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UW-Whitewater Announces Byron Balkin as Head of Tennis Program
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is proud to announce the hiring of Byron Balkin as the new head coach of the Warhawk men’s and women’s tennis programs.
A 2014 UW-Whitewater graduate, Balkin returns to his alma mater with a strong record of leadership and competitive success. He most recently served as the head tennis coach at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia from 2018-25, where he led the program to the second-highest win total in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference over that span.
Prior to his time at HSC, Balkin spent eight years in Whitewater. From 2014-18, Balkin served as the assistant under longtime head coach Frank Barnes. Balkin was also a member of the Warhawk tennis team from 2010-14.
“I am excited for Byron to become the next head coach at UW-Whitewater,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “As a former player and assistant coach here at UWW, Byron understands what it takes to continue the legacy that Ron Wangerin built and Frank Barnes continued to elevate for the past 23 years.”
As an assistant for the Warhawk tennis program, Balkin helped guide UW-Whitewater to eight NCAA Division III tournament appearances and four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. He was named the Wilson/ITA Women’s Tennis National Assistant Coach of the Year and the Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year (men’s and women’s) in 2016. That year, the UWW men’s and women’s teams advanced to the NCAA’s Round of 16 while three singles players and a women’s doubles team qualified for the NCAA Individual Championship.
“The hiring of Byron Balkin will go down as a great move for Warhawk Tennis,” added former Coach Frank Barnes. “Coach Balkin understands the culture here at UWW and knows what it takes to win here. He bleeds purple and it was only a matter of time before he returned back home to his roots. A phenomenal athlete and coach while here, he went on to elevate the program at HSC to its first national ranking when given the opportunity to run his own program. He has all the tools necessary to bring the athletes here to their full potential.”
Balkin was a standout on the court for the Warhawks. A three-time All-American, Balkin compiled over 170 singles and doubles victories during his phenomenal four-year career. He played a role in four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances including a Round of 16 finish in 2011.
Balkin earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated business and science and a Master’s in higher education with an emphasis in athletic administration — both from UW-Whitewater.
“I am honored and excited to accept the position as the next head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis programs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,” said Balkin. “I would like to thank Chancellor Corey A. King, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan, and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity and for their confidence in me. UW-Whitewater has a storied tradition of athletic and academic excellence, and I look forward to building on that foundation with our outstanding student-athletes.”
“I also want to extend my sincere congratulations to Coach Frank Barnes on an exceptional career,” Balkin continued. “His contributions to Warhawk Tennis have been remarkable and it’s a true privilege to follow in his footsteps. I’m eager to get started and proud to be a part of the Warhawk family. Go Warhawks!”
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
Paint Wisconsin Overview/Reception: Roberta’s Art Gallery, Friday, August 8, 2025, 3-4:30 p.m.
Paint Wisconsin Awards, Art Auction and 20-Year Gala: Cultural Arts Center, Friday, August 8, 2025, 5-8 p.m.
- 5:00 pm – Gallery viewing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and piano music by Jim Olm
- 5:45 pm – 20th Anniversary Acknowledgement, Marilyn Fuerstenberg Tribute and Thank You to WHS Class of 1961, Paint Wisconsin Awards
- 6:15 pm – Appeal by WAA Board Member Dwight Watson
- 6:20 pm – Live auction of “Painting with the Whitewater Stars” pieces and WAA artwork
- 7:30 pm – Performance by “Here Comes Treble” Sweet Adeline Quartet
The Marilyn Fuerstenberg Paint Wisconsin Exhibit Reception and Whitewater Arts Alliance 20-Year Anniversary Gala Scheduled for August 8, 2025
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to present the 1st Annual Paint Wisconsin Exhibition and to host its 20th Anniversary Gala on Friday, August 8, 2025. The Paint Wisconsin Exhibit will run from Thursday, August 7 – Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Due to the overwhelming response to the call for art and the high-caliber pieces submitted for this juried exhibition, the WAA has partnered with Roberta’s Art Gallery in the James R. Connor University Center, located on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) campus, to display some of the works. A list of the exhibiting artists and biographies of jurors Thomas Jewell, Frank Juarez, and Graeme Reid are available on the WAA website at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/paint-wisconsin-2025. Roberta’s Art Gallery will hold a Paint Wisconsin Overview and Reception on August 8, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free parking will be available in UW-W Lot 12. The lot is located behind Andersen Library, near the corner of Prairie and Main Streets.
At 5:00 p.m., the program and celebration will continue in the Cultural Arts Center, home of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, located at 402 W Main Street, Whitewater. The ticket cost is “pay what you will.” The event will open with free heavy hors d’oeuvres, a beer and wine cash bar, and live piano music by Jim Olm. At 5:45 p.m., the WAA will honor former member, self-taught artist, and inspiration for the Paint Wisconsin Exhibit, Marilyn Fuerstenberg. When Marilyn passed away in June 2024, her many friends in the WAA and classmates from the Whitewater High School class of 1961 wanted to establish an event in her honor. Through their generosity and the contributions of local sponsors, the Paint Wisconsin Exhibition became a reality. The Paint Wisconsin Awards will be announced at this time.
Marilyn Fuerstenberg was instrumental in the development and growth of the WAA as she led workshops and brought renowned artists from around the country to Whitewater. Thanks to dedicated members like Marilyn, the WAA is also celebrating its 20-year anniversary on August 8. Established in 2005 by community members and local artists working together to preserve the Prairie Tillers Mural at the corner of Center Street and Whitewater Avenue, the organization strives to expand its mission to “support, promote, and develop the arts as an essential and integral part of our community.” To that end, the evening will include a live auction at 6:20 p.m. as a fundraiser. Auctioneer Jenny Gehl from Bravo Benefit Auctions will auction off the 12 pieces from the “Painting with the Whitewater Stars” event (to include pieces by Chancellor Corey King, City Manager John Weidl, and First Citizens State Bank CEO Jim Caldwell, among others), two paintings by Marilyn Fuerstenberg, two pieces by Albert Benedict, and other works. Directly following the auction, Jenny will guide a live paddle raise; all donors over a certain amount will be entered in a drawing for a gift basket valued at more than $500. The festivities will close with a performance by “Here Comes Treble” Sweet Adeline Quartet featuring Christine Hayes, Valerie Troxel, Lori Heidenreich, and Kim Taylor.
Everyone is welcome to the Cultural Arts Center for an evening of food, drink, art, and music in celebration of Marilyn Fuerstenberg, the Whitewater Arts Alliance, and community. Many thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible: Anonymous sponsors, Edge Broadband, Fort Community Credit Union, Gomez Landscaping, Harbor Homes, Jim Leaver Family, Sandy Adams, Serenity Concepts, TDS, and Triton Roofing.
Please visit the Whitewater Arts Alliance website for additional details regarding the schedule, or contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.
“20 Years Of Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!”
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
The Catholic Spirit Radio Network announced that its network has expanded to Wisconsin, broadcasting to Whitewater and its surrounding communities and roadways. It can be heard on 89.3 FM on the radio, by using the app Catholic Spirit Talk Radio, streaming on catholicspiritradio.com, and listening to Alexa.
It airs 24 hours a day with a wide variety of hosts and a mix of programs from national networks of EWTN, Guadalupe, Ave Maria, Virgin Most Powerful, and Station of the Cross. It also includes five local shows. They have a website (catholicspiritradio.com) and a presence on Facebook and X.
Jon Hall, Founder and President, states, “We are thrilled to finally be broadcasting in your communities. All ages of Catholics and non-Catholics listen for the contemporary talk shows, analysis of news, and prayer opportunities. We hope you’ll tune-in often!”
Founded in 2011, Catholic Spirit Radio has grown to 11 stations throughout central and northern Illinois plus now Whitewater. It has over 1.5 million potential listeners. Catholic Spirit Radio, based in Normal, Illinois, is a non-profit organization.
Bethel will host a Farmers Market & Faire on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10 AM – 2 PM – the perfect time to see what’s happening with our community garden. All are welcome to join us for this special day. A featured part of this gathering is our bake sale, which was a huge hit last year. No one does a BAKE SALE like Methodist women, and this year will be no exception. Mark your calendars now – Saturday, August 2nd! We have 14 confirmed vendors – including our very own Bethel Garden goodies, organic flowers, Casa Mia cookies, local honey products, hand crafted artisan pieces, Quednows’ apples, 3-D printed toys, handmade stamped paper products, sweet corn, knitted pieces, and so much more! Back by popular demand is our live music area, and a free kids’ play zone. We all hope to see you there!
Editor’s note: The following article was previously published on The Banner.
Bethel’s Community Garden Project
One of the delights of spring is the opportunity to plant a garden. Gardens provide great food, physical and mental health benefits, and social connections to other gardeners. However, not everyone has the space for a garden, the time to tend to it from planting to harvest, or the experience to grow one. That’s where community gardens can be a valuable resource.
In 2024, a garden was planted at Bethel United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Hwy 12/67 and County Road A (www.ElkhornBethelUMC.org). The garden was planted on a piece of unused land at the church and provided beautiful flowers and produce which all community members and congregation members were encouraged to enjoy.
In 2025, with help from the gardening group Wisconsin Food Forests, this garden is being expanded. Wisconsin Food Forests (www.wisconsinfoodforests.com ) is an organization dedicated to establishing community gardens based on perennial plants
that will provide food for years to come.
The Bethel Garden sits on a half-acre behind the church building and will include an annual garden of flowers and vegetables, an herb garden, and a variety of perennial food-producing plants, from root crops to trees. It is an open space where all community members are encouraged to participate. Anyone can come maintain the garden, help themselves to flowers and produce, wander around, or just sit and read a book. We encourage sharing of the flowers and food grown there with all who visit. All surplus produce will go to the Elkhorn Food Pantry, while we hope to share flowers with those in local nursing homes, care facilities, and senior living complexes.
Our most recent planting day was Saturday, May 31, 2025, where Bethel members and community friends came together to share their hands, their hearts, and their green thumbs.
What is a food forest? Like a forest, food is grown from plants at different levels, including roots, ground cover, and herbaceous plants, as well as trees and shrubs. (From: https://www.fairamountfoodforest.org/what-is-a-food-forest.html )
The expansion of the garden is fairly labor intensive for the first year. In subsequent years as the garden becomes dominated by perennials, we anticipate that it will become more self-sustaining by virtue of being relatively low maintenance, and by the collective participation of people in the community.
We are deeply grateful for the number of folks who have already stepped up to help get this garden established. We had our first planting day on May 3, 2025, and had 20 plus volunteers, including children, show up to help put in the primary plants of the food forest. Since then, we have planted more perennials and annuals, including the vegetable garden, pumpkins, and lot of flowers. If this project sounds intriguing to you, please contact us with any questions (or advice). Please spread the word to anyone who might be interested and feel free to share our contact information with them.
Contact info:
Diane Bustamante
Tim Middleton
Email: middlemante@genevaonline.com
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
How did people exist without air conditioning at the turn of the 20th century? This photo suggests one way: sitting on the porch and/or lawn. Note the woman reading a book and the rocking chairs on the porch and the lawn. This photo is from the Scholl collection of glass plate negatives from the c.1900 era.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3777GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide “unhealthy” air quality advisory from Thursday at noon until Friday, August 1 at noon, stating that “Canadian wildfire smoke will continue to impact Wisconsin`s surface air quality over the next several days. Widespread Unhealthy (Red) AQI for PM2.5 [particulate matter] is expected across Wisconsin on Thursday, with NowCast AQI values in the Very Unhealthy (Purple) category possible.
Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside. Go inside if you have symptoms.
People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider.
Everyone else: Keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Go inside if you have symptoms.
Conditions are expected to slowly improve beginning Friday. However, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) to Unhealthy (Red) AQI will remain possible through the weekend. Conditions will be reevaluated on a day-to-day basis through the weekend, including updates to the forecast and any associated Air Quality Advisories.
Jefferson County Land and Water Department invites nature lovers of all ages to Snapshot Day, a search for aquatic invasive species (AIS) on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Rock River Landing Park (629 N Elizabeth Ave, Jefferson, WI 53549) from 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Snapshot Day is a statewide effort to protect Wisconsin’s streams, lakes, and wetlands by monitoring designated sites for invasive plants and animals that may threaten the state’s wildlife and water ecosystems.
Snapshot Day is coordinated in partnership by the UW-Madison Division of Extension, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network. Information collected during the event will provide the Wisconsin DNR with data to help them tailor response efforts accordingly for each site. Volunteer efforts are crucial to the success of this endeavor.
More and more people want to know how they can help protect the local lakes, rivers and streams they love. As said by Dawn Nelesen, 2023 Snapshot Day Volunteer, “Gathering samples of invasive species on Snapshot Day is a great way to give the Wisconsin DNR a heads up on invasive species that may have recently arrived at particular lakes and rivers. With this information, gathered by volunteers like me all across the state, the DNR can hopefully get out in front of the problem and reduce their impact—I think that’s very important”.
This will be the 9th time Jefferson County Land and Water has hosted Snapshot Day, working alongside over 20 other conservation organizations to prevent the spread of invasive species across Wisconsin.
Volunteers will search for invasive species at critical monitoring sites. Any potential invasive species will be verified and cataloged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to help tailor species removal and conservation plans accordingly.
This event requires no prior experience and training is provided. Snapshot Day is free and open to volunteers of all ages but is recommended for ages 8 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
REGISTRATION:
Register and see all event details at:
Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day – 2025 – Water Action Volunteers
Advance registration is requested to help site leaders build monitoring plans but will remain open until August 8.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
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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