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
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This week, you’re invited to see what’s possible and help shape what comes next.
Whitewater Forward Design Workshops
Get a first look at draft concepts and share your thoughts directly with the project team.
Whether you live, work, or spend time in Whitewater, your perspective matters. Stay a few minutes or the whole time.
Location:
- Cravath Lakefront Building
Time:
- Monday, April 20 | 4:30 to 6:30p
- Tuesday, April 21 | 4:30 to 6:30p
Can’t Make It? Have Your Say Online!
You can still be a part of the process. Visit whitewaterforward.com to take the new survey and share how you travel to and through Whitewater.
Participating online is quick and easy, and your input will help guide future decisions.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Whitewater, and helping us move Whitewater Forward.
Fairhaven Pollinator Garden
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
Olm Fellowship Hall
We’re ready to update interested residents and community members on the Fairhaven Pollinator Garden! Join Fairhaven residents Karen Coburn, Kaye Eckert, Dan Sable, Sue Weigel, Betty Brown and Sue Chuppa and community member Kristine Zaballos as we present our plan for the two pollinator gardens we are creating in 2026.
We’ll recap the benefits of native plants that we shared at our presentation in the fall, and then go into detail about the specific native plants that will be planted, where they will be sourced, how we will plant them, and what pollinators will benefit. We’ll also talk about how the garden is being funded and how it will be maintained. And you’ll have a chance to ask any questions and to purchase cards, coffee mugs, coffee and baked goods to support the garden. Questions? Contact Kristine at kristine@zaballos.com or Karen Coburn at krncoburn@yahoo.com.
For updates, follow the project on Facebook: @Fairhaven Pollinator Garden
City of Whitewater Forward Design Workshop Open House – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 S Fremont St.
Special City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Development Agreement for Stonehaven Development on Bluff Road and Resolution to approve borrowing from City of Whitewater Wastewater Utility for Stonehaven Development Project.
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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/254480663517093?p=L8aexM64JkR57jXSQM
Meeting ID: 254 480 663 517 093
Passcode: pk6Wt7TT
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,403508619#
Phone conference ID: 403 508 619#
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes adjourn to CLOSED SESSION, not to reconvene: Performance evaluation for the Library Director
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82954099698?pwd=0vQXPacT2GZUwFsnZ5L53xNX33Bqwr.1
Meeting ID: 829 5409 9698
Passcode: pVbffN17
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Forward Design Workshop Open House – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Open House
Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 S Fremont St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person *
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Resolutions to accept offer to purchase from Lifetime Manufacturing LLC for Tax parcel numbers /A444300002 and /A444200002 in Technology Park; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Crypto ATM ban in the City of Whitewater.
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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/281185701128636?p=MoXZJGnpZaSDkRWdFo
Meeting ID: 281 185 701 128 636
Passcode: T9it2Ds3
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,593516002# United States,
Phone conference ID: 593 516 002#
City of Whitewater Comprehensive Plan Advisory Work Group – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd Floor Cravath
Lakefront Conference Room 312 West Whitewater
St., Whitewater, WI 53190
Some are saying that Cravath Lake is the highest they’ve ever seen
The skate park is inaccessible, but the fishing might be good.
The creek is more like a lake on George Street. North end residents are isolated.
One spectator said this is worse than he saw in 2008.
Perhaps the north end residents could kayak to the south side of George Street or walk to Starin Road to get to work.+
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that the official rainfall total for Whitewater on April 17 was “only” 2.71″, but of course the creek is carrying a lot of water from south of us. Reportedly there were parts of Janesville that got over 6″.
Photos by Lynn Binnie
St. John’s Masonic Lodge will be hosting its Spring Roast Turkey Dinner on Thursday, April 23rd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will take place at the Whitewater-Palmyra Masonic Lodge located at 226 W. Main St. in Whitewater.
Guests are welcome to dine in or choose carry-out service. The menu includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, and dessert.
Pricing:
– Adults: $15
– Children (12 and under): $5
Tickets are available for purchase both in advance and at the door.
Episode 2 of One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter is now available to view. James Olm takes us inside the shelter to see the facilities and also tell us about the refugees who are staying there.
Please scroll down for the video.
After a national search, Chancellor Corey King announced the appointment of Pieter deHart as the next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“On behalf of the Warhawk family, we are excited to welcome Pieter deHart to UW-Whitewater,” King said. “As provost, he will bring a strategic, bold, and student-focused approach that will elevate our academic programs to even higher levels of excellence. It is clear that Dr. deHart embraces UW-Whitewater’s mission to transform lives, understands our many strengths, and sees clear opportunities to position our university for the future.”
“In a career spanning 25 years, Pieter deHart has served as a research scientist, professor, and dean,” said Robin Fox, interim provost. “His experience as a faculty member and leader reflects a deep and broad understanding of university operations that will serve him well as the next provost. Dr. deHart is passionate about removing barriers to education and has an impressive track record of putting student success at the forefront.”
Currently, deHart serves as associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies at Minnesota State University-Mankato [MSU], the state’s second-largest university.
At MSU, deHart is the chief academic officer for graduate education, where he is responsible for leading graduate education, research, program quality, external funding, partnership cultivation, and policy implementation, among other duties. Before his time at MSU, deHart served as associate vice chancellor for graduate studies and research at UW-Green Bay. He previously served in leadership roles at Unity College in Maine and Virginia Military Institute.
deHart will assume the role of provost on June 15.
“I am honored and energized to join the Warhawk family as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,” deHart said. “UW-Whitewater’s deep commitment to access, student success, and academic excellence, as well as its national leadership in serving students with disabilities, truly reflects the very best of public higher education. Even more inspiring and exciting for me is joining this amazing, supportive, and engaged community you have developed at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Warhawk Bold was more than a slogan, but is being lived and led across every inch of campus.”
A tenured faculty member in MSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, deHart holds three degrees in marine biology — a Ph.D. from University of Alaska, a master’s degree from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.
King thanked Robin Fox for her outstanding service as interim provost.
“Time and again, Robin Fox has been called to serve UW-Whitewater, and she has answered that call with enthusiasm and dedication. As interim provost, she modeled thoughtful leadership, showed compassion for all, and took decisive action to keep our Whitewater and Rock County campuses moving forward,” King said. “I appreciate that Dr. Fox has agreed to stay with us through June 30, allowing for a smooth and planned transition of this critical leadership role.”
The campus community is invited to celebrate Fox’s more than 35 years of service at the university employee ice cream social from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the University Center Concourse.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation for Kristin Fillhouer, vice chancellor for student affairs, for her leadership of the search and screen committee,” King said.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning until 10:30 on Friday evening that included the Whitewater area after something around 3-1/2 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours. Rock County, including Janesville, has taken the brunt of the storm. Approximately ten buildings in Emerald Grove were damaged by a possible tornado, and a number of bridges and roads are closed from flooding.
Starin Road is flooded just east of Fremont Street by the bridge, with barriers that apparently do not include a “road closed” sign, but it might be assumed that is the intention. Tom Ganser passed on these photos at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, indicating that he “can’t believe all the vehicles driving through the water.”
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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