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Today is Thursday, June 25, 2026
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The February 8 tornado that caused the sirens to sound in Whitewater terminated just three miles west of Fort Atkinson.
NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan completed the tornado damage survey. Results are posted below.
Following further evaluation of damage on the northeast side of Evansville, we have determined that the Evansville-Lake Koshkonong tornado had peak winds of 130 MPH. This confirms the preliminary rating of EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Please refer to our weather story for additional information on Thursday’s tornado, including photos of damage from the event https://www.weather.gov/mkx/FebruarySevereWeather
Prior to 2024, the state of Wisconsin had never seen a tornado in the month of February. On the evening of February 8th, 2024, a rare, impressive setup for severe weather came together across southern Wisconsin. As a dynamic low tracked northeast across the Upper Mississippi Valley, the warm sector spread across the state of Wisconsin. Within the warm sector, afternoon sunshine allowed surface- based instability to develop, ~500 J/Kg. Along with the increasing instability, the dynamic system brought a plethora of deep-layer and low-level shear. The impressive shear profiles led to concerns for the development of rotating storms that would be capable of producing all hazards – but especially large hail and a few tornadoes.
Here are a few stats about this severe weather event, dating back to 1986. Prior to the evening of February 8th, 2024:
- Zero Tornado Warnings had been issued in the state of Wisconsin during the month of February. NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan issued 5 Tornado Warnings during this event.
- 17 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings had been issued in the state of Wisconsin during the month of February (9 in 1999, 4 in 2008, 3 in 2017). NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan issued 8 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings during this event.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
Old World Wisconsin is going on the road to bring their hands-on history experience to you! Community members of all ages are invited to a presentation by Old World Wisconsin at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30 p.m. Step into the past and engage with real immigrant collections and objects in this facilitator-led program.
For all ages. 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.
City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m. – Virtual only
Agenda includes Update on Walworth County Transitional Housing, iscussion and Possible actions regarding activities to promote a welcoming and educational environment for new immigrants, and Discussion and Possible regarding Proactive approaches to address potential NeoNazi activities in the city or on campus.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smartphone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
EOC Meeting
Feb 12, 2024, 5:00 – 6:30 PM (America/Chicago)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/275909109
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States:
+1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code:
275-909-109
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda is hearing of appeal of denial of beverage operators licenses.
Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront
Room 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87640525572?pwd=naG3hZcM5hdIOBd1ZNbavs18Z_70jQ.jYlf3r370xSFkR-l
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 876 4052 5572
Passcode: 151151
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed arcade and
lounge and sale of alcohol by the drink located at 141 W Whitewater Avenue #B, Parcel #
/TR00008 for DLK Enterprise, Inc d/b/a Hawk’s Arcade & Lounge.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/622071581
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 622-071-581
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding awarding Contract 1-2024, Ann Street and Fremont Street Reconstruction, Discussion and Possible Action regarding awarding Contract 2-2024, Forest Avenue Reconstruction, Discussion and Possible Action regarding awarding Contract 3-2024, North Fremont Street Reconstruction.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater Street
*In Person
Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes several closed session items, followed by return to open session.
In-person & virtual Community Development Authority Board of Directors Meeting (In-Person & Virtual) Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87688580790?pwd=uSsREcRQQG1Hcv8PCZkzdspb94Rf1w.HStrGsutcrrv8Szp
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 876 8858 0790
Passcode: 082260
The following individuals from your area have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Fall 2023 semester. UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Whitewater
Skylar Staebler, School of the Arts-Undergrad
Emma Van Daele, Rehab Sci & Tech Undergraduate
On Thursday night, February 8, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling team made history when they traveled to Beloit Turner High School to participate in two dual meets against Muskego and Turner. Over the course of the season the girls have been doing an outstanding job competing but never in a situation where it was set up as an official dual meet.
Whitewater started off against Muskego in a fun dual meet. Coming up with wins for the Whippets were Ema Aranda, Silvia Harris, Isabelle Cantu, Lauren Buehler, A’Lani Ross, and Myia Cobbs. At the conclusion of the last match the teams were deadlocked so the rule book was broken out to find the tiebreaker criteria. The coaches and official had to go down to criteria letter i, most first points scored in a match, in which the Whippets lost by two points.
In the second dual of the night, the Whippets competed against Beloit Turner. Again, this dual was quite the meet. Coming up with wins for the Whippets were Ema Aranda, Lauren Buehler, A’Lani Ross, Atreya Wilson, and Marianna Kubicz. With Atreya getting her pin, it put the Whippets yet again tied, as the dual meet ended once again having us pull out the rule book. This time the Whitewater girls came out on top in the criteria by filling out more of the weight classes for the victory. Future trivia question: What was the date that the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling Team won their first official dual meet? The answer will be February 8, 2024!
Outstanding job by all the girls for hard fought matches. It was very exciting to watch the girls compete in this capacity.
Next up for the girls’ team is when they travel to Campbellsport on February 17 to compete in the Girls’ WIAA Sectional Tournament, vying for a trip to the state wrestling tournament.
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Team Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hefty
Emerson Ellenwood, a senior at Whitewater High School, has been awarded a Prestigious National Honor Society Scholarship.
Since 1946, more than $25 million in scholarships have been awarded to outstanding NHS senior members to support college access and student success. The scholarship program is supported by the parent organization of NHS, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
In the 100+ years since NHS was founded in 1921, members have been making a difference in their schools and communities. The NHS Scholarship is NASSP’s way of recognizing the most exceptional of these student leaders. Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of NHS: Leadership, Character, Scholarship & Service.
Emerson is the President of the National Honor Society & French National Honor Society at Whitewater High School and is the Captain of the Varsity Soccer, Basketball & Tennis Teams. He has been on the high honor roll throughout his high school career and won many academic awards for his achievement in school. Emerson earned the distinction of AP Scholar with Honor, became a University of Chicago Voltage Scholar, was a Badger Boys State Primary Delegate in 2023, Wisconsin Second Alternate at Boys Nation, and earned the Whitewater High School Rising Whippet Award in 2022. He also won an award for the Best Position Paper for SOCHUM at MADMUN XII – an organization through Model United Nations (UN) whose top priority is to enforce social, cultural and humanitarian freedoms internationally. Emerson has helped many younger students work through challenges as a Peer Mentor and encouraged many students to take advantage of opportunities as a member of the Lead Dog Program. He also inspired many students as a Basketball Coach for the Whitewater Parks & Recreation Program.
Whitewater High School NHS Advisor, Pamela Sonmor-Wintz proudly remarked, “Emerson has been an amazing National Honor Society President this year and is so deserving of this honor and recognition! He is an outstanding student, leader and exceptional human being. His character is always at the highest level and he makes decisions that have a positive impact on his peers. Emerson has empathy for others and a sense of humility that helps him recognize and acknowledge the strengths of others. He is an inspiration to everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. Congratulations Emerson for receiving this most honorable and prestigious award!”
Emerson is the son of Christian Ellenwood and Elisabeth Deussen.
It’s movie awards season and Seniors in the Park will be presenting many nominated and winning films over the coming months!
“The Holdovers”
Tuesday, February 13, 1 p.m.
(Drama/Comedy) Rated R (language)
2 hours, 13 minutes (2023).
A cranky history teacher (Paul Giammati) at an obscure Eastern prep school is forced to stay on campus over the Holidays with the few students and staff (DaVine Joy Randolph) that have no place to go. Golden Globes were awarded for Best Actor; Supporting Actress.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
The Whitewater Whippet Gymnastics Team went to Elkhorn Thursday night, February 8. The JV team took 2nd with a score of 65.2750. It is the JV’s highest score this year.
Vaulting for the first time, Maddie Morton scored a 7.050. Maggie, Amaya, and Gabriella scored their highest on vault.
JV Balance beam was once again a no fall beam routine from the four girls that competed.
JV had 5 girls compete on the floor, with all the girls scoring the personal best for the year so far.
Whitewater Whippets Gymnastics has two more meets left in the season. They will be in Waterford on Tuesday, February 13th and then head to Elkhorn for Conference on the 16th.
Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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