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Today is Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Studio 84, a nonprofit art studio located in Whitewater, WI is doing a most unusual fundraiser. It’s an Escape Room with the theme of….well….what else….an art gallery! After all Studio 84 is an art studio, so it seems rather fitting.
One half of Studio 84’s space will be transformed into an art gallery called Musee Gallerie 84. The director, Benjamin Kelly, will play the part of the exhibit’s curator Monsieur Claude Restes and founder Deborah Blackwell transforms into Mademoiselle Deborah Noir Bien. A curator, for those unfamiliar with the term, is an art gallery’s key person that organizes an exhibit. The curator and team are the ones who do the research, gather resources, secure the art and organize the details of an exhibit.
Set with the theme of an art gallery, the ‘exhibit’ Life and Death Through the Artist’s Eyes will be sure to bring on chills and make you put your thinking caps on to solve the clues in order to escape this rather creepy exhibit. Director Ben Kelly states, “Since it will be during the month of October (aka Halloween month) we went with a creepy/scary/horror feeling.”
No knowledge about art or even interest in art is required to visit this gallery because it’s more about the escape than anything else. Once inside an escape room the goal is to escape as the team of up to ten participants are ‘locked’ inside and need to decipher clues to obtain the code that unlocks the door. All within the one-hour time period.
The Escape Room runs October 1 – 31, 2023 and tickets are on sale now. You can purchase a ticket for yourself and become part of a team of others during the same day/time. Or sign up with one friend or as a group of ten friends. Each time slot has a maximum of ten people with a minimum of five. Team members must work together to solve the clues for the code. Tickets are $30 each.
Studio 84’s founder Deborah Blackwell said, “Ben and I have been working on this for a few years now, not because it took that long, but we had plans to open in 2020 and then the pandemic hit and we had many delays afterwards as our focus was getting the Studio back to pre-pandemic operational mode again. We lost so many of our students and people just weren’t ready for such group events. We felt 2023 was the year and people were ready. So, we kicked into high gear to finish up the details of it. We are truly excited to have this come to fruition.”
All proceeds from the event will support Studio 84’s programing in the arts for people with disabilities and the community. They offer daytime studio time for all ages and all abilities. Kelly states, “We understand the needs of those with disabilities and so have a focus with them and provide experiences that support their individual needs to help them become successful and discover their artistic, creative side, but know that you don’t have to have a disability to sign up for studio time; we are open to all ages and all abilities.”
Order your escape room tickets at www.studio84inc.org/escape-room.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image by ha11ok from Pixabay.
Due to projected heat, advisories, and potential burning of kiddos’ hands climbing on some items, the Big Rig Gig for Thursday, Aug 24th is cancelled. Thank you so much for your support and yearly dedication. This event will not be rescheduled; see you in 2024.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was received from the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Department.
Thanks!
Michelle
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #210 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Wed., Aug. 23, 2023, in honor of U.S. Army Corporal Donald L. DuPont, who lost his life in the Korean War and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial. “The effort to see Corporal DuPont returned home to Wisconsin was an endeavor that took the cooperation, coordination, and dedication of many, and we are grateful for the effort to ensure no service member is left behind,” said Gov. Evers. “We are glad that Corporal DuPont can now be laid to rest in peace. Wisconsin will forever remember his service and his sacrifice.” Corporal DuPont of Alma Center, a member of B Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, during a battle near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Jan. 24, 2023, the remains of Corporal DuPont were identified after North Korea turned over 55 boxes of remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to Corporal DuPont’s name on the American Battle Monuments Commission’s Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, to indicate that he has now been accounted for. Corporal DuPont will be buried on Wed., Aug. 23, 2023, in Fairchild. Executive Order #210 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Wed., Aug. 23, 2023, and is available here. |
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Community Room will be the venue for monthly Medicare Scholar educational seminars presented by local business owner Jean Linos of ePlatinum Health. The Medicare Scholar program provides timely information about updates to the Medicare program, law changes, benefits, different types of insurance coverage and more. Each seminar includes a visual presentation, handouts on the topic covered are provided to all attendees and time for questions and answers at the end. The August topic is Medicare for Veterans.
The seminar will cover the two main ways veterans receive medical coverage as a result of their service to our county. We will review which type of coverage is required to enroll in Medicare Part A & B, what type of Medicare coverage is optional and which veterans would benefit from adding Medicare to their existing veterans coverage. Handouts of the material covered will be provided to all in attendance.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Whitewater High School has earned an Advanced Placement Pacesetter Award from the Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council (WAPAC) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The Pacesetter Awards, unique to Wisconsin, are presented annually to districts throughout the state. This year, they recognize the top 142 out of over 500 high schools for student participation and achievement on Advanced Placement exams.
The Level 3 distinction is awarded to schools in which 10 percent or more of the student body took one or more AP exams, and 60 percent or more of those students earned scores of 3 or above on the exams.
“We are thrilled to receive this statewide recognition,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, WUSD Superintendent. “The Pacesetter Award represents the amazing work that our staff and students put in each and every day at WHS. We are excited to celebrate this achievement as we continue to empower our students to achieve excellence.”
Whitewater High School offers 11 AP courses as part of a rigorous curriculum emphasizing academic excellence. The AP program allows students to participate in college-level coursework while they are still in high school, with the culminating AP exam earning college credit and placement.
UW-Whitewater hosted the Special Olympics Wisconsin summer games for the first time in June. About 1200 athletes competed in track and field events, soccer, tennis, cornhole, and powerlifting. 600 volunteers assisted in running the event.
Nicole Christensen, Senior Director of Sports for Special Olympics Wisconsin, told The Banner, “We are excited to return to Whitewater for the Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games. The event will be June 6-8, 2024. The games were held in Stevens Point for 4+ decades before we moved to Whitewater in 2023.”
Sharon Reigstad shared the following story on Facebook a couple weeks ago and gave The Banner permission to pass it on.
I had a chiropractic appointment this afternoon – when I just finished that I stopped at Arby’s on the way home to get something to eat because Ron was out of town. I get up to where I have to order and I know it’s almost impossible for me to hear but I know what I want. I tell the guy on the phone, “You can’t ask me any questions cause I can’t hear what you’re saying to me, so I’m gonna drive up to the window and we can finish the order.” All of a sudden the back door of the building opens. A nice man comes out and he said, “So do you read lips?” I told him yes, he said, “So then would you like to have your drink as part of your meal?” He finished taking my order. I drove up to the window and they gave me the order. I have never ever had this happen to me before; he was so nice and so kind. His name is Wicker!!
I was holding back the tears when I got to the window, so I even forgot what I ordered. It was so amazing!
Our thanks to Sharon Reigstad for allowing us to share her gratitude for a special kindness.
Editor’s note: This information from a Facebook post was submitted by Rhonda Kolander. The Banner regrets that we were unable to obtain clearer images.
New artist at the Tealux Cafe, 129 W. Center Street – James Thelen. Go check out his work!
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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