Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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Contact:
For more information, Contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm
Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.
“Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!”
On March 1, the grandson of Rick and Jeanine Fassl earned the Eagle Scout award at a ceremony in Monona, WI, attended by family and friends. Pictured here, during the event, are his grandfather, Rick Fassl and his father, Josh Fassl, (’96 WHS grad and Eagle Scout). The other photo shows Jackson holding a plaque given to him by his Troop 146 Scouts. Jackson will graduate Monona Grove High School in June.
In 2015, the Jefferson County Parks Department, with the support of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, completed the restoration of the Mason Log Home at Dorothy Carnes Park East. Hidden for more than a century inside the walls of an original 1850 farmstead, the log home was carefully uncovered, documented, and rebuilt over a two-year period by park staff and volunteers.
During the restoration, it was discovered that many of the original logs had been cut or removed during earlier modifications to the structure. To remain true to the home’s historic character, replacement logs from the correct time period were sourced from regional building demolitions and hand-cut to fit the structure. Approximately 30 percent of the home’s original logs were replaced as part of the restoration. The completed project quickly became a focal point of the Carnes Park farmstead area, offering visitors a rare and meaningful glimpse into early settlement-era construction.
When restoration work first began in early 2013, crews noted something unexpected. Once the original siding was removed, the exposed logs were surprisingly bright, showing very little fading or weathering from sun and rain. This indicated that the logs had not been left uncovered for long. Like many pioneer families, the Mason family likely added siding soon after construction to protect the home and improve insulation during harsh Wisconsin winters.
According to local historian Julia Ince, while log construction was common in early Wisconsin settlements, it was uncommon—and socially undesirable—for homes to remain unsided. As local sawmills became established, adding wood siding was considered a sign of progress and practicality. Leaving logs exposed would have been viewed as primitive rather than authentic to the time period.
Over the past decade, the exposed logs have been treated multiple times with wood preservatives and protective coatings. Despite these efforts, time and the elements have taken a toll. Unlike some regional log structures built with tight-fitting cedar logs and traditional Scandinavian joinery, the Mason Log Home was constructed using a more rudimentary technique. Square notches, wide gaps filled with chinking, and the use of softer wood species—including ash, red oak, and basswood—have made the structure more vulnerable to moisture intrusion and deterioration.
After extensive evaluation and consultation, Jefferson County Parks staff made the decision to return siding to the exterior of the log home. This approach aligns with both historic construction practices of the late 1800s and modern preservation standards aimed at protecting original materials. Importantly, the interior of the cabin will remain unchanged, continuing to showcase the hand-hewn logs, construction methods, and joinery that define the structure’s historical significance.
On Tuesday, February 17, a crew from Reidl and Son began installing horizontal cedar siding on the exterior of the Mason Log Home. This work is intended to slow further deterioration, protect the remaining original logs, and ensure the structure can continue serving as an educational and interpretive resource for generations to come.
While some visitors may prefer the rustic look of exposed logs, this project reflects a commitment to long-term preservation and historical accuracy. By reintroducing siding—just as the Mason family likely did more than 150 years ago—Jefferson County Parks is taking a thoughtful and responsible step to safeguard one of its most valued historic structures.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Parks Department.
Looking for a way to connect with nature, grow your own food, and be part of something local?
We’re inviting families, friends, and individuals to join our community garden for the upcoming season!
All experience levels welcome
Grow your own fresh, healthy food
Connect with your community
Support sustainable living
Let’s fill every plot this season!
Learn more & sign up:
On February 13, 2026, City of Whitewater Police investigated a complaint involving a juvenile victim reporting they had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by an adult male over the course of six years. These incidents were reported to have occurred multiple times in the City of Whitewater when the juvenile victim was between 5 – 11 years of age. The case was transferred to the Whitewater Detective Bureau to investigate. Whitewater detectives ultimately established probable cause to make an arrest of the adult male. On February 19, 2026, Whitewater detectives took the male suspect into custody in the City of Jefferson. The male suspect, Vincent M. Dean (33 years of age) of Jefferson, WI was taken into custody at his residence without incident with the assistance of the Jefferson Police Department.
Vincent Dean was confined in the Jefferson County Jail and has been formally charged by the Jefferson County District
Attorney’s Office with the following crimes:
1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child – Intercourse with Person under 12 (5 counts).
Repeated Sexual Assault of Same Child (At least 3 violations of 1st Degree Sexual Assault)
Child Enticement – Sexual Contact
Expose Child to Harmful Material
Exposing Genitals/Pubic Area/Intimate Parts to a Child (2 counts)
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the City of Jefferson Police Department for their assistance in
taking Vincent Dean into custody.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is
presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department on March 4, 2026. It appears that Dean is still in custody with cash bond having been set at $250,000.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
La policía de Whitewater detiene a un sospechoso en una investigación por agresión sexual a
menores
El 13 de febrero de 2026, la policía de la ciudad de Whitewater investigó una denuncia presentada por una víctima menor de edad que afirmaba haber sido agredida sexualmente en repetidas ocasiones por un hombre adulto durante seis años. Se informó que estos incidentes ocurrieron en múltiples ocasiones en la ciudad de Whitewater cuando la víctima menor de edad tenía entre 5 y 11 años. El caso fue transferido a la Oficina de Detectives de Whitewater para su investigación. Los detectives de Whitewater finalmente establecieron causa probable para arrestar al hombre adulto. El 19 de febrero de 2026, los detectives de Whitewater detuvieron al sospechoso en la ciudad de Jefferson. El sospechoso, Vincent M. Dean (33 años), de Jefferson, Wisconsin, fue detenido en su domicilio sin incidentes con la ayuda del Departamento de la Policía de Jefferson.
Vincent Dean fue recluido en la cárcel del condado de Jefferson y ha sido acusado formalmente por la Fiscalía del
Condado de Jefferson de los siguientes delitos:
- Agresión sexual en primer grado a un menor: relaciones sexuales con una persona menor de 12 años (5 cargos).
Agresión sexual repetida al mismo menor (al menos 3 delitos de agresión sexual en primer grado)
Seducción de menores: contacto sexual
Exponer a un menor a material perjudicial - Exponer los genitales, la zona púbica o las partes íntimas a un menor (2 cargos)
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer al Departamento de la Policía de la ciudad de Jefferson
por su ayuda en la detención de Vincent Dean.
Cabe señalar que este caso aún no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia condenatoria, se presume que el
detenido/acusado es inocente de todos los cargos. - Nota del editor: El comunicado de prensa anterior fue recibido del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater el 4 de marzo de 2026. Parece que Dean todavía está bajo custodia, habiéndose fijado una fianza en efectivo de $250,000.
Please scroll down for the video.
We are getting ready to drum into March with our Fairhaven Drum Circle led by Christine Hayes. Whitewater area community members are welcome.
The next drumming dates are Friday, March 6 @ 1:15 p.m. and Thursday, March 19 at 1:15 p.m.
Fairhaven Senior Services, Olm Fellowship Hall, 435 W. Starin Road
We hope you can attend one but we all know you would have a better month if you attended both!
Steve Watson writes, “Well, spring is on the way. I’ve heard robins and sandhill cranes and have seen redwing blackbirds.
This morning, 2-21-26, the first migratory ducks, common mergansers.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Town of Whitewater
Walworth County Wisconsin
2026 Road Work
The Town of Whitewater is now accepting proposals for chip sealing projects in 2026. There will be 8 roads involved in this project. If interested in participating in the project, please contact CARL AHRENS, Public Works Superintendent at
920-723-0458 or public.works@townofwhitewaterwi.gov. Carl will provide the complete bid package.
Sealed bids, clearly marked “ROAD BID,” must be delivered to the Town Clerk no later than Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at 12:00 pm (noon). All bids received by the deadline will be opened at a special open meeting to be held at 8:00 AM, March 24, 2026. You
may also use the secure drop box at the Town Hall to submit your proposal.
Mailing Address:
Town of Whitewater
W8590 Willis Ray Road
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: 262-473-4639
Project completion date is 8/21/2026
Editor’s note:
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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