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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office anticipates the following as of their Thursday afternoon update:
- A strong low pressure system will move through the Midwest Friday-Saturday, bringing gusty non-thunderstorm winds & chances for severe thunderstorms
- Peak potential for showers, thunderstorms, and possible severe weather is between 8 PM Friday – 12 AM Saturday. Greatest potential is over far south-central and southwestern Wisconsin, with lower confidence further northeast
- Primary hazard in any Friday evening severe storms is damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH. While far secondary to the damaging wind threat, a brief, isolated tornado can’t be entirely ruled out
- The strongest non-thunderstorm wind gusts are expected Saturday afternoon, when Wind Advisories are possible over parts of the area
As shown on the map below, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will soon be closing US Highway 12 from County P to WIS 20/WIS 67 for road construction. The County P intersection is at the easternmost stoplight on our bypass. Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained. Brad Bowe, the project manager with JT Engineering, told The Banner that, “The current plan would be to close US 12 on Friday, March 28th to local traffic only. This would allow for some equipment to mobilize in and start work on the culverts under US 12 on Monday the 31st.”
Last summer a long segment of US Highway 12 approaching Elkhorn was closed for road construction for a number of months, causing many drivers to use a detour that included County Hwy H out of LaGrange. That will not be an option this time. Drivers heading to Elkhorn will likely find that the new detour won’t add too much time to their trip.
Whitewater’s Coolest Annual Event Returns in 2025
Special Olympics Wisconsin debuts 2025 Polar Plunge campaign February through March
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) supporters from across southern Wisconsin will be Leapin’ for a Reason in Whitewater Saturday, March 15, for the 2025 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin and US Venture.
The Whitewater Polar Plunge® kicks off at the Whitewater Aquatic Center (580 S. Elizabeth St., Whitewater) with an Opening Ceremony at noon followed by nonstop plunging into the Aquatic Center’s pool. The day will include live music, photo moments with Chilly Bear, an open swimming event, cardboard boat races, and plenty of fun memories while raising funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes. Unique to Whitewater, the zero-entry pool also provides an inclusive opportunity for people with accessibility concerns to still participate.
This year’s Polar Plunge® features two great ways to get involved:
- Polar Plunger: The traditional way to plunge—jump into icy waters and bask in your generous glory! Those opting out of an in-person event can make their own adventure via Alternative Plunge.
- Polar Pledger: Less daring individuals can still get involved without getting wet.
Plungers who raise the minimum $100 will receive the official Polar Plunge® long-sleeve shirt with unique design for 2025. Those raising more can earn additional incentives.
Whitewater is one of eight Polar Plunge® locations spanning seven Saturdays across the state. Other events this winter include Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse, Milwaukee, and Chippewa Falls.
More information, including registration and an updated schedule of events, can be found at PlungeWI.org. Pre-registrations are highly encouraged, but on-site day-of registration will also be available.
The Polar Plunge® is Special Olympics Wisconsin’s largest annual grassroots fundraiser—all funds raised for this unique winter tradition go directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin, helping thousands of statewide SOWI athletes train and compete at the state, national, and international level. The event also supports year-round health and wellness programs, leadership development, and Unified Champion School initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).
The Whitewater Polar Plunge® is sponsored by US Venture, Generac, Fort Community Credit Union, Hexpol, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
For more information about the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
Congratulations to the WHS Forensics Team for advancing to the state competition for public speaking. All 8 team members qualified in their individual categories at the District 11 competition in Evansville, Monday night.
Members include Makayla Bazeley and Carley Boudreau for expository speaking, Grace Coleman in solo monologue, humorous, Lucy Davis and Skyler Hogan in poetry, Maya Davis for oratory, Emily Schmidt in special occasion presentation, and Atreya Wilson for impromptu speech. The state tournament will take place in Madison on April 12. Congratulations to all!
Article and Top Photo Courtesy of Jim McCulloch
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
jMcCulloch@wwusd.org
Additional Photo Courtesy of Tom Ganser
The WHS Math Team traveled to Delavan-Darien High School on March 11th to compete in the Rock Valley Conference Math Meet. The Whippets landed in 5th place overall, with sophomore Cyrus Hudec winning 10th place in the individual JV standings and senior Andrew O’Toole winning 1st place among all Varsity competitors.
Congratulations to all of our great Mathletes on a job well done!
Article and Photos Submitted by Eric Kendall
Whitewater High School Math Team Advisor
mkendall@wwusd.org
Congratulations to the Whitewater High School Battle of the Books team, “The Final Brain Cell,” comprised of Vivian Harris, Virginia Nelson, and Letty Trautman, who finished 3rd in the state of Wisconsin!
In a local playoff for who would represent the school in the state competition, the “Book Bashers” team of Emilie Bruns, Nina Heim, and Caitlin Alford fell to “The Final Brain Cell” by one point.
46 schools competed at the state level this year. Each team had to read 20 books and be prepared to answer questions on them to achieve this awesome level!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Kathy Retzke
Whitewater Unified School District Library Media Specialist
kretzke@wwusd.org
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Internet Crimes
Against Children (ICAC) Task Force today announced that Samuel Pieper, a former correctional officer for the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, was charged on Friday, March 7 with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of trafficking
of a child. [According to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Mr. Pieper, age 40, resides at 161 S. Maple Lane, Whitewater. Cash bond was set and signed at $250,000.]
On March 6, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mr. Pieper’s residence. The warrant was the result of tips provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) involving suspected exploitation of children where money amounts were being transferred to suspected minors in exchange for videos or images in June and July of 2024. Mr. Pieper was taken into custody at the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Pieper was booked in the Walworth County Jail and transported to the Rock County Jail. Mr. Pieper resigned his position as a correctional officer at the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office on March 6, 2025. As in any criminal proceeding, Mr. Pieper is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
There are no known local victims at this time. If you or anyone you know may have any information to assist in this investigation, please call the ICAC Task Force at (608) 266-1671.
This investigation is being led by the ICAC Task Force at DOJ and is being prosecuted by the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation is assisted by the Whitewater Police Department, Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin DOJ Crime Response Specialists.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
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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