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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) Board of Directors and Docents have been nominated by Kim Adams as WUL Hometown Heroes, “For their dedicated service, supportive and hands-on work with many special projects and programs, assistance with daily operations of the Cultural Arts Center, and their boundless creativity in celebrating the arts and creating community.”
Gallery Director Kim Adams said, “I have had the privilege of serving the organization as the Gallery Director since mid-December 2023. In my time with the WAA, I have been impressed with our small but dedicated board of directors, our president and 10-year Arts Alliance veteran Jeff McDonald, our student gallery assistants and interns, and our supportive and hands-on docents who help with all sorts of special projects and programs, in addition to our daily operations. Our members are our lifeblood, and we are grateful to each of our members, as well as our many sponsors and donors.”
Adams adds that the WAA is committed to designing ways to help the arts thrive in our community—much like its founding members. “It is our aim to be a place for folks of all ages and backgrounds to be involved, to exhibit and present work, to share talents, to explore and to be curious, and to celebrate the arts—in all forms,” she said.Recent activities in the gallery in the last six months have included re-organizing the space, completing some deep cleaning and giving the gallery space a fresh coat of paint, lining up a weekly cleaning service, and planting additional flowers by the main entrance of the Cultural Arts Center (CAC).
The WAA currently features a different exhibition each month, accompanied by a reception and artist talk. Annual exhibitions include the Members’ Show, Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) Show, Wisconsin Regional Artists’ Program (WRAP) Exhibition, and the Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition. The 15th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition will open on July 5. Additionally, several workshops are hosted in the gallery space on a regular basis. Other events are also sponsored to help highlight art in the community, including the Public Art Project—displayed every summer throughout the downtown area (check out this year’s Retrospective Display of Public Art), the Whitewater Storytelling Festival—a collaborative project with Discover Whitewater, and the annual Savory Sounds concert series occurring in June and July (and supported by many different community businesses).
The group is gearing up for the 20th Anniversary of the Whitewater Arts Alliance in 2025. An Anniversary Celebration Committee is being formed to plan and implement a series of special events during its 20th season.
Adams says, “We are looking for many volunteers to help with planning, promoting, and carrying out the events. We also invite folks to learn and help promote our new slogan of “celebrating the arts and creating community,” and we want all to know that they are welcome!”
More comprehensive information about the WAA can be found at www.whitewaterarts.org, as well as on Facebook.
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 10th, 2024
12:00pm to 8:00pm
At the Lauderdale Landing
W5625 West Shore Drive
$22.00 Steak Dinner
$13.00 Burger with Fixings
Proceeds to be used for Equipment Replacement
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday, July 22, 2024 @ 4:30pm
Agenda includes election of officers, discussion and possible approval of landscape plan for a development located at the corner of Jakes Way and Moraine View Parkway, tree sale, upkeep of arboretum, and additional Purple Martin houses.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84890054976?pwd=daNYKIz94vTggMdPJVlhSu8Z8GlqI6.1
Meeting ID: 848 9005 4976
Passcode: 122137
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Tuesday, July 23, 2024 @ 5:00pm
Agenda includes procurement policy, room tax update, budget amendment policy, part-time salary comparison review, an MOU for a UW parking lot, discussion on public comments in open meetings, the water tower referendum question, ordinance policy, and paid parental leave policy.
Webinar Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85436310174?pwd=p41dAFkJ4PdJXaBBkjIctAAollO5OJ.1
Or Telephone: Dial: +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 854 3631 0174
Passcode: 947290
School District Meetings
Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting – Monday, July 22, 2024 @ 7:00 pm
Agenda includes middle school scorecard review, Bray facilities planning, update on Language Live and Third Quest interventions, resignations including high school associate principal, employment of several new staff, and business office updates.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83700860313?pwd=SHNDQ0lLbGh1YjNudnAwUGN5Y3pCUT09
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 837 0086 0313
Passcode: 338261
“The Boys in the Boat”
Tuesday, July 23, 1 p.m.
(Drama/Sports/History)
Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 3 minutes (2023).
The triumphant underdog story of the University of Washington men’s rowing team, who stunned the world by competing at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Directed by George Clooney.
Jesse Adams of Adams Electric in Elkhorn presented State Senator Steve Nass (Whitewater) with the Building Wisconsin award from Associated Builders and Contractors. Nass received the award because of his hard work last legislative session to get more people into the skilled construction trades.
The presentation took place at Adams Electric signing day event last week, where a dozen individuals participated in a career signing day as they officially sign up to be an electrical apprentice and begin their professional journey into a lifelong well-paying career in the construction trades.
John Schulze
Director of Legal and Government Affairs
Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin
Water lovers of all ages are invited to join the statewide search for aquatic invasive species (AIS) on August 10, 2024. This fun, hands-on effort, known as AIS Snapshot Day, relies on participants to monitor streams, lakes, and wetlands at designated state sites for signs of non-native plants and animals that pose risks to Wisconsin waterways and wildlife.
Locally, Walworth County’s Land Use & Resource Management Dept. will host a Snapshot Day event on Saturday, August 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will meet at Walworth County Government Center, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn, for a brief training before heading out to a handful of locations throughout the County on the hunt for AIS.
“AIS Snapshot Day is a great opportunity for residents to get involved in protecting their local waterways,” says Walworth County Land Use & Resource Management Deputy Director Mandy Bonneville. “The success of this event truly depends on volunteers; we hope Walworth County residents will join us on August 10!”
Coordinated in partnership with UW-Madison Division of Extension, UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Snapshot Day is entering its 11th successful year. Information collected during the event will be provided to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to inform and guide monitoring and response efforts.
Last year over 150 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to monitor more than 234 sites across the state making for a fun and safe event.
This is a free event. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
To learn more about the event and register, visit https://wateractionvolunteers.org/event-page/aquatic-invasive-species-snapshot-day-2024. Advance registration is requested.
EVENT DETAILS:
AIS Snapshot Day
Saturday, August 10, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Walworth County Government Center
100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn
Contact: Mandy Bonneville
Deputy Director/County Conservationist
Walworth County Land Use & Resource Management Dept.
(262) 741-7912
mbonneville@co.walworth.wi.us
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
On Sunday, July 21, 1974, exactly 50 years ago this coming Sunday, the Whitewater Historical Society celebrated opening its museum of local history at the historic Whitewater Passenger Depot. This image shows the visitors waiting for the festivities to begin. It was a crowning achievement for the historical society, founded in 1947, to finally have a place to showcase its collection of Whitewater-related artifacts.
The museum is still in operation 50 years later and we hope you join us sometime on Tuesdays (4-7) or Saturdays (9-12) to see our special 50 years exhibit and our fine permanent gallery of Whitewater history!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#3267P, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Walworth County Division of Public Health is pleased to announce a special initiative promoting community health and safety. Through the end of July and select dates in August, residents will have the opportunity to purchase discounted private well water test kits and return collected water samples for testing at the following town hall locations:
- July 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Whitewater Town Hall, W8590 Willis Ray Rd.
- July 25, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Spring Prairie Town Hall, N6097 State Rd. 120
- August 1, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at East Troy Town Hall, N9330 Stewart School Rd.
- August 6, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Delavan Town Hall, 5621 Town Hall Rd.
- August 8, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Darien Town Hall – N2826 Foundry Rd.
Test kits are priced at $10 per sample for bacteria or nitrate, and $18 per sample for arsenic or lead. Well water test kits may also be purchased from Walworth County Health and Human Services (HHS) during regular business hours. Checks are the only forms of payment accepted at the town hall dates; checks and cash are accepted at the Health and Human Services building. Collected test samples may be returned to the town halls during the specified hours or to HHS during regular laboratory hours.
Private wells are a vital water source for many residents in Walworth County, and regularly checking your water is essential to ensure health and safety. By offering discounted well tests, Walworth County Public Health aims to encourage more residents to take proactive steps towards safeguarding their health.
Please visit our website at http://www.co.walworth.wi.us/430/Well-Water-Testing for water laboratory hours, to learn how to check your well water, or call (262) 741-3200 for more information.
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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