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Today is Friday, June 26, 2026
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The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued yet one more Wind Chill Advisory, continuing until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They indicate that the coldest chills will be from late Monday night until Tuesday morning.
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers
7 p.m. CST| Fox
The Green Bay Packers pulled off a massive 48-32 upset win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday as the No. 7 seed in the NFC. As a result, they’ll head to the Bay Area to take on the top-seeded 49ers on Saturday night.
Five takeaways on packers.com
Homepage image: Aaron Jones from packers.com
According to si.com, former UW-W football coach Lance Leipold was reportedly offered the open head coach position at the University of Washington, but he has decided to stay at the University of Kansas. Quoting Sports Illustrated, “The news is absolutely huge for the Jayhawks, as they have seen one of the biggest improvements in the sport under Leipold. After taking over a team that went 0-9 during the 2020 season, the Jayhawks have steadily improved. With two consecutive bowl appearances in the last two seasons, capped by a win over UNLV at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, optimism is high for the future of the program.”
Joel Houkom writes, “The sunrise on Trippe Lake on Sunday, January 14, 2024 was gorgeous. Note the steam rising from the water flowing from Whitewater Creek into the lake.”
Our thanks to Joel Houkom for sharing this beautiful photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Moment of silence, Proclamation recognizing the Contributions of James “Jim” Allen to the City, and public comments; Closed session regarding Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District, followed by Open session to discuss same; Resolution requesting approval of Final Plat for Meadow View Subdivision; Appointment of Common Council president; Discussion regarding filling the council openings for at-large and District 1; Discussion regarding proposed consequences for council member violations of decorum standards.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
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/83698371976?pwd=DqGdfH5_oCwf2Jk9cHo9kGdyNSEvuA.42gU4QzY3bRjU8M2
Or Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 836 9837 1976
Passcode: 745504
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.
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding renaming East Gate Park and Discussion and possible action regarding facility rental and reservation policy update.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89039304942?pwd=enpNM2tUL1ZDcnIxWWVGRWtUK2p0UT09Meeting ID: 890 3930 4942
Passcode: 933271
Or dial
• +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 890 3930 4942
Passcode: 933271
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Action regarding formation of a Library Expansion Building Committee, Library Building Project update and closed session, to reconvene: Library Director Contract and Offer.
Library Community Room 431 West Center
*In Person and Virtual
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/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: 1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
Passcode: 137945
Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation by Pam Carper, Program Manager-Housing for the Walworth County Economic Development Association (WCEDA), Presentation by Dan Berg of the Whitewater-Rice Lakes Management District, Discussion and consideration of engaging legal counsel to represent the interests of the CDA, Closed session to be followed by open session: Consideration and possible action regarding Offer to Purchase Vacant Parcel of Land located on Starin Road (Tax Parcel /WUP 00018D) at a purchase price of $403,390.
(In-Person & Virtual)
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 click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82414637306?pwd=epyIv5RSBD2–mXbBSfCVwk1wRxKYw.ifo_B17IfD-T2da8
Passcode: 799533
Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 824 1463 7306
Passcode: 799533
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Tuesday through Friday
Whitewater School Board members and other Whitewater Unified School District officials will be attending the Wisconsin State Education Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 16-19, 2024. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the trip or at the convention.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,[1] and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.
King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Text and homepage image from Wikipedia.
All city offices will be closed on January 16th, but citizens who need police assistance may use the after hours call button in the Municipal Building Whitewater Street vestibule or may call the non-emergency phone number at 262-473-0555 option 4. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was shared at UW-Whitewater on January 10.
Chancellor Corey A. King has announced the appointment of Kristin Fillhouer as the interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“Over her more than 20 years of higher education experience, Kristin Fillhouer has embodied a commitment to student success,” King said. “A deeply respected administrator and colleague on the Rock County campus, Kristin puts students first, every time. She understands the importance of the full student experience, whether it’s helping students achieve academically, connecting them with financial or mental health resources, or creating a sense of belonging. I appreciate her enthusiasm in taking on this role. She will be an exceptional leader for the Student Affairs unit at UW-Whitewater.”
Fillhouer began working at the Rock County campus in 2003 and has served in various roles including assistant dean, lecturer, and roles in student recruitment and retention. Since 2018, Fillhouer has served as associate dean for student affairs and enrollment management. In addition to developing and managing budgets, she oversees and leads staff in areas such as academic support, advising, registration, orientation, student mental health services, accessibility services, curriculum, enrollment management, financial aid, student conduct, registration, student life and support services.
Fillhouer played a key role in the successful organizational restructuring that welcomed UW-Rock County as a branch campus of UW-Whitewater in 2017-18. Her steady leadership, collaborative style and caring spirit were invaluable as the campus navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Warhawk alum, Fillhouer earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from our university. In 2023, she was named Forward Janesville Educator of the Year.
Fillhouer will assume the new role on Jan. 16 and is expected to serve through the spring of 2025, when a national search will be conducted for the permanent position.
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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