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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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First English Lutheran Church at 401 W Main Street has the following events, open to the public, during Holy Week:
– Monday, March 25th 9:00 a.m. until Wednesday, March 28th at 9:00 p.m., the church will be open for a self-guided tour of the Stations of the Cross. Enter off the parking lot, at the rear of the church and continue forward to the sanctuary for further instruction. Anytime, day or night, you are welcome to come, pray or meditate, and walk the Stations of the Cross with art and recommended scripture readings and prayers.
– Thursday, March 29th at 7 p.m., all are welcome to our Maundy Thursday evening service.
– Friday, March 30th at Noon, the Whitewater Ministerial Association’s Ecumenical Good Friday service begins at First United Methodist Church, 145 S Prairie Street, and continues to the Congregational Church at 12:45, First English Lutheran Church at 1:30, and concludes at 2:00 p.m.
– Sunday, March 31st come celebrate Easter with us. Breakfast is available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and is free, worship services will be at 7:30 a.m. for our contemporary guitar service and the usual 9:30 am for the traditional service with choir and brass.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Fire & EMS Department.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Banner does not take a position on political candidates or issues. The following information is provided since it appears that a number of citizens are puzzled by the “Vote No” signs that have appeared on some lawns. We would have also featured a “Vote Yes” sign in this article if we had seen one, but thus far, we have not. If a reader sees a “Yes” sign, please email the address to the Banner at whitewaterbanner@gmail.com.
Neither the city nor the school district is conducting a referendum on the April 2 election. Rather, there are two state constitutional amendments proposed on the ballot. According to the Movement Advancement Project, 19 states allow for citizens to propose such an amendment by initiative. Wisconsin does not have such a provision; instead, a constitutional amendment may only be considered when it has been passed by a majority of the members of both houses of the legislature in consecutive two-year sessions. The governor plays no role. After approval in the legislature, the voters must approve a referendum by a majority vote.
Question 1 reads as follows: “Use of private funds in election administration. Shall section 7 (1) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that private donations and grants may not be applied for, accepted, expended, or used in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum?”
Explanation of the Proposed Constitutional Amendment (provided by the Legislative Reference Bureau): This constitutional amendment provides that no state agency or officer or employee in state government and no political subdivision of the state or officer or employee of a political subdivision may apply for, accept, expend, or use any moneys or equipment in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum if the moneys or equipment are donated or granted by an individual or nongovernmental entity.
A “yes” vote – supports the changes to the constitution. A “no” vote – opposes the changes to the constitution.
This proposed amendment received the following support in the legislature. In 2022: Passed in the Senate by a vote of 21-11, and in the House with a vote of 58-32. In 2023: Passed in the Senate 21-10, and in the House, 60-35. The vote to place Question 1 on the ballot was along party lines with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.
Question 2 reads as follows: “Election officials. Shall section 7 (2) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums?”
Explanation of the Proposed Constitutional Amendment (provided by the Legislative Reference Bureau): The constitutional amendment prohibits any individual other than an election official designated by law from performing any task in the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum.
A “yes” vote – supports the changes to the constitution. A “no” vote – opposes the changes to the constitution.
This proposed constitutional amendment received the following support in the legislature: In 2022: Passed in the Senate by a vote of 21-11, and in the House with a vote of 58-32. In 2023: Passed in the Senate 21-10, and in the House, 60-35. The vote to place Question 2 on the ballot was along party lines with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.
Further information regarding the amendments may be found by entering your address at vote411.org. Under the section “about this measure,” click on “more information,” which includes arguments for/against each proposal, as well as individuals/organizations that support/oppose each amendment. That site will also show the candidates for the various races on your ballot, including their responses (if any) to several questions.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride.
The Spring session of preschool story time begins at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 27 and will continue each Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. through May 15. The story time is best for ages 2-6 but all ages are welcome. Children will enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement just right for preschool learning. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun, free story time. Registration is not required.
In addition to the library’s regular story time, a monthly program in Spanish will also be offered. The first session is Tuesday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m. Families are invited to attend for books and songs in Spanish. There will also be an activity and snack.
Además de la hora habitual de cuentos de la biblioteca, también se ofrecerá un programa mensual en español. La primera sesión es el martes 9 de abril a las 11:00 a. m. Se invita a las familias a asistir para recibir libros y canciones en español. También habrá actividad y merienda.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of the library’s events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes tree sale.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83123853629?pwd=b0RqSkVxQjJzZWVnWkhBTFJ3ckdsUT09
Meeting ID: 831 2385 3629
Passcode: 901402
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 831 2385 3629
Passcode: 901402
City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88352007447?pwd=eFL0iVqA4GfRBBujeNP6TcLyxq2T1b.1
Meeting ID: 883 5200 7447
Passcode: 897711
Or dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 883 5200 7447
Passcode: 897711
Steve Watson wrote on March 11, “Our local eagle paused for awhile this morning in Hillside Cemetery. Wind rustling its feathers. Sun rise on its face. I never tire of spotting our very own eagle pair.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing his recent spotting.
— 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!
The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect bagged leaves and yard waste the:
- Week of April 1 – April 5, 2024
- Week of April 8 – April 12, 2024
*Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.
Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 30 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags, at the Finance Department window, in the fall only.
Please place your bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, March 30, (for collection beginning on April 1) and April 6, (for collection beginning on April 8). All bags must be brought to the curb by 7:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 11, for collection by City staff.
Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of bagged leaves and yard waste. The compost site will on open on Saturdays beginning April 6, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays, starting April 10, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The City will provide a loader for loading chips and compost beginning Saturday, May 4. This loader will be available on the first Saturday of each month until the site closes for the season.
Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
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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