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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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City Welcomes Acclaimed Speaker for a Powerful Mental Wellness Event for First Responders & Veterans
The City of Whitewater, in partnership with the Whitewater Fire Department and Whitewater Police Department, is proud to announce a special presentation by Travis Howze — a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, former Police Officer, retired Firefighter, and renowned motivational speaker — on Saturday, September 20th, at 9:30 AM.
Travis Howze will share his riveting personal journey through trauma, resilience, and healing in a talk titled “Post Traumatic Purpose”, empowering attendees with tools to prioritize mental wellness, leadership, and personal growth. His raw, heartfelt message draws from real-world experience as a first responder and military veteran, offering a rare opportunity for individuals, families, and professionals alike to explore what it truly means to thrive after adversity.
🎟Reserve Your Spot
Tickets are available for first responders and veterans thanks to the generous support of the City of Whitewater, Whitewater Fire Department, and Whitewater Police Department.
To attend: Email: bmagestro@whitewater-wi.gov or Call: 262-473-0101
For more about Travis Howze, visit: www.travishowze.com
Follow him on Instagram: @TravisHowze
Let’s come together to break the stigma around mental health — and build a stronger, more compassionate Whitewater.
ADRC of Walworth County Offers Program to Reduce Falls in Older Adults
One in four older adults falls each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Wisconsin leads the nation in fall-related deaths for people aged 60 and older. But the good news is that falls are not a normal part of aging and can be prevented. The Stepping On program, offered by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center, has been researched and proven to reduce falls by 31%.
In just seven weekly, two-hour sessions, Stepping On guest experts, including a physical therapist and pharmacist, will provide participants with strategies for avoiding falls, including balance and strength exercises, home safety check suggestions, medication reviews, and more. The workshop is designed specifically for individuals aged 60 or older who have had a fall or have a fear of falling. Participants can expect to leave with more strength, improved balance, and a feeling of confidence and independence.
Stepping On will be held at Seniors in the Park at the Starin Park Community Building, 504 W. Starin Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190. Classes will be held on Thursdays, August 21 through October 2, from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10.
For questions or to register for the program, contact Edie Africano at (262) 741-3309.
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.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by Eddie K from Pixabay.
SAVE THE DATE! Watch 1,000 Chimney Swifts dive into the Whitewater Middle School Chimney!!
ATTENTION SWIFTIES. What are Chimney Swifts and why do we care about them? Chimney Swifts are unique birds that migrate north in the spring and south in the fall. While here, they eat thousands of insects each, EVERY day as they swoop and glide through the skies. As the summer days get shorter, Chimney Swifts from a wide area will gather in large chimneys to stay warm overnight. In Whitewater, that roosting chimney is located at Whitewater Middle School. Last fall an estimated 1,000 Swifts dove nightly into the Whitewater Middle School chimney to roost prior to flying to the Amazon for the winter! The roosting lasts for a short number of days. The ‘ganging up’ of the Swifts picks up speed during the last couple of weeks of August. Urban Forestry, with cooperation from the Whitewater Unified School District, is inviting the public to enjoy this spectacle of nature which occurs at sunset. Bring your blankets or chairs and settle in behind the middle school to watch this “Swift-nado” during the last couple of weekends of August.
Then please join us to help us count how many Swifts do the ‘dive at dusk’ on August 30th at 7 pm. Plan on arriving at 6:30 for a short program with speakers talking about birds and bugs and trees during our official Swift Night Out! This is an amazing spectacle that you won’t want to miss. See you there!
To pique your interest, take the quiz:
Chimney Swift Quiz
1 How long do Swifts fly without landing?
2 Can Swifts perch in a tree?
3 What life functions do Swifts perform on the wing?
4 How many rest stops do Swifts take on their migration to South America?
5 What is the average life span of a Swift?
6 How many Swifts occupy a single chimney during chick raising season?
7 Swift nests are comprised of what?
8 When Swifts hang in chimneys, what prevents their butts from rubbing against the chimney wall?
Scroll down for the answers.
Answers
1 Swifts fly continuously for 10 months!
2 Swifts cannot land as they do not have an opposable thumb.
3 Swifts eat, sleep, and mate on the wing.
4 Swifts fly non-stop to South America!
5 The average life span of Swifts is 21 years! Other small wild birds 4-5 years
6 During the chick raising season, each chimney will host only one pair.
7 Swifts use saliva to build their nests gluing small sticks together in a corner.
8 Swifts have porcupine type quills in their tail feathers to support them when they hang in chimneys.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state. Donations are especially appreciated during the summer, when the blood supply is often low.
Appointments are greatly appreciated, though walk-ins are welcome as time permits. Reserve your spot at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997 or 1-800-BE-A-HERO.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.
Whitewater YES for Education formed in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.
As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community the weekend of August 16 to celebrate back to school time and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until the weekend of Saturday, September 6. The response to this effort during Spring graduation was really positive!
If you would like to sign up for a sign please complete this form. If you’ve previously requested a sign, there is no need to request another one!
We are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them.
A press release on August 10, 2025 from Palmyra Public Safety reported the following:
“At approximately 4:14 p.m. on [Saturday] August 9, Palmyra Fire Rescue was notified by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch of a reported male subject struck by lightning and not breathing. Dispatch pinged their phone at the nearest address of W566 Carlin Road, which is the Emma Carlin Ice Age Trail Head leading into the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Dispatch further advised that CPR was in progress.
At 4:15 p.m., Palmyra EMS responded and requested mutual aid, including a paramedic intercept from Western Lakes and Sullivan Fire Department with a UTV due to the terrain….
Upon arrival, crews deployed with assistance from a DNR Warden to locate the patient, as cell service in the area was limited and location tracking via phone proved difficult. Multiple trails were searched before two hikers were located approximately one mile off the roadway.
The male subject was found semi-conscious with a pulse, and signs of a lightning strike were visible on a nearby tree. It was determined that both patients were in close proximity to the tree at the time of the strike. The ligtning caused a ground current, which rendered both individuals unconscious. The female hiker regained consciousness first and was able to render aid to the male.
Following a rapid assessment, both patients were safely extracted from the scene through a coordinated effort, involving multiple fire response units and the UTV. The female hiker declined further care, while the male hiker was transported to Aurora Summit in Oconomowoc for additional treatment…”
Editor’s note: As of Sunday evening, no update was found on the condition of the male hiker.
“Wright House Concert: The Meatman Chronicles (The Hockey Years)”
The next Wright House Concert features Meatman! September 6, 2025 at 7 pm.
Greenbay storyteller and host of The Meatman Chronicles, Marty “Meatman” Sosnowski, has lived an interesting life. From high school dropout to rock and roll photographer (and meat-thrower) he has no end of personal story material. This September he’ll share tales of “The Hockey Years,” his quest to become an NHL goalie.
Please register through Eventbrite to get the full venue address: https://meatmanhockey.eventbrite.com
Safepro Technologies, a Whitewater-based safety technology company, has secured a second loan from the Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA), positioning the startup to bring its flagship safety product to market.
The funding marks a significant milestone for Safepro Technologies, which has been developing a groundbreaking solution designed to enhance safety across a range of industries. The additional support from the Whitewater CDA will enable the company to expand manufacturing and bring their product to more markets.”
“We are grateful for the continued support from the Whitewater CDA,” said Paul Eckert, CEO of Safepro Technologies. “This second loan is a vote of confidence in both our technology and our mission. With these funds, we’re ready to move from development to commercialization, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
The Whitewater CDA has been instrumental in supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship. The decision to approve a second loan for Safepro Technologies underscores the CDA’s commitment to nurturing high-potential startups.
“Safepro Technologies represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking, high-impact business we aim to support,” said Thayer Coburn, Vice-Chairman of the Whitewater CDA. “Their technology has the potential to improve safety standards nationwide, and we’re proud to help them take this next step.”
For more information about Safepro Technologies visit, https://safeprotechnologies.com/.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
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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