Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, June 25, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
A total of 3,757 students earned a spot on the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 fall semester.
The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester:
Whitewater
Marijke Arreola
Stephanie Hensel
Tj Kaczkowski
Devon Knowles
Raquel Ortiz
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”
More than 11,500 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.
The Fort Atkinson Club Hosts Wellness Day on Saturday, February 3
Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Fort Atkinson Club (FAC), in partnership with Fort Healthcare, invites area residents to this free event focusing on community health and wellness. There will be over 12 experts sharing information on nutrition and fitness, healthy cooking, CPR/AED information, fall prevention and community health as well as preventative screenings, financial and environmental health and more. There will also be chair massage sessions available along with healthy snacks and a variety of other presentations. The FAC, along with Fort Healthcare, is pleased to host this event for the first year.
Wellness Day starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. and will take place on all three levels of the historic Fort Atkinson Club Community Center, which offers a beautiful setting in a historic building overlooking the Rock River. The FAC community center is located at 211 South Water Street East, and visitors can use the front entrance or drop off at our side entrance with elevator, for folks with mobility issues.
“This is going to be a wonderful, fun event and we are thrilled to serve as a venue for many presentations, workshops and informational opportunities that focus on the health and wellness of our community, ” says Executive Director Lawan Glasscock. “There will definitely be something for everyone, from healthy cooking to Zumba demos, wellness screenings and opportunities to connect with those who are anxious to share their knowledge and passion for healthy living.” Everyone is welcome!
For more information, you may contact the Fort Atkinson Club at 920-568-1720.
The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gala is set for Sat., Feb. 10, 2024, at the Abbey Resort in Fontana. The event includes cocktails, an elegant dinner and dessert, orchestra concert, auction items, and dancing the night away to the LGSO Swing Band featuring award-winning vocalist Maureen Christine.
The evening starts at 6:00 with cocktails and live music by small ensembles, followed by dinner. Enjoy a fun evening of music and dancing while supporting a wonderful cause as LGSO leads the audience “Around the World.”
In addition to being the major fundraiser for the year, the Gala is the best way for the orchestra and audience to mingle and get to know each other. It starts with the fact the orchestra isn’t on a stage. Orchestra members and the audience are side by side as they enjoy the evening’s festivities.
Looking ahead, on Mar. 16 at 7:30 p.m., the LGSO will forces with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Symphony Orchestra at the Young Auditorium in a not-to-be-missed performance of Gustav Holst’s monumental orchestral suite, “The Planets,” along with “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” by Vaughan Williams.
For more information and tickets ($100 plus fees), visit www.LakeGenevaOrchestra.org or call 262-359-9072. The deadline is Sunday, February 4.
The Whippet Swim Team had a few swimmers compete at the Southern Lakes Conference JV Championship Meet on Tuesday, January 30.
It was exciting to watch Angel Kilar and Isaac Straight show off all their hard work this season! Isaac started off the meet racing in the 50 Freestyle, going just on his best time despite his goggles filling with water, making it a little difficult to see. Angel then swam in the 100 Freestyle where he went a 1:19.65. He finished 3rd in his heat and 12th overall! After a short break, Angel was back in the water to compete in the 100 Backstroke. For being only the 3rd time swimming it, he has showed so much improvement in his stroke technique! Isaac finished off the night in the 100 Breaststroke going a best time of 1:42.60. Shout out to Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, and Wyatt Esch who came and supported their teammates!
The boys will compete again on Saturday, February 3rd, with the rest of the team at home in the Southern Lake Conference Championships! The meet starts at 11 a.m., and we hope to see you there! Let’s pack the pool with Whippet Fans!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
On Tuesday night, January 30, the Whitewater Wrestling Team closed out their regular season as they hosted the Cougars of Janesville Craig in a non-conference wrestling meet. Historically this has been a very well wrestled competitive dual meet for both teams as they gear up for their respective Conference Tournaments this coming Saturday. Tuesday proved to be no different.
Whitewater wrestled very well but came up just short on the night, dropping the dual meet 32-33. The team finished the regular season with an 8-3 record, dropping their last two dual meets each by 1 point! The team finished undefeated in the Rock Valley “Valley Division” at 4-0.
Coming away with wins for the Whippets against Craig included pins by Rylan Oldenburg (106), JJ Gonzalez (157), and Junior Soto (HWT). Winning by 8 points and earning a major decision for the team included Connor Friend (132) and Odair Porras (150). Coming away with forfeit on the night was Sebastian Cuellar at 165.
Although the team dropped the meet, the coaching staff was pleased with the performance of all. Even in losses the wrestlers competed and left it on the mat each and every match, and that is all that the coaches can ask for.
Next up for the Whippets the JV team will travel to Delavan-Darien to participate in the JV Conference Wrestling Tournament. Wrestling starts on Friday night at 4:00. The varsity team will then travel to Delavan-Darien to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Tournament on Saturday. Wrestling will begin at 10:00.
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Qualifying taxpayers are invited to receive free tax preparation and electronic filing of their 2023 federal and state income tax returns at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic. This IRS-sponsored program is available for low and moderate-income taxpayers at no cost, and no appointments are needed.
The UW-Whitewater VITA clinic will be located in the UW-W Community Engagement Center, 1260 W Main Street, Whitewater (next to Walmart). There is plenty of free parking in front of the UW-W Community Engagement Center for VITA participants. Clinic hours are from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays from January 31 through April 10. Clients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and they should arrive at least one hour before closing.
The VITA clinic is staffed by certified student preparers and supervised by faculty in the College of Business and Economics Department of Accounting. In addition to providing hands-on experience for graduate and undergraduate accounting students, the free VITA clinic helps residents of Whitewater and surrounding communities.
“We have many long-time clients who return for assistance each spring,” said Robert Meyers, accounting department lecturer and VITA program co-director. “The opportunity to apply training while working with real people is an invaluable experience for our students.”
Important information, including a location map, program limitations and required supporting documentation, can be found at https://www.uww.edu/cobe/vita. For additional information, email the VITA Site Coordinator at vita@uww.edu or leave a message at 262-472-5452.
Congratulations to the following students for participating in the Rock Valley Conference Honors Band on Monday, January 29: Dante Baker, Payton Bunger, Myia Cobbs, Grace Coleman, Jay Downs, Haley Keltesch, Taiya Kolb, Izzy Lavertu, Kay Mikos, and Liz Ngabo.
These students were selected to be a part of this group due to their dedication, hard work, and leadership in the band classroom. They spent the day working with renowned conductor Dr. Scott Teeple from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and performed a concert that same night.
Article and Photos Submitted by Sam Averill
Whitewater High School Band Director
saverill@wwusd.org
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) will be hosting its annual meeting to celebrate its accomplishments from 2023 and upcoming goals for 2024. This year’s banquet will feature a keynote presentation from Secretary Dan Hereth from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
This event will take place on Thursday, February 8th at 5:30 p.m. at 841 Brewhouse banquet hall, 841 E Milwaukee St., Whitewater. GWC would like to cordially invite the community to attend this event. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., and the keynote speaker will begin presenting at 6:00 p.m with the social hour to continue after his presentation.
RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Lilly Munkvold or Anna Dahl at pr@knightpublicaffairs.com or operations@knightpublicaffairs.com by Wednesday, February 7th.
Dan Hereth was appointed secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) in August 2022. Prior to that, Secretary Hereth served as the department’s assistant deputy secretary since 2019, and he served as the Deputy District Director for Congresswoman Gwen Moore since 2007.
The Council of State Governments honored Hereth with a 20 Under 40 Leadership Award in 2023, making him the Council’s first such honoree from Wisconsin.
At DSPS, Hereth has led technology upgrades and guided innovative partnerships with professional associations, employers, and other stakeholders. His work has increased licensing efficiency and bolstered Wisconsin’s professional workforce, while keeping a focus on the department’s public safety mission.
Hereth is a Watertown, WI native and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Minor in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“ We are excited to hear from Secretary Dan Hereth on all of the success and progress that was made in the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and their plans for the future,” said GWC President Jeffery Knight.
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
