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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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In-person absentee voting for the city at the Municipal Building begins Tuesday, March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3. Go to 2nd Floor, City Clerk’s Office, at 312 W Whitewater St.
Information for in-person absentee voting in the nearby towns may be found in this previous Banner article.
To see who is on your ballot, simply enter your address on this website.
The Jefferson County Spring Clean Sweep will be held on Friday, April 10 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Jefferson County Parks Shop, 1555 South Industrial Drive in Jefferson. The event is open to households, farms, and small businesses to properly dispose of their hazardous waste.
We require phone pre-registration (920-674-7430) for this event. Households and farms, please register by Wednesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m.; you are welcome to bring items from multiple residences/families. Small businesses, please register by April 3 or earlier. You will complete an inventory record of items you have and will receive an estimated disposal cost (based on weight) payable at the event.
Fees for households and farms are $10 cash per trunkload, $50 cash per truckload, and $100 cash per truck and trailer. Businesses may pay by credit card or company check. Additional fees are charged for tires, cylinders, and large quantities of light bulbs.
What is considered hazardous waste? Typically, any product that contains any of the following words: “Danger, Warning, Caution, Poison, Flammable, or Corrosive.” These items should be brought to a Clean Sweep event. For a full list of accepted hazardous waste, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php.
New for 2026, we are accepting one-pound propane cylinders. Jefferson County is excited to add this service and provide a safe recycling option for residents. The cost is $5 per cylinder.
Please note: Unused prescription drugs, electronics, appliances, and latex paint will not be accepted at this event. Latex paint may be dried out and tossed in your trash; empty paint containers should be recycled.
For information about this event or other upcoming events, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php or contact Kim at 920-674-7430 or kimb@jeffersoncountywi.gov.
Editor’s note: Whitewater residents are welcome to participate in the event even if they don’t live in Jefferson County.
The Whippet Track and Field Team had their first meet of the season, competing at UW Whitewater in the Nelson-Daniel Classic. Named after legendary Whippet coaches Phil Nelson and Jack Daniel, the meet featured 36 teams from Wisconsin and Illinois. The Whippets competed their hearts out, many of them running in a huge meet like this for the first time.
In the girls competition Sydney Schildt showed why she is one of the top sprinters in the area finishing 6th overall in a very talented 55M dash final, running the fastest time ever for a Whippet sprinter indoors, running 7.47. Mya Graves-Koran dropped a half second off her time from last year in the 55M hurdles running 10.83 and giving the Whippets a lot to look forward to in the girls hurdles. Running the 1600 and 800 for the Whippets, Virginia Nelson came close to personal bests in her first races of the year running 6:09.57 for the 1600 and 2:49.18 for her 800. Lucy Davis and Atreya Wilson competed in the shot put setting marks of 20′ 11.5″ and 27′ 11.5″ respectively. Rounding out the competition for the Whippets was the 4X200M Relay composed of Isabelle Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Sydney Schildt and Mya Graves-Koran, Cohen and Comfort running indoors for the first time.
In the boys competition Juniors Frank Mbifi and Emiliano Olivares started things off with personal bests in the triple jump each making it to the finals in a talented triple jump competition. Olivares hit a mark of 38′ 7.75″ finishing 9th while Mbifi leapt to a 39′ 8.5″ mark placing 8th. Freshman, Cason Boudreau finished 11th overall in the 55 M hurdles narrowly missing the finals and running an outstanding time of 9.59. Teammate Ty Bucholtz lit up the track finishing second in his first ever indoor hurdle final. Bucholtz time of 7.99 was one of the fastest hurdle races ever run by a Whippet hurdler indoors., setting a high bar for the rest of the season. The 4X800M Relay team of Ty Carollo, Angel Kilar, Carson Miller, and Wyatt Esch raced to a 16th place finish overall, while Vinnie Juette, Aaron Garcia, Anjay Magana, and Evan Leising nailed their handoffs and sprinted to a 13th place finish in 1:41.32 in a hotly contested speed relay race. Sprinters Vinnie Juette, Langdon Coburn, Trevor Piper, and Leon Kimbrough got after it in the 55 M dash and though they did not reach the finals, they also set the bar high for Whippet sprinters this season. Caleb Pechous toured the track for the Whippets racing in his first ever indoor 400 giving it everything he had and in shot put competition the Whippets were represented by Austin Retzlaff and Harry Ritchie in the big man competition.
In what would be one of the most exciting events of the evening, Langdon Coburn came to compete in the pole vault competition. As the crowd began to gather at the south end of the Kachel Center, near the pole vault area, the bar kept going higher and so did Langdon. As his competitors fell off one by one Coburn kept going. When he vaulted 12′ 6″ to win the competition, many thought the event might be over as 12′ 6″ was his personal best, but Coburn had other ideas. As the bar went to 13′, Langdon had two narrow misses before soaring to a new personal best. Next, the bar was raised to 13′ 6″ and Coburn did not disappoint. When the dust settled Langdon was the Nelson-Daniel Champion in the vault with a new personal best of 13′ 6″.
All in all it was a great night to be a Whippet. The coaching staff is so proud of all of the student-athletes who competed on the evening, many in their first ever varsity competition giving us all a lot to look forward to this season.
Candidate for City Council District 4: Brian Schanen
I am seeking re-election on April 7 to the Whitewater Common Council representing District 4 on the city’s west side because of my deep love for this community. If re-elected, I am committed to addressing affordability, expanding business opportunities, and ensuring transparency in local government.
Growing up I was involved in Boy Scouts, earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, and helped my dad on his hobby farm. I learned the importance of honesty, respect, hard work, civic engagement, and servant leadership. These are values that I live every day, that I bring to my campaign and are central to my work on council.
My wife Heather and I met as students at UW-Whitewater and quickly fell in love with the community. While the university brought us here, it was the people, businesses, and events that made us stay. We are avid supporters of local businesses, events, and organizations – a Friday night fish fry at Rick’s, a Sunday morning breakfast at Jessica’s, a birthday at Fanatico’s, Tuesday trivia at Beer Here, a 4th of July on Cravath lakefront, Kiwanis Pancake Day, Cars & Coffee in the Kettle Moraine, the Fire Department pancake breakfast, a movie at Cinemas of Whitewater, busy restaurants after a Warhawk or Whippet win (among many, many other things) these experiences aren’t small, they are what makes Whitewater special.
As your council representative, I prioritize listening to residents, asking questions, and digging into the details. Whether it’s a small neighborhood concern or a long-term city plan, I work to ensure decisions are thoughtful, informed, and in the best interest of our community. I strongly support our residents, city staff, and our fire, EMS, and police departments.
First Term Accomplishments
Over my first term representing Whitewater’s west side meaningful progress has been made.
• Expanded owner-occupied housing, with over 50 new units well underway
• Strengthened programs to rehabilitate aging homes and convert rentals back to owner-occupied housing
• Supported business growth in the business park, with multiple developments in progress
• Expanded business retention visits citywide, helping support projects like a major expansion at Lavelle
• Increased access to healthcare through a partnership with Edgerton Hospital that brought an urgent care into the city. Since then, Edgerton Hospital has also opened a new pain clinic here.
• Improved transparency by reducing closed sessions, increasing public notice visibility via social media, and expanding lake committee participation
Vision for a Second Term
Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing our community. I am focused on responsible budgeting and easing the property tax burden for residents.
At the March 17 Council meeting, I introduced a series of ideas to improve accountability and control spending, including:
• Placing limits on when the city can go to referendum
• Capping the level of city debt
• Making better use of funds as the result of tax increment districts to help all residents.
• Increasing transparency when it comes to the number of city employees
• Other ideas can be seen in the council agenda item
If re-elected, I will work to move these ideas forward immediately, along with strengthening our ethics code to increase accountability.
As a member of the Finance Committee, I am also advocating for a clearer and more strategic approach to capital planning—ensuring we can maintain our roads, lakes, and parks while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Supporting local businesses is another key priority. I want to simplify processes like permitting and licensing so business owners can focus on growth. For example, I believe we should streamline duplicative approval processes that currently require multiple committees to review the same items.
We must continue building on the momentum in our business park by attracting high-quality employers that create good-paying jobs without overburdening city resources.
I will continue to be an advocate for owner-occupied housing, the lakes, and local healthcare.
I have more information on my priorities on my Facebook Page.
Voting Information
If you live on the west side of Whitewater (wards 6-8), I respectfully ask for your vote on April 7.
In-person absentee voting at the Municipal Building begins March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3.
For full voting details, and to see what is on your ballot please visit myvote.wi.gov.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Brian Schanen. The Whitewater Banner welcomes a submission to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com from Common Council, School Board or Town Board candidates for the city and nearby towns.
The internationally acclaimed musical Kinky Boots is stepping into town in a dazzling new national tour! With a score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a heartwarming book by Harvey Fierstein, this Tony Award–winning show celebrates friendship, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself. Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price and the fabulous drag performer Lola as they join forces to save a struggling shoe factory with a bold new line of high-heeled boots. Packed with unforgettable songs, electrifying choreography, and a powerful message about embracing what makes us unique, this joyful production promises an evening of laughter, heart, and high-stepping entertainment.
Kinky Boots is not rated R. The show is known for its uplifting themes and positive portrayal of characters, making it suitable for a broad audience. It has won multiple awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and is recognized for its joyful and heartwarming story.
Check out the promotional video here.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic—grab your tickets today and get ready to raise a heel! Tickets, which start at only $25, may be purchased online here. They also may be purchased at Ticket Services in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street, Whitewater. The office is open Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The phone number is 262-472-2222. There is a small surcharge for tickets purchased at the door. Parking is free; the most convenient lot is generally #2, south of Main Street on Prince Street.
| SAVE 20% WITH PROMO CODE: YoungBoots20! Discount valid for a limited time and subject to availability. Not valid on previouslypurchased tickets or in combination with other offers. Some restrictions may apply. |
On Friday, March 20th at approximately 5:41 PM, Lakeside Fire-Rescue and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched by the Rock County 911 Center for a reported water rescue at Storrs Lake in the Town of Milton.
A bystander contacted 911 after hearing calls for help and observing four individuals in the water approximately 100 meters from shore. The individuals had been kayaking when their kayak overturned, leaving them in the water. All four occupants were wearing life jackets and were attempting to swim back to shore.
By the time fire crews arrived on scene, all four individuals had safely made it out of the water. Two subjects were evaluated and transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Janesville with non-life-threatening injuries.
This incident serves as an important reminder to the public that although the ice has receded, water temperatures remain extremely cold and can lead to hypothermia within minutes. Wearing life jackets significantly increases the chances of survival, and responders were encouraged to see all individuals properly equipped.
This marks the third water rescue in the past 36 days. Of the eight individuals rescued during these incidents, six have been under the age of 20.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Lakeside Fire-Rescue. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the home page by Petra from Pixabay.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action to recommend Down Payment Assistance Program for
Fire/EMS Department
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Personand Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2262494895281?p=GzbNCvxiqeNZJNGoF7
Meeting ID: 226 249 489 528 1
Passcode: 8y8og7hs
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,840174601# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 840 174 601#
Aquatic Center Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes election of officers; Tour of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center.
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Large Meeting Room 580 S. Elizabeth St. Whitewater, WI
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone,
or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23024647953882?p=0xWG70oJJ3JEQ1YW1K
Meeting ID: 230 246 479 538 82
Passcode: pa7ka3GW
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,717102861# United States
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 717 102 861#
The Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized area high school students as “Good Citizens” during a reception on March 5 at the Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson. Pictured from left to right are: DAR Corresponding Secretary and Registrar Jessica Punzel; Hannah Werning, Jefferson High School; Madeline Bennett, Johnson Creek High School; Hannah Baldry, Fort Atkinson High School; Madelynn Sherry, Lake Mills High School; Marvin Duarte Garcia, Whitewater High School; Brooklyn West, Palmyra-Eagle High School; and DAR Chapter Regent Janet Stehling. Unable to attend was Danny Swain, Cambridge High School
Pictured with Jessica Punzel of DAR: Marvin Duarte Garcia, Whitewater High School {Left]; Brooklyn West, Palmyra-Eagle High School
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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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