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Today is Sunday, June 7, 2026
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Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Final review and approval of the Meeting and Study Room Policy and adjourn to closed session, not to reconvene, to discuss library director performance evaluation.
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88007004489?pwd=icu51WXigR8fuXblk9q0WUGU8eoLq5.1
Meeting ID: 880 0700 4489
Passcode: vC89AN8y
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Ethics Committee – Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes discussion and action regarding two recently received ethics complaints. Two closed sessions may be individually followed by open sessions.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23059002706708?p=Crg2XYEg3nT8fIDw4d
Meeting ID: 230 590 027 067 08
Passcode: Es7Ht6ya
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,654848445# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 654 848 445#
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding request for direction regarding Congressionally
Directed Spending for Immigration Liaison program; Discussion and Possible Action regarding direction on traffic safety measures on Starin Road (UW-W campus segment).
Whitewater High School, LMC, 2nd Floor, 534 S
Elizabeth St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Agenda
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23416707570629?p=xCZsiQKTBioRQlb6DW
Meeting ID: 234 167 075 706 29
Passcode: Wh9t3gw7
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,398510369# United States
Phone conference ID: 398 510 369#
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 pm
The agenda has not been posted as of 2/15/26.
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes a closed session, to reconvene, to discuss six items including Review and discussion of Open Records Request for Closed session meeting minutes (October 2025)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21189804496547?p=RSpuSw3hjtQBAANctM
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,129564377# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 129 564 377#
Have you always wanted to help the Ukrainian crisis, but never knew what to do or how to go about doing it? This is your chance to make a difference. Watch local resident James Olm’s YouTube link to learn more and then be a supportive force for the good of Ukrainian refugees.
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Editor’s note: The video was recorded at Christmastime, but its placement on The Banner was delayed while we did our due diligence regarding the Hope Shelter in Przemysl, Poland. Rather than the donations site that James suggested, we found that there is a US partner of the shelter that has 501(c)(3) status. Hope and Action, Inc. may be reached at hopeandactions.org. Donations should be specified for Hope Shelter.
By the way, the following announcement regarding a new IRS deduction for charitable contributions may be of interest.
New $1,000 standard deduction charity break in 2026
Do you typically claim the standard deduction on your federal taxes? You’re in luck. Beginning in 2026, there’s a new deduction you could take.
The non-itemizer charitable deduction is available for all taxpayers claiming the standard deduction, worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers).
Here are a few fast facts on this key tax break:
- Only cash contributions qualify (checks, credit card charges, online donations and payroll deductions).
- The donation must be made to a qualified 501(c)(3) public charity.
- You must follow the typical IRS rules for a charitable deduction, including obtaining a written acknowledgement if you donate $250 or more.
Unlike the itemized charitable deduction, any contributions exceeding the annual limit for the non-itemized deduction cannot be carried forward. You also can’t use the deduction in conjunction with a donor-advised fund (DAF) or private foundation, as you can for itemized charitable contributions.
Despite these limitations, some predict that 144 million Americans will be eligible to claim the standard deduction charitable tax break.
Source: Kiplinger
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Pete Linforth from Pixabay.
LWV Whitewater Area Program: We the People Town Hall
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to co-sponsor The Town Hall Coalition of Rock County’s “We the People Town Hall.” Federal legislators relevant to Rock County, including US Senators Baldwin and Johnson and Congressional Representatives Pocan and Steil, are invited to answer the community’s commentary and questions.
The Town Hall will be strictly nonpartisan, and all attendees will be required to maintain a respectful environment.
The Town Hall will be held at Craig High School, 401 S Randall Ave, Janesville, on Saturday, February 21st, from 2:00-3:30 pm.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Brad Munger, Bradmunger@gmail.com.
_____________________________________
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and we are featuring another long-married couple from Whitewater History. This is a 1923 photo of George and Rebecca Marsh who were married for 54 years. George Marsh was the son of Sanger Marsh, founder of the First National Bank. After working in his father’s bank, George became Cashier, then later, President of the Citizens State Bank. These banks merged in the 1930s as the First Citizens State Bank, still operating today. In May of 1928, George and Rebecca celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary, then both died within weeks of each other in November and December of 1928. A true-life love story!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(4069P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Jim Caldwell (center) was presented with a 60-Year Club award by Paul Northway (left), president and CEO of American National Bank Fox Cities and the 2025–2026 WBA Chair, and Rose Oswald Poels (right), WBA president and CEO, at the 2026 WBA Bank Executives Conference.
James Caldwell from First Citizens State Bank has been honored with a 60-Year Club Award by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). This award recognizes exceptional dedication to Wisconsin’s banking industry. “Few achievements speak more powerfully than a career defined by six decades of service,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We are honored to celebrate Jim whose enduring commitment has left an indelible mark on Wisconsin’s banking industry.” Caldwell is a DeForest High School graduate and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and his master’s degree in business. He began his career with his first job out of college at First Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee, now known as US Bank. After working at First Wisconsin for over eight years, he was employed by the board of directors of First Citizens State Bank on October 1, 1974 as its executive V.P. and was promoted to president in 1979. In 2017, Caldwell transitioned from president & CEO to CEO as Nate Parrish was promoted to president. Caldwell continues to work closely with customers, city leaders, and numerous organizations to strengthen and enrich the communities the bank serves. His passion for CRA (Community Reinvestment Act), business development, community development, and the personal development of his staff and community members is evident every day — shown through the relationships he builds and the advocacy and guidance he provides. Caldwell was recognized during a special luncheon at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference. This year’s event took place on February 5, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells. About the Wisconsin Bankers Association Founded in 1892, the Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing 180 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and nearly 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 96 percent of banks in the state are WBA members. Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Wisconsin Bankers Association. |
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to sponsor The State of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, The State of the City of Whitewater, and The State of the Whitewater Unified School District.”
Dr. Corey A. King, UW-Whitewater Chancellor, Samuel Karns, Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, and John Weidl, Whitewater City Manager, are invited to present the state of their respective institutions.
The State of Our City and Schools will be held at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater, on Thursday, February 19th, from 6:30-8:00 pm.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Mary Beth Byrne, wisconsinwoods@gmail.com.
_____________________________________
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Missoula Children’s Theatre has been rehearsing The Jungle Book with a cast of local students this past week. They’re anxious to perform the show at the Young Performing Arts Center, 930 W. Main Street, on Saturday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. All seats are $11. Tickets may be purchased online or at Ticket Services, 950 W. Main Street, or 262-472-2222, on Friday between 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. When purchased at the door there is a small per ticket surcharge. There is no charge for parking.
The synopsis: Ever been abandoned in the jungle, adopted by wolves, taught by a bear, befriended by a panther and chased by a tiger? In the Missoula Children’s Theatre musical adaptation of THE JUNGLE BOOK, Mowgli the man-cub has all these adventures and more. Join him as he escapes from the Bander-log, outwits a tiger, enlists the help of a rock-python, explores what it means to be human and learns a lesson from the brave mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Original music and rollicking humor give new life to the classic tale by Rudyard Kipling.
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
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