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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon/evening for our general area. They indicate that “There is the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms along and south of I-94 to the WI/IL border this afternoon and evening with damaging winds the main concern. Can’t rule out a tornado or two.”
Bill Chandler reports “There is an increased chance of rain/thunderstorms on Saturday morning during the Unity Walk. The Unity Walk will occur rain or shine. If it is raining, we just stay indoors at the Armory for the speeches and music. The Unity Walk will be positively unifying.”
Everyone from young to old and from all backgrounds is invited to join the second annual Unity Walk on Saturday, July 12. This nonpartisan event features four community leaders speaking about the importance of unity for our society. Live music will welcome everyone to the Armory at 10 am and lead walkers to the steps of Arts Alliance Building for speeches. Non-walkers are welcome to join at either end of the walk. But, in particular, they could bring lawn chairs and sit at the Arts Alliance Building to be comfortable as the walkers go to that center.
Bill Chandler informa “Hay una mayor posibilidad de lluvia/tormentas eléctricas el sábado por la mañana durante la Caminata de la Unidad. La Caminata de la Unidad se llevará a cabo llueva o truene. Si está lloviendo, simplemente nos quedaremos dentro en el Arsenal para los discursos y la música. La Caminata de la Unidad será positivamente unificadora.”
Se invita a todos, desde los jóvenes hasta los mayores y de todos los orígenes, a unirse a la segunda Caminata de la Unidad anual el sábado 12 de julio. Este evento no partidista contará con la participación de cuatro líderes comunitarios que hablarán sobre la importancia de la unidad en nuestra sociedad. La música en vivo dará la bienvenida a todos al Arsenal a las 10 am y guiará a los caminantes hacia los escalones del Edificio de la Alianza de Artes para los discursos. Los que no caminen son bienvenidos a unirse en cualquiera de los extremos de la caminata. Pero, en particular, podrían traer sillas de jardín y sentarse en el Edificio de la Alianza de Artes para estar cómodos mientras los caminantes se dirigen a ese centro.
The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 17, 2025.
Editor’s note: It is evident that a relatively small number of these graduates have been long-term residents of the Whitewater area. UW-Whitewater produces this list based on the home address that each student has provided.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Shawn Ager graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore graduated with the following degree: Associate of Arts and Science – AAS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Austin Baker graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Bergeson graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Middle Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nick Blomgren graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Capstran graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hope Carlson graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Integrated Science – Business – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Natalie Castellion graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Madeline Church graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: James Donkle graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Entrepreneurship and Innovation – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Ekins graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Logan Faust graduated with the following degree: Information Technology – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Broderick Frye graduated with the following degree: Data Analytics – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Galvin graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Christine Geiger graduated with the following degree: Elementary Middle Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Greenheck graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Groetzinger graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Rebecca Groves graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW
Whitewater, WI 53190: Abby Guthrie graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Keaton Hillman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gavin Huml graduated with the following degree: Entrepreneurship and Innovation – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Jaworski graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Aidan Johnson graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Talba Kabore graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sam Kiernan graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Justin Krause graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Riley Lang graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Savannah Maczuzak graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jasmin Mata Amparo graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cole McIlroy graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Miles McIntosh graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mannie Mungon graduated with the following degree: Associate of Arts and Science – AAS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Peyton Nichols graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Nitka graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mike O’Malley graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Maci Parrish graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Pergande graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabelle Quintero graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Rouse graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Sacchitello graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emmanuel Sama graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Environmental Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gunner Schlender graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Physical Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Colin Schultz graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Sims graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ross Skeen graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Skowronek graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Orin Smith graduated with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Reana Smith graduated with the following degree: Art – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Smith graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Studies – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kierstyn Torres graduated with the following degree: Music – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alexander Vail graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jackson Veeder graduated with the following degree: Cybersecurity – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Weber graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Abigail Weeden graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nyjeria West graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kelly Whipple graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Amber Wiest graduated with the following degree: Counseling – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Chase Zimmerman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Zuege graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Performance – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas te Plate graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Accounting – BBA
Approximately 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The graduating class included seven international students, 111 military veterans and 204 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 171 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.
A total of 222 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, were promoted in their current job, earned acceptance to graduate school or started their own business before commencement.
Editor’s note: We appreciate that Randy Cruse forwarded this article regarding the special recognition received by his daughter Stacey S. (Cruse) Barrins, WHS ’97.
Stacey S. Barrins Named to Forbes Magazine’s “Top Women Wealth Advisors” List
Morgan Stanley announced today that Stacey S. Barrins, a Managing Director, Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Chicago Merc Wealth Management office, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s list of Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2025, listed on forbes.com.
Forbes’ “Top Women Wealth Advisors” is a select group of individuals who have a minimum of seven years of industry experience. The ranking, developed by Forbes’ partner SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews.
“I am pleased that Stacey is representing Morgan Stanley,” commented Blake Mackenzie, Market Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Chicago Merc office. “To be named to this list recognizes Stacey’s experience, professionalism and dedication to the needs of her valued clients.”
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. With offices in more than 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please
visit www.morganstanley.com.
2025 Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State Source: Forbes.com
(Awarded February 2025). This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the
research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period 9/30/23-9/30/24. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith
Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC for placement on its rankings.
This ranking is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively,
a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client impact, industry experience, review of best practices and
compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for
their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not
be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their
own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see
www.SHOOKresearch.com. © 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC# 4204594
Get ready for an unforgettable summer of FREE movies under the stars at Cravath Lakefront Park! 
Join us for family-friendly fun, concessions, food trucks, and blockbuster hits on the big screen.
Location: Cravath Lakefront Park
Time: Saturdays at Dusk – 9 p.m.
Admission: FREE!
Movie Lineup:
July 12 – Moana 2
August 16 – Mufasa
September 6 – Wicked
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie buddies — we’ll bring the magic. 
What a fantastic first Community Drumming Circle we had in June! Join us at Fairhaven at 1:15 pm tomorrow, July 10 for another great time. No experience needed, just come relax and join in the fun! Christine Hayes leads the sessions.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,188 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 85,883 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest-growing UW.
Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average, which represents all A grades, receive highest honors. High honors go to students earning 3.99 to 3.75 grade point averages. Honors are given to students earning 3.74 to 3.50 grade point averages. All were full-time students in the fall/winter term, earning 12 or more credits of graded coursework. This list includes students attending all four UW-Green Bay campuses (Green Bay, Marinette, Manitowoc, Sheboygan). An online list can be found at https://www.uwgb.edu/CMSAssets/provost/AcademicHonors.asp
Whitewater, WI
Ella Liberto, Semester High Honors
Savory Sounds Concert Featuring Idledaze Trio
Acoustic Rock featuring classic alt-rock & blues, blending harmonies and synth sounds.
Thursday, July 10, 11:30 am-12:45 pm Flat Iron Park, 402 W. Main Street (by the Birge Fountain)
Food Vendor: Rocky Rococo Pizza
Sponsor: TDS
- Concert Times: All concerts are held on Thursdays from 11:30am – 12:45pm.
- Location: Outside the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) / Flat Iron Park (next to the Birge Fountain), 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
- Rain or Shine: Normally held outdoors on the lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts are moved inside the CAC and seating is provided.
- Seating: If the concert is held outside, please consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket. A few picnic tables and benches around the Birge Fountain are also available.
- Food & Refreshments: Food and other refreshments will be available from the food vendor or bring your own lunch.
- Parking: CAC lot and city street parking is available with additional parking available at First English Lutheran Church.
Savory Sounds Sponsors:
- Anonymous Donor
- Coburn Company
- Culver’s of Whitewater
- D.L.K. Enterprises
- Fairhaven Senior Services
- Harbor Homes
- TDS
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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