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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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The University of Wisconsin-Platteville awarded diplomas to more than 700 undergraduate students for the spring of 2024.
Students from this area who graduated include:
Nicholas Hipsky, Computer Science
Rachel Mason, Civil Engineering
Walworth County Treasurer, Valerie Etzel, would like to remind all Walworth County property owners that the final installment of the 2023 real estate taxes are due to the Walworth County Treasurer by July 31, 2024. Include your payment stub(s) or indicate parcel number(s) that you are paying on your check or in a separate memo so we may apply your payment(s) correctly.
The following payment options are available to property owners:
- In Person: Check, cash, money order at the Walworth County Treasurer’s office, 100 W. Walworth St, Elkhorn. Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- By Mail: Checks or money orders may be mailed to the Walworth County Treasurer, PO Box 1001, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Your mail must receive a U.S. Postmark on or before July 31, 2024. If you would like a receipt(s) mailed to you, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
- Online: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/ (Property Taxes) Payments accepted via electronic check, debit card, or credit card. Convenience fees for online payments are as follows: $0.25 – electronic check (echeck), $3.50 – debit card (flat convenience fee), 2.2% – credit card (fee is charged for total amount due)
- Drop Box: Payments of checks or money orders may be placed in the drop box located at the center median of the parking lot on the north side of the Government Center, 100 W. Walworth St, Elkhorn.
It is important that property owners meet the July 31st deadline. If you miss the deadline, the balance on your account will be considered delinquent and subject to interest and penalty of 1.5% per month retroactive to February 1st (10.5 %).
Specific questions may be directed to the Walworth County Treasurer’s Office. (262)741-4251; email treasurer@co.walworth.wi.us
“Napoleon”
Wednesday, July 17, 1 p.m.
(Biography/History)
Rated R (violence, language); 2 hours, 38 minutes (2023).
The life and times of soldier, strategist, General, Emperor: Napoleon Bonaparte 1 (1769-1821).
An incredible costume drama/historical epic, detailing the rise, fall, return, exiles, and demise of Napoleon. Joaquin Phoenix is Napoleon; Vanessa Kirby is Josephine. Directed by Ridley Scott. A sweeping and majestic film!
Rock County ADRC & Caregiver Network Presents “An Afternoon with Elvis & Friends” starring World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist Jesse Aron to be held on July 20, 2024, from 2-4 PM.
In recognition of family Caregivers from across Rock County, the Aging & Disability Resource Center and the Rock County Caregiver Network will host a free “Afternoon with Elvis & Friends” starring World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist Jesse Aron. “Elvis” will be performing on July 20, 2024, from 2-4 PM at the DWRC located at 1717 Center Avenue, Janesville, WI. Tickets for this event are FREE for family caregivers and those that support them in their caregiving. Family caregivers are invited to attend regardless of where their loved one lives, the age or the disability of their loved one. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the ADRC of Rock County at 608-758-8455 or emailing Krystal.Torres@co.rock.wi.us.
This will be an afternoon you won’t soon forget. Join us on Saturday afternoon, July 20 for an afternoon full of entertainment with award winning Tribute Artist Jesse Aron as he takes you on a magical journey with some of the most legendary voices in rock and roll and country music history with special tributes to Elvis and Roy Orbison! “Music and laughter as well as time away is important for family caregivers and can be another way to assist families with coping,” says Cori Marsh, Aging Programs Supervisor, ADRC of Rock County. Marsh encourages family caregivers of all types to join them on July 20.
For more information, please contact Cori Marsh at 608-757-5416 or cori.marsh@co.rock.wi.us.
Thanks to Dawn Hunter for this beautiful sunset photo taken from the Hunters’ driveway on Wisconsin Street.
Lawrence University in Appleton has announced that Cora Linos of Whitewater has attained Dean’s List distinction for the 2023-2024 academic year.
This distinction is earned by achieving an honors grade point average of 3.5 or above with no current unsatisfactory, incomplete or unreported grades recorded for this past year.
Linos plays volleyball for Lawrence and is a government major with a Spanish minor. She is the daughter of Jim and Jean Linos.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh officials and University of Wisconsin-Platteville have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean’s List and Honor Roll in spring 2024.
UW-Oshkosh:
The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean’s List is 3.75 out of a possible 4.0. To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. There can be no individual grades below a “C” and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run.
UW-Platteville:
College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Education require grade-point averages of 3.75 and above for Dean’s List honors, while the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science requires students to reach at least a 3.50.
UW-Oshkosh
Julia Feit, Dean’s List
Fabian Gonzalez, Dean’s List
Martin Gonzalez, Honor Roll
Allison Martens, Dean’s List
Jazmine Peterson, Honor Roll
Lizbeth Rodriguez, Dean’s List
Dalia Velazquez, Dean’s List
UW-Platteville
David Cushman, Mathematics BS, Dean’s List
Rachel Mason, Civil Engineering BS, Dean’s List
Sam Mckelvey is a vibrant young artist known for their dynamic mixed media creations. With a distinctive abstract style that bursts with color and energy, Sam explores the intersection of reality and imagination.
Born with a passion for creativity, Sam began experimenting with different mediums from a young age. Their artistic journey is marked by a fearless exploration of unconventional techniques and materials, resulting in surrealist artworks that evoke and inspire viewers to go beyond their bounds and create their own sense of beauty.
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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