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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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Updated 8/23/25 8:40 p.m. – Roy Nosek suggested that it should be noted that “those are the original BARR pavers that covered Whitewater Street when I first served on the Common Council and I tried to preserve but were unfortunately removed and replaced with the current concrete street and later squandered at a city summer auction. A picture of a parade down Main Street by Fran Achen used to hang in Jessica’s restaurant and may still.”
Roy Nosek happened to be downtown when Main Street was torn up for the recent replacement of the lead water lines. He was curious as to what materials might be found in previous layers of the street, so he asked a worker if he could get closer to the hole in order to take a photo. Though the employee didn’t want to take the risk of a resident falling into the hole, he did offer to take a few photos himself, which Dr. Nosek forwarded to The Whitewater Banner.
Director of Public Works Brad Marquardt kindly responded with the following analysis of the layers. “It appears from plans from 1963, the section between Whitewater Street and 2nd Street was raised. My guess is that Main Street in these two blocks had an existing section of concrete with the bricks laid on top. Then in 1963, when the curb and gutter was raised, they decided to just pave over the bricks. I do not have any plans indicating when the concrete/bricks were installed.”
Our thanks to both Roy Nosek and Brad Maquardt for providing an interesting historic view of our downtown Main Street.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is of a fine limestone-constructed bridge, probably over Whitewater Creek somewhere. Several of these stone bridges were built in the area around the turn of the twentieth century. Very sturdy for the time, they show great craftsmanship. Unfortunately, these old bridges are long gone. Over time they deteriorated and were not suitable for modern car and truck traffic.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
2948GP Whitewater Historical Society
First Fall Hunter Safety Education Course
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our third 2025 Hunter Safety Education Course on September 20, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and September 21, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. There will be an in-person introductory session on September 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Students will need to attend all sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Students must be at least 12 years of age.
Hunter Safety Education Course
Session 1: September 9, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: September 20, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 3: September 21, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information.
The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Michael Borgwardt at michael.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. The department has previously indicated to The Banner that participants are welcome from other counties.
Multi-agency Search and Rescue Exercise to Test Emergency Response in Rock and Green Counties
The Wisconsin Air Coordination Group, in partnership with Rock County Emergency
Management, will conduct a comprehensive search and rescue exercise, ACG SARX 25, to test
coordinated emergency response capabilities across Rock and Green Counties Aug. 22-23.
Exercise Scenario
ACG SARX 25 simulates the impact of severe weather causing widespread damage across both counties.
The exercise includes:
- Disaster imagery flights in response to storm damage
- Multi-person search and rescue operations using air and ground assets
- Water rescue response to a boating accident on Lake Koshkonong with a capsized vessel and
victims in the water - Technology-enhanced operations, including personal locator beacon activations and drone-
based search capabilities - Complex terrain navigation to locate and extract survivors
Participating Agencies
Approximately 12 agencies will participate, including:
Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Patrol,
Wisconsin Army National Guard, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Rock County Emergency
Management, Green County Search and Rescue, Southwest Wisconsin Incident Management Team,
Salvation Army, and additional public safety agencies.
Public Notice
This is a training exercise only – no actual emergency is occurring. During the exercise, residents may
observe increased emergency vehicle activity, aircraft operations, and personnel deployment. Boaters
may see an increase in rescue agency watercraft and a helicopter on or near Lake Koshkonong – please
give those training a safe distance. Real emergency services remain fully operational.
Citizens should:
- Refrain from using drones in the exercise area to allow public safety agencies to train safely
- Recognize increased emergency activity as training
- Continue to call 911 for actual emergencies
- Monitor local emergency management communications for updates
“This exercise ensures our multi-agency response capabilities are ready to protect our communities when real disasters strike,” said Rock County Emergency Management Director Kevin Wernet.
About the exercise: ACG SARX 25 is sponsored by the Wisconsin Air Coordination Group with no federal
grant funding utilized. The exercise follows Wisconsin Emergency Management Homeland Security
Exercise and Evaluation Program guidelines.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Rock County Emergency Management. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to online court records, the trial for Chad T. Richards, who is charged with first degree intentional homicide in the shooting death of UW-Whitewater [UW-W] gymnast Kara Welsh, has been rescheduled to begin with jury selection on June 8, 2026. Richards was also a UW-W student and was in a relationship with Welsh. Previously the trial was scheduled to begin on December 15, 2025.
Based on the online record of the status conference which was held on August 19, it appears that a contributing factor to the delay may be the wait for processing of evidence by the state crime lab. District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld referred to “conversations with victim’s family and their frustrations with the crime lab and processing of evidence. Email received from the crime lab today stated that the lab portion of the analysis will be done today however the drafting of the report & the peer review will take a couple weeks to complete.”
According to the complaint, Richards, who was 23, and Welsh, age 21, got into an argument on the night of August 30, 2024. He claimed that Welsh grabbed a gun first and he took it away from her, then shot her because he feared for his life.
Richards faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. He continues to be in custody in the Walworth County Jail.
Previous articles related to this subject may be found here and here.
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Walk With Ease starting Monday, September 8, at Walworth Memorial Library. Created by the Arthritis Foundation, Walk With Ease is a structured walking program designed to help individuals with arthritis manage their pain and establish daily walking habits.
Walk With Ease offers support, information, and tools to help participants develop successful exercise routines. Led by certified instructor Rebecca Way, MSW, APSW, the six-week program teaches participants proper stretching and pain management techniques, helping them build stamina and improve their walking pace. The program can be modified to meet participants’ needs, allowing them to develop exercise routines tailored to their unique goals.
“Research shows that walking is good for joints and helps improve heart, lung, and bone health,” says instructor Rebecca Way. “Walking can also help with weight management, which can reduce the risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease, and diabetes. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success with Walk With Ease.”
The information and strategies taught in the program are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management. Updated and evaluated by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, Walk With Ease is shown to increase balance, strength, and walking pace, as well as reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The program has also been shown to build participant confidence and improve overall health.
Walk With Ease will be held every Monday, September 8 through October 13, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Walworth Memorial Library, 525 Kenosha Street, Walworth, WI 53184. Pre-registration is required. This workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. For more information, contact Edie Africano at (262) 741-3309. Always check with your physician before starting any exercise program.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
A new blood test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease has been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration [FDA]. The Lumipulse test is 90% accurate and works by detecting a tau protein which can indicate the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain, considered the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
The test is still being refined and doesn’t diagnose Alzheimer’s disease on its own. The Lumipulse test is meant to be part of an evaluation for Alzheimer’s disease, including physical and medical history and imaging scans of the brain.
Previous tests required a lumbar puncture to look for the tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid which can be expensive and invasive.
The test is currently recommended only for people who show symptoms of Alzheimer’s and is so new, many healthcare professionals may not know about it. In that case, the patient should ask for a referral to a neurologist or memory specialist. Insurance coverage may vary with different plans but is expected to be covered soon as it is less expensive than previous tests.
The advantage of early diagnosis allows patients to begin to consider next steps such as treatment options and clinical trials. In addition, lifestyle changes can be considered -physical activity, healthy diet, quality sleep, stress management, social connections, and mental stimulation – which are known to slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
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For more information on the Lumipulse test, click here https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/new-blood-tests-alzheimers/art-20585060
For information on keeping your brain healthy, click here.
This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and their care partners. New committee members are very welcome! Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535 https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park
The Whitewater Whippet Girls’ Tennis Team split on Day 2 of the East Troy Invitational, winning the first match against Fort Atkinson 4-3 and losing the second match against East Troy 0-7.
Photo and Comments Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
gstewart@wwusd.org
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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