three discussions of the book James: A Novel by Percival Everett, on Tuesday, February 18th, starting at 6:30 PM. The discussion will be held at The Book Teller, 171 W Main Street in Whitewater. [Please note the change of location.]
Tara McKenzie-Peotter, Whitewater High School teacher, will lead the discussion
including such topics as comparing the text to Huckleberry Finn and the historical and contemporary use of the “n” word.
The book James: A Novel, is a re-imaging of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. The powerful, thought-provoking novel is written in three parts and we will be discussing each part separately.
Mark your calendars for the following two discussions:
Part II: Thursday, March 20 @ 6:30 pm – Greg Stewart, Whitewater High School teacher, will continue the book discussion with emphasis on the teaching of historical time frames and concepts such as cake walks, minstrels, slave narratives, and the Civil War.
Part III: Thursday, April 17 @ 6:30 pm – UW-Whitewater professor, Dr. Tamara
Lindsey, will lead the final session with an emphasis on topics such as emancipation, liberation, freedom and social construction theory that suggests reality and knowledge are shaped by societal agreements and shared assumptions.
A limited supply of books is available at The Book Teller. Call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy. For questions or further information please call Deb Gamble at 262-953-1946.
We invite all in the Whitewater community to join us in the discussions of the book of which The New York Times writes “below the packed dirt floor of Everett’s moral sensibility, James is an intensely imagined human being.” Let’s delve into that world together.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.
UW-Whitewater announces 2024 winter graduates
More than 800 students graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at winter commencement, held Dec. 14, 2024, at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The following students from your coverage area earned degrees from the UW-Whitewater at winter commencement:
Editor’s note: It is likely that many of these graduates came to UW-W from other areas, but in the university records they have listed Whitewater as their home.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Marijke Arreola graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Christianson graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Adam Coleman graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Amber Cornille graduated with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Matt DeMichiel graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Elizabeth Dempich graduated with the following degree: Applied Arts and Sciences – BAAS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Christian Derenne graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: History – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kianna Doerr graduated with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Derya Fathroen graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: George Fedorov graduated with the following degree: Integrated Science – Business – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cooper Gosse graduated with the following degree: Management – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Adam Groth graduated with the following degree: History – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Bianca Housworth graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Amarion Isbell graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Keller graduated with the following degree: Music – BM.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Devon Knowles graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Issac Leal graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Demetrius Lewis graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Haley Lindquist graduated with the following degree: Geography – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alissa LoCicero-Geraths graduated with the following degree: Criminology – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Scott Luebke graduated with the following degree: Integrated Science – Business – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kyra Maly graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Thomas McCulloch graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Cybersecurity – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Samantha Meister graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Colton Meuret graduated with the following degree: Mathematics – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Inger Miles graduated with the following degree: Special Education – MSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Destiny Mitchell graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Early Childhood Education – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Nelson graduated with the following degree: History – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joyce Ngwe graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Raquel Ortiz graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yasmin Palomec-Garcia graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Criminology – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Phelan graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Maria Rodriguez graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Evelyn Rozenkvit graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Accounting – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Camila Salazar Delgado graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lex Schuhmacher graduated with the following degree: History – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Eddie Slattery graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Odessa Sonn graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Spragg graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Meena Subedi graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – DBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jonce Tolley graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies With a Minor – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Van Wyhe graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: English – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dayna Wendelberger graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dakota Wolf graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Wenshou Wu graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Art – BA.
Approximately 633 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The 815-member graduating class included three international students, 58 military veterans and 138 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 80 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.
A total of 47 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, earned a job promotion, were accepted to graduate school, or started their own business before commencement.
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team finished out conference in 3rd Place overall at the conference meet! So many had best times and there were a few conference medal finishes. The top 6 individuals in each event and the top 3 relays medal.
Top 16 finishes and best times include:
200 Medley Relay:
- 8th (2:04.98)-Miles Nickelsburg, David Enns, Myles Morse, Andrew O’Toole
- 12th (2:10.63) – Wyatt Esch, Caleb Kluck, Sam Nickelsburg, Xavier Ortiz
200 Free:
- Cruz Aranda is the SLC CONFERENCE CHAMPION of the 200 Freestyle, winning with a time of 1:54.26!
- Miles Nickelsburg finished 6th with a time of 2:07.65!
200 IM:
- Jack Hefty finished 5th with a time of 2:19.84. Jack dropped nearly 5 seconds. He now sits 9th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Wyatt Esch finished 16th with a time of 2:47.81. Wyatt dropped 7 seconds off his previous time.
- Andrew O’Toole swam a great race and finished with a best time of 2:47.98
50 Free:
- Mateo Bazeley finished 3rd with a time of 23.84. Mateo now sits 8th on the Whippet Top Ten List.
- Caleb Kluck continues to drop more time going a time of 26.82
- Angel Kilar dropped nearly a second off of his time to go a time of 33.79.
100 Butterfly:
- Langdon Coburn finished 7th with a time of 1:00.35.
- Myles Morse finished 9th with a time of 1:05.98.
- Sam Nickelsburg finished 11th with a time of 1:09.09
100 Freestyle:
- Cruz Aranda finished 4th going a season best time of 51.35.
- Mateo Bazeley finished 5th going a time of 53.26.
- Caleb Kluck dropped over a second going a time of 1:00.28
- Andrew O’Toole dropped nearly 2 seconds going a time 1:00.52
- David Enns also dropped some time going a best time of 1:03.05
500 Freestyle:
- Myles Morse finished 3rd with a time of 5:32.27. Dropping 6 seconds puts Myles 8th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Miles Nickelsburg finished 4th with a time of 5:47.12. Miles dropped nearly 4 seconds off his previous time.
200 Freestyle Relay:
- 3rd (1:36.02) – Jack Hefty, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, and Cruz Aranda. All the of them posted their best relay splits this season. In the leadoff, Jack went a time of 24.15, which puts him 10th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- 12th (1:51.12) – Xavier Ortiz, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Andrew O’Toole
100 Backstroke:
- Langdon Coburn finished 6th with a time of 1:01.85. Langdon now sits 8th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Wyatt Esch finished 16th with a time of 1:13.91.
- Xavier Ortiz had a big drop of 6 seconds to go a time of 1:24.88
100 Breaststroke:
- Jack Hefty finished 9th with a time of 1:12.87.
- Isaac Straight dropped 3 seconds to go a best time of 1:26.93
400 Freestyle Relay:
- 3rd (3:37.78) – Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, Langdon Coburn, and Jack Hefty. They dropped over 6 seconds off their seed time. Langdon (54.53) and Jack (53.84) both had season best splits.
- 6th (5:57.07) – Myles Morse, Caleb Kluck, Wyatt Esch, and Miles Nickelsburg. They dropped nearly 7 seconds off their seeded time! Each of them posted best times. Myles in the leadoff went a 58.26, Caleb went a 59.00, Wyatt went a 1:01.46, and Miles went a 58.35
The boys are having a great start to Championship season, and we can’t wait to see them compete at the WIAA Sectional Meet at Milton High School on Saturday, February 15th. Swimming starts at 1 pm; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Whitewater area effective from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 3 a.m. Thursday. Total anticipated “light and fluffy” snowfall is 4-6″.
The Irvin L. Young Library in Whitewater will be closing at 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 12, due to inclement weather. We will resume regular hours on Thursday, February 13th.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As was previously reported in The Whitewater Banner, when emergency personnel were called to the home at 505 Ventura Lane on November 21 by the report of smoke, they located a fire that had almost self-extinguished as well as a deceased person. The individual was identified as Indumathi Chilukuri, a 71-year-old female owner of the home. Since the fire appeared to be caused by arson, it was referred to the Walworth County Fire Investigation Team. All parties have now completed their investigation, allowing the Whitewater Police Department [WPD] to close the case, with a finding that Chilukuri’s death was a suicide.
Fire personnel and the investigation team determined that the starting point of the fire was the couch in the living room and that the fire appeared to be intentionally set. Police indicated that there were no signs of recent entry into the residence and no indication of foul play on the body. The Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office also did not find any evidence of foul play but indicated that there were signs that death had occurred from carbon monoxide inhalation. Toxicology reported that Chilukuri’s level of carbon monoxide was at 68% saturation. It was stated that lethality from carbon monoxide exposure is at a level or 40% or higher. WPD’s report concludes, “Based on the results from the toxicology report, Chilukuri’s death was caused by inhalation of Soot and Products of Combustion (Carbon Monoxide exposure) due to a house fire. The Manner of Death was listed as Suicide.”
Updated 2/9/25 @ 8 p.m. to correct the time of the WUSD legislative breakfast.
Whitewater Unified School District Legislative Breakfast – Monday @ 9 a.m.
Agenda – Click on meetings in the upper right corner.
Editor’s note: The agenda contains an incorrect listing of the area legislators. The Banner has reached out to ensure that the current legislators have been invited. Sen. Nass only represents the town of LaGrange now. Otherwise, the district is represented by Rep. Brienne Brown and Sen. Mark Spreitzer.
Public Test of the Spring Primary Election Equipment – Monday @ 10 a.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is holding the Public Test of the Spring Primary Election Equipment. The information follows:
When: Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd floor Cravath Lakefront
Conference Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Consideration to Approve and Recommend to Common Council a change in the District Zoning Map to Rezone Vacant Lots on Cedar Court from R-1 (One Family Residence District) to R-2 (One and Two Family Residence District); Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Electronic Message Monument Sign to be located at 401 S Elizabeth Street [Whitewater Middle School], Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Contractor Shops to be located on Greenway Court.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/347783733
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 347-783-733
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
AGENDA includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding pedestrian safety crossing W. Main Street.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89241724935?pwd=4iqX7kimmdaVc1xfcXrmhb2C2I3IYe.1
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 892 4172 4935
Passcode: 758390
City of Whitewater Community Involvement and Cable TV Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85478113984?pwd=vJSI08WJD3u3mVjidt1pIv4bgetEPR.1
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 854 7811 3984
Passcode: 534378
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.
