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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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City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on becoming a Bee City USA member and a Monarch City USA member.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Monday, April 06, 2026 – 5:30 PM
Citizens are welcome (welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23760463515772?p=AiS7j2osuwM4RA3gkQ
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 P.M.
Agenda includes Department Updates to Include: PD Evidence/Training Garage, WPPA and WPPSA
Bargaining Processes, Spring Splash, Community Impact Team (CIT) and Immigration
Liaison Federal Funding; followed by CLOSED SESSION to interview police and fire position candidates, followed by return to OPEN SESSION.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23922939870793?p=VevtWvZoPhCCEbqmSJ
You can also dial in using your phone:
Phone Number: 1-929-229-5663 Phone Conference ID: 757 460 859#
City of Whitewater Common Council – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. [Note date change due to the election.]
Agenda includes update on Flock cameras, property tax comparative analysis; CLOSED SESSION Review and Possible Action: Development Agreement for Stonehaven Development on Bluff Road; Discuss Bargaining and Negotiation strategy related to the contracts with the Police Union, RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Thursday, April 09, 2026 – 6:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21088687170163?p=kwVeunAO32BbfYJZit
Meeting ID: 210 886 871 701 63
Passcode: Qz7Ry2iW
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,257059003# United States,
Phone conference ID: 257 059 003#
Reports in various news media indicate that Jay Rothman, President of the UW System, has been informed by the Board of Regents that he must resign or be fired. Below this paragraph are excerpts from an article dated April 2 [“Universities of Wisconsin leaders looking to oust system president who refuses to quit”] on the Associated Press [AP] website. Jay Rothman has served as President of the Universities of Wisconsin (officially known as the University of Wisconsin System) since June 2022. An attorney who previously served as chairman and CEO of a large law firm, Rothman had no previous experience in higher education administration. A related AP article dated April 3 which is titled “Fight over University of Wisconsin system president’s future draws heat from Republican leader” may be viewed here.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of the University of Wisconsin system said in letters obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday that he has been told to either resign or be fired but has been given no reason and won’t step aside.
Jay Rothman, president of the multicampus 165,000-student university system since 2022, said in a letter addressed to the head of the Board of Regents dated March 26 that he has been given no reason why regents want him to leave.
Rothman said he has been told that his options are to resign or retire, and that if he doesn’t then the board “was prepared to terminate my employment despite all that has been accomplished.”
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s Good Friday and time to wish everyone “Easter Greetings.” This is another of our early 20th century holiday greeting post cards. It was chosen because the image shows birds building a nest and this author has been watching a cardinal build a nest out of her office window for the past few days. We hope everyone has a lovely Easter and lots of nest-building scenes this spring.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(Whitewater Historical Society post card collection)
The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host the Director of The City of Whitewater Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, Kevin Boehm, to present on the 2026 Fourth of July Parade.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host the Director of the City of Whitewater Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, Kevin Boehm, to present on the 2026 Fourth of July Parade.
This event will take place on Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
The City of Whitewater Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department is proud to lead the planning and coordination of the 2026 Fourth of July Parade, continuing a long-standing community tradition. With deep appreciation for the many years of dedication from the Whitewater Lions Club, the city is committed to maintaining the spirit, energy, and community pride that have made the parade a highlight of the summer season.
As the nation celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary, this year’s parade—“America 250: Celebrating Freedom”—offers a special opportunity to bring the community together in a meaningful way. In recognition of this milestone, the city will honor Veterans and Active Duty Military as Grand Marshals, celebrating their service and dedication to our country. The Parks Department looks forward to welcoming participation from residents, organizations, and businesses to help create a festive, inclusive, and memorable celebration for all.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about the 2026 Fourth of July Parade. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, April 8th.
“The Fourth of July Parade has been an amazing yearly annual event in Whitewater,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We are especially excited to see the community get together to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary.”
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
The Mulberry Campus is located at 1255 W. Main Street, Whitewater.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring Community Action Grants. Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community.
Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2026.
Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community. The Foundation has given grants to The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater Rescue Squad and many more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/ and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
[From myjewishlearning.com] In 2026, Passover begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 1 and concludes at nightfall on Thursday, April 9. The first Passover seder is on the evening of April 1, and the second Passover seder takes place on the evening of April 2.
(From Wikipedia) Passover, also called Pesach or Pesakh (/ˈpɛsɑːx, ˈpeɪ-/;[2] Hebrew: פֶּסַח Pesaḥ) is a ritual meal, the Pesach seder, that occurs the night of the paschal full moon after the 14th of Nisan, eve of the 15th, telling the story of the exodus, and remembering how the angel of death “passed over” the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague on Egypt. It begins Feast of Unleavened Bread that continues through the 22nd of Nisan, and is one of three pilgrimage festivals in which all Jewish males living in the land of Israel are obliged. On the 16th of Nisan, jews begin the counting of the omer, the memorial offering of the firstfruits of the barley harvest. The counting continues for seven weeks until the Feast of Shavuot, also known as Pentecost.
When the Temple in Jerusalem stood, the paschal lamb was offered and eaten on Passover eve, while the wave offering of barley was offered on the second day of the festival. Nowadays, in addition to the biblical prohibition of owning leavened foods for the duration of the holiday, the Passover seder is one of the most widely observed rituals in Judaism. In the Diaspora the unleavened bread is celebrated for 8 days, based on the concept of yom tov sheni shel galuyot.
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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