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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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Updated 6/5/25 @ 5:45 p.m. – The university is providing a livestream of the celebration at Prucha Field.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will welcome home the 2025 NCAA Division III National Champion Warhawk Baseball Team at a Champions Reception tonight (6/5) at 7 pm at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. The reception is followed by a parade at 8 p.m.
Below is the schedule of events for tonight’s Champions Reception.
Schedule of Events
7:00: Gates open for Fans/Families
7:10: Player and Coach Introductions (Athletic Director Ryan Callahan)
7:20: Congratulations from Dr. Corey King
7:23: Statement from Coach Vodenlich
7:30-7:50: Photos on Field and Media Interviews
7:50: Players Leave on Float for Parade
Parking is available for this event in Lot 22. *Due to construction and Special Olympics Wisconsin occurring on campus, it is suggested you access Lot 22/Miller Stadium off of Schwager Drive from Tratt Street*
Here’s the route for the parade that begins at 8 p.m.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a “Red PM2.5” (“Unhealthy:) Air Quality Advisory which is in effect for the Whitewater area, and a large portion of the state, until noon on Thursday. The concern is largely related to the wild fires in Canada. PM2.5 stands for fine particulate matter, a type of air pollution that can cause serious health problems.
The advisory indicates that “improving air quality is expected to move into Wisconsin from the northwest on Wednesday. However, smoke will continue to impact surface air quality across southern and eastern Wisconsin. Unhealthy AQI [Air Quality Index] is most likely in eastern areas near the Green Bay and Lake Michigan water bodies. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI is more likely for western portions of the advisory area.
Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside. Go inside if you have symptoms. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Everyone else: Keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Go inside if you have symptoms.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Matthias Fischer from Pixabay.
The community is invited to join the Summer Reading Program with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, which runs June 9 through August 1. The library is under construction, but still has many free events planned around Whitewater throughout the summer! The fun kicks off with Science Heroes on Monday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m., an interactive program for all ages about real-life science heroes and experiments to help you discover your science power! This event will take place at the Frawley Family Amphitheater at Cravath Lakefront Park. Bring your own blanket and/or chair, if desired.
Other events during the first week include:
- Teen Book Cover Design contest
- William Snakespeare: help create a snake out of painted rocks
- Storytime at Starin Park on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:30 a.m. (will continue weekly)
- Fun Fridays on the library’s lawn: a new activity each week for kids at 3:00 p.m.
- Reading Under the Lights on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Perkins Stadium
For complete information and the full lineup of all events during the Summer Reading Program, visit whitewaterlibrary.org or connect with the library on Facebook and Instagram.
No summer reading program would be complete without the reading! Children, teens, and adults may participate in a challenge to read at least thirty days. Complete the challenge to win a prize and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Children may also complete an activity challenge to receive an additional prize. Reading logs may be picked up at the library in a box near the book drop, at any library event, or downloaded from the library’s website.
Special thanks to First English Lutheran Church for sponsoring the adult summer reading program grand prize of a Kindle Fire! The library would also like to thank Bridges Library System, Tanis Construction, the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Springs Water Park, Little Amerricka, Dairy Queen, and Old World Wisconsin for their sponsorship.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The library building is closed June 1-22 due to construction. Curbside services begin on June 23. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions or visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Bulk trash pickup is routinely provided on the second Thursday of every month, but in recent years the city has arranged with John’s Disposal to provide extra “bulk trash” pickups during the month of May. That service, of course, is particularly appreciated due to university student moveouts. This year, as was announced on The Banner, there would be four bulk pickups in the month: May 1, May 8, May 15, and May 22, 2025. Unfortunately, it seems that a number of residents understood that there would be bulk pickups on all five Thursdays in May, including the 29th. Consequently, there is still bulk trash on a number of tree lawns that won’t be picked up until June 12. Removing it from the tree lawn until the evening of the 11th would be appreciated and would ensure that residents won’t receive a notice from Neighborhood Services.
MANCHESTER, NH — Kaatje Gunnink of Whitewater (53190) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University‘s (SNHU) Spring 2025 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.
According to a press release from the City of Whitewater, “Starting Monday, June 9, Starin Road between Warhawk Drive and Prairie Street will be closed to all traffic. The University is in the process of installing new steam and condensate piping. The project is anticipated to be completed by June 18. This work is weather dependent. Traffic will be detoured using Warhawk Drive, Schwager Drive, and Prairie Street.
By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team made a huge statement to take the 1-0 series lead in the NCAA Division III Final against Messiah University. The Warhawk offense blasted 20 hits en route to an 18-3 win. Ben Lee (Amherst, Wis./Amherst) did his work on the mound, picking up the win in 7.0 innings of work.
The Warhawks took the field first as the designated home team. A 1-2-3 inning was highlighted by a run-down catch in right field from Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville).
Messiah did the same feat, closing down the Warhawk offense in the first inning with their own three-up-three-down inning. But the Warhawks were still the first to strike, with Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) sending in the first runner with a single.
The Warhawks started to break the game open with four runs in the fourth. Back-to-back singles moved the runners forward, with Hopper scoring off a fielding error. Dominic McVay capped off the inning with a three-run shot to put the Warhawks up 5-0.
Messiah ended the shutout with an RBI single in the top of the 5th. The Warhawks quickly grabbed the run back with Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) hitting a solo shot to lead off the offensive half. Hopper gapped a hit that the left fielder wasn’t able to catch up to, scoring another run to give UWW a 7-1 lead.
Both teams were held scoreless in the 6th, but Messiah added their second run on a solo homer to lead off the 7th inning.
The Warhawks apparently made the most of the 7th-inning stretch, seemingly putting the game away for good with a 9-run frame.
Back-to-back singles for Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) & Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) started the ending. Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) scored Frank on an RBI double for the first run of the inning.
Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) drew a five-pitch walk, forcing a mound visit and the first pitching change for the Falcons. McVay had a productive out with a sacrifice fly against the new arm.
Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) drew a four pitch walk to load the bases, followed by a 2-RBI single from Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) to add another couple runs on the board. A double for Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) scored the 5th run of the inning and drew the next arm out of the bullpen.
Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) fought at the plate for another walk to get the bases loaded once again. Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) made the most of it, hitting a Grand Slam to clean the bases off and cap off the crooked inning.
With a 16-2 lead, the Warhawks added another two in the bottom of the 8th for a little extra insurance. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) scored an RBI single followed by an RBI-single from Cootway. Befitting of his number, Cootway hit in the 18th Warhawk run of the game.
Down to their final three outs, Messiah added a base runner after a walk. The runner scored after a double from Messiah’s Martinez. The Warhawk defense grabbed the final out in the same play, catching Martinez in a pickle as he tried to push three.
With the 18-3 win, the Warhawks take a 1-0 series lead heading into the second day of the Finals. Game Two will start at 11 am (ET) tomorrow morning.
Editor’s note: Since the Finals is “best of three,” the Warhawks will be the champs if they win game two, which begins at 10 a.m. CDT If, however, the Falcons pull off a win, the decisive third game is scheduled to begin just 45 minutes after the conclusion of game two. The livestream(s) for the game(s) may be found here.
This article which was published on the Banner on June 2 provides background on both teams.
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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