Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

Today is Monday, June 22, 2026

News & Events

WHITEWATER WEATHER

To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar.  Then, click on Submit Event.

Helpful Links

Search our Archives

To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.

Will Atlanta’s Ben Heller, WHS ’09, Pitch Against the Brewers This Weekend? (Updated)

July 19, 2023

Updated on 7/20 @ 4:20 p.m.: According to this page from the Braves, it appears that Heller is not yet projected to pitch in this series.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the Whitewater High School Facebook page.

Looking for something to do this coming weekend, July 21st-23rd? Consider attending a Milwaukee Brewers game as they host the Atlanta Braves and 2009 Whitewater High School graduate Ben Heller. Ben is currently a pitcher on the Braves roster. #TheWhippetWay #1Family

Final Installment of Property Taxes Due July 31

July 18, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Walworth County Treasurer. Information from Jefferson County’s website is shown after Walworth County’s.

Walworth County Treasurer Valerie Etzel would like to remind all Walworth County property owners that the final installment of the 2022 real estate taxes is due to the Walworth County Treasurer by July 31, 2023. Include your payment stub(s) or indicate parcel number(s) that you are paying on your check or in a separate memo so we may apply your payment(s) correctly.

The following payment options are available to property owners:

  1. In Person: Check, cash, money order at the Walworth County Treasurer’s office, 100 W. Walworth St, Elkhorn. Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  2. By Mail: Checks or money orders may be mailed to the Walworth County Treasurer, PO Box 1001, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Your mail must receive a U.S. Postmark on or before July 31, 2023. If you would like a receipt(s) mailed to you, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
  3. Online: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/ (Property Taxes) Editor’s note: Search for your property record and click on “pay taxes.” Payments accepted via electronic check, debit card, or credit card. Convenience fees for online payments are as follows:

 $.25 – electronic check (echeck)
 $3.50 – debit card (flat convenience fee)
 2.2% – credit card (fee is charged for total amount due)

  1. Drop Box: Payments of checks or money orders may be placed in the drop box located at the center median of the parking lot on the north side of the Government Center, 100 W. Walworth St, Elkhorn.

    It is important that property owners meet the July 31st deadline. If you miss the deadline, the balance on your account will be considered delinquent and subject to interest and penalty of 1.5% per month retroactive to February 1st (10.5 %).

    Specific questions may be directed to the Walworth County Treasurer’s Office. (262)741-4251;
    email treasurer@co.walworth.wi.us
    ___________________________________________________________________________________________
    Editor’s note: Jefferson County property tax is also due on July 31. Here is the information from their website:
    PAY MY TAXES ONLINE
    Jefferson County Wisconsin accepts Real Estate Property Tax payments online using your debit or credit card or e-check. 
    THE ONLINE OPTION IS FOR SECOND INSTALLMENT or DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAXES ONLY.
    We are not able to take your credit card information over the phone, you must use the online link below to process your tax payment.
    Online payments are made through Certified Payments by Deluxe, a third-party vendor that charges a convenience fee for this service.
    Before you click the link below, make sure you have:
    Your Parcel Identification Number (Parcel #) this is the 14-digit number from your tax bill
    Your debit or credit card
    Your bank routing and account number if using the e-check option
    Jefferson County’s Bureau Code : 4664645
    Click this link to make your payment. 

Vacation Bible School at St. Patrick / La Escuela Biblica de Vacaciones

July 18, 2023

Editor’s note: This announcement was received from St. Patrick Church.

Local Student Graduates from UW Oshkosh

July 18, 2023

The UW Oshkosh 149th spring commencement – with a pair of ceremonies May 13 – recognized the accomplishments of students from all three of its campuses (Fond du Lac, Fox Cities, Oshkosh). Nearly 1,300 students earned bachelor’s, master’s, associate and doctoral degrees and joined the ranks of more than 100,000 UWO alumni. 

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, COLLEGE, DEGREE, MAJOR (if listed) Whitewater, WI

 James DuVal, College of Education and Human Services, Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education-Cross Categorical

Arrest Made Following Drug Search Warrant

July 18, 2023
Jose Ostria-Hernandez [Photo from Fox6Milwaukee]

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.

The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, in partnership with the Whitewater Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an investigation that involved the sale of cocaine as well as fraudulent documents including both state and federal identification cards. The investigation involved controlled buys conducted by law enforcement.

On July 13th, 2023, at 7:00 AM, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Jose Valentin OSTRIA-HERNANDEZ (31), located within the City of Whitewater.

Located inside the residence were over 60 grams of Cocaine, in excess of twenty (20) fraudulent state and federal identification documents, various drug paraphernalia, and over $50,000 in cash. Five vehicles were also seized as a part of this investigation.

Jose Valentin OSTRIA-HERNANDEZ was subsequently arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.

Jose Valentin OSTRIA-HERNANDEZ is currently facing the following charges:
961.41(1)(cm) Delivery of Cocaine (4 counts)
961.41(1m)(cm)(4) Possession With Intent To Deliver Cocaine – Excess of 40 Grams
961.573(1) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
961.42(1) Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Residence

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

FCCU Hosts Common Cents Summer Camp for Kids

July 17, 2023


Looking for a summer activity for your kids that will pay off down the road? FCCU’s Common Cents Summer Camp teaches the skills necessary to have smart money sense.

The camp will be taught by Certified Financial Coaches and will include the basics of financial knowledge with grade
appropriate lessons, games, and activities. The camp will be held on Wednesday, July 26th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at
FCCU’s Home Mortgage Store, 732 Madison Ave, Fort Atkinson.

The camp is free and open to all kids in grades 2-5. Registration can be completed online by visiting
https://www.fortcommunity.com/notice-details.html. Space is limited, register today to invest in your child’s financial wellness! Editor’s note: FCCU is using an outside service, DocuSign, for registration which will require verifying one’s identity. Do not be alarmed when you are asked the types of questions that might be asked if you were checking your credit report.

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative
open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch
locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more
than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit
fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

Savory Sounds Presents Tapestry: Acoustic Folk Quintet

July 17, 2023
Tapestry

Savory Sounds Presented by the Whitewater Arts Alliance on July 20, 2023, 11:30-12:45 – TAPESTRY: ACOUSTIC FOLK QUINTET A five piece acoustic string band of local musicians woven together in a multi-faceted collection of musical styles and flavors. Add five-part vocal harmony and a wonderful experience is guaranteed. The featured food vendor for this concert will be Jersey Mikes.

Location: Birge Fountain, outside of the Cultural Arts Center at 402 W. Main Street. Extra parking is freely provided across the street at First English Lutheran Church. In case of rain, the concert will be airconditioned indoors. “We love playing here,” Tapestry says on their Facebook page.

Sponsored by: First Citizens State Bank, Associated Bank, Fairhaven Senior Services, Olm and Associates, Fort Community Credit Union, PremierBank, and all those who wish to remain anonymous.

ADRC of Walworth County Offers Healthy Living with Diabetes Beginning August 3

July 17, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County.

More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  

In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate use of medication, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.

Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held in the Kettle Moraine Trail Room on Thursdays, August 3 to August 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Walworth County Health and Human Services, 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI 53121. The workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. 

For questions, or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.

About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.

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