Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, May 12, 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 Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.
With cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rising across Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging pregnant Wisconsinites to get the vaccine to protect their baby from the virus. As of January 10 there have been 1,402 people in Wisconsin hospitalized with RSV this season; 580 of those are children under age 2.
The RSV vaccine Abrysvo can be given to people who are pregnant between 32 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy and provides protection for newborns until they are 6 months old. The vaccine was approved for use in 2023 and is safe and effective. People who are pregnant should ask their health care provider if they can get the vaccine.
“This RSV vaccine provides protection to the infant for the first six months after they are born,” said DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt. “That provides the baby protection at a time when they could be vulnerable to serious illness.”
A different option to protect infants is a monoclonal antibody shot (nirsevimab). Children under eight months of age can receive nirsevimab, but it is important to know that nirsevimab is currently in limited supply. This is why it is especially important for people who are pregnant to get the RSV vaccine, which is readily available, to ensure their infants are protected.
The RSV vaccine is also available to all adults aged 60 and older. There are two RSV vaccines available for this age group: Arexvy and Abrysvo. Both vaccines are safe and effective.
Aging and older adults, individuals who are pregnant, and new parents should contact their health care provider to determine if RSV vaccination or preventive treatment is recommended for them or their infant.
In addition to the RSV vaccine, DHS urges everyone six months and older to get the flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important for people who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill, which includes those who are pregnant, age 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions. Wisconsinites can find locations offering the flu and COVID-19 vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov or calling 211 or 877-947-2211.
Besides vaccines, there are steps we can all take to help stop the spread of germs and viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
- Stay home and away from others if you feel sick.
- Avoid being around others who are sick or have respiratory illness symptoms.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do the same.
- Wear a high-quality mask around others to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by Camylla Battani on Unsplash.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Madison.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.
Whitewater, WI
Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Shawn Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Arno Crowley, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Carson Ellenwood, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Mohamed Mohamed, School of Pharmacy, Honor Roll
Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Daniel Soto, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Kaden Tourdot, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Michael Zande, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
According to a report on WKOW, Payton Zech, a local DoorDash driver, encountered a herd of cows running towards his vehicle on Highway P. “I don’t know what to do in this situation,” he said as the cows trotted toward him. “I’m just gonna keep going backwards, I suppose.”
The video report may be viewed here. Click on the second image for the video.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday through noon on Saturday. They are projecting in the range of 8-12″ of snow in the Whitewater area. If that sounds familiar, it’s similar to the range that they had anticipated earlier this week, when we actually received approximately 3-4″. They indicate that lower than anticipated snow was related, among other things, to the warmer temperature. This time the temperature is expected to be lower, including the roads, and NWS claims that they tried to estimate conservatively.
Wind gusts on Friday and Saturday are expected to cause blowing/drifting snow. The Wisconsin State Patrol advises people to postpone their Friday and Saturday travels as another winter storm and low temperatures roll through the state. Trooper Wameng Van said people should limit their traveling if possible on Friday and Saturday during an expected winter snowstorm. ”If you can postpone it, I would advise to do so,” he said. ”With single and sub-zero temperatures, you think about frostbite; just within 30 minutes or so, frostbite can start kicking in already. You want to try to avoid that.”
Wind Chill Advisories may be issued next week, as the wind chill on Sunday and Monday may fall to -30F.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from Pamela Sonmor-Wintz, WHS counselor.
Akamion McHenry has been chosen by the faculty at Whitewater High School to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha June 14-16, 2024!
Akamion will participate in team-building activities, hear motivational speakers, and participate in small group discussions designed to develop additional leadership skills in sophomores across the state of Wisconsin. Congratulations Akamion!!
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted on January 4.
Sara Deschner Named Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer named
Campus community,
I am pleased to announce that Sara Deschner has been named Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer. Sara has been part of the UW-Whitewater community for 17 years, serving in several roles, including Assistant Director in ICIT, lecturer and Assistant Dean in the College of Business and Economics.
As the Interim CIO and leader of our IT Services Department since April 2023, Sara has begun working to reimagine the information technology capabilities and support services for the Whitewater and Rock campuses. Her proven leadership experience — along with the collaborative efforts she has already set in motion — make me confident that she is the best choice for our campuses.
Sara officially began her new role on December 31, 2023.
I would like to thank Paul Waelchli, Library Director, for leading the search, along with the members of the search and screen committee for their dedicated time and commitment to successfully recruiting and reviewing the candidates.
Brenda Jones
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Affairs
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted at UW-W on December 26.
Artanya Wesley Departs for University of Tennesee at Chattanooga
Today it was announced that Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Artanya Wesley was named the next vice chancellor of enrollment management and student affairs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Wesley.
During her tenure on campus, Dr. Wesley has led with her heart. She is a servant leader whose passion is to ensure all students — in particular those that came from humble communities as she did — see their potential and believe in themselves.
Wesley joined the university in July 2016 as dean of students. She was appointed vice chancellor of student affairs in April of 2020, having served in the role as interim since July 2019.
She previously served in various student affairs leadership roles at the Universities of Wisconsin and UW-Platteville. Her professional experience includes presentations at the local and national level on topics ranging from university housing to Title IX to student recruitment and retention.
The Universities of Wisconsin System honored Dr. Wesley with the Outstanding Woman of Color award twice — in 2009 and 2019.
She earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Capella University and two degrees from UW-Platteville: Master of Science in Education in Counselor Education and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Dr. Wesley’s last day on campus will be Jan. 5, 2024. Please know I have meetings arranged with Student Affairs leadership and will name an interim leader by the end of January. We will ensure a thoughtful approach in a permanent hire for this role with a continued focus on student excellence.
Again, please join me in congratulating Dr. Wesley and thanking her for her strong leadership and dedicated service to UW-Whitewater.
Sincerely,
Corey A. King
Chancellor
The following student has been named to the 2023 fall semester dean’s list at St. Norbert College. A minimum 3.5 grade-point average is required for academic eligibility.
St. Norbert College – celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2023 – is known for its academic excellence, focus on international awareness, and leadership and service opportunities. The academic excellence and character-building qualities of the college are nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Princeton Review and others.
The college is in the midst of the Support What Matters campaign, a $125 million fundraising initiative timed to align with the college’s 125th anniversary that focuses on preserving, enhancing and amplifying the things that make a St. Norbert education unique. Find more information at www.snc.edu.
HOMETOWN – Whitewater, Wis.
Lauren Francl
Editor’s note: The following announcement was submitted by Pat Chaput.
The Whitewater Community Food Pantry will be closed Wednesday, January 10 due to inclement weather. The pantry will be open Thursday at 8:30 a.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.
