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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the third and final Book Club discussion on our spring book selection, An Eye for an I: Growing Up with Blindness, Bigotry, and Family Mental Illness by James Bonilla, on Monday evening, April 13th, 6:15 PM-8:00 PM, at The Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, in Whitewater.
This powerful narrative offers an intersectional analysis of disability, racism, and mental illness, inviting readers to empathize, be inspired, and consider their own potential for social change. Our discussion on April 13th will cover chapters 31-42.
ACQUIRE THE BOOK TODAY! A limited supply of books are available at The Book Teller (call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy to purchase) and local libraries. You can also order the book from Amazon.
The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate and refreshments will be served. For questions or further information please contact Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com, or Deb Gamble, 23debg@gmail.com
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.
Congratulations to the WHS Forensics team for an outstanding season of public speaking. The team finished their final individual competition last week in Lake Mills. Five of the seven members will be moving on to the state WISDAA competition on April 18th. Students going to state are Peyton Comfort and Sophia Noonan in Acting Solo Serious, Atreya Wilson in Impromptu Speaking, Grace Coleman in Oratory, and Lucy Davis in Poetry.
Article and Photo Courtesy of Jim Mc Culloch
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
jMcCulloch@wwusd.org
Library Presents Badger Talk Low Brass Ensemble Performance
Whitewater Public Library is excited to host a Badger Talk performance featuring University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Low Brass Ensemble. A collective of the Trombone Choir and Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, the ensemble performs original compositions, transcriptions, and arrangements across genres, showcasing the expressive potential of low brass in every form.
In this program, they will delight audiences with 45 to 60 minutes of music from a recent or upcoming concert. There is also an opportunity for informal interaction with the performers after the concert.
Discover the bold, resonant voice of the UW–Madison Low Brass Ensemble, where the power of sound meets the artistry of collaboration. Directed by Professor Tom Curry and Professor Mark Hetzler, two leading low brass educators and performers, this ensemble showcases the full spectrum of low brass brilliance—from the thunderous depths of the tuba to the soaring warmth of the trombone and euphonium.
Badger Talks reflects our tradition of the Wisconsin Idea — to extend the resources of the university to citizens of the state. Over 300 Badger Talks are hosted around the state each year, featuring faculty and staff with expertise in a variety of disciplines. Talk topics range from cutting edge discoveries to happiness in the workplace and everything in between. Professional, community, and civic organizations, as well as schools, are invited to request a UW–Madison speaker. For more information about Badger Talks or to find a speaker for your next event, contact 608-262-3880 or badgertalks@uwmad.wisc.edu.
This event will be held in Meeting Room 1 of Whitewater Public Library at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater on April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
This program is for all ages. Registration is preferred but not required. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0113 to register, or with any questions.
This 4th of July, we have the honor of celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, and we want to make it truly unforgettable- by recognizing the people who make our freedom possible.
We are inviting Veterans and Active-Duty Military to be part of the Whitewater 4th of July Parade as our honored Grand Marshals.
- Proudly represent your branch
- Wear your uniform (if you’d like!)
- All branches welcome
- Active Duty and Veterans Invited
This is more than a parade- it’s a chance for our community to come together and recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served our country.
If you have served, we would be honored to have you join us. If you know someone who has served, please encourage them to participate.
Contact Jennifer Jackson at: 262-473-0535 or JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov
LIBRARY CLOSED ON 4/3 FOR SPRING HOLIDAY
The Whitewater Public Library is closed on Friday, April 3, for their spring holiday. Staff will not be available via phone or email. However, online resources may be accessed 24/7/365 via the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org.
The library will return to normal operating hours on Saturday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns continues to provide a monthly newsletter for constituents of the district as well as the community at large. Here are just a few highlights from his last two newsletters, together with links to the publications.
February newsletter
- “Building Our Future Together” – strategic planning efforts included 11 focus groups, 6 community sessions, and one special working group meeting.
- “Teaching and learning” – Two highly rated math programs will be piloted during the second semester.
- WI Seal of Biliteracy – The district has been approved to award this seal to graduating students who have mastered two or more languages.
- Community partnership: Graduates will have the opportunity to have their photo displayed in a downtown storefront.
- The complete newsletter may be viewed here.
March newsletter
- Strategic planning for the next 3-5 years continues.
- The Whippet Wire newsletter was sent by postal mail to all residences in the district.
- Director of Teaching and Learning Terilyn Robles was selected to speak at the WI Association for Bilingual Education Conference.
- The state Forward exam will soon be administered to grade 3-8 students, with the pre-ACT and ACT exams being taken by high school students.
- Pupil services: Health care resources for uninsured and underinsured individuals are listed. Gratitude is expressed to volunteers who support a variety of resources in the community, including the Food Pantry and the Community Space.
- Multilingual learning: Seven languages are represented within the student population!
- Technology: Planning is ongoing for an infrastructure overhaul.
- The first annual Whippet Works was held, with representation from a variety of local business, industry, and organizations.
- The complete March newsletter may be viewed here.
Join the Death Café: Community Talks on Life, Loss & Legacy
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County is excited to partner with East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center and Citizens Bank of Mukwonago to offer Death Cafe, a social program dedicated to destigmatizing conversations associated with death. The program takes place monthly on the third Tuesday of every month, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center, 2043 Division Street, Door #7, East Troy, Wisconsin.
Join us for a relaxed gathering where anyone can share tea, cake, and real conversations about death. There’s no judgement—just people coming together to talk honestly.
“We’re thrilled to build on the success of our Living with Death program,” says Jake Sawyers, Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC. “After the October Living with Death event, participants expressed a strong interest in having these meaningful conversations more regularly. We’re proud to now offer the monthly Death Café in our community, providing a welcoming space for ongoing discussion.”
To register for this free program or for more information, please call 262-741-3273 or email Jake Sawyers at jsawyers@co.walworth.wi.us.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County ADRC.
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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