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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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For the past twelve years, the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS) has collaborated with the university, the city, the Whitewater Unified School District, and the Greater Whitewater Committee. DWS is proud to announce we will be hosting the thirteenth annual Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, 5k, and Kids Korral. The DWS team is excited to announce that the thirteenth annual DWS will be held on September 21st, 2025.
The DWS was delayed in organizing the 13th annual DWS race due to Walworth Avenue soon being under construction. Despite these challenges, our team has put in lots of time and effort to create the best possible 5k and Half-Marathon map for the runners to enjoy.
This year, DWS will feature a retro racecourse created in the 1980s and 90s, parts of which were run by Olympic Qualifiers! Once the changes were complete, we were required to get approval from various governing bodies, including the township, university, and city, before proceeding. We are pleased to announce that we have received all final approvals, and the 13th annual DWS is moving forward with organizing the race.
With the new retro race maps, the Executive Committee decided to have the start line on Schwager Dr. and the finish line at UW-Whitewater’s Perkins Stadium. Due to the closure of Walworth Avenue, packet pick up will no longer be at the Whitewater High School, instead it will be located at UW-Whitewater’s Kachel Gymnasium. As the DWS team moves forward with finalizing race details, registration on the DWS website will be opening very soon. Make sure to check our website daily, as many updates will come soon.
About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to four local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Whitewater Foundation-Athletics, and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university, and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from DWS.
Steve Watson writes, “Every walk is an adventure.
A pair of swans on a migration layover this morning. 2-27-25.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for another beautiful wildlife photo.
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Photos courtesy of Andy Ognenoff
Saint Peter, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater finished second at the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championships Saturday as Paige Magel (Cary, Ill./Prairie Ridge) and Tegan Haberstock (Alberta, Canada/National Sport School) shared the individual national title on the balance beam. The Warhawk coaching staff was also recognized with a number of honors.
UW-Whitewater finished as the national runner-up behind the second-highest team total in program history, 194.025. That score was bolstered by a program record on the balance beam – 48.875 – where three Warhawks finished among the top eight including two that shared gold. Magel and Haberstock registered phenomenal routines scoring 9.85 to share gold on the beam in a six-way tie for first place. The pair are the fifth and sixth Warhawks in program history to secure an individual national title on the balance beam. Chloe Hammond (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny) added All-America honors in the event with a seventh-place score of 9.825. Sofia Spadafora (Windsor, Ontario, Canada/Saint Thomas of Villanova) and Kelsey Kollhoff (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg) each registered 9.675s to help UWW break the program record on the apparatus.
The Warhawks’ first event of the 2025 championships saw the second-highest team total in program history recorded – a 49.025 on the floor exercise. Elaine Copeland (Arlington, Texas/University Prep) and Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon) led the way with 9.825s to share sixth and claim their first career All-America honors. Zoe Jenks-Recker (Cottage Grove, Wis./Monona Grove) and Kollhoff posted 9.8s while Ariana Goodwin (Elgin, Ill./The Einstein Academy) registered a 9.775 to round out UWW’s scoring five.
On the vault, Ava Pesch (Waterford, Wis./Waterford Union) paced UW-Whitewater with a 9.675. Moore added a 9.65 followed by Alayna Fern (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) (9.625), Hammond (9.625) and Copeland (9.575).
Kollhoff secured her fourth career All-America honor on the uneven bars. The senior’s impressive routine scored a 9.75 to share bronze in the event. Pesch posted a 9.625 while Carley Scott (Oak Grove, Mo./Grain Valley) and Magel each registered scores of 9.55. Copeland added a 9.5 on the event.
Following competition, Head Coach Jennifer Regan was named the NCGA Coach of the Year for the third time in her tenure at UWW (2009, 2017). Coach Regan was also honored as the NCGA West Region Coach of the Year this season – the fourth time she’s been recognized with the regional award. Additionally, Chloe Edgren and Acacia Fossum were named the NCGA West Region Assistant Coaches of the Year – the seventh time the honor has been bestowed upon the Warhawk staff since 2008.
The NCGA also recognized the 2025 All-Americans in Academics that include Warhawks Carley Scott (Oak Grove, Mo./Grain Valley), Fern, Jenks-Recker and Gracie Talley (Collierville, Tenn./Briarcrest Christian).
This season marks the 13th time since 2007 the Warhawks have finished among the top three nationally as a team.
As is tradition at the national championship, after all of the scores are announced, awards handed out and honors recognized, the seniors gather in a circle on the floor – coming together one last time – as all of their teammates surround them in a larger circle while music is played. This season, that circle was missing an important piece of the Warhawk family. The 2025 team has persevered through incredible adversity this season to achieve exceptional levels of success. The team has leaned on each other, supported each other and competed for each other, but above all, they did it For Her – for Kara. So as the seniors gathered in the circle with a photo of Kara firmly planted at their side, they stood together, surrounded by their teammates and the gymnastics community, a fitting end to a remarkable season.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater Athletics.
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area School Board Candidate Forum on March 15 brought out a great turnout of citizens wishing to hear the views of the four candidates running for the Whitewater Unified School District board. Two seats are open: those of Miguel Aranda and Jennifer Kienbaum, both of whom are running for re-election. The other candidates are Nick Baldwin and Wayne Redenius.
For a video of this forum, visit www.youtube.com/@WWTV990. At the bottom of the page in the video section, click on LWV WUSD School Board Candidate Forum 2025. The video also plays periodically on Spectrum 990. The forum was an hour and a half long. All of the candidates also answered the questions on the League sponsored www.vote411.org website. By entering one’s address a voter may view all of the competitive races on their ballot.
Early in-person absentee voting is open at the municipal clerk’s office, 312 W Whitewater St., 2nd floor, the week of March 24: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. The election is on April 1 at the Downtown Armory and the James R. Connor University Center. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Whitewater Unified School District is proposing a $30 million capital referendum on the April 1st ballot to address our schools’ most pressing needs. To assist community members in learning more about these needs, a set of short videos is linked at www.whitewaterreferendum.org. Additionally, these videos will be shared out on the school district’s social media platforms. For community members who have remaining questions or feedback, please complete the brief form at the bottom of the www.whitewaterreferendum.org site.
Readers may view all fourteen of the videos from the link above, but for a few days the Banner will be featuring several videos per day with introductions to the direct links that will be provided. The earlier post regarding tech ed may be viewed here.
Allison Parsons and Paul Majors: Ag Classroom – 1:15 (one minute 15 seconds)
Join Allison Parsons and Paul Majors, Agriculture Instructors at Whitewater High School, as they showcase the current Ag classroom. If the April 1 referendum passes, this space will be expanded and improved to better serve students. This video is found here.
Paul Majors: Aquaculture – :50
Explore Whitewater High School’s Aquaculture area with veteran teacher Paul Majors. Currently, this small space struggles to accommodate 20-25 students. If the April 1 referendum passes, it will be modernized and expanded to enhance learning opportunities. Click here to see this video.
Paul Majors: Greenhouse – 1:07
Veteran Ag Instructor, Paul Majors, takes you on a tour of Whitewater High School’s current greenhouse. If the April 1 referendum passes, this space will be expanded, providing students with enhanced hands-on learning opportunities. This video may be accessed here.
Allison Parsons: Small Animal Lab – :56
Agriculture Teacher, Allison Parsons, gives a tour of Whitewater High School’s Small Animal Lab, highlighting the space available to students. If the April 1 referendum passes, this area will be improved to enhance hands-on learning experiences. This video may be viewed here.
Editor’s note: The above was submitted by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Another Oscar nominee this month!
“A Different Man”
Tuesday, March 25, 1 pm
(Drama/Thriller)
Rated R (language, violence);
1 hour, 52 minutes (2024).
This unusual transformation of an “Elephant Man” into a handsome actor earned Sebastian Stan a Golden Globe award for Best Male Performance; it was also Oscar nominated for Best Makeup/Hair. It is an unusual, harrowing film.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
The Town of Whitewater offers the following early voting hours:
Saturday, March 22 – 9:00 AM – Noon
Monday, March 24 – 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Tuesday, March 25 – 8:30 AM – 1:30 AM
Town Hall
W8590 Willis Ray Rd
Whitewater
Editor’s note: This information was provided by Town Clerk/Treasurer Jorja Boiley.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
The third of our series of Fairhaven images is this one, probably from 1970, as a similar image of this lady appeared in the Whitewater Register in April of 1970 in a special section celebrating the completion of a major expansion at Fairhaven. The image shows the lady in the new wing of the facility that added 63 new apartments and other amenities. The new additions to Fairhaven cost an additional $2,000,000. Of course, many other improvements have been made to Fairhaven since 1970, updating the facility to reflect the current lifestyles and needs of older residents.
Join us next week for another Fairhaven image from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(2344PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
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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