Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
A critical meeting was held today [February 15] at 3:00 p.m. in Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, where Whitewater’s City Manager John Weidl, Police Chief Dan Meyer, and Council President Neil Hicks met with Governor Tony Evers and his team. The focus was on pressing issues facing Whitewater, particularly the challenges of immigration and the impact of reduced state revenue and university funding on local law enforcement. A PowerPoint presentation provided by city officials, highlighting recent policing statistics, showed an increase in unlicensed driving and other issues, against a backdrop of decreased capacity for proactive policing.
Police Chief Dan Meyer shared insights into the increased migration to Whitewater, notably from Nicaragua and Venezuela, starting in early 2022. He detailed incidents that highlighted the migrants’ struggles, including a family found living in a small shed during winter, a teenager forced into labor, and young children left alone during a fire. These examples underscored the need for increased community support and resources.
Chief Meyer emphasized, “It’s crucial that we approach these issues without casting blame or vilifying any group. Our goal is to identify and address the root causes, focusing on problem-solving and public safety rather than politics. We’re committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure Whitewater is safe and inclusive.”
The discussion also covered the reasons migrants are drawn to Whitewater, particularly the availability of housing due to changes at the university brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to a significant increase in the migrant population, highlighting the need for coordinated community responses.
On the topic of law enforcement funding, city officials pointed out the financial challenges faced over the past year. Despite an increase in shared revenue for Whitewater and other municipalities, this was offset by cuts in the Municipal Services Payment (MSP) program and the end of reimbursements from the University for dispatch services. These changes have resulted in a funding shortfall of over $400,000 for the 2024 fiscal year, effectively negating the benefits of the increased shared revenue.
In addition, City Manager John Weidl expressed gratitude towards the Whitewater elected officials for their steadfast commitment to enhancing law enforcement capabilities within the city. “Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to install license plate cameras at every entrance point to Whitewater, we employ drone technology, and have proactively funded a comprehensive staffing study. We’re also prepared to pursue a referendum if necessary. Our elected officials have truly risen to the challenge, demonstrating their dedication by allocating the necessary funds to address our concerns. This level of commitment is crucial for driving meaningful change in our community,” stated Weidl.
Governor Evers expressed his commitment to collaborating with Whitewater officials to address the city’s concerns. The meeting concluded with an agreement to explore and implement strategies to support not only the migrant population but also to strengthen the city’s overall public safety and community infrastructure.
Council President Neil Hicks added, “Our communication with legislators at all levels about Whitewater’s immigration issues has led to meaningful discussions. We’re grateful for the constructive dialogue with Governor Evers and others, focusing on collaborative solutions for our community.”
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
The third installment of our series “Gone but not Forgotten,” is the old 1927 High School building, later the Franklin Junior High School. Built as Whitewater’s first “modern” school building, old “city high” served teenagers until around 1960, when a new high school building was constructed along Elizabeth Street. The building then served another 30 years as a junior high school.
When the building was vacated in the mid-1990s for the new Middle School after the current high school was completed, the first proposal was to put senior apartments in the old school, but that proposal failed. A subsequent owner demolished the building in 1999, and the property has been vacant since that time.
Join us next week for the last of the “Gone but not Forgotten” series of images.
(5015PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
The 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs rankings were announced February 7, 2024. One Wisconsin college is the top-ranked, single-business college in all business school categories. That school is the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics. UW-Whitewater is Wisconsin’s Best Online Business Graduate Program, Best Online Business Undergraduate Program, Best Business Program for Veterans, and Wisconsin’s highest ranked, single school for Best Online MBA.
The College of Business and Economics is also nationally ranked in all five categories.
- No. 31 Veterans- MBA Programs
- No. 38 Online Undergraduate Business
- No. 37 Online Graduate Business
- No. 55 Online MBA
These rankings are more impressive knowing that this year’s edition of the U.S. News report evaluates more than 1,750 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. U.S. News assessed schools based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.
Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Paul Ambrose, commented, “our repeat performance as the best online business school in Wisconsin is just one of the reasons why we are also the state’s largest business college and why the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools.” Ambrose continued, “Our student-first, online business program has been created to fit into people’s busy lives. It allows students to work, connect with their friends and families, and still pursue higher education.”
For more information on the rankings, readers are encouraged to visit U.S. News & World Report.
About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
# # #
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Edgerton Hospital.
Edgerton Hospital and Health Services has opened a new, walk-in, healthcare option, in downtown Edgerton, WI.
The Edgerton Hospital Quick Care, located at 4 Burdick Street (next to Edward Jones), is a convenient option for people dealing with non-emergency ailments, who are unable to be seen within 1-2 days by their primary care provider. No appointment is needed, and most patients are expected to be seen and, on their way, within about an hour.
Quick Care is very similar to Urgent Care. Services include stiches and wound repair, testing for strep, UTIs, STDs, and common upper respiratory viruses. Quick Care patients needing x-ray, or other radiological services, will be referred to the emergency department at nearby Edgerton Hospital.
Edgerton Hospital CEO, Marc Augsburger noted the importance of this transition. “We are excited to open the new Quick Care in a historical building in downtown Edgerton, and to transition our walk-in, non-emergency services to a new location. The Emergency Department will continue to handle all your emergency care needs, 24/7. We look forward to serving community members with quality, walk-in, non-emergency medical services at our new Quick Care.”
The Edgerton Hospital Quick Care is staffed by medical professionals experienced in Urgent Care services, including a Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant, and Certified Medical Assistants.
Quick Care details:
Name: Edgerton Hospital Quick Care
Location: 4 Burdick St., Edgerton, WI 53534
Hours: Monday-Friday (11a.m. – 7p.m.)
Scheduling: No Appointment Needed
*For more information on the difference between quick care services and emergency care services, please visit the Quick Care page at edgertonhospital.com.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Victoria from Pixabay.
The Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, presents:
Natural Areas Management and Protection in Light of Climate Change
Presented by Zachary Kron, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Zach will discuss the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s amendments to the Regional Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin (Planning Report 42). The goal of this plan is to identify the remaining remnant natural communities and prioritize them for protection and management. P.R. 42 was updated in 2010, but no significant updates have been made since. The presentation summarizes upcoming changes to the plan including designation changes for individual sites and recommendations to manage for climate resilience.
Zach is a Senior Specialist-Biologist at the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. He earned a Bachelor’s in Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences and a Master’s in Plant Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign in 2009 and 2011 respectively. Prior to his position at the Commission, Zach worked for the Illinois Natural History Survey, private restoration contractors, non-profit conservation organizations, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
WHEN: Saturday, February 17 2024, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, Eagle
S91W39091 Highway 59; One mile west of Eagle, on Highway 59
Open to the Public. No admission fee.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay.
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Justin Kamp, Middle School band teacher.
The Whitewater Unified School District Band Program held its Annual Bandorama Concert on Saturday, February 10 under the direction of Sam Averill (WHS Bands), Justin Kamp (WMS Bands) and Zach Jacobson (5th Grade Band). The students in grades 5th-12th and the Jazz Ensembles at Whitewater Middle School and Whitewater High School performed showcasing the growth of musicianship from beginners in 5th grade to our Seniors at the high school! This year, the 8th grade band joined the High School Bands for a combined piece called “Lightning Field” by John Mackey, the WMS and WHS Jazz Ensembles combined to perform “Jump Jive ‘An Wail” by Louis Prima, and the grand finale of the concert was “Let’s Go Band!” by Andrew Ballent performed by ALL students 5th-12th grade together, with guest conductors, Whitewater Middle School Administration: Chris Fountain and Caitlin Dowden. Photo credit: Cory Christensen
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior forward became the all-time leading scorer in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the Warhawks’ 82-72 win over UW-Platteville Wednesday night.
Grundahl scored 14 points to break the WIAC scoring record of 1,834 previously held by Arlene Meinholz of UW-Eau Claire since 1995. The senior now has 1,835 career points.
Wednesday’s game was the team’s annual Play4Kay game. This year, with the help of game sponsor UW Credit Union, UW-Whitewater will be donating over $1,000 to the Kay Vow Cancer Fund.
After a high-scoring first quarter, UW-Platteville took a four-point lead into the second, 24-20. The Warhawks responded with a huge second quarter, bolstered by a late run, to reclaim the lead by the break. Lunden Alexander knocked down a triple off a Grundahl assist to set the tone in the quarter. By the midway point of the period, UWW had reclaimed the lead, 33-31. From that point, the Warhawks went on an 11-5 run to take a 44-36 lead into halftime.
The teams were even through the third, each dropping in 19 points in the quarter. The Warhawks held the lead the rest of the way sealing the game from the charity stripe.
In her first game back from injury, Kacie Carollo paced UWW with a double-double scoring 22 points and hauling in 13 rebounds. The junior hit 3-6 from long range and was 7-9 from the free throw line adding four steals, two assists and a blocked shot in 38 minutes played. Alexander added 15 points bolstered by 5-6 from the charity stripe while adding six assists.
With the win, the Warhawks clinched the number two seed in the WIAC Tournament. UWW is one game back with one game left in the regular season, but UW-Oshkosh holds the tiebreaker for the top seed. UW-Whitewater will receive a first round bye in the tournament and will host the highest remaining seed Wednesday, February 21 at 7 p.m.
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
