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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is joining forces with 49 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations throughout Wisconsin for the 16th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign. During the month of March, Jersey Mike’s customers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate when placing their order to help 56 local Team Wisconsin athletes and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Whitewater’s Jersey Mike’s is participating.
This year, the games will be held June 20-26, in locations across Minnesota’s Twin Cities, with the University of Minnesota as the official host venue. Nearly 3,000 national athletes will compete in 16 sports. Team Wisconsin will participate in basketball, bocce, bowling, cornhole, golf, powerlifting, swimming, track & field, and volleyball.
Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving campaign culminates with “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 25, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales–not just profit–to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state programs attending the USA Games. On Day of Giving every single dollar that comes in nationwide, whether in-store, online, or through the app, will go to the cause. Day of Giving is Jersey Mike’s busiest day of the year, when some crews arrive as early as 4 a.m.
The Month of Giving traditionally supports more than 200 local charities nationwide. For the second time in the 16-year history of Month of Giving, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country will support this single, important cause dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), a mission that transcends the boundaries of sport to address discrimination in all its forms.
Jersey Mike’s hopes to exceed last year’s record-breaking national fundraising total of $30 million. Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $143 million for local charities. For a list of restaurants in your area, please visit the Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving page on the Special Olympics Wisconsin website.
Special Olympics Wisconsin, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supported almost entirely through corporate funding and individual gifts. The national organization was created in 1968 by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation for the benefit of persons with intellectual disabilities.
About Special Olympics USA Games:
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with
sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national
celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The
USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike’s Subs and UnitedHealthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S.
sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of 3,000+ incredible
athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long
history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity for
Minnesotans to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive
change.
About Special Olympics Wisconsin:
Special Olympics Wisconsin has empowered people with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years, providing
year-round sports training and competition, health and wellness programs, school-based inclusion initiatives, and
leadership development. Learn more about how together we can create a more inclusive Wisconsin at
SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Special Olympics Wisconsin.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Continuing our series on Whitewater fires, here is a “colorized” post card of the original high school building, constructed in 1884 as an elementary school. By 1894, the high school program, started in 1889, completely took over the building fondly known as the “Big Brick.” In 1927, city residents approved a referendum to build a new modern high school (old Franklin Junior High School, demolished). But before the new building was completed, this building burned and the school district had to scramble to house classes in other buildings for the remainder of the year. “Big Brick” park honors the location of the old high school.
Per a 3 p.m. update on Friday from the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, the late winter storm is tracking more to the north, and it is expected that until about 4 p.m. on Sunday any precipitation here will be primarily in the form of “mix” or rain. Then it is likely that we will be under a Winter Storm Watch from Sunday at 4 p.m. until Monday at 7 p.m. During this period, it’s anticipated that we may see 2-6″ of snow. Initially the snow is expected to be wet and heavy but eventually will transition to lighter and drier. Watch for updates, as the track of this storm is difficult to predict.
Calling all music makers! Kids and families are invited to “Family Jams: Music, Movement, and Instrument Exploration” at the Whitewater Public Library on Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m. in Meeting Room 1. Explore world instruments in the “Instrument Lab,” dance and move to expressive music, and make music together at “Family Jams,” a memorable music & movement experience for the whole family. All ages welcome! There is no cost or registration.
10:30-11:00: Instrument Lab: everyone can freely explore and “jam” with a variety of world instruments.
11:00-11:45: Music and Movement “Family Jams” — dance and create music together as a group.
The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Bethel House.
Studio 84 is having their Spring Flower Fundraiser. This includes bulbs, perennials, seeds, seed mats and more. The studio’s personalized website http://studio84.fpfundraising.com will be open to receive orders until May 14th. Studio 84 will receive up to 50% of the total sales from all orders placed. Your order will be shipped directly to your home.
Studio 84 representatives are asking people to please consider this spring fundraiser as a way to continue to support the programming at Studio 84 and enjoy beautiful flowers at the same time.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Studio 84.
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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