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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026

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WHITEWATER WEATHER

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Walworth County Dairy Breakfast Hosted by JC Kow Farms

June 21, 2025

Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

Local Students Named to Marquette University’s Spring 2025 Dean’s List

June 21, 2025

The following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

Maddie Arnett, Doctorate, Occupational Therapy
Tyler Arnett, Bachelor of Science, Accounting

To make the Dean’s List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the spring 2024 semester and have no disqualifying grades. The GPA threshold varies by college — for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean’s List. 

The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administration, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum.

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws over 7,600 undergraduate and 3,600 graduate and professional students from nearly all states and more than 60 countries. In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu.

This Week’s City Meetings

June 21, 2025

Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting – Monday, June 23, 2025 – 4:30pm
Discussion and possible action on Updated Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes, discussion and possible action on scheduling programs, work days, and lake improvement initiatives, and discussion and possible action for Cravath Lake Fountain.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, Wiscconsin

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86940116492?pwd=zz7g6mdfqf32Fa90B1YAeX1gMad7Kk.1
Meeting ID: 869 4011 6492
Passcode: 824804
Dial by your location • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Urban Forestry Commission – Monday, June 23, 2025 – 5:30pm
Discussion and possible action on the arboretum, discussion and possible action on recommendations for Bradford Pear trees in the city, discussion and possible action on a natural playground at Starin Park, updates on Bird City, and discussion of the 2026 tree sale.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor
312 West Whitewater Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89294642376?pwd=XeBiC3nlJKhABMF6uTOSLfG4nxd0p9.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 892 946 42376
Passcode: 201529

Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting, Monday, June 23, 2025, 7:00 pm
Farewell to Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty and welcome to Samuel Karns, Whitewater Unified School District’s new Superintendent, Middle School scorecard review, donations of musical instruments for the district and $88,110.56 to the Reese Brantmeier Project, resignations of Middle School 8th Grade Science Teacher, Washington Math Interventionist, and High
School Special Education Teacher/Title I Reading & Reading Interventionist, and employment of Science Teacher for Whitewater High School.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81655466786?
pwd=NE5HbE94cERDaEFpMTdtVWNWZ3hoUT09
Passcode: 866490
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 816 5546 6786

Whitewater Youth Baseball Tryouts Scheduled for July 21-23

June 21, 2025

Attention all Whitewater youth baseball players interested in trying out for the Whitewater Club teams. Join us on July 21st-23rd for our tryouts. 

This club is created to help expose youth baseball players to next level competition. The number of teams will be determined by number of players that tryout and ages. In order to have an opportunity to earn a roster spot on one of these teams you must tryout. If you are unable to make these dates but would like to tryout please contact coach Hookstead. Only 14 players are allowed per team maximum. If your son makes one of the teams there is a $350 charge. With this you will receive a jersey, pants, hat and training that would start in January. No experience is needed.  

Please complete the form if you are interested in a try out.

Monday July 21st:  2nd-4th Grade*/ 5pm-7pm
Tuesday July 22nd:  5th-8th Grade*/ 5pm-7pm
Wednesday July 23rd:  make up date & 2nd evaluation** for all ages/ 5pm-7pm

*Grade levels are those students will be entering for the 2025/26 school year. 
**There is a possibility for a player to be asked to come back on July 23rd for a 2nd evaluation.  

Location:  Whitewater High School Baseball & Softball Field

Please contact Coach Michael Hookstead with any questions:
mhookstead@wwusd.org
(262)893-3580

Community Picnic Postponed Due to Heat Advisory

June 21, 2025

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater.

Due to the Heat Advisory, Be Kind Whitewater and Whitewater Unites Lives have made the decision to postpone today’s picnic. We hope to reschedule soon. We are disappointed but believe it is the right decision for our community members.

If you have donations for the Community Space, they are open until noon today. They are also open from 8:30 until 11 a.m. Tuesday, and 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

    Whitewater 4th Announces Grand Marshal – Joe Sherman

    June 20, 2025

    Joe Sherman is a lifelong resident of Whitewater living on the family homestead farm. Joe comes from an Air Force family with someone continually serving since 1955. He joined the United States Air Force in 1965. After basic training he went to flight school to be a flight engineer. In 1966 he volunteered to serve in Vietnam and was assigned to the H53 Jolly Green Helicopter Squadron doing 133 air rescue missions in 13 months. He was based at Udorn, Thailand from 1967-68. After his military service Joe went to aircraft flight school in Janesville and flew charter for General Aviation Corporation.

    Joe Sherman

    In 2000 he was called to do maintenance at the First United Methodist Church which he continues to do today. He is active in the church and community in many ways. He is always helping others, providing assistance and practicing servant ministry at every opportunity, including delivering food, working with youth ministry, organizing special ministry activities, setting up big events (including organizing the 4 th of July food tent) and assisting with weddings and funerals. He volunteers many hours with Bethel House. In 2020 Joe was honored by Whitewater Unites Lives as a Hometown Hero.

    Information and Photo Submitted by Donna Segraves

    Extreme Heat Forecast for this Weekend

    June 20, 2025

    The National Weather Service is warning of triple-digit heat indices for our area for Saturday and Sunday.

    • Heat indices exceeding 100°F Saturday through Monday across much of southern WI, with 105°F values in southeast WI.
    • Low temperatures in the middle 70s Saturday and Sunday night, resulting in little overnight relief.
    • Breezy southwest winds expected Saturday through Monday. Winds could be particularly gusty on Saturday (gusts to around 35 MPH expected, peaking late morning through late afternoon). 

    Below is information from the National Safety Council on avoiding heat related illness:

    Heat Exhaustion: When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the free NSC First Aid Quick Reference app, signs and symptoms include:

    ● Pale, ashen or moist skin
    ● Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
    ● Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
    ● Headache, dizziness or fainting
    ● Nausea or vomiting
    ● Rapid heart rate

    Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:

    ● Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area
    ● Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
    ● Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower

    Heat Stroke: Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include:

    ● Body temperature above 103 degrees
    ● Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
    ● Rapid breathing
    ● Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status
    ● Irrational or belligerent behavior
    ● Convulsions or unresponsiveness

    Immediately take action:

    ● Call 911
    ● Move the victim to a cool place
    ● Remove unnecessary clothing
    ● Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
    ● If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels
    ● Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees
    ● Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed

    DO NOT:

    ● Force the victim to drink liquids
    ● Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin
    ● Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets

    The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

    ● Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
    ● Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol
    ● Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
    ● Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
    ● Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    ● Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself
    ● Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body

    Keep Each Other Safe

    In your community, please check in on neighbors who are elderly, house-bound or otherwise may be reluctant to ask for help. You can offer to host them in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room on hot days, drive them to a local cooling center, or call relatives or city services to arrange for them to stay cool.

    Whitewater Banker Nathaniel Parrish to Serve on Wisconsin Bankers Association Board

    June 20, 2025

    Nathaniel (Nate) Parrish, president, First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater, will serve a three-year term on the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Board of Directors.

    Nate Parrish (left) receives Board pin from WBA Board of Directors Chair Paul J. Northway (right). 

    “We are delighted to have Nate join the WBA Board of Directors,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “His expertise and commitment will have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s banking industry and the communities we serve.” 

    Parrish joined First Citizens State Bank in 2011, bringing over fifteen years of banking experience with him. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance and a minor in economics from Carroll University. Parrish’s extensive community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Rainbow Hospice Foundation, Whitewater University Tech Park, and was the 2023-2024 president of the Whitewater Rotary Club, of which he is still a member. 

    Serving as officers on the WBA Board are Chair Paul J. Northway, president and CEO, American National Bank Fox Cities, Appleton; Chair-Elect Joseph (Joe) Peikert, CEO, Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville; Vice Chair Greg Lundberg, president and CEO Fortifi Bank, Berlin; and Past Chair Alvaro (Al) Araque, SVP, director of consumer, private and business banking, Johnson Financial Group, Racine. 

    Also joining the Board for three-year terms are Jim Hartlieb, president and CEO, First Business Bank, Madison; Lindsay Spitzer, president and CEO, Bluff View Bank, Galesville; and Eric Witczak, executive vice president and COO, Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay.  

    Those continuing their terms on the Board are: Tina DeGustino, regional president, BMO Bank, Milwaukee; Kelly Heroux, president and CEO, Peshtigo National Bank; Shay Horton, president and CEO, Cumberland Federal Bank; Shane Ilstrup, president, Citizens First Bank, Trempealeau; Jimmy Kauffman, president and CEO, Bank of Sun Prairie; Todd Nagel, president and CEO, IncredibleBank, Wausau; Timothy (Tim) Schneider, president and CEO, Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc; and Bill Sennholz, CEO, Forward Bank, Marshfield.

    About the Wisconsin Bankers Association
    Founded in 1892, WBA is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 180 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 96 percent of banks in the state are WBA members.

    Obituaries

    Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

    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

    Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

    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

    Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

    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

    Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

    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!

    Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

    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

    Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

    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

    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

    Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

    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

    Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

    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

    Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

    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