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Updated 6/3/26 @ 3:45 p.m. to add carnival wristband (unlimited rides) hours: July 2 hours: 4:30 pm- 10:30 pm (wristbands 5:00 pm -9:00 pm) July 3 hours: 11:30 am- 10:30pm (wristbands 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm) July 4 hours: 11:30 am- 11:30pm (wristbands 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm) July 5 hours: ? [Per Karin Silvius of Downtown Whitewater]
The community is gearing up for four days of fun, entertainment, and patriotic celebration as the Annual 4th of July Festival returns July 2–5. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to join in the festivities, which will feature a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, July 2, with the annual Miss Whitewater Pageant along with the opening of the carnival, beer garden, and local food vendors.
On Friday, July 3, festivalgoers can enjoy the carnival, a variety of food vendors, live music, and the popular beer garden, providing a full day of great food, entertainment, and community spirit.
The excitement continues on Saturday, July 4, starting with the Whippet Mile, followed by the parade. Once that is over, the carnival, food vendors, live music, and beer tent open throughout the remainder of the day. The evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display, scheduled to launch at 9:45 p.m., lighting up the sky in celebration of America’s independence.
The festival wraps up on Sunday, July 5, with Family Day, presented by Generac. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a petting zoo, balloon artist, flea market, and much more. Family Day is designed to provide fun and entertainment for attendees of all ages.
“We are excited to bring the community together once again to celebrate our nation’s independence and create lasting memories with family and friends,” the 4th of July Committee said. “There is truly something for everyone throughout the four-day festival.”
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in this year’s celebration. Additional event details and updates will be announced as the festival approaches.
Come celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, and neighbors at this year’s Annual 4th of July Festival!
Updates may be available at whitewater4th.com.
A promotional video may be viewed here. The band lineup is shown below.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Universities of Wisconsin on June 1, 2026.
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a proposal this week to increase resident undergraduate tuition by 2 percent for the 2026–27 academic year.
If approved, the increase would remain below the current inflation rate and would help universities address rising operating costs while continuing to maintain affordability for Wisconsin students and families.
The proposal comes after several years of significant financial restructuring across UW universities, including reductions in structural deficits, operational changes, and campus-level cost containment efforts designed to strengthen long-term financial stability.
“We recognize Wisconsin families are managing rising costs in every part of their lives, and that reality informed this proposal,” said Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “This is a measured increase that helps our universities continue providing strong student support and high-quality academic experiences while keeping a UW education among the most affordable in the Midwest.”
Over the past decade, resident undergraduate tuition at Wisconsin comprehensive universities has increased at a substantially lower rate than public universities in neighboring Midwestern states.
Even with the proposed increase, the Universities of Wisconsin would continue to rank among the most affordable public university systems in the region.
The proposal would also include an average 3.5 percent increase in segregated fees, or approximately $56 annually. When tuition, segregated fees, and room-and-board costs are combined, the total estimated cost of attendance for resident undergraduates would increase by an average of 2.5 percent.
Revenue generated through the proposal would support essential university operations, including utilities, facility maintenance, employee salaries and benefits, and student services.
The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the proposal at its meeting in Milwaukee later this week.
Proposed 2026–27 Resident Undergraduate Tuition and Segregated Fees
The proposed resident undergraduate tuition and segregated fees for each university in 2026-27 is proposed as follows:
UW-Eau Claire: $10,268
UW-Green Bay: $9,133
UW-La Crosse: $10,563
UW-Madison: $12,416
UW-Milwaukee: $11,153
UW-Oshkosh: $9,180
UW-Parkside: $8,851
UW-Platteville: $9,007
UW-River Falls: $9,448
UW-Stevens Point: $9,692
UW-Stout: $10,289
UW-Superior: $9,477
UW-Whitewater: $8,984
In addition, selected programs would undergo program-specific tuition adjustments.
###
About the Universities of Wisconsin
The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department on June 1, 2026.
The Whitewater Police Department is providing an update regarding the recent investigation into multiple overnight vehicle entries and residential burglaries that occurred in the City of Whitewater during the month of May.
As a result of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Whitewater Police Department Detective Bureau, with assistance from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Police Department, Sheboygan Police Department, Sheboygan County MEG Unit, Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, Sheboygan Falls Police Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), two suspects were identified and taken into custody without incident in the City of Sheboygan in connection with these crimes.
During the investigation, Detectives identified Lamar Early, (19 years old, with no fixed address), as one of the suspects involved. The second subject that was taken into custody will not be identified at this time but may have pending charges connected to this case as Detectives continue to investigate. After the suspects’ arrests, Detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Sheboygan Falls where additional evidence related to the Whitewater crimes was recovered.
Lamar Early is currently confined in the Sheboygan County jail on their charges and will be transferred to the Walworth County jail at a later date. Lamar Early was arrested for the following offenses that occurred in Whitewater:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Burglary
- Unauthorized use of an individual’s personal identifying information or documents (4 counts)
- Theft of a firearm
- Theft
- Financial transaction card crimes
- Trespassing
- Disorderly Conduct
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Police Department, Sheboygan Police Department, Sheboygan County MEG Unit, Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, Sheboygan Falls Police Department, and DCI for their assistance and collaboration throughout this investigation. No further information will be released at this time as this investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who may have additional information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Whitewater Police Department at (262) 473-0555 or at www.P3Tips.com where you can remain anonymous.
The Whitewater Police Department also reminds residents to continue taking preventative measures by locking your vehicle and residential doors and windows and removing valuables from vehicles. The Whitewater Police Department appreciates the community’s support, vigilance, and cooperation as officers and detectives continue working hard to keep the community safe and hold criminals accountable for their actions.
Editor’s note: On May 21 The Banner published a previous press release from the Whitewater Police Department related to this investigation. Residents were strongly urged to lock their residence and vehicle doors, among other precautionary steps.
According to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Lamar Early was indicted in Sheboygan County Court on June 1, 2026 for “Possess Firearm-Convicted of a Felony” as a repeater. His address is shown as 501 East 1st Avenue # D, Elkhorn, WI 53121. None of the other charges have yet been filed in Sheboygan County or Walworth County. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state.
Visit versiti.org/WI to make an appointment.
Appointments may also be booked by calling Lynn Binnie at 262-473-2997.
Katie Grady, Eric Grady and Alexis Genthe, of Culver’s of Whitewater, are WUL Hometown Heroes, and have been nominated by Brian Robinson “For the countless ‘Donate While You Dine’ fundraisers that Culver’s has done for businesses, organizations and individuals; for their donations of coupons and custard; and for their care and compassion.”
Following is the full nomination from Brian:
“When thinking of the Hometown Hero process, one needs to look no further than that of the Owners (Katie & Eric Grady) and Manager (Alexis Gunthe) of Culver’s in Whitewater. On top of the countless “Donate While You Dine” fundraisers that they have done for businesses/organizations and more recently that for the staff member David who passed away, it is their smile, care and compassion that is what this nomination is for.
When Fairhaven residents come over on the bus for lunch, they go out of their way to open the doors on the way in and out, take the extra time to talk with us at the register when our pace is a little bit slower, converse with us around the table and last but not least….serve up one heck of a meal. You can tell that the staff takes after their owners and manager in how they go about their day to day and we are extremely fortunate to have such an amazing ownership/leadership team here in Whitewater. Thank you Katie, Eric and Alexis for all you do not just for the Residents and Staff from Fairhaven, but for everyone that is lucky to cross your paths!”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
NCWIT Wisconsin held its annual awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon, May 31, at Alverno College in Milwaukee. Each year, students are invited to apply for the Aspirations in Computing Award, recognizing students for their accomplishments in the world of technology. Winners of the award are passionate not only about pursuing careers in STEM fields themselves, but also about helping the next generation of students grow and learn in technology. Wisconsin recognized 98 students from across the state this year as either Winners, Honorable Mentions, or Rising Stars. All five Whitewater High School students who applied were recognized among the 42 Winners.
All 5 five are members of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team, four of whom graduated with the Class of 2026 after four years on the team, and all five have studied Computer Science through multiple courses at WHS. Margaret Brown plans to attend UW-Whitewater in the fall to study Cybersecurity. Erison Dreksler will be attending Marquette University to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ace Hudec will be studying Media Arts and Game Design at UW-Whitewater, and Rae Breisath will be at UW-Milwaukee studying Computer Engineering and Information & Technology. Emilie Bruns is finishing her sophomore year at WHS and eventually plans to study computer science in college.
Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The mom and dad. The dad has a bit of pink on him.
Their babies at about 4 and 5 days old.
The mom and the babies at 5 and 6 days old.
Our thanks to Cindy Ziebarth for sharing these sweet photos.
— 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!
City of Whitewater Special Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of Site Plan and Certified Survey Map Review for
Lifetime Manufacturing, LLC.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., 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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/251285720714059?p=pZPSnp4kakbXU19rSj
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,37850344# United States
Phone conference ID: 378 503 44#
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Appeal for Class B Alcohol and Beer license denial for Danielle R Parsell, The Flowing Well,
old Coyote Grill.
Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.,
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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/246653225377651?p=9bl77io8KqDClPZ1fk
Meeting ID: 246 653 225 377 651
Passcode: vx3xZ94v
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,801459485# United States,
Phone conference ID: 801 459 485#
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2026-R-19 Resolution Approving the Amendment to Development Agreement with
Becker & Bolton LLC.- Community Development; 2026-R-20 Resolution Approving the Development Agreement for Lifetime Manufacturing LLC.- Community Development; Proposal to hold occasional Council meeting in each of the city’s five aldermanic districts.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., 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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/217793904993597?p=2MfhUxjLnfIvNVEVcO
Meeting ID: 217 793 904 993 597
Passcode: vz7t5ga2
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,725962477# United States,
Phone conference ID: 725 962 477#
City of Whitewater Comprehensive Plan Work Group – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Only
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26756731785846?p=20nTxDjrGkp4WMjf2Y
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,805464270# United States
Phone conference ID: 805 464 270#
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding electronic message sign in Flat Iron Park;
Discussion and possible action regarding Birge Fountain.
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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26611226516241?p=YDRJ0E6UG6TPdg9EWJ
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,750222820# United States
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
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