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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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A quiet Tuesday night light show without the fireworks! The photo was taken looking west from Trippe Lake. What a gorgeous sunset!
Submitted by Carol McCormick
In the past couple of months, the Whitewater Effigy Mounds has had visits from Amy Rosenbraugh, nationally-known expert on Effigy Mounds, and expert UW Madison Geology Professor William Gartner. They recently had observed LIDAR map imagery of the sacred mounds here and now suspect a pretty incredible new discovery on this historical Whitewater and State Landmark – one thousand-year-old raised garden beds. Landmark Trek was there to film and observe the day they were there in town and created an Effigy Mounds Part 2 episode covering all the new information. The video is below.
5 Family Rummage Sale, Thursday, July 11- Saturday, July 13, 9:00am-3:00pm – 239 Lakeview Dr, Whitewater
You name it; we probably have it.
Piper Road Spring Band will play this Thursday, July 11, from 11:30am to 12:45pm, for the Whitewater Art Alliance’s Savory Sounds Summer Concerts, rain or shine. Piper Road Spring Band has been a Whitewater and regional bluegrass band favorite since their days 40 years ago when they played weekends at the Green Dragon on Blackhawk Island. Fiddle, mandolin, string bass, guitar, and washboard are their classic makeup.
And what food goes better with Piper Road Spring Band music than pizza?Always a favorite at Savory Sounds, our vendor this week will be Rocky Rococo’s, so come hungry!
This week’s band is sponsored by The Coburn Company, Inc. (www.coburn.com)
- Location: Flat Iron Park (next to the Birge Fountain), 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
- Rain or Shine: Normally held outdoors on the lawn, in the event of rain, the concerts are moved indoors to the Cultural Arts Center.
- Seating: Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets but if the concert gets moved indoors you won’t need them.
- Food & Refreshments: Food and other refreshments will be available from the food vendor or bring your own lunch.
- Parking: CAC lot and city street parking is available with additional parking is available at First English Lutheran Church.
Our sponsors for the summer series are:
Estate Sale
Marianne Steck
1110 W. Walworth Ave.
Whitewater, WI 53190
Saturday, July 13th 9:00am-2:00pm
Sunday, July 14th 9:00am-2:00pm
Numbers issued ½ hour prior to sale on both days
You don’t want to miss this sale! It is a very clean sale with high quality items!
Antiques & Collectibles: Cedar Chests, Braided Rugs, Beautiful American Black Walnut Twin 4 Poster Beds with Matching High Boy, Vanity/Mirror & Nightstand, Tartan Plaid Picnic Bucket Grill, Snack Tables, 5’ Homasote Santa, Vintage Well Pump, Antique Cast Iron School Bell, Wall Mount Kerosene Lamp/Reflector, Antique Kitchen Clock, Claw Footed Fern Stand, Ronald Regan Signed Photo, U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Sword/Scabbard, Aiwa Cassette/CD Player, Mid-Century Modern Record Player, T.V. & Radio Console Cabinet, Victorian Side Chair, L.P. Record Albums, 3 Drawer Commode, Burley Candles, Honey Comb Thanksgiving Theme, Electric Company Cookbooks, Mid-Century Record Cabinet, Gone with the Wind Type Lamps, Rotating Color Wheel, Coffee Grinder, Vintage G.E. Refrigerator, Christmas Ornaments
Glassware: Set of Gibson “Festival Fruit” Pattern China, Set of Johnson Brothers “The Friendly Village” Pattern China, Westmoreland, Cut Glass, Stemware, Pink & Green Depression, Ironstone “Tea Leaf” Bowl & Pitcher, Cambridge – Rose Point Pattern
Furniture: Maple Desk, Stiffel Table & Floor Lamps, Kitchen Table & 4 Chairs, Ekornes Stressless Chair & Ottoman, Maple & Cherry End Tables,- Coffee Tables, Sofa, Big Man Recliners, Small Drop Leaf Table & 2 Chairs, Rocker Recliner, Wooden Rockers, Entertainment Center, La-Z-Boy Recliner, Wing Back Chair, Marble Based Table Lamps, King Size Bed, Dining Table with 4 Leaves & 6 Chairs, China Hutch, Pictures & Frames
Household Items: Small Kitchen Appliances, Usual Kitchen Items, Office Supplies, Home Health Supplies including Transfer Wheel Chair, Sentry Floor Safe, Nesco & Stand, Set of Stainless Flatware, Small Upright Freezer, Washer, Dryer, Metal Cabinets, Filing Cabinets
Garage & Outdoor Items: Patio Table Umbrella, Hand Tools, Metal Shelving, Croquet set, Appliance 2-Wheel Cart, Garden Tools, Vintage Reel Mower, Water Fire Extinguishers and much much more
See Craigslist for pictures
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has presented the spring 2024 grants, which include $2,500 to Fairhaven for the outdoor garden space at Hearthstone Memory Care, $1,000 to the Book Buddies project, which connects volunteers with children and books, and $383 to the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative to comfort people living with dementia.
“These action grants support the Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission to enhance Whitewater’s quality of life for all people,” said Kat Mawhinney, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee.
Fairhaven – $2,500
The grant to revamp the outdoor garden at Hearthstone Memory Care will allow families to enjoy time with residents in an outdoor space and will improve the functionality and beauty of the area through purchases of gardening beds, tools, plants, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, tents, and decorative pieces.
The group shared, “Hearthstone has a capacity of 24 residents to which every resident could benefit. Family members/visitors, volunteers and students groups will all be able to use this space with the residents.”
Back Row: L to R –David Gackstatter (Director HR & Business Services), Dawn Blazier (Infection Preventionist RN Nurse Manager), Jasmyne Hauger (Dining Services Manager), Shannon Schoville (Marketing Manager Prairie Village & Executive Assistant), Betty Schelb (Director of Environmental Services) & Shane Niman (Director of Facilities)
Book Buddies – $1,000
The grant to Book Buddies will be used for one new book per child, outreach, notebooks, pencils, book marks and t-shirts for volunteers. Approximately 25 children will benefit directly and improve their reading, speaking and listening skills by working with an adult volunteer who reads with them.
The group shared, “Having the support of a caring adult who not only helps them with these skills but values their opinions when discussing the books’ positive themes, helps children build self-esteem as well as character which could play out in their families, classrooms, or their community.”
Dementia Friendly Community Initiative – $383
The grant to the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative will be used to purchase several items, including two weighted ‘newborn comfort’ therapy baby dolls, a faux therapy dog and cat (and brush and batteries,) and a tool board for people who like to build.
The group shared, “Caregivers and persons living with dementia are often isolated. Most people with dementia live at home with a family caregiver. These items can often calm and distract a person with dementia, giving the caregiver a break or time to accomplish other needed activities in the home. Caregivers will be able to check items out of the library to experience an expensive item with their loved one to see if it will be useful to purchase one.”
Back Row: (L to R) — Jennifer Jackson, Erin Miller, Ginny Coburn (WCF)
Twice a year, the Whitewater Community Foundation offers Community Action Grants for projects that the community and board of directors believe are worthwhile and beneficial to various segments of the population. Grant proposals are due on April 30th and October 31st of each year.
“This kind of caring is what Whitewater and the Whitewater Community Foundation are all about,” said Telfer.
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should contact chairperson@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”
(ELKHORN, WI): The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Walk with Ease at Starin Park in Whitewater starting July 23. Walk With Ease—a program from the Arthritis Foundation—is a structured walking program that teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday lives. The program is designed to help people living with arthritis better manage their pain and is also ideal for people without arthritis who want to make walking a daily habit.
Walk With Ease offers support, information, and tools to help participants develop successful exercise routines. The six-week group series is led by certified instructors Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD, and Rebecca Way MSW, APSW. During the program, participants learn proper stretching and pain management techniques; they also build stamina and walking pace. The program can be modified to meet the needs of individual participants so that each person can develop an exercise routine that fits their unique goals.
“Research shows that walking is not only good for joints, but also helps improve the health of the heart, lungs, and bones,” said Blaszczyk. “Walking can also help with weight management, which can reduce one’s risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease, and diabetes. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success with Walk with Ease.”
The information and strategies taught in the program are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management. Updated and evaluated by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, Walk with Ease is shown to increase balance, strength, and walking pace, as well as reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The program is also shown to build participant confidence to be physically active and improve overall health.
Walk withEase will be held every Tuesday, July 23 to August 27, from 9 to 10 a.m., at Starin Park, 504 West Starin Road, Whitewater. Pre-registration is required. This workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. For more information, contact Chetney Blaszczyk at (262) 741-3309. Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: 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.
Contact: Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD
ADRC Nutrition & Health Promotion Coordinator
(262) 741-3309
cblaszczyk@co.walworth.wi.us
The outdoor season of the Whitewater City Market, held every Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM May through October, will temporarily relocate due to road construction on S Fremont Street for the remainder of the outdoor season. The market, traditionally located by the Train Depot at 301 W Whitewater Street, will move to the parking lot of Cravath Lakefront Park.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and flexibility during this transition. Please note the following important details regarding the new location:
Location: Cravath Lakefront Park parking lot
Layout: Vendors will set up in the parking lot with tents/tables directly behind their vehicles weekly creating an alley for customers to shop. Live music weekly will shift to the amphitheater stage. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket as desired for viewing the music from the lower portion of the park.
Access: The market will have only one entrance, accessible from Whitewater Street through the arch into the parking lot.
Parking: Limited parking will be available for patrons who need more adjacent parking in the Cravath Lakefront Park lot not occupied by the market(the eastern portion of the lot). Additional street parking can be found along Whitewater Street.
We apologize for any inconvenience this temporary relocation may cause and thank you for your continued support of the Whitewater City Market. We look forward to seeing you at Cravath Lakefront Park and appreciate your understanding.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Dawsey Smith/Katy Wimer
Market Coordinators
whitewatercitymarket@gmail.com
Thank you for your cooperation and continued patronage.
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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