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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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All people from UW Whitewater campus and the wider Whitewater community are invited to pick up FREE FROZEN SPAGHETTI MEALS every Monday from Monday, June 3 through August 26, 2024. (No meals are served on Labor Day, September 2.)
Pick up is available from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, WI. Only Frozen carry-outs are available this summer, with no dine-in service.
Menu: Spaghetti pasta with 2 Italian Meatballs. Choice of sauce: Tomato or Alfredo with Parmesan cheese and Italian spices.
Coordinated by Congregational UCC and First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater, WI.
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UW Whitewater campus y comunidad estan invitados COMIDAS GRATUITAS DE ESPAGUETIS CONGELADOS cada Lunes, del 3 de Junio al 26 de Agosto de 2024. (No se servirán comidas el Día del Trabajo, 2 de Septiembre.)
La recogida esta disponible desde 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM en Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, WI. Únicamente para llevar congelados disponibles este verano.
Menú: Pasta de espagueti con 2 albóndigas Italianas. Elección de salsa: Tomate o Alfredo con queso parmesano y especias Italianas
Coordinated by Congregational UCC and First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,300 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the spring semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.
Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.
Students who received honors include:
Whitewater, WI
Wyatt Anderson, Honors
The Whitewater High School Choirs presented their spring concert, Ms. Tordera’s last, on May 15. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.
TROY, AL — Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Troy University for the spring semester/Term 4 of the 2023-2024 academic year.
The Chancellor’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.
About Troy University
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
Editor’s Note: The following was organized and provided by First English Lutheran Church.
In our divisive world, we have opportunities like this to work toward gathering our community together, getting to know one another, and build healthier and stronger relationships and communities. That idea is at the heart of David Brooks’ How to Know a Person.
BREAKFAST WITH “BROOKS”*
*David Brooks will not be in attendance, but others in our community will. Organized by First English Lutheran Church.
Where: The book study will be held at Jessica’s Restaurant in Whitewater so we can discuss around breakfast!
When: We will meet for 6 sessions (every other Thursday in the summer) beginning on June 13 at 7 am! The early start time is to allow people who work or have other morning commitments to be on their way by 8 am.
The 6 sessions are scheduled for the following Thursday mornings: June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22
Needed: A copy of the book—A few copies are still available in the church office for $20, or they can be purchased from Amazon.com or most other book dealers.
To Sign Up: Registration not required, but if you would like to let us know you’re coming, call the church office (262-473-5076)
Most people find this best-selling book an interesting read that is helpful in building strong relationships with family, friends, co-workers and the many others we encounter daily. The book study promises to be a fun learning and social activity for the summer. Come join us!
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” will be presented Friday, May 31, as Wisconsin Makers presents its free Movie Night.
The public is invited to attend the free showing of the family-friendly film at 7 p.m. at the community makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Free popcorn will be served. Pizza, soda and water will be available for $1.
Before and after the film, attendees may tour the makerspace and see what it has to offer. In addition, they may shop at a rummage sale in which almost all items are free of charge, although donations are gratefully accepted.
Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer said “Fantastic Mr. Fox” will be shown on a 15-foot-wide movie screen with a 500-watt surround-sound in the common area.
“We want to provide a fun, affordable evening out for people of all ages,” he said.
Rated PG, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a 2009 American animated adventure-comedy based on a novel by Roald Dahl. Its voice cast includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson and many other well-known stars.
The plot focuses on a spree of thefts led by Mr. Fox (Clooney) that result in his family, and later his animal community, being hunted down by three farmers.
In addition to an original score by Alexandre Desplat, the soundtrack includes several songs from other artists. The film received Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.
Located at the corner of Wisconsin and East Clay streets, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training.
It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock.
The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more.
The building is handicapped accessible, and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities.
For more information about Movie Night or the makerspace, contact Jewer at lafcat@lafcat.com or (630) 430-9498.
A new video tour of the makerspace may be viewed at https://youtu.be/Pqa9N8p1Fqw.
Whitewater Savory Sounds Summer Concerts Become More Savory
The Whitewater Alliance’s Savory Sounds Summer Concerts – 2024, is back and suddenly becoming “more savory” than ever. With a dedication to cultural diversity this year, the concert series not only has a diversely cultural selection of musical groups, but it will also have vendors that offer a savory food selection that will match the culture of the music. Concerts include: Peggy Mueller & Friends – German Folk music, The Currach Irish Trio – Irish Reel music, Piper Road Spring Band – American Bluegrass music, Amancer y Mas – Hispanic music, and Jimmy Sugarcane – Nigerian Reggae Fusion Rock music. So, attend all the concerts for a diverse aural and flavorful cultural experience! Concerts are each Thursday, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, and 25, from 11:30am-12:45pm at Flat Iron Park, and are free to the public. The food is for sale at the vendor station – so come hungry!
This year, we have wonderful local companies who chose to fully sponsor a band: Fairhaven, The First Citizens State Bank, The Coburn Company, Premier Bank, and Olm and Associates, along with donations from Fort Community Credit Union and an Anonymous Donor. This allowed us to reach out further into the region for more diverse bands. Thank you companies!
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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