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The Saturday City Market at Cravath Lakefront Community Center has ended for its season, but the Farmers Market will pick up where the City Market left off (well, not exactly.) Beginning on Saturday, May 3, the Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon, 301 W. Whitewater Street, in the parking lot next to the historic Train Depot. This early in the season, of course, the produce selection will be limited, but there are likely to also be eggs, baked goods, and a variety of other items.
The City Market will be back at the Train Depot beginning on Tuesday, May 6 from 4-7 p.m. Their announcement will be forthcoming soon.
The first phase of the Walworth Avenue repaving project is scheduled to start Friday, May 2.
Walworth Avenue/CTH N will be closed from State Highway 12 west to the City Limits. The closure is anticipated to last through the end of May. Work in phase 1 includes concrete curb replacement and milling and repaving of the asphalt surface. The road will be closed to all traffic. The detour will include State Highway 59 and State Highway 26.
Phase 2 of the Walworth Avenue repaving project will begin after the Whitewater Unified School District is completed with their spring semester. During phase 2, Walworth Avenue will be closed to thru traffic from State Highway 12 to Janesville Street. Local access and access to the Whitewater High School and the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center will be maintained via side streets.
For questions regarding the project please contact the Department of Public Works. Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-0139
El proyecto de repavimentación de Walworth Avenue comenzará el viernes 2 de mayo.
La primera fase del proyecto de repavimentación de la Avenida Walworth está
programada para comenzar el viernes 2 de mayo. Walworth Avenue/CTH N estará cerrada
desde la autopista estatal 12 hacia el oeste hasta los límites de la ciudad. Se prevé que el
cierre dure hasta finales de mayo. Los trabajos de la fase 1 incluyen el reemplazo de
bordillos de concreto y el fresado y repavimentación de la superficie de asfalto. La
carretera estará cerrada a todo el tráfico. El desvío incluirá la Carretera Estatal 59 y la
Carretera Estatal 26.
La Fase 2 del proyecto de repavimentación de la Avenida Walworth comenzará después de
que el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater termine su semestre de primavera.
Durante la fase 2, Walworth Avenue estará cerrada al tráfico desde la autopista estatal 12
hasta la calle Janesville. El acceso local y el acceso a la Escuela Secundaria Whitewater y
al Centro Acuático y de Fitness Whitewater se mantendrán a través de calles laterales.
Si tiene preguntas sobre el proyecto, comuníquese con el Departamento de Obras Públicas.
Brad Marquardt
Director de Obras Públicas
(262) 473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
“Spring Splash, an unofficial annual event in anticipation of warmer weather and the conclusion of the UW-Whitewater academic year, is taking place on Saturday, May 3. Event participants are primarily UW-W students and friends. Spring Splash has no official connection with UW-W. An organization known as “Wisconsin Red” publicized the early versions of the event in 2013 through 2015 with relatively few problems. In 2016, however, as social media spread word of the event, crowds became large and unmanageable. Problems included public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and large-scale litter. Wisconsin Red pulled its formal sponsorship of Spring Splash in 2017, and their involvement now appears to be limited to online merchandise sales.
In recent years the event has gone forward with less issues than once occurred, but the Whitewater Police Department annually requests mutual aid on a prescheduled basis from the county sheriff’s departments and nearby municipal police departments. Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer posted the following notice on the department’s Facebook page this week: “We’d like to inform the public that on Saturday, May 3rd, there will be increased law enforcement presence in the City of Whitewater in response to Spring Splash. Our goal is to maintain public safety and order, and we rely heavily on the community in order to accomplish that. As always, dial 911 if you have an emergency, and contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555 option #4 to request a non-emergent police response. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe environment for everyone.”

Whitewater Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, May 03, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
The Young Performing Arts Center
930 W Main St
Experience the brilliance of the esteemed Whitewater Symphony Orchestra. Immerse yourself in a captivating symphonic journey as the orchestra’s harmonious blend of woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings come together to bring classical masterworks and modern-day compositions to life. With their unrivaled talent and dedication to musical excellence, the WSO promises an unforgettable performance that will leave you awe-inspired. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for those age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Ticket Services office in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble & Friends
Sunday, May 04, 2025 @ 3:00 PM
The Young Performing Arts Center
930 W Main St.
Join us for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s post Carnegie Hall performance featuring two of our outstanding faculty members. Dr. Carson King-Fournier performs the jazz-influenced “Concerto for Trombone” by Dana Wilson and Dr. Diana Shapiro performs Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in a delayed celebration of the work’s centennial. You don’t want to miss this spectacular combination of jazz and classical music! Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for those age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Ticket Services office in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz
Sunday, May 04, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Light Recital Hall
950 W Main St.
Experience the vocal mastery of the Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz groups as they come together for an exciting evening of music. Featuring student conductors, this concert promises to be an eclectic celebration of vocal talent. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for those age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Ticket Services office in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

By Pat Blackmer
President of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs
Make a Difference Day is an event at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, held annually to inspire and mobilize the campus community to engage in meaningful service activities. This day is dedicated to fostering a spirit of volunteerism and collective action, aiming to create a lasting impact on the local community and beyond.
The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs was fortunate to have a group of young ladies who volunteered to assist club members with the annual spring landscape clean-up at the historic Bassett House on Friday, April 25th . With their assistance,
leaves were raked, weeds were pulled and bushes were trimmed.
UW-Whitewater’s Make a Difference Day exemplifies the power of collective action and the positive influence of community service. By uniting students and local residents in purposeful activities, this event not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a culture of empathy and proactive engagement. As it continues to grow and evolve, Make a Difference Day will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of UW-Whitewater’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world.

Warhawks Give is happening April 30 at 9 a.m. – May 1 at 4 p.m., and we’re celebrating 1868 Minutes to Give—honoring the year UW-Whitewater was founded in 1868 and the generations of Warhawks who have shaped its legacy.
For 1868 minutes, alumni, donors, and friends will come together to support the students, programs, and initiatives that make UW-Whitewater special. Your gift—no matter the size—helps provide scholarships, enhance campus experiences, and strengthen the future of our university. Join us in making an impact today!
Click on this link to see the progress of the campaign, specific funds that may be designated for a gift, and a video about what makes UW-Whitewater so special.
The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next monthly meeting on Monday, May 5th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Join us at WHS – Room 403 or via Google Meet at the following link: https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa.
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: Run for a seat on the Board! The positions of President, Treasurer, and Sponsorships/Fundraising Chair are up for election at the upcoming meeting. Position descriptions are in the Constitution.
Way #2:
Volunteer!
Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for other opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.
Way #3:
Donate/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 here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link
1139 W Highland St, Whitewater
Household moving May 2, 9-6 pm & May 3, 8-3 pm.
Furniture- all rooms, dining table sets, dishes, flatware, kitchen items, beds, stereo, desk, chairs, etc.
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to offer a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. If desired you can also include a few photos; we prefer the jpg format if possible.
Obituaries
Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting. He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke … Read more
Read MoreSusan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist … Read more
Read MoreJerry Wayne “Gorbs” GorbyDecember 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025 Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas … Read more
Read MoreMary Karen Erikson, 83, of Eagle, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at her home. Karen was born on February 10, 1942 in Lafayette, Indiana the daughter of Richard and Neta (McGuire) Stockholm. She moved to Wisconsin with her family and graduated from Whitewater High School. Karen continued her schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where she obtained a degree in Education. After undergraduate school, Karen obtained her Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Karen worked at Mukwonago High School for over 30 years as a math teacher, retiring in 1998. … Read more
Read MoreJanice Kay Brokmeier of Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek. Jan was born on June 7, 1942, in Stanford, Illinois to James Lloyd Smith and Eithel Amelia Ingram Smith. Jan moved to Wisconsin in December of 1955 with her parents and three of her brothers. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1960. Jan met Robert Joseph Brokmeier on March 13, 1958. Shortly after they met, they were married on August 26, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. They had three children and resided … Read more
Read MoreDean Chris Dunne, 69, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI. Dean was born on May 4, 1955 in Chicago, IL to Chris and Ann (Wagner) Dunne. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1973. Dean enjoyed fishing, camping and was a good water-skier in the day. He and his family moved to Las Vegas in 1980. Dean worked in property maintenance in Las Vegas for over 20 years. He is survived by his children Nicholas (Amber) Dunne, Fort Atkinson, Linsey (Scott) Angione, Las Vegas, Chris (Kristyn) Dunne, Las … Read more
Read MoreKenneth Dale Semrau, 74, of Whitewater, passed away April 26, 2025, in Winterhaven, Fl. Kenneth was born to Donna and Garhart Semrau on February 6th, 1951, in Marinette, WI. Kenneth married Kristy Pfeifer on May 6, 1972. They had two beautiful children Chad and Nicole and five wonderful grandchildren and lots of fur-babies. That made his world complete. Ken retired from Nestle in 2012 and enjoyed retirement by spending his summers at Riverbend Resort in Watertown, WI and the winter in Winterhaven, FL. “Kenny G.” was known for his loving and playful personality. His family was always first and foremost. … Read more
Read MoreBruce E. LaBansky, 75, Whitewater died on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI. Bruce was born on November 28, 1949 in Sauk County, WI to Clarence and Velma (Nelson) LaBansky. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School and received his bachelor’s degree from UW Stevens Point. Faith, family and friends were very important to him. Bruce moved to Whitewater in 1980 where he raised his 3 sons Nelsen, Nathanial, and Nicholas. Bruce was an avid golfer, an outdoorsman with an impressive knowledge of all things nature, a sports fan (particularly the Bucks, Brewers and Packers). Family … Read more
Read MoreDr. Holly J. Humphrey November 28, 1956 – April 17, 2025 Holly J. Humphrey, MD, MACP, led the Pritzker School of Medicine through a period of transformative growth that saw the school rise to a place among the nation’s elite institutions of medical education, emerge as a powerhouse of scholarship and discovery, and become a pioneer in efforts to diversify the field of medicine. One of the nation’s most prominent and innovative leaders in medical education, her voice and influence made an immeasurable impact on the field and countless mentees throughout her career. Dr. Humphrey, who served for 15 years as Pritzker’s … Read more
Read MoreJohn Rivers, 61, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home after a short battle with cancer, with his wife by his side. Born on March 10, 1964, in Milwaukee, WI, to Bernie and MaryAnne (Sommers) Rivers Jr., John lived a life defined by perseverance and purpose. A 1982 graduate of East Troy High School, John spent more than 30 years as a dedicated truck driver. One of his proudest accomplishments came later in life when, at the age of 50, he returned to school and earned his bachelor’s degree while continuing to work full … Read more
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