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.
Sen. Spreitzer on Senate Floor: Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) speaks with fellow Senators on the floor of the Wisconsin State Senate ahead of the Senate Inauguration on January 6th, 2025.
SD 15 All-district Legislators: Pictured left to right is Rep. Clinton Anderson (AD-44), Rep. Brienne Brown (AD-43), Rep. Ann Roe (AD-45), and Senator Mark Spreitzer (SD-15).
Sen. Spreitzer and Staff: Pictured left to right is Katie Iliff, Senator Mark Spreitzer, Eleanor (Ellie) Thorman, Dylan Moffitt, and Doug Hyant.
Sen. Mark Spreitzer Announces Committee Assignments and Legislative Staff as 2025-2026 Legislative Session Begins
MADISON – State Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) announced his committee assignments and legislative staff as the 2025-2026 legislative session began at the State Capitol. Senator Spreitzer was elected to a four-year term in 2022, and represents communities in Rock, Jefferson, and Walworth Counties – including six cities, two villages, and twenty-one towns. Senator Spreitzer serves as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair for the 2025-2026 legislative session.
“I am proud to serve as your State Senator, and I look forward to continuing to work for the people of our district and our state,” said Sen. Spreitzer. “It was wonderful to watch the six new members of the Senate Democratic Caucus be sworn in today, and I am incredibly excited to begin this legislative session with a much larger and more diverse caucus. As your State Senator and as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on issues that matter most to Wisconsinites and our district. Together, we can move Wisconsin forward.”
Sen. Spreitzer will serve on three committees during the 2025-2026 legislative session. He has been appointed the ranking Democratic member on the Committee on Government Operations, Labor, and Economic Development. Sen. Spreitzer will also serve on the Committee on Transportation and Local Government, and the Committee on Agriculture and Revenue.
“I look forward to serving on these committees in the new legislative session,” said Sen. Spreitzer. “I was proud of our bipartisan work together during the 2023-2024 legislative session – including new state laws to improve election administration, to invest in local communities, and to support our farmers and protect our environment. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues that matter to the people of our state. As we begin the new legislative session, I will fight to ensure that we invest in the people and priorities of our district.”
Senator Spreitzer also announced his legislative office staff for the 2025-2026 session:
Doug Hyant will continue to serve as the Senator’s Chief of Staff. Doug has worked for Senator Spreitzer since 2019, including two sessions in the State Assembly. Prior to working in the state legislature, Doug worked as the Executive Director of the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee. Doug lives on Madison’s West Side with his wife, Molly, and their two cats, Chickadee and Brig.
Eleanor (Ellie) Thorman will serve as the Senator’s Policy Director. Ellie has worked for State Senator Jeff Smith, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, and the State Senate Democratic Committee. Ellie lives in Madison with her cat, Rosie.
Katie Iliff will serve as the Senator’s Communications and Outreach Director. Katie has worked for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the State Senate Democratic Committee, and Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling. Katie lives in Madison with her husband and their two cats, Cirilla and Franklin.
Dylan Moffitt will continue to serve as the Senator’s Constituent Services Director. Dylan has worked for Senator Spreitzer since 2024. Prior to working in the state legislature, Dylan worked as a management analyst for the Village of Machesney Park in Illinois. Dylan lives in Madison with his cat, Cali.
Senator Spreitzer’s Capitol office is located in Room 108 South of the State Capitol. He can be reached by email at Sen.Spreitzer@legis.wisconsin.gov, by phone at (608) 266-2253, on social media on X.com/SenSpreitzer and Facebook.com/SenSpreitzer, and on his website www.SenSpreitzer.com.
Editor’s note: As a result of the 2023 redistricting, the entire Whitewater area, with the exception of the town of LaGrange, will be in Senate District 15, which will be served by Mark Spreitzer beginning on January 6, 2025. Spreitzer was sworn in as a senator in 2023, having been in the Assembly since 2015, where he was Democratic Caucus Chair from 2016-22. In a previous article, The Whitewater Banner erroneously indicated that Steve Nass would continue to represent Whitewater until January 2027. It turns out, however, that the new districts are becoming effective now, even though some senators are in the middle of their terms. Nass will continue to represent the town of LaGrange.
Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits in January 2025
More than half of Walworth County Homes Tested for Radon in 2024 had Higher Levels than the EPA Deems Safe
Walworth County Health and Human Services is pleased to announce a special promotion in January 2025, offering radon test kits for $5 with a non-perishable food item donation. This offer is limited to one test kit per person. [In response to The Whitewater Banner’s question about eligibility of Jefferson County residents to participate in the program, Health Officer Erica Bergstrom indicated that “it is not limited to only Walworth County residents.” Consequently, it seems clear that both Jefferson and Rock County residents could participate.]
Testing is offered locally through the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center, funded through a Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant. Normally, the cost is $15 per kit. Food donations will be distributed through the Walworth County Food and Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity.
Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.
The test kit includes a small vial that must be left open to the air in the lowest livable level of a home for two to three days. The vial should then be capped and mailed to Accustar Labs, which generally provides the results within a few days via mail, email, or telephone. Shipping and analysis of the kit are included in the $5 price.
The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable starting January 2, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Cash and check payments only.
The County encourages all residents whose homes have not yet been tested for radon to take advantage of this special offer. Those whose homes test at an elevated level of radon are urged to contact the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center for information about mitigation options.
For more information about the promotion or to learn more about radon testing, please contact Walworth County Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health at (262) 741-3140, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, or visit us online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Walworth County Public Health. The following is a press release on the same subject from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Schools to Test for Radon
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking
Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, can seep into homes through their foundation and be deadly at high levels. In Wisconsin, 1 in 10 homes has elevated levels. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and approximately 962 Wisconsinites have radon-induced lung cancer. Fortunately, radon is easy to test for and leaks can be fixed. This National Radon Action Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging home and building owners, and schools, to understand their risk and test their buildings for radon.
“Knowing about radon and testing radon levels in your home can save lives,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “In Wisconsin, we have 17 Radon Information Centers around the state where experts are available to answer your questions and offer low-cost test kits. Indoor radon levels tend to increase during the colder months, so now is the perfect time to test your home or building for radon if you haven’t before.”
While radon can affect anyone, children are generally considered to be more sensitive compared to adults due to their smaller lung sizes and faster breathing rates. Along with encouraging testing at home, Wisconsin continues to take steps to improve testing in spaces where children spend significant amounts of time. In March 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) enacted rule changes which require licensed childcare providers to test for radon and install a mitigation system if radon levels exceed the EPA action level. In addition, DHS recommends that all schools test for radon at least once every five years or upon completion of any major renovations.
“Since the DCF rule went into effect, 41 childcare centers across Wisconsin have mitigated high radon, protecting over 820 children enrolled in care from exposure to high radon levels,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Preventing exposure to high radon in places where kids spend a lot of time is a significant way to reduce their overall exposure to radon.”
Reduced-cost test kits are available to childcare providers and all Wisconsin residents through their regional Radon Information Center and test kit promotions are happening throughout January. The cost of mitigation can be a barrier for some families and businesses; Wisconsin residents can visit their Radon Information Center or speak with local public health department radon experts by calling 888 LOW-RADON to discuss available options.
Any house or building can be at risk for high radon levels, including apartments and commercial buildings. Landlords have a responsibility to provide safe living and working conditions to their tenants and should work with a certified radon testing or mitigation contractor to get started on addressing the issue for their tenants. DHS encourages homeowners and property owners to use a certified contractor and to locate one using resources available on the DHS How to Find a Contractor webpage.
More information can be found at lowradon.org.
Marshall beat Whitewater 49-42 in non-conference girls’ basketball on Friday, January 3. Marshall jumped out to an early lead as Whitewater played a sluggish first half and trailed 12-26 at halftime. To begin the second half and fueled by their press, Whitewater went on a 27-5 run to take a 39-31 lead with six minutes remaining. Whitewater, however, was not able to maintain the energy and Marshall closed the game on an 18-3 run to end at the final score.
Whitewater returns to action next week with a home game on Tuesday against Brodhead and at St. Thomas More on Saturday.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
WHS Winter Gala – December 11
WMS Choir – December 16
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
5th Grade Concert – December 17
Music Masters Ensemble Showcase – December 15
Update 1/7/25 @ 10:30 a.m. – Reader Mike Smith made a comment on our social media post indicating that the “star” was the planet Venus. He added, “Really great app is Stellarium. You point it at the sky and it tells you what you are looking at. Jupiter is currently very visible at night as well.”
Tom Ganser writes. “On January 3, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m., looking west from Acorn Ridge in Prairie Village, this is all I could see high up in the totally black sky dome – a bright crescent moon and one equally bright star friend. A remarkable sight.”
Our thanks to Tom Ganser for this striking image.
— 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!
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is pleased to announce the opening of the “Faces of Fairhaven” exhibit at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery. Running from January 4-26, 2025, this special exhibition celebrates the vibrant community spirit of Fairhaven through a unique collaboration between UW-Whitewater drawing students and Fairhaven residents.
The exhibit features a diverse collection of illustrations and craft projects that capture the essence of Fairhaven’s residents and their stories. Visitors will have the chance to see the remarkable artistic talents of both students and seniors, highlighting the rich heritage and creativity that characterize the Fairhaven community. This meaningful collaboration showcases the unity and shared creativity between Fairhaven residents and UW-Whitewater students.
The “Faces of Fairhaven” exhibit is the result of a collaborative effort among the WAA, Brian Robinson from Fairhaven Senior Services, and Lilly Handley, a drawing instructor at UW Whitewater. Their dedication and vision have brought together the generations in a shared artistic endeavor.
The opening reception will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 1 pm-4 pm. The gallery hours are Thursdays-Sundays from 12 pm-4 pm. The exhibit will take place at the Cultural ArtsCenter Gallery, located at 402 West Main St, Whitewater.
As part of the WAA’s 20th-anniversary celebration, the “Faces of Fairhaven” exhibit marks two decades of fostering artistic expression and community engagement in Whitewater. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the creativity and spirit of Fairhaven.
Bethel House has announced that Angeline Doman has been hired as its new Director of Case Management & Operations. She will officially start on January 6th.
“Bethel House is so excited to have Angeline serve as the new leader of our organization,” said Jessie Dugan, Bethel House Board Chair. “We’ve worked hard the last two years to streamline our operations, expand community partnerships, and increase our critical client support, and we’re eager to continue that growth. Angeline’s knowledge, experience, and passion for
nonprofit work will be a tremendous asset to our organization and all the families looking to Bethel House for support.”
Doman holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University, as well as a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Associate degrees in Nursing and Human Services from George Williams Aurora University and Gateway Technical College, respectively. She has over six years of social work and case management experience, having previously served as a social worker and crisis
advocate at New Beginnings APFV and most recently as a social worker and case manager at Mercyhealth. “The hiring committee unanimously chose Angeline as our new director based on her experience and authentic passion for supporting families,” adds Dugan. “We have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead Bethel House and add to our important presence in the Whitewater community.”
Doman will fill a newly created role following the departure of Megan Hartwick and Sydney Christianson and will be joined by a part-time administrative assistant, who will begin in March.
“Our previous staffing structure of a full-time case manager and part-time director was critical at a time when a focus was needed on operations and fundraising,” Dugan notes. “Megan and Sydney provided such important stability to our organization at a time of significant transition, and our hiring committee is confident this newly created position can effectively meet the needs of all those we serve, partly due to the hard work of our outgoing team.”
Doman will be responsible for distributing emergency financial assistance, managing casework for housed families, and managing the organization’s marketing and fundraising efforts.
“I am excited and honored to help lead an organization that is so special within the Whitewater community,” states Doman. “I’m looking forward to meeting with local families, listening to their stories, and helping them navigate their hardships.”
Doman will serve in her capacity full-time and will be available during office hours of 8:30 am- 5 pm Monday-Thursday.
“The entire board is thankful for the Whitewater community as they’ve steadfastly supported Bethel House in so many ways,” states Dugan. “Our organization has been a mainstay of support in Whitewater for 30 years, and we could not be more excited to have Angeline leading with optimism and enthusiasm.”
For more information on Bethel House’s programs and services or on how you can support it, visit www.bethelhouseinc.org or call 262.473.2715.
Bethel House is an ecumenical project helping families facing homelessness in the Whitewater area. Bethel House provides transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, and case management to families in need.
Bethel House utilizes seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation & building, life skills & decision-making, accessing other community resources & services, and much more. Emergency assistance support is also provided for families needing assistance with rental payments, utility bills, transportation costs, and more.
Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. For more details, visit www.bethelhouseinc.org or call 262.473.2715.
#
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.
