Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Saturday, June 13, 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.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.
Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.
As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, this weekend Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate back to school time and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until Saturday, September 7. The response to this effort during Spring graduation was really positive!
We are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them.
Who’s ready for the LAST Concert in The Cravath Lakefront Park? Piper Road Spring Band is always one of the most popular concerts; the group is in its 51st year! There are always some folks on the “dance floor” when they’re playing. PRSB consists of Randal Harrison Hoecherl (fiddle), Bob Mason (mandolin), Barry “Blacky” Riese (guitar), Mark Hembree (bass), and Billy “Kangaroo” (washboard).
Piper Road Spring Band will present our last concert THIS Thursday, August 22nd at 7 p.m. This event is FREE and family friendly. Bring your dinner, a lawn chair or blanket, and come enjoy some music in the Park!
Pictured Left to Right – BACK ROW: Krista Green (Imaging), Jessica Olson (Laboratory), Tiffany Pernat (Community Health and Wellness), Jenna Rudolph (Inpatient Services), Amy Christian (Dwight Foster Library), Marin Koch (Inpatient Services)
FRONT ROW: Tonya Runyard (Jefferson County ADRC), BethAnn Nowak (Internal Medicine and Pediatrics), Lisa Rudolph (Inpatient and Education Services), Sandy Brown (Obstetrics), Molly Prater (Community Health and Wellness)
Fort HealthCare proudly announces its official recognition as a Dementia Friendly Organization, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing inclusive and compassionate care for all patients.
To achieve this recognition, Fort HealthCare diligently met the rigorous criteria set forth by the Dementia Friendly Business/Organization standards:
Over 50% of staff have undergone specialized training in dementia care
Management has received comprehensive training to effectively lead and support dementia-friendly initiatives
Continuous integration of dementia care training and resources into ongoing staff development programs
Proactive consideration of environmental updates to better accommodate individuals living with dementia
Lisa Rudolph, Director of Inpatient Services and Education and Chair of the Dementia Friendly Committee at Fort HealthCare, expressed her excitement about this achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to be officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly organization. This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, person-centered care to individuals living with dementia. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that Fort HealthCare is a welcoming and supportive environment for all patients and their families.”
Fort HealthCare remains committed to advancing its efforts in dementia care and upholding its mission of promoting health and well-being throughout the community.
For more information about Fort HealthCare and its dementia-friendly initiatives, please visit FortHealthCare.com/dementia-friendly.
See full job description at www.studio84inc.org/jobs
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30
Agenda includes Title IX policy
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. – CLOSED SESSION
Agenda: discuss the superintendent evaluation and discuss board governance
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87288261629?pwd=uNe5w0Ci1qAZ8z31HW67hSmA35psuL.1
– Passcode: 978719
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 872 8826 1629
– Passcode: 978719
———————————————–
Closed Session
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Review draft of community survey and facilities study (review and give feedback)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387538099?pwd=VDVKdU9uajNzRDhVODlWL2U3eHJnUT09
– Passcode: 104745
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 873 8753 8099
– Passcode: 104745
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. == This meeting was canceled.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Construction Costs and Financing, Resolution Authorizing Referendum Question for the Starin Park Water Tower for the 2024 General Election, First reading of Ordinance 2024-O-13 an ordinance creating Section 16.04.255 Lead Water Service Replacement Program-Public Works
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*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
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81052726226?pwd=SE6yF1a4rLSrzbk5Eh3CI5m6sXItbD.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 810 5272 6226
Passcode: 964142
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: PARK TOUR
The purpose of this park tour is for the board members to directly observe and assess the current
conditions of our city parks. This tour will enable the board to gather firsthand information that is crucial
for developing informed budgets, strategic plans, and long-term goals for the city park system.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. (Agenda added 8/21/24 @ 3:30 p.m.)
Agenda includes Property Location: 187 W Main St
Applicable Code: 19.30.030(g) A ground floor residence is prohibited.
Variance Requested: To allow a first-floor apartment in a B2 Central Business District.
Reason for Request: To allow for continue remodeling of the Bowers House.
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83246954390?pwd=ihGMt0wxYaNFi2XyRxew4oMA2h7hsX.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 832 4695 4390
Passcode: 687832
Jeff and Lin Tortomasi write, “This is one family that enjoyed our “secret garden.”
“Our thanks to Jeff and Lin Tortomasi for sharing this beautiful sandhill cranes photo.
— 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 annual Whitewater Whippet Cross Country water softener salt fundraiser is currently accepting orders! This wildly popular fundraiser looks to take the less-than-exciting chore of going to the store, loading bags of salt, and heading to the register before loading them into your vehicle. Let’s not forget the unloading at home and taking them down your stairs. What a hassle, but not anymore!
The team hopes the heaviest thing you lift when buying salt this year is your pen as you write a check to let us do all the hauling and stacking at your home. Check out the sales flyer linked below to find out all the details about the price per bag and delivery date. We will accept orders through Friday, August 30th. If you have any questions, reach out to any athlete on the team or to Coach Chad Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org
A special thank you to Dalee Water Conditioning for supplying the salt for our event!
Link to flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RNE1_bdszMsmXri7aZB69flYgOB7PvX_9oLNju6_A0E/edit?usp=sharing
The Town of Richmond conducted a treasurer recall election on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
According to the Town of Richmond website, the unofficial results are follows:
Emmily Taylor 232
Ann Seaver 177
Editor’s note: Ann Seaver is the incumbent. Based on the unofficial results, it is expected that she will be removed from office.
Obituaries
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
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
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.
