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.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Continuing our look at UW-Whitewater buildings, this week’s image is a mid-1960’s view of the Andersen Library and administration building. The new library building on campus was started in 1951 and completed in 1953. Then, in 1965, a large addition was added. This addition and parking lot begin the alteration of Main Street, an area of large historic houses. Several houses were demolished and more demolitions along Prairie Street were to come. Demolitions of houses for new buildings for the college changed the appearance of this part of Whitewater forever. With more changes, this building still serves as the library today.
Join us next week for another look at a mid-20th-century university building.
(#2173PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride Inc.
Joy, laughter, music and pride filled the Cravath Lakefront Park at Whitewater’s 4th Annual Pride Rally on October 5.
The day included music, performances, over 30 vendors and a pet parade. Speakers included Whitewater’s City Manager, John Weidl; UW-Whitewater’s Chancellor, Dr. Corey A. King; Whitewater High School’s Associate Principal, Kate McNulty; and Fair Wisconsin’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Sean O’Brien.
“Whitewater was a joyful, fun-filled place on Saturday,” said Camden Harlan, President of Whitewater Pride Inc. “All in our community were welcomed and felt safe and loved.”
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band performed in full regalia. Dr. Corey King, Chancellor, said, “We are an inclusive community. We are united, and we will stay that way. We will be strong, and I appreciate that very much.”
City Manager John Weidl said, “I’m happy to have been one of the speakers at the Whitewater Pride event this year. It’s a perfect example of supporting Whitewater’s mission to embrace the cultural and educational opportunities that come with a thriving University and an increasingly diverse population. Seeing our community come together in support of inclusivity and acceptance was truly inspiring. A big thank you to the organizers and everyone involved for making this event such a meaningful success!”
Whitewater High School Associate Principal, Kate McNulty, said, “I’m proud to have participated in sharing the district’s Inclusionary Statement. It was impactful to have the City of Whitewater, UW-W, and WUSD represented and united in support of this mission, demonstrating that Whitewater is a welcoming and diverse community.”
Sponsors of the Pride Rally who contributed financially to help support the local LGBTQ+ community include: The Coburn Family, Madison College, Generac, Whitewater Unites Lives, TDS Telecom, The Dem Party of Wisconsin, Stellar Vintage, Botanica Beauty Parlour, Fort HealthCare, Fort Community Credit Union, Discover Whitewater Chamber of Commerce, and T-Mobile of Lake Geneva.
“These community partners not only provided financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they also stood proud with our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. This statement of support reinforces the values of our communities that all are welcomed, valued, and embraced,” Kim Simes said.
Event supporters included Whitewater High School GSA, PB Poorman Pride Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, City of Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives, The Book Teller, The Sweet Spot, UW-W CARE, and Whitewater League of Women Voters.
Plans are underway for next year’s Pride event slated for Saturday, October 4, 2025.
For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.
Jefferson County Administrator Proposes Budget to County Board
Board invites residents to October 22nd meeting for public comment
Jefferson County Administrator Ben Wehmeier, on October 8, formally proposed a 2025 budget for consideration by the County Board of Supervisors. For the second year in a row, this proposal includes a reduction in both the debt levy and the mill rate. The proposal includes $109,600,674 in total expenditures.
Drawing on the same themes that were presented during the Finance Committee hearings in September, Wehmeier kicked off the meeting by describing the challenges and opportunities for next year and the years ahead. Rapidly increasing costs for technology and personnel costs like health insurance have put pressure on every department. Slowdowns in state aid and sales tax collections statewide are also holding revenues flatter than in recent years.
Prior budget decisions, however, have freed up funding to offset some of these challenges. The County Board’s decision to pay off debt early has resulted in more than $1 million in savings, including $588,812 in the upcoming budget. Pro-growth policies and a highly regarded quality of life led to a 7.2% increase in equalized value across the county, allowing for a mill rate cut of 8.4%. This has put Jefferson County in a position to reduce taxes for the second consecutive budget.
The Board will hold a public hearing on the budget proposal, open to all members of the public, at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22nd at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The final vote on the budget will occur on November 12th. The budget can be found on the county website at www.jeffersoncountywi.gov under the “Government” tab.
Editor’s comment: The above press release was issued by Jefferson County.
Rainbow Community Care’s 8th Annual Ethics & Boundaries Workshop is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 7th from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson.
This program is pending approval by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for 4 hours of Continuing Education. Once approved, it will also meet Wisconsin standards for Social Work Ethics and Boundaries continuing education requirements.
This event features Dr. Tracy Schroepfer, a Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. Her practice and research focus on improving the end-of-life care provided to older adults.
Dr. Schroepfer will be presenting on Ethics & Boundaries: A Challenging Ethical Balance: Safety Versus Autonomy for People Living with Dementia.
Schroepfer also facilitated the workshops in 2020, 2022, and 2023. She is a recipient of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar Award and serves on several national boards including the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative care, and the NQF (National Quality Forum) Geriatric and Palliative Care Standing Committee.
Rainbow is also offering a new and improved virtual option through Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in-person. The in-person individual ticket option is $75, and the cost of an individual virtual ticket is $60.
For more information or to register for the workshop, visit www.RainbowCommunityCare.org and see the homepage slider or click on the About Us Menu option and find News and Events.
Experience the wit and wisdom of Oscar Wilde’s “Lady Windermere’s Fan” live on stage, an intriguing comedy of manners that explores the complexities of love, trust, and social expectations. Set in the Victorian world of London’s high society, this timeless play captivates with its sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists. Watch as the innocent Lady Windermere struggles with her jealous feelings toward her husband’s new interest in the older, mysterious Mrs. Erlynne, and witness the unfolding of Mrs. Erlynne’s dark past through lies, gossip, and assumptions. Perfect for lovers of classic theater, “Lady Windermere’s Fan” is a must-see performance that continues to enchant audiences with its brilliant humor and profound insights.
The remaining performances are Friday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m., Hicklin Studio Theatre in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for age 65+, and $13 for under age 18. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door for an additional $2 surcharge.
On Tuesday, October 8, the Whippet Swim Team competed in a triangular meet against PSC and Elkhorn.
Makayla Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Maggie Maas, and Charlotte Hajewski started off the meet with a 1st place finish and a best time of 2:10.25 in the 200 Medley.
Caitlin Alford took on the 200 Freestyle for the first time and competed well. We are excited to see her compete in this again soon!
Atreya Wilson went a best time in the 200 Freestyle with a 10 second time drop (2:46.23). Grace Coleman also went a best time with a 6 second time drop (2:53.27).
Charlotte Hajewski went a best time in the 200 IM with a time of 2:49.16. That is an over an 8 second time drop!
Maria Pena took on the 50 Freestyle since the beginning of the season. She dropped close to 4 seconds with a time of 49.16.
In the 100 Butterfly, all our Whippet athletes went a best time! Makayla Bazeley placed first with a best time of 1:00.77, Georgia Esch went a best time of 1:37.84, and Marijose Verduzco went a best time of 1:46.16.
Georgia Esch also went a best time in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:35.14.
Atreya Wilson went a best time in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:37.94. That is a 4 second time drop!
The Swim Team is back in Whippet Territory on Tuesday, October 15 against Delavan-Darien. We would love to see you all there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by a nonpartisan Be Kind Committee.
You can easily assist a coalition of organizations and community members to support a nonpartisan campaign to reinforce Whitewater’s commitment to civility and kindness. And it’s easy as can be. Just place a Be Kind sign in your yard.
Signs are available for a $5 donation simply by contacting Sara Kuhl at 608-279-5845 or at email bekindwhitewater@gmail.com. We ask that you put the signs out in your yard and keep them up until after Nov. 16.
A CommUnity Walk will be held on Nov. 16 to demonstrate the support Whitewater has for all its residents and our shared humanity. The event will start at 9 a.m. at the Old Armory at 146 W. North St. and participants will make their way to the Andersen Library on the UW-Whitewater campus. Refreshments will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place inside the Armory.
These are just the beginning of kindness/civility related events that will take place throughout the community in the coming months.
The Run for Trey took place on October 6. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
+
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.
