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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Pella, Iowa – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team opened NCAA Division III Regional action with a 2-0 win over Bethel University Thursday. The regional is hosted by Central College in Pella, Iowa. The Warhawks advance to play the host institution Friday at 11 a.m.
Two is still the lucky number for UWW – the Warhawks have now won five straight with two runs in their scoring column. Thursday, those two runs came in the bottom of the first frame. After a quick top of the first, the UW-Whitewater offense got right to it. Kaitlyn Weidemann drew a leadoff walk. Bella Eggert showcased her speed by laying down a perfect bunt and cruising to first without a throw made for the infield single. Weidemann moved up 60 feet on Kiarra Kostroski’s long fly ball to left field to put runners on the corners. Eggert got into a pickle between first and second on the next pitch. The Royal opted to hone in on Weidemann at third allowing Eggert to scamper to second.
Bella Eggert evades Bethel’s diving catcher to score UWW’s second run of the game (credit: Angela Kelm)
With two outs, Taylor Koehler put the ball in play and forced a Bethel error that allowed Weidemann to score easily. Eggert came motoring around third and continued home as the throw home came way up the line. Eggert avoided the diving catcher and slid into home for the 2-0 lead.
The Royals had a single runner on base each of the next three innings, but Maddy Anderson and the Warhawk defense held BU at bay. The best scoring opportunity for Bethel came in the fifth. Three consecutive base knocks loaded the bases with no outs. After a pair of changes in the circle, Brooke Hock took over and got out of the jam with a strike out, fly out and groundout to keep the shutout alive.
Hock and UWW defense went on the retire the next six batters in order to seal the win.
Eggert paced the Warhawk offense with a 2-3 game at the plate.
Anderson improved to 12-3 after scattering five hits across four innings of work. Hock registered her 12th save of the season, no-hitting the Royals in the final three innings of the game.
Twelve Whitewater High School students traveled to the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Truax campus on May 3 for its annual Firestone Challenge.
The event drew students from schools across southern Wisconsin to compete in a series of automotive-related challenges, including strut removal, spark plug replacement, and automotive part identification. Participants demonstrated the knowledge and skills gained from their automotive classes.
Divided into four teams of two, WHS was represented by Jake Luebker and Edward Rohloff, Wyatt Nixon and Atreyu Blahnik, Gavin LaFlash and Xander Jochims, and Calli Hartzheim and Jason Villegas.
Standout performances were delivered by Nixon and Blahnik, placing in the top six out of 32 teams. The collective group’s exceptional performance highlighted their passion, skill, and the quality instruction provided by Justin Buntrock, Whitewater High School’s Automotive Education Instructor.
“The Firestone Challenge remains a platform where our students shine and demonstrate impressive automotive knowledge,” said Caroline Pate-Hefty, WUSD Superintendent. “I am incredibly proud of the automotive education program Whitewater has built. Congratulations to our head program instructor, Justin, and the talented students who represented us well at MATC.”
At last year’s 2023 Firestone challenge, a pair of WHS students ranked in the top 10 among more than 33 teams.
The continued success of WHS students at the Firestone Challenge underscores the school’s commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences and preparing students for future careers in the automotive industry.
For more information about Whitewater High School’s automotive program, please contact Justin Buntrock at jbuntrock@wwusd.org.
East side
428 N Jefferson St, Whitewater
Open Friday 7-1
Possibly Saturday as well
Collection of crystal items
Oriental rugs
Kitchen items: new pancake maker, Ice cream maker, several sets of dishes, silverware, pie plates, bakeware
vintage roasters Nesco, lamps and succulents planted in cute pots.
225 Lakeview Drive
May 17 & 18 from 8 am to 4 pm there will be a garage sale at 225 Lakeview Drive, Whitewater, WI. There will be lots of craft supplies , kitchen items , home decor, stroller, toys, and lots of miscellaneous items.
233 S. Ash Ln., Whitewater
Thursday 4 p-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Huge downgrading sale!
Plenty of kids and toddlers toys including, easel, Barbie, LOL sets, my little pony, music sets, train sets, sand toys, squish mellows, stuffed animals, scooter, baby dolls including our generations down with clothes, furniture, accessories.
Juniors and Womens clothes, Nike, Zyia and other name brand size XS-Medium.
Mens clothes size small to large.
Boys clothes size small.
Girls clothes size 6-7 and 10-14.
Men’s shoes, Women’s shoes including new Nike’s, and Girls shoes.
Brand new backpacks.
Desk and office stuff.
Travel bags.
Camping stuff.
Mint Shape 1988 Jayco Designer Series Pop Up Camper
Tons of dish sets.
Baby/Kid brand new car seats and car top pads/straps for kayak.
Like new Fitbit Watch
Jewelry, old Christmas decor, Scentsy warmers, pool stuff, wedding dress, Keurig, toaster oven, scale, cooler boxes, weight rack, shoe rack, poker set, cat carrier. China set and Crystal Punch Bowl Set, so much to list, come check it out!
Don’t like a price, throw an offer, all will be going after this sale!
West side
214 S. Woodland drive
Whitewater
May 17, 18, 19
Friday and Saturday 8-4
Sunday 8-12
Clothing of all sizes, variety of kitchen items, blankets, bedding, books, toys, lots of kids stuff, ride-ons, mini bike, and much more!
447 S. Woodland Drive
Moving Sale, Everything must go.
Friday May 17 to Sunday May 19, 8 am – 4 pm
Collectables: Colored Glass Decor, Department 56 Dickens Village Series, Rae Dunn Pottery and Holiday Collections, Longaberger Baskets and Pottery
Everyday Items: Kitchen Items, Games, Crafts, Tools, Table and Chairs, Cabinet, Weights, Exercise Equipment, more added every day.
439 S. Pleasant St.
Women’s clothing, household items, decor, books, blu ray DVDs
Friday: 10-4
Saturday: 8-4
Sunday: 8-12
1145 W South St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Open 5/16 Thurs- 5/17 Friday 8:30-4, 5/18 Saturday 8-12
Womens and young adult clothing, athletic clothing, household items, large selection of scrapbooking paper, American Girl dolls. Too many items to list.
539 S Elizabeth, Whitewater, WI 53190.
5/17 Friday 8:30-4, 5/18 Saturday 8:30-4
Canoe, garden arbor, housewares and clothing
1180 Blooming Field Dr., Unit #101
8-4 Friday
8-3 Saturday
Estate sale:
Freezer, 5 pc. bedroom set, treadmill, loveseat, dressers, roll top desk, wicker furniture set, file cabinet, vintage china, crystal items, small appliances, Tupperware, pans, glassware, utensils, jewelry, women’s lg/xl clothing, vintage sweaters, tools, garden items, material, crafts, medical equipment, decorations, vases, puzzles, books, games, blankets, towels
A Banner Service: Garage Sale Ads
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. A few photos may also be included if desired; we prefer jpg format if possible.
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/how-the-border-crisis-hit-a-small-wisconsin-town
On NPR Weekend Edition, 5/4/24
Join the WUSD Robotics Booster Club on Saturday, May 18 at the first annual STEAM Faire at Whitewater High School from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm! The event is FREE and open to the public and is designed to say thank you to the community for the support it has already offered the robotics programs in the school district.
The event will feature over 30 exhibitors offering interactive activities exploring science, engineering, and the arts! Be sure to scroll through the slides to learn about the various exhibitors.
Lakeland Animal Shelter will be on site with furry friends, and donations are requested on their behalf. Their wish list is located at https://lakelandanimalshelter.org/donate/wish-list/. Concessions will be available for sale, and visitors will also have the opportunity to try for 50 different raffle baskets!
The Robotics Booster Club has recently formed to support WUSD robotics programs in grades 4-12. If you are interested in finding out more about this group, please contact Sue Wildermuth at wilderms@uww.edu.
Article submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Sealed bids for the Addition and Renovations at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will be received by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library at 431 W. Center Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 until 1:00 p.m. prevailing time on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Lump Sum bid proposals will be received for this project at the scheduled time of receipt of bids and will be publicly opened and read aloud at the above stated time and place.
Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Guarantee in the form of a Bid Bond, Certified Check or Bank Draft in an amount equal to and not less than ten percent (10%) of the bid and made payable to the City of Whitewater. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the bid opening date without the consent of the Owner. Checks or drafts of unsuccessful Bidders will be returned as soon as practical, after opening and checking the bids. Successful Bidder must provide a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Payment Bond in the full amount of the Contract, acceptable to the Owner.
Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked as SEALED BID and addressed to:
Diane Jaroch
Library Director
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
431 W. Center Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof or waive any irregularities or informalities in bidding.
QUALIFICATION: Each Bidder must satisfactorily complete the qualification process described in Section 004395 -General Requirements of the Project Manual, by providing the required Qualification Documents. The required Qualification Documents must be delivered along with the Bidder’s sealed bid at the same place and time required for the bid. Contents of each Bidder’s Qualification Documents will be available for public review. The Qualification Documents will be reviewed by the Owner and Architect to determine the lowest responsible Bidder.
Bidding documents consist of drawings, project manuals, plus all addenda issued prior to bids; and may be obtained
electronically from QuestCDN. (https://www.questcdn.com/questcdn/) Bidders will need to create a free account to login and search for the project through the QuestCDN E-bid document: # 9122030. Bid documents will be available beginning on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
A pre-bid meeting walk-through for general contractors will be held at 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library located at 431 W. Center Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Interested subcontractors are asked to attend. After the pre-bid meeting, everyone shall be given an opportunity to view the area of work, gather additional information, and ask specific questions. All contractors intending to submit a bid are required to visit the site. Bidders not attending the pre-bid meeting are required to make a site visit on their own time during the library’s regular hours. Visitors are asked to sign in at the circulation desk. Documented proof of a site visit, at the time of the pre-bid meeting or on the bidders own time, is required as part of a successful bid submission. Not visiting the site will be grounds for rejection of bid.
Board of Trustees
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
Walworth County, Wisconsin
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is hosting two artmaking classes for children during the month of May. Maker Club is for ages 5-12 and will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m. This month, the project is painting wooden signs. A snack will be served.
For children ages 2-6, Little Makers will be held on Thursday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m. This month, the project will be decorating cardboard tubes and creating sculptures. The class allows children to explore and experiment with different art materials, tools, and techniques which helps develop their fine motor skills, critical thinking, social/emotional development, and more.
Both events will be held in the library’s Community Room and are free and open to the public. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of the library’s events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
A Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2024
Every day, police officers pin on their shields and walk out the door, rushing into harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe. Being a police officer is more than what they do — it is who they are. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize the incredible courage of our Nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay……
This year, we also honor our Nation’s law enforcement families, who serve and sacrifice alongside their loved ones. Every day, they summon courage as their loved ones put on their badges and leave for work, praying for their safe return home. To those who have lost a loved one who served, I know that no memorial can fill the void left in your heart. But I hope you find solace in knowing that their memory lives on through you, the community they served, and all those that they inspired through their example. Our Nation will never forget their sacrifice.
Last year, I bestowed six law enforcement officers with the Medal of Valor for going to unimaginable lengths to protect their fellow citizens. They exemplified a selflessness of character and a bravery that inspires. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, let us show our gratitude for all the women and men of our Nation’s law enforcement community, who make extraordinary sacrifices every day. Let us honor the memory of those who have fallen in service to their fellow Americans. Let us recommit to supporting the people in uniform and their families, who ensure the safety of our communities all across the Nation.
By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12 through May 18, 2024, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities and salute our Nation’s brave law enforcement officers and remember their peace officer brothers and sisters who have given their last full measure of devotion in the line of duty. I also call on the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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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