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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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“Nickel Boys”
Tuesday, June 24, 1 pm
(Coming of Age/Drama/History)
Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 20 minutes (2024).
The chronicles of a powerful friendship between two young Black teenagers, navigating the harrowing trials of the Nickel Academy, a Florida reform school in the 1960’s Jim Crow South. Based on the best-selling novel by Colson Whitehead. Nominated for Oscars: Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Chancellor Corey A. King, Foundation President Katie Kuznacic, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation formally announced the university’s “Our Stories. Our Future.” fundraising campaign on June 12, 2025, at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium, home of the 2025 national champion Warhawk baseball team.
The campaign is the most ambitious in the university’s history, which spans more than 150 years.
“It is my hope that, through this campaign, we’ll continue to make UW-Whitewater stronger for another 155 years,” King said.
In a gathering of alums, faculty, staff, students, stakeholders, and community members, UW-Whitewater Foundation Board Chair Sandy Dunst announced the campaign is more than halfway to its minimum fundraising goal of $50 million. The foundation started working with university leadership in 2021 to establish the framework for the campaign, which will support scholarships, innovation, faculty development, and campus enhancement projects to ensure continued university excellence.
“Many of you in this room have given your time, resources and talents, and you do it every day because you love this great institution,” King said. “I ask you to continue to lean into your story and your journey as a part of the Warhawk family.”
John and Wendy Buckley are serving as co-chairs of the campaign along with honorary chairs Gaylon and Hannah Greenhill. Gaylon Greenhill served as Chancellor from 1991-99 as part of a 37-year professional career at the university, and John Buckley graduated from UW-Whitewater in 1982 with a BBA in accounting.
“This is more than a campaign, this is about building the foundation for the future generations and for other people to write their own stories,” Buckley said.
Buckley outlined the campaign’s approach to build affinity groups — groups of people with shared experiences who are committed to the betterment of UW-Whitewater by supporting opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
Examples of such groups could be a group of alums who live in a certain area, alums who studied the same major, or alums who were part of a sports team, club, or organization on campus.
“This campaign is about more than dollars — it’s about connection, legacy, and belief in what UW-Whitewater makes possible for generations to come,” Kuznacic said.
Each speaker celebrated UW-Whitewater’s recent successes, including the Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s performance at Carnegie Hall and, most recently, the baseball team’s third national title.
Attendees enjoyed baseball-themed snacks, appetizers and gift bags, and toured the baseball facility — widely recognized as one of the best in the nation — as part of the launch event.
The UW-Whitewater Foundation drives long-term university support through strategic engagement and impactful giving.
To learn more about the “Our Stories, Our Future.” campaign, visit uww.edu/campaign.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, we inspire, engage and transform lives. Founded in 1868, we serve almost 12,000 students and celebrate more than 100,000 alumni around the world. Our faculty and staff are devoted to student success on our Whitewater campus, our Rock County campus, and our vibrant online environment. We prepare innovative, resilient students with outstanding skills that make them strong candidates for 21st-century careers and community leadership. We embrace our priority mission to serve students with disabilities. Home to the Warhawk family, UW-Whitewater delivers a supportive, caring culture with an entrepreneurial spirit and championship drive.
Chris Lindeke
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
lindekec@uww.edu
262-472-1193
Samuel Karns will serve as the next Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District, effective July 1.
The appointment follows a comprehensive search process led by executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA). Earlier this spring, HYA facilitated a series of focus groups with WUSD students, staff, families, local organizations, and community members to gather input on the district’s priorities and the desired qualities of its next leader. The feedback collected was used to develop a leadership profile that guided candidate recruitment and selection.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Karns to the Whitewater Unified School District,” said Stephanie Hicks, Board President. “Throughout the search process, the community expressed a desire for a student-focused, collaborative leader who understands how to support academic growth and build strong relationships. Mr. Karns brings experience in all these areas, and we look forward to partnering with him in service of our students.”
Karns currently serves as Principal of Todd Elementary School in Beloit. Under his leadership, the school improved its Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Report Card rating from “failing to meet expectations” to “meeting expectations.” In recognition of his work, Karns was named 2025 Wisconsin Elementary Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) and received the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Leadership Award.
Before leading Todd Elementary, Karns held Assistant Principal positions at McNeel Intermediate School in Beloit and Landrum Middle School in Houston, Texas. He also served in district administration as Assistant Director for Student Wellness from 2016 to 2018.
Karns holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas A&M University. He completed his superintendent licensure program at Concordia University in December 2024 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership.
Karns is an advocate of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework and has presented on the topic at national conferences hosted by ASCD, SHAPE America, and other educational organizations.
The WUSD School Board will share additional information in the coming weeks regarding opportunities to welcome Karns to the district community.
Stephanie Hicks, School Board President
920-723-7892
stephaniehicks@wwusd.org
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is from 1993, when the old Sherwood Forest Motel changed its name to the Diplomat Motel. The Sherwood Forest Motel was located where the modern Fairfield Inn and Suites is now located (next to the new Starbucks near Wal-Mart). The Sherwood Forest Motel was developed in 1978-1979 as an extension to a church building already on the site. The old church building can be seen behind the bank of rooms in the image. In 1996, the building was demolished for part of the parking lot of the new Sentry grocery store (now the UW Community Engagement Center). As usual, historical society member George Scharfenberg was on hand to photograph the business when it changed its name in 1993.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(Photo from the George Scharfenberg collection)
Taken the week of June 2, 2025
Last week Steve noticed a couple birds darting around on Cravath Lake over several days. They moved like swallows, but looked like the size of a woodduck. With the help of the Wisconsin Wildlife page, Steve found out they were Black Terns.
Terns were common in Wisconsin, but are declining in part due to habitat loss.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing these interesting photos and information.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
The City of Whitewater is updating its Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, and we need your input!
This short survey is your chance to help guide the future of our parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational programs. Whether you use the parks daily or only occasionally, your feedback is vital. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll help our Parks and Recreation team identify priorities, shape future improvements, and ensure that our public spaces reflect the needs of everyone in our community.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and will directly inform how we plan for the next five years — and beyond.
Take the Survey Now ➜ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z5HWL8W
Thank you for being part of the process to keep Whitewater’s parks welcoming, safe, and enriching for all.
Kevin Boehm
Director of Parks and Recreation
City of Whitewater
(262)473-0122
kboehm@whitewater-wi.gov
Whitewater Arts Alliance Presents
Savory Sounds Concert featuring Tony Rocker
Thursday, June 19, 2025
11:30am – 12:45pm
Flat Iron Park, Whitewater
Tony Rocker is an Elvis tribute artist known for authentic performances, original keys, and replica jumpsuits.
Sponsored by TDS
Food Vendor: Annie’s Burger Town
- 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.
Friday 6/20/25 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday 6/21/25 8 am to 4 pm
W6915 Bluff Road, Whitewater
Huge rummage sale! Something for everyone.
- Clothes for kids and adults, Winter coats, and boots.
- Toys from little tyke, Melissa and Doug, Barbie and more.
- John Deere kids 2 seater gator, petal tractors, bikes and more.
- Kitchen items, holiday, and crafts.
- Yard tools, old cow tank, hunting and fishing items.
- Many Black bear cabin decorations.
Come on out we have it all!
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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