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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance Whitewater, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Regional Arts Program (WRAP) is proud to present the WRAP exhibition titled “Stories Through Art,” running from May 2 to May 26, 2024.
The Wisconsin Regional Art Program(WRAP), a program administered by the Association of Wisconsin Artists, has been a cornerstone of promoting art and creativity among nonprofessional artists since it began in 1940 as an outreach initiative of UW-Madison. Today, WRAP continues its legacy by offering over 25 art exhibitions and workshops held throughout the year, aimed at encouraging the artistic growth of individuals from rural areas across Wisconsin.
“Stories Through Art” will feature a wide range of works by nonprofessional Wisconsin artists, spanning various mediums including 3D sculptures, acrylic, oil, and collages. The exhibition will be accessible both in-person and online, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to engage with the creations of talented individuals either online or in-person.
Artists interested in participating in the exhibition can visit
https://www.whitewaterarts.org/wrap-2024 for complete information and to download a submission form. The entry fee is $30, allowing for up to three submissions. Submissions must be received no later than April 22, 2024. ”Stories Through Art” embodies the essence of creativity and storytelling, inviting both artists and art enthusiasts alike to explore the narratives within each piece of art.
Join us in celebrating Wisconsin’s artistic landscape at the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) in Whitewater at an awards reception and watercolor workshop to be held on Saturday, May 4, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the CAC gallery. This event promises to be a celebration of artistic talent and a platform for attendees to connect with the growing arts community in Whitewater.
The gallery, located at 402 West Main St, Whitewater is open to the public from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Thursdays through Sundays.
For more information contact Kim Adams, Gallery Director by email at wwartsalliance@gmail.com, by phone at 1-608-201-2151 or on our website www.whitewaterarts.org.
About Whitewater Arts Alliance: The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community.
The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to support, promote, and develop the arts as an essential and integral part of our community.
Whitewater High School Forensics competed at the RVC Tournament on Saturday, led by outstanding performances from seniors Emerson Ellenwood (1st place in Expository Speaking), Emilia Houwers (2nd place in Expository Speaking), Emmanuella Mbifi (1st place in Extemporaneous Speaking), Lauren Rollette (1st place in Solo Serious Acting), and junior Carley Boudreau (1st place in Informative Speaking).
Ellenwood, Houwers, Rollette, Boudreau, and senior Marina Linos will finish out the season at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) State Tournament at DeForest High School on Saturday, April 20th.
Article and Photo Submitted by Elizabeth Miller
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
emiller@wwusd.org
Updated 4/10/24 @ 12:55 a.m.
WUSD attending session at Lakeview School – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Members of the Whitewater School Board will be attending the WUSD Unplugged session in the Lakeview Elementary Library on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 beginning at 4:00 p.m. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.
Whitewater Unified School District Election Canvass – Monday @ 4:30 p.m. – The returns of the April 2, 2024, Whitewater Unified School District School Board election will be canvassed by the Board of Canvassers at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Central Office Board Room, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. The canvass is open to the public.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Conceptual Plan Review of a possible multi-family development to be located on vacant
land Tax Parcel # WPB 00044 for Chris Slater, Site Plan Review and possible approval of Addition and Renovations for the Irvin L. Young Library located at 431 W Center Street, Public heaing: Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Dog Daycare Facility located on a vacant lot on Bluff Road Tax Parcel Id # /A 353600002 for Daniel and Janiel Kistle d/b/a The Royal Hounds of Whitewater.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/319861005
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 319-861-005
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Ayres Old Stone Mill Dam Proposal for
Engineering Services for Downstream Wall Repairs
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
*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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89662050865?pwd=uwLCIlZ5c53NyXXBIJRs8lXAYHkVdA.8sftvlLksvAMswlC
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 896 6205 0865
Passcode: 857322
Photos and article courtesy of Tom Ganser.
No better way to tackle early spring fever than by taking in a performance of the Whitewater Middle School Players performance of “Far Fetched Fairytales” in the James M. Stewart (WHS) Auditorium on April 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m.
General admission tickets are $5 for adult 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.
“Far Fetched Fairytales” is a collection of stories including Jack and the Beanstalk and the Emperor’s New Clothes and non-traditional stories like The Care and Feeding of a Dragon, The Stage Troll, and Happily Ever After. Add a wandering band of merry men, wacky royals, a pot of spaghetti, a dragon, magic beans, and inventive incantations and … you have an evening of fun and laughter.
Adding to the fun, the Whitewater Middle School PTO will be hosting a Fairytale Ball Tea Party on Saturday, April 13, at 12:30-1:30. Join the cast, on stage, for a very special sit-down tea party including sweets and treats as our guests meet and greet some of the characters. Fun photo ops and activities. The cost is $5 per person. Call 262-472-8178 for details. Reservations are required by April 8th.
Under the direction of Jim McCulloch and Alyssa Orlowski, the cast includes Rafaela Los, Lucy Baldwin, Karlee Luna. Emma Schultz-Majkrzak, Amelia Lefaive, Melody Smith, Ash Miethke, Jaylynn Rappold, Sophia Noonan, Peyton Comfort, Lia Ramirez, Sophia Walenton, Virginia Nelson, Serina Soto, Vivian Harris, Grace Smith, Emma Maas, Ruth Lopez, Charlotte Trautman, Tyrelle Griswold, Adelyn Runnoe, Elijah Gonsior, Ameera Lin, Julian Rennells, Raena Hicks, Joseph Werhane, Kendra Serrano, Storm DePorter, Ian Agen, and D’Veah Dennis.
Led by Kerry Ramsden and Kat Duhham, the stage crew members include Maya Davis, Laken DePorter, Jacob McLaughlin, Sam Raupp, Kolten Reu, Cora Schimming, Talon Wildermuth-Breitzman, and Arlo Zotti.
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The library is hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, April 8 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. The library’s supply of viewing glasses has apparently been exhausted, unless some were set aside for this event. You may call the library at 262-473-0530 to confirm. Casey’s had some glasses; it’s not known where else they might be available in town. The partial eclipse begins at 12:51 p.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m. The eclipse maximum happens at 2:06 p.m. Stop by anytime between 1:00-3:00 p.m.
The viewing party will be held outside of the library at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration. The event will be canceled in the event of cloudy weather (if the eclipse is not visible). For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.
Fletcher Crone named to Dean’s List at Puget Sound for fall 2023
TACOMA, WA (04/05/2024)– Fletcher Crone of Whitewater, made the fall 2023 Dean’s List at the University of Puget Sound for achieving at least a 3.7 grade-point average, completing all of their enrolled courses without withdrawals, and having no incomplete grades.
About University of Puget Sound
A nationally ranked residential liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, University of Puget Sound enrolls 1,800 undergraduate students from across the country and around the world, as well as 300 graduate students in education, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health. A low student-faculty ratio provides Puget Sound students with personal attention from faculty members who have a strong commitment to teaching and offer 1,200 courses each year in more than 50 areas of study. Puget Sound graduates include Rhodes and Luce scholars, notables in the arts and culture, scholars and scientists, entrepreneurs and elected officials, and leaders in business and finance locally and throughout the world. A top producer of Fulbright scholars, Puget Sound is the only nationally ranked independent liberal arts college in Western Washington, and one of just five independent colleges in the Northwest granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center is pleased to announce that the AARP Driver Safety Class will be offered on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn. This class is a great refresher on driving techniques and rules of the road and also provides a proven method for seniors to evaluate their driving and make necessary changes to remain safe. In addition, most insurance companies offer a discount of up to three years for completion of the course. The course costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
For questions or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and help provide options available to meet the needs of your situation.
Whitewater High School Booster Club auction event on April 27th at McGrath’s in Fort Atkinson. Tickets are $30 apiece and include food, a drink, a live auction, silent auction/baskets, money raffle and most importantly a great time! Please consider purchasing one or two, the proceeds go to supporting the Whitewater High School Athletics Booster Club. You do not need to be present for the cash raffle. Get ahold of any Booster Club member for tickets! Also sold at the door. Thank you.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the WHS Booster Club.
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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