Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes addition of definition for family daycare home and addition to that use in most districts, and Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council update of the Landscaping Guidelines.
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/568749461
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 568-749-461
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
UW Whitewater, University Center, 190 Hamilton
Green Way, 2nd Floor, RM 259
Agenda includes Swearing In of Newly Elected Council Members. Aldermanic District 1 Michael Smith;
Aldermanic District 3, Steven Sahyun; Aldermanic District 5, Neil Hicks; Councilmember At
Large- Patrick Singer; Presentation by Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive, about Next Generation
Housing in Washington County, Professor Kurt Paulsen, Professor at UW- Madison, responses to questions during the
housing presentation.; Greg Johnson, Municipal Advisor at Elhers, response to questions had on housing
presentation; first reading of Ordinance 2025-O-11 An Ordinance creating section 2.62.060 Public Comment during
Common Council and Committee Meetings; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Whitewater Solar’s Joint Development
Agreement- City and Townships
*In Person and Virtual
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/87340133072?pwd=4ZtuqDaebM80Sz976LBWtC9BH59iLP.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 873 4013 3072
Passcode:878627
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action to approve SEWRPC Aquatic Plant Management Plan for
Cravath and Trippe Lakes; Discussion re: parks and open space plan.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82926194352?pwd=FIFh0KXzqzrvJtHx1qd9mLPZwN0Khb.1
Meeting ID: 829 2619 4352
Passcode: 313703
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not yet been posted as of 4/13/25.
The Whitewater Unified School District has been selected for a statewide case study on mentorship programs.
WUSD is one of only eight districts across the state chosen for the initiative, which seeks to explore best practices, successes, and challenges in educator mentorship programs. The district’s team mentorship model will be highlighted as an example of leadership and forward-thinking approaches in professional development.
Dr. Terilyn Robles, Director of Teaching & Learning, and Ashley Deininger, Mentor Lead, are leading the effort, along with the WUSD Mentor Team. The Mentor Team consists of 19 members districtwide who provide mentorship to new staff.
The study is being conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Education Research in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Instruction.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our district to share the progress we have made in mentoring and supporting educators,” said Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “Our team mentorship model fosters collaboration, professional growth, and a strong sense of community among educators, and we are honored to contribute to this important study.”
The research aims to inform future mentorship initiatives across Wisconsin, strengthening educator support networks and improving student outcomes while also guiding the application and use of the state’s Peer Review and Mentoring Grant. WUSD’s teachers and staff will engage with researchers and their peers statewide to advance mentorship practices in Wisconsin.
Ferradermis, the Whitewater High School robotics team, has received an invitation to compete at the 2025 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Championships in Houston, Texas, April 16-19.
Earlier this year, the robotics team competed at the Lake Superior Regional in Duluth, Minnesota, where the students won the event and received the Team Sustainability Award. Competing against 754 teams in the first two weeks of regional events, Ferradermis ranked 78th globally. The team’s success earned it valuable points in the global regional rankings, leading to an invitation as one of the top teams in the world.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork both on and off the field,” said Laura Masbruch, the team’s advisor. “Earning a spot at the FIRST Championships is a testament to their passion for STEM and commitment to excellence. We are grateful for the support of our mentors, families, and community, and we are excited for the opportunity to compete on the world’s stage.”
Ferradermis aims to raise $30,000 to fund the Houston trip. For more information about how to donate to the cause and the team’s journey to the FIRST Championship, visit www.ferradermis.org or mail a check made out to WHS to Laura Masbruch at Whitewater High School, 534 S Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Editor’s note: A previous article that includes further information regarding the upcoming Ferradermis competition may be found here.
Please note that due to construction at the library, this event is being held at the Senior Center.
The National Honor Society will be hosting its annual Spring Silent Auction April 9 – 25, 2025!
Projects up for bid this year include babysitting, yardwork (“Weed Be Glad to Help”), manual labor, personal training, an outdoor field trip for kids (“Fantastic Field Day”), childcare with Spanish lessons, singing telegram (Life Without You Would B Flat”), self-care basket, beautiful handmade items (“Crafting a Smile for You”), a reading night basket, S’mores basket, swimming field trip with certified lifeguards (“Splash-tastic!”), savory baked goods, painting project – to help you get it done, summer fruit basket, cat sitting, dog walking (“Pawsome Walks”), movie night basket, flowers galore basket, and a youth basketball lesson with a high school superstar! Funds raised will be used for scholarships and other worthwhile projects! Simply complete the Bid Project Form below on the NHS website before 3:30 pm on April 25.
https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/whsnationalhonorsociety/spring-silent-auction-2025
Track the bidding process on the spreadsheet located on the NHS Silent Auction 2025 site too!
National Honor Society members will complete their projects between April 28 and May 16. Email NHS Advisor Pam Sonmor-Wintz (psonmorwintz@wwusd.org) if you have any questions! A great time will be had by all!
Thank you so much for participating!
Whitewater High School Art Student Cassie Bartlett received the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation Award of Recognition. Her submission included a stippling illustration. Stippling is an illustrative technique that involves creating an image using only dots to build up shading and tonal values.
“This piece is a meaningful tribute to my favorite cow I helped raise at my grandparent’s house. This pen stipple project took me 7 weeks to complete, and it’s definitely my favorite piece of art I’ve ever completed.” – Cassie Bartlett
Whitewater High School Art Student Ava Nygren Received the Walworth County Arts Council Visual Arts Scholarship.
The Walworth County Arts Council awards $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors who are going to study one of the fine arts in college. The applicants must provide a high school transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of his or her future plans. The student must also perform an audition and participate in a personal interview with professionals/artists in their field of study.
“My goal is to become an art teacher. Fostering a passion for art in young people is becoming increasingly important as the fine arts are often devalued by many. I believe that by encouraging kids and giving them a safe environment to learn artistic skills, they will be more motivated to create. I hope that the skills I learn in university will help me guide a classroom and teach art skills to others.” – Ava Nygren
Article and Photos Submitted by Crystal Gill
Whitewater High School Art Teacher
cgill@wwusd.org
Cub Scouts from Whitewater Pack 716 distributed door hangers throughout the Whitewater community on Saturday, April 5th. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, starting at 9 a.m., the scouts will be collecting non-perishable items left on porches and delivering them to the Whitewater Food Pantry. If you did not receive a door hanger and wish to contribute to the food pantry, please ensure that your items are placed on your porch by 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Thank you for supporting the Whitewater Food Pantry.
Scott Willms
Cubmaster Pack 716
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
