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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
For the month of May, we are featuring photos from the Scholl collection of glass plate images, all taken between 1895-1910. To start, we are offering this “rooftop” image of the west end of Center Street in Whitewater’s downtown. The block with houses at the left of the photo is the block where the First Citizens State Bank is now located. But, note in1900the distance the Starin Park Water Tower.
Join us next week for another vintage Scholl image.
(2827GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Well over 40 student and community volunteers beat the rain last Friday to join the Whitewater Creek Coalition at their Make a Difference Day clean up events! Spirits were high as we collected trash at Whitewater Creek Nature Area and Brewery Hill Park, kicking off our summer restoration efforts. Countless thanks to the UW Whitewater students, the Whitewater Rotary Club, Thompson Handyman Services, the Whitewater Whippets Cross-Country Team, and Emmanuel Anglican Church of Whitewater for their generous donations to make this event a success! If you’d like to hear more about the Whitewater Creek Coalition’s efforts to restore our local stream, visit us at the Tuesday Market, join us for our weekly Wednesday work days starting in May, or email us at wwcreekcoalition@gmail.com See you at the creek!
UNIVERSITY GARDENS TRANSFORMS INTO KETTLE RIDGE
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC) and its partners have completed a significant rehabilitation of 108 apartments at 370 N Tratt St. in Whitewater. This property was formerly known as University Gardens and is now called Kettle Ridge. WHPC contracts with ACC Management Group to professionally manage the property. Friede & Associates served as the General Contractor for the project, and Dimension IV was the project architect.
The project provided nearly $7 million of improvements to make the apartments contemporary, sustainable, and accessible while both beautifying and adding amenities to the expansive grounds.
The redevelopment included new roofs, new windows, new mechanicals, new corridor lighting, and new corridor flooring. Interior improvements included new kitchen cabinets and countertops, stainless steel appliances, windows, bathroom vanities, flooring, and paint. A photovoltaic system, playground, bike racks, and outdoor gathering spaces for adults, kids, and pets were installed as part of the redevelopment, and upgrades to the security camera systems and site landscaping were made. Three apartments were reconfigured to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The project is Wisconsin Green Built Home certified.
Kettle Ridge is proudly managed by ACC Management Group, Inc. ACC currently operates thousands of apartments throughout Wisconsin’s major markets and Illinois. Headquartered in Oshkosh, WI, ACC’s exceptional team of multi-family leaders has a proven track record of excellence in management of market-rate and affordable housing with various state and federal programs including, Section 42 Tax Credit, Section 8, RAD, and Section 515.
Only a few newly renovated apartments are still available. Kettle Ridge proudly participates in the affordable housing program, as rents are income based.
To apply at Kettle Ridge please contact the leasing office at:
370 N. Tratt St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
kettleridge@accmanagementgroup.com
262-473-7087
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by ACC Management Group, Inc.
This past Sunday a fun and charming “Ladies and Young Ladies Tea” was held at Whitewater’s beautiful Bassett house. Highlights included the elegant table settings and many colorful hats. Attendees played tea party games while enjoying delicious sandwiches and pastries served by women from the Delta Zeta Sorority.
The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs puts on the annual event to raise funds for the preservation of the historic Bassett House. The next fundraiser for the group is a Spring Concert to be held at the end of May. For more information, please visit the website: www.bassetthousewww.org.
Photos courtesy Tom Ganser.
Five Whitewater High School Choir students performed at Prairie Village in Whitewater on Monday, April 22nd. The students sang art songs as well as musical theater selections. Singers included Meridyth Cashion, Charlotte Hajewski, Brooke Mason, Lauren Rollette, and Alex Sullivan. Congratulations on a fine performance!
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County.
Every year in the United States, more than 300 children are saved by car seats when installed and used correctly. Walworth County Health and Human Services and the City of Whitewater Fire Department have joined forces to host a car seat check event that will help parents and guardians ensure the safety of their children.
During the event, parents and guardians can have their car seats inspected for proper installation and to ensure that it is appropriate for their child’s age and size. This free opportunity will give them access to a child passenger safety technician who will provide education and resources.
Don’t miss this event on Friday, May 10, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the City of Whitewater Fire Department, 312 W. Whitewater St. Appointments are encouraged, visit www.bit.ly/3SDX8Jn and click on “tickets,” or call (262) 741-3200 to schedule. Se habla español.
A free documentary screening Honor in the Air is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 @ 10:30 a.m., Hoard Historical Museum, 401 Whitewater Avenue, Fort Atkinson.
FILM SYNOPSIS
This documentary is a story of inspiration, dedication, valor and love, following the life of one soldier while recognizing an entire generation.
As the 50th anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam draws near and our nation is called to remember an incredibly unpopular war, we bring you the story of a humble man who became a decorated aviator and hero. Scott served five tours of duty during the Vietnam war as an Army helicopter pilot, first flying slicks and later, gunships.
Scott’s skills, daring, and decorations stand as a testament to his valor and include 136 documented Air Medals, Vietnam Republic Medals, Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, and Distinguished Flying Crosses, all with oak leaf clusters. He and a fellow Top Tiger pilot, Howard M. King, developed a low approach autorotation technique to counter tail rotor failure and taught it to other pilots in their unit. The army still teaches this technique to all helicopter pilots in their standard training today.
It was while in Vietnam that Scott met, fell in love with, and married his wife, Du Duong “Tess”. Scott went to war because he loved his country, the United States of America. During his five tours of duty, he fell in love with Vietnam, too. Scott survived five tours of active duty in Vietnam only to be killed by a suicidal drunk driver while on his way from his home in Wisconsin to the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania. To those who knew him, his legacy lives on.
Further information about the project may be found below and here.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Penny Alwin.
A Banner Service: Garage Sale Ads
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. A few photos may also be included if desired; we prefer jpg format if possible.
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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