Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
News & Events
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.
Whitewater Chamber and Downtown Whitewater, Inc. invite the community and visitors to the 1st Annual Shop Small Holiday Market & Tree Lighting event.
The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Whitewater, Inc. are happy to announce an exciting event to usher in the holiday season! They will be hosting the 1st Annual Whitewater Shop Small Holiday Market & Tree Lighting event on Saturday, November 26th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop Small Saturday is the day during shop small season that we celebrate all things local! This event will be centered in Cravath Lakefront Park at 341 S. Fremont St. with over 30 local and regional vendors and entrepreneurs set up along the lakefront near the Cravath Lakefront Community Center building.
In addition to the market, attendees can enjoy live music from local students and artists, grab a s’more at Blitzen’s Bonfire, let the kiddos write a letter to Santa and do crafts in the Little Elves Workshop & Play Area, enjoy tasty treats from three food trucks, and sip some hot cocoa or mulled wine in the Gumdrop Glugg Garden. Visitors to this festive event can also walk around downtown and enjoy a holiday tale with their family on the story stroll sponsored by the Irvin L. Young Library, visit with Santa, and ring in the holiday season with a tree lighting and high school carolers to close out the day! A full map of the event can be found here.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is set aside each year to celebrate local businesses and many businesses in Whitewater will be offering deals and specials on this day only. The event also celebrates our local entrepreneurs by bringing local and regional vendors to Whitewater to help folks get a start on their holiday shopping. Don’t forget to visit the 12 Selfie Stations of Shop Small Saturday to be entered to WIN a basket of goodies! For more details about this event visit the Chamber’s event calendar page or follow the Facebook event page.
The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeing everyone out celebrating the season and supporting local businesses at the 1st Annual Shop Small Holiday Market and Tree Lighting! For more information about this event or anything Chamber related please contact Kellie Carper, Exec. Director at (262) 473-4005.
NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION
City of Whitewater – Walworth & Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin.
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election to be held in the City of Whitewater on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. The term for council member begins on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. All terms are for two years unless otherwise indicated.
Office Incumbent
Councilmember AD 1 Carol McCormick
Councilmember AD 3 Brienne Diebolt Brown
Councilmember AD 5 Greg Majkrzak
Councilmember at Large Lisa Dawsey Smith
Information concerning aldermanic district boundaries may be obtained from City Clerk Michele Smith, 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the first day to circulate nomination papers is December 1, 2022, and the final day for filing nomination papers is 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, in the office of the city clerk.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that if a primary is necessary, the primary will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
Acceptable Photo ID will be required to vote at this election. If you do not have a photo ID you may obtain a free ID for voting from the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Done in the City of Whitewater on November 1, 2022.
Michele R. Smith, Clerk
(262) 473-0102
msmith@whitewater-wi.gov
Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is by Lynn Binnie.
Brian Turley, DDS, of Rock River Community Clinic was chosen as the recipient of the 2022 Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) Pyramid of Pride Community Outreach award for his exemplary work within the local community dental clinic.
“Brian’s service to the community is embedded within his practice and care, making him an exceptional model for the greater dental community,” states Olivia Nichols, M.S., CEO/Executive Director of Rock River Community Clinic. “For over 15 years, Dr. Turley has been a constant at our dental clinic and a source of mentorship and laughter – for both our staff and patients. He models what it means to walk the talk of service to one’s community.”
The WDA Pyramid of Pride awards are given annually to member dentists, organizations, and others who have demonstrated exemplary commitment, service, and achievement in regard to dentistry and the oral health of Wisconsin residents. The recipients are chosen by the WDA Board of Trustees based on the nominations submitted.
Dr. Turley was nominated by another local dentist, Mike Bender, DDS. Bender submitted a nomination form and letter indicating why Turley was deserving of the honor. Bender’s nomination noted Turley’s commitment to providing equitable dental care to his communities, having served as a key stakeholder in the creation and implementation of the original community dental clinic in 2005. Bender also highlighted the endless hours of donated time and service Turley has contributed to the clinic, as well as his efforts to recruit other providers to support and join the cause.
“Brian has done so much for the people of Jefferson and Rock County ever since he started his practice in Jefferson in the 1990’s,” states Dr. Bender. “To be a father, spouse, grandfather, full time dentist AND to develop a community dental clinic on the side is something one can only do with great passion and desire to serve others.”
Dr. Turley was insistent that the award was a team effort, extending credit to the entire dental team – past and present – at Rock River Community Clinic for their community outreach efforts.
“I am honored to receive this community award from WDA and am humbled by the nomination support from Dr. Bender,” Dr. Turley states. “But the effort, progress, and impact at our dental clinic is accomplished through a team effort. Many people have taken part in building this clinic and each employee/volunteer/organization continues to fulfill their role, and beyond, with a passion and dedication towards helping others in our area. Our team effort is what makes this work possible.”
Dr. Turley is the owner and lead dentist at Smiles by Turley in Jefferson and continues to serve at Rock River Community Clinic every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“There are an increasing number of families without access to dental care because of insurance rates outside their control. Brian’s commitment to serving these families and providing high quality dental care has persisted through many changes and challenges. His skill, time, and leadership can’t be overstated and has been absolutely instrumental to me and to RRCC,” Nichols adds.
On behalf of Dr. Turley, Nichols received the honor at the WDA House of Delegates awards dinner on Friday, November 11, and presented it to Dr. Turley on Tuesday, November 15 with the full dental team.
For more information about Rock River Community Clinic, please contact 262.472.6839 or visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and parts of Walworth County, RRCC includes three medical clinics located in Whitewater, Watertown, and Jefferson, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson. Referrals for behavioral health care services will be available in Whitewater and Watertown locations soon.
At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
Carol McCormick writes, “This group must have missed the last southbound flight! Thought Trippe Lake had better accommodations.”
Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing yet another interesting nature photo.
— 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!
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, which was last week, November 14th-20th, Whitewater High School wishes to congratulate all of our students who have taken steps into their future by participating in Youth Apprenticeships. Youth Apprenticeship (YA) integrates school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills defined by Wisconsin industries. WHS has more than doubled participation in YA over the last few school years and we hope to continue growing opportunities for WHS students. Students wishing to learn more about YA should contact Mr. Baron West.
Editor’s note: The following statement from Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth was published in the UW-W announcements on November 22.
News about UW-Platteville Richland
Dear faculty, staff and students,
The University of Wisconsin System has announced that UW-Platteville will be transitioning the academic programs at its Richland branch campus to either its main Platteville campus or Baraboo campus next fall. The Richland branch campus enrolls only 60 students, by far the lowest of any of the branch campuses, and this level of enrollment was not sustainable for vibrant academic programs.
I recognize this news may cause some initial concern, given UW-Whitewater also has a branch campus. Please know that the decision on UW-Platteville Richland is specific to that campus, and does not affect other branch campuses. UW-Whitewater at Rock County, which is one of the top-three largest branch campuses in the system with more than 570 students, remains fully committed to providing exceptional and expanding opportunities to students in our region.
I am devoted to ensuring that our branch campus maintains long-term viability and continues to be a dependable cornerstone of the Rock County region.
Examples of this commitment include:
- Building a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree pathway in partnership with Edgewood College. The initial cohort of students is expected to start in fall 2023.
- Launching the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree, a degree completion program for students with applied associate degrees.
- Engaging in strategic discussions about expanding pathways to careers, degrees, and increased opportunities for students.
- Enhancing facilities to ensure our campus is meeting the needs of faculty, staff, students, and the community.
- Growing our existing partnerships with area technical schools, school districts, employers, and community partners.
We know the UW System is wholly committed to providing the broadest access possible, allowing all Wisconsin residents to attend college if they desire and to achieve their goals. Our branch campus provides this region a critical access point to higher education and we will continue to invest in UW-Whitewater at Rock County.
John Chenoweth
Interim Chancellor
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
