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Whitewater Community Chooses Finalists for Local Business Competition

May 7, 2024


The votes have been tallied, and the Whitewater community has spoken! With nearly 1,000 votes cast, and after careful consideration of the votes, we are thrilled to announce the finalists who will be advancing to the finale on May 18th. These outstanding businesses have captured the hearts of our community with their innovation, dedication, and exceptional service:

  • Whitewater Grocery Cooperative
  • The Book Teller
  • Uptown Revive
  • Stellar Vintage
  • The Wellnest Shop
  • The Poppy Seed Company
  • BaristaCats Café’
  • BH Events LLC- Bowers House

To our esteemed finalists: Congratulations! In the coming days, the Media Services staff at City Hall will be in touch to
schedule a time to meet with you and film additional content highlighting your business. We encourage you to showcase
what makes your venture unique and share your journey with the wider community.

Sing, Dance, Thrive! Free Class for Young Children and Caregivers

May 7, 2024

Do you and your young kids love to sing, dance, and play musical instruments? Do you wish you had new parenting strategies to handle stress, meltdowns, and challenging behaviors?

Children ages zero to six and their caregivers are invited to “Sing, Dance, Thrive,” a free class at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Saturday, May 11 at 9:45-11:00 a.m. Participants will engage in imaginative music and movement adventures, playfully dance with colorful ribbons and parachutes, and nurture relationships by deepening emotional awareness and learning coping strategies for home and school.

The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.

There is no cost or registration required to attend. Contact Sarah French with any questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0530.

Wright House Concert: Subversive Librarian

May 7, 2024

The next Wright House Concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, featuring local storyteller, Sarah Beth Nelson.

Subversive Librarian: Stories Lived and Told by an American Librarian in Norwich England

In the fall of 2008, Sarah Beth married John Nelson and they immediately moved to Norwich, UK, where John had a scholarship to study abroad. In order to stay busy (and sane) Sarah Beth volunteered as a librarian and storyteller. Jack, Boudica, the Foolish Frog, and the many people she met along the way made her feel like a heroine, but her return to the US in the spring of 2009 was less than heroic…

Guest MC: Karen McCulloch

Karen owns Whitewater’s local book store, The Book Teller. She hosts events for writers and readers at The Book Teller and has hosted outdoor open mics on 1st Street.

Register on Eventbrite: https://subversivelibrarian.eventbrite.com

Blowing or Leaving Grass Clippings in Street is Prohibited

May 6, 2024


This public service announcement serves as a reminder that blowing or depositing grass clippings into any City street is
prohibited. Reasons this is not permitted include: 1) Grass clippings, leaves, and other lawn debris can clog storm drains,
resulting in street and private property flooding. 2) Storm drains flow directly to local lakes untreated. Grass clippings add
unnecessary nutrients, which help feed harmful algae blooms. 3) Clippings can make the street slippery and hazardous
for bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Using a mulching mower puts clippings back into the turf and keeps the nutrients where they belong. Should you choose
to use a discharging mower, please be sure to point the blower toward your property (away from the street) to prevent
clippings from leaving your lawn. Mowers may also choose to bag clippings, but they may not be disposed of in the
garbage totes. City residents are encouraged to compost clippings on their property or take them to the City’s compost
site.

When finished mowing, be sure to use a blower, broom, or rake to clean up any grass clippings or debris that have
inadvertently made their way into the street, sidewalk, or storm drain.

City Code – Chapter 12.08 – STREET OBSTRUCTIONS
Sections:
12.08.010 – Prohibited.
(a) No person, except as provided in Section 12.08.020, shall place, deposit, keep, or cause to be placed, deposited or
kept in or upon any street, alley, gutter, sidewalk or public ground within the limits of this city any stone, brick, timber,
lumber, iron, wood or other material for building, or any wood, snow, rubbish, earth, grass clippings or lawn debris, or
anything or substance whatever; nor shall any person burn or cause to be burned any such substance in any public street
or alley; nor shall any person leave any automobile, truck, trailer, equipment or other vehicle standing or parked in or upon
any street, alley, sidewalk, or public ground so as to encumber the same, or so as to obstruct, impede, or hinder travel
thereon; nor shall any person leave, or cause to suffer any box, barrel, crate, cask, bale, package, merchandise, or other
thing to stand, be or remain upon any street, alley, sidewalk, gutter, or public ground longer than may be actually
necessary for the act of delivering or receiving the same.
(b) Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall forfeit and pay a penalty of not less than twenty-five
dollars not more than two hundred fifty dollars, together with the costs of prosecution.
(Ord. 983 §51, 1982; prior code §6.01(1))
(Ord. No. 1759A, § 1, 2-16-2010)

Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

Track and Field Athletes Compete in RVC Divisional Meet

May 6, 2024

Whitewater Track & Field competed in a Rock Valley Divisional Meet at East Troy on April 30. There were five schools at this meet; the Whitewater Boys ended in 2nd place and the Whippet Girls placed 5th.

Ethan Dugan
  • Senior Jaylyn Ewing won the High Jump with a jump of 6-2. He was also 3rd in the Discus throw of 126′.
  • Junior Alani Ross was 3rd in the Triple Jump (31′) and the 100 Meter Dash.
  • Senior Ethan Dugan won the 400 Meter Dash in 49.47, which is the second fastest time in school history, and junior Traysen Thomason won the 100 Meter Dash with the fourth fastest time in school history at 11.00.
  • Akamion McHenry placed 2nd in the 200 and 2nd in the 400.
  • Nate Holden placed 2nd in the 800.
  • Jack Hefty won the 1600 in 4:22.86.
  • The Boys’ 4×1 placed 2nd in 45.63. This relay consisted of Nate Black, Ty Hagedorn, Keenan Sheffield, and Quincy Boudreau.
  • The Boys’ 4×2 placed 1st with a time of 1:32.86 and consisted of Nate Black, Curtis Rossmiller, Traysen Thomason, and Quincy Boudreau.
  • The Boys’ 4×4 also won with a time of 3:28.35 and consisted of Jack Hefty, Nate Holden, Curtis Rossmiller, and Ethan Dugan.
  • Quinton O’Toole won the pole vault with a new personal best of 10′ 6″.
  • Mady Hefty placed 3rd in the 3200 with a time of 13:19.
  • Carley Boudreau placed 3rd in the 300H with a time of 53.62.
  • The Girls’ 4×1 placed first in 53.91. This relay consisted of Giulia Ristagno, Calli Grosinske, A’lani Ross, and Emy Islas.

The Whippets will be hosting the eleven team Rock Valley Conference Meet on Friday, May 10th. Field events start at 4:00 and running events begin at 4:30.

Jaylyn Ewing

Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

There Are Two Summer Markets: City Market on Tues. — Farmers Market on Sat.

May 5, 2024

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

It can be confusing! There are two outdoor markets that occur in Whitewater from May through October. They occur at essentially the same place, but on different days.

Whitewater City MarketTuesdays, 4-7 p.m. – The market, built to celebrate local foods, products, and community, opens for its ninth season on May 7. It sets up around the Historic Train Depot, 301 W Whitewater Street, with a few of the vendors, including ready-to-eat foods, being located in the parking lot adjacent to the depot. The City Market is located at the Irvin L. Young Library on Saturdays from November through April. For further details please see this May 4 post.

Whitewater Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – This is a smaller, producer only market featuring produce, baked goods, and the like. It is located in the parking lot next to the Historic Train Depot, 301 W. Whitewater St. The market opened for the season on May 4. Though in its 33rd year, this market wasn’t always at this location. Sometimes a farmer will sell directly from the bed of their pickup truck.

Consider Donating Household Items in Good Condition to Bethel House Instead of Putting out for Bulk Collection

May 5, 2024

Hey college students!

We know many of you are moving out soon, and before you put any of your furniture out to the curb or put any of your housewares/textile items in the garbage, consider donating them to Bethel House!

Our organization houses up to seven families at a time in our Transitional Housing Program, and we make every effort to fully furnish each home every time a new family moves in—from couches and beds to curtains and rugs to cookie sheets and silverware.

So rather than tossing your items (in good condition, of course!), let them find a new home and support a local family at the same time. Contact our Director of Case Management to coordinate donation details.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

May 5, 2024

Whitewater Unified School District School Board representatives & Whitewater Education Assoc. – Monday @ 3:45 p.m.
Representatives of the School Board of the Whitewater Unified School District and the Whitewater Education Association will meet on May 6, at 3:45 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Library for an Employee Benefits Committee meeting. No action will be taken.

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunity Commission [EOC] – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible action regarding the Welcome to Whitewater Graphic and Discussion of possible action of Combining Disability Rights Commission and EOC.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/972125269
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 972-125-269
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Unified School District School Board & Whitewater Education AssocTuesday @ 3:45 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Pursuant to §111.70 and §19.82(1), Wis. Stats., you are hereby notified that representatives of the School Board of the Whitewater Unified School District and the Whitewater Education Association will meet on May 7, at 3:45 p.m. at the Central Office Board Room, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin, to exchange 2024-25 proposals. The meeting will be open to the public. In addition, the parties may caucus individually in closed session. Subsequent negotiations will be conducted in closed session unless the parties agree to open sessions.

City of Whitewater Common Council MeetingTuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Jessie Dugan from Bethel House is presenting a recap of their Emergency Assistance Program that will highlight the needs of the families they are serving-specifically as they relate to housing, income equality and the overall cost of living expenses, Update on library renovation, TDS update regarding completion date and when it will enable us to start broadcasting, Discussion and possible action regarding UWW MOU Polling Place on Campus, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Starin Road Safety, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Approval of Proposed Scope Work to be performed by SEWRPC for phase one of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for
Cravath and Trippe Lakes.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81914940238?pwd=tYI97riyLo4kl5RS_Fg1w21zex-Now.BINRMCzgtNj9T41o
Telephone: 1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 819 494 0238
Passcode: 525458

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – WUSD Unplugged Attendance – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Members of the Whitewater School Board will be attending the WUSD Unplugged session in the Whitewater High School Library on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 beginning at 4:00 pm. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.

Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

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

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

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!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

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

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

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

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

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

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

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

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