Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
Updated 4/11/23: Mark Dorn indicates that the two winners of the Super SIP Cinema Contest will be drawn at this showing.
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
Tuesday, April 14, 1 pm
(Psychological Drama)
Rated R (language); 1 hour, 53 minutes.
With her life crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne), attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband (Christian Slater), a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her icy therapist (Conan O’Brien). A Best Actress Oscar nomination (and Golden Globe winner) for Rose Byrne in a stunning, exhausting, disturbingly brilliant performance.
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 $15 and non-residents is $20. 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/
A Memory Café is an informal social gathering for those living with early-stage memory loss and their care partner. The Whitewater Public Library is hosting a Memory Café on Monday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. in Meeting Room 1. Please join us to reminisce, play Bingo, enjoy refreshments, and engage in good company.
Register in advance at librarymemoryproject.org or by contacting Jess Schmid at 262-458-2785 or jschmid@whitewater-wi.gov.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday from the Whitewater Historical Society. Floods and high water are often seen in the spring and this week’s image shows Cravath Lake flooding by the Milwaukee Street Bridge. The date is unknown but the photo shows a good view of the Old Stone Mill. Here’s hoping we don’t get big floods this spring.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3719P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Holocaust Remembrance Concert
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
LIGHT RECITAL HALL
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Join us for a powerful and moving Holocaust Remembrance Concert, honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day through music and reflection. This special performance pays tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and remembers the lives lost during one of history’s darkest chapters. Experience an evening of solemn beauty, hope, and remembrance as we come together to reflect and never forget.
Adults $7; those age 65+ or under 18, $4. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.
UWW Percussion Ensemble
Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
LIGHT RECITAL HALL
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under age 18, $4
Experience the thrilling range and rhythmic intensity of the UW-Whitewater Percussion Ensemble as they present an electrifying concert of large-scale works for percussion alongside intricate quartets for smaller ensembles. From powerful, driving pieces to finely crafted chamber works, this performance showcases the full spectrum of percussion artistry. Join us for an unforgettable evening of bold sound, dynamic energy, and musical innovation.Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.
Hawk Kor, Harmonia, Concert Choir
LIGHT RECITAL HALL
Sun, 4/19/2026 @ 7:30 PM
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under age 18, $4
Join us for an inspiring afternoon of choral music featuring UW-Whitewater’s Hawk Kor, Harmonia, and Concert Choir. From rich harmonies to soaring melodies, these talented vocal ensembles will present a diverse program that celebrates the beauty and power of the human voice. Don’t miss this showcase of musical excellence and heartfelt expression. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. There is no charge for parking on the weekend.
Monday, April 20, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
The Young Performing Arts Center
930 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Join the University/Community Band for an uplifting concert that brings together talented musicians from both campus and the local community. This diverse ensemble performs a wide range of music, from beloved classics to exciting contemporary works, creating an engaging and spirited experience for all audiences. Don’t miss this celebration of collaboration, music, and community spirit! Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.
Jazz Ensemble II Spring Concert
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
LIGHT RECITAL HALL
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under age 18, $4
Get ready for a lively evening with Jazz Ensemble II as they take the stage for their Spring concert, performing a vibrant mix of classic jazz favorites and fresh new arrangements. This talented group brings energy, swing, and soulful improvisation to every piece, celebrating the rich tradition and evolving sound of jazz. Join us for a night full of rhythm, passion, and unforgettable grooves! Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Sunday, April 26, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
The Young Performing Arts Center
930 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under 18, $4
Immerse yourself in the powerful and rich sounds of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, featuring UW-Whitewater’s finest wind and percussion musicians. This dynamic ensemble performs a diverse repertoire ranging from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, delivering vibrant and thrilling performances. Join us for an inspiring afternoon that showcases the passion and precision of wind ensemble music at its best. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. There is no charge for parking on the weekend.
Parking information
Parking: A permit is required to park in University lots and on Prince Street north of Main Street during events that take place Monday – Thursday. The closest lots are Lots 1 and 2. Permits may be purchased at the kiosk at the Visitors’ Center on Starin Road. To purchase a permit online, visit uww.aimsparking.com and follow these steps:
1. Select: Purchase UW-W Special Event Permits
2. Agree to Terms of Service
3. Select Event Type: CENTER OF THE ARTS
4. Select the event you are attending
5. Select Permit Type: EVENT GUEST
6. Dates will automatically fill in
7. Click Add Vehicle
8. Enter license plate, make, model and color vehicle; Click ADD
9. Follow the remaining prompts to complete registration process
NOTE: Your license plate is your permit; be sure to enter plate correctly to avoid tickets. Plates not entered correctly are subject to $5 tickets. Do not park in stalls with any type of sign. If you need to change your plate, call 262-472-1011 during business hours Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Thank you to the Whitewater community for the first four Community Native Tree Sales! Unfortunately, the 2026 Tree Sale is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. The Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission [UFC] wants to THANK YOU for your support and would like to remind you that we are always in need of committed community members to serve on UFC. If you’d like to make a positive difference in Whitewater, go to the city website and apply today if you are interested! Thank you for your understanding.
Add some sparkle to the start of spring by taking in a performance of Walt Disney’s “Dare to Dream JR” musical revue by the Whitewater Middle School Players in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School on April 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m.
Tickets (April 9 – Pay What You Can, April 10 and 11 – $5 students, $10 adults) are available an hour before the performances. Also, 30 minutes before the performances, Tom Ganser’s photos from the WMS productions of “Seussical” (2023), “Far Fetched Fairytales” (2024), and “Annie” (2025) will be shown.
The show is based on four important Walt Disney principles for a fulfilling life that are more important today than ever before. First, Think. Second, Dream. Third, Believe. And Finally, Dare.
Editor’s note: Photos and copy courtesy of Tom Ganser.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The following are unofficial April 7 election results for the competitive area races based on reports from Jefferson, Rock and Walworth Counties. All results are subject to review by the local Boards of Canvassers.
City of Whitewater Common Council
Councilmember at Large
Orin Smith 1081
Aubrey Thompson 861
Councilmember, District 2
Gavin Kelleher 190
Sean Liebherr 46
Councilmember, District 4
Chuck Mills 210
Brian Schanen 375
Town of Lima
Town Board Supervisor 4
Lee Taylor 158
Brandon Pattermann 101
Town of Richmond
Town Board Supervisor 3
Tim Baker 358
Larry Gard 243
Town Board Supervisor 4
Mike Bergman 289
William Lange 283
Whitewater Unified School District School Board (3 will be elected)
Stephanie Hicks 2044
Lisa Huempfner 2053
Terri Jones 1849
Christy Linse 1707
State Race
Justice of the Supreme Court – Chris Taylor is projected to win, with nearly 60% of the vote.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the City of Beloit website on April 7. John Weidl has served as Whitewater’s city manager since November 2022 after serving as the interim manager for three months. Beloit’s population is approximately 36,000, while our city’s population is about 16,000. The latter number, of course, includes many UW-Whitewater students.
Beloit City Council Announces City Manager Finalists
The Beloit City Council has selected two candidates to advance in the search for the next City Manager. Both candidates will appear in a community forum next week.
The community forum is scheduled for 6pm Monday, April 13, at Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd. The city anticipates that the event will be livestreamed and recorded.
The candidates are:
- Daniel Ortiz Hernandez: Ortiz Hernandez has been in municipal management for 13 years. He currently serves as assistant city manager in Ennis, Texas, where he helps lead more than 240 employees across 12 departments with a combined budget of $74 million; he started in this role in 2024. He has previously served as city administrator in Kimball, Nebraska, and city manager in Wasco, California, and Webster City, Iowa. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University and a Master of Public Administration with an Urban Management concentration from Arizona State University. He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard Kennedy School.
- John Weidl: Weidl has been in municipal management for 15 years and has served in the U.S. Air Force. He currently serves as city manager in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he oversees 140 employees and a combined budget of $24 million. He has previously served as village administrator and economic development director in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and as city administrator, clerk-treasurer, and director of public works in Princeton, Wisconsin. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, Certified Economic Developer, and Certified Public Manager. He is currently completing his Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Following the community forum, the candidates will participate in additional interviews on Tuesday, April 14. The City Council is expected to make a final selection by Monday, April 20.
The City Council invites the public to submit questions for the candidates for the community forum to publiccomment@beloitwi.gov. Questions should be submitted no later than April 11, 2026. Not all submitted questions will be asked. The City Council reserves the right to select, combine, or adapt submitted questions to address key themes, and may ask additional questions of its own.
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
Entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, April 3, 2026, age 65. Donna is survived by her cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Lois (Michels) Lyons. Donna was raised in the Church of Nazarene, with her father being the assistant pastor. Religion was very important to Donna. Donna enjoyed working with the students of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she resided. Donna also loved to travel, visiting France, Italy, and all around the United States. She also loved to paint, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. She also loved collecting recipes and trying … Read more
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
