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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Paul Jhona writes on January 5, “Lights go out tonight, beautiful Cravath Lake Holiday Display from “A Bird’s View.” Thank You City of Whitewater.”
Our thanks to Paul Jhona for sharing a different view of the beautiful light display.
— 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. Thanks for thinking about this!
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears; 7 p.m. CST on Prime Video (Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit)
Steve Watson writes “Christmas at Cravath Lakefront lights and a full Wolf supermoon.”
Editor’s note: The wolf supermoon occurred on January 3. A wolf supermoon is a term that combines the names of two significant lunar events: the wolf Moon, which refers to the first full Moon of January, and a supermoon, which occurs when the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit (called the “perigee,”) making it appear larger and brighter than usual. At the perigee the Moon is about 2,20,000 miles away from Earth, compared to at its furthest point – or apogee – around 2,50,000 miles away. The wolf moon is named because wolves are often heard howling more during the cold winter nights.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for these dandy photos.
— 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. Thanks for thinking about this!
Writer Tim Mumm will be sharing some of his new work at the next Wright House Concert on January 23, 2026. Tim will be reading from his play, “Cat’s Cradle.” Joel Mankowski and Jenny Buechner will be presenting with Tim to provide some of the history behind the play, and to talk about Deaf culture and the process of translating the play into American Sign Language. This reading will be given in both spoken English and American Sign Language, with interpreters present to provide support.
The performance begins at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Register on Eventbrite: https://timmumm.eventbrite.com
By Lynn Binnie
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
The filing deadline to run for a seat on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board is Tuesday, January 6 at 5 p.m. As of the close of business before the holiday break on December 19 there were only two candidates for the three open positions on the board, incumbents Stephanie Hicks and Lisa Huempfner. Incumbent Christy Linse has indicated that she is not running for reelection.
The Whitewater Banner reported on January 2 that the district had declined to release the names of those who had filed for candidacy. This statement was based on the district’s failure to respond on a timely basis to The Banner’s open records request last year together with their announcement this year that they would not release candidate names until the filing deadline. However, Superintendent Samuel Karns reached out to The Banner on January 5 with the indication that the district is actually willing to release candidate names before the deadline. Karns provided the above information regarding the current status of candidate filings.
Interested in Running for the WUSD School Board?
All School District candidates must complete and submit the required forms to the filing officer no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Candidacy paperwork, Ballot Access Checklist & Campaign Finance Overview – Local Candidate Committees is available at the Central Office, 419 S. Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. The Whitewater Unified School District does not require nomination papers for School Board candidates.
The district office is open on Monday, January 5 until 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 6 until 5:00 p.m. The candidacy paperwork may be completed in a matter of minutes.
*If you have questions or need assistance with candidacy paperwork, please contact Christine Dodge, School Board Secretary, at 262-472-8713 or cdodge@wwusd.org.
Lakeside Fire-Rescue and Rock County Sheriff’s Office units were alerted by the Rock County 9-1-1 Center at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 3rd, of a 9-1-1 call reporting a home on fire on Road Five in the Mallwood Estates Subdivision in the Town of Milton (Rock County). The caller was the occupant who reported flames on the outside of the home spreading rapidly. Lakeside Fire-Rescue units from Stations 2 (Edgerton) and 3 (Milton) were dispatched.
Based on the information being received by 9-1-1, Lakeside upgraded the incident to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) “Working Still,” which added additional fire and support units from Janesville, Whitewater and Fort Atkinson Fire Departments. Lake Mills Fire Department was also requested to provide an engine to stand by in case of another incident in the Lakeside region, and the City of Edgerton and Town of Milton Police Departments assisted the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
There were four people home at the time of the fire, all who were able to exit without injury. First arriving fire crews reported the fire had already penetrated into the interior of the home and they had fire showing throughout the living level and through the roof.
Based on the rapid spread of the fire, the windy conditions, the proximity of other homes in the area, and the subdivision not having fire hydrants, Lakeside further upgraded the response to a MABAS “Box Alarm” response which added additional firefighting crews and water tenders from Stoughton, Delavan, LaGrange, Darien, Town of Delavan, Elkhorn, Jefferson, Evansville and Town of Turtle.
The fire was under control at 00:53 a.m., approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes from the original call. It took an estimated 60,000 gallons of water to fight the fire, all of which was brought in by the water tenders.
The home is a total loss, and the family is being assisted by neighbors who have provided them a place to stay temporarily. Lakeside Fire also worked with their medical partners from MercyHealth to help family members who lost critical medications in the fire.
Lakeside Fire-Rescue is being assisted by agents from the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall’s Office in the investigation. The fire is believed to have started on a patio area outside the home. The exact cause is still under investigation.
Fire personnel are remaining on scene with a smaller fire crew providing fire watch until the property owner’s insurance carrier can arrive to view the scene.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Lakeside Fire-Rescue.
The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next bi-monthly meeting on Monday, January 5th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Don’t forget – we are only meeting via Google Meet ( https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa ) for the remainder of the school year.
Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing
Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing
Ways to get involved:
Way #1:
We know that our meeting times don’t work for everyone, but anyone can volunteer!
Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers in the future. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.
Upcoming music events:
Jan. 9-10 WCDA Honors Choir HS All day UW Eau Claire
Jan. 16 Pepapalooza 6:00 pm HS Basketball
Jan. 26 RVC Honors Band All Day East Troy HS
Jan. 27 Lincoln Band 2:15 pm Lincoln Elem.
Jan. 28 Washington Band 2:15 pm Washington Elem.
Jan. 29 Lakeview Band 2:15 pm Lakeview Elem.
Feb. 7 WSMA Auditions All Day Rufus King HS
Feb. TBA RVC Honors Choir All Day TBD
Feb. 7 Bandorama (5th-12th) 3:00 pm WHS Gym
Feb. 26 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Feb. 27 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Feb 28 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Mar. 1 HS Spring Play 2:00 pm HS
Mar. 2 Middle School Orchestra Clinic 3:30 pm MS Band Room
Way #2:
Over the recent years, our funds have steadily decreased, so we could use people to donate and/or fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.
Donate/Share Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link—
Whitewater Music Boosters
Supporting the Whitewater Unified School District
The fall UW-Whitewater Undergraduate Research Program Day was held on November 20. Displayed were posters of research projects under the mentoring guidance of a faculty member. It’s important to note that students participating are from all four colleges. There is another Undergraduate Research Day in the spring. The exhibit is always open to the public at no charge.
Text and photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
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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