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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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“All We Imagine as Light”
Wednesday, June 18, 1 pm
(Psychological Drama/Romance); Not Rated.
1 hour, 58 minutes (2024).
The light, the lives and the textures of contemporary, working class, Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The New York Times says “a soulful study of the transformative power of friendship and sisterhood, in all its complexities and richness.” Grand prize winner, Cannes Film Festival, 2024. Shown with English subtitles.
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/
| Exhibition: June 5-29, 2025 Free Collage Card Making Workshops: Friday, June 20, 1-3 pm and Thursday, June 26, 1-3 pm.To sign up for the free workshops, please email wwartsalliance@gmail.com or add your name to the list in the CAC gallery. |
| The Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to present Collage x Five: Up Close and Personal, a new exhibition showcasing the creative storytelling of five women artists: Ann Engelman, Dawn Hunter, Sally Koehler, Allison Russo, and Della Wells. The show will be on display from June 5 to June 29, 2025, at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, located at 402 W. Main Street in Whitewater. Led by acclaimed artist and teacher Della Wells-whose work is featured in the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the American Folk Art Museum — the group explores personal stories and shared experiences through the art of collage. Wells explains, “I am a storyteller and an artist. I like to think of myself as an ‘arts provocateur.’ In my work, women guard their own fears and truths. They are not going to let anyone twist them into stereotypes.” Ann Engelman creates vivid art through stitched Memory Cloths and collage, inspired by global storytelling traditions such as South Africa’s Amazwi Abesifazane project. Engelman believes, “Storytelling provides context of life experiences. My artistic expressions help me reflect.” Her work captures the emotional landscape of memory, tradition, and resilience. Dawn Hunter, a founding member and first president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, brings decades of leadership and creativity to the exhibition. Hunter has earned multiple Wisconsin Regional Arts Program awards and recently published her children’s book, The Lavender Lady, in 2025. She shares, “Creative people don’t have a mess — they have ideas lying around everywhere.” Her collage work, like her writing, invites viewers into colorful, imaginative worlds. Sally Koehler, a Fort Atkinson-based artist with a degree from the University of Wisconsin, combines her background in arts education with her fine art practice. She has participated in national arts training through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and has continued to expand her collaborative work. Koehler says, “I use texture, color, and patterns to express my vision and gratitude for the rhythms and dance of life,” a spirit that radiates through her collage pieces. Allison Russo, a former Art Director at Scholastic Inc. and a current Board Member of the Public Art Fund in New York City, draws inspiration from the fleeting beauty of everyday moments. Her collages explore themes of motherhood, time, and transformation. Russo reflects, “Fleeting, precious moments shape my understanding of the world. Learning together with these women has been a gift.” Throughout the month of June, visitors are invited to participate in a series of special events designed to engage with the artists and the art. Two free collage card-making workshops will be offered on Friday, June 20, and Thursday, June 26, from 1 pm-3 pm, inviting participants to create their own art inspired by the exhibition. Gallery Exhibit Hours Thursdays: 12 pm – 4 pm Fridays: 12 pm – 4 pm Saturdays: 12 pm – 4 pm Sundays:12 pm – 4 pm [The gallery will be closed on June 15, Father’s Day.] Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running. Admission to the exhibition and all events is free, and everyone is welcome. Collage x Five: Up Close and Personal offers a vivid and heartfelt glimpse into women’s lived experiences, translated into layered and imaginative works of art. The exhibition promises to be an inspiring celebration of memory, creativity, and community. |
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. To celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, we are including an image of a father of a different sort. This is Joseph Bower, the “father” of Whitewater’s current downtown appearance. Bower was a builder who worked in Whitewater during the mid-to-late 19th century and can be credited with building at least 13 existing brick buildings in downtown Whitewater today, including the five-storefront block on the south side of the middle of Center Street, and several double-storefront blocks in the west block of Main Street in downtown Whitewater. The Whitewater Historical Society wishes all fathers a great day on Sunday!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#3218P, Whitewater Historical Society)
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #266 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., June 13, 2025, in honor of former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard, who passed away on Mon., Jan 27, 2025, at the age of 87. “Former Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Berard led a proud life of service, dedicating over four decades of his life to the Wisconsin National Guard, protecting the values and freedoms that we hold dear, and achieving many accolades along the way thanks to his steadfast commitment to serving our state and nation,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I are sending our deepest condolences to Maj. Gen. Berard’s family, friends, and colleagues as they honor his life of dedicated and decorated service.” Born in Hayward, Maj. Gen. Berard led an accomplished career in the Wisconsin National Guard for over four decades, including serving as adjutant general from 1996 to 1997. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and later attending the Naval Post Graduate School, Maj. Gen. Berard earned several accolades and awards throughout his honorable service, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Silver de Fleury Medal, and three Meritorious Service Medals. In addition to his service in the Guard, Maj. Gen. Berard worked at Telemark and Historyland for 26 years, managed the Lumberjack World Championships for two decades, and in 1978, he received the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Paul Bacon Award for his contributions to ski race organizing. Services for former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard will take place on Fri., June 13, 2025, in Hayward and at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. |
The Whitewater 4th of July Festival Committee is thrilled to announce that fireworks will light up the sky on both Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. over Cravath Lake as part of this year’s celebration.
This spectacular tradition is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and partners. A special thank you goes to Coburn Company for sponsoring this year’s fireworks and to commend their remarkable milestone — 100 years in business. We proudly applaud their century of excellence and impact in the Whitewater area.
We also extend our sincere thanks to DLK Enterprises and the City of Whitewater for their continued sponsorship and ongoing support of the festival. Thanks to their dedication, the festival continues to shine as a highlight of Whitewater’s summer.
As we prepare for this exciting holiday weekend, we’re inviting members of the community to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic happens. Volunteers are needed to assist with launching the fireworks barge and other logistics surrounding the festival. We’re especially looking for a local boat owner willing to help tow the barge into Cravath Lake, as well as helping hands ready to be part of the action.
“This festival is a true community effort,” said a representative of the Whitewater 4th of July Committee. “Whether you’re sponsoring, volunteering, or attending, you’re part of something special.”
To sign up as a volunteer please email us at whitewater4th@gmail.com or to learn more about the schedule of events, please visit www.whitewater4th.com.
Editor’s note: The following schedule is from the above website.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Session: 5-9 PM, $25 each wrist band
Family Day Sponsored by Generac 4-7 PM
Karaoke at Frawley Ampitheater: 4-6 PM
Miss Whitewater Pageant at Frawley Ampitheater: 6:30 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 4-11 PM
Friday, July 4
Whippet City Mile: 9:45 AM along parade route
4th of July Parade: 10 AM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 10 AM to 11 PM
Christman Family Amusements: 12-4 PM Wrist band Session
Live Music at Frawley Amphitheater:
After the Parade – enjoy one of the bands in the parade on stage!
2 PM Jeff Winard Polka Party
5 PM Rural Route 3
8 PM Stetsin and Lace
Fireworks: 10 PM
Saturday, July 5
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Session: $25
40th Annual Car Show 2-6 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: Noon to 11 PM
Live Music at the Frawley Ampitheater:
2 PM Sawyer Road
5 PM Gebel Girls
8 PM Brightside
Fireworks 10 PM
Sunday, July 6
Carnival Only – Last chance for rides and a wrist band session!
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Special: 12 to 4 PM, $25 each
Former University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football kicker Jeff Schebler and longtime Head Coach Forrest Perkins are candidates for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame according to an announcement from the National Football Foundation [NFF].
To become a member of the NFF [with a $60 donation] and cast your vote for Schebler and Perkins today – click here. Votes must be cast by July 1, 2025.
The 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot includes 79 players and 9 coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from divisional ranks. The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th annual awards dinner on December 8, 2026 in Las Vegas.
To be eligible, a player must have received first team All-America recognition by an NCAA-recognized selector and played in his final season at least 10 full seasons ago but no more than 50 years ago. A player’s post-football record as a citizen and academic honors accumulated are also weighted in the selection process.
Coaches must have coached a minimum of 10 years and 100 games as a head coach, won at least 60 percent of their games and be retired from coaching for at least three years.
Schebler was a four-year All-American and four-year First Team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference kicker for the Warhawks from 2006-09. He helped lead UW-Whitewater to four appearances in the Stagg Bowl, including national championships in 2007 and 2009, when he was selected as a First Team All-American by D3football.com. The team also earned WIAC titles during all four years of Schebler’s career.
Schebler earned the Fred Mitchell Award as the nation’s best non-FBS kicker in 2009 after converting 14-of-18 on field goals and 83-of-85 on PATs. He also averaged 60.3 yards per kickoff as UW-W finished with a perfect 15-0 mark on its way to the national title.
For his career, Schebler is the program’s all-time leader in PATs attempted (256), PATs made (245) and field goals made (75). He tied the school record for longest field goal with a pair of 52-yarders in 2007. Schebler still holds the Division III career records for points scored by a kicker (470), highest percentage of field goals made (78.9) and field goals made (75).
Perkins coached the Warhawks for 29 seasons from 1956-84. He is currently the school’s all-time leader in victories after leading UW-Whitewater to a 190-88-8 record, good for a .678 winning percentage.
Perkins led the Warhawks to 11 conference championships and was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1966 after leading UW-Whitewater to a 10-1 record and the program’s first-ever postseason appearance. After a 41-18 triumph over Central (Iowa) in the national semifinals, the Warhawks reached the title game, where they fell against Waynesburg (Pa.).
At the time of his retirement, Perkins was the league’s all-time leader in wins and had the second-most wins of active coaches at the Division III level. He is currently No. 2 in the conference in victories and among the top 50 on the NCAA Division III all-time wins list.
College Football Hall of Fame votes are cast by more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers. Their votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Court, which includes a diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media, for final class selection.
Taken at about 9 p.m., June 10, shortly after moon rise. Taken with what amounts to the equivalent of a 510 mm lens.
Taken about 2:35 a.m. on June 11 at the full moon’s brightest. Interesting to see how the image of the moon’s surface is different in the two photos, as the moon is rotating.
Strawberry Moon – June 2025
Named After Ripening Strawberries
June’s Full Moon is named after the wild strawberries that ripen this month and could be gathered by the Native American tribes. Other native names are Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon, and Hot Moon.
The Celtic names are Horse Moon, Dyan Moon, and Rose Moon. Other English names are Flower Moon and Planting Moon. Other sources quote Mead Moon as the Anglo-Saxon name because this was the time for mowing the meads, or meadows.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The first full moon of the summer, coined the strawberry moon, will light up the sky starting Tuesday night. It will be the lowest full moon in decades and one that astronomers have said won’t happen again until 2043.
The moon will appear full for about three days, from June 10 through the morning of June 12, according to NASA. Despite its name, the moon won’t visually look pink or red in color.
Its name is attributed to the Algonquin tribes, where “strawberry moon” refers to the time of year when fresh berries are harvested. In Europe, it can be referred to as the “rose moon.”
What’s special about this June’s full moon?
It will be the lowest full moon of the calendar year and the lowest it’s been in the sky in nearly two decades. The moon’s low position in the sky gives it a larger appearance, a term known as the “Moon Illusion.”
NASA’s interactive map for observing the Moon each day of the year shows the strawberry moon will actually be a few thousand miles closer to Earth during the full moon phase.
Our thanks to Tom Ganser 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!
| Dawn Hunter, a founding member and first president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, will host a book signing for her newly published children’s book, The Lavender Lady, Thursday, June 12 from 1-4 pm. Dawn is also a featured artist in this month’s Collage x 5: Up Close and Personal exhibit at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater. |
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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