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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

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Concert in the Park Thursday Ladies Must Swing

July 24, 2023

Concert In The Park, Thursday, July 27th Ladies Must Swing @ 7p.m. Cravath Lakefront Park

It’s going to be an amazing night of Jazz in the Park! Grab your blanket, dinner and join us for this Free & Family Concert In The Park with Ladies Must Swing. Concert starts at 7:00 p.m. 

Ladies Must Swing is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 22 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!

The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!

Thank you to our Sponsor Whitewater TDS Fiber.

Police: “Attempted Child Abduction Did Not Occur”

July 24, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department. The original report on the Banner may be found here.

Whitewater Police Department Notifies Community that Attempted Child Abduction Did Not Occur

July 24th, 2023 – The Whitewater Police Department wishes to notify the community that continued investigation into the reported child abduction attempt revealed that the incident did not occur. The reporting individual informed police that the account given was false. Based on this information, there is no known threat to the community, and all previously provided suspect descriptions should be disregarded. We are continuing to work with the reporting individual to ensure any necessary services are provided.

WHS Classes of ’53 & ’54 Reunion (Class of ’54 pictured here)

July 23, 2023
Photo by Tom Ganser at 841 Brewhouse, Whitewater, Wisconsin, on July 8, 2023.
 
WHS Class of 1953
Front row (left to right):  Wesley Vance, Lois (Anderson) Benes, John Suby, Donna (Trewyn) Kasnick, Thedonia (Williams) Kerska, Don Triebold, Bill Gruetzman
Back row (left to right):  Vernon Hansen, Henry Meisner, John Roe, Nathan Schneider
 
Photo by Tom Ganser at 841 Brewhouse, Whitewater, Wisconsin, on July 8, 2023.

WHS Class of 1954
Front row (left to right):  Ann (Prior) Frey, Lynn (Bigelow) Arnold, Gus Vanderveen, Dean Tucker
Back row (left to right):  Evelyn (Miller) Schneider, Ron Socwell, Bruce Lyon

This Week’s City Meeting

July 23, 2023

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry CommissionMonday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room – 2nd Floor and Virtual
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/603819989
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 603-819-989
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122

Ben Heller, WHS ’09, Pitches Another Scoreless Inning Vs. Brewers on Sunday

July 23, 2023
Heller pitching on 7/21/23 – Photo courtesy of Tim Zuehlke

On Sunday the Atlanta Braves won their second game of the three game series against the Brewers at American Family Field, 4-2. Ben Heller, WHS ’09, pitched his second inning of the series, having allowed no scores on either occasion.

Bottom 8th

Pitching Substitution

Pitching Change: Ben Heller replaces Daysbel Hernandez.

Single

Christian Yelich singles on a ground ball to center fielder Michael Harris II.

Grounded Into DP

William Contreras grounds into a double play, shortstop Orlando Arcia to second baseman Ozzie Albies to first baseman Matt Olson. Christian Yelich out at 2nd. William Contreras out at 1st. 

2 outs

ATL 4,

MIL 2

Walk

Willy Adames walks.

Single

Sal Frelick singles on a ground ball to left fielder Kevin Pillar. Willy Adames to 2nd.

Strikeout

Andruw Monasterio strikes out swinging. 

3 outs

ATL 4,

MIL 2

Our Readers Share: Al Stanek – Resting Buck

July 22, 2023

Al Stanek captured this photo of a resting buck on July 21, “just off the Ice Age bike trail.”

Our thanks to Al Stanek for sharing this beautiful image.

— 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 or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

Junior Whippets Brought Home Championship Title

July 22, 2023

The Whitewater Junior Whippets brought home the championship title in the 10U, Class C Division of the Major Youth Baseball League for their 2023 season. Comprised of 8-10 year-olds from all three Whitewater elementary schools, this team played an incredible season with not only a championship win but an overall 16-3 record for the season. Congratulations to our Junior Whippets!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Mike Kachel.

Ben Heller, WHS ’09, Pitched One Inning Vs. Brewers

July 22, 2023
Heller pitching on 7/21/23 – Photo courtesy of Tim Zuehlke

Update 7/21/23 @ 9:20 p.m. – Heller pitched the 7th inning: struck one out swinging, walked one, Tapia grounded into a double play.

Dick Enstad indicates the following regarding Ben Heller, WHS ’09, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves:

“Ben Heller is not a starting pitcher for the Braves. He is in the bullpen and performs middle relief. He could appear in any of the games this weekend.”

The Atlanta Braves (62-33) are playing the Brewers (54-43) on Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday at 6:15 p.m., and Sunday at 1:10 p.m. It appears that Spectrum cable subscribers can watch the games on channel 29. Brewers now lead the NL Central.

Braves won 6-4.

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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