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.
The Wisconsin Policy Forum presented its 2024 Salute to Local Government Award Winners on October 9, stating, “The 32nd Annual Salute celebrates the benefits that public sector ingenuity and excellence bring to taxpayers and communities throughout Wisconsin. Award categories recognize local governments and school districts for innovative problem-solving, advancing racial equity, and public-private cooperation, as well as individuals in the public sector for excellence, leaders of the future, and lifetime achievement.”
Whitewater’s Community ESL Program was awarded the following recognition.
Editor’s note: This press release was submitted by Miguel Aranda.
Featuring the talented faculty member, Michael Hackett, the Michael Hackett Quintet is sure to deliver a dynamic and harmonious night.
The Music Mosaics concert series began in 2002 with disparate pieces pulled together to create something meaningful and beautiful. The faculty, community and alumni who generously donate their time and talents to support scholarships are an inspiration. The series benefits the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund, allowing the department to recognize students for their musical talents and academic excellence. Join us as they create a music mosaic for you with students’ success as the ultimate outcome. Admission is $10 for adults; $6 for those under age 18 or 65+.
Join us for an unforgettable evening with The Whitewater Brass Quintet as they bring to life timeless compositions crafted for the brass quintet. Featuring the exceptional talents of faculty members Matthew Onstad and Christopher Ramaekers on trumpet, Dafydd Bevil on horn, Carson King-Fournier on trombone, and Josh Biere on tuba, this concert promises a vibrant showcase of musical mastery. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the brilliance of our esteemed faculty musicians in an inspiring performance. Admission is $7 for adults; $4 for under age 18 or 65+.
Tickets are $7 for adults; $4 for under age 18 or 65+.
Prepare to be enthralled by the mesmerizing interplay of two pianos and the seamless harmony of one piano and four hands as they showcase decades of award-winning talent. Join us for an evening of pure artistry as Varshavski & Shapiro Piano Duo takes you on a musical adventure that will leave you in awe. Secure your seats now to witness the brilliance of these remarkable performers! Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for under age 18 or 65+.
Tickets for all events may be purchased here. There is a $2 per ticket surcharge at the door. All events take place in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street. Parking for these events is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.
The Whippet Girls’ Swim Team had two meets this past week. First up was a dual meet against Delavan-Darien on Tuesday, October 15, where the Whippets beat the Comets 87 – 77. The girls placed 1st in 8 of 11 events. Maya Davis took on the 200 Freestyle for the 1st time this season going an impressive time of 3:07.04. Zoe Zei had a great day in the water; she dropped nearly 2 seconds in her 50 freestyle and dropped 8 seconds in her 500 freestyle. Atreya Wilson continues to improve her time in the 100 Breaststroke going a season best time of 1:35.65. Laken DePorter continues to get faster and faster in the 100 freestyle!
Later that week, the girls traveled to Germantown on Saturday, October 19th to compete in a Sprint Invite which was lots of fun, and the girls got to do some really fast racing. The competition was tough as there were many division 1 schools to go against, but the girls all swam great! Makayla Bazeley put on a gutsy performance in the 200 Freestyle to just out touch the competition by .17 milliseconds to secure the win. She ended up going a season best time of 1:58.70. The 200 Medley was compromised of 8 swimmers each swimming a 25. The Medley team of Kendra Serrano, MJ Verduzco, Atreya Wilson, Maya Davis, Grace Coleman, Lucy Davis, Caitlin Alford, and Laken DePorter absolutely crushed their seeded time by over 16 seconds! Emerson Dunham had a top 10 finish in the 200 IM going a season best time of 2:40.85 and placed 8th overall! Caitlin Alford crushed her goal of going under 40 seconds in the 50 Freestyle!
The Whippets are back in action for their last home and conference dual meet on Tuesday, October 22 against Beloit Memorial. We will be celebrating our three seniors so be sure to stop by and watch them and all the Whippet swimmers compete in their final home meet of the season!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Come join us on Sunday, October 27 at the Lions Club – N7462 Kettle Moraine Drive from 7 am to 11 am.
We will be serving, scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes, and our world famous sausage. We are featuring Whitewater’s Own Nordskov Coffee as well as OJ and milk.
It is a free will donation and we will also have a 50/50 raffle as well as some secondary prizes courtesy of Staller Winery.
As always, the Lions Club accepts used eyeglasses, hearing aids and ink cartridges. We also have bins around the area for your deer hides; please ask us where they are located.
Zoheb Rakhangi, a WHS graduate who is studying Information Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has been named a Launch Pad Scholar for the fall 2024 semester.
The UW-Whitewater Launch Pad program is a startup accelerator focused on helping students launch new companies and nonprofits.
The program consists of weekly student meetings, 1-on-1 coaching, office space at the Whitewater Innovation Center, preparation for pitch competitions and more. Launch Pad is open to all UW-Whitewater undergraduate and graduate students regardless of major. Students have the option to earn up to three elective College of Business and Economics credits.
The program directors are Dave Gee, a lecturer and UW-Whitewater graduate, and William Dougan, a professor. Both are faculty members in the College of Business and Economics’ Department of Management.
Visit uwwlaunchpad.org to learn more.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
A number of communities in south central Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday, October 27 from 1-4 p.m., Palmyra’s on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., and Jefferson’s on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls. Again this year the hours will be 4-7 p.m.
How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!
Ghoul’s Night Out is on Thursday, October 24, 2024. See this article for details.
Big Money in Politics – A Continued Threat to Women’s Economic Equity, and More
Speaker: George Penn, United to Amend
Sponsored by AAUW [American Association of University Women] Janesville
Money in politics threatens democracy and our financial security. Learn about a grassroots movement to reform campaign finance, increase representation in government, prioritize problem solving, and restore political morality.
Tuesday, October 22 – 6:30 pm
Woman’s Club, 108 S. Jackson St., Janesville
Click here for Zoom at 6:30
AAUW meetings are open to the public. Visit aauw-janesville.net for more information.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Barta IV from Pixabay.
Lutherdale, a summer camp and year-round conference and retreat center, is thrilled to announce its 80th Anniversary Celebration. This milestone marks eight decades of faith, fellowship, and community service. Lutherdale was established on the Lauderdale Lakes in 1944, and is excited to announce a communitywide event to celebrate 80 years of business in the Walworth County & Elkhorn area community, as well as 80 years of impacting youth and families across the region.
The Fall Festival will take place on October 26, 2024 with events throughout the day with events concluding at 4 pm. Event highlights include:
• Lutherdale Harvest Hustle- kicking off at 9:00 am, this fall fun run with courses of either 5K or 1 mile (or virtually) with proceeds to benefit future campers at Lutherdale’s programs
• Pancake Breakfast
• Pumpkin Patch
• Silent Auction
• Food Trucks
• Live Music
• Family fun activities throughout the day
About Lutherdale: Founded in 1944, Lutherdale has been a beacon of spiritual growth and community engagement. Over the years, it has provided countless individuals with opportunities for retreat, reflection, and renewal.
Support Lutherdale: As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to support our mission. Your generous donations help us continue providing impactful programs and maintaining our beautiful facilities. To make a donation, please visit our website at
www.lutherdale.org/donate or contact Rhonda VanAntwerp at rhonda@lutherdale.org or 262-742-2352.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and love from our community over the past 80 years,” said Tracy Polzin, Executive Director of Lutherdale. “This celebration is not just about our history, but also about looking forward to the future with hope and excitement.”
For more information, please visit our website at www.lutherdale.org or contact Tracy Polzin at tracy@lutherdale.org or (262) 742-2352. To sign up for the Harvest Hustle, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Elkhorn/Lutherdale
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.
