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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Update 12/18/25 @ 1:35 p.m. – We Energies reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. that power had been restored, citing the cause of the outage having been “tree contact outside trimming zone.” Any customer who is still without power may call We Energies at 800-662-4797.
At approximately 12:30 pm on Thursday, December 18, many local properties apparently experienced repeated brief power outages, which were ultimately followed by a sustained outage at about 12:40. We Energies indicates that approximately 3900 customers in the area are without power. Crews are being dispatched to determine the cause, and the initial estimate for restoration is shown as 3:30 pm.
Team #1 from Whitewater that will be competing in the 2nd Annual Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown in January had the opportunity to work with talented Chef Nico from Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan. They prepared food, learned new techniques, and expanded their culinary skills. Thank you to Chef Nico for providing this opportunity.
Team #2 from Whitewater created culinary art with Chef Stephen from the Delavan Yacht Club on Tuesday, December 16. A huge thank you to Chef Stephen for taking time out of his day to work with our team and teach them culinary tips and tricks. It was a great experience for them.
We can’t wait to see how both teams from Whitewater will do. Tickets are still available for purchase for this event being held at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Pre-purchase of tickets is required and they may be obtained at https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/evr/reg_event.php?evid=90052525&orgcode=WCED
Teams are students of Ms. Lynn Weilbrenner.
Article and Photos Submitted by Lynn Weilbrenner
Whitewater High School FACE [Family and Consumer Education] Teacher
lweilbrenner@wwusd.org
Today, Dr. Paul J. McGraw announces his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing District 43. McGraw, a veterinarian with over 35 years’ experience in practice, with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as the Assistant and then State Veterinarian, as Manager of Medical clinics and as a small business owner is running to bring principled, common-sense leadership to Madison.
“I am proud to call Wisconsin home and am excited to serve the people of the 43rd District by working to ensure a brighter future for our communities,” said McGraw. “I believe that fiscal responsibility, accountability of our schools and government, along with public and neighborhood safety are key to keeping the 43rd Assembly District as well as Wisconsin strong.”
“With high cost of living and economic uncertainty, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” continued McGraw. “I will fight for hardworking families, support policies that encourage economic growth, and stand up for limited, responsive government in Madison and the 43rd District.
“I look forward to traveling the district, listening to voters, and learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing families, businesses, and communities across this district,” said McGraw.
McGraw has lived in the Town of Richmond, Walworth County, Wisconsin, for 29 years, where he resides with his wife.
To learn more about Dr. Paul J. McGraw’s campaign for Wisconsin’s State Assembly District 43, please visit www.votePaulMcGraw.com
Editor’s note: This press release was submitted by McGraw4Assembly. The 43rd District includes the City of Whitewater and most of our nearby towns, with the exception of LaGrange.
Editor’s note: A press release from the Walworth County Clerk on December 15 announced that Sheriff David Gerber [a City of Whitewater resident] had filed non-candidacy papers indicating that it is not his intention to run for the Sheriff’s Office in the November 3, 2026 election. The release concluded, “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 [for Sheriff] is 5:00 p.m., June 1, 2026.”
In response to The Banner’s inquiry as to whether he would care to make a statement related to this decision, Sheriff Gerber provided the following.
“It has been an honor to serve as the Walworth County Sheriff over the past 3 years. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity. We have a great team here at the Sheriff’s Office, and I am proud to serve with each of them. We honor our mission statement daily to protect and serve the citizens of Walworth County. Throughout my tenure, I have remained committed to my oath and worked diligently to ensure our County remains a safe place to live and work. Over the past three years, our agency has accomplished a great deal, and we take pride in the high level of service we provide. Cooperatively, all law enforcement and first responders in Walworth County dedicate themselves daily in service to our communities. Our first Sheriff took office in 1839, and last year was our 185th anniversary. I am proud to be a part of our agency’s legacy as your 44th Sheriff; however, I will not be seeking re-election next year. I plan to retire at the end of this term, having served the citizens of Walworth County for nearly 32 years throughout my career.”
The Banner asked Sheriff Gerber what accomplishments he is most proud of thus far in his tenure, and he gave this response: “Accomplishments have been the work our team has done on many significant projects, such as the completion of the deputy assigned squad program, the completion of the new digital radio system for dispatch, police, fire, EMS, and DPW throughout the whole County, PEER support for our staff, and filling many vacancies in all areas of the Sheriff’s Office.”
Whitewater Community Drumming Circle
Thursday 1:15 p.m.
Mark your calendars…..the next Community Drum Circle with Christine Hayes is set for this Thursday…12/18 at 1:15 pm in Olm Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven, 435 W. Starin Road. All skill levels and ages are welcomed. We hope to see a full room!
All welcome!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D6ngfnNFp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Christine Hayes.
The Community Development Authority (CDA), the economic development organization for the City of Whitewater, exists to encourage and assist development in the City that creates jobs, increases the tax base, and improves quality of life in the community. In addition to offering multiple programs to help businesses grow, the CDA also offers a Down Payment Assistance Loan Program for first-time home buyers.
Earlier this month, two families [pictured above] moved closer to making their dream of owning a home a reality. They each received funds from the Loan Program which helped towards their down payment.
Mason Becker, Community Development Director says, “The City of Whitewater showed tremendous foresight in using Affordable Housing Extension funds from the closure of a Tax Increment District to support the Down Payment Assistance Program. We are proud to be able to work with local lenders, such as Fort Community Credit Union, to help make the home ownership dream a reality, along with bringing more residents into the Whitewater community. Nine individuals and families have already been assisted by this program, and we’re looking forward to helping many more achieve home ownership.”
City of Whitewater DPA Program Details:
Loan to support purchase of single-family home for use as borrower’s primary residence.
Loan is 0% interest.
Repayment of the loan is deferred until the home is sold or is no longer the borrower’s primary residence.
The maximum amount allowed for a second mortgage through the Homebuyer Program is $25,000 and may be applied to lender-required down payment.
Borrower Requirements:
Meet program income guidelines.
Be mortgage ready and able to secure affordable superior mortgage loan from a bank, credit union, USDA Rural Development, or another conventional lender.
Must qualify for a conventional loan through a reputable lender.
Land Contract purchase does not qualify.
To increase the probability that a house payment will remain affordable, the first mortgage used to purchase a home must be a fixed rate mortgage.
To be eligible for the Down Payment Assistance, applicants must have a combined household income of 100% or less of current HUD Income Limits by county (see HUD Income Limits Chart found through the link at the bottom of the article).
Property Requirements:
Home must be move in-ready and meet Housing Quality Standards at the time of purchase.
Property value must not exceed HUD established county limits.
Must be fee simple title at purchase.
Homes that qualify for Down Payment Assistance can be stick built, modular, new manufactured or condominium on a permanent foundation. A home on a rented or leased lot does not qualify.
Additional information can be found at: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/571/Housing-Loan-Program
City of Whitewater property owners recently received a tax bill which, in nearly all cases, reflects a significant increase in city and school district property taxes. (The only exception would be if the assessed value of the property declined significantly.) The city has released a video which seeks to explain the tax increase, which is almost entirely a result of the police and fire/EMS referendum which passed last April. The video may be viewed here.
County residents and staff family members recently had a unique opportunity to tour the Jefferson County Courthouse upon completion of a multi-year renovation project. Guests at the November 12 Open House were encouraged to meet with design/construction, facilities, and county representatives; view maps, floor plans, and photographs; and enjoy a self-guided tour through the building.
The renovation added approximately 33,000 square feet of office, meeting, and mechanical space on the north, east, and south sides of the Courthouse, including expanded capabilities for the Jefferson County 911 Call Center and the Emergency Management Command Center, additional court hearing rooms, and a larger area for Geographic Information System (GIS) services.
More than 120,000 square feet of existing space was remodeled, with objectives to modernize furnishings, fixtures, and mechanical/electrical systems to gain efficiencies and maximize functionality for staff and residents. Related County departments are now located in shared suites, allowing for improved customer experience.
“It was wonderful to meet and visit with our constituents as they explored the renovated Courthouse,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “This location has been home to the County Courthouse since 1880, with the last major building update completed in 1966. The latest updates position us to serve the people of Jefferson County effectively both now and into the future.”
For additional information about the Jefferson County Courthouse, please contact John Fox, Director of Facilities Management, at JFox@jeffersoncountywi.gov or 920-674-7322.
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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