News

Jayne Lubke playing the organ that will be dedicated on April 19

The Milwaukee Brewers’ former organist will keynote the dedication of First Congregational United Church of Christ’s newly installed organ. Dean Rosko of Allen Organ Co. will highlight the organ’s features during the Fort Atkinson church’s 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 19.

Serving as organist for worship will be Jayne Lubke. The Nurture ministry team will host a luncheon following the service.

The public is invited to the organ dedication. Among the attendees will be the Rev. Rachel Bauman, associate minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. First Congregational UCC received the organ from the Whitewater Congregational United Church of Christ when it closed permanently last April.

The Renaissance Quantum organ manufactured by the Allen Organ Co. was dedicated to the memory of the late Robert Jennings. A music professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 26 years and choir director at the Whitewater church for 17 years, Jennings passed away in 2013.

The founder of Allen Organs of Wisconsin LLC in 2020, Rosko served as organist for the Brewers baseball team from 2003 until right before the 2024 season, when the live organ was removed from American Family Field. He also has been the organist for Milwaukee Admirals hockey games at UW-Milwaukee’s Panther Arena since 2015.

In addition, Rosko is director of music and organist at the Church of the Gesu next to Marquette University in Milwaukee, vice president of the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society and a past board member of the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

The costs for procuring, moving and installing the Allen organ at the Fort Atkinson church totaled $40,032.37. Persons wishing to contribute toward that effort may write a check to First Congregational UCC with a notation of “Organ Fund” in the memo line.

Located at 31 W. Milwaukee Ave. in Fort Atkinson, First Congregational UCC is an inclusive congregation that welcomes persons of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities and economic circumstances.

For further information about the church or organ dedication, call (920) 563-4802 or email
officefortucc@gmail.com.

The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next bi-monthly meeting on Monday, March 2nd from 5:30-6:30 PM. Don’t forget – we are only meeting via Google Meet ( https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa ) for the remainder of the school year.

Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing

Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing

Ways to get involved: 

Way #1:
We know that our meeting times don’t work for everyone, but anyone can volunteer!

Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers in the future. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.

Upcoming arts events:

Feb. 26 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS

Feb. 27 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS

Feb 28 HS Spring Play  7:00pm HS

Mar. 1 HS Spring Play 2:00pm HS

Mar. 2 Middle School Orchestra Clinic 3:30pm MS Band Room

Mar. 3 Chamber Music Festival 4-8pm HS 

Mar. 4 Elem. String Recital 3:40pm LINCS Cafeteria

Mar. 14 District S&E (HS ONLY) ALL DAY East Troy HS 

Mar. 17 Lakeview Fine Arts Night 5-7 pm Lakeview Elem.

Mar. 20 Washington Spring Program (4/5) 1:30pm Washington Elem.

April 9 MS Play  Daytime   HS Auditorium

April 10 MS Play 7pm   HS Auditorium

April TBD    HS Jazz & Music Master Tour 2:00-3:30  Middle School

April 11 MS Play    7pm   HS Auditorium

April 12 MS Play    2pm  HS Auditorium

April 15 Chamber Music Recital 7:00 pm   HS Auditorium

April 25 State Solo & Ensemble Festival    All Day UW-Whitewater

April 23 Lincoln Fine Arts Night 5:00pm Lincoln Elem. Gym

April 28 MS Show Choir/Jazz Band Concert 7:00pm WMS Cafeteria

April 30 Spring Orchestra Festival  6:30pm HS Auditorium

May 1 MS Jazz/Show Choir tour   All Day District Elem.

May 5 6 & 7th Grade Band Concert  7:00pm HS Auditorium

Way #2:

Over the recent years, our funds have steadily decreased, so we could use people to donate and/or fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.

Donate/Share Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link—

Whitewater Music Boosters

Supporting the Whitewater Unified School District

wwusdmusicboosters@gmail.com

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by WWUSD Music Boosters.

The Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA) has named Jefferson County Parks Director Kevin Wiesmann its 2025 Park Section Outstanding Professional of the Year. Wiesmann received his award during a reception at the WPRA Annual Conference & Trade Show on February 5 in Wisconsin Dells.

The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award recognizes parks professionals with seven or more years of experience who excel in their mission to promote the benefits of parks and whose actions hold true to the WPRA mission statement: “So everyone can play.”

“Kevin leads a talented, dedicated Parks Department staff that ensures residents and visiting guests enjoy all that our parks have to offer throughout Wisconsin’s four seasons,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “Our parks aid in preserving the rural heritage of Jefferson County, which is central to our way of life and a point of community pride.”

Wiesmann oversees an extensive collection of outdoor recreational amenities, including 22 County Parks, more than 1,300 acres of parkland, facilities, and flood-mitigation properties, popular trails for bicyclists, hikers, snowmobilers, and cross-country ski enthusiasts, and an acclaimed Dog Park. His team has developed key relationships with volunteer teams and “Friends of” groups, resulting in more than 400 hours of volunteer work and investments of more than $300,000 in the Jefferson County Parks Endowment Fund, per the 2025 Parks Department Annual Report.

In 2026, Wiesmann is leading an update of his team’s Parks & Outdoor Recreation Plan (PORP), which will inform parks development in Jefferson County for the next five years. “We are excited to interact with our Parks fans to hear what they value most about our County Parks and get feedback for making these special places even better for all visitors,” said Luckey. “With Kevin’s guidance, I’m certain our plan update will provide thoughtful stewardship and great ideas for future park spaces.”

For more about Jefferson County Parks: https://parks.jeffersoncountywi.gov/

The following students are members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s production of “The Prom.” The production, directed by Robyn Accetta and produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide of New York, New York, will run Feb. 20-28 at Barnett Theatre in UW-Whitewater’s Greenhill Center of the Arts

Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Mauritz, who is studying Art, is a member of the Cast, serving in the role of Ensemble/Understudy Kaylee.

Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Martin, who is studying Music, is a member of the Pit Orchestra, serving in the role of alto saxophone.

Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person at the Greenhill Center of the Arts, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. Barnett Theatre is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. For additional information about the UW-Whitewater Department of Theatre/Dance visit uww.edu/theatre.

About “The Prom”

“The Prom,” directed by Robyn Accetta, is a vibrant, feel-good musical that brings together an impactful story of queer love, Broadway glitz and small-town grit in a story bursting with humor, heart, and humanity. Full of show-stopping songs and powerful moments, this production celebrates redemption, transformation, and the joy of being seen. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the love, or the glitter – there’s a place for you at “The Prom.” Produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide of New York, New York.

Editor’s note: Additional information regarding performances of “The Prom” may be found in this Banner article.

2-15-26

Sunday, February 15: Steve Watson writes, “Two pair of swans by the scenic overlook this morning. One pair decided to find better accommodations and took flight.”

Monday morning and two are still here. Apparently they’re comfortable here, at least for now.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for making the rounds of the lakes with a watchful eye and camera and sharing the results generously with us.

“Bugonia”
Tuesday, February 24, 1 pm
(Dark Comedy/Satire/Science Fiction)
Rated R (violence, language); 1 hour, 58 minutes (2025). 

Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major corporation, convinced she is an alien being from another galaxy intent on destroying Earth. Many awards nominations for Best Picture, Actress (Emma Stone) and Actor (Jesse Plemons). 

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 $15 and non-residents is $20. 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/ 

Ben Ogden (Left) and Gus Schumacher celebrate their silver medals. Photo credit: Nat Herz, Alaska Public Media

Gus Schumacher, an Anchorage skier and grandson of the late Rollie Cooper and the late Nancy Cooper, won a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy on February 19. He teamed up with his longtime friend, Vermont skier Ben Ogden in the men’s team sprint event. One reporter stated, “Anchorage cross-country skiing superstar Gus Schumacher was nearly perfect racing the anchor leg Wednesday in the team sprint event.” The duo secured only the second men’s cross-country skiing medal for the U.S. in 50 years, after Ogden’s silver medal in the individual sprint earlier in the Games.

Media reports may be found at the links shown below.

Anchorage’s Schumacher earns silver in cross-country team sprint – Alaska Public Media

Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher’s Olympic silver medal was forged with friendship – NBC

‘These guys are for real’: Kikkan Randall on what Olympic silver means for Gus Schumacher and Alaska – KTVF in Alaska

Alaska in the medals, as Schumacher strikes silver at Italy Olympics – Alaska Public Media – includes an interview with Schumacher

Gus’s official Olympics page

Gus Schumacher: Meet the Athlete – NBC

Gus Schumacher (skier) – Wikipedia

The Winter 2026 season marked a significant milestone for WHS Esports, highlighted by the successful introduction of Marvel Rivals into our competitive rotation.

Student-athletes embraced the opportunity to compete with their favorite MCU characters while representing WHS against top programs across the state. Competition featured three distinct game modes: Convoy, requiring precise payload coordination; Domination, a high-intensity king-of-the-hill format; and Convergence, a hybrid mode demanding advanced strategy, adaptability, and teamwork.

In our inaugural Marvel Rivals season, the team finished with a 3–4 regular season record, earning the 6th seed in the division and securing a berth in the state playoff bracket—an impressive accomplishment for a first-year title.

This season also marked the debut of Assistant Esports Coach Mr. Gavin Van Epps, who joined the program in his first year as an educator. Entrusted with leading the Marvel Rivals roster, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, organization, and competitive focus. His energetic and student-centered approach fostered both performance growth and sustained player engagement throughout the season.

While Mr. Justin Buntrock directed the Varsity and JV Fortnite programs, the success and competitive momentum of Marvel Rivals stands as a testament to Coach Van Epps’ leadership and the dedication of our student-athletes.

We commend our players and coaching staff for a strong inaugural campaign and look forward to building on this foundation in the seasons ahead.

Article and Photo Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Head eSports Coach
jbuntrock@wwusd.org

3

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, one of the most solemn times in the Christian calendar. Here is a view of one of Whitewater’s long-time churches, the First English Lutheran Church. But, this post card is labeled the Norwegian Lutheran Church, not the First English Lutheran Church. This is because the post card was probably produced before 1937 when the congregation officially changed its name. In the mid-19th century, Norwegian immigrants founded the local Norwegian Lutheran Church on the east side of Whitewater. In 1908 the congregation relocated to this building, the old Baptist Church, originally built in 1886-1887. In the early 20th century, services began to be held in English, and by 1937, the church dropped its affiliation as a Norwegian Lutheran church.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(5523PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced his retirement effective with the end of the current session in a speech on the Assembly floor on the last in-person day on February 19th. He stated that he suffered a heart attack last year and took it as a sign from God to retire. Vos, age 57, (R-Rochester) was first elected to the Assembly in 2004 and has served as Speaker since 2013. During his tenure, he became one of the most powerful figures in state government and the longest-serving Assembly Speaker on record.

Per Wikipedia:

“Vos attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he studied political science and public relations. While at Whitewater, he roomed with Reince Priebus, who later became chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, chairman of the Republican National Committee, and White House chief of staff. In 1989, Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson appointed Vos as a student representative on the University of Wisconsin board of regents. Vos graduated in 1991.^[7]

After graduation, Vos worked as a legislative assistant to state representatives Jim Ladwig and Bonnie Ladwig…..Vos has an ownership stake of $4.8 million in rental properties in Whitewater, Wisconsin.” [Per the Walworth County property tax site, Ladwig & Vos, Inc. owns over twenty residential properties in the city.]

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Gov. Tony Evers issued the following statement on February 19 regarding the retirement announcement.

Gov. Evers Releases Statement Regarding Speaker Vos’ Retirement

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ (R-Rochester) retirement announcement: “The Speaker’s retirement marks the end of an era in Wisconsin politics, and I’m grateful to have served as governor during Speaker Vos’ tenure. Although we’ve disagreed more often than we didn’t, I respect his candor, his ability to navigate complex policies and conversations, and his unrivaled passion for politics. “I’m also incredibly proud of the bipartisan work we’ve been able to do together these past seven years. We passed the first bipartisan budget in decades last year that made historic investments in our kids and public education. We worked together to find compromise and provide the first increase in state support for our local communities in over a decade. We kept the Brewers in Milwaukee for generations of new Wisconsinites, provided billions in tax relief for middle-class families, made one of the largest investments in affordable housing in state history, and increased key investments for the first time in a generation, from special education to funding to fix our roads and bridges. And those are just some of the highlights. “I wish the Speaker well in his retirement and hope he and his wife, Michelle, enjoy this new chapter together. Robin’s one-of-a-kind, so I wish whoever becomes the next Assembly Speaker well. They’ll no doubt have their work cut out for them. Being in public service is challenging and can be thankless work, most especially when you’re responsible for getting things done. I understand that better than most. For your sacrifices and your service over the years, thank you, Mr. Speaker.”