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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Do you have a veteran in your family tree? Join Russell Horton, Archivist at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, for the presentation, “Finding Those Who Served: Military Genealogy.” Learn about sources, tips, and tricks that you can use to learn about your military ancestor from the Civil War to the present. The presentation is hosted by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and will take place in the library’s community room on the rescheduled date of Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m.
There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.
We honor and remember the following Whitewater area veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” General George S. Patton.
Taps
29 May 2023 – 27 May 2024
Brian K. Beck
James W. Benes III
Joseph J. Campbell
Albert F. Danz, Sr.
Laurence W. Delaney
Muril T. Fields
Robert A. Fuerstenberg
Gerald W. Lehto
Ed McManaway
Perry D. Moyer
Gerald G. Nell
Robert O. Nelson
Robert C. Obney
David H. Papcke
Jack H. Papcke
Grant E. Rice
Kurt A. Troemel
We apologize if we have omitted the name of any veteran. It is not intentional. We only know what we see reported in the media and other sources.
Steven R. Smith, Adjutant, William Graham Post 173, Whitewater American Legion
An interim municipal judge for the city was just appointed on May 1, but nomination papers are already being circulated for a special election coincidental with the Presidential Election for a term that will begin in April, 2025 and expire in April, 2027. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, nomination papers must be filed by June 3. The necessary forms may be obtained by a candidate from her office. If there are more than two candidates there will be a primary election on August 13. The position of municipal judge opened due to the resignation of Patrick Taylor, who is moving to California.
Whitewater, has partnered with CivicPlus to implement its Recreation Management software. The cloud-based solution allows residents greater visibility into offered parks and recreation department activities, classes, sports, youth leagues, and more convenient online registration and payment. It will also allow residents to search for and reserve community facilities, such as pavilions, and picnic shelters, all conveniently online.
“I am truly excited to partner with CivicPlus to make the registering for activities and facility rentals in Whitewater easier for patrons,” said Kevin Boehm, City of Whitewater, director of parks and recreation. “We value all of our patrons and are working hard to improve the services we offer. This new software will greatly improve the registration and rental experience. The new software launches on May 28, 2024.”
The CivicPlus Recreation Management software is intuitive to navigate and easy for residents to use. It is mobile-friendly, allowing community members to search for local activities and events, register, and remit payment from any smartphone or tablet.
The software is part of the CivicPlus integrated technology suite of software designed for local governments. “CivicPlus designs innovative solutions for local governments,” said Jennifer Elliott, CivicPlus Director of Product Marketing. “We continually invest in our products to strengthen and transform the way governments work and communicate with their residents. We are proud to partner with Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department to help accomplish their goals.”
Links to the new software will be available on the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation website at www.wwparks.org
About Whitewater Parks and Recreation:
Whitewater Parks and Recreation is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities in the Whitewater community. Through innovative programming and collaborative partnerships, we strive to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being.
On Sunday, May 26, 2024, at approximately 5:28 p.m., the Rock County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Milton area for a report of a possible tornado that went through the area. The City of Milton Police Department also responded. Law enforcement units located multiple downed trees and powerlines. Multiple residences were found to have sustained structural damage. There were not any injuries reported.
Alliant Energy and We Energies responded to repair the downed powerlines. The Rock County Highway Department, Milton Public Works, and Town of Koshkonong Public Works all responded to clear the roadways of the downed trees. The Lakeside Fire Department and Rock County Emergency Management responded as well.
The area will be surveyed in the next coming days by the National Weather Service. Any additional information will be released by Rock County Emergency Management.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The image on the homepage does not depict this possible tornado.
The Whitewater Common Council on May 21 approved a development agreement for a multi-family housing development at Moraine View Parkway and Jakes Way. The agreement, proposed by Slate Development, Inc., includes 128 units spread across eight two-story buildings.
“This development is a critical investment in our community’s future,” said City Manager John Weidl. “By addressing our
pressing housing needs head-on, we are not only improving the quality of life for our current residents but also making
Whitewater an attractive place for new families and professionals. This project exemplifies our dedication to sustainable
growth and economic prosperity.” The development is receiving financial support from TID #11 [Tax Increment District], utilizing a pay-as-you-go structure to ensure positive cash flow from day one. This approach minimizes financial risk for the city and taxpayers by requiring the developer to meet specific financial benchmarks before receiving payments. Additionally, safeguards such as a minimum assessed value (MAV) guarantee and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ensure that taxpayers are
protected. If the development falls short of the projected value, the developer will make up the difference, maintaining
the financial stability of the project.
Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert emphasized the importance of this project: “The need for workforce
housing in Whitewater cannot be overstated. Our business community, recent graduates, and current students all
underscore this necessity.” Common Council President Patrick Singer highlighted the next steps: “With the development
agreement now approved by the Common Council, the project will return to the Plan and Architectural Review
Commission (PARC) for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review.” This development will be discussed at the July PARC
Meeting held on July 8th. Singer further stated, “An increase in the quantity and opportunities for housing is an
identified community need that the City of Whitewater is strongly committed to achieving. With single-family housing
units already in the pipeline, this development will give more residents in our community the opportunity to find
affordable housing.”
The conditional use consideration requires a class 2 notice, requiring two postings a week apart. For the July 8th meeting, public notices will be posted on June 20th and 27th, with the agenda posted in the newspaper on July 4th. Council President Singer concluded, “The Plan and Architectural Review Commission will review site plans and a conditional use permit at its July meeting. These two items will complete the approval of this development. I encourage all residents interested in the outcome to attend the upcoming meeting.”
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city manager’s office.
Game 1 box score
Game 2 box score
By Broderick P. Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team is heading to the World Series for the first time since 2016 after overcoming Friday’s loss to UW-La Crosse. The Warhawks battled back with a 8-0 first game before a 8-2 victory in the second game punched the Warhawks’ ticket to Eastlake, Ohio.
In the first game, the Warhawks opened up the scoring right in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead.
With Cade Berendt (Germantown, Wis./Germantown) doing his work on the mound, the Warhawks held the Eagles off the base path for much of the game. The Eagles did not have a runner past second the entire game.
A huge fourth inning added four more runs to the lead. Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) started off the scoring with a solo home run.
The Warhawks scored three more runs between the sixth & seventh, with the defense keeping the Eagles from scoring. The Warhawks forced game three with an 8-0 shutout win.
Berendt picked up the win, pitching one of his career best games in the battle. He pitched all 9 innings, recording a career-high 13 strikeouts as well as his first career complete game shutout.
The Warhawks carried the momentum forward into the second game of the day, scheduled to begin only 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first game, after tying the series up 1-1.
UWW struck first once again, with Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) blasting a two-run homer in the bottom of the third to go up 2-0. The next inning, the Warhawks added two more to their lead, going up 4-0.
The Eagles scored their first run of the day on a sacrifice fly in the top of 5th, but the Warhawks answered back with a RBI single from Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) in the bottom of the frame.
The Warhawk lead was closed to just three runs in the top of the sixth as UW-La Crosse added another run to make it 5-2.
But in the bottom of the eighth, Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) all but sealed the game with a three-run homer to put the Warhawks up 8-2.
The freshman pitcher Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) only needed three outs and the Warhawks sealed their spot in the 2024 NCAA DIII World Series.
Hagen picked up his ninth win of the season, pitching the whole game. He allowed only eight hits, with no runs earned on the game.
Offensively, the Warhawks had home runs from Frank, Scolan, and Cootway between the two games. Frank and Scolan each had three RBIs in the second game. Holland had two RBIs in the first game.
The Warhawks will advance to the NCAA DIII World Series held in Eastlake, Ohio from May 31 to June 7. The tournament will be two double-elimination pods of four-teams. The winners of each pod will play a best of three series for the Championship. For more information visit https://www.ncaa.com/sports/baseball/d3
Limited appointments are available. Reserve your spot at this link or by calling 262-473-2997. Please note that several appointments are still open for double red cells.
Be sure to take note of the new location at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.
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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