Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Sunday, June 7, 2026
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The 1974 class of Whitewater High School announces that we will hold our 50th class reunion at the Fuzzy Pig, N8660 Clover Valley Rd. Whitewater, on Saturday Sept. 14th, at 5:00 pm. Cost is $20 at the door. Please help spread the word. Please RSVP by Sept. 2nd.
Contacts:
Mark Mead 920-728-2988
Bill Knilans bifcontractingwis@gmail.com
Ben Killips 414-708-6927 benkillips@yahoo.com
Join us for Lutherdale’s largest annual fundraiser! Generous support from donors & bidders makes it possible for campers to experience God’s love in a powerful way. This outdoor event will have craft and fabric sales, gift gallery, baked goods, silent auction bidding, and a LIVE quilt auction. Checks and cash are preferred for payment of auction items.
N7891 US-12, Elkhorn
Steve Watson writes, “I’m curious, is this great blue heron using nightcrawlers or wax worms?”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing another of his great wildlife 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!
“In the Land of Saints and Sinners”
Tuesday, August 13, 1 p.m.
(Crime/Action/Thriller)
Rated R (Language/Violence) 1 hour, 46 minutes (2024).
It’s 1974, during “The Troubles.” A disillusioned hit man (Liam Neeson) comes out of retirement for one last job, when an IRA bomber on the run arrives in his sleepy Irish village. Totally filmed on location: an absolutely beautiful depiction of Irish locales, people, music and culture. Liam Neeson considers this one of his best film roles, ever.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Mark Dorn writes, “She startled me at 6:51 A.M. I did not spill my coffee.”
Our thanks to Mark Dorn for sharing these “startling” 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!
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Clog Pipes
NOTICE: This is a reminder that fats, oils, and grease (FOG) items should never be put down the sink. FOG are natural by-products of the cooking and food prep process. Common sources include food scraps, meat fats, cooking oils, lard, baked goods, salad dressings, sauces, marinades, dairy products, shortening, butter, and margarine.
In a warm, liquid state, FOG can appear harmless since it flows easily down the drain. However, shortly after it enters the drain, it can quickly cool and turn into a solid that will cause problems in the pipes in your home and in the sanitary sewer system.
Over time, FOG will accumulate along the walls of the sewer pipes. This will restrict the flow of wastewater and can cause sewer backups not only into your property, but throughout your neighborhood.
FOG also contributes to operational issues for our Water Utility such as obstructing flow in the sewers, causing foul odors, interfering with equipment and treatment processes at the Wastewater Utility, along with potentially polluting our lakes and streams.
Please do yourself and the Public Works Departments a favor today by not flushing fats, oils and grease down the sink. The presence of FOG in the sewer system affects everyone in our community!
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The second summertime image from the Scholl collection of glass plate negatives from around 1900 is this view of a young man and his bicycle. The collection includes many images of bicycles, a popular new type of transportation around 1900. Not everyone had a horse and/or buggy and most did not have an automobile. In an era when people had to walk everywhere, bicycles gave riders a way to be more mobile.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3664GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Artist Tom Jewell Donates Three Paintings for Raffle Benefiting Whitewater Arts Alliance
Tom Jewell, August exhibiting artist at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater, has generously donated three of his paintings [shown above] to be raffled off in support of the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA). This special raffle aims to raise funds for the Alliance and offers art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece by Jewell while contributing to a worthy cause.
The raffle will take place throughout the duration of Jewell’s exhibition, with tickets priced at $5 each or $20 for five tickets. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the Cultural Arts Center during the entire run of the show, which culminates in a grand drawing on August 29, 2024.
The drawing for the raffle will be held at 3:00 p.m. on the final day of the exhibition. Ticket purchasers will have the choice of any of the three donated paintings, with the selection made from three bins corresponding to each artwork. Winners do not need to be present to claim their prize, making participation accessible to all.
All proceeds from the raffle will directly benefit the Whitewater Arts Alliance, supporting their mission to promote and sustain the arts in our community.
Expressions in Paint, Pastel and Pencil” featuring artist Tom Jewell at the Cultural Arts Center – 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater
Artist Talk & Reception: Thursday, August 8 from 5 -7 p.m.
Tom Jewell‘s artistic journey began during his childhood years in Arizona, where he developed a profound love for the outdoors, animals, and wildlife. At the age of 14, his family relocated to Wisconsin, where he continued to nurture his interests, filling several sketchbooks with landscape and animal pencil sketches.
Pursuing a career in graphic arts, Tom attended Layton College of Art/Marquette University, earning a degree in graphic design and print management. His career as a graphic designer, art director, and print operations manager has been marked by success, and he has always remained true to the influence of his professors at Layton, focusing on refining his fine art painting technique and style.
Throughout his career, Tom has showcased his paintings in numerous art galleries, exhibits, art fairs, and museums. He has held several solo exhibitions, received awards in juried competitions, and his paintings are part of private and corporate collections across Wisconsin and beyond.
Since retiring from his professional career in 2003, Tom has devoted himself to painting, with a focus on landscapes, wildlife, horses, animals, and commissioned human portraiture.
- Professional Organizations and Activities:
- Member of Oil Painters of America
- Member of Whitewater Arts Alliance
- Published wildlife book illustrator
- Published annual calendar illustrator
- Art exhibit judge
- Commission artist working in watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, and graphite
- Technical keynote artist speaker/presenter
- Instructor for adult art classes and workshops in drawing, watercolor, and acrylic mediums
Join us at the Whitewater Arts Alliance Gallery to experience the exquisite artistry of Tom Jewell and celebrate his contributions to the world of fine art.
Tom illustrated the book “Tig of the Marsh and Wetland”. Copies of this book will be available for purchase in the gallery during the exhibit.
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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