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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Update 2/17 @ 12:35 p.m. – First Citizens State Bank is open on Monday. Associated Bank and PremierBank are closed for the holiday.
Monday, February 17 is a federal holiday; consequently, there will be no mail delivery. Some banks will also be closed.
From Wikipedia:
Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and was the first U.S. president.[1]
The day is an official state holiday in most states, with names including Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday.[2] The various states use 15 different names. Depending upon the specific law, the state holiday may officially celebrate Washington alone, Washington and Abraham Lincoln, or some other combination of U.S. presidents (such as Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who was born in April).[2]
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (N.S.). Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on this date from 1879 until 1970. To give federal employees a three-day weekend, in 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February.[3] The day soon became known as Presidents(‘) Day[4] (the presence and placement of the apostrophe varies) and provides an occasion to remember all the U.S. presidents, to honor Abraham Lincoln‘s and Washington’s birthdays together, or any single president of choice.[2]
As many states and cities followed suit, some states that had been celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 combined the two into Presidents Day. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, preserved the Union, abolished slavery, bolstered the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Cold Weather Advisory beginning at midnight tonight (Sunday) until 11 am Monday for wind chill values of 17 below to 27 below zero. They indicate “Artic air invades southern WI tonight on northwest winds and remains over the area into the middle of the week.” They add that another Cold Weather Advisory will probably be added for Monday evening through Tuesday morning.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Whitewater High School Players will be performing “The Good Doctor” in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at WHS on Feb. 27 & 28 and Mar. 1 at 7 p.m., and Mar. 2 at 2 p.m.
General seating tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. For more information call the box office at 262-472-8178.
Written by Neil Simon, “The Good Doctor” is charming, hilarious, sad, and touching. It consists of a series of short plays, based on short stories by Russian author Anton Chekhov. The scenes, when experienced one after another, give you a strong sense of Chekhov’s take on the human condition, embellished by Simon’s wit and pithy dialogue. The Writer is the one unifying element in the scenes, introducing and commenting on them. The audience meets a variety of characters, all of whom are immediately relatable and strikingly human.
Under the direction of Jim McCulloch, the cast includes Ian Agen, Deven Bawden, Alex Clarksen, Belle Cohen, Payton Comfort, Esterban Diaz-Gallegos, Joseph Falcon-Kienbaum, Haley Keltesch, Ameera Lin, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kia Peterson, Julian Rennels, Taylor Speerbrecher, Ava Van Daele, and Willow Vogelzang.
Members of the stage crew under the guidance of Kat Dunham include Caitlin Alford, Emerson Dunham, Calli Hartzheim, Taiya Kolb, Kara Long, Miles Nickelsburg, Ava Nygren, Joshua Nygren, Lucille Troxel and Samantha Van Daele.
Prior to the start of “The Good Doctor,” Tom Ganser’s photos of the WHS Players productions of “Cinderella” (2022), “A Murder is Announced” (2023), and “Our Town” (2024) will be shown.
Updated 2/17/25 @ 1:11 p.m. to add virtual access info to the Tuesday public information session regarding the Police/Fire/EMS referendum.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Monday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda
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.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85698998657
Phone one-tap:
+13052241968,,85698998657# US
+13092053325,,85698998657# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 856 9899 8657
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Whitewater Professional Police Association and Whitewater Professional Police Supervisor Association Residency Update
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
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 click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/685218381
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 685-218-381
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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 click the link below to join the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87111987021?pwd=OY2tTKLHJgqqaVCn2vkMpwkXwm59lI.1
Meeting ID: 871 1198 7021
Passcode: py9dnCVA
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Police & Fire/EMS Referendum Public Information Session -Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd Floor, Cravath Lakefront Room, 312 W Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83835051789?pwd=1mKK3veY3wkWxyJhbE3qr9vQaEp30n.1
Passcode:344797
Phone one-tap:
+13126266799,,83835051789#,,,,*344797# US (Chicago)
+16469313860,,83835051789#,,,,*344797# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 838 3505 1789
Passcode: 344797
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on potential agreement with Whitewater Youth Soccer Club for the use of Moraine View Park, Discussion and possible action on WAFC Corporate Membership Policy, Discussion and Possible action approving WAFC Family Membership Policy.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83205611800?pwd=a48Tfde38tV6azadhhO2cbgueskTh8.1
Meeting ID: 832 0561 1800
Passcode: 690300 —
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83205611800#,,,,*690300# US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Common Council – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. [Change of regular meeting date due to the election.] 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Analysis of Whitewater’s Development Incentives, Strategic Use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to Support Housing Development in Whitewater,
Ordinance 2025-O-9 an ordinance amending the zoning map and the zoning classification in regard to certain properties in the City of Whitewater. 1551 and 1555 W Wildwood Lane Tax Parcel # /EV 00004. 1515 W Wildwood Road Tax Parcel # /EV0004. Vacant Parcel on Cedar Court Tax Parcel # /EV 00002-
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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88312135431?pwd=Tis11C8YjX5mrXazbzHijCwA1aybP1.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 883 1213 5431
Passcode: 650398
Mariah Lohf
Pilates Reformed, new addition to downtown Whitewater is set to open its doors with a celebratory Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Monday, February 17, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM. The event will be held at 131 W Center Street, welcoming community members to meet the owner, explore the new space, and experience firsthand the transformative benefits of Pilates.
The festivities will begin with an 11:00 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, followed by an opportunity to partake in a mini class and demonstration at 11:15 AM focused on introducing attendees to the Reformer, a key piece of equipment in Pilates designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and mobility.
The studio is the passion project of Mariah Lohf, a proud University of Wisconsin-Whitewater alumna who graduated in 2015 with a degree in Human Resources. After years in the corporate world and the life-changing experience of becoming a mother in 2023, Mariah discovered Pilates as an ideal fitness solution for her postpartum journey. This new wellness approach transformed her life and inspired positive changes among her friends and family, igniting her passion to help others through movement.
“Fitness looked different for me as a mom, and Pilates offered a way to strengthen both my body and mind,” Mariah shares. “Seeing the benefits in my own life and in the lives of those around me motivated me to create a space where others could experience the same transformation.”
Mariah’s studio offers Reformer Pilates, with customized programs tailored to individual goals. Whether clients are seeking improved flexibility, enhanced muscle tone, or rehabilitation support after an injury, Pilates provides versatile benefits. The Reformer, in particular, uses adjustable springs to modify resistance, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels and mobility ranges. Clients who have experience with mat Pilates will find new challenges (and results) taking mat principles onto the Reformer.
Athletes will also find Pilates beneficial for skill-specific training, such as improving jump performance and enhancing core strength.
Mariah’s deep ties to Whitewater, from her time at UW-Whitewater to her continuing role as a sorority advisor, reflect her commitment to fostering human connections within the community. Her new studio is more than just a fitness center—it’s a welcoming space where people can strengthen both their bodies and their sense of belonging.
Join us on February 17 to celebrate this exciting new venture in downtown Whitewater. Experience the difference Pilates can make in your life!
Members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater faculty will present free lectures in Whitewater and Janesville this spring. Lectures will be held from February through April and are open to all.
For more than 40 years, UW-Whitewater’s Continuing Education has hosted lectures in the Fairhaven Lecture Series in Whitewater. The Cedar Crest Lecture Series in Janesville started in 2020. From artists to advocates, basketball to business, the lectures will explore a wide variety of topics.
Lectures in the Fairhaven Lecture Series are held in Olm Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater. They will be recorded and posted to the UWW Continuing Education website and YouTube channel. Videos of lectures from this and previous series can be accessed for free any time after they are posted. Visit https://www.uww.edu/ce/fairhaven for more information and descriptions of each lecture.
Public lectures held in the Cedar Crest Lecture Series will take place in the Clubhouse at Cedar Crest, Inc., 1702 South River Road, Janesville. Free parking is available and registration is not required. Visit our website at https://www.uww.edu/ce/cedar-crest for lecture descriptions and updates.
Patrons needing accommodations should contact UW-Whitewater Continuing Education (at least two weeks before the date of the lecture). Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA.
Please contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information.
Lectures scheduled for Mondays at 3 p.m. at Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 W Starin Road, in Whitewater include:
February 17
“Movements are Born of Critical Connections Rather Than Critical Mass”: The Activism of Grace Lee Boggs
Ashley Barnes-Gilbert, Assistant Professor, Women’s and Gender Studies
February 24
The State of Women Representation in Business: Challenges, Equity, and Pathways to Progress
Rashiqa Kamal, Professor, Finance
March 17
Edna Ferber: Middlebrow Author, Copyright Pioneer
Erica Moulton, Assistant Professor, Literature, Writing & Film
March 24
Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?
Ashley Dimmig, Director, Crossman Gallery
March 31
Women and the American Philanthropic Tradition
Ruth Hansen, Associate Professor, Management
April 7
Revolution, Rights, and Women’s Activism: Olympe de Gouge
Kimberly Nath, Associate Professor and Chair, History
April 14
Landscape of College Athletics and Women in Sport
Keri Carollo, Head Coach, Warhawk Women’s Basketball
Lectures scheduled for Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at Cedar Crest Retirement Community, 1702 S. River Rd., in Janesville include:
March 25
Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?
Ashley Dimmig, Director, Crossman Gallery
April 1
Where Do My E-Commerce Packages Come From?
Jay Zhang, Assistant Professor, Information Technology and Supply Chain Management
April 8
Women of the Air: American Women Pilots in World War II
Elizabeth Jozwiak, Associate Professor, History
April 15
From Whitewater to Janesville and Beyond: Boldly Inspiring, Engaging, and Transforming Pathways Forward
Corey A. King, Chancellor, UW-Whitewater
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the University boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities. Continuing Education is committed to meeting the lifelong learning needs of the residents of our region in offering a variety of classes, workshops and trainings that respond to the changing personal and professional interests of adult learners by connecting the University and community.
From Thursday, February 6th through Sunday, February 9th, more than 3.000 high school students from nearly 100 schools across the country and worldwide represented the member states of the United Nations. We had a small delegation two years ago that attended Model UN. This year was an average year for attendance at 16.
We tried to get all of our delegates together for a group photo at the conference, but our committees were staggered due to the size of the conference. (L-R) Maya Davis, Alice Aubry, Falyn Krahn, Makayla Bazeley, Carley Boudreau, Jaylynn Traxler, Ava Alvarado, Ameera Lin, Cyrus Hudec
The Model United Nations of the University of Chicago [MUNUC] is staffed entirely by students and alumni from the University of Chicago. It is one of the largest high school conferences in the country and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious.
Since its founding in 1988, MUNUC’s purpose has been:
- To educate high school students in the arts of debate, negotiation, and public speaking by providing a forum in which they can hone their skills.
- To introduce students to the fascinating realities and complexities of international relations through simulation of international organizations.
- To foster the next generation of global citizens capable of evaluating and formulating solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.
This photo of our entire delegation was taken at Gino’s East restaurant in Chicago. Back Row: Aridna Gonzalez Cervantez, Aimee Servin, Mr. Stewart. Falyn Krahn, Ava Alvarado, Makayla Bazeley, Maya Davis, Carley Boudreau, Alice Aubry, Ameera Lin, Ms. Blain
Front Row: Stephanie Wence, Jackie Franco, Liz Servin, Cyrus Hudec, Jaylynn Traxler
Center (On the floor): Narek Keshishyan
On Saturday evening, students enjoyed pizza at Gino’s East, and they used whiteout to write their names on the walls of the restaurant. This is a tradition that the Whitewater High School delegations have participated in since the first MUNUC conference in 1999.
Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Model UN Advisor
gstewart@wwusd.org
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Continuing our series of mid-20th century business photos, this image is from 1955 and shows the Zamorski Cartage Company building. Albert Zamorski ran this trucking service that specialized in milk hauling. In 1952, it was reported that he purchased four new refrigerated trucks to haul milk and cream between Whitewater and other large cities like Milwaukee and Chicago. Milk haulers were part of the industrial dairy era of the mid-20th century.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(6080P, 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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