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Today is Thursday, June 25, 2026
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We are in the Halloween Spirit for 2 Tuesdays in a Row, October 24 and 31! Free Halloween Treats, too!!
“Hocus Pocus 2”
Tuesday, October 31, 1 PM
(Comedy/Family/Fantasy)
Rated PG. 1 hour, 43 minutes. (2022).
The misadventures continue as two young women accidentally bring the three Sanderson Sister witches back to life in Salem and must figure out how to stop these child-hungry witches in our modern day world. The returning cast really camps it up!
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
A number of communities in south central Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday from 1-4 p.m., Palmyra’s on Saturday from 3:30-6:00 p.m., and Jefferson’s on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls. Again this year the hours will be 4-7 p.m.
How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!
Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting next month to discuss planned improvements to the WIS 106/County N intersection outside Fort Atkinson.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Town of Koshkonong Town Hall, located at W5609 Star School Road. WisDOT officials will be on hand to speak with the public and get feedback on the proposed improvements.
WisDOT intends to turn the intersection into a single-lane roundabout. Both State Highway 106 and County Highway N would be closed and detoured during the project. Work is set to begin in 2027.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Our final image in the historic houses in Whitewater series is another stereoscope taken around 1870. Perhaps overlooked at 522 W. Main St., the Sanger Marsh House is a fine example of an Italianate Style house built in 1861 by local builder Nelson Salisbury, who built several cream brick houses in a similar manner in Whitewater.
Sanger Marsh was a prominent businessman who helped found the First National Bank in Whitewater in 1863. This bank was the first public bank in the community and lasted until the 1930s, when it merged with the Citizens State Bank to become the First Citizens State Bank of Whitewater that we all know today.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(1657ST, Whitewater Historical Society)
Editor’s note: The following proclamation was issued by President Biden.
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 30, 2023. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
_________________________________________________________________________
Editor’s note: The following proclamation was issued by Gov. Evers.
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #215 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 28, 2023, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. John Klenke, who passed away on Tues., Oct. 10, 2023, at the age of 65.
“Representative Klenke is remembered for his conviction, generosity, and dedication to serving his community,” said Gov. Evers. “In the wake of his passing, Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time.”
Former Rep. Klenke was born and raised in Green Bay and graduated from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and finance and UW-Milwaukee with a Master of Science in Taxation. He worked at Schneider National for over two decades, serving as the treasurer, vice president of corporate strategy, division president, and director of corporate tax. In 2010, Klenke was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly to represent the 88th Assembly District. During his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Klenke served on the Joint Committee on Finance and as vice-chairperson of the Energy and Utilities Committee. He was re-elected in 2012 and did not seek re-election in 2014.
Services for former Rep. Klenke will be held on Thurs., Oct. 26, 2023, with his burial subsequently occurring on Sat., Oct. 28, 2023.
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We’re celebrating having served the Whitewater and surrounding communities for an amazing 160 years and we want you to join us! Learn some bank history, look at old pictures, enjoy delicious birthday cake and cookies, and snag some fun giveaways. We’ll also have the Wisconsin Bankers Association President, Rose Oswald Poels here at 11:00 for a short presentation. PLUS! Be sure to sign up for some exciting Anniversary prizes.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will host UW-Platteville for the 28th edition of the George Chryst Memorial Bowl Saturday. The game, which is also the Warhawks’ annual Homecoming and Hall of Fame game, is slated for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
IN THE POLLS
UWW: #5 D3football.com (Prev: 5) / #6 American Football Coaches Association (Prev: 6)
UWP: unranked / Receiving votes AFCA
LAST TIME OUT
The Warhawks topped UW-Stout 37-20 last week at Perkins Stadium. UWW scored 24 unanswered points to open up a big lead and never looked back.
Warhawk quarterback Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) had a fantastic game for UWW accounting for 371 yards of offense and four touchdowns – two passing and two rushing. He hit Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) three times for 103 yards including an 80-yard touchdown strike. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire was perfect in the kicking game going 4-4 for extra points and nailing three field goals – two 30-yarders and another from 33.
The UW-Whitewater defense worked as an entire unit Saturday with 25 Warhawks registering a tackle. Roy Panthier (Elgin, Ill./Elgin), Nehemiah Lomax (Park Forest, Ill./Crete-Monee) and Caden Straka (Lancaster, Wis./Lancaster) all tallied sacks in the game with Straka adding a fumble recovery. In the secondary, Tyson Harvey (Eau Claire, Wis./Memorial) hauled in an interception and had three passes broken up.
UW-Platteville came back from a 14-0 first quarter deficit to score 47 unanswered points and defeat UW-Eau Claire on the road last week. The Pioneers put up nearly 400 yards of offense while holding the Blugolds to just 164.
Three Pioneers saw time behind center with Carl Richardson taking the majority of snaps. He was 21-31 for 220 yards, a pair of touchdowns and one interception. Zackary Bothun carried the ball 19 times for 110 yards to lead the corps of backs. Garrett Stare was Richardson’s top target with five catches including a pair of touchdowns.
UW-Platteville tallied five sacks and 14 tackles for a loss in the game. Tyler Bacon posted three tackles – all for a loss – a sack, a fumble recovery with a return of 20 yards and a pass breakup to lead the Pioneers.
ON THE AIR
Saturday’s game will air live online on the WIAC Network on the UW-Whitewater portal. The contest can be heard on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.
SERIES
The Warhawks’ series against the Pioneers is the longest standing for UWW against a WIAC opponent. Saturday marks the 115th meeting between the two teams. Since 1995, the annual matchup has been designated the George Chryst Memorial Bowl in honor of UW-Platteville’s legendary coach. UW-Whitewater is 24-3 since the battle of the Miner’s Axe began.
Editor’s note: This announcement was shared by Christine Hayes, who writes, “A great event Sunday at the WAA. Throw on your Halloween garb and hear top Whitewater music legend Brian “Looper” Lucas and Kenny Jones – “Los Bromanceros” while taking in a fantastic Hallows art show.”
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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