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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Mina Truesdale of Whitewater, was named to the Dean’s Honor List at Cedarville University for Fall 2023. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu.
Editor’s comment: The following press release was received from the Office of the Governor.
Gov. Tony Evers on January 22 announced his appointment of Kathleen Kostock to serve as Walworth County Register of Deeds. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Michele Jacobs, effective December 10, 2023. Kostock will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term ending January 5, 2025.
“Kathleen Kostock’s background in public service makes her well-qualified to carry out the duties as register of deeds for Walworth County,” said Gov. Evers. “She will lead the office and serve the people of Walworth County well in this role.”
Kostock has been a resident of Walworth County for over 24 years and currently serves as a member of the Elkhorn Area School Board.
“I am pleased to accept the appointment of Walworth County Register of Deeds and look forward to continuing the outstanding work of my predecessor Michele Jacobs and her team,” said Kostock. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Walworth County and maintain the high level of professionalism and customer service to which you’ve become accustomed. Thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues for your continued encouragement.”
Update 1/23/24 @ 9 a.m. – Many roads and sidewalks in town are very icy. Travel is actually much more difficult than yesterday in many areas.
Update 1/23/24 @ 6:30 a.m. – As of 4:30 a.m., the National Weather Service indicates that they are still expecting a wintry mix of freezing rain, snow and rain today. However, warmer surface temperatures are reducing the chance of ice in the Whitewater area from about 60% to about 10%. Fog and freezing fog has developed in some areas.
[Previous announcement] According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, “Wintry precipitation starts late tonight and continues through Tuesday, with all precipitation types possible. Freezing rain with ice accumulations of a glaze to 0.1″ possible along with some light snow late tonight into Tuesday morning, which will likely impact the Tuesday morning commute.”
Slippery roads are likely, especially during the Tuesday morning commute time.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Bonnie Kolarik from Pixabay.
On Thursday night, January 18, the Whitewater Wrestling Team hosted the Jefferson Eagles in a full night of wrestling, also honoring seniors and parents. The night kicked off with a whopping 38 JV matches, allowing for many wrestlers to have the opportunity to compete in front of their family and friends. Upon completion of the JV matches, 55+ wrestlers and managers recognized their parents, thanking them for their support over the course of the last eight weeks and continued support for the weeks ahead.
Coach Schimming then recognized the 17 seniors that are involved in the program: three managers – Mackenzie Schimming, Leah Newmann and Adrea Alcala and 14 wrestlers – Jason Villegas, Odair Porras, JJ Gonzalez, Nate Black, Avery Janovec, Sebastian Cuellar, Yovanni Rojas-Reyes, Jesus Barajas, Payton Lyon, Ethan Barels, Lauren Buehler, Giulia Ristagno, and Myia Cobbs. These students have been involved in wrestling since middle school, or for some, only this year. Thank you for your efforts in making coaching an enjoyable time for the coaches!
After all of the recognitions, the varsity competition got underway with our dual meet against Jefferson. The team wrestled very well. After seven matches, the team was still in a close dual, up 24-18, with JJ Gonzalez (157), Sebastian Cuellar (165), Payton Lyon (190), and Vicente (Junior) Soto (HWT) all winning by pin. The team then took a brief intermission so the pom squad could do a performance for the crowd; it was an outstanding performance and enjoyed by the crowd. Once wrestling action began again, the Whippets dominated the second half, winning all but one of the final seven matches to close out the victory 55-24. Those winning by pins in the final six were Connor Friend (132), Curtis Rossmiller (138), and Odair Porras (150). Winning by a technical fall (15 points) were Jasen Porras (113) and Jarvis Porcaro (120).
The win on the evening pushed the Whippets record to 8-1 overall and 4-0 in the Valley Division of the Rock Valley Conference, thus securing the championship for the Valley Division.
Coach Schimming was very impressed with the performance of all students involved during the events. Great job to all!
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The Whippets traveled to Jefferson on Saturday, January 20th to compete in the Eagle Jay Invitational. They posted 19 of 22 best times on the day!
Top 16 finishes & some highlights include:
200 Medley Relay
✔(10th – 1:58.85): Langdon Coburn, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Wyatt Esch
200 Freestyle –
✔Cruz Aranda (4th – 2:00.16) This time now put Cruz 7th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!
✔Wyatt Esch dropped 10 seconds off his time going a 2:26.66.
200 IM –
✔Jack Hefty (3rd – 2:21.65) Jack took home a medal for his 3rd place finish and now sits 10th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!
50 Freestyle –
✔Myles Morse (27.33), Wyatt Esch (28.55), David Enns (29.71) and Angel Kilar (35.21) all posted new best times!
✔Angel Kilar won his heat!
100 Butterfly –
✔Cruz Aranda (10th – 1:04.03)
100 Freestyle –
✔Langdon Coburn (16th – 59.08) – Langdon dropped nearly 2 seconds!
✔Onyx Thompson won his heat by dropping 7 seconds going a new time of 1:10.48.
✔Angel Kilar continues to drop more time in the 100 Freestyle, going a new time of 1:20.44!
500 Freestyle –
✔Myles Morse (7th – 5:46.96) – Myles won his heat by over 10 seconds!
200 Freestyle Relay
✔(10th – 1:44.49) – Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, Myles Morse, Jack Hefty
100 Backstroke –
✔Langdon Coburn (6th – 1:06.04) – Langdon won his heat by out touch his competitor at the finish!
✔Onyx Thompson dropped 6 seconds of his previous time going a 1:23.35
100 Breaststroke –
✔Jack Hefty (9th – 1:14.24)
✔David Enns drops 8 seconds off his time to go a 1:28.10
✔Isaac Straight continues to make improvements in his breaststroke and goes a time of 1:44.51!
400 Freestyle Relay
✔(14th – 4:49.32) – Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Onyx Thompson, Angel Kilar
The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, January 23, at home against Beloit Memorial starting at 5:30 p.m. We hope to see you there for their last conference dual meet!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes discussion of landscape plans for Dollar Tree, Aldi, and Starbucks; Future of Territorial Oak felled timber and possible projects relating to it; protection of oaks from library expansion
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/519418125
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 519-418-125
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School
Agenda: WUSD Organizational Chart
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes report on Assistant Fire Chief Transition from Part-Time to Full-Time Position; closed session, to reconvene, for interviews of FTE EMT/Firefighter candidate, patrol officer candidate, and patrol lieutenant candidate.
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://meet.goto.com/326407381
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 326-407-381
Whitewater School Board – Monday @ 6:30 (Closed Session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
———————————————–
6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82039500370?pwd=K0pkN0l4dW5BQWM4bVplbE1SOE0zUT09
– Passcode: 304438
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 820 3950 0370
– Passcode: 304438
———————————————–
Closed Session Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes: discuss circumstances related to restrictions placed on a community member’s access to District property; discuss and prepare for the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center negotiations.
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online — Open Session
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes WUSD Strategic Planning & Scorecard Review, Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary School (Informational); Establish 2024-25 Regular and Special Education Open Enrollment Space Limitations (Action Item); 2024-25 High School Curriculum Course Proposal: Earth Science (Action Item).
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87078321810?pwd=QllRL2tWNEQ1bk0yWTVwQ2pzQVExUT09
– Passcode: 330848
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 870 7832 1810
– Passcode: 330848
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Shared-Ride Taxi Rate Increases.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/770646165
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 770-646-165
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Thursday @ 5:00
Agenda includes committee goals and objectives.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82117796832?pwd=WVpXUHI4WC9STFVLRmwyZXFhVWtiZz09
Meeting ID: 821 1779 6832
Passcode: 417810
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda – Applicant: RLA Properties
Property: 355 W. James Street
Relative Code: 19.15.060 Yard Requirements Side yard of 10 feet.
Variance Requested: To place new structure on old structure location that is only 4.5 feet
from side property line.
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/305001373
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 305-001-373
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Roberta’s Art Gallery.
IMMERSIVE ART EXHIBIT EXPLORES THE LANDSCAPE OF HUMAN MEMORY AT ROBERTA’S ART GALLERY
Dive into the mesmerizing past and present worlds at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “Memoria,” by artist Will Timilin. This exhibit features digital imagery and projections that unfold illusions from the human memory. “Memoria” opens on Jan. 10 and will be on display until Feb. 9.
“Memoria” is an immersive gallery experience that allows audience members to explore the vast landscape of the mysterious recollection. Through digital art and technology, Timlin encourages his audience to search these projected, enchanting spaces for stories. “The stories in the pieces are etched into the intricate folds of our minds,” says Timlin. “They include splinters of illusionistic hauntings fused with the grand, celestial, and euphoric.”
Will Timlin is a graphic designer and digital artist based in Milwaukee, Wis. This will be Timlin’s first solo exhibition. Timlin is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in marketing. “I hope my audience will leave with an emotional response and understanding through my projections, whether it’s confusion or love,” says Timlin. “I want to highlight the misinterpretations of memory.”
The artist reception takes place on Jan. 30 with an artist talk and an audience Q&A from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by an open house with refreshments from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. During the academic year, which starts on Jan. 22, gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by The Jefferson County Solid Waste Committee.
The Jefferson County Solid Waste Committee is hosting a free, educational presentation on Thursday, January 25 at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Extension, Jefferson County Office located at 864 Collins Road in Jefferson, WI. This event is open to any interested citizen!
Craig Czarnecki, WI DNR Air Management Outreach Coordinator and Lindsay Haas, WI DNR Air Management Communications and Outreach Specialist will present on the DNR Air Management and Wisconsin Air Quality followed by an opportunity for questions.
We hope that you will join us for this great educational opportunity!
Please contact Kim at 920-674-7430 or kimb@jeffersoncountywi.gov with any questions.
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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