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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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In-person absentee voting for the city at the Municipal Building begins Tuesday, March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3. Go to 2nd Floor, City Clerk’s Office, at 312 W Whitewater St.
Information for in-person absentee voting in the nearby towns may be found in this previous Banner article.
To see who is on your ballot, simply enter your address on this website.
The Jefferson County Spring Clean Sweep will be held on Friday, April 10 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Jefferson County Parks Shop, 1555 South Industrial Drive in Jefferson. The event is open to households, farms, and small businesses to properly dispose of their hazardous waste.
We require phone pre-registration (920-674-7430) for this event. Households and farms, please register by Wednesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m.; you are welcome to bring items from multiple residences/families. Small businesses, please register by April 3 or earlier. You will complete an inventory record of items you have and will receive an estimated disposal cost (based on weight) payable at the event.
Fees for households and farms are $10 cash per trunkload, $50 cash per truckload, and $100 cash per truck and trailer. Businesses may pay by credit card or company check. Additional fees are charged for tires, cylinders, and large quantities of light bulbs.
What is considered hazardous waste? Typically, any product that contains any of the following words: “Danger, Warning, Caution, Poison, Flammable, or Corrosive.” These items should be brought to a Clean Sweep event. For a full list of accepted hazardous waste, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php.
New for 2026, we are accepting one-pound propane cylinders. Jefferson County is excited to add this service and provide a safe recycling option for residents. The cost is $5 per cylinder.
Please note: Unused prescription drugs, electronics, appliances, and latex paint will not be accepted at this event. Latex paint may be dried out and tossed in your trash; empty paint containers should be recycled.
For information about this event or other upcoming events, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php or contact Kim at 920-674-7430 or kimb@jeffersoncountywi.gov.
Editor’s note: Whitewater residents are welcome to participate in the event even if they don’t live in Jefferson County.
The Whippet Track and Field Team had their first meet of the season, competing at UW Whitewater in the Nelson-Daniel Classic. Named after legendary Whippet coaches Phil Nelson and Jack Daniel, the meet featured 36 teams from Wisconsin and Illinois. The Whippets competed their hearts out, many of them running in a huge meet like this for the first time.
In the girls competition Sydney Schildt showed why she is one of the top sprinters in the area finishing 6th overall in a very talented 55M dash final, running the fastest time ever for a Whippet sprinter indoors, running 7.47. Mya Graves-Koran dropped a half second off her time from last year in the 55M hurdles running 10.83 and giving the Whippets a lot to look forward to in the girls hurdles. Running the 1600 and 800 for the Whippets, Virginia Nelson came close to personal bests in her first races of the year running 6:09.57 for the 1600 and 2:49.18 for her 800. Lucy Davis and Atreya Wilson competed in the shot put setting marks of 20′ 11.5″ and 27′ 11.5″ respectively. Rounding out the competition for the Whippets was the 4X200M Relay composed of Isabelle Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Sydney Schildt and Mya Graves-Koran, Cohen and Comfort running indoors for the first time.
In the boys competition Juniors Frank Mbifi and Emiliano Olivares started things off with personal bests in the triple jump each making it to the finals in a talented triple jump competition. Olivares hit a mark of 38′ 7.75″ finishing 9th while Mbifi leapt to a 39′ 8.5″ mark placing 8th. Freshman, Cason Boudreau finished 11th overall in the 55 M hurdles narrowly missing the finals and running an outstanding time of 9.59. Teammate Ty Bucholtz lit up the track finishing second in his first ever indoor hurdle final. Bucholtz time of 7.99 was one of the fastest hurdle races ever run by a Whippet hurdler indoors., setting a high bar for the rest of the season. The 4X800M Relay team of Ty Carollo, Angel Kilar, Carson Miller, and Wyatt Esch raced to a 16th place finish overall, while Vinnie Juette, Aaron Garcia, Anjay Magana, and Evan Leising nailed their handoffs and sprinted to a 13th place finish in 1:41.32 in a hotly contested speed relay race. Sprinters Vinnie Juette, Langdon Coburn, Trevor Piper, and Leon Kimbrough got after it in the 55 M dash and though they did not reach the finals, they also set the bar high for Whippet sprinters this season. Caleb Pechous toured the track for the Whippets racing in his first ever indoor 400 giving it everything he had and in shot put competition the Whippets were represented by Austin Retzlaff and Harry Ritchie in the big man competition.
In what would be one of the most exciting events of the evening, Langdon Coburn came to compete in the pole vault competition. As the crowd began to gather at the south end of the Kachel Center, near the pole vault area, the bar kept going higher and so did Langdon. As his competitors fell off one by one Coburn kept going. When he vaulted 12′ 6″ to win the competition, many thought the event might be over as 12′ 6″ was his personal best, but Coburn had other ideas. As the bar went to 13′, Langdon had two narrow misses before soaring to a new personal best. Next, the bar was raised to 13′ 6″ and Coburn did not disappoint. When the dust settled Langdon was the Nelson-Daniel Champion in the vault with a new personal best of 13′ 6″.
All in all it was a great night to be a Whippet. The coaching staff is so proud of all of the student-athletes who competed on the evening, many in their first ever varsity competition giving us all a lot to look forward to this season.
Candidate for City Council District 4: Brian Schanen
I am seeking re-election on April 7 to the Whitewater Common Council representing District 4 on the city’s west side because of my deep love for this community. If re-elected, I am committed to addressing affordability, expanding business opportunities, and ensuring transparency in local government.
Growing up I was involved in Boy Scouts, earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, and helped my dad on his hobby farm. I learned the importance of honesty, respect, hard work, civic engagement, and servant leadership. These are values that I live every day, that I bring to my campaign and are central to my work on council.
My wife Heather and I met as students at UW-Whitewater and quickly fell in love with the community. While the university brought us here, it was the people, businesses, and events that made us stay. We are avid supporters of local businesses, events, and organizations – a Friday night fish fry at Rick’s, a Sunday morning breakfast at Jessica’s, a birthday at Fanatico’s, Tuesday trivia at Beer Here, a 4th of July on Cravath lakefront, Kiwanis Pancake Day, Cars & Coffee in the Kettle Moraine, the Fire Department pancake breakfast, a movie at Cinemas of Whitewater, busy restaurants after a Warhawk or Whippet win (among many, many other things) these experiences aren’t small, they are what makes Whitewater special.
As your council representative, I prioritize listening to residents, asking questions, and digging into the details. Whether it’s a small neighborhood concern or a long-term city plan, I work to ensure decisions are thoughtful, informed, and in the best interest of our community. I strongly support our residents, city staff, and our fire, EMS, and police departments.
First Term Accomplishments
Over my first term representing Whitewater’s west side meaningful progress has been made.
• Expanded owner-occupied housing, with over 50 new units well underway
• Strengthened programs to rehabilitate aging homes and convert rentals back to owner-occupied housing
• Supported business growth in the business park, with multiple developments in progress
• Expanded business retention visits citywide, helping support projects like a major expansion at Lavelle
• Increased access to healthcare through a partnership with Edgerton Hospital that brought an urgent care into the city. Since then, Edgerton Hospital has also opened a new pain clinic here.
• Improved transparency by reducing closed sessions, increasing public notice visibility via social media, and expanding lake committee participation
Vision for a Second Term
Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing our community. I am focused on responsible budgeting and easing the property tax burden for residents.
At the March 17 Council meeting, I introduced a series of ideas to improve accountability and control spending, including:
• Placing limits on when the city can go to referendum
• Capping the level of city debt
• Making better use of funds as the result of tax increment districts to help all residents.
• Increasing transparency when it comes to the number of city employees
• Other ideas can be seen in the council agenda item
If re-elected, I will work to move these ideas forward immediately, along with strengthening our ethics code to increase accountability.
As a member of the Finance Committee, I am also advocating for a clearer and more strategic approach to capital planning—ensuring we can maintain our roads, lakes, and parks while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Supporting local businesses is another key priority. I want to simplify processes like permitting and licensing so business owners can focus on growth. For example, I believe we should streamline duplicative approval processes that currently require multiple committees to review the same items.
We must continue building on the momentum in our business park by attracting high-quality employers that create good-paying jobs without overburdening city resources.
I will continue to be an advocate for owner-occupied housing, the lakes, and local healthcare.
I have more information on my priorities on my Facebook Page.
Voting Information
If you live on the west side of Whitewater (wards 6-8), I respectfully ask for your vote on April 7.
In-person absentee voting at the Municipal Building begins March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3.
For full voting details, and to see what is on your ballot please visit myvote.wi.gov.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Brian Schanen. The Whitewater Banner welcomes a submission to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com from Common Council, School Board or Town Board candidates for the city and nearby towns.
The internationally acclaimed musical Kinky Boots is stepping into town in a dazzling new national tour! With a score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a heartwarming book by Harvey Fierstein, this Tony Award–winning show celebrates friendship, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself. Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price and the fabulous drag performer Lola as they join forces to save a struggling shoe factory with a bold new line of high-heeled boots. Packed with unforgettable songs, electrifying choreography, and a powerful message about embracing what makes us unique, this joyful production promises an evening of laughter, heart, and high-stepping entertainment.
Kinky Boots is not rated R. The show is known for its uplifting themes and positive portrayal of characters, making it suitable for a broad audience. It has won multiple awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and is recognized for its joyful and heartwarming story.
Check out the promotional video here.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic—grab your tickets today and get ready to raise a heel! Tickets, which start at only $25, may be purchased online here. They also may be purchased at Ticket Services in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street, Whitewater. The office is open Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The phone number is 262-472-2222. There is a small surcharge for tickets purchased at the door. Parking is free; the most convenient lot is generally #2, south of Main Street on Prince Street.
| SAVE 20% WITH PROMO CODE: YoungBoots20! Discount valid for a limited time and subject to availability. Not valid on previouslypurchased tickets or in combination with other offers. Some restrictions may apply. |
On Friday, March 20th at approximately 5:41 PM, Lakeside Fire-Rescue and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched by the Rock County 911 Center for a reported water rescue at Storrs Lake in the Town of Milton.
A bystander contacted 911 after hearing calls for help and observing four individuals in the water approximately 100 meters from shore. The individuals had been kayaking when their kayak overturned, leaving them in the water. All four occupants were wearing life jackets and were attempting to swim back to shore.
By the time fire crews arrived on scene, all four individuals had safely made it out of the water. Two subjects were evaluated and transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Janesville with non-life-threatening injuries.
This incident serves as an important reminder to the public that although the ice has receded, water temperatures remain extremely cold and can lead to hypothermia within minutes. Wearing life jackets significantly increases the chances of survival, and responders were encouraged to see all individuals properly equipped.
This marks the third water rescue in the past 36 days. Of the eight individuals rescued during these incidents, six have been under the age of 20.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Lakeside Fire-Rescue. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the home page by Petra from Pixabay.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action to recommend Down Payment Assistance Program for
Fire/EMS Department
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Personand Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2262494895281?p=GzbNCvxiqeNZJNGoF7
Meeting ID: 226 249 489 528 1
Passcode: 8y8og7hs
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,840174601# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 840 174 601#
Aquatic Center Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes election of officers; Tour of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center.
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Large Meeting Room 580 S. Elizabeth St. Whitewater, WI
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone,
or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23024647953882?p=0xWG70oJJ3JEQ1YW1K
Meeting ID: 230 246 479 538 82
Passcode: pa7ka3GW
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,717102861# United States
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 717 102 861#
The Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized area high school students as “Good Citizens” during a reception on March 5 at the Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson. Pictured from left to right are: DAR Corresponding Secretary and Registrar Jessica Punzel; Hannah Werning, Jefferson High School; Madeline Bennett, Johnson Creek High School; Hannah Baldry, Fort Atkinson High School; Madelynn Sherry, Lake Mills High School; Marvin Duarte Garcia, Whitewater High School; Brooklyn West, Palmyra-Eagle High School; and DAR Chapter Regent Janet Stehling. Unable to attend was Danny Swain, Cambridge High School
Pictured with Jessica Punzel of DAR: Marvin Duarte Garcia, Whitewater High School {Left]; Brooklyn West, Palmyra-Eagle High School
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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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