Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
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Today is Friday, May 15, 2026
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Congratulations to the following students on their academic achievements.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to sponsor a public program on Homelessness in Fort Atkinson on Thursday, February 20, 6:30 PM – 8 PM. The program will be held in the Dwight Foster Library Community Room, located at 209 Merchants Avenue in Fort Atkinson.
The program will be presented by Jerry Mitchell, President of the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson, and HCFA Executive Director Sheri Bronstad. Kathleen Townsend, a member of HCFA, will moderate.
The Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides transitional housing and emergency assistance to families and individuals in need in the Fort Atkinson area. It held its first meeting in January 2019 after the death of Keith Lueloff in November 2018. He was found in a park after a very cold night. A group of concerned citizens from churches, organizations and businesses in the city gathered to discuss options to coordinate support.
Please join us to learn more about the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson, what services it provides, how it functions and how you can help support its mission to “Enhance the quality of life for persons and families who need a place to live.” Light refreshments will be served.
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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!
Clearing Snow from Fire Hydrants can Save Lives…
A clearly visible, accessible fire hydrant could save your home – or even your life. If a fire hydrant is buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they arrive at a fire. You can perform a valuable public service and protect yourself, your family and your neighbors by taking on the responsibility of shoveling out and clearing a fire hydrant near your home during and after a snowstorm. Here are a few suggestions:
Know the location of the nearest fire hydrants
Make sure they are shoveled after each snowfall
Clear the snow three feet around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to use the hydrant
Taking the time to remove the snow from around a hydrant near you can save precious minutes in case of a fire. The City of Whitewater appreciates community members who take the time to shovel out hydrants.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-0560
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
Whitewater beat Monroe 55-26 on Senior Night for girls’ basketball.
Whitewater jumped out to an early lead but Monroe made a push to cut the Whippets’ lead to 24-20 at halftime. Whitewater’s defense took over as the Whippets outscored the Cheesemakers 31-6 in the second half.
All four seniors combined for 42 of Whitewater’s 55 points.
Whitewater closes the regular season at East Troy (on Monday) and at Jefferson (next Thursday). Seeding information for the WIAA tournament will be posted Sunday afternoon.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.
Fabian Lopez, owner of Five Star Lopez, has lived in Whitewater for 32 years and said, “I love this place. I love the U.S.A.”
Born in Mexico, he came to the United States for a better life. He enjoys the fresh air, which is a refreshing change from the pollution in Mexico. “You can breathe like you are in the woods,” he said.
Before he came to the U.S. Fabian took English classes in Mexico. He then continued to learn English through the ESL program taught by Jorge Islas-Martinez.
He worked for a while at Generac while he was building his car repair business. He worked all day, and often until 10 p.m., to support his family and build up his business, Five Star Lopez.
He owns Five Star Lopez on 113 East Main Street in Whitewater, where they service car motors, transmissions, electrical, tires, brakes, mufflers and suspension. “We do everything,” he said.
“It is important to me to make customers happy. I like my customers,” said Lopez.
He says some customers just tell him to do whatever needs to be done, because they have a lot of trust in him. He always wants to make sure to provide quotes and make sure that customers are aware of the cost and details. “We have good customers so we want to do it the right way. We help people when they need it,” he said.
Fabian’s son Darryl is opening another car repair location on 265 South Wisconsin Street in Whitewater. Fabian is also considering opening a shop in a nearby town in order to help more people.
“We are lucky because we have good customers who put good reviews on Google,” he said.
Registration for the annual FBLA Royal Ball is open!
Royal Ball is a semi-formal dance for 4K through 5th graders to be held on Friday, March 7 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. The cost is $15, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Use this link to register.
Information Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School FBLA Advisor
bwest@wwusd.org
Placing second in the Prepared FFA Speaking competition held recently at Whitewater High School is Whitewater FFA member, Emily Schmidt. Emily is receiving her plaque from Section 10 State FFA Sentinel, Allyssa Schauer.
Emily will go on to compete at the Sectional competition on April 2nd at East Troy High School for the chance to compete at the State level in June.
Article and Photo Submitted by Paul Majors
Whitewater High School FFA Advisor
pmajors@wwusd.org
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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