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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
You are invited to join a coalition of organizations and community members to talk about a nonpartisan campaign to reinforce Whitewater’s commitment to civility and kindness.
Join Whitewater Unites Lives, The League of Women Voters and Whitewater Pride at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 West Main St., Whitewater, for a discussion about this campaign to continue to unite our community members and embrace our differences and our shared humanity.
You’ll learn about the ideas for this campaign and how you as an individual or as an organization can participate. This free event is open to all.
If you have questions, please contact Sara Kuhl at sarajkuhl424@gmail.com, Marjorie Stoneman at 414 861 4126 or Camden Harlan at charlan@whitewaterpride.org.
We hope to see you there!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
School is back in session and this month we will be taking a deep dive into the East Side School, known after 1961 as the Washington School. This image is the oldest we have of the school. Sources are unclear as to when the building was constructed, either 1857 or 1872. There was an east side school built in 1857, but supposedly it was replaced in 1872. The appearance of this building could be from either date. Our next posts will show how this building changed over the years.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5427P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Estate sale at the Mallwood Pavillion, 1329 road 2 east, Edgerton, WI (just over in Lake Koshkonong area outside Edgerton.)
Antique furniture and sewing machines with tables, church pew, dolls and dollhouse, collectible Barbie and Elvis dolls, x-files collectibles, glassware and silver tableware, luggage, camping gear, vintage metal signs and wall decor.
Friday and Saturday 8-5
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is excited to announce that our long-anticipated expansion and renovation project is set to begin on September 9, 2024. This project will enhance our facilities and provide our patrons with an improved library experience.
Important Dates and Access Information:
- Construction Start Date: September 9, 2024
- Library Closure: September 16 to Mid-October 2024
- Parking Lot Access: No access from September 9, 2024 until completion of project, anticipated in October, 2025. Only street parking will be available. The lot will be used for the placement of construction trailers and materials. A fence will be erected to secure the area and ensure the safety of our community members.
- A temporary entrance is being constructed on Center Street, next to the Whitewater Room that has the stained glass.
During the initial construction period, the library building will be closed to both staff and patrons beginning on September 16, with a planned reopening in mid-October. Miron, the construction company overseeing the project, has indicated that the work will conclude by October 11, 2024. However, to ensure flexibility and account for any unforeseen delays, we are advising the public that the closure may extend through mid-October.
During the closure patrons may obtain materials from other system libraries through the library website; simply specify an alternate pickup library, such as Dwight Foster Public Library (Fort Atkinson), Powers Memorial Library (Palmyra) or Jefferson Public Library. If a patron already has items on hold there are two choices: 1) Change the pick-up location to another library, if hoping to obtain the item before mid-October, or 2) Leave the hold as is. It will be suspended and when the library reopens the hold will again become active without losing their place in the queue.
Stock up: All items that are being checked out now are being given a due date of October 21 in case the closure is longer than expected. This also applies to items that have been requested from another library in our system.
Groundbreaking will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. with speeches at 5:15. Cake and beverages will be served.
Contribution pledges: Soon everyone who still has an outstanding pledge will be receiving a reminder letter. If a donor is able to fulfill a pledge earlier than was committed this will help the city to minimize the amount of funds that may have to be borrowed in order to make the construction payments.
We are committed to keeping our community informed and will provide ongoing updates through our website and social media platforms. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our library facilities.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Lynn Binnie with considerable assistance from the library director, Diane Jaroch.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to present “El Color de Mi Amor” (The Color of My Love), an exhibition of acrylic paintings by local artists Enrique Esquipula and Rhonda Kolander. The exhibition will be held from September 5 to September 29, 2024 at the WAA Gallery, 402 W Main St, Whitewater, WI. Gallery exhibit hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12-4 p.m. (The gallery is closed outside of gallery exhibit hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.)
The Opening Reception is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 2 pm-4 pm. Attendees will have the chance to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments while exploring the vibrant artwork on display.
In addition to the exhibition, Rhonda Kolander will be leading an Acrylic Painting Workshop on Thursday, September 26, from 5 pm-7 pm at the Cultural Arts Gallery located at 402 West Main, Whitewater. The workshop is open to all skill levels, with a fee of $35 that includes all materials.
About the Artists:
Enrique Esquipula
Enrique Esquipula has lived in Whitewater for the past 15 years and began painting 8 years ago. Encouraged by his wife, Rhonda, Enrique discovered a passion for art that he had left behind as a child. He has since honed his skills, learning various techniques in oils, acrylics, and watercolor. Enrique’s work has earned recognition, including the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s “Poster of the Year” award in 2010-2011 for his painting “Trees.” To date, he has sold 72 paintings.
Rhonda Kolander
Rhonda Kolander moved to Whitewater in 1996 and has nurtured her love for art since middle school. With formal training in portrait drawing, airbrushing, and oil painting, Rhonda also holds an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Communications and a Digital Photography Certificate from Gateway Technical College. Her creative talents extend to mandalas, kaleidoscope art, and other crafts. Rhonda has exhibited her work in various local galleries and currently coordinates The TeaLuxGallery. She is passionate about sharing her love for art with others and hopes to offer drawing and painting classes in the future.
As partners in life and art, Enrique and Rhonda often exhibit their work together, sharing their mutual love for creativity.
The exhibition is free and open to all.
Registration may be submitted here.
Be sure to join the FFA Alumni on Friday, September 6, 2024 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm for their annual cookout at Whitewater High School prior to the football game against McFarland.
They will be providing both drive-through and dine-in options outside the greenhouse across from the football stadium.
The cost is $10 for a pork loin or hot dog plate which is served with chips, a cookie, and a beverage.
Everyone is welcome!
Parents and guardians of Whitewater High School students are invited to join us for an Open House on Wednesday, September 11, from 4:00 – 7:30!
Check out the Open House Website to learn about what options will be available for parents. Do you just want to meet your student’s teachers? Are you interested in getting help with the paperwork for early college credit? Do you want to learn more about what’s new at WHS this year? You can do these things and more at our open house! We hope to see you there!
Please reach out to Principal Brent Mansky at bmansky@wwusd.org with any questions.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride.
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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