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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026

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WHITEWATER WEATHER

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This Week’s City Meetings (Updated to add CDA agenda)

August 11, 2024

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a multifamily development located on vacant land at the corner of Moraine View Parkway and Jakes Way Tax Parcel # /WPB 00044, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommunication Facility and 195 foot Free Standing Tower to be located at 1002 S Janesville Street Tax Parcel # /WUP 00341 for LCC Telecom Services, Consideration to Approve and Recommend to Common Council a change to the City of Whitewater Municipal Code Chapter 19, Specifically Repeal Section 19.51.180 Truck, Trailer, Mobile Home and Equipment Parking Restrictions.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/358427877
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 358-427-877
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Board of Absentee Canvassers – Tuesday 7 a.m. to at least 8 p.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is hosting Board of Absentee Canvassers for the August 13, 2024 Partisan Primary. The information follows:
When: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 7:00AM to at least 8:00 PM
Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190.
All Absentee Ballots will be processed at this Central Location. If you are returning your Absentee Ballot on Election Day, the ballot must be returned to the Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W Whitewater St, Whitewater, WI 53190 by 8:00 pm on August 13, 2024, Election Day. Absentee Ballots will no longer be processed at any other Polling location in the City of Whitewater. The event is open to the public.

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the turning movement at the southeast corner
of Franklin Street and W. Main Street, Discussion and Possible Action regarding mandatory lead service line replacement
ordinance, Discussion and Possible Action regarding changing downtown parking from 2-hour
parking to 4-hour parking after 4:00 pm.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83743613748?pwd=UA8KHaO0l5KLOkDqWEqEx5lTusKp6H.1
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 837 4361 3748
Passcode: 204975

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding the 108 West Main Street Property (EDD Zeinert),Discussion and possible action with regard to status of CDA Loan to Recruitchute, Inc. in the amount of $50,000.00. (Finance Director Blitch), Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Potential WindUp 2025 (EDD Zeinert), Consideration and possible action with regard to Affordable Housing Fund Down Payment Assistance Loan Application No. 2024-002 for the purchase of 371 S. Janesville
Street. (EDD Zeinert), Consideration and possible action with regard to Affordable Housing Fund Down Payment
Assistance Loan Application No. 2024-003 for the purchase of 303 South Whiton Street. (EDD Zeinert)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85405680665?pwd=u4lflrOVZyE6w0cHHUDLyN4UjJGJwg.qoJNuDF_vWGO_e2b
Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 854 0568 0665
Passcode: 711528

Mulberry Campus Carnival: Day of Family Fun

August 11, 2024

Join us Saturday, August 17 – 12-4 p.m. Day of Family Fun
All proceeds will benefit Alzheimer’s Association

Pony rides/Carnival games/Face painting
Sampa Tacos Truck
Raffles-Games-Prizes

Questions?
Contact Gina at 262-473-9876 or email gcrown@capricommunities.com.

Our Readers Share: Richard Ehrenberg – Backyard Prairie Garden

August 10, 2024

Richard Ehrenberg writes, “Native, Summer, prairie flowers are in bloom and they put on a good show this time of year in my back yard. The flowers include Brown-Eyed Susan, Purple Cone flowers, Woodland Sunflowers, Cut-Leaved Coneflowers, Daisy Fleabane, Ox-Eyed False Sunflowers, Beebalm, and Summer Garden Phlox. In addition, Fireflies are still lighting up the backyard evenings, although in reduced numbers as they come to the end of this stage of life. They will now begin laying their eggs on the undisturbed soil of the prairie, under leaf and plant mulch in order to begin the next stage of their life cycle.

I invite Whitewater residents to stop by and take a self-guided tour of our back yard so you too can enjoy these wildflowers of Southeastern Wisconsin. The address is 505 East Clay St. on the East side of town. A sign to that affect will be posted by the city sidewalk.

Jefferson County Seeking Fair Advisory Board Members for New Term

August 10, 2024

The Jefferson County Fair Park Committee is asking interested community members to apply for a position on the Fair Advisory Board. This body, created last year, serves in a purely advisory capacity. Its purpose is to preserve and improve the annual Jefferson County Fair by reviewing related policies and making recommendations to the Jefferson County Fair Park Committee to enhance the planning, development, and execution of the County Fair.

In its first year, the Fair Advisory Board was invaluable in gathering community feedback to put on a successful 2024 County Fair. The Board meets between 10 and 15 times per year, with two-year terms that expire on August 31st. The Board can have a maximum of 20 members, with its membership currently sitting at 13. The Fair Park Committee will make the final selection at its September 12th meeting based on relevant experience, with every effort made to find individuals who represent a cross-
section of local stakeholders.

Applications can be found on www.jcfairpark.com in the “About Us” section of the Fair Park. https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=JeffersonCountyWI&f=Fair_Advisory_Board_Application_-_Printable.pdf

Completed applications are due to RRoberts@jeffersoncountywi.gov by September 6th.

Walworth County Criminal Complaints Filed

August 10, 2024

Editor’s note: The following individuals have been charged with one or more felonies in Walworth County Court. Please note that these charges, which are still open, have been filed between February and July, 2024. Typically the Banner has posted such charges on a more timely basis. These cases have not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.

Brian L Jaskolski, 58, W6628 Hwy 12, Whitewater, has been charged with misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money.

Amanda T McCracken, 36, N7554 Ridge Rd, Whitewater, has been charged with Bribery of Public Official.

Gage D. Fritz, 18, of W9245 Stader Road, has been charged with two counts of felony bail jumping.

Abraham Cervantes Vasquez, 38, of 1227 E Bluff Rd, #102, Whitewater, has been charged with six counts of manufacturing/delivering cocaine; one count of possession with intent to deliver cocaine; and one count possession with intent to deliver Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC).

Rafael R Mendoza-Ramirez, 39, of 903 E. Clay St., Whitewater, has been charged with two counts of felony bail jumping.

Alan H Bauer, 47, of 170 N. Esterly Ave., Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, second and subsequent offense.

Robert L. Duclos, 48, of 400 S Rice St, #28, Whitewater, has been charged with retail theft – alter price, repeater; felony bail jumping, repeater.

Rosa H Agurcia Calderon, 39, of 127 S. Cottage St., #B, Whitewater, has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money.

Marco A Avila, 19, of 755 N. Tratt Street #124, Whitewater, has been charged with Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer.

Matthew Robert Escamilla, 25, of 557 W Whitewater St., Whitewater, has been charged with three counts of felony bail jumping, repeater.

Herti Nadir Martinez Quintanilla, 20, of 291 N Fraternity Ln #219, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of child pornography and three counts of bail jumping – felony.

Melvin B Brown, 31, of 147 N Fraternity La, #1,  Whitewater, has been charged with Substantial Battery-Intend Bodily Harm.

Maycoll J Molina Fernandez, 29, of 734 E. Main St., Whitewater, has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money and bail jumping – felony.

Hwy 12 “Bypass” Work Completed: One less detour

August 10, 2024

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The construction project that commenced on July 8 on the U.S. Highway 12 “bypass” between the Walworth/Rock County line and Cox Road has been completed, and the detour signage was removed by early afternoon on Saturday, August 10. The work consisted of repaving the shoulders and adding rumble strips both in the center and sides of the highway.

Only one major detour remains in the city, that being Fremont Road from Starin Road to Whitewater Creek. The original anticipated completion date for that project was September 1.

Whitewater High School Class of ’74 – 50th Class Reunion

August 9, 2024

The 1974 class of Whitewater High School announces that we will hold our 50th class reunion at the Fuzzy Pig, N8660 Clover Valley Rd. Whitewater, on Saturday Sept. 14th, at 5:00 pm. Cost is $20 at the door. Please help spread the word. Please RSVP by Sept. 2nd.

Contacts:
Mark Mead 920-728-2988
Bill Knilans bifcontractingwis@gmail.com
Ben Killips 414-708-6927 benkillips@yahoo.com

Lutherdale Quilt Auction – Saturday

August 9, 2024

Join us for Lutherdale’s largest annual fundraiser!  Generous support from donors & bidders makes it possible for campers to experience God’s love in a powerful way. This outdoor event will have craft and fabric sales, gift gallery, baked goods, silent auction bidding, and a LIVE quilt auction.  Checks and cash are preferred for payment of auction items.

N7891 US-12, Elkhorn

Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

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

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

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!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

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

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

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

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

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

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

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

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