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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is one from 1998, taken by intrepid society photographer George Scharfenberg, who chronicled the comings and goings of downtown businesses in the 1990s and 2000s. It is the festive Christmas window of Ginny’s Ladies Apparel store that opened in late 1998 and lasted a few years in the downtown. The society hopes you are doing some of your Christmas shopping in downtown Whitewater!
Join us in the next two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s Greetings.
(George Scharfenberg Collection, Whitewater Historical Society)
Walworth County Supervisor District 4 Al Stanek filed non-candidacy papers with the Walworth County Clerk’s Office indicating it is his intention not to run for the Supervisor office in the upcoming April 7, 2026 Spring Election.
Those interested in running for County offices may contact the Walworth County Clerk’s Office. The deadline for filing the Campaign Registration Statement, Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination papers is 5:00 p.m., January 6, 2026
Editor’s note: County Supervisor is a paid position. District 4 represents the western part of the City of Whitewater. A map and further information is available on The Banner here.
So far this year, WHS has had five Auto II students pass their Manual Transmission ASE test. Also, 14 Auto I students have passed their ASE Brakes test this semester.
Autos Teacher Justin Buntrock stated, “This is an incredible feat for our young Whippets. I am very proud of each and every one of them. These are very rigorous tests with content covering diagnostics, theory, repair, and replacement.”
Since 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent non-profit organization, has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.
Article and Photos Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Autos Teacher
jbuntrock@wwusd.org
On the early morning hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, Whitewater Police received a report of a male suspect who was actively entering vehicles near the intersection of W. Main St and Second St. Jose De Jesus Pena Flores, 38, of [210 S. Franklin St.], Whitewater, was identified as the responsible individual, and was arrested. Pena Flores was subsequently linked to a number of additional thefts.
At this point in the investigation, the following criminal charges are being referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office: Burglary (Wis. Stat. 943.10(1)(a)), Theft from Motor Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.20(1)(a)), Entry into Locked Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.11), Misappropriate ID info (943.201(2)(a)), Credit Card Theft (Wis. Stat. 943.41(3)(a)), Resisting or Obstructing an Officer (Wis. Stat. 946.41(1)), and Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01).
In the course of the investigation, officers have collected a large amount of property suspected to have been stolen within the last two months. If you were a victim of a theft during that approximate timeframe, please contact Detective Lieutenant Anthony Heilberger (aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov) or Officer Tim Swartz (tswartz@whitewater-wi.gov) at the Whitewater Police Department (262-473-0555) to provide a description of your stolen property. Please be prepared to provide any serial numbers and detailed descriptions of your property.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department. Per Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Pena Flores has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money, a felony, as well as the following misdemeanor charges: Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property greater or equal to $2500, and Theft – Moveable Property greater or equal to $2500.
The Whitewater Whippet Boys’ Basketball Team defeated the Delavan-Darien Comets, 57-43, in a hard-fought Rock Valley Conference away game, Tuesday night, December 16.
After Delavan raced out to a 10-1 lead, the Whippets battled back to go ahead 14-12, with Casey Lyon scoring 8 points in that stretch. Tied 16-16 with 7 minutes left in the first half, Whitewater outscored the Comets by 9, to take a 37-28 halftime lead.
An aggressive defense and timely scoring kept the Whippets in the lead throughout the second half, as we claimed our second conference victory.
Whitewater was led by seniors Casey Lyon with 23 points and Matt Carollo with 16 points.
The Whippets record is now 2-0 in the conference and 4-2 overall. Our next games are Friday, December 19 at home against East Troy and Saturday against Heritage Christian at Milwaukee Bradley Tech.
Article Submitted by Dwayne Lange
On Sunday, December 14th, the LWV Whitewater Area presented its 2025 Making Democracy Work award to community photographer Tom Ganser. Tom was recognized for his work photographing democracy in action and telling stories with his pictures that focus on civic pride.
Since 2010, the League’s Making Democracy Work award has annually honored individuals in our community whose work or volunteerism exemplifies the League’s core values of nonpartisanship, diversity, equity and inclusion, and belief in the value of an open and fair democracy. Tom Ganser is at every civic event with his camera. He takes pictures at no charge to local civic organizations that represent Democracy in Action; therefore, he Makes Democracy Work. His pictures are often seen on the front page of the local newspapers, capturing the community at work, play, service, and worship. His images capture multigenerational folk from diverse backgrounds. You might recognize him in action at School Board Meetings, town hall events, local elections, church engagements, Art Alliance exhibits, parades and celebrations, and sporting events.
Midge Gill, LWV Whitewater President, and Ellen Penwell, League Treasurer, gave tribute to Tom along with community members Margaret Wheeler and Majorie Stoneman, both of whom mentioned the photo documentary services he has generously provided to organizations and events they have organized.
The LWV Whitewater Area urges all residents of Walworth and Jefferson counties to pay great tribute and respect to Tom Ganser for all he represents and has accomplished on behalf of his fellow citizens.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area. Photos are courtesy of Julia Ross.
Tom Ganser compiled a 20-minute video featuring some of his favorite photos. It may be viewed here: Whitewater is My Kind of Town
Updated 12/18/25 @ 9 a.m. to add information from Whitewater Fire/EMS press release.
On Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m., the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a head-on vehicle crash on County Road A, east of McCabe Road in the Town of Sugar Creek.
Emergency personnel arrived to find two vehicles involved in the crash, with a total of three patients having sustained injuries. Emergency medical care was provided at the scene, with three patients being transported.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old male from Algonquin, Illinois, was traveling westbound on County Road A when it crossed the centerline and struck a vehicle traveling eastbound.
The vehicle traveling eastbound was occupied by a 68-year-old female driver from the Town of Lyons and a 74-year-old female passenger from Elkhorn.
Both drivers were transported to hospitals by helicopter. The female passenger was transported by ambulance.
The 68-year-old female driver was pronounced deceased at a local area hospital at 9:24 p.m.
Names are being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash. Assisting at the scene were the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department and UW Health Med Flight. County Road A was closed in both directions during the incident and investigation with assistance from the Walworth County Department of Public Works.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.
The Whitewater Fire/EMS press release included the following information:
Whitewater Fire and EMS were dispatched to the intersection of County A and McCabe Rd for a reported head-on motor vehicle collision with injuries. Upon arrival, crews located the incident in the 7000 block of County A in the Town of Sugar Creek, east of McCabe Rd. One patient had self-extricated from a vehicle prior to arrival. The second vehicle contained two patients who required extrication.
Due to the mechanism of injury, Flight for Life and Med Flight were requested to the scene to transport two
patients. Landing zones were established at the Millard Community [Covenant] Church parking lot and on North Lake Dr. One additional patient was transported by ground to a local hospital.
County A was closed to all traffic during the incident and remained closed following the response to allow
the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department to conduct their investigation.
Whitewater Fire and EMS extend gratitude to Flight for Life, Med Flight and the Walworth Co Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in managing this incident.
Whitewater Leads has over 100 FREE books available at the Whitewater PremierBank lobby through Christmas. The books are meant for kids, newborn through fifth grade. They are absolutely free; take as many as you need for Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, etc. The books are new and like new. First come, first served.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Whitewater Leads.”
Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage was not taken of the books that are available.
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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