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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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Families are invited to attend “Money Smart Kids” at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Thursday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m. In partnership with PremierBank, join us for a free financial literacy story time and activity. It’s never too early to learn how to be smart with money! Best for ages 4-10 but all ages are welcome.
This is a free event and no registration is required. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Walk With Ease starting April 9 at Walworth County Health and Human Services. Walk With Ease– a program from the Arthritis Foundation—is a structured walking program that teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday lives. The program is designed to help people living with arthritis better manage their pain and is also ideal for people without arthritis who want to make walking a daily habit.
Walk With Ease offers support, information, and tools to help participants develop successful exercise routines. The six-week group series is led by certified instructors Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD, and Rebecca Way MSW, APSW. During the program, participants learn proper stretching and pain management techniques; they also build stamina and walking pace. The program can be modified to meet the needs of individual participants so that each person can develop an exercise routine that fits their unique goals.
“Research shows that walking is not only good for joints, but also helps improve the health of the heart, lungs, and bones,” said Blaszczyk. “Walking can also help with weight management, which can reduce one’s risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease, and diabetes. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success with Walk With Ease.”
The information and strategies taught in the program are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management. Updated and evaluated by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, Walk With Ease is shown to increase balance, strength, and walking pace, as well as reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The program is also shown to build participant confidence to be physically active and improve overall health.
Walk WithEase will be held every Tuesday, April 9 to May 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Walworth County Health and Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN Elkhorn. Pre-registration is required. This workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. For more information, contact Chetney Blaszczyk at (262) 741-3309. Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.
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 providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Whitewater High School held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Certified Nursing Assistant Lab on March 20th.
WHS is the 9th high school that has opened a Nursing Assistant lab in partnership with Gateway Technical College. Other high schools include: Burlington, East Troy, Brookfield, KUSD-Indian Trail, Muskego, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, and Wilmot.
Whitewater High School’s first ten student cohort is scheduled to begin Gateway’s two credit Nursing Assistant program on April 17th. Upon successful completion of the program, the students are eligible to take the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation for inclusion on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry and employment in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, assisted living centers and homes for the developmentally disabled.
WHS now offers 19 different Gateway transcripted credit courses that are taught by Whitewater High school teachers, which will result in hundreds of thousands of dollars saved for our students. This is in addition to the Start College Now courses, Vanguard Distant Learning, and HS Academy courses that WHS students can take at Gateway Technical College.
A special thank you goes out to Fairhaven Senior Services. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and dedication to helping to make this lab a reality. The beds, overbed tables, and linens were all a donation from Fairhaven. Simply stated, without their generous donation, we would not have been able to make this lab a reality. Thank you!
City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Update on the Immigration Support Coalition and Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Welcome to Whitewater Graphic.
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 click the link below to join the webinar: EOC Meeting
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/118229557
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
118-229-557
United States:
+1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Common Council Special Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda: Closed session regarding City Manager’s employment performance, followed by open session Discuss and possible action regarding City Manager’s employment performance.
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 click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83579476749?pwd=fdUwsXXzKhOGDK4a5Xx3RFUloKdRQ.RCn1mtyGu_2WC66j
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 835 7947 6749
Passcode: 501639
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion and possible action regarding Whitewater Stormwater Quality Management
Plan
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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 click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82335842029?pwd=aWhrcGRsL2dNRmJUbGFGQ0dmZHNhdz09
Meeting ID: 823 3584 2029
Passcode: 520009
Or join by phone
+1 312 626 6799 US
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Birge Fountain funds, Territorial Oak Site, Information needed to list landmarks for sale, update on current owner of the building that the Prairie Tiller is painted on, update on future of Starin Park water tower, discussion and action on request to review property at 1002 S. Janesville St.
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 click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
Passcode: 137945
City of Whitewater Common Council – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Mobile Home Community understanding of Special Assessments, salary compensation survey, flexible work arrangements policy update, PEG station cost an usage update, second reading of an ordinance regarding Mobile Home Community Special Assessments, Discussion and possible action regarding the RFP for Building Inspector, Discussion and possible action regarding UW Whitewater MOU on the polling place on campus; CLOSED SESSION TO RECONVENE FOR POSSIBLE ACTION regarding Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center update, and Regarding City Manager employment performance.
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 click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89059667839?pwd=828n1ImYKC_qW3mXIeQlhsH8760wrg.GwxEQrQ2BSFknVhG
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 890 5966 7839
Passcode:212798
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
Memory Cafés are designed for people living with memory loss, and their care partner. The Glacial River Library Memory Project hosts one café a month, rotating between four public libraries. The next café will be held Monday, April 8thth at 10:30 A.M. at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, located at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater. The theme will be The Solar Eclipse. Please call 262-473-0530 for more information. Please click here to register and choose “events.”
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Whitewater Ministerial Association has for many years sponsored a Good Friday “progressive” service (as in a progressive dinner) which takes place at First English Lutheran Church, Congregational United Church of Christ, and First United Methodist Church. This year, on March 29, the service started at noon at the Methodist church, followed by the Congregational church, and concluding at the Lutheran church. Hymns were sung, prayers were offered, and at the Methodist church the choir sang “Wondrous Love” and the moving “Via Dolorosa.” Brief meditations were shared by Rev. Dave McDonald, Rev. Dan Fahs, and Rev. Joseph O’Donnell. Also participating was Rev. Madeline Burbank, UW-W Campus Pastor with support of ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin and Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee. Nearly twenty participants followed Joe Sherman of the Methodist church as he carried the cross from one church to the next.
The city offers brush collection by appointment every Tuesday, all year. Effective April 2, per a press release from the Department of Public Works, residents wishing to schedule a brush pickup must call 262-473-0560 by Monday at noon. When calling, you should provide your name, address, and phone number. Alternatively, a request may be submitted online by Monday at noon.
Brush must be brought to the curbside and placed with the cut ends facing the street. Brush cannot be brought to the curbside before 4 p.m. on the Sunday prior to the scheduled Tuesday for collection. Brush must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
Brush must be a minimum of 3/4″ and a maximum 6” in diameter. The brush must be a minimum of 3 feet in length.
The City reserves the right to not collect brush for just cause. Vines, rakings, roots, and root balls will not be accepted. Property owners can dispose of vines, rakings, roots, and root balls at the compost site. The site will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on April 6 and on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. beginning April 10.
Brush located at the curbside will be collected and chipped. The first 10 minutes of chipping will be free of charge if an appointment has been received by the DPW. Any chipping after the first 10-minutes will be charged to the property owner at a rate of $30 per 10-minute increments. Major storm damage brush collection will be done at no charge. The City will determine and announce emergency storm related brush collections. All brush placed at the curb will be collected on the day of appointment. No exceptions!
Además de la hora habitual de cuentos de la biblioteca, también se ofrecerá un programa mensual en español. La primera sesión es el martes 9 de abril a las 11:00 a. m. Se invita a las familias a asistir para recibir libros y canciones en español. También habrá actividad y merienda.
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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