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

WHITEWATER WEATHER

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.

This Week’s Rummage Sale

August 7, 2024

Where: N1019 Fremont Rd Whitewater, WI 53190

When:

Thu, Aug 8, 2024 @ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Fri, Aug 9, 2024 @ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Aug 10, 2024 @ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sun, Aug 11, 2024 @ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Details: No more babies sale! Lots of different baby items (swings, rockers, sit me up, rock n’ play, high chairs, etc!) along with clothing newborn – 2T. Kids toys. Lots of women’s name brand clothing. Housewares. Telescope. Coat tree. 3-container laundry basket. Women’s shoes, kids shoes. & so much more!

Our Readers Share: Paul Jhona – Mackinac Bridge Camera & Drone Photos

August 6, 2024

Paul Jhona writes, “Not a bridge to cross if afraid of heights. Connects the Upper & Lower Peninsulas of Michigan!”

Our thanks to Paul Jhona for sharing these beautiful 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!

Walworth County Real Estate for Sale

August 6, 2024


Walworth County Treasurer Valerie Etzel announces the sale of county-owned properties. Sealed bids are invited and will be accepted by the Walworth County Treasurer’s Office, 100 W. Walworth, Room 103, PO Box 1001, Elkhorn, WI 53121, until 10:00 a.m., August 28, 2024.

Please visit the Walworth County website at www.co.walworth.wi.us and under the Treasurer’s Department page click on “Treasurer In Rem Tax Foreclosures” [on the left side of the page] for instructions, a complete property listing, and official bid form. Properties are located in the towns of Bloomfield, Delavan, East Troy, Lyons, Richmond, Sugar Creek and Troy; village of Sharon; cities of Elkhorn and Lake Geneva.

Specific questions may be directed to the Walworth County
Treasurer’s Office (262)741-4251; email treasurer@co.walworth.wi.us.

GWC Hosting UW-W Athletics Director Ryan Callahan

August 6, 2024

The Greater Whitewater Committee is Set to Host Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Ryan Callahan, as a Guest Speaker at the August Meeting.  

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host UW-Whitewater Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Ryan Callahan, at the upcoming August meeting. Callahan will be presenting on the state of athletics at the university.

Ryan Callahan was named Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in May, 2019, and assumed the position on a permanent basis in July of 2021.

As the Director of Athletics, Ryan Callahan is responsible for the oversight of the Warhawks’ 22 varsity programs and is a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Callahan started working at UW-W in 2007, including a period as Director of Continuing Education, after several years of playing for the San Francisco Giants as a pitcher. 

Ryan Callahan is a UW-Whitewater graduate. He was a pitcher for the Warhawk baseball team from 2001-04. He was a three-time all-conference selection and part of three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championships, two conference tournament titles, and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2004 trip to the NCAA Championship round. He was inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019. 

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 8th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to hear more about UW-W intercollegiate athletics. If interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, August 7.

“We are very excited to have Ryan Callahan speak at our upcoming GWC meeting,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight, “ We are interested to learn more about the state of the UW-Whitewater athletic program.”

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policymakers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

Listening Session Tonight Re: Proposed Multifamily Development at Moraine View Pkway & Jakes Way

August 6, 2024

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

The Plan and Architectural Review Commission agenda for Monday, August 12 includes consideration of a Conditional Use Permit and site plan review for a multifamily development which is proposed to be located on an 11.36 acre vacant parcel at the corner of Jakes Way and Moraine View Parkway. It is anticipated that construction would take place in two phases, ultimately consisting of 8, 16-unit buildings. The image above is not representative of the project, which would consist of two-story buildings. (See images below.) Comprehensive information about the proposal may be found in the Plan Commission agenda.

A meeting tonight, Thursday, August 8, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Building, will provide an opportunity for residents and property owners in the area to learn about the proposed project. City staff will give an overview of the proposal, answer questions and respond to any concerns.

Exterior project design included in Plan Commission agenda

Concert in the Park on Thurs. – Palmyra-Eagle Community Band

August 5, 2024

Cooler weather is on the way and we are ready for another great Thursday Night 7 p.m. FREE Concert In The Park @ Cravath Lakefront Park Amphitheater.

The Palmyra- Eagle Community Band is one of our local favorites and we can’t wait to see them again THIS Thursday at 7 p.m.!! Grab your dinner, a chair or blanket, and mosquito repellant — and join us for a great evening!

Local Student Graduates from Cedarville University

August 5, 2024

CEDARVILLE, OH (08/05/2024)– Mina Truesdale, from Whitewater, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in BS in Chemistry from Cedarville University.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Home and Studio Art Gallery Show

August 5, 2024

In Memoriam, the family of Albert Benedict invite visitors to an open studio to view his art work.

Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
Location: Email benedictsculpture@gmail.com for details
Website: https://tinyurl.com/benedictsculpture

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