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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Whitewater hosted a Triangular Track & Field Competition on April 22 which included East Troy and Monroe. The Whitewater Boys beat East Troy 108-27, but the Whippet Girls lost to East Troy 91-41. Monroe, a much bigger school than both Whitewater and East Troy, won over both of the smaller schools.
The Whitewater Boys dominated the shorter races, winning the 100 Meter, 200 Meter, 400 Meter, and 800 Meter Races. Ethan Dugan won the 100, Traysen Thomason won the 200, Nate Holden won the 400, and Jack Hefty won the 800.
Junior A’lani Ross won the Girls’ Triple Jump competition with a jump of 33′ 1.2″.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka.
Whitewater Soccer traveled to Jefferson for a conference game on Monday, April 22.
The Whippets won 7-0 with goals from Belle Peterson, Emma Valadez-Morales, Mayte Navejas, Aubrey Mendoza, Karlee Villegas-Korbel, Berma Vubumuh, and Sophia Garcia.
Marina Linos played in goal for Whitewater and had four saves. Sam Ganser and Rachel Simonson played in goal for Jefferson and had a combined total of 25 saves.
Article Courtesy of Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The National Honor Society at Whitewater High School will be offering a variety of items and services in their Spring Silent Auction this year. Please review the projects by using the link below and indicate if you are interested in a project and the price you would like to offer. The highest bids will win the projects.
The auction will be available online until Friday, April 26th at 3:30 pm. Members will contact you the week of May 1st to make arrangements for project completion.
Thank you so much for participating!
The projects that are offered, together with the current bids, may be viewed on this spreadsheet:
Please use this form to place a bid on your favorite projects:
The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department has identified Patricia A. Seufzer, 59, of Whitewater as being the fourth person who died following a motor vehicle crash on April 13. The crash occurred at the intersection of US Hwy 12 and E County Road in the town of Lima.
Ms. Seufzer was pronounced deceased at a local hospital on April 18, 2024. Preliminary results confirm that Ms. Seufzer died from injuries sustained in the crash. Additional testing is underway at this time.
This incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department and the Medical Examiner’s Department.
Editor’s note: Previous posts on the Banner related to this crash:
https://whitewaterbanner.com/victims-of-saturday-motor-vehicle-crash-identified/
https://whitewaterbanner.com/three-killed-in-crash-on-hwy-12/
Guided Journaling Workshop at the Library
Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided. The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m.
This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
WHS celebrated Nate Black’s Signing Day on Friday, April 12th. Nate will be going to UW-Oshkosh to further his education and to play football.
Nate Black was a great player for the Whippets, serving as a WR/DB and a Team Captain throughout his entire senior season. He led us on offense and defense with his relentless effort each and every snap of the game. He accounted for a touchdown in four separate ways this last season (Passing, Receiving, Rushing, Defensive INT TD).
We will miss his competitiveness and fire on the football team. We are all proud of him and his hard work and cannot wait to see him succeed at the next level!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
Advancing to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association State Festival is an achievement, and earning awards beyond that represents rigorous standards. All five Whitewater High School Forensics state qualifiers ended the season in fine fashion, earning medals for their outstanding performances at Saturday’s State Festival:
Carley Boudreau (11) and Marina Linos (12) earned Gold Medals (Critic’s Choice Award)
Senior Emerson Ellenwood earned a Silver Medal (State Finalist Award)
Seniors Emilia Houwers and Lauren Rollette earned Bronze Medals (Finalist Award)
Article and Photo Submitted by Elizabeth Miller
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
emiller@wwusd.org
Whitewater hosted Big Foot in a conference game Thursday night, April 18.
It was a very exciting game, with Whitewater winning 1-0. Whitewater’s goal was scored by freshman Ema Aranda.
Marina Linos had a huge game in goal for the Whippets, making 6 saves.
Article submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photos courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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