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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Congregational United Church of Christ has sold its building with an expected real estate closing date of July 31. The congregation will continue to use the building at least through the end of 2024, and eventually will be meeting in a yet-to-be-determined space.
Senior Pastor Dr. David Mc Donald told the Banner, “The Congregational United Church of Christ is looking forward to a new phase in its ministry. Our building has been a remarkable home to us since 1881, and while we have many memories of family, friends, and worship in the space, we are eager to determine our “next” in service to Christ and the community. We have been in Whitewater since 1840–before Wisconsin was made a state, and look forward with hope to our bicentennial celebrations in 2040.”
The following area students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year, ending in May.
Qualification for the Dean’s List is limited to students who have attained outstanding academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have earned at least a 3.5 semester grade point average and carried a minimum of 12 credits.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions comprising the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is a top-ranked national university. It is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities ranking.
Students on the Dean’s List from this area include:
Whitewater, WI
Bryce Hibbs, Communication Studies Major: Organizational and Professional Communication Emphasis
Josie Hintz, Finance Major
Catherine Skindingsrude, Biology Major
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.
Landmark Trek takes a look at the history behind the Whitewater Effigy Mounds, and what work the city of Whitewater is doing now to help maintain these special grounds. Please click the link below to watch this Landmark Trek.
The Banner previously announced the names of a large number of UW-Whitewater students who were named to the spring Dean’s List. On June 10 the university announced that the following students had been added to the previously announced Dean’s List recipients.
- Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Forester
- Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Haskins
- Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Lalasz
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”
The Registrar’s Office reports 3,298 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the spring semester. More than 11,500 students were enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses in 2023-24.
This Thursday, June 13 from 7-9 pm the talented musicians from UW Whitewater’s Rock Band Camp will be putting on a FREE show open to all to watch! Campers have been rocking their songs and are ready to put on a great show! We have campers from as far as New Mexico and Florida, as well as Wisconsin and many of these campers are playing professional gigs! You don’t want to miss this!
Where:
Cravath Lakefront Park
When:
Thursday, June 13 from 7-9 pm
This event will also be live streamed on Facebook for those who are not able to make it in person! Bring a blanket and some snacks and come hear some great music! And support our future in music!
https://www.facebook.com/events/838360271547060?ref=newsfeed
Huge rummage sale! Something for everyone. Girl clothes birth to size 4/5. Winter coats and boots. Playpen, strollers, booster chairs, and toddler bed. Toys from vintage tractors and construction toys to Little Tikes and Melissa and Doug. Men toys and tools available. Kitchen items and furniture. Yard tools and old cow tank.
Friday 6/14 9 am to 4 and Saturday 6/15 8 am to 4. W6915 Bluff RD. Whitewater
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W9622 Breidsan Dr.
Whitewater (headed out of town it is the next left-past Taco Bell).
**Multi-family rummage…
Tons of name-brand clothing for infant-adult. College dorm supplies, sporting clothes, household goods, furniture…Too much stuff to list!
Thursday 9-3 Friday 8-3 and Saturday 8-2
For birth years 2013 and older. Register here.
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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