Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
Whitewater resident Caryl Yasko is featured in a documentary entitled, “Pioneering Women Muralists of Hyde Park,” which was recently screened in the 14th Annual New Hope Film Festival in Pennsylvania. The film features the history of public art in Chicago’s Hyde Park and those it describes as the city’s five most prominent women muralists in Chicago Public Art Group’s history, including Caryl.
Caryl states that the documentary, “… features me in 1972 painting my first public mural in Chicago, ‘Under City Stone.’ The filmmakers came to Whitewater to film me in an interview for this documentary. Whitewater’s mural, “Prairie Tillers,” appears briefly in the film.”
As shown in the image above, Yasko returned to Chicago in 2015 to restore the mural. This story describes that project.
The Prairie Tillers mural (shown above) was originally created by Yasko in 1980 on the east exterior wall at 119 Center Street in Whitewater. She restored the mural in 2004.
Editor’s note: Article by Lynn Binnie, Whitewater Banner volunteer staff, whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
In his 21st season as the Warhawks baseball head coach, on April 8 John Vodenlich recorded his 700th win at the helm of the program. With a total record of 700-221-1 at UW-Whitewater, Vodenlich is the winningest coach in Warhawk history and ranks 2nd in the WIAC for wins all time. Vodenlich, a 2024 ABCA [American Baseball Coaches Association] Hall of Fame Inductee, also holds a spot on the national leader board. Out of active NCAA DIII coaches (min. 5 seasons), Vodelinch is 23rd in total wins (700 at UWW, 29 at Edgewood), and third in win percentage (0.736). All time, he ranks 43rd in total wins and 8th in winning percentage. [From an article by Broderick Frye, Asst. Sports Information Director.]
Warhawks softball head coach Brenda Volk reached the 750 career win milestone on April 25 as the No. 22 softball team swept Rockford in a twinbill at the van Steenderen Softball Complex Thursday. UWW won game one 3-1 and took the nightcap 10-6.
Volk, already the WIAC leader in career wins, is now ranked 19th in NCAA Division III history for career wins. [From a press release by Angela Kelm, Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information.]
Congratulations to NCWIT Wisconsin Award Winners Rae Breisath and Ace Hudec and NCWIT Wisconsin Rising Star Erison Dreksler! The trio was honored during a ceremony at Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday, April 28. All three are members of the Whitewater High School FIRST Robotics Competition Team Ferradermis where Hudec is the Programming Subteam Lead, Dreksler is the Electro-Mechanical Subteam Lead, and Breisath is a member of the Programming Subteam.
The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing award recognizes high school students for their computing-related interests and achievements and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.
NCWIT [National Center for Women & Information Technology] is a nationwide, non-profit community of more than 1,600 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations that draws on social science research at all levels of the tech ecosystem to identify and promote interventions to correct underrepresentation in computing education and the tech workforce. NCWIT strives to ensure the broadest spectrum of people can contribute to the innovations that shape all of our lives.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Tori Breisath
The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs wishes to thank the UW-Whitewater students who came to the Bassett House on April 26th to assist club members with our yard work. The students were part of the university’s “Make A Difference Day” and they absolutely made a difference. We are so thankful for their assistance in maintaining the lovely gardens of this historic Local Landmark. They did an absolutely fantastic job. Our Heroes!
Editor’s note: This press release was submitted by Pat Blackmer, Bassett House Preservation Chair.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) invites photographers of all levels to submit their photography for consideration in the 15th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition.
The gallery exhibit will be held during the month of July, 2024 at the WAA’s Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The photographs in the exhibit will be displayed on the walls of the gallery and, concurrently, in an online virtual exhibit that will appear at the WAA website.
New this year: a free commemorative PDF catalog containing all of the photographs chosen for the exhibit will be produced and made available for download.
All are welcome to enter. Submissions must be received no later than Wednesday, May 29 and must include 1) a completed online entry form, 2) entry fee of $35 ($30 for current WAA members), and 3) emailed digital copies of entered photos. The entry includes submission of up to four photographs. Complete information, along with the online entry form, key dates, and rules is located at www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2024
Contacts
- Jeff McDonald, Exhibit Chair – waa.franachen@gmail.com
- Kim Adams, WAA Gallery Director – wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Awards
- First Place Award: ($150)
- Second Place Award: ($125)
- Third Place Award: ($100)
- Viewer Choice Award: ($75)
- Honorable Mention Certificates
Key Dates
- Entries, fees, and image files due: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
- Notice of acceptance: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
- Gallery exhibit dates: July 5 – 28, 2024
- Reception and awards presentation: Sunday, July 7, 2024 (1 pm – 4 pm), awards at 2 pm
- Viewers’ Choice Award Announcement: Sunday, July 28
Entry Fees
- $30 for current WAA members, $35 for non-members
- Fee includes up to 4 photographs
- An entrant may optionally enter 2 additional photographs (making a total of 6) for an additional fee of $20
- Photographs must receive an acceptance to be included in the exhibit.
Entry Process
- Described in detail at www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2024
An opening reception featuring the presentation of awards will be held Sunday, July 7 at 1:00 P.M. at the Cultural Arts Center where light refreshments will be served. Voting for Viewers’ Choice will continue throughout the run of the exhibit and its winner will be announced Sunday, July 28.
Jeff McDonald, the exhibit’s 10-year chair and a longtime WAA board member, said, “The Fran Achen exhibition is an annual highlight. Fran Achen was a revered member of the community and an exceptional photographer. His collection of images continues to inspire. This exhibit, named in his honor, is an excellent opportunity to showcase the outstanding work created by both established and aspiring area photographers. The participation and support of many skilled artists from all over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois is greatly appreciated and is the reason for this program’s continued success. Each year brings a new crop of inspired work.”
Admission to the exhibit and its reception are free of charge, open to the public, and all are invited. The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 P.M. (Noon) to 4:00 P.M. and the website is open 24/7. The exhibit runs from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 28.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance believes art plays a significant role in transforming the cultural fabric. It brings people together, fosters dialogue and reflection, and creates a sense of pride and ownership.
Large items will be picked up in the City of Whitewater on Thursday:
~ May 2, May 9, May 16, and May 23, 2024~
- These additional pick ups are for garbage or recycling items that are too large to fit in the toters. This does not include yard waste, construction materials, hazardous materials or electronics (including TVs).
- An Electronic Recycling Event is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9 am – 1 pm, in Lot B (Cravath Lakefront).
- Place all large items including furniture, carpeting, large metal, large cardboard boxes (emptied and flattened) and appliances 6 ft. away from, and not in front of or next to, the toters.
- Items such as automotive batteries, tires (2 per home per month), drain oil (in sealed 1-5-gallon container) should also be 6 ft. away from the toters.
- Solid waste containers, recycling containers and bulk items should not be placed at the collection point sooner than 4:00 pm on the day before the collection day.
- No items should remain at the curb line after 9:00 am on the day after the scheduled collection time.
For additional pick-up information or removal of TVs, please contact John’s Disposal at 473-4700 for current disposal rates.
More information can be found on the City’s website under Chapter 8.28 – Refuse and Recyclables:
https://library.municode.com/wi/whitewater/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8HESA_CH8.28RERECO
More information regarding John’s Disposal can be found at: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/231/Johns-
Disposal-Service.
Whitewater School Board/Whitewater Education Association Bargaining Session – Wednesday @ 3:45 p.m.
Agenda: Exchange 2024-25 proposals
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approval of Proposed Scope of Work to be
performed by SEWRPC for phase one of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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 the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89512410529?pwd=S0xrUzJBUzlrNjF6d1ZvbFlTQWc2Zz09
Meeting ID: 895 1241 0529
Passcode: 519198
Dial 1 312 626 6799
City of Whitewater Special Common Council Meeting – Wednesday, @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion and Possible Action regarding Interviewing and Appointing of Interim Municipal Judge.
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 the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87127076222?pwd=wxPtUDQztDcWQ_ntZqbYyE73IWWujw.RvK1-Rz-fAlmtbk_
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 871 2707 6222 Passcode: 095330
The $21,169 grant will support the production of critical incident mapping data for first responders
The Whitewater Unified School District has been awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to fund the mapping of all district buildings, ensuring compliance with state mandates and bolstering the district’s security and emergency responsiveness.
Under the provisions of the 2017 Wisconsin Act 143 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 109, schools are eligible to apply for grant funding to cover the expenses associated with obtaining digital maps of buildings required by the Office of School Safety (OSS), a division of the DOJ. These maps must include site-specific data, such as building numbers, floor identifiers, room numbers, and other features, to serve as resources for first responders in case of critical incidents.
The district will receive the $21,169 grant to fund the production of the required critical incident mapping data for the OSS.
“We appreciate the Whitewater Police Department’s role in advocating for the critical incident map grant. Additionally, we want to thank John Houwers, Director of Technology, who contributed tremendously to the completion of this process,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent, “Access to digital maps will significantly improve our district’s security measures and aid first responders in emergencies. We are appreciative of this grant opportunity and the benefits it will offer to WUSD’s existing safety plan.”
Public, private, and tribal schools may apply for up to $5,000 in WI Act 109 grant funding per building, with a district limit of $200,000. These funds must be used for site-specific critical incident mapping data to improve security and increase situational awareness for first responders.
To learn more about Act 143, Act 109, and the DOJ School Safety Grants, visit www.doj.state.wi.us/office-school-safety/school-safety-grants.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
