Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Here is the link for the pre-registration form that is to be submitted by June 7.
Editor’s note: This information was provided by the City of Whitewater Department of Public Works.
Do you have a veteran in your family tree? Join Russell Horton, Archivist at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, for the presentation, “Finding Those Who Served: Military Genealogy.” Learn about sources, tips, and tricks that you can use to learn about your military ancestor from the Civil War to the present. The presentation is hosted by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and will take place in the library’s community room on the rescheduled date of Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m.
There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.
We honor and remember the following Whitewater area veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” General George S. Patton.
Taps
29 May 2023 – 27 May 2024
Brian K. Beck
James W. Benes III
Joseph J. Campbell
Albert F. Danz, Sr.
Laurence W. Delaney
Muril T. Fields
Robert A. Fuerstenberg
Gerald W. Lehto
Ed McManaway
Perry D. Moyer
Gerald G. Nell
Robert O. Nelson
Robert C. Obney
David H. Papcke
Jack H. Papcke
Grant E. Rice
Kurt A. Troemel
We apologize if we have omitted the name of any veteran. It is not intentional. We only know what we see reported in the media and other sources.
Steven R. Smith, Adjutant, William Graham Post 173, Whitewater American Legion
An interim municipal judge for the city was just appointed on May 1, but nomination papers are already being circulated for a special election coincidental with the Presidential Election for a term that will begin in April, 2025 and expire in April, 2027. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, nomination papers must be filed by June 3. The necessary forms may be obtained by a candidate from her office. If there are more than two candidates there will be a primary election on August 13. The position of municipal judge opened due to the resignation of Patrick Taylor, who is moving to California.
Whitewater, has partnered with CivicPlus to implement its Recreation Management software. The cloud-based solution allows residents greater visibility into offered parks and recreation department activities, classes, sports, youth leagues, and more convenient online registration and payment. It will also allow residents to search for and reserve community facilities, such as pavilions, and picnic shelters, all conveniently online.
“I am truly excited to partner with CivicPlus to make the registering for activities and facility rentals in Whitewater easier for patrons,” said Kevin Boehm, City of Whitewater, director of parks and recreation. “We value all of our patrons and are working hard to improve the services we offer. This new software will greatly improve the registration and rental experience. The new software launches on May 28, 2024.”
The CivicPlus Recreation Management software is intuitive to navigate and easy for residents to use. It is mobile-friendly, allowing community members to search for local activities and events, register, and remit payment from any smartphone or tablet.
The software is part of the CivicPlus integrated technology suite of software designed for local governments. “CivicPlus designs innovative solutions for local governments,” said Jennifer Elliott, CivicPlus Director of Product Marketing. “We continually invest in our products to strengthen and transform the way governments work and communicate with their residents. We are proud to partner with Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department to help accomplish their goals.”
Links to the new software will be available on the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation website at www.wwparks.org
About Whitewater Parks and Recreation:
Whitewater Parks and Recreation is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities in the Whitewater community. Through innovative programming and collaborative partnerships, we strive to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being.
On Sunday, May 26, 2024, at approximately 5:28 p.m., the Rock County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Milton area for a report of a possible tornado that went through the area. The City of Milton Police Department also responded. Law enforcement units located multiple downed trees and powerlines. Multiple residences were found to have sustained structural damage. There were not any injuries reported.
Alliant Energy and We Energies responded to repair the downed powerlines. The Rock County Highway Department, Milton Public Works, and Town of Koshkonong Public Works all responded to clear the roadways of the downed trees. The Lakeside Fire Department and Rock County Emergency Management responded as well.
The area will be surveyed in the next coming days by the National Weather Service. Any additional information will be released by Rock County Emergency Management.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The image on the homepage does not depict this possible tornado.
The Whitewater Common Council on May 21 approved a development agreement for a multi-family housing development at Moraine View Parkway and Jakes Way. The agreement, proposed by Slate Development, Inc., includes 128 units spread across eight two-story buildings.
“This development is a critical investment in our community’s future,” said City Manager John Weidl. “By addressing our
pressing housing needs head-on, we are not only improving the quality of life for our current residents but also making
Whitewater an attractive place for new families and professionals. This project exemplifies our dedication to sustainable
growth and economic prosperity.” The development is receiving financial support from TID #11 [Tax Increment District], utilizing a pay-as-you-go structure to ensure positive cash flow from day one. This approach minimizes financial risk for the city and taxpayers by requiring the developer to meet specific financial benchmarks before receiving payments. Additionally, safeguards such as a minimum assessed value (MAV) guarantee and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ensure that taxpayers are
protected. If the development falls short of the projected value, the developer will make up the difference, maintaining
the financial stability of the project.
Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert emphasized the importance of this project: “The need for workforce
housing in Whitewater cannot be overstated. Our business community, recent graduates, and current students all
underscore this necessity.” Common Council President Patrick Singer highlighted the next steps: “With the development
agreement now approved by the Common Council, the project will return to the Plan and Architectural Review
Commission (PARC) for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review.” This development will be discussed at the July PARC
Meeting held on July 8th. Singer further stated, “An increase in the quantity and opportunities for housing is an
identified community need that the City of Whitewater is strongly committed to achieving. With single-family housing
units already in the pipeline, this development will give more residents in our community the opportunity to find
affordable housing.”
The conditional use consideration requires a class 2 notice, requiring two postings a week apart. For the July 8th meeting, public notices will be posted on June 20th and 27th, with the agenda posted in the newspaper on July 4th. Council President Singer concluded, “The Plan and Architectural Review Commission will review site plans and a conditional use permit at its July meeting. These two items will complete the approval of this development. I encourage all residents interested in the outcome to attend the upcoming meeting.”
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city manager’s office.
Game 1 box score
Game 2 box score
By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team is heading to the World Series for the first time since 2016 after overcoming Friday’s loss to UW-La Crosse. The Warhawks battled back with a 8-0 first game before a 8-2 victory in the second game punched the Warhawks’ ticket to Eastlake, Ohio.
In the first game, the Warhawks opened up the scoring right in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead.
With Cade Berendt (Germantown, Wis./Germantown) doing his work on the mound, the Warhawks held the Eagles off the base path for much of the game. The Eagles did not have a runner past second the entire game.
A huge fourth inning added four more runs to the lead. Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) started off the scoring with a solo home run.
The Warhawks scored three more runs between the sixth & seventh, with the defense keeping the Eagles from scoring. The Warhawks forced game three with an 8-0 shutout win.
Berendt picked up the win, pitching one of his career best games in the battle. He pitched all 9 innings, recording a career-high 13 strikeouts as well as his first career complete game shutout.
The Warhawks carried the momentum forward into the second game of the day, scheduled to begin only 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first game, after tying the series up 1-1.
UWW struck first once again, with Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) blasting a two-run homer in the bottom of the third to go up 2-0. The next inning, the Warhawks added two more to their lead, going up 4-0.
The Eagles scored their first run of the day on a sacrifice fly in the top of 5th, but the Warhawks answered back with a RBI single from Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) in the bottom of the frame.
The Warhawk lead was closed to just three runs in the top of the sixth as UW-La Crosse added another run to make it 5-2.
But in the bottom of the eighth, Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) all but sealed the game with a three-run homer to put the Warhawks up 8-2.
The freshman pitcher Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) only needed three outs and the Warhawks sealed their spot in the 2024 NCAA DIII World Series.
Hagen picked up his ninth win of the season, pitching the whole game. He allowed only eight hits, with no runs earned on the game.
Offensively, the Warhawks had home runs from Frank, Scolan, and Cootway between the two games. Frank and Scolan each had three RBIs in the second game. Holland had two RBIs in the first game.
The Warhawks will advance to the NCAA DIII World Series held in Eastlake, Ohio from May 31 to June 7. The tournament will be two double-elimination pods of four-teams. The winners of each pod will play a best of three series for the Championship. For more information visit https://www.ncaa.com/sports/baseball/d3
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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