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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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The Whippet Baseball Team competed against Evansville on Tuesday, April 9, and unfortunately came out on the losing end by a score of 6-4.
The Whippets fell behind 4-0 in the middle innings but cut the deficit to 4-2 in the top of the 6th. The tying run was on 2nd base when the final out was recorded.
Leading the offense was Owen Hicks and Emmett Spear who went 2×4 and 1×2 respectively.
Owen Hicks handled the starting pitching duties and went 4⅔ innings. Mike Pope came in relief to finish the game.
The Whippets will be in action again on Friday, April 12, against Big Foot at home. Game time is set for 4:45 pm.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Photos and story courtesy of Tom Ganser.
The Whitewater Middle School Players production of “Far Fetched Fairytales” opens on Thursday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Whitewater High School James M. Stewart Auditorium, with additional performances on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m.
General admission tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. (April 11 is pay what you can night.) All show tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.
Prior to each performance, photos will be shown from the Whitewater Middle School productions of “Guys & Dolls” (2019), “Shrek” (2021), and “Seussical” (2022).
Invest in our work to prevent homelessness in the Whitewater community by supporting our 2nd Annual Spring Raffle Fundraiser!
All event proceeds will directly support our transitional housing & emergency financial assistance programs.
Our 1st Annual Spring Raffle in 2023 raised $9,525 in support of our work to keep local children & families housed.
THANK YOU to all who supported the event!
By Sherry Stanek, chair
Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission
Whitewater’s effort at developing an arboretum in Whitewater, which is a living classroom that explains the importance of trees to all of us, and importantly, OUR importance to them, is making steady progress! After receiving national recognition and certification as an Arboretum in 2021, the 2022 DNR Urban Forestry Grant was approved to begin planting trees in earnest. This part of the work has been completed with the planting of more than 200 trees and shrubs at Starin Park, and Whitewater has been approved by the DNR to now receive the $25,000 reimbursement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources!
This project, undertaken largely by community volunteers with strong support and contributions from the Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department and the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Department and especially Public Works staff, was launched in early spring 2022. The $25,000 reimbursement from the DNR reflects the department’s share of developmental costs. Part of the grant required native trees to also be planted on private property. This was accomplished by the establishment of the annual Whitewater Community Tree Sale which will be held this year on April 26 from 11-6, April 27 from 8 to 4 and on April 28 from noon to 4. As a result of this work, more than 500 native trees have been planted throughout the park and wider community in the last couple of years!!
This project was also generously supported by local businesses and individual donors, including the Coburn family’s donation to erect educational signage in the arboretum. The first of these signs are now installed in the Generac Welcome and Education Center pavilion on Starin Road. These signs need to be seen in person to truly appreciate how beautiful they are, and how much information is located on them. We are very grateful to the Coburn family for making them a reality! They provide a beautiful and informative entry point to the Arboretum at Starin Park. More signage will follow in the months and years to come.
This effort is primarily volunteer supported. Individuals who may be interested in joining us are encouraged to contact the city Parks and Recreation Department’s Director Kevin Boehm at 262-473-0122. Cash contributions are always needed as are volunteers interested in watering and weeding to maintain the planting beds and to work at the annual Tree Sale. Cash contributions are managed by City of Whitewater staff and 100% of your contribution goes toward Arboretum development efforts. We are also looking for volunteers to serve on the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission which meets on the 4th Monday of each month at City Hall at 4:30 p.m. If this interests you, please go to the City website to apply electronically. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Congratulations to the four Whitewater High School students who have been selected to perform with the Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Ensembles. Dante Baker will perform in the Honors Orchestra. Charlotte Hajewski will sing in the Honors Treble Choir. A’lani Ross and Alexander Clarksen will sing in the Honors Mixed Choir. For the 2024 High School State Honors Music Project, almost 1,500 auditions were registered for 429 positions in five ensembles. Selection identifies a student as one of Wisconsin’s finest high school musicians. All students will attend the Honors Project camp in Green Bay this summer and perform in concert at the Overture Center in Madison in October. Thank you to the Whitewater Music Boosters for sponsoring these students!
Editor’s note: The above announcement was submitted by Karen Tordera.
On April 9th, the Whitewater Whippet Softball Team defeated the Delavan-Darien Comets 21-3 thanks in part to 14 runs in the first inning. Falyn Krahn homered to left field, scoring three runs. Gaby Kubicz doubled, scoring three runs. Paige Kollwelter doubled, scoring two runs. Sydney Schilt singled, scoring one run. Taiya Kolb singled, scoring two runs. Savannah O’Neal doubled, scoring one run. Marianna Kubicz doubled, scoring one run.
The Whippets added to their early lead after the top of the second inning when Schilt tripled, Gosh singled, and O’Neal singled each scoring a run. A single by Lauren Buehler, and a walk by Kubicz extended their early lead in the third.
O’Neal earned the win for the Whitewater Whippets. The left-handed pitcher surrendered two hits and one run (unearned). Kollwelter appeared as the relief pitcher. The Whippets had seven stolen bases in the game.
Article Submitted by Krista Sbarra
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
sbakr01@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Garage Sale, Saturday April 13
8 am – 2 pm
1638 W. Wildwood, Whitewater WI
Multi family sale: kids clothes, shoes, toys, household items, decor, etc.
Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is not from this garage sale.
Looking ahead to next week:
Reynolds’ Rummage Sale
12240 E. Bradley Road
Whitewater, WI
Friday April 19th. 9-6pm. Sat. April 20th. 9-2pm
Rain or shine!
A lot of like new/new in the box Baby gear, 2-12” girl’s bikes, Lg. galvanized outdoor pots, adult clothes, dishwasher, household items and decorations!
A Banner Service: Garage Sale Ads
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. A few photos may also be included if desired; we prefer jpg format if possible.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, he is seeking applicants for the sheriff of Jefferson County. Sheriff Paul Milbrath is retiring effective August 8, 2024, and the new sheriff will serve for the remainder of Milbrath’s unexpired term ending in January 2027.
In order to apply, one must complete the “Register of Deeds, Coroner, and Sheriff” application form and submit it by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Applicants with questions about the sheriff selection process may contact the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at GOVSheriffAppointments@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-1212.
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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