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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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On Saturday, January 6, the Whitewater Wrestling Team hosted 30 teams at the high school with Junior Varsity wrestlers eyeing a trip to the JV State Finals in Wausau on January 20th. Of the 30 teams, there were 352 wrestlers with many of the brackets having 32 students in the weight class. This was a great opportunity for the Whippet Wrestlers to get some high-quality wrestling experience to see where we are and what needs to improve. Although there was no team award, trackwrestling does keep track of scores, and the Whitewater JV team came out on top with overall team score!
The Whitewater JV team wrestled extremely well. Twenty-seven wrestlers competed for Whitewater, with 5 of the competitors placing in the top 3, thus earning their trip to the finals in Wausau. All of the wrestlers wrestled well, with many winning at least two matches on the day.
Leading the way for the Whippets was Curtis Rossmiller, as he had a great day going 5-0 and winning the 126-pound weight class. This is the second year that Curtis has reached the challenge series, and he has his eyes set on placing in the 24-person bracket at Wausau.
At 157 pounds, the Whippets took two of the top three spots with a runner-up finish by Edrick Comacho and a third-place finish by Christian Minnet. Edrick will be making his first trip to Wausau with his runner-up finish in a large 32-person bracket. Edrick wrestled extremely well throughout the tournament going 4-1 and dropping his championship match against a very good student from Verona Area. Christian also wrestled well going 4-1. He, too, lost to the Verona Area student. His 3rd place match that he needed to win to advance was a tough fought match. He was at one point down 8-2, but he just continued to battle back one point at a time to secure a takedown late in the third period to win the match and punch his ticket to Wausau.
Richi Kalra at 175 pounds will be making his first trip to Wausau as he reached the semi-finals dropping a tough match to a Darlington student. Richi then had to come back through the consolation bracket, needing to win two matches on the backside to get to Wausau. Richi did just that winning those two matches and getting a first period pin in the third-place match to make it to Wausau.
Closing out the qualifiers for the Whippets is Avi Kalra. This will also be Avi’s second trip to Wausau by taking runner-up at 190 pounds. Avi made quick work of his first opponents getting three pins to reach the championship match. Avi ran into a familiar foe from Janesville Craig, wrestling better than the first time they met earlier in the season, but still dropping his finals.
Quinton O’Toole had his best day of wrestling going 4-1 at 126 pounds. He unfortunately lost early in the tournament, which due to bracket set up left him unable to reach the top three. Needless to say, Quinton wrestled great after the first-round loss.
Great job to all wrestlers competing on Saturday as they did very well. Coach Schimming also sends out a huge thank you to all the varsity wrestlers who did a great job working the tables. It was a long day, but the group did outstanding all day long, right until the end of the tournament when they also did outstanding with the clean-up of the six mats.
Thank you also to the wrestling parents who did outstanding putting together a hospitality room for the officials and the students who were working. That was much appreciated! Thank you also to the parents who volunteered their time in the concession area. That was non-stop action.
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Previously it was announced that the final Christmas tree collection, without an appointment, would take place on Tuesday, January 9. Brian Neumeister, streets superintendent, told the Banner that, due to the weather forecast, it is uncertain as to whether the collection will be performed tomorrow. Due to this uncertainty a Christmas tree collection will be scheduled for Tuesday, January 16. After that date residents will need to call the Department of Public Works at 262-473-0560 before Tuesday at 5 a.m. to schedule a brush pickup.
Trees that have been flocked or contain wire will not be collected. Please place these trees for collection by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month, your bulk pick up day.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Update 1/9 @ 4:20 p.m. – The Weather Service expects an additional 3-5″ of snow for the Whitewater area. The Winter Weather Warning continues until 3 a.m. Also, see the bottom of this post for two additional anticipated systems later in the week.
As of Tuesday morning’s 10:00 briefing, the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office is predicting that the Whitewater area’s total snow accumulation will be in the range of 6-10″. Accumulation this afternoon may be up to 1″ per hour at times. Anyone who is going to be shoveling is advised to be very cautious, as moving the wet, heavy snow puts quite a toll on the body and can contribute to a heart attack. In the evening the snow is expected to change over from the wet, compacted snow to a more dry, fluffy snow.
Two more rounds of snow are in the forecast, for Wednesday night and Friday to Saturday.
Wednesday Night
- Light powdery snowfall expected late Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning.
- 1-2 inches of snowfall is expected across southern Wisconsin
Next System This Weekend
- Another potentially potent system for Friday into Saturday
- System could bring several inches of moderate to heavy snowfall
- Uncertainty in system track (small shifts will influence potential weather impacts)
- Much colder air expected to move in behind this system for Sunday into Monday
Editor’s note: Updated on 1/9 at 11:30 p.m. to add two WUSD notices.
City of Whitewater Spring Election Candidates/Ballot Draw – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Ballot draw for at large Common Council seat
Whitewater Municipal Building , Community Room
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8140860175pwd=1jukmOSlmqORjlLSd0Dp2SWEiCbp0A.lTocz9sieOBVSfZ5
Passcode: 503011
Or Telephone +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 814 0860 1750
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Conditional Use Permit for sign package for Starbucks, Public Hearing Regarding Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for zero lot line condominiums on Meadow View (off Indian Mounds Parkway), Possible Consideration and Approval of the Preliminary Plat and Possible Consideration and Approval of Final Plat for Meadow View project.
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/997301941
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 997-301-941
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Ethics Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes executive session to Consider complaints against elected officials, possibly followed by open session.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83773150974?pwd=XQN0MAk3BjZ01oMA9ldLdLvXMFjn8g.zHzIaEt32XxXnX
Sl
Passcode: 195569
Or Telephone:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 837 7315 0974
Passcode: 195569
WUSD Notices
Members of the Whitewater School Board will be attending the WUSD Unplugged session at Lincoln Elementary on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 beginning at 4:00 p.m. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.
Whitewater School Board members and other Whitewater Unified School District officials will be attending the Crossing Guard & Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast at Whitewater High School on Thursday, January 11, 2024. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during this event.
The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, and 5k is excited to announce that registration is now open for its 12th annual race. The upcoming Discover Whitewater Series is set to be held on September 22, 2024.
Since its establishment in 2013, the DWS has hosted 11 successful races, raising $274,500 for local charities. The DWS partners with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the City of Whitewater to make this race a premium community event. Once again, the DWS plans to host a fun and safe event the entire community can enjoy.
This year, the DWS will be maintaining fan-favorite events from years past such as: Kids Korral childcare, Half Marathon Team Event, and its Post Race Celebration at 841 Brewhouse.
“We’d like to invite runners of all capacities to join us in our 12th Annual DWS, begin training now and join us for another successful race this year!” said Race Director, Dawson Miller.
The DWS is offering an early bird special through the end of the month where registration rates are at their lowest of the year. The DWS team looks forward to another successful race, and is excited to see all the runners come together once again!
“The DWS does so much for the Whitewater community, it brings everyone together and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” said GWC Chairman, Crystal Singer.
To get signed up while early bird rates still apply, visit: www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.
About the DWS: The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
With a 17-9 win at Lambeau Field over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 7, the Green Bay Packers earned a wild card berth in the playoffs. They’ll face the Dallas Cowboys, coached by former Packers’ coach Mike McCarthy, on Sunday, January 14 at 3:30 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The game will be broadcast on Fox. The Cowboys have won their last 16 games at home.
Reportedly the Packers are the youngest team to reach the playoffs since 1978. They are also currently the youngest team in the league, and Jordan Love is in his first season as full-time starting quarterback. The Packers didn’t make the playoffs with Favre and Rodgers as starting quarterback until year two. Love was quoted as saying after the game, “You want to play in the big-time games when the pressure is on and be able to go showcase what you’re made of. Being on the bench those three years and being behind Aaron [Rogers] and just wanting to be out there so bad, now that I have my opportunity, just make the most of it. Take it and run with it […] It’s definitely something that I was waiting for and dreaming of and it’s definitely everything that it’s living up to be.”
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
Kim Adams has accepted the position as Gallery Director for the Whitewater Arts Alliance. As a lifelong learner and advocate for the arts, she believes that creativity resides in everyone.
She enjoys teaching, brainstorming, and collaborating with diverse individuals and teams. With 35 years in higher education, including 32 years at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she retired as Assistant Director of the James R. Connor University Center in June 2021.
One of the standout achievements in Kim’s career has been her instrumental role in developing and supervising The Center Art Gallery and Roberta’s Art Gallery. Her
collaborative efforts with the UW-W Art Department, alongside engagement with student artists, local, regional, national, and international talents, have been pivotal in fostering a vibrant artistic community. Kim has also been actively involved with local organizations such as the Whitewater Arts Alliance, Studio 84, Fairhaven Senior Services, Optimist International, Association of College Unions International and the Whitewater Unified School District, among others.
Kim’s impact extends beyond gallery curation and collaboration. She played a crucial role in the development of the permanent art collection at the UC, orchestrating collaborative projects that bridged the gap between professional artists and students. Her commitment to education and outreach is further exemplified by her involvement in coordinating camps and research during the summer and serving as the Community Outreach Specialist for the
Chancellor’s Office in the fall.
As a charter member and three-time president of the UW-Whitewater/Community
Optimist Club, Kim chaired Optimist Trivia Night for seven years, raising nearly $90,000. She served as advisor for the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club, led service-learning trips, and taught leadership courses during a good portion of her service career. Kim, an eternal optimist, is a creative problem solver and collaborative leader. She resides in Whitewater with her life partner Angie Alesci and enjoys Wisconsin sports, boating, gardening, photography, crafting, singing in her church choir, and exploring the outdoors.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Retention, Jackie Briggs, as guest speaker at its upcoming monthly meeting in January. Briggs will be discussing UW-Whitewater’s efforts in enrollment and retention.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 11th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is welcome to attend this meeting, so that they may get a chance to learn more about the future of the University. If interested in attending, RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, January 10th.
“We are excited to hear about the efforts in retention and enrollment at the University,” said GWC President, Jeff Knight, “UW-Whitewater’s success is one of GWC’s top priorities.”
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Jackie Briggs, has been in this position since May, 2023. Previously, Briggs served as Director of Admissions since 2017 at UW-W, prior to that was the Assistant Director of Admissions at UW-La Crosse. She has more than 16 years of recruitment and retention experience in higher education.
Additionally, Jackie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communication and Psychology from UW-Whitewater along with her Master’s Degree in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services from Bowling Green State University.
About the GWC The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
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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