Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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This week, you’re invited to see what’s possible and help shape what comes next.
Whitewater Forward Design Workshops
Get a first look at draft concepts and share your thoughts directly with the project team.
Whether you live, work, or spend time in Whitewater, your perspective matters. Stay a few minutes or the whole time.
Location:
- Cravath Lakefront Building
Time:
- Monday, April 20 | 4:30 to 6:30p
- Tuesday, April 21 | 4:30 to 6:30p
Can’t Make It? Have Your Say Online!
You can still be a part of the process. Visit whitewaterforward.com to take the new survey and share how you travel to and through Whitewater.
Participating online is quick and easy, and your input will help guide future decisions.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Whitewater, and helping us move Whitewater Forward.
Fairhaven Pollinator Garden
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
Olm Fellowship Hall
We’re ready to update interested residents and community members on the Fairhaven Pollinator Garden! Join Fairhaven residents Karen Coburn, Kaye Eckert, Dan Sable, Sue Weigel, Betty Brown and Sue Chuppa and community member Kristine Zaballos as we present our plan for the two pollinator gardens we are creating in 2026.
We’ll recap the benefits of native plants that we shared at our presentation in the fall, and then go into detail about the specific native plants that will be planted, where they will be sourced, how we will plant them, and what pollinators will benefit. We’ll also talk about how the garden is being funded and how it will be maintained. And you’ll have a chance to ask any questions and to purchase cards, coffee mugs, coffee and baked goods to support the garden. Questions? Contact Kristine at kristine@zaballos.com or Karen Coburn at krncoburn@yahoo.com.
For updates, follow the project on Facebook: @Fairhaven Pollinator Garden
City of Whitewater Forward Design Workshop Open House – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 S Fremont St.
Special City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Development Agreement for Stonehaven Development on Bluff Road and Resolution to approve borrowing from City of Whitewater Wastewater Utility for Stonehaven Development Project.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/254480663517093?p=L8aexM64JkR57jXSQM
Meeting ID: 254 480 663 517 093
Passcode: pk6Wt7TT
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,403508619#
Phone conference ID: 403 508 619#
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes adjourn to CLOSED SESSION, not to reconvene: Performance evaluation for the Library Director
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82954099698?pwd=0vQXPacT2GZUwFsnZ5L53xNX33Bqwr.1
Meeting ID: 829 5409 9698
Passcode: pVbffN17
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Forward Design Workshop Open House – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Open House
Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 S Fremont St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person *
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Resolutions to accept offer to purchase from Lifetime Manufacturing LLC for Tax parcel numbers /A444300002 and /A444200002 in Technology Park; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Crypto ATM ban in the City of Whitewater.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/281185701128636?p=MoXZJGnpZaSDkRWdFo
Meeting ID: 281 185 701 128 636
Passcode: T9it2Ds3
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,593516002# United States,
Phone conference ID: 593 516 002#
City of Whitewater Comprehensive Plan Advisory Work Group – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd Floor Cravath
Lakefront Conference Room 312 West Whitewater
St., Whitewater, WI 53190
Some are saying that Cravath Lake is the highest they’ve ever seen
The skate park is inaccessible, but the fishing might be good.
The creek is more like a lake on George Street. North end residents are isolated.
One spectator said this is worse than he saw in 2008.
Perhaps the north end residents could kayak to the south side of George Street or walk to Starin Road to get to work.+
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that the official rainfall total for Whitewater on April 17 was “only” 2.71″, but of course the creek is carrying a lot of water from south of us. Reportedly there were parts of Janesville that got over 6″.
Photos by Lynn Binnie
St. John’s Masonic Lodge will be hosting its Spring Roast Turkey Dinner on Thursday, April 23rd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will take place at the Whitewater-Palmyra Masonic Lodge located at 226 W. Main St. in Whitewater.
Guests are welcome to dine in or choose carry-out service. The menu includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, and dessert.
Pricing:
– Adults: $15
– Children (12 and under): $5
Tickets are available for purchase both in advance and at the door.
Episode 2 of One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter is now available to view. James Olm takes us inside the shelter to see the facilities and also tell us about the refugees who are staying there.
Please scroll down for the video.
After a national search, Chancellor Corey King announced the appointment of Pieter deHart as the next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“On behalf of the Warhawk family, we are excited to welcome Pieter deHart to UW-Whitewater,” King said. “As provost, he will bring a strategic, bold, and student-focused approach that will elevate our academic programs to even higher levels of excellence. It is clear that Dr. deHart embraces UW-Whitewater’s mission to transform lives, understands our many strengths, and sees clear opportunities to position our university for the future.”
“In a career spanning 25 years, Pieter deHart has served as a research scientist, professor, and dean,” said Robin Fox, interim provost. “His experience as a faculty member and leader reflects a deep and broad understanding of university operations that will serve him well as the next provost. Dr. deHart is passionate about removing barriers to education and has an impressive track record of putting student success at the forefront.”
Currently, deHart serves as associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies at Minnesota State University-Mankato [MSU], the state’s second-largest university.
At MSU, deHart is the chief academic officer for graduate education, where he is responsible for leading graduate education, research, program quality, external funding, partnership cultivation, and policy implementation, among other duties. Before his time at MSU, deHart served as associate vice chancellor for graduate studies and research at UW-Green Bay. He previously served in leadership roles at Unity College in Maine and Virginia Military Institute.
deHart will assume the role of provost on June 15.
“I am honored and energized to join the Warhawk family as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,” deHart said. “UW-Whitewater’s deep commitment to access, student success, and academic excellence, as well as its national leadership in serving students with disabilities, truly reflects the very best of public higher education. Even more inspiring and exciting for me is joining this amazing, supportive, and engaged community you have developed at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Warhawk Bold was more than a slogan, but is being lived and led across every inch of campus.”
A tenured faculty member in MSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, deHart holds three degrees in marine biology — a Ph.D. from University of Alaska, a master’s degree from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.
King thanked Robin Fox for her outstanding service as interim provost.
“Time and again, Robin Fox has been called to serve UW-Whitewater, and she has answered that call with enthusiasm and dedication. As interim provost, she modeled thoughtful leadership, showed compassion for all, and took decisive action to keep our Whitewater and Rock County campuses moving forward,” King said. “I appreciate that Dr. Fox has agreed to stay with us through June 30, allowing for a smooth and planned transition of this critical leadership role.”
The campus community is invited to celebrate Fox’s more than 35 years of service at the university employee ice cream social from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the University Center Concourse.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation for Kristin Fillhouer, vice chancellor for student affairs, for her leadership of the search and screen committee,” King said.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning until 10:30 on Friday evening that included the Whitewater area after something around 3-1/2 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours. Rock County, including Janesville, has taken the brunt of the storm. Approximately ten buildings in Emerald Grove were damaged by a possible tornado, and a number of bridges and roads are closed from flooding.
Starin Road is flooded just east of Fremont Street by the bridge, with barriers that apparently do not include a “road closed” sign, but it might be assumed that is the intention. Tom Ganser passed on these photos at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, indicating that he “can’t believe all the vehicles driving through the water.”
Obituaries
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
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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