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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Remembrance of His Holiness Pope Francis |
| Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #257 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Mon., April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The president of the United States has directed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in honor of Pope Francis until sunset on the day of his interment. “Pope Francis was not only an inspirational spiritual leader, but a champion for the environment, peace, the pursuit of unity through common ground, treating people with dignity, reducing poverty and greed, and shared responsibility through community,” said Gov. Evers. “His passing is a loss for followers of the Catholic faith and many people around the world. Consistent with the president’s order, Wisconsin will join in lowering the flags in honor of Pope Francis’ legacy and memory.” |
Some months ago, the Whitewater Cinemas had reduced their hours to just weekends; however, now the theater is open every day except for Monday, with extra hours during the day. There’s a Tuesday special with $5 admission for all showings.
The Whitewater Banner provides a “helpful link” on our website to the cinemas’ website: helpful links/entertainment & fun/whitewatercinemas
Thursday, April 24, 5-7 p.m.
St. John’s Masonic Lodge, 226 W. Main St, Whitewater
$15 Adults, $5 Children <12 yrs
Dine in or Carry-out
Roast Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Applesauce, Dessert
Fort HealthCare is very honored to accept two Top Workplaces awards: the 2025 Top Workplaces award by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and, for the fifth year in a row, the 2025 Top Workplaces USA award by USA Today.
“Fort HealthCare is an exemplary place to work. To receive numerous Top Workplaces awards the past several years is a testament to the culture we have instilled and nurtured,” Michael Anderson, MD, President and CEO of Fort HealthCare, remarked. “We are extremely proud of our Fort HealthCare employees. They are responsible for contributing to and sustaining the
supportive workplace environment we have.”
Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have positive work cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Award winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee-engagement survey issued by Energage. The confidential survey measures the unique employee experience and reveals the strengths of Fort HealthCare’s culture, including how engaged, valued, respected, and supported employees feel.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together. TM
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark
available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.
A previous article in The Whitewater Banner indicated that Lettsew K9 Foundation is dissolving after five years of fundraising for Jefferson County K9s and the surrounding area. Lettsew K9 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. LETTSEWK9
FOUNDATION stands for Law Enforcement Training Teams of Southeastern Wisconsin.
LETTSEWK9 shared the following story and photos from their Facebook page.
“Yesterday was a very bittersweet day…..
“The mission of Lettsew is to support canines in law enforcement and educate the communities they serve and protect.”
Our local K9s are trained to assist in
—explosive detection
—narcotic detection
—suspect apprehension
—searching for suspects and missing persons
—crowd control and building searches.
These small K-9 units have always been “FOR the community, BY the community, which means they are not taxpayer funded.
Through Lettsew’s hard work and dedication we were able to present each K9 and handler with a check in the amount of $5,550, totaling $55,500!!!!! This achievement is something that we, as a very small nonprofit, are extremely proud of. It has been an honor to provide funds to these units for various expenses, including individual and group trainings, vet bills, emergency services, dental bills, training drugs, dog food, protective vests, leashes, reward toys, treats, etc.
We are truly blessed to have these dedicated teams in our communities. Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe.”
Officer Lawrence and K9 Smitty from Fort Atkinson with Melanie Lynn Crandall
Program Helps People with Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes
More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County and Aurora Health Care. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes, including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate medication use, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.
Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held on Tuesdays, from April 29 to June 3, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI. The workshop has a suggested contribution of $10.
For questions or to register for the program, contact Edie Africano, Health Promotion Coordinator, at 262-741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the ADRC of Walworth County.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The four Common Councilmembers who were elected in the spring election were installed at the April 15 council meeting that was held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. City Clerk Heather Boehm administered the Oath of Office. Patrick Singer, beginning his eighth full term, was elected as president of the body.
There was a brief period in early 2024 when the majority of the council was female: Brienne Brown, Jill Gerber, Carol McCormick and Lisa Dawsey Smith were serving. It would seem that might have been the first time in city history when that occurred. (If anyone knows otherwise, please advise the Banner.) Today, however, all seven members are male. No females chose to run for an open seat in the April election.
Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Michael Smith was installed by City Clerk Heather Boehm for his first term as Aldermanic District 1 Councilmember.
Steven Sahyun was installed for his first term on the Common Council representing Aldermanic District 3.
Neil Hicks was installed for his second term representing the 5th Aldermanic District.
Patrick Singer, who most recently served as the Aldermanic District 1 Councilmember, assumed his at-large role.
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]
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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