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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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According to a press release from the City of Whitewater Fire/EMS Department [WFD], at approximately 6:26 a.m. on 04/06/2025, they were alerted to a barn fire at 8731 N. Lima Center Road, Town of Lima, Rock County. The property is approximately 6.5 miles southwest of the fire station in an area that does not have hydrants.
The legacy dairy barn, which was being used for livestock shelter and hay storage, was completely engulfed in flames upon the first firefighters’ arrival. Due to the amount of hay in the building, approximately 100,000 gallons of water was needed to fully extinguish the fire. WFD indicates that the barn and its contents are a total loss. Some of the cattle, sheep and goats in the barn at the time of the fire were able to escape, but due to the collapse of the building it is unknown how many livestock were lost.
Investigation is ongoing, but the fire was not deemed to be suspicious. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
WFD thanked the following departments for their assistance: Whitewater Fire/EMS would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance: Lauderdale-LaGrange, Darien, City of Delavan, Town of Delavan, Palmyra, Troy Center, Rome, Sullivan, Johnson Creek, Lakeside, Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Elkhorn, East Troy, Janesville, and Lake Mills.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Christine Hayes is a WUL Hometown Hero nominated by Fairhaven’s Brian Robinson “For bringing joy and music to Fairhaven with the Drumming Program, and for raising funds to purchase drums so that Fairhaven can start to hold community drumming sessions in the future, thus enriching the lives of residents and the community.”
Brian said, “Christine brings incredible energy and passion to her volunteer work at Fairhaven, and has recently started bringing in university students to engage with and enrich our residents’ lives. The future is bright to expand this to everyone in our community and we couldn’t thank Christine enough for all she does for us here at Fairhaven.”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state.
Everyone who participates in this drive will be eligible to receive a $15 e-gift card that’s good at Walmart and many other retail stores. You must have a valid email address and enter SHOWERS in the appointment notes. Donors will also be offered 4 free Mt. Olympus passes while supplies last.
Reserve your spot at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997.
B. Pechous shared this old photo from the Mattie Perry Jelinek collection, with the following description.
Sharecroppers’ daughters: Whitewater, WI, circa 1926
Evelyn (1908 – 1982) and Elinor Perry (1911-2007)
The photo was taken in the Whitewater area. Their parents were Charles and Anastasia Perry, who sharecropped on several farms in the Whitewater area for around fifty years. Evelyn and Elinor attended the Stone School on Fremont Road in Cold Spring township. Their parents farmed the Fred Ludemann Place (N1655 Findlay Road) from 1920 to 1926. Evelyn married LeRoy Boltz in 1928. She had three children and lived on Bluff Road for the rest of her life. Elinor married James Larson in 1932. They had three children and lived on Peterson Road (for a while) on the old Peterson farm. They are both buried in Hillside Cemetery.
Our thanks to B. Pechous for sharing this fashionable nearly 100-year-old photo.
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Looking for the best way to leave behind the winter blahs and get ready for early springtime fun? Just take in a performance of Whitewater Middle School’s sparkling production of “Annie, Jr.” April 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m. in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School.
General admission tickets are “Pay What You Can” for the April 10 performance, and $8 adults and $5 students for the April 11 and 12 performances. Tickets are available one hour before the performances.
Prior to the opening, Tom Ganser’s flashback photos from the WMS productions of “Shrek” (2022), “Seussical” (2023) and “Far Fetched Fairytales” (2024) will be shown
Under the direction of Jim McCulloch, Alyssa Orlowski, and MacKenzie Gehrke, the cast includes Alanna Alaniz, Camdyn Avila, Lucy Baldwin, KinLeigh Dvorak, Laylah George-Ortiz, Aurora Gerblick, Suleyka Granado, Raena Hicks, Amelia Lefaive, Karlee Luna, Avery Schultz-Majkrzak, Emma Schultz-Majkrzak, Ava Nass, Samantha O’Donnell, Donovan Ross, Ade Runnoe, Melody Smith, Serina Soto, Sylvia Straight, Lily Tranel, Felicity Volbright, Zachary Welsh, Joseph Werhane, and Mariah Williams,.
Set designer Kat Dunham and scenic painter Kerry Ramsden guide the backstage crew of Evie Baker, Sydney Block, Corbin Bunger, Josie Davis, Shae Onstott, Cora Schimming, Camila Suarez, Paxton Wilson, and Arlo Zotti.
Based on “Annie,” the popular 1977 Tony-winning musical that ran on Broadway for nearly six years, “Annie, Jr.” features a wonderful score, including the Broadway smash hit, “Tomorrow” with its promising message so important today: “The sun’ll come out tomorrow, so ya gotta hang on ‘til tomorrow, come what may. Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya, tomorrow! You’re only a day away!”
With a perfect combination of street-smarts and optimism, Annie warms the hearts of the audience as we witness her rise from next-to-nothing in New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who left her at the orphanage years ago. However, things don’t quite work out the way she has planned. She does however thwart the plans of the evil Miss Hannigan and find a new family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, secretary Grace Farrell, and her lovable pooch, Sandy.
The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host Multimedia Account Executive, Kayra Lorch and Multimedia Account Executive, Christian Birsching as our guest speakers at the upcoming April GWC meeting.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Multimedia Account Executives, Kayra Lorch and Christian Birsching of the Daily Jefferson County Union, at the upcoming April meeting. Kayra and Christian will be presenting on the Daily Jefferson County Union’s marketing efforts.
This event will take place on Thursday, April 10th at 7:00 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center Room 105: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Kayra moved to the United States from Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2016. She has a rich background of corporate experience in sales and in marketing. She grew up as the daughter of a small business owner in her home country, and her true passion lies in helping local business owners achieve their goals. She loves connecting her clients’ visions to a tailored strategy, helping them stay connected and seen by their community, and ensuring her clients’ companies flourish.
Christian has a background in teaching, caregiving, and contract management, which speaks to his diligence, organization, and people-centered skills. He also had several years of experience with diverse sales. Outside of work, Christian enjoys eating dessert, playing and watching baseball, and traveling.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 10th at 7 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to hear more about Daily Jefferson County Union’s marketing efforts. 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 9th.
“We are very excited to host Kayra and Christian at our next meeting,” said GWC President Jeffery Knight. “I am looking forward to hearing more about their marketing plans for the Daily Jefferson County Union.”
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.
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME WITH A LOCAL BANKER
Celebrate Financial Literacy month with a fun story time that will be presented with the help of a local banker. There will also be opportunities to play and learn with hands-on activities. The first twelve children attending will receive a free piggy bank!
Note that due to library construction, story time will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center located at 341 S. Fremont Street. Children will enjoy books, songs, and early learning stations just right for preschool play and learning. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun, free story time, which is best for ages 2-6 but all ages are welcome. Registration is not required.
The Community Helpers story time series will continue every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the same time and location through May. May’s story time will feature a police officer. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of library events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
City of Whitewater Board of Canvass – Monday @ 8:30 a.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
Tech Park Innovation Center Advisory Board – Tuesday, 08:30 AM
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85274108733?pwd=PwHDJlBTvMiVy2NcupTZNGRgROX8Yq.1
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 852 7410 8733
Passcode: 910928
Whitewater Unified School District Canvass of Referendum Results & School Board election results – Monday @ 3:30 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Whitewater Solar’s Joint Development Agreement – City and Townships.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85475115698?pwd=c5F7eiErbz4lPzFuUwbfpBavyN8HT8.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 854 7511 5698
Passcode: 109728
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Tuesday, @ 06:00 PM
Agenda: Executive session – Exit Interview – Taylor Zeinert, CDA Executive Director
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89074141021?pwd=2lYCJsGu8Qb5wRsIPpiluCa5bJOo73.1
Webinar ID: 890 7414 1021
Passcode:958349
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Special Meeting – Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: REVIEW THE SEARCH PROCESS, TIMELINE, AND SEARCH PROCEDURES for new superintendent
Whitewater Unified School District Employee Benefits Committee – Thursday @ 3:45 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
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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