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Today is Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the third view of a band in a mid-20th century parade coming down Main Street. This view shows the west end of the downtown with Hackett’s Grocery on the left side. But, note the three large houses at the top left of the photo. They would all be demolished soon for the First Citizens State Bank building and the gas station that shared the block. Given the vintage of the cars in the photo, I wonder if this was a World War II “victory” parade. Does anyone know?
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
3729P, Whitewater Historical Society
The Universities of Wisconsin has unveiled a new one-stop, easily searchable website that provides access to and information about every fully online degree program being offered at the constellation of 13 public universities.
Wisconsin Online – with the URL online.wisconsin.edu – will list the more than 200 fully online programs offered by the 13 universities, including 10 associate, 99 bachelor’s and 95 master’s degree programs.
Dozens of academic program degrees are showcased through Wisconsin Online, from applied biotechnology to business administration to transportation and logistics management to writing and applied arts.
“This new website makes it easier than ever for Wisconsinites to find an online degree program suitable to their needs,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “It’s a one-stop-shop that showcases the excellent online education our universities offer, and we anticipate that online.wisconsin.edu will especially appeal to adult learners and traditional-aged students who simply prefer to learn online.”
The online programs featured on the website include those that are semester-based, accelerated semester-based, collaborative multi-campus semester-based, and competency based. Semester-based online programs are similar to traditionally delivered in-person programs with courses delivered over a 15-week semester. The competency-based programs, called the UW Flexible Option or Flex, is a distinct pedagogical approach to teaching and learning that focuses exclusively, and explicitly, on the learner’s ability to demonstrate mastery over defined competencies. While fully asynchronous like the semester-based online programs, the Flex competency-based programs are self-paced.
Students can search for programs by program level, area of interest, or campus. There’s also information about what it means to be an online student as well as specific information for international students, military members, transfer students, and prospective graduate and undergraduate students.
Wisconsin Online enhances the promotion of UW online programs marketed on each UW university’s website by collecting all fully online programs into one easily searchable website. Students wanting to learn more about a particular program can click through to the university’s online program webpage or request more information from the university.
“Online.wisconsin.edu also will allow us to market our programs across the U.S. and internationally,” Rothman said. “The Universities of Wisconsin have a great reputation around the nation and the globe, and we want to make our programs as accessible as possible.”
Wisconsin Online was launched on February 1, and, in the future, the website will point prospective students to online certificates, microcredentials, and other “course-to-career” education offerings that serve Wisconsin’s workforce needs.
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Gustav Holst’s The Planets is a monument of the early twentieth century, and our March concert includes two orchestras performing at the same time! The LGSO joins forces with the incredibly gifted musicians of the University of Whitewater Symphony Orchestra, and this special collaboration will take place at Young Auditorium in what will be a not-to-be missed event for the entire region. In addition, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Vaughan Williams, will feature the string sections of both orchestras.
Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. – Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater
Tickets: Priority reserved $50; General admission $20; High school and university students are free
Tickets may be purchased online here. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door.
Editor’s note: The following notice was provided by the city clerk.
NOTICE VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT – APRIL 2, 2024
Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may submit a request to
vote an absentee ballot to their municipal clerk. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who: will be 18 years of age or
older on Election Day and has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive
days before the election. The elector must also be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of
identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued.* Refer to www.myvote.wi.gov for more
information
Making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail
Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or
election or both. You may make written application to your municipal clerk for an absentee ballot in person, by mail, by
fax, by email or at MyVote.wi.gov.
Your written request must include: your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address
where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different from the address above, your signature and copy of your photo
identification*. Refer to www.myvote.wi.gov for more information.
The deadline for making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail is: 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024.
*Voters who are indefinitely confined due to age, illness, infirmity, or disability may not be required to provide photo ID.
If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
**Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined, in the military,
hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for
requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
Voting an absentee ballot in person
You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office or other specified location during the days and
hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person. Refer to www.myvote.wi.gov for more information.
Municipality Clerk
City of Whitewater Heather Boehm
262-473-0102
312 W Whitewater St
Whitewater
Mon – Fri 8 am–4:30 pm
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: Friday, March 29, 2024
No in-person absentee voting may occur on the day before the election. The municipal clerk will deliver voted ballots returned
on or before Election Day to the proper polling place or counting location before the polls close on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Any
ballots received after the polls close will not be counted. Refer to www.myvote.wi.gov for more information.
Editor’s note: Photos and report courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Whitewater High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) sponsored a donkey basketball night on March 7. There were two games, each having two 8 minute halves.
Game One
WHS staff in light blue vs East Troy HS FFA in green.
WHS = 12 East Troy = 8
Game Two
WHS FFA in purple vs Milton HS FFA in pink
WHS = 6 Milton = 4
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
Winter sowing is a way to start flower and vegetable seeds outside during winter using little greenhouses made from milk jugs. It is an easy and inexpensive way to grow many seedlings that can be transplanted into your garden when the weather gets warmer, no hardening off required. You can also use the same technique during Spring and Summer to get even more seedlings to transplant.
In this workshop with Linda Holmes, all the materials will be provided. The community is invited to attend on Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. After you make your own little greenhouse, you will fill it with soil, plant the seeds of your choice, water it, and tape it shut. Then you will take it home, leave it outside and wait for the exciting results.
The presentation will be held in the library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration. This program is for adults; teens are welcome with a participating adult. For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.
According to a press release from UW-Milwaukee dated March 11, “The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee announced today that its UWM at Waukesha campus will close after the Spring 2025 semester in response to a directive from the Universities of Wisconsin. [This follows the news last fall that UW-Milwaukee at Washington County and UW-Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campuses would end in-person instruction by June 2024. Another campus, UW-Platteville-Richland had previously suspended in-person classes and will close.] This also means closing the College of General Studies and ending its associate degree offerings at that time. Declining enrollment, shifting demographics and budgetary constraints led UWM to re-evaluate the best pathway for delivering higher education in Waukesha County.
As part of this transition, UWM and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) jointly announced plans to develop the UWM University Center at WCTC. The University Center model ensures that students in Waukesha County can obtain a high-quality associate degree from WCTC at a low cost and then seamlessly continue a four-year degree with UWM. It also allows UWM to continue offering affordable higher education in Waukesha County through bachelor’s degree completion and graduate-level offerings.”
In response to the above news, UW-W Chancellor Corey A. King issued the following statement:
UW-Whitewater community,
Today, UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone announced the university’s branch campus in Waukesha will close after the spring 2025 semester. This news naturally raised questions about other branch campuses in Wisconsin.
Earlier this academic year, I composed a message that detailed the multiple successes we’ve achieved, as well as our plan to drive growth and evolve UW-Whitewater at Rock County.
I want to reassure our entire Warhawk community — and especially our students and colleagues at the Rock County campus — our plan has not changed.
The positive enrollment trajectory, vibrancy of academic and co-curricular programs, and strong ties to the community of the Rock County campus make it not only viable, but integral to the region.
I’ll conclude by reaffirming our commitment to investing in our branch campus. The future of URock is bright. And we will continue to provide transformational educational experiences in the Rock County region.
Sincerely,
Corey A. King
Chancellor
Whitewater Fire and EMS, in conjunction with the City of Whitewater Parks and Public Works Departments, will be conducting a controlled burn of several sub units inside the Effigy Mounds Preserve Property on Wednesday, March 13th 2024.
This training opportunity is a dual-purpose event. Conducting live fire exercises in a controlled environment gives our firefighters the experience needed to perform their job functions safely and efficiently when called to an emergency. All of the tools, strategies, and tactics used in a prescribed fire can be applied to suppression activities when we are called to duty in an emergency. Moreover,
the application of prescribed fire will help control invasive plant species and reduce timber litter. Not only does this make the park a pleasant spot for everyone to enjoy, it also reduces the amount of dead vegetation/fuel load to help reduce the chance of a significant fire occurring on the property.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a mild east wind, which should minimize impact to surrounding homes and ensure the fire is kept under control. However, there will be visible smoke/odor in the area. Conditions will be monitored throughout the burn to ensure safety for the surrounding properties and homes. While the road will remain open, please avoid the area on Indian Mound Parkway if possible, as we will have apparatus parked on the road, and firefighters operating about the area. The park will be closed to the public during the burn.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater Fire & EMS. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by M Barnett from Pixabay. The controlled burn shown is not in Whitewater.
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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