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

WHITEWATER WEATHER

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.

Water Safety Month Kickoff Event at the Aquatic Center

April 26, 2026

Whippet Track and Field at Watertown Invitational

April 26, 2026

The Whippet track and field team found themselves in some great competition on Friday night as they travelled to Watertown for the Gosling Invitational. Facing some of the top Division I schools in the area, the young Whippets competed well and put up some great performances and personal bests. Highlighting the evening for Whitewater on the girls’ side was senior Sydney Schilt. In her first outdoor appearance of the season, Schilt went head-to-head with defending Division I State Champion, Kyenret Rinkam of Brookfield Central, and Janesville Parker’s Harper Brandenburg, in the 100 M Dash. Schilt did not disappoint as she finished third in 12.58, putting her number 4 all-time on the Whippet Top Ten list, .02 ahead of former teammate, Kindyl Kilar. Schilt came back later in the meet and won the 200 in a time of 26.47. The 4X100 M Relay, composed of Emy Islas, Schilt, Emma Maas, and Emery Kachel, finished 2nd to Middleton in a season-best time of 52.46 as Kachel raced home on the anchor leg. Mya Graves-Koran ran her fastest time of the season in the 100 M Hurdles, placing 7th in 18.66. Maddi Morton, competing for the first time this season in the pole vault, cleared the 7 foot barrier, and Virginia Nelson ran season bests in the 1600 and 3200, as did Delaney Hammack in the 800.

The Whippet boys also found their way to some great performances as Langdon Coburn continued to show why he is one of the area’s top pole vaulters, winning his specialty with a vault of 13 feet. Ty Bucholtz placed 3rd in the 110 M hurdles in a field that included some of DI’s best hurdlers. Bucholtz’s time of 15.48 placed him at number 9 all time on the Whippet Top Ten list. Freshman Cason Boudreau continued to impress with an 8th place finish in the 300 M hurdles running 45.17. The 4X800 M relay composed of Angel Kilar, Wyatt Esch, Carlos Aguilar, and Tyler Carollo rolled to a season best of 9:51. Vinnie Juette, Mateo Bazeley, Evan Leising, and Aaron Garcia ran a season best time of 1:36.29 in the 800 M Relay placing 6th. Freshman Bastian Portales ran 58.94 in his first ever 400 M race and Trevor Piper continued an upward trajectory in the discus, a new event for him.

The Whippets travel to Brodhead on Tuesday to take on Delavan, Jefferson, and Brodhead in a quadrangular.

The Library Presents “Reliance Road & the Path to Publishing”

April 25, 2026


Kate Winn Author and Publishing Talk

Community members are invited to join debut author Kate Winn as she discusses Reliance Road, a memoir of tender and hopeful vignettes that recalls the past, shows how lessons apply to the present, and shares her life story with future generations.

Also meet with Kira Henschel of HenschelHAUS Publishing and learn about the publishing process that took Kate Winn’s idea and transformed it into a physical book.

Q&A and signing to follow, with copies of Reliance Road available for purchase.

This event will be held in Meeting Room 1 of Whitewater Public Library at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater on Thursday, April 30 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM

This program is for adults, but teens are welcome with an accompanying adult. Registration is preferred.

Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0113 to register, or with any questions. 

SE WI Housing Summit to Tackle Workforce Housing Gaps

April 25, 2026

Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Summit to Tackle Workforce Housing Gaps

As housing costs rise and supply dwindles across Southeastern Wisconsin, regional leaders are gathering to move housing projects from vision to reality. The Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Summit will take place on Thursday, May 7, at the Zoofari Conference Center in Milwaukee.

Organized by UW–Madison Extension, the Summit addresses a critical shortage of workforce housing and the legislative and market hurdles currently facing the region. The goal of the event is to increase housing inventory and provide data to support community-level conversations on new housing development.

“A recent report by the Wisconsin Realtors Association estimated that 133,000-144,000 new housing units will be needed in Wisconsin by 2030,” said Steve Chmielewski, Community Development Educator for Extension Waukesha County. “That’s the projected number of housing units to support economic development across the state: to help people moving in for jobs, to help employers, to help schools.”

Event Details at a Glance:
● Date & Time: Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
● Location: Zoofari Conference Center, Milwaukee, WI
● Focus: Data-driven strategies, policy solutions, and practical development tools
● Registration: go.wisc.edu/housingsummit (registration closes May 1)

The Summit is designed for the people building and managing Wisconsin’s communities, including community leaders, employers, builders and developers, local officials, urban planners, and housing organizations/advocates. Attendees will explore high-impact topics such as overcoming NIMBYism and community opposition, manufactured/modular housing solutions, data trends, and problem-solving between local government and the private sector.

Registration includes lunch and refreshments. For more information or to register, visit go.wisc.edu/housingsummit.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension–Walworth County.

Superheroes Sighted in Przemysl, Poland!

April 25, 2026


One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter – Episode 3 is now published on YouTube, and it covers all the incredible volunteers who donate their services to help Ukrainian Refugees.

James Olm covers these volunteers and what impact they make on the shelter.

The YouTube may be viewed here.

Editor’s note: James Olm’s previous episodes of One Safe Place may be found here:

Local Resident Volunteers in Poland on the Border of Ukraine: Video shared – Whitewater Banner

Hope Shelter in Poland Helps So Many, As Witnessed By Whitewater Resident Volunteer – Whitewater Banner

This Week’s City & School District Meetings

April 25, 2026

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda [click on “meetings” in upper right corner] includes WHS scorecard update; WMS scorecard update; Ratification of the Whitewater Education Association (WEA) 2026-27 Collective Bargaining Agreement; 2026-27 WUSD Staffing Plan and Report; Adjourn to CLOSED SESSION, possibly to be followed by an open session: preliminary consideration of allegations of misconduct against a District employee and to discuss the Superintendent’s Mid-Year Evaluation.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84343606226?pwd=SM4rTRus5a22ivrcbzI3b2TDyFnnY8.1
– Passcode: 349226
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 843 4360 6226
– Passcode: 349226

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Review and possible action: Approve recommendation of General Obligation Bond to the Common Council for Lifetime Manufacturing LLC development project in Technology Park; Discussion and possible action to approve the Down Payment Assistance Program for the Fire/EMS Department; Discussion and possible action to recommend Fire Department Recruitment & Advancement Incentive Program to Common Council; Discussion and possible action to recommend an amendment to the 2026 Salary Resolution to Common Council.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247275584778559?p=84oFBseA62QRFl3qwn
Meeting ID: 247 275 584 778 559
Passcode: YJ3Rh9jd
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,241505337# United States
Phone conference ID: 241 505 337#

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on immediate plan for maintaining and improving water
quality and carp impact.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – 4:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/216973048170222?p=fJRSrpQreMoglm3pSH

“Beyond the Dryline” a Storm Chasing Documentary Premiere

April 25, 2026


April 29 at 6 pm in Summers Auditorium on UW-Whitewater’s campus will be the premiere showing of “Beyond the Dryline” by junior journalism major and documentarian Peyton Walz. Walz participated in Dr. John Frye’s storm-chase course in 2025 as a student and, in the process, shot a documentary of the trip and course. “Beyond the Dryline” shows life on the road, the students’ learning process, their personalities, and, of course, the storms they experience. Come see the documentary, followed by a Q&A session with Walz, Frye, and others who participated in the trip.

Carpentry and Construction Students Build Shelving for United Way

April 24, 2026

Whitewater High School Carpentry and Construction students put their skills to work for a great cause on Friday afternoon! 

Carpentry and Construction Students with Instructor Nolan Otremba

Students volunteered with United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County, helping build bin storage for shoes that will be donated to children in need at their new office space. From design to cutting to final assembly, the entire project was completed in just one afternoon — a true showcase of their hard work and teamwork.

This was a great hands-on experience for our students, giving them the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting while making a meaningful impact in our community.

We’re proud of the work they did and grateful for the partnership that made it possible!

Article and Photos Submitted by Nolan Otremba
Whitewater High School Technology and Engineering Teacher
otrno01@wwusd.org

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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