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Today is Friday, May 15, 2026
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Embark on a musical journey “From Venice to Sicily by way of Abruzzo” with baritone Brian Leeper and pianist Diana Shapiro. Sunday, February 9 – 3 p.m. – Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street. Free parking is available in Lots 1 & 2. Tickets are available here. Adults are $10, age 65+ are $6, and under age 18 are $6. Tickets at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge. The Music Mosaics concert series, launched in 2002, unites diverse performances to benefit the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund. Faculty, alumni, and the community inspire through their generosity, supporting students’ musical and academic excellence. Join us for a mosaic of music with students’ success as the ultimate goal. |
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater.
Be Kind Whitewater Committee is currently planning monthly events for the year. A grassroots community-based group, Be Kind Whitewater is a non-partisan group that promotes kindness and civility for the betterment of our community and region.
Join us for a Love and Kindness karaoke party, which will be held at Snug Harbor from 8 until 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Snug Harbor is located at W7785 Wisconsin Parkway, Delavan. This event promises to be filled with great music and entertainment.
The evening is hosted by Snug Harbor, Be Kind Whitewater, and the Whitewater High School Key Club. Come early and enjoy a meal at Snug Harbor with the whole family.
To Keep up with Be Kind events watch the Whitewater Banner and our Facebook page at BeKindWhitewater or visit our newly minted website at https://bekindwhitewater.weebly.com
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This month we are showing you some business-related photos from the mid-20th century. We start with this winter view of the Whitewater Co-op that was located where Casey’s gas station on East Milwaukee Street is located today. The co-op was an important business, especially for farmers. The business offered discounts to members and had a large gas station at their location.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5468P, Whitewater Historical Society)
A bonus: Last week’s #FlashbackFriday that wasn’t posted yet
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
We are sure you are as tired of seeing these old winter views as you are of winter by now, but here is another historical look at lots of snow. This is an important picture in looking at the history of downtown. It is the north side of the west block of Main Street (west of First St.) and none of these buildings are extant. Because we know this view is from around 1880, it gives us good information on what this part of downtown looked like before all the newer buildings were constructed. In the foreground is an old hotel that was replaced around 1890 by a two-story brick commercial building that was, in turn, replaced by the one-story building that sits there today, the old Schultz Brothers dime store or what is today Main Street Shops.
(0370ST, Whitewater Historical Society)
On Saturday, February 1st, 18 students competed in the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference in Middleton. Several students earned top placements and qualified for the state competition in Green Bay. Atreya Wilson placed 2nd in Entrepreneurship, Maddi Morton, Maggie Mass, and Zoe Zei placed 2nd in Digital Video Production, and Ameera Lin placed 3rd in Intro to Public Speaking.
Article and Photos Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School FBLA Advisor
bwest@wwusd.org
Dir. of Faith Formation Job opening –
Provide leadership in the design and implementation of programs for adults, young adults, youth and children to build a solid formation for adult spirituality, Christian living and ministry. Spanish language skills preferred but not required. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org
Business Manager job opening –
The Business Manager is responsible for providing financial and administrative oversight and counsel to make for an efficient and fiscally responsible parish. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org
Calling All Musicians!
The Congregational UCC will be having our last worship service on Sunday, April 27th – and we would like to have a celebration of being here since 1840. For the celebration on April 27th the UCC in Whitewater, Wisconsin, would like to invite you, your friends, or family to take part in a music extravaganza!
All players of any instrument will be welcome to play an arrangement of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The celebration will include (but not require) the opportunity to play solos, have fun, eat food, and celebrate with the members of the congregation at their last service. Being a member of a church is not a requirement. Please make sure you are available from 9 am until 12 noon on Sunday, April 27th.
Please expect to rehearse 45 minutes before the start of the service. Small compensation will be provided for travel and time.
If you are interested, please contact the Office Manager – Renea Zuehlke at renea.wwucc@sbcglobal.net or by phone 262-473-4101. Please respond by March 31st at 4 p.m. with your name, best way to contact you, the city you are traveling from, and instrument you will be playing. In April, more details will be provided along with music, finalized worship and rehearsal times, and any additional instruction.
Thank you!
Students in the Whitewater Unified School District have achieved significant
growth in literacy over the past year, according to Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment scores.
Literacy proficiency in the district’s elementary schools has grown from 31.5% at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, to 53.4% in January 2025. The achievement has come about due to the WUSD educators, specialists, coaches, paraprofessionals, and administrators implementing research-based literacy instruction that is transforming student outcomes.
“This collective achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “We are proud to see our efforts making a measurable impact, and we remain dedicated to fostering a future in which every student becomes a confident, capable reader.”
WUSD staff have embraced ongoing professional development in structured literacy and the Science of Reading, leading to the creation of impactful, data-driven instruction. The district’s adoption of Into Reading by HMH, a universal literacy curriculum, has provided a solid foundation for daily instruction, emphasizing the five essential components of structured literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
Additionally, the implementation of Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) and Sound Partners has strengthened intervention strategies, ensuring students receive targeted support tailored to their needs.
WUSD’s literacy success has drawn attention from other districts across Wisconsin. During the first semester, WUSD welcomed educators from Adams-Friendship, East Troy, Janesville, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Ripon, and Watertown to observe and learn from its Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 literacy instructional practices.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
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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