Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
Music Mosaics presents Schubertiade: Music by Franz Schubert – Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street
Join us for an afternoon full of music composed by the late musical genius, Franz Schubert. The beautiful pieces will be brought to life by soloists and small ensembles featuring faculty members Brian Leeper, Diana Shapiro, Rachel Wood, Leanne Kelso, Benjamin Whitcomb, Jen Shanin, and Chris Ellenwood.
The Music Mosaics concert series began in 2002 with disparate pieces pulled together to create something meaningful and beautiful. The faculty, community and alumni who generously donate their time and talents to support scholarships are an inspiration. The series benefits the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund, allowing the department to recognize students for their musical talents and academic excellence. Join us as they create a music mosaic for you with students’ success as the ultimate outcome. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for an additional $2 service charge.
24/25 Music Mosaics Season Tickets
See the Subscriptions tab for information about season tickets.
Parking
Parking for this event is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.
_________________________________________________________________________
Guest Artist Pablo Mahave-Veglia – Tuesday, Sept. 24 @ 7:30 p.m.
Cellist Pablo Mahave-Veglia resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he is a Professor at Grand Valley State University. Mr. Mahave-Veglia is a cellist and teacher of broad interests whose repertoire ranges from the early baroque, performed on period instruments, to his ongoing interest in researching, performing and recording the work of contemporary Latin-American composers. He counts among his musical influences his late mother, the noted piano pedagogue Mercedes Veglia, as well as such artists/teachers as Arnaldo Fuentes, Steven Doane, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, Janos Starker and Uri Vardi.
“An experience that nourished the mind, body and soul… [He has] the ability not just to play Bach, but to feel it within his soul… the crowd brought Mahave-Veglia back three times with applause and a standing ovation.” – The Leader, Fredonia, NY
Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for an additional $2 service charge.
Parking
Parking for this event is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.
______________________________________________________________________________
Karen Boe, Piano – Sunday, 9/29 @ 3 p.m., Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with “Karen Boe, Piano” featuring the extraordinary talent of faculty member Karen Boe. Experience the magic as this accomplished musician creates a captivating performance and beautiful melodies. Secure your tickets now for an enchanting afternoon of piano!
Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for an additional $2 service charge. Parking for this event is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.
What happens when Washington, D.C.’s premiere, political satire group-The Capitol Steps-call it quits after nearly 40 years? Most folks would agree that it was a great run, and the story would end there. But an intrepid group of cast members and a co-writer would not go quietly into that good night. This band of fools reflected on a world without musical, political satire, and didn’t like what they saw. And just like that The Capitol Fools were born. While foolish enough to embark on this new journey, they were smart enough to not reinvent the wheel. Fast-paced, laugh out loud show…check. Equal opportunity offenders…check. Skewering both sides of the aisle…check. If a “Steps-style show” is wrong, they don’t want to be right. The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that inspire belly-laughter as both sides of the aisle get skewered. Cast members from past seasons of the Capitol Steps perform all the beloved bits, the mind-boggling backward talking spoonerisms, break-neck costume changes, over-the-top impressions, and song parodies reflecting the day’s news. The spirit, irreverence and D.N.A. of The Capitol Steps lives on with The Capitol Fools!
Friday, September 20 – 7:00 p.m. – The Young (formerly known as the Young Auditorium), 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater / Tickets ($48-78) are available online at https://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/ticket-services/young-auditorium or at the ticket office in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street, which is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tickets are also available at the door for a slight service charge.
Season tickets: The Young is now offering a discount on a “Pick Six.” If you purchase six or more events in one transaction, you may receive a 15% discount. Click on “subscriptions” to find this offer.
Whitewater United FC would like to thank the Whitewater HS Soccer coaching staff for inviting WUFC players to participate in Youth Night during the Varsity game on Sept. 5th! We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our coaches who were there helping with the players during halftime!! Thank you for another wonderful Youth Night!!
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Emily Magana – Secretary of Whitewater United FC.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Box Score || Whitewater, Wis. – The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s volleyball team took down No. 16 Millikin University 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 25-16) in Russell Arena Friday evening. The Warhawks, 9-0, have won four matches against top 25 opponents so far this season.
Two words that describe tonight’s thriller in Russell — resilience and relentless. UWW trailed much of the first set as the Big Blue strung together a few runs to build a 17-11 advantage. The Warhawks never quit battling back to within four, 22-18, when an Abbie Dix kill sparked a phenomenal run. With Jenna Weinfurt at the service line, UW-Whitewater rattled off six straight. The powerful outside put the finishing touches on opener serving set point and then tallying the kill from the back row to give UWW a 1-0 lead.
A five-point run in set two – once again with Weinfurt serving – gave the Warhawks a 13-9 lead. UW-Whitewater held the margin until late in the set when Millikin turned the tables and went on a run of their own. With UWW leading 23-17, the Big Blue rattled off five consecutive to pull within one, 23-22. Alayna Jansky hammered down a kill to force set point. Following a Warhawk miscue from the service line, Jansky put set two away with another kill, her eighth of the second set.
The squads traded the lead 30 times in set three. Similar to the first two, the end of the set was a battle. Millikin held a 23-21 lead before the Warhawks came back to tie it off of a Weinfurt kill and Big Blue attack error. However, MU responded with a pair of kills to extend the match to a fourth set.
UW-Whitewater ran away with the fourth set. Ally Longden served a long run mid set that had the Warhawks enjoying a 16-8 advantage. UWW extended the gap to 22-13 and traded points the rest of the way for the win. Weinfurt sealed the deal with the final kill of the contest.
Jansky led all players with 24 kills on 54 attempts. She added 13 digs in the match. Weinfurt registered 15 kills while adding a pair of aces and 11 digs. Dix joined the outsides in double digits with 10 kills adding a match-high six assist blocks.
Aubrie Krzus posted 49 assists while Jaedynn Evans led UWW with 19 digs in the four-setter.
The Warhawks will wrap up play in the second UW-Whitewater Invitational of the season Saturday against Concordia University (Wisconsin) at 2 p.m.
“Perfect Days”
Wednesday, September 18, 1 p.m.
(Drama) Rated PG; 2 hours, 4 minutes (2023)
Our last art film of Summer is one of serene peace, joy, and contemplation.
Hirayama is content with his life as a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassettes, reading books, and taking photos of trees: a life of simplicity and daily tranquility. Oscar nominated for Best International Film. Language: Japanese. Shown with English subtitles.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
On Thursday, September 12, the Whippet Volleyball Program traveled to Delavan-Darien to open up conference play. The Whippets fell short in the match-up at all three levels but battled until the end. Varsity scores for the match were 17-25, 9-25, 26-28.
The Whippets were led by:
- Calli Grosinske with 7 kills and 14 assists
- Ella Spear with 17 digs
- Zoe Kohl with 2 aces
The Whippets are back in action this weekend in Dodgeland for a tournament and then have their first home matches on Tuesday, September 17 against Monroe and Thursday, September 19 against Jefferson.
Come out and support your Whippet Volleyball Program.
Article Submitted by Caitlin Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
dowca01@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka
The City of Whitewater is excited to announce its first-ever Food Truck Fest, scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, from 11 AM to 7 PM at Cravath Lakefront Park. This marks the first event of its kind in our community, and we are thrilled to bring a diverse lineup of 15 food trucks to the area.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of delicious options, including tacos, donuts, and so much more! Whether you’re in the mood for a savory meal or a sweet treat, there’s something for everyone at the Food Truck Fest.
In addition to the fantastic food offerings, the City is partnering with Second Salem Brewing Company to provide a selection of local beers for the event. This collaboration promises to enhance the festivity of the day, offering a perfect pairing of food and beverages in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Join us at Cravath Lakefront Park for a day of great food, community, and fun. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere of the inaugural Food Truck Fest!
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. Actually there was a food truck festival held at the library a number of years ago, but it featured about half as many trucks and no beer.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As was previously announced on the Banner, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s major renovation and expansion project is underway. On Friday, September 13 two giant burr oak trees were taken down to make room for the construction. Observers opined that the trees were likely over 200 years old. It was the price of progress, they admitted, while also acknowledging that trees don’t last forever. The event brought back memories of the relatively recent loss of the failing “Territorial Oak” at Main and Franklin Streets, as well as the controversial destruction about a decade ago of the gorgeous huge oak behind the former Olsen Funeral Home at Main and Prince Streets.
The library will be closed for approximately one month beginning Saturday, September 14. It will be open today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and materials that are checked out will be given an October 21 due date, although it is hoped that the reopening will occur by October 12. Should patrons wish to return those materials sooner than that date, they could return them at any of the Bridges System libraries, which includes Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Palmyra. Anyone wishing to obtain materials during the library’s closure may do so by visiting one of those libraries, or by placing a hold on their desired materials on the library’s website but designating the library where they wish to pick them up. A patron’s library card is accepted at any of the system libraries.
Groundbreaking will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. with speeches at 5:15. Cake and beverages will be served.
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
