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.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Recently released data from the Whitewater Unified School District’s implementation of literacy instruction practices aligned with the Science of Reading (SOR) in its elementary schools is showing exciting results.
The data comes from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment (DIBELS), a measure of children’s foundational skills including fluency and comprehension in their journey through literacy. The assessments were given to WUSD elementary students in September 2023, as part of the shift to the SOR-aligned instructional model. To monitor students’ progress and the impact of the new SOR-aligned approach, students were again assessed in January 2024, four months after the change in instruction.
January data indicates that, district-wide, the number of students grades K-5 testing above the grade level benchmark increased by nearly 33% from fall to winter. The number of students who initially tested below the grade level benchmark decreased by nearly 17%. “We are encouraged and thrilled for our students, as they all deserve to be reading on target; they are working tremendously hard!” reported Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent.
“Our teachers, Literacy Coaches, and our Elementary Principals: Mr. Adam Bretl, Mr. Brad Gefvert, and Mr. Tom Grosinske have dedicated themselves to achieve desired results. We are so thankful and proud! It is incredibly validating to see it all working,” said Pate-Hefty. “Additionally, our teachers are part of the Professional Learning Community that is giving feedback about the new curriculum adoption, led by our Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms. Terilyn Robles. We want to honor the significant contributions they are putting into this literacy movement.”
In the fall of 2023, elementary schools in WUSD transitioned to aligning literacy instruction with SOR, a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research focused on reading and writing. SOR uses key components of instruction that prove to be effective and is gaining traction in literacy instruction across the nation. More information regarding WUSD’s literacy programming and alignment with the Science of Reading can be found at https://www.wwusd.org/page/science-of-reading.
###
The following students from the area have been named to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester.
The award is presented to students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or above.
UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, has 49 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate programs, including one doctoral degree. UW-Stout, established in 1891, prides itself on the success of its students in the workplace, with an employment rate above 99.4% for recent graduates. The university was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2001.
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.
Whitewater, WI
Zsuzana Gyenes, BS Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
Cassandra Hoxie, BS Computer and Electrical Engineering
Bennett Miles, BS Computer and Electrical Engineering
On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, at approximately 2:42 a.m., Whitewater Police received a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Kwik Trip Gas Station, located at 305 Elkhorn Road, in the City of Whitewater. The suspect reportedly attempted to purchase an item inside the store, but his debit/credit card was declined after multiple attempts. When employees wouldn’t allow the suspect to leave without paying for the product, the suspect reached into his waistband, brandished what was believed to be a firearm, and made threatening statements to the staff that he was going to “start spraying.” Employees told the suspect to simply take the item and leave, fearing what the suspect might do. The suspect then left Kwik Trip without further incident.
At the same time the armed robbery was being investigated by officers, the Whitewater Communications Center received a separate phone call of an incident involving a male who had been drinking alcohol, was being disorderly towards the caller, and was in possession of a gun. This location was located in close proximity to the eastside Kwik Trip gas station. Officers responded to this secondary location and recognized that the suspect involved in this second call was the same person from the Kwik Trip armed robbery due to viewing video surveillance moments prior. During this second incident, a handgun was recovered at the scene and the suspect was taken into custody.
The suspect, Noel J. Gonzalez (25-year-old male) [107 N East St,] was confined in the Walworth County Jail on multiple criminal charges. The Walworth County District Attorney has formally charged Noel Gonzalez with the following charges: Armed Robbery (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)), Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Wis.Stat. 941.23(2)), and Disorderly Conduct – Domestic Abuse (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1) with modifier 973.055(1)).
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Police Department, which assisted in the efforts to take the suspect into custody without incident. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was issued by the City of Whitewater Police Department on January 19.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This week’s image is the opposite view of last week’s. It was taken at the corner of First and Center Streets in front of the large Bower’s New Metropolitan Block. It shows three buildings on Main Street, two of which are not extant. The two-story building to the right of the three-story building and the three-story building were torn down for the Schultz Brothers “dime” store, now the Main Street Shoppes. The three-story building was reportedly the first brick building constructed in the downtown in the early 1850s. The two-story building was constructed in 1912 and replaced an old hotel. It was the home of McAlister’s Department Store. The building to the left of the three-story building is still standing. It was built in 1872 for Joseph Haubert’s Harness shop and now houses Fanatico’s restaurant.
Join us next week for another winter scene in downtown Whitewater.
(3723P, Whitewater Historical Society)
So You Think You Can Talk
With a goal of increasing comfort, understanding, and connection within our community, First English Lutheran Church invites everyone to come to an introduction of: So You Think You Can Talk.
Based, in part, on David’s Brooks’s How to Know a Person, Dr. Barb Penington, Professor Emeritus of Family Communications, will introduce us to what we hope can become an ongoing conversation about developing our ability to hear and talk to each other in productive ways.
Whether it’s a matter of faithfully living out a calling to love and serve our neighbors or the challenge of living in community with the many complex views and beliefs held by others, this event is for you.
Sunday, January 28th, 10:45 a.m. (approximately 1 hour)
First English Lutheran Church, 401 W Main St., Whitewater
Fellowship Hall, downstairs
Light refreshments provided, free event
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by First English Lutheran Church.
Students who have met all graduation requirements by the end of the first semester of their senior year are permitted to graduate in January. The final step for these students is to present their Graduation Portfolio.
On Thursday, January 18, ten seniors presented portfolios and are now ready to take the next step on their life paths, whether it be to pursue a career, join the service, or start post-secondary education.
Congratulations to these students as they leave WHS; we wish you all the best. January grads participate in the commencement ceremony in May.
Article Submitted by Kate McNulty
Whitewater High School
kmcnulty@wwusd.org
Per Lee Hollingshead, the annual lot owners and directors meetings of the Cemetery Association of Whitewater will be held in the rec. room of Blackhawk Manor, 1155 Blackhawk Ln., Whitewater on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Wind Chill Advisory that is in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. Wind chills in our area are anticipated to be as low as approximately -20 degrees F. There is the possibility of another wind chill advisory on Saturday night.
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.
