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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football program has a “Week of Giving” planned for April 29 through May 3. The week features community service and educational engagements.
Monday, April 29 — Reading with the Warhawks at Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools
Warhawk football players will partner with children at both Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools in Whitewater to read books.
Tuesday, April 30 — UWW Football Visits Fairhaven
The UW-Whitewater football team will make an appearance at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater to visit and play games with residents.
Wednesday, May 1 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Presentation
Representatives from the National Marrow Donor Program will be presenting to the Warhawk football team about the work they do every day to save lives through marrow transplants.
Thursday, May 2 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Recruiting Event on Campus | Event Flyer
Warhawk football and representatives from the NMDP will hold a recruiting event for the donor registry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the south side of the University Center at UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks encourage anyone interested in learning more about becoming a marrow donor or joining the registry to visit the booth!
Friday, May 3 — UWW Football Outdoor Cleanup Project
The Warhawk football team will assist the UW-Whitewater facilities crew with various projects at the outdoor athletic complexes on campus.
*NMDP is a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy. With their partners, NMDP drives groundbreaking research, treatment and support to cure blood cancer, blood disorders and beyond. NMDP has previously been known as Be The Match and the National Marrow Donor Program, but the mission has remained: Find cures. Save lives.
The Whitewater Track and Field team went to Fort Atkinson to compete in a large nine school competition on Friday, April 26. The competition was rained out for the second straight year after the handful of events were able to take place. Attached are photos of two athletes who got a chance to compete before the competition was halted.
Senior David Rubio had a 37’3″ Triple Jump for a fourth place before the rain came and, freshman Emy Islas ran the 100 Meter race in a heavy downpour for an 11th place finish.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
With warmer weather upon us, Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership wanted to get ahead of bike safety month in May and purchased over 100 helmets for students at Lincoln Elementary School. Every single student had the opportunity to have a helmet ordered for them!
We want to impress upon all our readers within the community the importance of bike safety and remembering to watch out for bicyclists.
Stay safe and have a healthy summer!
Warmly,
Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Tamela Acker. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Jyotirmay Datta Chaudhuri from Pixabay.
Editor’s note: Although the following press release was issued on April 5, 2024, no progress has been reported in locating the subject children. Their photos may be found here.
In September 2023, Walworth County Child Protective Services contacted the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating Ava (age 6), Ezekiel (age 13), Justice (age 12), and Perpetua (age 15) Bushey, of Whitewater, WI. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has conducted an extensive investigation into their whereabouts. Early in the investigation, it was found that the family had suddenly left the state of Wisconsin and was believed to be in the southern part of the United States. Walworth County Child Protective Services has issued a civil warrant to check on the welfare of the children.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has consulted with the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office for review. The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has determined there are no criminal violations of the law at this time.
Both our agency and the Walworth County Child Protective Services have followed up on numerous leads and are working with outside law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the children. We reached out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and are looking for the community’s help in locating these children and checking their welfare.
The primary concern for locating the children is to determine if they are receiving proper medical care related to their medical needs. Court orders are in place to allow Walworth County Child Protective Services to take custody of the children if located. There are no concerns for violence to the children and there are no concerns for harm to the public.
Anyone with information, please contact Walworth County Child Protective Services at 262-741-3200.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Reference #2001829
Young children and their caregivers are invited to “Music & Art Wonder Club,” a free class at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, April 29 at 5:45 – 7:00 p.m. Participants will explore a world instrument petting zoo, create an upcycled process art project, and engage in a whimsical music and movement program with instrument and movement props. Best for ages 3-8; all ages welcome.
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 to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0530.
The basketball shooting competition that was to be hosted by the UW-W Wheelchair Basketball Team on Sunday, April 28 has been canceled.
Whitewater hosted the Monroe Cheesemakers in a conference match on Tuesday, April 23. Whitewater won 4-0 with goals by Mayte Navejas (2) and Belle Peterson (2). Marina Linos had 7 saves in goal for Whitewater, and Monroe’s keeper, Kaelyn Welch, had 18 saves.
Whitewater and Cambridge-Deerfield played a rainy non-conference game Friday night, April 26. Whitewater won 2-1 with goals by Belle Peterson and Mayte Navejas. Marina Linos played in goal for Whitewater and had 9 saves. The Cambridge-Deerfield keeper had 23 saves.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka
Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s including 110,000 in Wisconsin. As an Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer advocate, it is my honor to raise my voice on their behalf. I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on Wisconsin families. My wife, Pat, of 53 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at Mayo Clinic in 2018. Her decline from this devastating disease has been difficult to watch. I recently attended the 2024 AIM [Alzheimer’s Impact Movement] Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. with my fellow Alzheimer’s Association advocates from across the country. The attendance was 1,000 strong. The purpose was to meet with our members of Congress to call for support of the NAPA Reauthorization Act, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, the BOLD Reauthorization Act and the AADAPT Act. Each of these bills will ensure that the nation continues to prioritize addressing Alzheimer’s and dementia as major health issues. These programs will promote early detection, implement dementia interventions, and help support the needs of caregivers. Thank you to Congressman Bryan Steil for listening to those of us impacted by Alzheimer’s. Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in encouraging Rep. Steil to advance the policies that will continue making progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
This issue is not Red or Blue; it is Purple
Randy Cruse
Whitewater
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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