Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, May 11, 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.
Jayne Lubke playing the organ that will be dedicated on April 19
The Milwaukee Brewers’ former organist will keynote the dedication of First Congregational United Church of Christ’s newly installed organ. Dean Rosko of Allen Organ Co. will highlight the organ’s features during the Fort Atkinson church’s 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 19.
Serving as organist for worship will be Jayne Lubke. The Nurture ministry team will host a luncheon following the service.
The public is invited to the organ dedication. Among the attendees will be the Rev. Rachel Bauman, associate minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. First Congregational UCC received the organ from the Whitewater Congregational United Church of Christ when it closed permanently last April.
The Renaissance Quantum organ manufactured by the Allen Organ Co. was dedicated to the memory of the late Robert Jennings. A music professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 26 years and choir director at the Whitewater church for 17 years, Jennings passed away in 2013.
The founder of Allen Organs of Wisconsin LLC in 2020, Rosko served as organist for the Brewers baseball team from 2003 until right before the 2024 season, when the live organ was removed from American Family Field. He also has been the organist for Milwaukee Admirals hockey games at UW-Milwaukee’s Panther Arena since 2015.
In addition, Rosko is director of music and organist at the Church of the Gesu next to Marquette University in Milwaukee, vice president of the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society and a past board member of the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
The costs for procuring, moving and installing the Allen organ at the Fort Atkinson church totaled $40,032.37. Persons wishing to contribute toward that effort may write a check to First Congregational UCC with a notation of “Organ Fund” in the memo line.
Located at 31 W. Milwaukee Ave. in Fort Atkinson, First Congregational UCC is an inclusive congregation that welcomes persons of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities and economic circumstances.
For further information about the church or organ dedication, call (920) 563-4802 or email
officefortucc@gmail.com.
The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next bi-monthly meeting on Monday, March 2nd from 5:30-6:30 PM. Don’t forget – we are only meeting via Google Meet ( https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa ) for the remainder of the school year.
Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing
Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing
Ways to get involved:
Way #1:
We know that our meeting times don’t work for everyone, but anyone can volunteer!
Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers in the future. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.
Upcoming arts events:
Feb. 26 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS
Feb. 27 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS
Feb 28 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS
Mar. 1 HS Spring Play 2:00pm HS
Mar. 2 Middle School Orchestra Clinic 3:30pm MS Band Room
Mar. 3 Chamber Music Festival 4-8pm HS
Mar. 4 Elem. String Recital 3:40pm LINCS Cafeteria
Mar. 14 District S&E (HS ONLY) ALL DAY East Troy HS
Mar. 17 Lakeview Fine Arts Night 5-7 pm Lakeview Elem.
Mar. 20 Washington Spring Program (4/5) 1:30pm Washington Elem.
April 9 MS Play Daytime HS Auditorium
April 10 MS Play 7pm HS Auditorium
April TBD HS Jazz & Music Master Tour 2:00-3:30 Middle School
April 11 MS Play 7pm HS Auditorium
April 12 MS Play 2pm HS Auditorium
April 15 Chamber Music Recital 7:00 pm HS Auditorium
April 25 State Solo & Ensemble Festival All Day UW-Whitewater
April 23 Lincoln Fine Arts Night 5:00pm Lincoln Elem. Gym
April 28 MS Show Choir/Jazz Band Concert 7:00pm WMS Cafeteria
April 30 Spring Orchestra Festival 6:30pm HS Auditorium
May 1 MS Jazz/Show Choir tour All Day District Elem.
May 5 6 & 7th Grade Band Concert 7:00pm HS Auditorium
Way #2:
Over the recent years, our funds have steadily decreased, so we could use people to donate and/or fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.
Donate/Share Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link—
Whitewater Music Boosters
Supporting the Whitewater Unified School District
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by WWUSD Music Boosters.
The Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA) has named Jefferson County Parks Director Kevin Wiesmann its 2025 Park Section Outstanding Professional of the Year. Wiesmann received his award during a reception at the WPRA Annual Conference & Trade Show on February 5 in Wisconsin Dells.
The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award recognizes parks professionals with seven or more years of experience who excel in their mission to promote the benefits of parks and whose actions hold true to the WPRA mission statement: “So everyone can play.”
“Kevin leads a talented, dedicated Parks Department staff that ensures residents and visiting guests enjoy all that our parks have to offer throughout Wisconsin’s four seasons,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “Our parks aid in preserving the rural heritage of Jefferson County, which is central to our way of life and a point of community pride.”
Wiesmann oversees an extensive collection of outdoor recreational amenities, including 22 County Parks, more than 1,300 acres of parkland, facilities, and flood-mitigation properties, popular trails for bicyclists, hikers, snowmobilers, and cross-country ski enthusiasts, and an acclaimed Dog Park. His team has developed key relationships with volunteer teams and “Friends of” groups, resulting in more than 400 hours of volunteer work and investments of more than $300,000 in the Jefferson County Parks Endowment Fund, per the 2025 Parks Department Annual Report.
In 2026, Wiesmann is leading an update of his team’s Parks & Outdoor Recreation Plan (PORP), which will inform parks development in Jefferson County for the next five years. “We are excited to interact with our Parks fans to hear what they value most about our County Parks and get feedback for making these special places even better for all visitors,” said Luckey. “With Kevin’s guidance, I’m certain our plan update will provide thoughtful stewardship and great ideas for future park spaces.”
For more about Jefferson County Parks: https://parks.jeffersoncountywi.gov/
The following students are members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s production of “The Prom.” The production, directed by Robyn Accetta and produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide of New York, New York, will run Feb. 20-28 at Barnett Theatre in UW-Whitewater’s Greenhill Center of the Arts
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Mauritz, who is studying Art, is a member of the Cast, serving in the role of Ensemble/Understudy Kaylee.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Martin, who is studying Music, is a member of the Pit Orchestra, serving in the role of alto saxophone.
Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person at the Greenhill Center of the Arts, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. Barnett Theatre is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. For additional information about the UW-Whitewater Department of Theatre/Dance visit uww.edu/theatre.
About “The Prom”
“The Prom,” directed by Robyn Accetta, is a vibrant, feel-good musical that brings together an impactful story of queer love, Broadway glitz and small-town grit in a story bursting with humor, heart, and humanity. Full of show-stopping songs and powerful moments, this production celebrates redemption, transformation, and the joy of being seen. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the love, or the glitter – there’s a place for you at “The Prom.” Produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide of New York, New York.
Editor’s note: Additional information regarding performances of “The Prom” may be found in this Banner article.
2-15-26
Sunday, February 15: Steve Watson writes, “Two pair of swans by the scenic overlook this morning. One pair decided to find better accommodations and took flight.”
Monday morning and two are still here. Apparently they’re comfortable here, at least for now.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for making the rounds of the lakes with a watchful eye and camera and sharing the results generously with us.
“Bugonia”
Tuesday, February 24, 1 pm
(Dark Comedy/Satire/Science Fiction)
Rated R (violence, language); 1 hour, 58 minutes (2025).
Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major corporation, convinced she is an alien being from another galaxy intent on destroying Earth. Many awards nominations for Best Picture, Actress (Emma Stone) and Actor (Jesse Plemons).
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Ben Ogden (Left) and Gus Schumacher celebrate their silver medals. Photo credit: Nat Herz, Alaska Public Media
Gus Schumacher, an Anchorage skier and grandson of the late Rollie Cooper and the late Nancy Cooper, won a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy on February 19. He teamed up with his longtime friend, Vermont skier Ben Ogden in the men’s team sprint event. One reporter stated, “Anchorage cross-country skiing superstar Gus Schumacher was nearly perfect racing the anchor leg Wednesday in the team sprint event.” The duo secured only the second men’s cross-country skiing medal for the U.S. in 50 years, after Ogden’s silver medal in the individual sprint earlier in the Games.
Media reports may be found at the links shown below.
Anchorage’s Schumacher earns silver in cross-country team sprint – Alaska Public Media
Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher’s Olympic silver medal was forged with friendship – NBC
‘These guys are for real’: Kikkan Randall on what Olympic silver means for Gus Schumacher and Alaska – KTVF in Alaska
Alaska in the medals, as Schumacher strikes silver at Italy Olympics – Alaska Public Media – includes an interview with Schumacher
The Winter 2026 season marked a significant milestone for WHS Esports, highlighted by the successful introduction of Marvel Rivals into our competitive rotation.
Student-athletes embraced the opportunity to compete with their favorite MCU characters while representing WHS against top programs across the state. Competition featured three distinct game modes: Convoy, requiring precise payload coordination; Domination, a high-intensity king-of-the-hill format; and Convergence, a hybrid mode demanding advanced strategy, adaptability, and teamwork.
In our inaugural Marvel Rivals season, the team finished with a 3–4 regular season record, earning the 6th seed in the division and securing a berth in the state playoff bracket—an impressive accomplishment for a first-year title.
This season also marked the debut of Assistant Esports Coach Mr. Gavin Van Epps, who joined the program in his first year as an educator. Entrusted with leading the Marvel Rivals roster, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, organization, and competitive focus. His energetic and student-centered approach fostered both performance growth and sustained player engagement throughout the season.
While Mr. Justin Buntrock directed the Varsity and JV Fortnite programs, the success and competitive momentum of Marvel Rivals stands as a testament to Coach Van Epps’ leadership and the dedication of our student-athletes.
We commend our players and coaching staff for a strong inaugural campaign and look forward to building on this foundation in the seasons ahead.
Article and Photo Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Head eSports Coach
jbuntrock@wwusd.org
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … 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.
