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BaristaCats Cafe and Sanctuary for Wayward Cats invites the community to a heartwarming event celebrating the joy that our feline friends bring into our lives. Join us on February 13 and 14 from 1 to 6 PM for a special experience filled with love, companionship, and of course, cats!
For a $5 donation, you will receive a personalized Pawlentine from one of our adorable coolcats. These charming tokens of affection make the perfect gift for loved ones or a cherished keepsake. As a special treat, each participant will also receive a delicious snack to share (with the kitties), generously provided by our friends at Fussie Cat.
BaristaCats Cafe and Sanctuary is more than just a café—it’s a place to relax, destress, and connect with both friendly faces and our resident kitties. We are committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all who visit.
Cats – Community – Coffee
Reservations are required [for which there is an additional cost besides the $5 for the Pawlentine] and space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. To book your tickets, visit https://baristacatscafe.org/reservations. Before your visit, please review our Pawlor Rules and Frequently Asked Questions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Join BaristaCats in spreading love this Valentine’s season with the purr-fect celebration at BaristaCats Cafe!
Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Updated 2/13/25 at 2:35 p.m. – Location of the discussion changed.
“JAMES: A NOVEL” -League of Women Voters Book Club Discussion, Part I
The League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area’s Book Club is pleased to announce the first of three discussions of the book James: A Novel by Percival Everett, on Tuesday, February 18th, starting at 6:30 PM. The discussion will be held at The Book Teller, 171 W Main Street in Whitewater. [Please note the change of location.]
Tara McKenzie-Peotter, Whitewater High School teacher, will lead the discussion
including such topics as comparing the text to Huckleberry Finn and the historical and contemporary use of the “n” word.
The book James: A Novel, is a re-imaging of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. The powerful, thought-provoking novel is written in three parts and we will be discussing each part separately.
Mark your calendars for the following two discussions:
Part II: Thursday, March 20 @ 6:30 pm – Greg Stewart, Whitewater High School teacher, will continue the book discussion with emphasis on the teaching of historical time frames and concepts such as cake walks, minstrels, slave narratives, and the Civil War.
Part III: Thursday, April 17 @ 6:30 pm – UW-Whitewater professor, Dr. Tamara
Lindsey, will lead the final session with an emphasis on topics such as emancipation, liberation, freedom and social construction theory that suggests reality and knowledge are shaped by societal agreements and shared assumptions.
A limited supply of books is available at The Book Teller. Call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy. For questions or further information please call Deb Gamble at 262-953-1946.
We invite all in the Whitewater community to join us in the discussions of the book of which The New York Times writes “below the packed dirt floor of Everett’s moral sensibility, James is an intensely imagined human being.” Let’s delve into that world together.
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.
UW-Whitewater announces 2024 winter graduates
More than 800 students graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at winter commencement, held Dec. 14, 2024, at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The following students from your coverage area earned degrees from the UW-Whitewater at winter commencement:
Editor’s note: It is likely that many of these graduates came to UW-W from other areas, but in the university records they have listed Whitewater as their home.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Marijke Arreola graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Christianson graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Adam Coleman graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Amber Cornille graduated with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Matt DeMichiel graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Elizabeth Dempich graduated with the following degree: Applied Arts and Sciences – BAAS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Christian Derenne graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: History – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kianna Doerr graduated with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Derya Fathroen graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: George Fedorov graduated with the following degree: Integrated Science – Business – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cooper Gosse graduated with the following degree: Management – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Adam Groth graduated with the following degree: History – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Bianca Housworth graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Amarion Isbell graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Keller graduated with the following degree: Music – BM.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Devon Knowles graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Issac Leal graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Demetrius Lewis graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Haley Lindquist graduated with the following degree: Geography – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alissa LoCicero-Geraths graduated with the following degree: Criminology – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Scott Luebke graduated with the following degree: Integrated Science – Business – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kyra Maly graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Thomas McCulloch graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Cybersecurity – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Samantha Meister graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: General Business – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Colton Meuret graduated with the following degree: Mathematics – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Inger Miles graduated with the following degree: Special Education – MSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Destiny Mitchell graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Early Childhood Education – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Nelson graduated with the following degree: History – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joyce Ngwe graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Raquel Ortiz graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yasmin Palomec-Garcia graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Criminology – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Phelan graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Maria Rodriguez graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Evelyn Rozenkvit graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Accounting – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Camila Salazar Delgado graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lex Schuhmacher graduated with the following degree: History – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Eddie Slattery graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Odessa Sonn graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Spragg graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Meena Subedi graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – DBA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jonce Tolley graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies With a Minor – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Van Wyhe graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: English – BA.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dayna Wendelberger graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dakota Wolf graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Wenshou Wu graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Art – BA.
Approximately 633 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The 815-member graduating class included three international students, 58 military veterans and 138 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 80 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.
A total of 47 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, earned a job promotion, were accepted to graduate school, or started their own business before commencement.
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team finished out conference in 3rd Place overall at the conference meet! So many had best times and there were a few conference medal finishes. The top 6 individuals in each event and the top 3 relays medal.
Top 16 finishes and best times include:
200 Medley Relay:
- 8th (2:04.98)-Miles Nickelsburg, David Enns, Myles Morse, Andrew O’Toole
- 12th (2:10.63) – Wyatt Esch, Caleb Kluck, Sam Nickelsburg, Xavier Ortiz
200 Free:
- Cruz Aranda is the SLC CONFERENCE CHAMPION of the 200 Freestyle, winning with a time of 1:54.26!
- Miles Nickelsburg finished 6th with a time of 2:07.65!
200 IM:
- Jack Hefty finished 5th with a time of 2:19.84. Jack dropped nearly 5 seconds. He now sits 9th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Wyatt Esch finished 16th with a time of 2:47.81. Wyatt dropped 7 seconds off his previous time.
- Andrew O’Toole swam a great race and finished with a best time of 2:47.98
50 Free:
- Mateo Bazeley finished 3rd with a time of 23.84. Mateo now sits 8th on the Whippet Top Ten List.
- Caleb Kluck continues to drop more time going a time of 26.82
- Angel Kilar dropped nearly a second off of his time to go a time of 33.79.
100 Butterfly:
- Langdon Coburn finished 7th with a time of 1:00.35.
- Myles Morse finished 9th with a time of 1:05.98.
- Sam Nickelsburg finished 11th with a time of 1:09.09
100 Freestyle:
- Cruz Aranda finished 4th going a season best time of 51.35.
- Mateo Bazeley finished 5th going a time of 53.26.
- Caleb Kluck dropped over a second going a time of 1:00.28
- Andrew O’Toole dropped nearly 2 seconds going a time 1:00.52
- David Enns also dropped some time going a best time of 1:03.05
500 Freestyle:
- Myles Morse finished 3rd with a time of 5:32.27. Dropping 6 seconds puts Myles 8th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Miles Nickelsburg finished 4th with a time of 5:47.12. Miles dropped nearly 4 seconds off his previous time.
200 Freestyle Relay:
- 3rd (1:36.02) – Jack Hefty, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, and Cruz Aranda. All the of them posted their best relay splits this season. In the leadoff, Jack went a time of 24.15, which puts him 10th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- 12th (1:51.12) – Xavier Ortiz, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Andrew O’Toole
100 Backstroke:
- Langdon Coburn finished 6th with a time of 1:01.85. Langdon now sits 8th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Wyatt Esch finished 16th with a time of 1:13.91.
- Xavier Ortiz had a big drop of 6 seconds to go a time of 1:24.88
100 Breaststroke:
- Jack Hefty finished 9th with a time of 1:12.87.
- Isaac Straight dropped 3 seconds to go a best time of 1:26.93
400 Freestyle Relay:
- 3rd (3:37.78) – Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, Langdon Coburn, and Jack Hefty. They dropped over 6 seconds off their seed time. Langdon (54.53) and Jack (53.84) both had season best splits.
- 6th (5:57.07) – Myles Morse, Caleb Kluck, Wyatt Esch, and Miles Nickelsburg. They dropped nearly 7 seconds off their seeded time! Each of them posted best times. Myles in the leadoff went a 58.26, Caleb went a 59.00, Wyatt went a 1:01.46, and Miles went a 58.35
The boys are having a great start to Championship season, and we can’t wait to see them compete at the WIAA Sectional Meet at Milton High School on Saturday, February 15th. Swimming starts at 1 pm; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Whitewater area effective from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 3 a.m. Thursday. Total anticipated “light and fluffy” snowfall is 4-6″.
The Irvin L. Young Library in Whitewater will be closing at 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 12, due to inclement weather. We will resume regular hours on Thursday, February 13th.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As was previously reported in The Whitewater Banner, when emergency personnel were called to the home at 505 Ventura Lane on November 21 by the report of smoke, they located a fire that had almost self-extinguished as well as a deceased person. The individual was identified as Indumathi Chilukuri, a 71-year-old female owner of the home. Since the fire appeared to be caused by arson, it was referred to the Walworth County Fire Investigation Team. All parties have now completed their investigation, allowing the Whitewater Police Department [WPD] to close the case, with a finding that Chilukuri’s death was a suicide.
Fire personnel and the investigation team determined that the starting point of the fire was the couch in the living room and that the fire appeared to be intentionally set. Police indicated that there were no signs of recent entry into the residence and no indication of foul play on the body. The Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office also did not find any evidence of foul play but indicated that there were signs that death had occurred from carbon monoxide inhalation. Toxicology reported that Chilukuri’s level of carbon monoxide was at 68% saturation. It was stated that lethality from carbon monoxide exposure is at a level or 40% or higher. WPD’s report concludes, “Based on the results from the toxicology report, Chilukuri’s death was caused by inhalation of Soot and Products of Combustion (Carbon Monoxide exposure) due to a house fire. The Manner of Death was listed as Suicide.”
Updated 2/9/25 @ 8 p.m. to correct the time of the WUSD legislative breakfast.
Whitewater Unified School District Legislative Breakfast – Monday @ 9 a.m.
Agenda – Click on meetings in the upper right corner.
Editor’s note: The agenda contains an incorrect listing of the area legislators. The Banner has reached out to ensure that the current legislators have been invited. Sen. Nass only represents the town of LaGrange now. Otherwise, the district is represented by Rep. Brienne Brown and Sen. Mark Spreitzer.
Public Test of the Spring Primary Election Equipment – Monday @ 10 a.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is holding the Public Test of the Spring Primary Election Equipment. The information follows:
When: Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd floor Cravath Lakefront
Conference Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Consideration to Approve and Recommend to Common Council a change in the District Zoning Map to Rezone Vacant Lots on Cedar Court from R-1 (One Family Residence District) to R-2 (One and Two Family Residence District); Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Electronic Message Monument Sign to be located at 401 S Elizabeth Street [Whitewater Middle School], Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Contractor Shops to be located on Greenway Court.
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 join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/347783733
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 347-783-733
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
AGENDA includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding pedestrian safety crossing W. Main Street.
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89241724935?pwd=4iqX7kimmdaVc1xfcXrmhb2C2I3IYe.1
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 892 4172 4935
Passcode: 758390
City of Whitewater Community Involvement and Cable TV Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
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.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85478113984?pwd=vJSI08WJD3u3mVjidt1pIv4bgetEPR.1
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 854 7811 3984
Passcode: 534378
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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