News

Walworth Avenue Has Reopened

Lynn Binnie photo taken on August 28

The construction signs have been removed, and Walworth Avenue has reopened to through traffic. It had been closed for full reconstruction since June 9, with completion having been projected to be by the end of August. The entire stretch of the road now has a double line, indicating that passing is not allowed.

As was previously mentioned on The Banner, “Normally road construction in the city is its own responsibility. The Walworth Avenue project, however, was selected to be included in the funding provided to the state under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Consequently, the state will be responsible for 80% of the cost, leaving the city with only 20%.”

This Week’s Yard Sale

YARD SALE – FRIDAY, 8/29 ONLY!!!
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
129 N. Park St, Whitewater
Kids Clothes (Ages 5 and up), Adult Men and Women Clothes, Winter Coats, Household Items, Decor. Shoes, Toys.
or come say hi at the “Lemonade Stand.”

Obituary: Emma Lou Sederholm, 91

Emma Lou Sederholm, aged 91, passed away at her home on August 8, 2025. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 14, 1933 to the late Lewis and Lucille (Custer) Fuller. Emma Lou grew up in the Bondurant/Altoona Iowa area, the proud daughter of farmers.

She attended the University of Iowa, Iowa City and studied to become a Speech/Hearing Therapist. While at college, she met Frederic Sederholm and they were married on June 11, 1955. While Fred worked on his Ph.D. at Iowa City, Emma Lou was busy helping start Speech/Hearing programs at several rural Iowa school districts.

In 1961, Emma Lou and Fred settled in Whitewater after Fred accepted a faculty position at UW-W in the Speech/Theatre Department. Their daughter, Kristin, was born in 1962 and another daughter, Karen, followed in 1966. In addition to embracing motherhood, Emma Lou worked as a Speech/Hearing Therapist for the Whitewater Unified School District for several years.

Emma Lou was a founding member of the Whitewater League of Women Voters, serving as their President for several terms. She also was active in the U.U. Whitewater Fellowship and the U.U. Church of the Lakes in Elkhorn.

In addition to being a Speech/Hearing Therapist, Emma Lou worked in Research and Development for News Log International and as an Administrative Assistant for Holton Food Products.

Emma Lou loved to travel, take care of her flower gardens and read books. Her greatest accomplishment was being a loving mother and grandmother. She always looked forward to family gatherings and our annual family vacations.

Emma Lou is survived by her daughters, Kristin Sederholm and Karen O’Donnell, her grandchildren, Nikita Kammerer and Emily O’Donnell and son-in-law, Louis Kammerer.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by Fred Sederholm, her longtime companion Paul Holton and son-in-law, Kelly O’Donnell.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Emma Lou’s caregivers from Home Instead, Janesville, and the Hospice Staff from Commonheart, Watertown.

There will not be a service for Emma Lou. Thank you so much for all the support and acts of kindness shown at this difficult time. Emma Lou will be immensely missed by her family and friends. She was a remarkable mentor and role model and will forever be in our hearts.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences can be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com.

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!