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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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Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the organization’s board of directors, Lesley Baird Chapin, PsyD, and Roberta Wedl, MD.
Lesley Baird Chapin, PsyD, serves as the Vice President and Executive Director of the Pauquette Center for Psychological Services, an outpatient mental health organization catering primarily to rural Wisconsin communities. [One of the Pauquette Center’s clinics is located in the Innovation Center in Whitewater.] She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Denver. Dr. Chapin underwent pre-doctoral training at CMC Randolph Behavioral Health in Charlotte, NC, where she gained experience across various settings, including emergency department, inpatient, outpatient, and residential facilities. Dr. Chapin obtained her post-doctoral experience with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and has provided services and consultation for adults and juveniles in correctional and forensic spaces ever since. As a certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) practitioner, she provides direct services, offers nationwide consulting and training, and contributes to enhancing DBT access for underinsured and Medicaid recipients in Wisconsin. Additionally, she is part of a workgroup working to enhance access to mental health services for Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind communities across the State of Wisconsin. Her dedication to evidence-based practices underscores her belief in providing optimal treatment options to her clients. “Born and raised in Fort Atkinson, I have maintained a strong connection to my hometown, and I am deeply invested in ensuring quality healthcare for its residents,” stated Dr. Chapin.
Roberta Wedl, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – Madison. Dr. Wedl completed her internship and residency at the University of Wisconsin – SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, she is an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians. [Dr. Wedl practices family and geriatric medicine at SSM Health Dean Medical Group in Whitewater.] Dr. Wedl also brings her expertise to Fort HealthCare’s board as Chief of Staff, where she oversees the coordination of medical services and ensures the highest standards of patient care. Dr. Wedl added, “Joining Fort HealthCare’s board as Chief of Staff, I’m honored to help lead our community towards exceptional healthcare delivery, emphasizing family-centered care and preventive medicine.”
Michael Anderson, MD, Fort HealthCare President & CEO, welcomes the new members to the board of directors. Board members are chosen based on their professional skills and ability to represent the healthcare needs of the various communities within the Fort HealthCare primary service area. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chapin and Dr. Wedl to Fort HealthCare’s board of directors. Their expertise and dedication to advancing healthcare excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our mission to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing the highest quality in healthcare,” said Anderson.
In addition to Dr. Chapin and Dr. Wedl, other Fort HealthCare board members are community representatives James Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. – Chair, Tom Vinz – Secretary, Roy Budlong – Vice Chair and Treasurer, Christopher Martin – Attorney, Carla Haubenschild, Christi Ott, and providers Bill Kontny, MD, Paul Schuppner, DO, Stephanie Nottestad, MD, and Mary Beck Metzger, DNP.
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. FortHealthCare.com.
Editor’s note: The above press release was submitted by Fort HealthCare.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
For the last three weeks, we featured a mid-20th century band marching in a parade. This week, how about a c.1900 band marching in a parade down Main Street? The best part about this photo are the three young boys walking in front of the band. Who doesn’t love a band in a parade! Note the ornate storefront of the corner building. It was the old First National Bank (later First Citizens State Bank).
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
3833P, Whitewater Historical Society
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office is currently predicting that the Whitewater area may receive 4-8″ of snow by early Friday afternoon. Snow may begin falling by about 1 a.m. on Friday, with the heaviest rate, greater than 1″ per hour, likely occurring between about 10 a.m. and noon on Friday. This is expected to be a wet/heavy snow, so anyone who will be shoveling is advised to move small amounts of snow at a time and take many breaks.
Living with Pain? Healthy Living with Chronic Pain Can Help!
ADRC of Rock County Offers Program to Help Alleviate and Cope with Ongoing Pain Symptoms
We all experience pain from time to time – from headaches to muscle strains. But many people live with ongoing, persistent pain – known as chronic pain – that comes from injuries or conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve damage, and others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 11% – 40% of the U.S. adult population has chronic pain that impacts their physical and mental health and is one of the most common reasons that people seek medical care. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that help is available for people in Rock County. [The Banner has been assured that residents of Jefferson or Walworth County are also welcome to participate as long as space is available.] Healthy Living with Chronic Pain (HLCP) is an evidence-based program for people living with on-going, persistent pain. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County will be offering an online series on six Tuesday mornings, from April 2 – May 14, 2024 (no class April 23rd.) The time will be from 9:00-11:30 a.m. each week. People will need a computer or tablet with a camera, microphone and have reliable internet. Leaders are Chris Devine and Kay Searfoss.
Developed at Stanford University, the program provides information and strategies for reducing and managing pain and has been researched and proven to decrease pain, improve mental health, and increase confidence in one’s ability to manage pain down
the road. Each weekly session is 2-1/2 hours long and provides a venue for mutual support and sharing among participants.
To learn more or to register for Healthy Living with Chronic Pain, please contact the Health Promotion Coordinator at the ADRC of Rock County by calling: 608-757-5309 or email: Lisa.Messer@co.rock.wi.us. Space is limited, please register as soon as possible.
Suggested donation is $20 and includes a resource book and program materials. Best suited for those age 60+.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Rock County supports the independence of older adults, adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, by providing services and connecting individuals to available support, education, and programs.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the ADRC of Rock County. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage from pexels by Engin Akyurt.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
There will be at least one Easter egg hunt in the city this year, but the bunny will be delayed until the Sunday after Easter, April 7. Hunter Karnitz, who was recently appointed as manager of the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center (WAFC), confirmed that the event will take place after Easter due to the schedule of an intern who is planning and leading it. The information provided below is from the Parks & Recreation site, where registrations may be made.
WAFC Egg Hunt 2024!! Come join us for a fun-filled egg hunt in and around the Aquatic Center Pool! There will be three different age groups for this event: 0-5 year olds, 6-10 year olds, 10-18 year olds that will take place right after one another. Kids will have 20 minutes to find as many eggs as they can, then turn them in for prizes! Eggs will be reset and then the next group will do their searching! Afterwards the pool will be open for swimming. There is a small cost to participate which will go back to improving the Aquatic Center! All who participate will receive a FREE Day Pass as well that they can use the next time they come for Open Swim!
Register at the WAFC desk or here: https://whitewater.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=4751
*Please have your child wear a swim suit and bring a towel and some sort of bag/basket to carry eggs!
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Joshua Choate from Pixabay.
UW-Platteville’s Cushman Places at 69th Annual WIAC Wrestling Championships
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville team successfully hosted the 69th annual Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference wrestling championships Saturday in Williams Fieldhouse. First-year Coach Topher Carton led the host Pioneers to a fifth-place finish, finishing ahead of UW-Oshkosh. Junior David Cushman had two of the most exciting matches, beating UW-Stevens Point’s Easton Hull in sudden victory in the quarterfinals and then falling to UW-Whitewater’s Jermaine Butler in the same fashion in the semifinals at 157.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Platteville.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Delicious pancakes and Jones Sausages were served on Saturday by grateful Kiwanians to our generous community. Thanks to all who volunteered, donated funds, donated products or services, and attended the breakfast. The funds raised will help Kiwanis help children.
Following are a series of photos shared by Tom Ganser:
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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