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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by Brienne Brown.
Experienced Community Leader and Small Business Owner, Brienne Brown, Announces Candidacy for State Assembly in District 43
Brienne Brown, a respected community leader, small business owner, and advocate for positive change, officially announces her candidacy for State Assembly District 43 in the November 5, 2024 election.
“I am excited to announce my candidacy for State Assembly District 43 and to continue my commitment to serve the people of Wisconsin,” said Brown.
Brown, who has lived in Whitewater for 12 years, is a familiar face to many Whitewater residents, who describe her as “hardworking,” “compassionate,” and “dedicated to improving our community.”
Brown has been elected to three terms on the Whitewater Common Council, served on the Whitewater Library Board for 11 years, and was instrumental on the board of the non-profit Downtown Whitewater, which worked to create the vibrant Tuesday night farmers market, Whitewater City Market. She was also Program Director for the Whitewater Community Foundation, and helped to expand their operations to offer highly impactful Community Action Grants.
In her time serving on Whitewater Common Council, Brown championed the establishment of the professional EMS Department for the municipality, replacing the all-volunteer Fire Department. She also voted to build the Cravath Lakefront Park Amphitheater, and continues to fight for shared-revenue funding from the state legislature.
The new Assembly District 43 includes Whitewater, Milton, Edgerton, Fulton, Harmony, Johnstown, Lima, Richmond, and Cold Spring.
Brown looks forward to getting to know the citizens of the new 43rd district through a series of listening sessions. “I want to represent all the citizens of the 43rd, both rural and urban, regardless of political affiliation. When we respect each other and work together, we can create positive change and make Assembly District 43 a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
For more information about Brienne Brown, visit BrienneForWisconsin.com or write to info@BrienneForWisconsin.com
Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from across the state are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. UW-Whitewater will host this event on Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be open to the public and free of charge.
“The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” said Matt Onstad, Festival Manager for UW-Whitewater. “It is also an opportunity for our music program to showcase our facilities and emphasize how much we value and support the efforts of our school music colleagues, their students and their families.”
Students must earn a “starred first” rating in Class A (which consists of the most difficult music) at a WSMA District Music Festival to qualify for WSMA State Music Festivals. The participants, in grades 6-12, can choose from a variety of instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble categories for their performances in district festivals throughout the state. Over the past six months, WSMA has held over 140 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.
“WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals provide youth musicians a state-level platform to showcase their growth and achievements. This opportunity is possible because of our state’s exceptional music educators, adjudicators, families and communities who support access to a well-rounded education inclusive of music,” said WSMA Executive Director Laurie Fellenz.
Nine other university campuses will host performances by more than 11,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside and UW-Platteville will hold festivals on April 27 also. Carroll University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point festivals will be held on May 4.
Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting wsmamusic.org. Festival information, including schedules and results, will be posted here.
# # #
Founded in 1932, Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a non-profit service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Students from member schools are eligible to participate in WSMA programs, such as District and State Music Festivals, Concert Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships, Student Composition Project and WSMA Aca U. WSMA is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over the state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
…
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletic Department has announced the hire of Jarod Wichser as the next head coach of the Warhawk men’s basketball team. Wichser served as the interim coach last season.
“I would like to thank Chancellor King, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan, and the search committee for trusting me to lead the men’s basketball program,” said Coach Wichser. “It is a privilege to be a part of the Warhawk family, and I will work hard to build upon the rich tradition of success here at UW-Whitewater.”
“We are excited for Jarod to lead our men’s basketball program,” said Athletic Director Callahan. “Jarod holds character in high regard and his work ethic and ability as a teacher are never in question.”
Prior to taking over as the interim head coach a year ago, Wichser served as an assistant coach under longtime head coach Pat Miller for six seasons. The Warhawk men’s basketball program has a history of longevity of its head coaches – Wichser is just the third to take on the role since 1978.
“We’ve been fortunate with two of the nation’s most decorated coaches at the helm since 1978 – Dave “Augie” Vander Meulen and Pat Miller – that led with integrity and passion for the sport and the university. Working under Coach Miller for six years has put Jarod in a position to continue the legacy of Augie and Pat while building his own,” added Callahan.
Wichser takes the helm of a program with a long history of success at the conference and national level. UW-Whitewater has won 15 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and five WIAC Tournament titles – second-most in the league. UW-Whitewater’s 22 NCAA appearances is more than any other team in the conference while the program’s four NCAA Division III titles is tied for the most in the WIAC. The Warhawks boast a record of 42-19 in NCAA tournament play.
“The standard of success in men’s basketball at UW-Whitewater is very high because of the many elite student-athletes and coaches who built this program,” added Wichser. “We are going to be relentless in our pursuit to meet and maintain the standard of excellence they established.”
“I am thrilled for him and his family as he leads us into a new era of men’s basketball,” concluded Callahan.
In his interim campaign, Wichser led UWW to a 17-9 overall record and a 7-7 mark in WIAC play.
Wichser is a 2012 graduate of UW-Whitewater. He earned a degree in elementary/middle education before completing a master’s program in professional development at UWW in 2018.
Tickets are available one hour before the show at the door or on the Fort PAC website at this link: https://fortatkinsonpac.com/event/alice-in-wonderland/
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Sarah Gehrenbeck.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which all children add to the beauty of our community at the third annual free family-friendly International Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27 in Whitewater.
This event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School. Information will be available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for sale.
Marco Wence will perform. A student choir will sing Puerto Rican and Chinese children’s songs including one that honors the Lunar New Year. Lakeview Elementary students will drum. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the talents of our school children and community members.
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 27 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
Representatives from the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee will be at the event, providing information and answering questions.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Students from Whitewater High School’s Music Masters Ensemble and Jazz Band celebrated Jazz Appreciation month with a performance for Whitewater Middle School’s music students on April 12th. Each group performed three pieces that represent the music they have been studying this semester. Congratulations on a fine performance!
Editor’s note: The above photos and copy were provided by Karen Tordera.
It is anticipated the Walworth Avenue Storm Sewer and Drainageway Project will begin on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The
project entails replacing storm sewer inlets and storm sewer pipe in Walworth Avenue near the properties of 1011 and
1027 Walworth Avenue, replacing the storm sewer pipe that runs south from Walworth Avenue, and reshaping the open
drainageway.
Walworth Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Prince Street and Elizabeth Street for a day, Thursday, April 25,
2024, starting at 7:00 a.m. to remove terrace trees. It is anticipated to be closed again starting around May 9, 2024, until the project is completed, tentatively scheduled for May 24, 2024.
If you have any questions please contact Brad Marquardt, Director of Public Works.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-2239
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city Department of Public Works.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Department of University Health and Counseling Services will host “Can I Kiss You?”, a presentation by WHS/UW-W alum Mike Domitrz, this Thursday, April 25, at 5 p.m. at Summers Auditorium in the University Center on campus.
Domitrz, an author and award-winning speaker, will present a high energy, inclusive program for providing how-to skills for teaching consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention, and addressing sexual assault.
Admission to the event is free. Food, free t-shirts, and giveaways will be on hand.
Domitrz, who founded The Center for Respect, works closely with students, parents, and educators across the country to produce national initiatives resulting in revolutionary change in America’s approach to dating, respect, and intimacy.
Domitrz served as UW-Whitewater’s May 2023 commencement speaker.
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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