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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The “road closed” signs have gone up on Highway 59 and Janesville Street. If you’re looking to get to Kwik Trip on that corner, or one of the several other businesses located in that immediate area, that won’t be a problem. No through traffic is allowed, meaning that anyone driving past that area and the Rock/Walworth County line must be traveling to a home or business in that area or risk being ticketed.
The official detour takes Walworth Avenue/County N all the way to Highway 26. Many residents already take Rock/Walworth County Line Road to Highway 59 on their way to Milton or Janesville. That option is still available. Alternatively, to get to Janesville one may take Highway 89 to Richmond and travel west on County A to Janesville.
As was announced previously on The Banner, this closure is only the first of three phases of this summer’s road construction, as shown below.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced a roadway improvement project affecting portions of State Highway 59 and State Highway 89 in and near Whitewater.
Construction is expected to begin April 1, 2026, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of June, early July, 2026, weather permitting. The project will occur in three stages.
Stage 1:
Highway 59 from the Rock/Walworth County line to Janesville Street
- Curb and gutter replacement
- Sidewalk and pedestrian ramp upgrades
- Milling existing pavement and installing new asphalt
Traffic will be detoured using County Highway N and Highway 26.
Stage 2:
Highway 59 from Janesville Street to US 12 and Highway 89 from US 12 to Wills Ray Road - Milling existing pavement
- Installing new asphalt
Traffic will remain open with flagging operations.
Stage 3:
Highway 59 from the Rock/Walworth County line to Janesville Street - High-friction surface treatment
Traffic will again be detoured using County Highway N and Highway 26.
Electronic message boards will be placed one week prior to closures to alert motorists. Please slow down and use extra caution when traveling through construction zones.
Thank you for your patience during these roadway improvements.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Brad Marquardt, city director of public works.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted on the Whitewater Fire & EMS Facebook page.
BIG Announcement: Out with the old and in with the new! 
The Whitewater Fire & EMS has retired its 35‑year‑old ladder truck and introduced a safer, modern replacement.
The old truck was well beyond recommended service life and nearly failed its last inspection. This upgrade was necessary to remain NFPA [National Fire Protection Association] compliant. The new truck is officially in service, ensuring our crews can continue protecting the community safely and effectively.
Watch the full video:
Easter,[nb 1] also called Pascha[nb 2] (Aramaic, Greek, Latin) or Resurrection Sunday,[nb 3] is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.[12][13] It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.
Easter and its related holidays are moveable feasts, not falling on a fixed date; its date is computed based on a lunisolar calendar (solar year plus Moon phase) similar to the Hebrew calendar. The First Council of Nicaea (325) established only two rules, namely independence from the Hebrew calendar and worldwide uniformity. No details for the computation were specified; these were worked out in practice, a process that took centuries and generated a number of controversies. It has come to be the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or soonest after 21 March.[18] Even if calculated on the basis of the more accurate Gregorian calendar, the date of that full moon sometimes differs from that of the astronomical first full moon after the March equinox.[19]
The earliest date on which [Western] Easter Sunday can occur is March 22. This was the case in the year 1818, and it will not happen again until the year 2285.
The latest date it can fall on is April 25. The last time Easter Sunday fell on April 25 was in 1943, and the next occurrence will be in 2038.
[From Wikipedia]
The Landscaping, Grounds and Sustainability team of Facilities, Planning and Management will be doing permitted, prescribed burns of the UW-Whitewater prairie during the week of April 6-8, weather permitting. The rain date will be the week of April 13-15.
Signage will be placed along the roadway. Please be aware, there will be smoke and a burning smell in the air during the day of the burns. The areas will burn for a couple of hours.
UW-Whitewater typically conducts this prescribed burn every 3-4 years to help promote the growth of native prairie plants, forbs and wildflowers. Burns also discourage invasive and woody species from taking over.
Editor’s note: This announcement was posted to the UW-Whitewater announcements page. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by terski from Pixabay.
The Universities of Wisconsin recently announced the selection of the 2026–2027 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars.
The upcoming Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars (WTFS) participants include 23 faculty and instructors from 12 universities, nominated by Provosts for their excellence in teaching and learning. The WTFS program provides UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the Universities of Wisconsin and from various disciplines. In addition to discussing effective evidence-based teaching and learning approaches, participants are guided through systematic research focused on improving student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project. The yearlong program begins in May and will culminate with a research
presentation in Spring 2027.
Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars is one of three programs offered by the Universities of Wisconsin’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID). OPID supports the UWs’ 13 Centers for Teaching and Learning in fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence in Wisconsin. Together they offer professional development programs that seek to enhance student learning in face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments.
The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program is directed by two faculty leaders, Sarah Riforgiate, a communications professor at UW-Milwaukee, and Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges, a psychology professor at UW-Green Bay.
The 2026–2027 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars, who each will receive a $4,000 stipend from their university, are:
- Alexander Bozzo. UW-Stout, English, Philosophy, and Communication Studies
- Anjuli Joshi Brekke, UW-Parkside, Communication
- Xinghui Chen, UW-Platteville, Marketing
- Jennifer Collins, UW-Stevens Point, Political Science
- Meg Chrusciel, UW-Superior, Legal Studies and Criminal Justice
- Natalie Cummings, UW-Stevens Point, Voice
- Anita Davelos, UW-La Crosse, Biology
- Ashley Edwards, UW-La Crosse, Communication Studies
- Benjamin Fine, UW-Eau Claire, Computer Science
- McLean Gunderson, UW-Madison, Comparative Biosciences
- Edina Haslauer, UW-Platteville, Teacher Education
- Nick Hwang, UW-Whitewater, Communication
- Dani Kvam, UW-Oshkosh, Communication Studies
- Aubri McDonald, UW-Parkside, Criminal Justice
- Md Tarique Newaz, UW-Green Bay, Marketing
- Elizabeth Novotny, UW-Whitewater, Literature, Writing and Film
- Ismaila Odogba, UW-Stevens Point, Geography
- Rhonda Petree, UW-River Falls, English
- Gregory Ruegsegger, UW-River Falls, Health and Human Performance
- Michael Weinstein-Reiman, UW-Madison, Music Theory
- Rojoba Yasmin, UW-Green Bay, Electrical Engineering
- Juan Zhang, UW-Eau Claire, Marketing & Supply Chain Management
- Yuxuan Zhao, UW-Stout, Psychology
#
About the Universities of Wisconsin
The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Universities of Wisconsin.
Event: Purple Up! Family Movie Night
Host: American Legion Post 173
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – Doors open at 5:30 PM, movie starts at 6:00 PM
Location: Whitewater Cinemas, Whitewater, WI
Admission: Free and open to all
Description:
American Legion Post 173 invites the Whitewater community to a free, family-friendly movie night on April 15 in celebration of Purple Up! Day and the Month of the Military Child. Everyone is welcome to attend as we come together to recognize and support military-connected youth in our community.
Families can enjoy a free showing of Max (rated PG) at Whitewater Cinemas. The movie begins at 6:00 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Max tells the story of a military service dog who, after the loss of his handler, finds a new home with the handler’s family, forming a strong bond and navigating life, love, and healing.
American Legion members will greet guests and offer an opportunity to recognize military children in attendance, and goodie bags will be available for families to enjoy.
April is recognized nationwide as the Month of the Military Child, established in 1986 to honor the important role and sacrifices of children in military families. Purple Up! Day, observed each year on April 15, is a special day when communities are encouraged to wear purple as a visible show of support. The color purple represents all branches of the military, symbolizing unity and appreciation for these young heroes.
Military children often experience unique challenges, including frequent moves and time apart from loved ones during deployments. Community events like this are an opportunity for all of us to show our support and appreciation.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and join us for an evening of fun, recognition, and community connection as we celebrate the strength and resilience of military children
Wisconsin Makers will host its ninth and final iron pour on Saturday, April 18.
The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater.
Participants and spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — Teresa “Tree” Lind, retired University of Wisconsin- Whitewater lecturer of art and design — and her former students and alumni melt cast iron in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand square scratch molds with the liquid metal.
This marks the makerspace’s last-ever iron or aluminum pour in light of Lind’s retirement and other factors.
“For the past decade, the iron pour has been the highlight of Wisconsin Makers’ year, enabling the public to create metal art in an easy, fun and collaborative way,” said Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer. He noted that it also has provided UW-Whitewater students a connection to the community. “Whether a maker or spectator, please join us for this, our final pour,” Jewer said.
Those wishing to make their own casting may buy a sand scratch mold to personalize with their design that day, starting at 9 a.m. Each scratch mold must be completed no later than 11:15 a.m.
By noon, the outdoor forge should have reached 2,700 degrees and be ready for the pour. Lind and her team will fill buckets with molten iron and pour it into the sand scratch molds. They will present the completed castings to participants by mid-afternoon.
The per-person cost is $25. Participation is on a first-come, first served basis. All ages are welcome, but youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.
During the iron pour, grilled brats, chips, water and soda will be available for purchase.
Scratch mold workshop set
Persons wishing to get a head start on their squares may attend a scratch mold workshop at the makerspace Friday, April 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Pizza will be available for $1 per slice.
They also may make arrangements to pick up a scratch mold earlier than that date by calling Jewer at (630) 430-9498.
“Your unique design will be preserved in cast iron for ages to come,” said Jewer, adding that past years’ iron pours each have drawn more than 100 attendees. “This is a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.” To get a feel for what an iron pour entails, please view a short YouTube video of the 2017 event: https://youtu.be/Q5HgV94OPe4.
Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop). Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts, quilting and more.
For more information on the iron pour, scratch mold workshop or other upcoming classes, visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call Jewer at (630) 430-9498.
The second concert in the Bassett House Spring Concert Series will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The concert will be held at the Bassett House, 708 W. Main Street, Whitewater.
Performing will be the talented voice students of Rachel Wood, Associate Professor at UW-Whitewater. The program will be a delightful combination of classic repertoire and popular favorites – and not to be missed!
Following the concert will be a complimentary wine and cheese reception, and a chance to meet and mingle with these exceptional singers.
Adult ticket prices are $30 per concert. Student tickets (over 13 years old) are $15 per concert, and child tickets (13 and under) are $10 per concert.
All proceeds will go to the Bassett House Preservation Fund, which the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs will use to ensure the preservation of the Bassett House, one of Whitewater’s oldest historic homes.
For more information, visit our website at bassetthousewww.org or contact Linda Robinson at linrob73@gmail.com
Obituaries
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
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
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