News

Obituary: Louis W. Golembiewski, 96, of West Allis

Louis W. Golembiewski, 96, a longtime resident of West Allis, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Milwaukee.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Alice M. Golembiewski (née Theoret). Louis is survived by his children: Teresa A. Golembiewski of Whitewater, Michael L. Golembiewski of Waterford, Joan M. (Dave) Junkhan of De Pere, and Janet L. (Terry) Bennett of Wausau. He was the proud grandfather of Liam (Miranda) Bennett, Mitchell Junkhan, and Erin (Erik Vogel) Bennett, and the cherished great-grandfather of Henry and Evalyn Bennett, with another great-grandchild expected soon.

Born on September 16, 1928, in Milwaukee to Michael and Mary Golembiewski (née Urbanska), Louis lived a full and vibrant life. He served honorably during the Korean War, volunteered for many years at Polish Fest, and enjoyed playing Sheepshead, visiting the casino, and spending time with family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, Wisconsin, on Saturday, August 30, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp American Legion, Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin, a veterans’ organization close to Louis’s heart.

Lace Up Your Running Shoes for the DWS

The 2025 Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Teams, & 5K is one month away!

On Sept. 21st, 2025 runners of all ages will line up at the starting line of the 13th annual DWS in Whitewater. The DWS team is thrilled to see all our participants this fall!

This year, our race starts on Schwager Drive, near Perkins Stadium, and ends on the Perkins Stadium football field.  Perkins Stadium is located at 910 W Schwager Dr, Whitewater, WI 53190. 

Below is a description of everything to expect on the week of the race.

Packet pickup will be on Friday, Sept. 19th, at 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Kachel Gymnasium, 907 Schwager Dr, Whitewater, WI 53190. Enter on the north side of the Kachel Gymnasium. (ramp in Lot 11). The packets will include the race schedule, registration information T-shirts, and coupons for the runners. They are also available for pick up from 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 21st (race day). 

  • Online site registration is available on race day as well. For a full schedule of the day visit http://runwhitewater.com
    • Half Marathon Wheelchair Division start is 7:55 a.m.
    • Half Marathon/Half Marathon Teams start at 8 a.m. and the course will be open until 12 p.m.
    • 5K Wheel Division start is 8:10 a.m.
    • The 5K start is 8:15 a.m.
  • Because of construction on Walworth Ave, we could not guarantee that we would be able to host our race at Whitewater’s high school. This year, DWS is excited to host the start and finish lines at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater! Specifically, the team wants to highlight their new starting line on Schwager Drive and their new finish line at Perkins Stadium football field. The DWS team worked hard to make new courses that reflected the values of the race-still reflecting Whitewater’s beauty and history. The half marathon calls back to Whitewater’s racing history; this course is a part of the original Olympic Trial run that was in the 80s and 90s! 
  • We’ll have eight pacers running on the course in neon green shirts, so they’ll be easy to find. Participants can follow the pacer to keep a steady time during the race.
  • FREE childcare: Did you know the DWS offers free childcare to our participants? Our Kids Korral is a combined effort of the UW-W’s College of Education & Professional Studies and Creative and Resourceful Educators to provide activities for children in a safe environment. The Kids Korral is for children six months to ten years, and they must be registered by Wednesday Sept. 17th. This can be done at http://runwhitewater.com. 
  • Awards Ceremony: This year we split up the awards for the half marathon, half marathon teams, and 5K. First, second and third (men and women) place finishers will receive a cash prize.
  • Half Marathon Men’s/Women’s Overall winners of 1st place will receive $400, 2nd place will receive $250, and 3rd place will receive $100. Marathon Teams 1st place finishers will receive trophies. 5K Men’s/Women’s Overall 1st-3rd finishers will receive trophies. All finishers of the half marathon, half marathon teams, and 5k will receive a medal and a T-shirt.
    • 5K awards start at 9:45 a.m.
    • Half marathon and half marathon team awards start at 10 a.m.
  • Thanks to the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, we will be hosting our award ceremony and post-race nutrition at the Coulthart Family Pavilion which is located on Schwager Dr, and as a special treat.
  • Post-Race Celebration: This year’s post-race festivity will take place at 841 Brewhouse, located at 841 E Milwaukee St in Whitewater. 841 will be open and taking drink tickets starting at 10 a.m. on race day; participants can come together for one free glass of either beer, wine, or soda! For more information or to view 841’s menu make sure to visit their website at https://www.841brewhouse.com. 

Monthly newsletters are emailed to participants and volunteers of the race. Message the DWS team on Facebook or email us at info@runwhitewater.com to receive the newsletter and stay up to date on all things involving the race. 

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features. All the proceeds from the race are donated to four local charity partners: Bethel House, Whitewater LEADS, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, and Warhawk Athletics through the UWW-Foundation. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and the University to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit runwhitewater.com. For general race inquiries email info@runwhitewater.com. 

WUSD Welcomes New Activities & Athletics Director

Mike Dowden


The Whitewater Unified School District has appointed Mike Dowden as activities and athletics director after a comprehensive search that drew 27 qualified applicants.

Students, coaches, boosters, and community members interviewed Dowden, rating him the highest among all candidates for his leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening Whippet extracurricular programs.

Dowden currently serves as head coach of the Whitewater High School girls basketball team. He also has experience coaching baseball, football, softball, and track. He currently teaches mathematics and supports the district’s Equitable Multi-Level Systems of Support (EMLSS) framework.

“We are excited to begin this new chapter under Mr. Dowden’s leadership and guidance,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “His passion for students, experience in academics and athletics, and vision for building strong, inclusive programs will be a tremendous asset to our school community.”

Dowden earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Norbert College and a bachelor’s degree in education from Beloit College. A former multi-sport athlete at Big Foot High School, he competed in basketball at both colleges.

WUSD looks forward to welcoming Mr. Dowden into this new role and working together to continue building a strong foundation of excellence in both academics and activities for all students.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

Free Seminar: The success mindset with Denise Maple

Community members are invited to a free seminar, The Success Mindset: How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Make It Happen. The event is sponsored by the Whitewater Public Library and will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center at 341 S. Fremont St. on Thursday, September 4 at 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Learn how mindset is just as important as strategy and completing tasks. This transformative experience equips you with the mindset and tools necessary to overcome challenges, set and achieve meaningful goals, and unlock your full potential. Whether you’re looking to excel in your career, personal life, or any other area, this seminar provides the guidance and inspiration needed to make success a reality.

After completing this workshop, you will be able to:

  • Understand why mindset is important.
  • Know the tools to overcome imposter syndrome.
  • Discover how to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth.
  • Develop a plan to work towards your goals with purpose and focus.

You can learn more about the facilitator, Denise Maple, at livelifespiritual.com.

This seminar is for adults and registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and register in advance on the library’s event calendar (link: https://whitewaterpl.librarycalendar.com/event/success-mindset-seminar-denise-maple-351). You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions. 

Our Readers Share: Steve Watson – A young fisherman casting for the big one


Steve Watson writes: Friday morning I had vision.


In long morning shadows cast by the sun.

A young fisherman casting for the big one.

Down at the park, Cravath Lake. 

You never know what you’ll take.

Maybe a bluegill,  carp, or pike.

Wistfully waiting for a strike. 


Our thanks to Steve Watson for this beautiful photo and poem.


— 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!

Students Qualifying for Free/Reduced Lunch May Apply for Financial Aid for Drivers Education

Gov. Evers, WisDOT Encourage Eligible Students to Apply for Financial Assistance for Drivers Education 
Successful program received $12 million in continued funding as part of 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed by the governor  
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced that applications are now being accepted for Wisconsin’s Driver Education Grant Program. The program, funded by the 2025-27 biennial budget signed into law by Gov. Evers, provides funding for income-eligible students to take driver education courses with the goal of becoming safe, licensed drivers. The financial assistance available will cover driver education tuition costs for coursework and behind-the-wheel training for eligible students.

“Combatting reckless driving across our state has been a bipartisan priority over the last few years, and teaching our kids the skills they need to be safe drivers is another important step toward cracking down on unsafe driving. Doing what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state and ensuring the next generation of drivers can make good and safe decisions behind the wheel is critically important to building safer roads and communities for everyone,” said Gov. Evers. “Expanding opportunities for kids to take driver education and learn to drive safely is a no-brainer, and I’m proud the bipartisan, pro-kid state budget I signed into law last month invested $12 million to help do just that. I look forward to seeing this successful program continue to lower costs for working families, promote driver education, and expand pathways for safe driving on our roads.”

The Driver Education Grant Program provides grants to cover driver education tuition costs for 30 hours of classroom coursework, six hours of observation, and six hours of behind-the-wheel training for eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program, have not previously held a driver’s license, and who are between 14.5 and 19 years old may apply for the Driver Education Grant Program here.

“This program has already helped thousands of students learn to become safe, licensed drivers,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “We’re proud to continue delivering these critical grants under the leadership of Gov. Evers to reduce driver training barriers for families and work toward our goal of making Wisconsin’s roads safer.”

Originally created by Gov. Evers in the 2023-25 Biennial Budget, the Driver Education Grant Program has provided $6 million in grants to more than 10,000 students since the program was launched in September 2024. After the program’s launch, it quickly reached capacity in just over a month. The 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed by Gov. Evers earlier this summer continued this important program with an investment of $12 million over the next two years that will be dispersed quarterly.

“We are excited to announce that we were successful in making the annual $6 million allocation permanent,” said Brenda McMurtry, board member of Common Ground of Milwaukee, a diverse coalition of partner organizations working to create positive change, and who championed the creation of this program back in 2023. “Now, each year $6 million in grants will be available to help low-income students across Wisconsin learn safe driving practices and get their licenses.”

Enrolled students will receive confirmation of eligibility, which they can take to a driver training school of their choice. WisDOT developed an interactive map to help students locate a program conveniently near them. These students may take the classroom portion and/or the behind-the-wheel training with an authorized driver training school. WisDOT will reimburse the school for the students’ training.

WisDOT will deliver an initial phase of $1.5 million in grants to the first wave of applicants who apply beginning Aug. 25, 2025. Students unable to enroll this quarter and who did not receive funding may sign up to be notified when applications are accepted in the following quarter.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Office of the Governor. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay.
 

New Class: Boost your brain & memory – for those 55+ experiencing normal aging brain changes [Updated]

Editor’s note: This article originally had conflicting indications of the day of the week on which the sessions will be held. The ADRC personnel has confirmed that they will be held on Wednesdays. Our thanks to Barb Taylor for pointing out the typo.

Boost Your Brain & Memory Education Series
For all those 55+ who are experiencing normal aging brain changes
Wednesdays September 10 – October 15, 2025

From 1 – 2:30 pm
At Edgerton Library
Register Now

In partnership with the Edgerton Library, the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County, is pleased to be offering a 6-week class to those experiencing normal aging brain changes. The Boost Your Brain & Memory provides information and skills to improve memory and brain health. This evidence-based class focuses on 6 areas – nutrition, physical activity, emotional health, spiritual activity, intellectual activity and social engagement and the concept of cognitive reserve to provide techniques for improving brain health and memory abilities.

This class is not for people with brain change of more than normal aging or a dementia diagnosis.

Reservations are required. Space is limited. To make reservations please contact Karen Tennyson, dementia care specialist of Rock County at (608) 921-7165.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County. The agency has previously advised The Banner that residents outside of Rock County are generally welcome to join their programming on a space available basis.

Seniors in the Park Presents “Just a Bit Outside: The Story of the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers”

“Just a Bit Outside: The Story of the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers”

Tuesday, August 26, 1 pm 

(Sports/Baseball/Documentary)

Free and open to all.

Hopefully, by the time you read this, the Brewers will be thick into this season‘s Race for the 2025 pennant! This is the chronicle of the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin and their 55 year love affair with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the incredible yet heartbreaking run in the 1982 World Series. (Our day will come). You’ve got to believe! 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

The Young Performing Arts Center Director Named

Michael (Mike) Stefiuk


Editor’s note: The following announcement was made by Chancellor Corey A. King on the UW-Whitewater announcements page on August 13.

We are thrilled to announce that Michael (Mike) Stefiuk will be joining UW-Whitewater as the new Director of The Young Performing Arts Center. With over 20 years of transformative leadership in arts administration, Mike has held prominent roles in top symphony orchestras, music festivals, and higher education institutions. Most recently, he served as Director of Concert Operations at the Eastman School of Music [Rochester, NY], overseeing three prestigious venues and nearly 1,000 events annually.

Mike’s recent accomplishments include:

  • Leading teams of 20+ staff and managing multimillion-dollar budgets
  • Increasing ticket revenue by 48% while cutting expenses by 50%
  • Launching award-winning community initiatives and partnerships
  • Programming major festivals and commissioning new works
  • Producing events for audiences of up to 72,000

Mike’s vision aligns perfectly with The Young’s mission to enrich the cultural life of Whitewater and the surrounding region, and we look forward to his collaborative spirit and passion for creating spaces where the arts can thrive.

A special thank you to Dean Michael Dugan for his exceptional leadership in serving as Interim Director in addition to his responsibilities as Dean. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the search committee, chaired by Dr. Katy Casey, and to our HR partners for their dedication and hard work throughout the summer. Their collective efforts were instrumental in making this appointment a reality.

We also want to extend heartfelt gratitude to the current staff of The Young for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout this time of transition. Their commitment has been vital in keeping the center vibrant and moving forward.

Mike will officially begin on Monday, September 15, and will represent The Young at the Midwest Arts Expo in Milwaukee. Please join us in welcoming him to the Warhawk family!

Editor’s note: According to the Eastman School of Music website, Stefiuk received a bachelor’s degree in music from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Music from New England Conservatory, 

Recent Felony Charges and Convictions

The following Walworth County court felony charges and convictions are from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access site.

Tracy Smiter, 39, of 340 N Newcomb St., A6, Whitewater, has been charged with strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse assessments; false imprisonment, domestic abuse assessments; felony bail jumping, domestic abuse assessments.

Nathan S McAllister, 40, of 135 W Main St, 2, Whitewater, has been found guilty of strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse assessments; Intimidate Victim/Domestic Abuse Crime, Domestic Abuse Assessments.