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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is a great photo of the 2002 Fourth of July parade taken by Dan Sable. This is a great four-horse hitch.
We hope you all come out for the 4th parade on Tuesday, and by the way, stop in to the Whitewater Historical Society’s depot museum. We have extra hours on Saturday (during the car show) 2-6, Sunday, 1-4, and Tuesday, the 4th from 11-3.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
Photo from the Dan Sable Collection, Whitewater Historical Society.
Update 7/1/23 @ 11 a.m. – Photos by Tom Ganser of demolition added
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Whitewater Quick Lube and car wash that has been located for decades in front of Walmart has been demolished in preparation for the construction of a Starbucks.
Chris Bennett, city neighborhood services director, told The Banner that the city issued a demolition permit to the developer, Matt Herbeck, with that phase of the redevelopment moving forward while they wait for state-approved plans. At that time they can apply for a building permit. According to Bennett, Herbeck has expressed a desire to have blacktop in place by fall.
A previous Banner article provides more information about the development, including the Plan & Architectural Review Commission discussion regarding potential traffic impacts.
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Household Sale
James Davis
860 Burr Oak Trail (near the intersection of Fremont St. & County U)
Prairie Village
Whitewater, WI 53190
Saturday, July 1st 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 2nd 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
*Numbers issued 1 hour prior to sale on Saturday and ½ hour prior to sale on Sunday*(Numbers are used to control number of people in the house.)
Glassware: Pyrex, Corning ware, Press Glass, Cut Glass, English Johnson Brothers Soup Tureen, Cranberry, Lead Crystal, Nikko 8 Place Setting Plus Serving Pieces – “Dena” Pattern – Microwaveable & Dishwasher Safe, Bavarian, Nippon, Limoges, Lenox
Furniture: Flex steel Sofa, Chair/Ottoman, Dining Table & 6 Chairs, Roll top Desk, End Tables, Bookcase, Hutch, Serving Cart, Reed Chair/Ottoman, Kitchen Cupboard, Entertainment Center, Table & Floor Lamps, Bauhaus Sofa, American Drew 5 Piece Bedroom Set/King Size Bed, Stiffel Lamp, Umbrella Stand
Household Items: C.L. Peterson Prints, George Sumner Prints, Jose F.M. Arentz Print, JVC Compact Disc Player, Step Stool, Small Kitchen Appliances, Small T.V., Linens, Local Whitewater Prints, Usual Kitchen Items
Garage & Outdoor Items: Shop Vac, Work Bench, Garden Tools, Patio Set/Umbrella, Lawn Chairs, Garden Cart, Hose Reel, Step Ladder, Wrought Iron Table & Bench, Handy Andy Work Bench, Storage Racks, and much much more
All Sales Final · No Refunds · Cash · Sold in “As Is” Condition
No Early Sales · Not Responsible for Accidents
Please bring help and tools for removing your items on the day of purchase – our staff is unable to lift or load items.
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #206 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., June 30, 2023, in honor of Private First Class Clinton P. Koloski, who lost his life conducting combat patrol near Obermuhlthal, France, during World War II and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial. “We are glad to welcome Private First Class Koloski home so that he can finally be honored and laid to rest in his home state,” said Gov. Evers. “Private First Class Koloski gave his life in defense of the values and freedoms we hold most dear, and on behalf of the state, we are forever grateful for his service, selflessness, and sacrifice.” On January 14, 1945, United States Army Private First Class Clinton P. Koloski of City Point, assigned to Company A, 36th Engineer Combat Regiment, was killed conducting combat patrol near Obermuhlthal, France, during World War II. After the war, remains were recovered from the area where Private First Class Koloski was lost but could not be identified due to technology limitations at the time and were interred at Rhône American Cemetery in France. In 2006 and 2007, Private First Class Koloski’s identification tags were found near Obermuhlthal, and in 2016, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency excavated the site but found no further remains, and the unknown remains interred at Rhône American Cemetery were later exhumed and identified as Private First Class Koloski’s. Private First Class Clinton P. Koloski will be buried in Beloit on Fri., June 30, 2023. |
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) and Whitewater Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the exhibition of the Public Art Project for 2023 – “Barn Quilts.” This community-driven project–which enhances the beauty and cultural richness of Whitewater–is on display downtown from now until late September. Plywood boards that have been turned into “quilts” are hanging from light poles along Main Street. Some are 2’ x 4’ while others are 2’ x 2’. These projects will hang throughout the summer.
Participants in this year’s project have been named below with brief images shown on
the WAA website. Viewers can go to the WAA website to read up on the inspiration of
some of the pieces. Participants included are:
Discover Whitewater
Studio 84
Culvers
Candace Jacobs
Sandy MacDonald
Lynn Weilbrenner
Ellen Penwell
Jill Gerber
Riley Buckett
Donn Lahaie
Linda Saumer
Carol Haas
Tricia Borchardt
Sherry Stanek
And all other participants who wished to remain anonymous.
The WAA believes that the public art plays a significant role in transforming the cultural fabric of a town. It brings people together, fosters dialogue and reflection, and creates a sense of pride and ownership among community members.
To learn more about the project and view individual pieces, please visit the Public Art page on the WAA website at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/public-art.
Any questions can be sent to either the chair of the project, Mary Nevicosi, at marynevicosi@yahoo.com, or to the WAA Manager, Ashley McDarison, at
wwartsalliance@gmail.com.
Please come check out the Storywalk at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, to read our newest book. In honor of July 4th we are featuring “Blue Sky, White Stars” by Sarvinder Naberhaus. As quoted in the New York Times, this book is, “An inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people.” We hope you enjoy!
Photos and text courtesy of Tom Ganser
If you’re thinking the Fourth of July fireworks will be spectacular . . . you haven’t thought about taking in a performance of “Finding Nemo, Jr.” by the Unified School District’s Summer School Playhouse June 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and July 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Auditorium.
The play is perfect for all ages – and a wonderful treat for your relatives and neighborhood kids.
If you happen to be a senior adult, don’t worry. Any youngster attending a performance with you will be happy to clue you in on the plot.
General admission tickets for adults ($10) and students ($7) can be reserved by calling the Box Office at 262-472-8178 or purchased beginning one hour before the performance.
“Finding Nemo Jr.” is a lively 60-minute musical adaptation of the popular 2003 Pixar movie telling the story of Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid, Nemo.
“Finding Nemo Jr.” brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.
The cast and technical crew for this amazing production includes more than 70 students ranging from incoming 6th graders to WHS Class of 2023 graduates.
Led by director Jim McCulloch, music director Liz Elliott, and choreographer Taytum Adkins, the talented cast of fish and birds includes Ian Agen, Deven Bawden, Chacha Binagi, Nels Brown, Anders Clarksen, Alex Clarksen, Ayden Clark, Belle Cohen, Grace Coleman, Peyton Comfort, Julianna Cortez, Sienna Dahl, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Franki DiFiore, Emery Duris, David Enns, Tyrelle Griswold, Charlotte Hajewski, Nina Heim, Raena Hicks, Toby Kapfer, Haley Keltesch, Evelyn Kjome, Josh Kirley, Amelia Lafaive, Ameera Lin, Brooke Mason, Eloise Morse, Virginia Nelson, Kai Peterson, Julian Rennells, Lauren Rollette, Zel Scherer, Josie Selby, Melody Smith, Serina Soto, Skylar Staebler, Evie Stine, Alex Sullivan, Ava Van Daele, Anderson Waelchli, Cosette Wildermuth-Breizman, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Talon Wildermuth-Breitzman, Xavier Zei, Zoe Zei, and Matt Zingsheim.
Guided by amazing technical director Kat Dunham in creating a magical big blue world are Caitlin Alford, Henry Brockwell, Payton Bunger, Alexsandra Cansino-Pena, Lucy Davis, Laken DePorter, Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Lu DiFiore, Ace Hudec, Gabbie Kirley, Rayne Levaspu, Marren McCulloch, Kara Long, Jacob McGlaughlin, Ava Nygren, Abigail Olson, Betzy Palomec, Lucy Troxel, Sami Van Daele, Miles Nicklesberg, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock, Cora Shimming and Claire Tourdot.
According to Liz Elliott, “Finding Nemo Jr.” “is a fun and familiar story that the students have expressed their excitement to be a part of. This show allows for many small groups of students to shine with the variety of songs and scenes that they are in. Not all shows function this way, so it is a unique experience for many of our cast members. While all students contribute to the greater whole of the show, these individual small group numbers highlight the many different characters and creatures within “Finding Nemo Jr.”
Comments from the students show how much they enjoy being part of the action.
Anders Clarksen said, “This is the second time I have been a bird! I was a seagull in “The Little Mermaid” and I am a pelican in “Finding Nemo Jr.”
“I like being able to work with all ages and making an impact with performance and music,” stated Skylar Staebler.
Matt Zingsheim shared, “I enjoy the music in this show a lot,” adding, “I like the styles of the songs and some of the titles are funny to me.”
Asked to compare her character to an ice cream flavor, Charlotte Hajewski said, “I feel like my character, Peach, would be rainbow sherbet, because she lives in the colorful coral.”
“I am anxious just like my character,” Lauren Rollette noted. “However, I am not purple or yellow.”
Ayden Clark reflected, “”I love helping with the dances, and helping the younger students get around the show and on stage.
7th grader Melody Smith, cast in the role of Breeze, said, “Something I have enjoyed about being in theatrical productions is feeling like you’re part of a family and getting really close with all of your fellow performers.”
Raena Hicks, a 7th grader, who plays a turtle and a seagull in “Finding Nemo, Jr.,” admitted, “Something that I learned about being in the play is that it takes a lot of time and effort to learn your part.”
Put seeing “Finding Nemo Jr.” on your bucket list for June 29, 30 and July 1.
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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