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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Get ready to clean out your garage: Walworth County will host residential Clean Sweep recycling events on June 20 and 21, 2025, at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn. No registration is required.
Schedule
- Recycle household hazardous waste only on Friday, June 20, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. View a full list of acceptable items.
- Recycle household hazardous waste and electronics, TVs, appliances, and tires on Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Fees
Household hazardous waste is free. Electronics and computers can be recycled for free. The following items can be recycled for a fee (cash only):
- All TVs: $10 each
- Monitors: $5 each
- Mini fridges, small AC units, and dehumidifiers: $5 each
- Refrigerators and freezers: $10 each; all other appliances are free
- Tires with 18-inch rims or smaller may be recycled: The cost is $10 each for tires without rims and $15 each for tires with rims.
Congratulations to students making the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll for second semester of the 2024-2025 school year at Whitewater High School. These designations are based on Semester 2 weighted grades. Students earning a 3.500 – 3.7499 are on Honor Roll, and students earning a 3.75 – 5.0 are on High Honor Roll.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s Expansion and Renovation Project is currently in Phase Three. While the library building is closed to the public, curbside pickup services will be available starting Monday, June 23.
Library patrons may place holds on books, movies, and other materials and pick them up at the library. Print jobs may be sent to the library’s printing email at library-printing@whitewater-wi.gov. When holds or print jobs become available, patrons must call
or email the library in advance to schedule a time to pick up their items (times will be available in two-hour windows). Community members may also register for a library card via curbside or at any library event.
In addition, reference services and help with library accounts and databases will be available via phone or email. Reading logs and prizes for the Summer Reading Program will also be available via curbside.
Hours for Curbside Services
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m-1:00 p.m.
Completion of the library’s building project is projected for November 2025.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Complete details, updates, online services, and the library events calendar can be found at whitewaterlibrary.org. Call the library at 262-473-0530 or email library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions.
On Wednesday, May 28, members of the Whitewater High School Class of 2025 gathered in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School for the annual scholarship presentation.
Thank you to Tom Ganser for the photo gallery.
Below is an alphabetical listing of all scholarships awarded that evening:
The City of Whitewater is excited to announce a new way for residents and community members to stay connected and engaged online. The City has transitioned from its traditional Facebook page to a newly created City of Whitewater Group on Facebook.
The City warmly invites all residents, business owners, and local organizations to join the new group. To become a member, simply search for ‘City of Whitewater Group’ on Facebook.
The Whippet City Mile will again be run 15 minutes before the start of the 4th of July Parade at 9:45. Harleys will once again lead the runners along the parade route as they race in front of thousands of cheering fans. The Whippet City Mile is open to everyone and is a free event encouraging families and friends to join in together to celebrate and help kick off the parade. This year’s honorary race starter will be Washington Elementary Teacher, Justin Mane.
Arrive by 9:30 on the day of the race to register on site. More information is available on the 4th of July WCM site. The waiver for runners is also available here.
This year’s format will be different as the race will be “self timed”. Runners will time themselves and no bib numbers will be handed out. Water will be available at the finish line and all racers are responsible for making sure they have a signed race waiver before the start. The course will follow the usual route starting on Prince Street and finishing at the crosswalk in front of the Brass Rail.
Information Submitted by Mark Maas
Photos and copy courtesy of Tom Ganser
Whitewater High School Class of 2025 graduated on Friday, May 23 in the WHS gymnasium.
The program listed 127 graduates, including eight valedictorians and one salutatorian, eight senior class leaders, and flowers in memory of Ricardo (Ricky) Lopez Navejas.
Music was provided by the Music Masters Ensemble and the WHS combined bands.
The announcement of graduates was made by WHS Social Studies Teacher Greg Stewart, and the commencement address was given by Mark Ehlen, WHS building substitute teacher.
Officials included Brent Mansky, WHS Principal; Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent; Stephanie Hicks, School Board President; Miguel Aranda, School Board Vice President
You are invited to Bill Sydow’s birthday celebration at the Starin Park Community Building, 504 W. Starin Road in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Saturday, June 28 from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Please RSVP if possible. However, drop-ins are welcome. Dad made a difference not only in the lives of his five children, but also in the lives of countless students, colleagues and even random strangers.
Dad has requested no gifts, but cards are welcome.
If you would like to send a memory, story or anecdote about our Dad, please email them to Catherine at the address below:
For more information, please contact:
Catherine (Sydow) Pearson at (920) 817-4730 or labellearthenice25@gmail.com
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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