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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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The Whitewater Nifty Ladies Red Hat group hosted Red Hat members from Fort Atkinson’s Sizzling Sweethearts and several members from the Madison area’s, Red Dazzling Dames, for a pizza party, bunko and silent auction on Monday, August 18, at The Real MacCoys restaurant. 24 Red Hatters enjoyed sharing a meal and getting some great bargains for numerous Red Hat items including hats, scarves, jewelry and collectibles after playing the rousing game of bunko.
The Red Hat groups are open to any “young at heart” lady who is 50 years young or older. Red Hats “In Training” can join if they are under 50 years young. For more information on how to become a member of this fun raising, NOT fund raising group feel free to call Recording Secretary, Jeanine Fassl, at 262-473-4906.
Editor’s note: This report was provided by Jeanine Fassl.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Not only is this Labor Day Weekend, but it is also the Walworth County Fair weekend. The fair has been held on this weekend for many years and in 1906, it was held in September as shown on the sign on the old Town Line Creamery seen in this photo. Creameries were small factories that made butter and purchased milk directly from local farmers. In this view, we see farmers dropping off their milk to the creamery. Creameries and cheese factories like this one helped transform Wisconsin into the “dairy state” during the turn of the twentieth century.
The historical society hopes you enjoy your Labor Day weekend, perhaps with a day at the fair!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
3033P Whitewater Historical Society
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%.”
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Shelby Reese.
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.”
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.
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.
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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