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By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton), who has represented the Walworth County portion of the City of Whitewater in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2022, announced on May 31 that she will not seek re-election. As the Banner indicated in an article posted on February 20 regarding the recent redistricting of the State Assembly and Senate, Schutt does not live in the new Assembly district #43, which will include the entire city. The filing deadline was June 1, and, assuming that they have submitted valid nomination papers, the candidates are expected to be Brienne Brown (D), Scott Johnson (R) and Dylan Kurtz (R). Johnson and Kurtz will face off in a primary on August 13. The general election will be held on November 5.
By the way, Sen. Steve Nass (R), who currently represents the city, does not live in our new district, but will continue to represent Whitewater until his term expires in 2026.
Rep. Schutt released the following statement:
“I have been honored and humbled by all of the support that I have received to run for reelection. And, although I know our campaign would have been successful, I have made the decision not to seek reelection this fall.
This was not an easy decision to make but one that was made with thoughtful consideration and conversations with my family, friends, and neighbors.
I want my constituents to know that I will continue to advocate for them and their needs. I know that I can, and will, still make a difference for our community in other ways. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve my hometown and our community, and I will be forever grateful to everyone that put their faith in me.”
Editor’s Note: The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.
Born in Darmstadt, Germany, Susanne Maroske and her husband Dirk were originally going to stay in Whitewater for three years and have now made Whitewater their home for 24 years.
“Coming to a small city was a big change,” she said. Darmstadt was a city of 160,000 people. But over the years, Susanne has grown to love Whitewater.
“I really like the neighborhood and the people who live here and the friends we have met. It has a lot to offer. I like living in a university town,” she said.
In 2000, Dirk was transferred from Germany to Whitewater to work for Schenck Process, and Susanne, who did not have a work visa, was busy raising their two children, ages 2 years and 9 months. She enjoyed meeting people through playgroups and was able to send the children for a few hours to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Children’s Center, where the kids were able to learn English without an accent. She said that has really helped them as they pursue their education and work. The family continued to speak German at home, so they are all bi-lingual.
She recommends that all newcomers get involved in activities in the community so that they can meet people. She was very involved as a soccer mom and tennis mom with her children at school.
She says she “shops locally and thinks globally.” She supports local businesses as much as possible.
Becoming a United States citizen was a lengthy process, but Susanne is grateful and proud to be an American. “I am glad I have citizenship now. You have more rights and feel like a full member of society,” she said.
At the same time, she says she is privileged to have dual citizenship with Germany.
Tears in her eyes, she said, “The day we became United States citizens was very moving.” She said that people do not have to give up who they are to become a citizen. She said the judge was very welcoming.
She said one of the scariest moments in her life was when she received her citizenship certificate in the mail and then had to put it back in the mail to get a passport. She was really worried because she had to send the original and was not able to make copies.
Susanne earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre and her Bachelor of Science in Education in German from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and her Master of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion online from the Academy of Art in San Francisco in California. She worked for more than 17 years in the fashion industry and as a costumer, including work at the Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson and the Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee (see below for photographs of some of her work).
She taught at Mount Mary University and Albion College in Michigan before teaching German, Creative Sewing, and Housing and Interior Design at Fort Atkinson High School.
In addition to German and English, she speaks French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. She says she wishes that children could learn multiple languages at a younger age, when it would be easier for them to become more fluent.
Below are examples of some of her work:
Paden with Walk-Off Homer to Cap off Warhawk Comeback over BSC
Warhawks defeat Birmingham-Southern 11-10 to keep season alive
By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater kept their season alive with an 11-10 win over Birmingham-Southern College. The Warhawks were down by five runs heading into the 7th, but the Warhawks kept their composure and rallied back. The win was capped off by Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hitting a walk-off homer one pitch into the bottom of the 9th.
Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) only needed six batters to get through the first two innings, keeping the Panthers off the base path. The Warhawks offense capitalized in the bottom of the 2nd, with Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) starting off the scoring with a solo home run. Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) followed suit, hitting his own solo homer immediately after.
Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) finished out the 3-run second inning with an RBI single to send Bennett Frazer (Oconto, Wis./Oconto) home.
Birmingham-Southern used the top of the third to close the gap, as Eli Steadman hit a 2-run homer to close the gap 3-2.
After the Panthers held the Warhawks scoreless in the 3rd, they took the lead with a 3-run 4th inning. The scoring started with another home run.
The game turned into a home run derby, as Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) sent a 2-run homer to right field in the bottom of the 4th to tie the game back up at 5 a-piece.
With the tie game, Birmingham-Southern flipped the momentum back to their side with a four-run frame in the top of the 5th.
In the top of the 6th, the Panthers extended the lead once again, taking a 10-5 lead over the Warhawks. With a three-up-three-down inning for UWW in the bottom of the 6th the Warhawks were running out of outs to play with.
Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) sparked some life back into the Warhawks, hitting a two-run double after a Birmingham-Southern error extended the inning.
With Max Huseboe (Ripon, Wis./Ripon) and Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) combining for a scoreless inning, the Warhawks entered the bottom of the 8th down 10-7.
Scolan kept up his amazing game, with an RBI double to score McVay and close the gap to 10-8. After being quiet offensively for most of the game, Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) was due as he scored himself and Scolan with a home run to tie the game up.
Eisenbarth got things done in three batters, including winning a 9-pitch at bat for the final out.
The Warhawks had three outs to score in regulation, but Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) only needed one pitch to walk things off. Paden hit his second home run of the night, keeping the Warhawks’ season alive.
The Warhawks defeated Birmingham-Southern 11-10 after the walk-off. Eisenbarth picked up the win, pitching the final four outs of the game.
The Warhawks will head back out for a rematch against Salve Regina in the Pool B championship game. The first pitch is set for Monday at 1:15 PM ET [12:15 PM in Whitewater.] The Warhawks will need to win two in order to advance to the NCAA World Series Championship Game.
Editor’s note: This game was the last that Birmingham-Southern will ever play, as the college closed effective May 31 due to declining enrollment and financial struggles. Here’s the link to a story about how much being in the World Series meant to Birmingham-Southern’s fans.
Under cloudy skies and a steady, gentle rain, junior Traysen Thomason settled into the blocks for the final of the 100m dash one last time. Once the gun fired, Traysen lived up to the phrase “shot out of the blocks” as he easily had the best, and most explosive, start in the field. Traysen then began to put together his most complete race of the season over 100m. His drive phase was smooth and he battled as the finish line neared. His ability to stay loose through the finish line, rather than tightening up and forcing it, allowed him to be faster than Eli Kerner from Northland Pines as both athletes finished in 11.14, and the officials needed to go the 1000th of a second to break the tie. Traysen was faster, 11.134 to 11.139, and earned himself a spot on the podium for the first time in his career in 4th overall. Traysen finished his season as the fourth fastest 100m sprinter in school history with his season best time of 10.93 at the WIAA Sectional Meet. Traysen is the highest finisher in this event for the Whippets since Matt Gordy finished 3rd in 2006.
The rain had stopped moments before junior Jack Hefty stepped onto the track in an attempt to defend his state title from one year ago. After a physical start that saw Jack get tripped up, he regained his footing and settled into the back 1/3 of the race. Like an African lion hunting his prey, Jack methodically made moves throughout the race, first moving up from 11th after lap one to 6th place after two laps. Still eyeing his prey, and knowing it would take every ounce of his ability to earn another title, he moved up after three laps into 4th place. Moving onto the shoulder of Owen Clark of Lakeland and Cam Weiland of Lakeside Lutheran with 300m to go, the race was truly on. Cam was soon left behind, and it became a two-horse race at that point. With 120 to go, and the over 6,000 fans in attendance beginning to roar, Jack sprang into attack mode and went for the jugular. They were neck and neck down the homestretch before Jack was able to inch away and secure his second straight state title. To make the victory even sweeter, Jack ran a new lifetime best by over 3 seconds, lowering his school record from one year ago, down to 4:13.00. Across all divisions, Jack’s time was the fourth fastest and earned him All-State Honors in this event. The top six individuals in each event earn this honor.
Senior Ethan Dugan was ready to take on the 400m dash final one last time in his career. Having finished eighth last year, he was ready to make his first appearance on the podium and see how much he had in him as he tried to take down Addison Uddin from Osceola. As the second fastest seed in the final, Ethan was lined up with Addison to his (left) inside lane and would not see him due to the stagger, but rather Addison had the advantage to see him to his right, on the outside lane. As the race unfolded. Ethan got out quickly trying to distance himself from Addison. Ethan did just that and later said he felt Addison coming up on his left, and he continued to press on the accelerator. Ethan continued to fly down the backstretch and final curve before going into overdrive to put all he had left in the final 100 meters. Ethan charged across the finish line to secure a silver medal and ran a lifetime best, lowering his school record. Ethan’s time of 48.61 was the 5th fastest across all divisions, and like Jack, earned All-State recognition. Ethan is the highest Whippet finisher since Matt Ninneman was 2nd in 1999.
The 4x400m relay was the final race of the day on the track, and the Whippets did not disappoint. Ethan Dugan started very well and made up the stagger on the field early on. He stormed down the front stretch splitting a 49.4 second relay leg as he handed off to teammate Quincy Boudreau with the lead. Quincy took the stick around the track uncontested as the team held the lead. Quincy ran a lifetime best of 51.6 as he handed off to Jack Hefty. Jack then took off around the first curve trying to run away from a storming Lakeside Lutheran athlete before battling down the front stretch to hand off the baton for the final time to Nate Holden with the relay in second place. Jack also ran a lifetime best, a 50.93 fully automatic timed split. Nate Holden ran with guts and determination and chased the Lakeside Lutheran athlete as he rounded the curve for the final time in a Whippet uniform. Nate was only passed by one runner as he, like Quincy and Jack, also ran a lifetime best in his leg of the race, a 51.29 second fully automatic split. The team secured the third position and a spot on the podium to cap off a terrific day. Their time of 3:23.52 was just .10 seconds off the school record, but the third best time in school history. This is the highest relay finish in the 4×400 since 2008 when the relay team of Aaron Holschbach, Sam Moffatt, Alex Adkinson, and Grant Bughman won the state title.
Full Results: D2 BOYS , D2 GIRLS
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Erica Holden
By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
Pitching Battle in Eastlake as Warhawks fall 2-0 to Salve Regina
The two teams battled it out for only 104 minutes, the shortest recorded game in NCAA DIII World Series history.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater fell to Salve Regina in the winner’s bracket game of the NCAA [D-III] World Series. Two runs in the bottom of the second were the only runs scored in the game, in favor of Salve Regina.
The two Hawk teams played in a classic pitching battle, with the Warhawks featuring Michael Hilker Jr. (Yorkville, Ill./York), the Region IX pitcher of the year, versus the Seahawks pitcher Sean Mulligan, the Region I pitcher of the year.
Salve Regina scored the only two runs in the bottom of the second, after a single with bases loaded scored two.
Hilker pitched a stellar game after that, pitching hitless baseball from the fourth inning to the end of the game.
The Warhawks had an opportunity to strike in the top of the 7th, with runners on second and third, but the Seahawks found a way to keep the Warhawks off the board.
The Warhawks were held to just four hits, their lowest total hits since the fourth game of the season against Trinity (TX). In addition, this was the first scoreless game from the Warhawks this season.
The Warhawks will fight to keep their tournament hopes alive against Birmingham-Southern tomorrow evening. The first pitch was pushed back to 5 PM ET [4 PM in Whitewater] with rain projected in the area on Sunday morning.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
Wisconsin author, Michael T. Sullivan, will be at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m. He will speak about his book, “The Congdon Brothers and Significant Others: Their Civil War Times” — a story about three brothers from Palmyra who enlisted in the Union Army and became combat soldiers in the Civil War.
Sullivan will be available for questions after his presentation and copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing. The presentation will be held in the library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The public is invited to attend this free event and no registration is required. For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.
Editor’s note: The following was provided by the author:
I’ve written the above titled book which is about three brothers from Palmyra who enlisted the Union army. The brothers’ bravery in defense of the Union is obvious. Just as importantly, it’s about the people who helped them after the war. I’ve written about two women in the family and their experiences on the home front. Finally, it’s about the beauty of this place, Southeastern WI, which is in stark contrast to the landscapes of the Shiloh battlefield. The 48-page book is supported by 167 footnotes. There’s a number of color pictures. The book advances a life affirming perspective from the horror of war.
The presentation includes enlarged health care, court and pension documents that are in the public domain. I also have pictures, (copies) of family members along with part of a handwritten letter, also enlarged, by one of the soldiers.
The book is now on sale at the iconic Jim and Judy’s grocery store in Palmyra, at the DNR gift shop operated by the Kettle Moraine Association in Eagle, at the Dust Bunny bookstore in Lake Geneva and at Espresso Love Coffee in Mukwonago. For individuals the book can be purchased for $10.00. If mailed the price is $12.67. For organizations the price is $12.00 without mailing.
There is no cost, except for your time, to attend the seminar and there is absolutely no need to buy the book at the presentation. The main purpose for the presentation is for interactive discussion.
Michael T. Sullivan
mts2jms@att.net
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Whitewater school district families in need will benefit from generous donations from the community. Donations have been accepted at the UCC Congregational Church for the Mind the Gap program for Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL). The goal of $13,000 has been exceeded, thanks to our generous community. Walmart gift cards are being purchased through the Scrip program at the First United Methodist Church and will be distributed twice this summer to families in need to purchase lunch food for their children. The goal of the program is to help families when school is not in session. The Whitewater Unified School District provides lunches during the summer school as well as the regular school year so the goal is to help families when school is not in session.
Thank you to all of the donors who made this possible! For more information please contact whitewateruniteslives@gmail.com.
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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