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
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Steve Watson writes, “I’m curious, is this great blue heron using nightcrawlers or wax worms?”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing another of his great wildlife photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
“In the Land of Saints and Sinners”
Tuesday, August 13, 1 p.m.
(Crime/Action/Thriller)
Rated R (Language/Violence) 1 hour, 46 minutes (2024).
It’s 1974, during “The Troubles.” A disillusioned hit man (Liam Neeson) comes out of retirement for one last job, when an IRA bomber on the run arrives in his sleepy Irish village. Totally filmed on location: an absolutely beautiful depiction of Irish locales, people, music and culture. Liam Neeson considers this one of his best film roles, ever.
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/
Mark Dorn writes, “She startled me at 6:51 A.M. I did not spill my coffee.”
Our thanks to Mark Dorn for sharing these “startling” photos!
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Clog Pipes
NOTICE: This is a reminder that fats, oils, and grease (FOG) items should never be put down the sink. FOG are natural by-products of the cooking and food prep process. Common sources include food scraps, meat fats, cooking oils, lard, baked goods, salad dressings, sauces, marinades, dairy products, shortening, butter, and margarine.
In a warm, liquid state, FOG can appear harmless since it flows easily down the drain. However, shortly after it enters the drain, it can quickly cool and turn into a solid that will cause problems in the pipes in your home and in the sanitary sewer system.
Over time, FOG will accumulate along the walls of the sewer pipes. This will restrict the flow of wastewater and can cause sewer backups not only into your property, but throughout your neighborhood.
FOG also contributes to operational issues for our Water Utility such as obstructing flow in the sewers, causing foul odors, interfering with equipment and treatment processes at the Wastewater Utility, along with potentially polluting our lakes and streams.
Please do yourself and the Public Works Departments a favor today by not flushing fats, oils and grease down the sink. The presence of FOG in the sewer system affects everyone in our community!
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The second summertime image from the Scholl collection of glass plate negatives from around 1900 is this view of a young man and his bicycle. The collection includes many images of bicycles, a popular new type of transportation around 1900. Not everyone had a horse and/or buggy and most did not have an automobile. In an era when people had to walk everywhere, bicycles gave riders a way to be more mobile.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3664GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Artist Tom Jewell Donates Three Paintings for Raffle Benefiting Whitewater Arts Alliance
Tom Jewell, August exhibiting artist at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater, has generously donated three of his paintings [shown above] to be raffled off in support of the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA). This special raffle aims to raise funds for the Alliance and offers art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece by Jewell while contributing to a worthy cause.
The raffle will take place throughout the duration of Jewell’s exhibition, with tickets priced at $5 each or $20 for five tickets. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the Cultural Arts Center during the entire run of the show, which culminates in a grand drawing on August 29, 2024.
The drawing for the raffle will be held at 3:00 p.m. on the final day of the exhibition. Ticket purchasers will have the choice of any of the three donated paintings, with the selection made from three bins corresponding to each artwork. Winners do not need to be present to claim their prize, making participation accessible to all.
All proceeds from the raffle will directly benefit the Whitewater Arts Alliance, supporting their mission to promote and sustain the arts in our community.
Expressions in Paint, Pastel and Pencil” featuring artist Tom Jewell at the Cultural Arts Center – 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater
Artist Talk & Reception: Thursday, August 8 from 5 -7 p.m.
Tom Jewell‘s artistic journey began during his childhood years in Arizona, where he developed a profound love for the outdoors, animals, and wildlife. At the age of 14, his family relocated to Wisconsin, where he continued to nurture his interests, filling several sketchbooks with landscape and animal pencil sketches.
Pursuing a career in graphic arts, Tom attended Layton College of Art/Marquette University, earning a degree in graphic design and print management. His career as a graphic designer, art director, and print operations manager has been marked by success, and he has always remained true to the influence of his professors at Layton, focusing on refining his fine art painting technique and style.
Throughout his career, Tom has showcased his paintings in numerous art galleries, exhibits, art fairs, and museums. He has held several solo exhibitions, received awards in juried competitions, and his paintings are part of private and corporate collections across Wisconsin and beyond.
Since retiring from his professional career in 2003, Tom has devoted himself to painting, with a focus on landscapes, wildlife, horses, animals, and commissioned human portraiture.
- Professional Organizations and Activities:
- Member of Oil Painters of America
- Member of Whitewater Arts Alliance
- Published wildlife book illustrator
- Published annual calendar illustrator
- Art exhibit judge
- Commission artist working in watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, and graphite
- Technical keynote artist speaker/presenter
- Instructor for adult art classes and workshops in drawing, watercolor, and acrylic mediums
Join us at the Whitewater Arts Alliance Gallery to experience the exquisite artistry of Tom Jewell and celebrate his contributions to the world of fine art.
Tom illustrated the book “Tig of the Marsh and Wetland”. Copies of this book will be available for purchase in the gallery during the exhibit.
The Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership is pleased to announce the selection of its ‘Bridging the Divide’ campus leaders for the 2024 fall semester. ‘Bridging the Divide’ brings students of different ideological backgrounds together to foster civil discourse and understanding across ideological and partisan divisions. The Thompson Center selected 20 students as campus leaders from over 60 applications from all 13 four-year campuses in the University of Wisconsin System. Campus leaders will conduct civil discourse discussion groups once a month on their campuses. Students were chosen not only on the strengths of their academics but also on their experience and passion for leading on civil discourse. They vary from sophomores to seniors and include a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Those who were selected to be student leaders on the UW-Whitewater campus are:
Blake Erwin
UW–Whitewater | International Relations
Gabriel Gotcher
UW–Whitewater | Political Science
Programs and services that promote the independence of older adults and adults with disabilities play a major role in the health of our community. The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is developing a three-year plan on how best to provide services to help older adults remain healthy and independent. This plan will identify priorities and guide the ADRC staff on which programs and services best meet the needs and interests of those living in Walworth County.
The Walworth County ADRC is requesting public input. They would like to know what Walworth County residents think is important for individuals to be as independent as possible and have a good quality of life while they age. The ADRC is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 1 p.m. The public hearing will be held in the Walworth County room at the Health & Human Services Department located at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn.
A 2025-27 Walworth County Aging Plan draft will be available for public inspection from August 9 through August 22, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Walworth County, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. It will also be available online at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Written comments regarding the draft Aging Plan will be accepted before the hearing. Comments should be directed to Anne Prince, Aging Services Supervisor, Aging and Disability Resource Center of Walworth County, P.O. Box 1005, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 53121-1005.
Transportation to the hearing is available for persons aged 60 and over. Persons requiring transportation assistance must call VIP Services at (262) 723-4402, at least three business days in advance.
To request interpreter services (language or sign) contact Prince at (262) 741-3400, 1-800-365-1587, or e-mail aprince@co.walworth.wi.us three business days in advance.
# # #
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
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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