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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Whitewater High School Class of 1975 – Class Reunion Aug. 2, 2025 – Photo by Tom Ganser
Front row L to R: Bruce Masterson, Bob Ludeman, Kathy (Zenz) Stanton, Sally (Marshall) Lange, Cathy (Rainbow) Winter, Dave Zimmerman, Jodie Schirmer, Kathi Caldwell, Anna (DeWind) Walls, Kathy (Walters) Davis, Jane (Johnson) Route, Cheryl (Casey) Schaefer, Dawn Behling, Pam (Reid) Colletti, Rita (Walton) Welter, Bob Johnston
2nd row L to R: Cathy Tuminaro, (she is tilted to the right), Nancy (Hale) Strand, Joan (Zimmerman) Dedolph, David Disrud, Jeff Reinke, John Bill, Kathy (Bruch)-Nenn, James Selel (AFS student from Kenya), Mike Fay, Ed Hale, Sherry Rasmussen, Judy (Leastman) Bruley, Tracy (Funk) Gilmer, Tracy Williams, Ellen (Frawley) Hartley, Mike Colletti
3rd row L to R: Allen Brokmeier, Dave McGraw, Ken Boyd, Larry Kachel, Jim Jacobson, Scott Nehring, Jim Bergman, Jim Hansen, Dick (Rick) Keiser, Ray Triebold, Dean Jolliffe, Tim Scherer, Chris Riedel, Eddie Nugen, Rick Blankenship, Perry Giese, Jim Goehl, Mark Zelle, Bob Frays, Tom Route, Brand Carter, Chuck Nass, David Roe, Bill Gage, Jeff Sweno (Class of 1976), Scott Poehler Mike Davison missing from photo
Photos, courtesy of Tom Ganser, are from the Whitewater High School Class of 1975 50th Reunion on Aug. 2, 2025, at 841 Brewhouse and Aug 3, 2025, at Rick’s.
The 58 alumni attending included classmates from Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington State. Also attending from Kenya was Jame Selel who was an AFS exchange student at WHS during his senior year.
For information about obtaining prints of photos contact Tom Ganser at tganser33@gmail.com.
Editor’s note: Updated on 8/18/25 @ 11:34 a.m. with Parks & Recreation Board agenda
Updated on 8/19/25 @ 9:20 p.m. to add phone number to Parks & Recreation Board agenda
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion about the logo and rebranding of the library; Review and approval of the Claims Returned Policy
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85016145635?pwd=e1H1ClISFBLN0HZyFUYg3D3ll3aiy1.1
Meeting ID: 850 1614 5635
Passcode: KPCNXH4d
Or join by phone: Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on Housing and Strategy, Discussion and Possible Action regarding a possible Referendum question to form a Lakes District, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Accurate Assessor Contract; Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation from Landmarks Commission regarding the Starin Park Water Tower.
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/84476739931?pwd=bZ8YcXgck4NbbRbzSfjGLjd4rdtpE6.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 844 7673 9931
Passcode: 960572
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Continuation of Parks and Open Space Plan work. Incorporating survey results, site visits, and staff recommendations into individual site recommendations.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85658600831?pwd=xLohaphTP6cHjSQ4EUWEGkOQajHVIY.1
Meeting ID: 856 5860 0831
Passcode: 456345
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,85658600831#,,,,456345# US +13092053325,,85658600831#,,,,456345# US
Meeting ID: 856 5860 0831
Passcode: 456345
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting – Thursday @ 4:30 pm.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on date for community kid fishing derby; 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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85216799622?pwd=ZVGPVYevJX3d6HqaJEKbb8mnz5vB0m.1
Meeting ID: 852 1679 9622
Passcode: 017234
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US
+1 646 931 3860 US
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes introduction of new Economic Development Director
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.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87614381831?pwd=3YHbybadMj5xL4caulDdpmUzfQXlUu.1
Passcode:647974
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take control of their life.
A popular workshop in Rock County can help! Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides
information, group activities, simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three, 2-hour sessions over the course of a month. Dedication to the series of three classes is required. This is a workshop for females, taught by a female.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County invites women to join them for a “Mind Over Matter” series at Cargill United Methodist Church located at 2000 Wesley Avenue, Janesville. The series will take place on three Tuesday
mornings from 9:30-11:30 am on September 2, 16 & 30, 2025. Suggested donation is $10 to cover the cost of materials. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a spot! The registration deadline is August 22nd.
To learn more, or to register for the series, contact Health Promotion Coordinator, Lisa Messer, of the ADRC of Rock County by calling: 608-757-5309 or email: Lisa.messer@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The Rock County ADRC has previously indicated to The Whitewater Banner that they welcome non-Rock County residents, space permitting.
Whitewater Public Library is committed to fiscal responsibility and ensuring sustainable services for all patrons. In response to the growing demand for digital materials both at our library and throughout the library system, we have conducted a comprehensive review of digital borrowing trends and performed a budget analysis.
We are focusing our funding on the continued development of our robust digital collections within the Libby app, which includes access to digital books, audiobooks, and magazines. We will be discontinuing the hoopla service on October 12, 2025. [The entire Bridges Library System, of which the library is a member, is phasing out hoopla by January, 2026.]
It was determined that hoopla’s pay-per-checkout model has become unsustainable, consuming a disproportionate share of resources while serving a limited percentage of patrons. By focusing on the Libby app, we aim to continue delivering high-quality digital content effectively to a wider audience without compromising the sustainability of our library’s resources.
We appreciate your understanding and want to assure you that our commitment to providing excellent digital services remains a priority. We encourage patrons to explore ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through the Libby app. Additionally, patrons are invited to explore other digital resources available with your CAFÉ library card.
For any questions or assistance in accessing our digital resources, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Editor’s note: This announcement is from the library’s Facebook page.
“Humphrey Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes”
Wednesday, August 20, 1 pm
(Biography/Documentary)
Rated G. 1 hour, 39 minutes (2024).
The iconic actor’s journey to stardom from vaudeville to Hollywood as seen through unprecedented, rare personal footage from his estate, including his own personal narration and that of his wife, Lauren Bacall, son Stephen, and other notable actors and actresses.
The man, the myth, the legend!
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Updated 8/15/25 @ 11:45 a.m. to add another stand.
For many years, the Marsh family farm of Palmyra was one of the most popular sources of sweet corn for Whitewater residents. Their pickup truck with the bed full of the delicious treat was a frequent sight on the east side of First Citizens State Bank. Local resident Jayne Haskey told The Banner that Phil Marsh no longer plants corn, and consequently his wife Carmen and their grandchildren have retired from corn sales. Per Haskey, the grandchildren “paid their way through college working the corn truck. They have now all graduated.”
Fortunately, there are a number of nearby locations where residents can sample this year’s corn. A few of those options are shown below.
Update 8/16/25 @ 10:50 p.m. – Sara Pontel wrote to clarify “we are the farm [Sarafina Farm] at W9440 Stader that grew the Pontel sweetcorn. My husband, Kevin and I own the business.”
Banner reader Kathy Church Channing reported that there’s another area stand [shown above] operated by Rodney Pontel at W9440 Stader Road. Stader Road is off Highway 89, south of US Hwy 12, and the farm is to the west. There’s a sign at the intersection promoting their “super sweet sweet corn.” Pontel’s stand wins the prize for the most artistic display of ears of corn.
Billy Mills’s stand [shown above] next to Mills Automotive, 707 E. Milwaukee Street, appears to be the only one where the corn and other produce is refrigerated. The corn is from Holt Farms in the Delevan area. As seems to be the case with all the area farmstands, it’s self service 24/7, but it may be the only one that has lighting. Parking is easily accessible off Milwaukee St. Venmo accepted.
Matt Meiners of MY Farm has a stand [shown above] at 13205 E County Road N [beyond Walworth Ave.] a short distance past Highway 12 on the right side of the road. There’s a sign for Hidden Falls Ranch. Though, of course, it’s a busy road, there’s a good pull-off parking area. Recently corn was priced at $7/dozen or three ears for $2, and there was a selection of other produce. Matt is also a vendor at the City Market on Tuesdays.
Kolton Reu only sells corn at his stand [shown above], but he uniquely welcomes purchasers to leave the husks in a bin for his cows. His stand is located at the corner of County U and County N, basically across the street from the airport. It’s easy to pull off County U into parking by the stand.
Other stands [sorry, no pictures] :
Hwy 59, right side of the road, just before the industrial park
W8141 Clover Valley Rd. – reportedly they also had really good green beans.
Cedar Bend Century Family Farm, N7922 US Hwy 12 & County Hwy 67, Elkhorn – It appears that this is an attended stand, and it may not be open 24/7.
Markets:
City Market – Tuesday 4-7 p.m. at the parking lot of the Cravath Lakefront Park
Matt Meiners of MY Farm has a booth with a variety of produce including corn.
Mike Murphy of Milton’s booth has corn and other produce plus eggs.
Farmers Market – Saturday 8 a.m. – noon, 301 W. Whitewater St., in the parking lot next to the Train Depot
Mike Murphy is there with corn, eggs, etc.
This is a rather small market compared with the City Market, but there are other vendors with produce, meat, etc.
Editor’s note: Apologies if we’ve inadvertently left any other area stands off the list. We will be glad to add others; please submit to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. The image on the homepage is from the Murphy Farm Facebook page.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is a summer picnic at the lake. Henry Scholl took this photo on a glass plate around 1900 and the location was probably Lake Koshkonong. Notice how dressed up the people are, a suit for the man and long-sleeved blouses and skirts for the ladies. And hats! In 1900, even a picnic at the lake called for formal clothing.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
3710GP, Whitewater Historical Society
Lea Sperle joins First Citizens State Bank
Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Lea Sperle has joined the Bank as Vice President – Business Banker at the East Troy Office, located at 2546 E. Main St., East Troy, Wisconsin.
Lea has over 28 years of experience in community banking with roles including CSR [Corporate Social Responsibility], Branch Manager, Mortgage and Consumer Lender, and most recently nearly 10 years focused on business banking. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee and is a long-time resident of East Troy with her husband and two sons.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “Lea is a perfect addition to our team, and we are thrilled to welcome her as our new Business Banker. Along with her strengths in risk management and business development strategies, she brings an extensive and diverse background in banking.”
Lea is an avid horseback rider and enjoys being outdoors, golfing, and fishing. Active in her local communities, she is Treasurer for the nonprofit The Haase House, located in Mukwonago, and is involved in both the East Troy and Mukwonago Chambers of Commerce.
Lea commented, “I am excited to join such a historic local institution with a clear and deep commitment to community growth. I look forward to expanding relationships and strengthening support for families and businesses in the communities I love.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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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