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| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on July 3 appointed Travis Maze as Jefferson County Sheriff. The appointment fills a vacancy created by Sheriff Paul Milbrath’s retirement, effective August 8, 2024. Maze will complete the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2027. “With more than two decades of experience demonstrating his commitment to public service and connection to the local community, Travis Maze brings the necessary qualifications and experience to serve the people of Jefferson County as their new sheriff,” said Gov. Evers. Maze has been with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years. After graduating from Waukesha County Technical College with an associate degree in police science, he joined the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer in 1998. The next year, he joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where he climbed the ranks from jail deputy, patrol deputy, detective, and patrol sergeant to patrol captain, a position he has held for the past four years. As patrol captain, he is responsible for the patrol and communication divisions, which consist of 50 personnel, and helps set the department’s budget, schedules, policies, and procedures. Maze has also completed numerous additional law enforcement training and leadership certifications. “I am very pleased with Gov. Evers’ selection of Captain Travis Maze to finish my term as sheriff,” said retiring Jefferson County Sheriff Milbrath. “These are challenging times for law enforcement, and Captain Maze has both the skillset and the knowledge to take on these challenges and lead the agency into the future. It is a comfort to me knowing the agency that I have led for 22 years and worked at for over 43 years is in such capable hands.” Maze lives in Jefferson with his family. In his role with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, he has extensive experience working with stakeholders in county government, including supporting crisis intervention training with the Jefferson County Human Services Department and helping to upgrade the county’s communication system. He also served for three years on the Jefferson School Board. “I am so honored and excited to have been chosen by Governor Evers to fill the Jefferson County Sheriff vacancy upon the retirement of Sheriff Paul Milbrath,” said Maze. “In my 25 years of service with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Milbrath has trusted me in several different leadership roles. I appreciate his confidence in supporting me in the position of Sheriff.” |
Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to present the “15th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition” featuring 95 juried works of 39 photographic artists from across the State of Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
The exhibition opens on Friday, July 5th and runs to July 28th, 2024, at the Cultural Arts Center 402 West Main Street, Whitewater. An awards reception will be held Sunday, July 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. where light refreshments will be served.
Admission to the exhibition and its reception are free of charge, open to the public, and all are invited. The gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Jeff McDonald, the event’s 10-time Chair and president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, said “This exhibit is an exciting and inspiring visual experience. As we celebrate the 15-year milestone of the Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition, it is fitting that the submitted works are so extraordinarily strong and have been submitted in record numbers from such a wide regional area. We hope you will be able to share in the experience. Join us at the awards reception for a surprise announcement!”
The exhibit features work by photographic artists from the local area, as well as from Wausau to Rockford and Madison to Milwaukee.
About Whitewater Arts Alliance:
The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community.
Whitewater Arts Alliance / Cultural Arts Center
402 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI, 53190
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwartsalliance
Gallery Exhibit Hours
Thursdays: 12-4 p.m.
Fridays: 12-4 p.m.
Saturdays: 12-4 p.m.
Sundays: 12-4 p.m.
Note: Gallery is normally closed outside of Exhibit Hours except for special events
The following students from the Whitewater area earned degrees from UW-Whitewater.
Editor’s note: It’s obvious that not all of these graduates have been long-term Whitewater residents. The university includes anyone who indicates that they consider Whitewater to be their home.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Chris Abts graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jocelin Beecroft graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Physical Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michael Blija graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gracia Boley graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alondra Buboltz graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Riley Burbach graduated with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Carlson graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brandye Carter graduated with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Juan Cuellar Meza graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Dahl graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Midalis Delacruz graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brian Duncan graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kennedi Finley graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Griffin Gerber graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jacob Godden graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Reilly Grasso graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nathan Gross graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Josie Hammes graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Hanlon graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Greendale, WI 53190: Megan Haskins graduated with the following degree: Special Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joshua Hetz graduated with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gaby Islas graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Talba Kabore graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Teagan Kane graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michael Kelley graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: David Kneiser graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Lalasz graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Special Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Earl Lewis graduated with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yingxin Lin graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Mathematics – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Lind graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Parker Louden graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isaac Lytle graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joey Maffiola graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Natalie Mayer graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Danielle McCauley graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW
Whitewater, WI 53190: Janessa Norvell graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Katie Oehm graduated with the following degree: Marketing – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Annabelle Olson graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Criminology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Partoll graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Montana Petersen graduated with the following degree: Sociology – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brodie Peyer graduated with the following degree: Cybersecurity – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Aeron Polley graduated with the following degree: Social Studies – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Prock graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayden Radloff graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Media Arts and Game Development – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sandra Rasmussen graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Reineking graduated with the following degree: School Psychology – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Melanie Reyes graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yacouba Soire graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashlee Steed graduated with the following degree: Biology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Keagan Stoltz graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lili Templeman graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Art Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Krystalyn Terski graduated with the following degree: School Psychology – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mason Thompson graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sebastian Van Wyhe graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Wagner graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Environmental Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joel Watter graduated with the following degree: Human Performance – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Carolyn Watts graduated with the following degree: School Psychology – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mackenzie Wesoloski graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Trenten Zahn graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Zimdars graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Elizabeth Zinda graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Approximately 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The graduating class included nine international students, 102 military veterans and 200 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 187 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.
A total of 231 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, were promoted in their current job, earned acceptance to graduate school or started their own business before commencement.
John’s Disposal is celebrating Independence Day as a holiday, and consequently the city trash pickup that normally occurs on Thursday will be on Friday.
4th of July Festival Quick Tips from the questions I answer often:
– Festival opens Wednesday. Full schedule on website – whitewater4th.com
– Festival is cash only. Yup it’s true, plan ahead.
– Wrist band sessions [unlimited rides for $25] are on the festival schedule and only at specific times not throughout the entire event.
– All food vendors south of the railroad tracks are local organizations – this is a fundraiser for them. Please support them as much and as often as you can. [These vendors do not accept cash; purchase your tickets at the festival booths.]
– Fireworks are 10 p.m. 7/4, 7/6. If for any reason there are weather changes the ONLY place to stay informed is the Whitewater 4th of July Festival Facebook page; we are a water launch and a metal platform + explosives + lightning don’t mix.
– The festival (outside of family owned and operated carnival) is volunteer run; please be kind and thankful for the tremendous amount of time these folks invest in this event to celebrate with their friends and neighbors.
– The parade is 7/4 at 10 a.m. Preceded by the Whippet City Mile at 9:45. Road closure is a firm 9:30 am.
– Road closures around the festival on Whitewater St begin today and run through 7/8. Thanks for your patience.
– Helping hands make light work. The festival is always seeking volunteers and donor support. Connect with us down at the ticket booths or by email whitewater4th@gmail.com
– Thank the city streets crews when you see them. They are also working as hard as our volunteers and we are so thankful for their partnership. City of Whitewater
Last but not least, be patient with our social media page; we try to answer comments but once we’re on-site that is our primary focus.
Have an absolutely amazing holiday week, be safe, please keep your teens off the railroad tracks [the trains do run during the festival], hydrate, and have fun!
Editor’s note: Lisa Dawsey Smith posted this message on Facebook and gave the Banner permission to post it.
Editor’s note: The following was posted to the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network on Monday, July 2 at 11:00 p.m.
On Saturday, 6/29/2024, at 7:38 PM, Officers responded to Soup’s On Bar, 1125 Whitewater Ave in the City of Fort Atkinson for a report of a male subject dragging a female into a black sedan, possibly a Pontiac Firebird T top. The vehicle left at a high rate of speed traveling southbound on Highway 12 out of the city. Witnesses heard screaming and said the female was not moving and was possibly unconscious. Suspect was described as a skinny white male wearing a hat and the female was described as having long hair.
No plate was obtained. If anyone has similar contacts or can identify the vehicle or subjects involved, please contact our department: Fort Atkinson Police Dept., Officer Adsit, aadsit@fortatkinsonwi.gov, 920-397-9905.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Six teams of Prairie Village residents fanned out over their entire community on Wednesday, June 26 to install nearly 400 American flags in honor of the celebration of Independence Day. It’s the second year for their patriotic display; last year they put out 144 flags, but according to Curt McCulley, “We were so pleased with how it looked and the community response that we are putting even more out this year.”
Beth McCulley, pictured above, wielded a battery operated drill to make the holes in the ground for Susan Schilt to place the flags in their assigned section. The drill was a much better approach than last year’s hammer and rod, Beth had determined. Originally the project had been planned for Friday the 28th, but at coffee on the 26th concern was expressed that rain was forecast for Friday. Could they move the project to Thursday? No, too many of the busy residents already had plans for that day, so the plan was put into motion the very afternoon of the coffee klatch.
Barbara Dosemagen invited city residents to “Come and enjoy viewing flags on our streets. It started with our neighbor Lee Murray donating flags and soon others were donating . We work as a community of loving, caring for others and our country. Many are involved with donating time to Whitewater’s library, food pantry and feeding University students with a church.”
Prairie Village by Fairhaven is a community for people age 55+, and it was reported that several who were on the teams placing flags were over 80, including one who is 98.
The following press release was received from Lakeside Fire Department and Rock County Emergency Management.
Lakeside Fire Rescue, a part of the Edgerton Fire Protection District, was alerted by the Rock County 9-1-1 Center at 5:19 a.m. on Monday, July 1 for a report of an LP gas leak at Milton Propane, 3992 Vincent Street, on the southwest side of the City of Milton.
First arriving units from Lakeside Fire-Rescue Station 3 (Milton Station) observed an LP vapor cloud in the area being driven to the south by the prevailing winds. Lakeside crews working closely with Milton Police and Rock County Sheriff’s Office quickly closed off John Paul Road, Vincent Street, and the surrounding area.
It was determined the leak was coming from a valve on the bottom of an approximately 60,000 gallon liquid propane tank, and fire crews in concert with employees of Milton Propane began to assess the best way to safely access the area of the leak when the leak “froze over” due to the temperature of the leaking propane.
This stopped the immediate flow, but then presented a challenge as to how to safely off-load the contents of the storage tank to prevent additional releases of propane gas.
Rock County Emergency Management and the Rock County Hazardous Materials Response Team were requested to assist in coordinating and mitigating the situation. The City of Madison Hazardous Materials Response Team was also requested for additional air monitoring equipment.
Off-loading of the leaking 60,000 gallon tank began at approximately 1:53 p.m., and was complete by 4:10 p.m.
In all firefighters from Lakeside, Janesville, Evansville and Madison Fire departments were involved, along with personnel from Rock County Emergency Management, and law enforcement units from the City of Milton Police Department and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office who coordinated evacuation and securing a safe area around the facility during the incident. Additional agencies that supported Incident Command during the incident included City of Milton Dept. of Public Works, Rock County Dept. of Public Works, Alliant Energy, Rock Energy Cooperative, Rock County Communications Center, City of Beloit Police Department and SWEPT.
Roads in the area, an estimated three homes, and three businesses were evacuated for approximately 10 hours; there were no injuries. Officials want to express their appreciation for the public’s cooperation and patience during the incident.
Editor’s note: The image on the homepage is from Milton Propane’s Facebook page.
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
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