Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, June 17, 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.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is honored to announce that Whitewater resident Tom Ganser has been selected to receive the League’s 2025 Making Democracy Work award for documenting democracy in action as a photographer. Through photography, Tom tells a diverse, multigenerational story of civic pride and action. Tom provides his services to the community at no charge, documenting crucial community events such as town hall meetings, local elections, Unity Walks, and League of Women Voters-sponsored events. The League’s Making Democracy Work Award recognizes citizens who strive to make their community a safer and fairer place in which to live.
A public reception celebrating Tom’s commitment to diversity and civic action will be held Sunday, December 14, 2 PM – 4 PM, at the Prairie Village Community Center, located at Prairie Village on Burr Oak Trail just south of County U in Whitewater. Refreshments will be served.
Please join us on December 14th in honoring Tom. Tom taught English for 10 years at Custer High School in Milwaukee and served for 20 years as Associate Director and Director of the Office of Field Experiences in the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater and as Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He directed the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program and served on the Whitewater Unified School District for four years. Tom serves on the Finance Committee for First United Methodist Church. He has contributed to the Whitewater Register, the Whitewater Banner, the Daily Jefferson County Union, and Fort Atkinson Online.
________________________________________
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!
Wednesday, December 10th is Whitewater High School’s annual Winter Gala concert and fundraiser. We would love to see a big crowd out to support our talented musicians. There will be a raffle basket auction to help raise funds for the music booster club. Support of the community in the raffle is greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to attend in person but want to join us virtually, here is the link (please scroll down.)
Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 10. Unsold baskets will be available for onsite purchase, while supplies last, at First Citizens State Bank’s downtown lobby beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, December 17.
Over the weekend, Whitewater High School’s Model UN team participated in the Model UN Conference at Arrowhead High School. Students spent the day debating global issues and collaborating with delegates from other schools. Their strong preparation, professionalism, and teamwork were evident in every committee.
We are incredibly proud of our Model UN students for their dedication and outstanding performance. Congratulations to all members on a successful event!
Article and Photos Submitted by Liberty Cunningham and Greg Stewart
WHS Model UN Advisors
cunli01@wwusd.org
The Whippets had a strong showing at the Tom Lieder Invitational on Saturday, finishing 3rd out of 11 teams! The boys continue to build momentum early in the season with several top-16 finishes, big time drops, and two relay wins!
Top 16 Finishers:
• 200 Medley Relay – 7th (2:13.28)
Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Xavier Ortiz
• 200 Free:
1st – Cruz Aranda (1:55.46)
• 50 Free:
1st – Mateo Bazeley (23.73)
12th – Wyatt Esch (26.86)
• 100 Fly:
3rd – Langdon Coburn (59.59)
7th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:10.49)
• 100 Free:
1st – Cruz Aranda (51.32)
2nd – Mateo Bazeley (54.07)
• 100 IM:
2nd – Langdon Coburn (1:03.38)
8th – Caleb Kluck (1:15.06)
11th – Xavier Ortiz (1:24.85)
• 200 Free Relay – 1st (1:35.72)
Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn
• 100 Back:
11th – Wyatt Esch (1:15.22)
14th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:22.65)
• 100 Breast:
12th – David Enns (1:27.32)
15th – Caleb Kluck (1:31.16)
• 400 Free Relay – 1st (3:37.45)
Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Mateo Bazeley
Other Highlights:
• 200 Freestyle group of Angel Kilar, Cooper Housel, ChaCha Binagi, and Hunter Runnoe — all with time drops!
• Angel Kilar with two PRs, including a 5-second drop in his 100 Free!
The Whippets will be back in action on Tuesday, December 9th, at home vs. Burlington Co-op. Swimming starts at 5:30 pm — come pack the pool!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Updated 12/9/25 @ 9:15 p.m. with the link to the video.
A Whitewater program will be featured on Monday, December 8 on the WDJT Channel 58 News at 10 p.m. One of the regular diners from the community had reached out to the Milwaukee station to suggest that the University/Community Lunch that is offered at First United Methodist Church would be an interesting feature for Natalie Shepherd’s “Everyday Heroes.” Shepherd, the evening anchor, recently visited the lunch to see it for herself.
Lunch Coordinator Terrie Parenteau indicates that about 250 meals a week are currently being provided. Four to six volunteers assist Parenteau with preparing and serving the meals, not to mention additional church members who contribute food from home. The program is in its 25th year, having pivoted to take-out meals five days a week during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 20,000 meals were provided during that time.
Students and community members are welcome at the free lunch, which is served throughout the school year on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The last lunch for the semester will be served on December 9, with the first lunch in 2026 being served on January 27.
Written by Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer is known for keeping people safe and building community. And he recently unveiled another talent – dancing! He spent an afternoon at Studio 84 getting to know the dancers of all abilities who are students there, and he joined the troupe in dancing for joy.
Margaret Wheeler, the artist in residence who teaches dance at the studio, invited Chief Meyer to attend and learn more about the program.
Co-choreographer Katherine M. Sainsbury and Margaret agree that the Chief was very interested in the students and enjoyed the dances.
Margaret said, “The Chief was so kind; he listened to the students talk about their artwork and asked questions. He danced with us—he was a great sport and fine with wearing a Santa hat!”
Dancer Stuart Nagy said, “I have met three other really nice police officers. The Chief was awesome!”
Dancer Mila Holcombe agreed, “He’s such a nice Officer.”
Chief Meyer said, “Some of the artists I spoke with have been working at Studio 84 for over a decade and it was very apparent how important this opportunity is for them.”
Dancer Steven Paprocki said, “He really liked my artwork.”
Meyer said, “This was my first time being inside Studio 84, and I had no idea what it was all about beforehand. I was blown away by the positive atmosphere and how much pride the artists have in their work.”
An incredibly talented dancer herself, Margaret Wheeler donates her time each week to bring joy, laughter and dance to Whitewater’s Studio 84 at 121 West Center Street.
People with all abilities are invited on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to join the dance class. Each dancer pays $15 per hour to participate, and all proceeds are donated by Margaret to Studio 84. More information and sign-up information can be found at: www.studio84inc.org.
Her dance company has performed at the Multicultural Event through the Whitewater School District, Fairhaven, other local places, and is available for other venues. Anyone interested in having a performance at their location or event should contact Studio 84 at info@studio84inc.org.
Dance is just one of the arts featured at Studio 84. Stuart can often be found at the Whitewater City Market selling his pottery to help raise funds for Studio 84. He has been involved in Studio 84 for about seven years and said, “I just love doing the arts.” And of dance he said, “It’s fun. And it gets me energized.”
Meyer said, “The Co-Directors (Lynnette Gmur and Benjamin Kelly), Artistic Mentor (Karina Pittro), and volunteers really do amazing work and embody what community looks like. It’s a fantastic place.”
Their website says, “Studio 84 is a nonprofit art studio, gallery and store. We specialize in the creative and vocational development of people with disabilities including those with Autism, Down Syndrome physical disabilities, cognition delays and mental illness. We believe in creating an environment of inclusion. Open to all ages and all abilities.”
Editor’s Note: This article was written by volunteer Marjorie Stoneman with photographs by volunteer Tom Ganser.
American Legion Post 173 of Whitewater recently elected new Post leadership for the upcoming year. The membership selected Jessica Kienbaum as Post Commander, Jim Kosharek as First Vice Commander, and Steve Swader as Second Vice Commander.
The new officers were recognized during the Post’s holiday meal, held this year at 841 Brewhouse. A photo from the event also includes long-serving Finance Officer Rodney Lohff and Post Adjutant Steve Smith, whose continued dedication and many years of service to the Post are gratefully acknowledged.
American Legion Post 173 looks forward to the year ahead and remains committed to supporting veterans, families, and the Whitewater community. The Post meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at 292 S. Wisconsin St., and local veterans are always welcome to attend.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Jessica Kienbaum.
Photo Caption: | |
| File(s) | |
Obituaries
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
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
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.
