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IOWA CITY, IA — In May, more than 6,500 University of Iowa undergraduate, graduate, and professional students received their degrees, a group that included Thomas Smith of Whitewater, WI.
Smith was a student in the Graduate College whose academic program of study was Finance. The degree awarded Smith was a Master of Science.
To learn more about the University of Iowa’s 2024 spring semester graduating class, click HERE.
To review a photo gallery of Iowa’s spring commencements, click HERE.
About the University of Iowa
As a top global university, Iowa is the ideal destination for learning, discovery, and innovation. We bring art and science together to create a truly unique interdisciplinary education. With over 200 areas of study to choose from, students are encouraged to mix and match majors, minors, and certificates to earn a degree that reflects their unique interests.
From inside our world-class medical center to the most prestigious creative writing program in the U.S., students have access to quality academic support and are equipped with the tools they need to stand out in a competitive workforce. Our 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to work directly with experts in their field while earning valuable, practical skills.
Our campus seamlessly blends into the heart of downtown Iowa City, making it easy to access academic resources and belong to a larger, welcoming community. With over 500 student organizations, clubs, and communities on campus, and countless in-town events scheduled throughout the year, Iowa makes it easy to build a network of friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
To learn more about the University of Iowa, click HERE.
Carol McCormick writes, “The first baby duck. We’re thinking it’s a wood duck. Has healthy peeps!”
Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing this special 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!
NOTICE: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will be conducting road construction work along US 12 between the Walworth/Rock County line and Cox Road. Construction is scheduled to begin July 8, 2024. Crews will be repaving the shoulders and adding rumble strips throughout the project limits.
Construction will be done in multiple stages. [During the first phase, traffic will remain open with flagging operations.] During the second stage, eastbound US 12 will be closed to traffic between W. Main Street/Tri County Road and County P. Traffic will be detoured using Business US 12 (W. Main Street, Milwaukee Street, and Elkhorn Road). This detour is expected to last approximately two weeks.
After completion of the eastbound work, westbound US 12 will be closed to traffic between County P and W. Main Street/Tri County Road. Traffic will again be detoured using Business US 12 (Elkhorn Road, Milwaukee Street and W. Main Street). This detour is expected to last approximately two weeks.
City officials are asking residents to use extra caution and have patience as the additional traffic through the City could cause some delays at intersections throughout the detour. The project is tentatively scheduled for completion by late summer 2024. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.
More information on the US 12 project can be found on the attached brochure and WisDOT’s 511 project page:
https://projects.511wi.gov/12whitewater/
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
William Hofmann of Whitewater has been named to the Deans’ List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year.
Hofmann, a junior majoring in advertising and public relations, was named to the Dean’s List for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
More than 6,600 students at Nebraska were named to the Deans’ List for the spring semester.
Qualification for the Deans’ List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans’ List for more than one college.
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.
- College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg.
- College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.
- College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.
- College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Interim Dean Nicholas J. Pace.
- College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.
- College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil.
- Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Andy Belser.
- Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.
Those passing by the corner of Prairie Street and Starin Road in recent days likely couldn’t miss this AT&T tower in the UW-W parking lot, and probably wonder what its purpose is. Tom Ganser learned from Jeff Angileri, University Marketing & Communications Director, that it’s a temporary tower while maintenance is done to the existing communications equipment atop Winther Hall.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL.)
Lynn Binnie is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated by David Stoneman, “For his volunteer work as Editor of Whitewaterbanner.com and for the countless hours he donates in order to help Whitewater residents stay well-informed.”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Joshua (Josh) Patterson has joined the Bank as Vice President – Business Banker at the Main Office, located at 207 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Josh has over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. He is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and has also completed the Wisconsin Bankers Association Real Estate Compliance School and The Center for Financial Training, North Central States Inc. Commercial Lending School.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are thrilled to welcome Josh to our team as our new Business Banker. With an extensive and diverse background in banking, he brings a wealth of experience in all loan types. This expertise will be invaluable in supporting our community’s financial needs.
“His deep community involvement aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering local development and prosperity. We are confident that Josh’s leadership and dedication will significantly enhance our services and strengthen our community ties.”
Josh resides in Jefferson with his wife and four children. An avid Wisconsin sports fan and follower, he also enjoys being a volunteer youth coach, camping with family and getting out on the golf course. He serves on the Board for ThriveED of greater Jefferson County and is an Affiliate Board member of the Jefferson County Board of Realtors. He is also a member of the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin and the Watertown Rotary Club.
Josh commented, “I am thrilled and excited to be a part of such a historically committed local institution and fantastic pillar of the community as First Citizens State Bank. I look forward to meeting, forming, and growing many valued relationships with the great people and businesses throughout the southeastern part of the state.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in South Eastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has full service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Saint Mary’s celebrates May graduates
WINONA, Minn. (June 20, 2024) — The following Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota student completed requirements for bachelor of arts degrees in May 2024.
About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Grounded in Lasallian Catholic values, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Whether in person or online, adult or undergraduate, students are treated with respect, taught with humanity, and supported by faculty and staff committed to their success in programs designed to prepare graduates for today’s and tomorrow’s careers. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls nearly 4,100 students at its undergraduate and graduate programs on campuses in Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona, and online. Saint Mary’s offers a highly personal, real-world-ready educational experience that fully prepares students to work, lead, and serve with character and purpose. Learn more at smumn.edu.
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, PARENT(S) Whitewater, WI
Ryann Aschenbrener, Crystal Aschenbrener
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
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