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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The City of Whitewater has been recognized as a Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace by Family Friendly Workplaces, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing employer policies that support working families.
Family Friendly Workplaces prioritizes strengthening benefits available to families across western Wisconsin, with a particular focus on early childhood development and family time. Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood experiences and strong family bonding lead to meaningful, long-term outcomes, including improved academic performance, stronger communication skills, reduced risky behaviors among youth, lower likelihood of chronic disease in adulthood, and increased lifetime earnings.
Employers play a critical role in supporting these outcomes through workplace policies and benefits. To encourage adoption of family-centered practices, Family Friendly Workplaces places significant emphasis on early childhood support and time-off policies within its Certification Matrix.
The City of Whitewater earned Gold Level certification due to its strong commitment to employee well-being. The City qualified for this recognition through its comprehensive health care options, flexible work schedule, and a bring-an-infant-to-work policy. These benefits are designed to help employees successfully balance professional and family responsibilities.
“This recognition reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting our workforce and fostering a healthy work-life balance,” said Sara Marquardt, HR Manager. “We understand that when employees are supported at home, they are better able to serve our community.”
The City plans to leverage this designation in recruitment and outreach efforts, reinforcing Whitewater’s position as an employer of choice in the region.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Thanks to Coach Michael McCabe and special shout-out to Activities and Athletics Director Mike Dowden who helped make it happen! The Whippets graciously hosted the St. Coletta Special Olympics basketball team Wednesday afternoon. St. Coletta won the game to finish their season on a great note. Congrats to Mike, Thomas, Caleb, Candace, Cody, and Eric from St. Coletta and Matthew and Tyler Carollo, Connor Brummeyer, Evan Amundson, Casey Lyon, and Emmett Spear from the WWHS team. Coach Joe Carollo, who coached for both of these teams this year, organized the event with the help of St. Coletta’s Celia Villanueva and Amy Eicksteadt. Great experience for all involved!
Journey With Us to the Empty Tomb
Immanuel Anglican Church
You are welcome to join us for these rich and beautiful worship gatherings as we enter into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus once again. These are beautiful, historic church services that draw on all of Scripture and lead us on a journey to the empty tomb. All are welcome!
Palm Sunday | March 29 | 9am
Maundy Thursday | April 2 | 5:30pm
Good Friday | April 3
12pm Stations of the Cross Service (Open house until 4:30pm)
5:30pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday | April 4
3:30pm Easter Egg Hunt (Outside, behind the Community Engagement Center)
5:30pm The Great Vigil of Easter
Easter Sunday | April 5
6:15am Sunrise Service
9am Festival Easter Eucharist
Location: All Holy Week events will be held at the Community Engagement Center in the Multipurpose Room, unless otherwise noted: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Parking: Please park in the rear of the building. (See map on our events page: https://immanuelwhitewater.church/what-were-up-to/)
For more information, please feel free to contact us at immanuelwhitewater@gmail.com or visit our website at https://immanuelwhitewater.church/. We look forward to meeting you!
The long-standing tradition of the Whitewater Kiwanis Club’s efforts at delivering hundreds of Easter lilies in advance of Holy Week has run into a minor snag this year as the supplier has experienced delivery delays. Normally Kiwanis members will have completed delivery to businesses and homes by Friday afternoon. It is looking like
delivery may be extended over the weekend and possibly Monday.
Funds raised through this and other Kiwanis fundraising efforts support children locally and worldwide. Local Kiwanis funded efforts include scholarships, playground equipment like the recently installed accessible “We-Go-Round” at Starin Park, support of youth sports and Ferradermis Robotics, providing kids winter clothing, support of various community organizations and much more.
Each florist quality Kiwanis lily has a minimum of five flowers in a 6” pot with a protective sleeve. A contribution of $20 per plant is desired. Delivery is included to area businesses and homes. A limited number of plants are still available and can be ordered by calling Al Stanek at 608 320-9781. Cash or checks upon delivery are accepted.
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center to Host Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt on March 28
Families in the Whitewater community are invited to celebrate the season at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center’s Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the facility located at 508 S. Elizabeth Street.
This family-friendly event will feature egg hunts, prizes, and opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny, creating a fun and memorable experience for children of all ages.
Each participant will receive a gift bag, and those who find a special golden egg will receive Aquatic and Fitness Center membership prizes.
Participants will be grouped by age to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
Ages 2–5: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Ages 5–8: 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Ages 8–12: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The cost to participate is $5 per child, which also includes open swim admission after 12:00 PM, allowing families to extend their day of fun at the Aquatic Center. In addition, $5 day passes will be available for all attendees, making it easy for families and spectators to enjoy the facility throughout the day.
Advance registration is preferred, though participants may also pay at the door on the day of the event.
To register online, visit www.wwparks.org or contact the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center at (262) 473-4900.
“This event is a great way for families to come together, celebrate spring, and enjoy everything our Aquatic and Fitness Center has to offer,” said Kevin Boehm, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. “We look forward to welcoming the community for a morning full of fun and excitement.”
For additional information, please contact the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center at (262) 473-4900
or visit the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department online.
The Milwaukee Brewers first home game is on Thursday, March 26 at 1:10 p.m. Jacob Misiorowski, age 23, is the starting pitcher vs. the Chicago White Sox. Olympic skater Jordan Stolz will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The series continues on Saturday at 6:10 p.m. and on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. There had been speculation that we wouldn’t be able to watch the Brewers without paying for a $99/season MLB.TV subscription. Fortunately, it appears that at least most of the games will be accessible to non-subscribing fans.
FOX6 WITI Milwaukee will be carrying the game.
As per the following announcement, TDS will also be carrying the game on a separate channel. The Banner has not seen an announcement regarding Spectrum, but it is assumed that their viewers will be able to watch on FOX6.
TDS Telecom to offer Milwaukee Brewers baseball on TDS TV+
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is excited to announce that it is carrying Major League Baseball again this season on its television platform TDS TV®+, including Milwaukee Brewers games for Wisconsin customers.
The company has reached an agreement with MLB to carry Brewers.TV, which will be available on Channel 243 for residents in the Milwaukee, Madison, Wausau, Green Bay, and La Crosse media markets. For customers in the Eau Claire area, Brewers.TV will be Channel 242.
Brewers.TV will be available in the TDS TV+ Explore, Journey, and Voyage packages ahead of the team’s Opening Day game at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, March 26. For more information and to subscribe, customers should visit tdstelecom.com/tv.
“TDS is committed to offering live sports, and with another baseball season upon us, we’re thrilled to again offer Major League Baseball on TDS TV+,” said Meghan Corcoran, TDS Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. “As a Wisconsin-based company, we’re especially excited to carry our home state Milwaukee Brewers. Sports fans should make sure to subscribe to TDS TV+ and follow the teams you love all season long.”
TDS’ new agreement comes after the Brewers and other teams terminated contracts with FanDuel Sports Network. In addition to the Brewers, TDS also reached agreements with MLB to carry the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners in the respective local markets where TDS offers services.
With TDS TV+, customers get a variety of local and national networks, integration with popular streaming services, the ability to start shows over, and cloud DVR. TDS also continues working to upgrade and expand its high-speed, all-fiber internet network throughout its service area. For more information, visit tdstelecom.com.
The Ferradermis Robotics Open House on February 14 at the high school enjoyed a great turnout as Ferradermis members gave personal tours of their space and projects. The students spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming renovation/expansion project which will provide them with more space, including a full-size field as is used in their competitions. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our next 2026 Hunter Safety Education Course on May 2, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and May 3, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. There will be an in-person introductory session on April 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students need to attend all sessions to graduate. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Students must be at least 12 years of age.
Hunter Safety Education Course
Session 1: April 22, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: May 2, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 3: May 3, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Michael Borgwardt at michael.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: It is not necessary to be a Rock County resident in order to participate in these classes.
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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