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Today is Friday, June 26, 2026
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How have you handled the holidays?
Caregiver GPS
Learn how to navigate the journey of family caregiving
We invite you to join the Aging and Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Dane Counties for a year-long, virtual, family caregiver education series. Webinars will be offered the 3rd Thursday of each month from Noon – 1 p.m. beginning January 18, 2024. The class is free of charge and open to anyone in Wisconsin. Registration is required to obtain the link. Attend all 12 sessions or just those that are of interest to you.
Family caregivers will learn from experts about topics including: dementia information; communication skills for dementia caregivers; legal, financial and crisis planning; home safety; assistive devices; having difficult conversations; resource connections; travel planning as a caregiver and enjoying your holidays. Each session will allow for question-and-answer time.
For a schedule of topics, more information or to register for the link, please contact Rock County Dementia Care Specialist, Karen Tennyson at 608/741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
5th Grade Choir
Music Masters Ensemble
Sherry Stanek shared this beautiful photo she took of the moon on Tuesday, December 26.
Treehugger.com provides the following explanation of this ring around the moon: “Also known as lunar halos, these bright white rings of light can appear anytime during the lunar calendar and any time of the year, especially in winter. But if you hope to see one, you’ll want to disregard the number one rule of stargazing: not to stargaze in cloudy weather. Lunar halos are actually caused by thin, wispy, cirrus and cirrostratus clouds and the refraction and reflection of moonlight by their ice crystals.
Similar to rainbows, lunar halos form when light interacts with water suspended in mid-air. That water is frozen and found in cirrus and cirrostratus clouds—veil-like clouds that float 20,000 plus feet (6 km) above our heads where temperatures are too gelid to remain liquid water….As moonlight shines through the cirrus clouds, it strikes the cloud’s millions of tiny ice crystals and refracts, or bends and changes direction, as it enters each. The light then refracts again as it exits a crystal’s other side.
…like rainbows, halos around the moon (or sun) are personal. Every observer sees their own particular halo made by their own particular ice crystals, which are different from the ice crystals creating the halo observed by the person standing next to you. The sight varies from person to person depending on factors such as personal height and the elevation at the spot where you stand.”
Our thanks to Sherry Stanek for sharing this beautiful and unusual sight.
— 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!
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Per state law, candidates for Common Council and School Board would normally be required to file their nomination papers by Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 5 p.m. This time there is a filing extension until Friday, January 5 at 5 p.m. for one or two of the Common Council seats.
The following three seats on the Common Council will be up for election on April 2, 2024.
Aldermanic District 2 (Wards 9 & 10) – Currently held by Lukas Schreiber, a UW-W ’23 graduate who has filed a certificate of noncandidacy.
Orin Smith, 901 W. Starin Rd., #502A, has filed nomination papers for District 2.
Aldermanic District 4 (Wards 6, 7 & 8) – Currently held by Jill Gerber, who had not filed a certificate of noncandidacy by the December 21 deadline. The Banner has not received a reply from its inquiry on that date as to whether Gerber intended to run for re-election. The Gazette indicated on December 31 that Gerber had told them that she “did not have an answer” as to whether she was running again. It is possible that there will be a 72-hour extension for filing for this position. The Banner will seek to clarify this matter on Tuesday morning.
Brian Schanen, 441 S. Buckingham Blvd., has submitted nomination papers for District 4.
Council Member at Large – Was held by the late James D. Allen, who passed away unexpectedly on December 23. See this article.
Greg Majkrzak, 1294 Tower Hill Pass, has submitted nomination papers for the at large seat. Majkrzak previously served on the council in a district position.
The Jefferson County Daily Union indicates that Keith Staebler is also running for the at large seat. The Daily Union also states that due to the passing of James Allen the deadline for candidacy filing will be extended to Friday, January 5 at 5 p.m.
Persons who may be interested in running for a Common Council seat may find information about the process here. Nomination papers must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2 unless the deadline is extended. Signatures must be obtained from at least 25 people for a district seat or 50 persons for the at large seat. If there are more than two candidates for any seat, a primary will be held on February 20.
The following two seats on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board will be up for election on April 2, 2024. The Whitewater Banner did not receive a response regarding candidate status from the District office on December 20, the last day the office was open before winter break. If there are more than four candidates, a primary will be held on February 20. The seats are currently held by the following:
Larry Kachel, who indicated to The Whitewater Banner that he will be running for re-election.
Maryann Zimmerman, who indicated to The Whitewater Banner that she will be running for re-election.
Persons who may be interested in running for a School Board seat may find information about the process here. Nomination signatures are not required, and the paperwork may be completed in a matter of minutes. Candidacy papers must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2. The district office is closed for winter break until January 2 at 7:30 a.m.
Wishing you health and happiness in the new year! It’s a leap year.
You can’t see STOMP on Broadway any more — it closed in January, 2023 after a 29 year run — but you can see it next week at the Young Auditorium.
STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
Wednesday, January 10 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $58-110 when purchased in advance. There is a $2 additional charge for tickets purchased at the door. Call 262-472-2222, visit the ticket office in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main St. [hours during winter break are unknown; suggest calling ahead], or on the website.
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Special Meeting – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda: Library Director interview (Closed session)
Cravath Lakefront Room, City Administration Building, 312 W Whitewater Street
City of Whitewater Landmarks Committee – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Territorial Oak Site, Birge Fountain Anniversary Party and Special Event Rules, Esterly Carriage House Sale, Year’s plans for mounds, and five year plan.
Cravath Lakefront 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 join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/902144517
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
902-144-517
United States:
+1 (872) 240-3311
City of Whitewater CDA Visioning & Planning Workshop – Friday @ 11:30 a.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room, 2nd Floor
312 West Whitewater St.
According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, freezing drizzle is expected to move across most of southern Wisconsin this evening. The drizzle is anticipated to arrive in the Whitewater area between 9-11 p.m. A light glazing of ice on roads is expected, along with slick driving conditions, especially on untreated roads.
The freezing drizzle will mix with and change to light snow overnight, with the light snow continuing into Sunday, ending from west to east during the afternoon. The transition to snow is expected to occur between 4-6 a.m. on Sunday in the Whitewater area.
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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