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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Home of Wisconsin’s largest business school, UW-Whitewater produces graduates in finance and accounting who go on to work in banking and personal finance across the region. Chancellor Corey King and Willie Warhawk stopped at PremierBank in Whitewater this past spring to celebrate the university’s mutually beneficial relationship with the bank as part of our Mascot on Main campaign.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Z0fLnzb3XN4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1ccgeJqJ7g
Editor’s note: The above was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Dr. Suzanne Popke (dpopketherapy.com), psychologist in Whitewater, will give a free public presentation called “Introduction to Meditation for Mental Health” at her office on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 PM.
Address: Historic Nelson Salisbury House at 404 W. North St, Whitewater.
She will share some of her knowledge about Siberian meditation which she learned while living in the Republic of Buryatia, Siberia.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Dr. Suzanne Popke. The Whitewater Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by vined mind from Pixabay.
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.
Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
Source: Wikipedia
The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.
The Whippets fell to Clinton 30-8 on Friday night, August 29.
Comments from Coach Bartlett:
We started this game slow, and Clinton took advantage. They came in with a strong game plan and executed it flawlessly. Credit to their offensive line for getting off the ball all night. They controlled the game by running the ball effectively, mixing in timely passes, and using time of possession to keep our offense off the field. That prevented us from establishing a rhythm and made every possession feel limited.
On our side, we simply made too many mistakes — the kind you can’t afford if you expect to win. We know we are capable of winning games, but it comes down to making the choices and taking the actions throughout the week that winning programs make. As we’ve said all season, our focus is to Pound the Stone daily — to keep improving and to become a better team each week.
There were a couple of standout performances for us. Quarterback Ty Bucholtz (#4) battled all night. Even though we didn’t protect him as well as we should have, he fought to extend plays and showed the leadership that makes him a captain. On defense, senior Casey Lyon was everywhere. He played with great effort, including a textbook strip and forced fumble after wrapping up the ball carrier. He continues to prove he’s the perfect fit for us at the Mike linebacker position.
Rushing:
- #4 Ty Bucholtz: 7 carries, 20 yards (2.9 avg)
- #21 Corbin Vaughn: 2 carries, -2 yards (-1.0 avg)
- #6 Brady Friend: 6 carries, 6 yards (1.0 avg)
- Team Total: 15 carries, 24 yards (1.6 avg), 0 TD
Passing:
- #4 Ty Bucholtz: 11 completions on 22 attempts, 133 yards (12.1 avg), 1 TD, 2 INT
- Team Total: 11/22, 133 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Receiving:
- #2 Casey Lyon: 3 catches, 47 yards (15.7 avg), 1 TD
- #3 Emmett Spear: 5 catches, 63 yards (12.6 avg)
- #15 Connor Brummeyer: 2 catches, 10 yards (5.0 avg)
- #10 Hayden Armstrong: 1 catch, 13 yards (13.0 avg)
- Team Total: 11 catches, 133 yards (12.1 avg), 1 TD
Notable Defensive Stats:
- #4 Ty Bucholtz: 4 Solo, 8 Assists, 1 FR
- #2 Casey Lyon: 3 Solo, 8 Assists, 1 FF
- #3 Emmett Spear: 3 Solo, 11 Assists, 2 TFLs
Article Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
File photos courtesy of Olivia Kowlaski.
Fall “Kick-Off” Sunday, September 7!
FUMC: 145 South Prairie St. Whitewater, WI
First United Methodist Church in Whitewater is planning an exciting “kick-off” Sunday, as we begin our fall worship and programming events. Sunday, September 7 promises to be a spiritual and uplifting time as we begin our fall schedule.
On September 7 we resume our 8:00 and 10:00 worship times. At the 10:00 worship we are planning a service of renewal expressed through prayer and music. Service opens with a new choral introit with handbells, children, and our chancel choir. This opening song was written by our own Tom Ryan. Our choir will sing an exciting new anthem accompanied by flute, violin, and cello. This instrumental group will also bless us with other incidental music during communion.
This service will also feature a “blessing of the backpacks” for all ages of students and educators, as they start a new school year. We will also acknowledge volunteers who assist with Promise Point and our new Sunday School schedule. Pastor Clarissa will provide an uplifting message as we are led into a new church year.
Our kick-off Sunday continues after worship, with a church cook-out with brats and hot dogs on the grill. We will also have salads, baked beans, condiments, and drinks. We are arranging children’s/family activities. We’ll have a bouncy house, corn hole and limbo games, chalk art and coloring. There will also be bubbles, card games, and face painting!
First United Methodist Church will be decorated and “dressed up” to welcome all to our fall kick-off event. The entire Whitewater area community is invited to come and enjoy this time of friendship, fellowship, and worship.
Prime Time Pizza Party: Anyone in High School is Welcome! – September 14
All High School students are invited to come to First United Methodist church on Sunday, September 14, at 6 pm for the ultimate pizza taste-off. We’ll be sampling pizzas from local restaurants and voting to crown the very best in Whitewater.
Bring a friend, come hungry, and hang out with us as we also chat about our plans for the year and reveal the date and location for our 2026 mission trip. It’s the perfect way to kick off the school year together!
Questions? Please reach out to Tom/Julie at tomjulieduval@gmail.com or 262-949-7309 or Kelly/Corey at kellymross@gmail.com; 262-203-1999
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Hearing of Appeal from Maxwell Sztuk regarding denial of Beverage Operators License.
Whitewater Municipal Building Cravath Lakefront
Room, 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83215762870
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 832 1576 2870
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes A Resolution Directing Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee To Study And Document
Resident’s Interest In Creation Of Lake District, Discussion and Possible Action regarding a 90 day extension of MOU with University of Whitewater for parking, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding approval of rate increase for the Stormwater
Utility.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82444180987?pwd=tYZxIFXv0tPnJoLkZHDbpjPwFXBTr6.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 824 4418 0987
Passcode: 742765
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion of current and proposed lake capital improvement projects and related lake
initiatives.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87549767893?pwd=l0KKx5hAmQqItIvHC9557ApwfWzPaK.1
Meeting ID: 875 4976 7893
Passcode: 710533 —
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,87549767893#,,,,710533# US (New York) +13017158592,,87549767893#,,,,710533# US (Washington DC)
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on Starin Park Water Tower. (Blackmer)
Update on the historical gardens that were found next to Effigy Mounds.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/934976533
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 934-976-533
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on Art Transformation 2025 traffic boxes and Discussion and possible approval of Call for Artist.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/874917973
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 874-917-973
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
The Whitewater High School Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Teams came to play on Saturday, Aug. 30, sweeping the 22nd Annual Dirk Seibold Alumni Meet on their home course. The event, named after longtime Hall of Fame Coach Dirk Seibold, has become a celebrated tradition that brings together past and present Whippets in a spirited competition. This year’s event was shortened from the usual 3.1 miles to 1.5 as the team raced two days prior in their first invite of the year.
On the boys’ side, Whitewater scored 25 points to edge out the Alumni team, which finished with 33. Former Whippet standout Nate Holden took the overall title in 8 minutes, 28 seconds, while Assistant Coach Quinn McKenzie followed in 8:49. Whitewater freshman Tyler Carollo paced the Whippets with a third-place overall finish in 9:20. Senior Isaiah Mendez (10:19), junior Marcus Roselle (10:41), and senior Quinton O’Toole (10:48) packed closely to secure the team win. Junior Angel Kilar (11:37), senior Sam Nickelsburg, and sophomore Ian Agen added depth for the Whippets. Alumni contributors included Onyx Thompson (9:55), Ben Holden (10:52), Mark Schroeder (13:20), and Chad Lorenzen (16:42).
The Whippet girls were equally dominant, cruising to a 20–43 win over the Unattached team. Alumna Sarah Ziolkowski set the pace, winning in 9:48, with WHS teacher Maddy Blain second at 9:55. Sophomore Virginia Nelson led the current Whippets, placing third overall in 11:01. Freshman Melody Smith (11:44), junior Ema Aranda (12:28), and senior Delaney Hammack (12:35) rounded out the team’s top five. Freshman Madelyn Taylor (13:07) and senior Payton Brautigam (14:44) also had strong showings, while freshman Noelia Villegas-Korbel and senior Kelly Mayorga provided additional depth.
The meet once again highlighted the strength of the Whippet program while honoring the tradition of connecting current athletes with the alumni who helped build it. Coach Carstens would like to thank everyone who came to support the team, as many were present but did not run in the event. It is so wonderful to visit with people who all have a shared bond through the wonderful sport of cross country.
RESULTS: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1isUKsndIW65ln2xr_A1SZXfVeYDq2DnmPAiIIKXjaXM/edit?usp=sharing
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Laura Masbruch
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s tennis team opened their 2025-26 campaign with a conference sweep over UW-Oshkosh. The win marks the first win for Head Coach Byron Balkin.
The doubles teams got rolling, quickly taking over the first three flights to give the Warhawks the team point.
Molly Asfeld (Waukesha, Wis./West) and Crystina Lee (Downers Grove, Ill./Timothy Christian) took the first match of the season with a 6-2 victory at the second doubles flight. Abigail Weaver (Wakarusa, Ind./Mishawaka Marian) and Gracie Ha (Palatine, Ill./Fremd) grabbed the second necessary flight for the point with a 6-3 victory.
The freshman pair of Josie Wojcikiewicz and Kaitlyn Remke (Johnsburg, Ill./Marian Central) secured the third doubles flight with a 6-4 win.
Heading into the singles flights, the Warhawks and Titans had to play through the elements after a light misting of rain started at the Whitewater tennis courts.
Remke would be the first singles flight to pick up a team point, taking the fifth singles flight with a straight set victory only dropping one game between the two sets.
Single flights #3 and #4 weren’t too far behind. Asfeld clinched her match in straight sets with a 6-0 victory in the second set. Lee took the fourth singles flight with a 6-3, 6-1 victory to put the Warhawks just one match away from Balkin’s first victory.
Gracie Ha (Palatine, Ill./Fremd) and Abigail Weaver (Wakarusa, Ind./Mishawaka Marian) clinched the match at the first and second flights. Weaver took her first set 6-0 and staved off a late push by UW-Oshkosh to win her second 6-3. Ha played a clean game as well, only dropping one game in the first set on her way to a 6-1, 6-0 victory.
Abigail McIssac finished the sweep with a third set tiebreaker victory. McIsaac dropped the first set 3-6, but bounced back with a 6-3 second set. In the tiebreaker, McIsaac kept up the pressure and momentum and grabbed the tiebreaker 10-5.
Full Results
Doubles
#1 – Weaver/Ha def. Usui/Gibbs: 6-3
#2 – Asfeld/Lee def Gregory/Owens: 6-2
#3 – Wojcikiewicz/Remke def Pethan/Schaefer: 6-4
Singles
#1 – Ha def. Pethan: 6-1, 6-0
#2 – Weaver def. Usui: 6-0, 6-3
#3 – Asfeld def. Gibbs: 6-2, 6-0
#4 – Lee def. Owens: 6-3, 6-1
#5 – Remke def. Schaefer: 6-0, 6-1
#6 – McIsaac def. Gerl: 3-6, 6-3, (10-5)
Exhibition
Singles – Chloe Knutson (Deforest, Wis./Deforest) def. Dao: 6-0, 6-1
Singles – Julia Nill (Thiensville, Wis./Homestead) def. Longdin: 6-3, 6-2
Doubles – Ashley Adkisson (Licolnshire, Ill./Stevenson)/Megan Griswold (Oconomowoc, Wis./Oconomowoc) def. Dao/Longdin: 5-1
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
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
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