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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Whitewater Unified School District will be closed on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 due to a Winter Storm Warning that is tracking heavy snow that will impact travel during school hours. All before and after-school athletics and activities for Tuesday will also be canceled. Fort Atkinson schools are also closed.
Mark Dorn indicates that the movie at Seniors in the Park will be rescheduled.
Kay Robers indicates that the Community Space will be closed.
All city buildings will be closed, including the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
Any further weather closing announcements will be added to this page.
Update: Senior dining sites will be closed.
Kickoff for the 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Season, “Crescendo,” took place on Saturday, January 6, with a worldwide release of the requirements for a new music-themed game. Twenty-one members of Whitewater High School’s FRC Team Ferradermis traveled to Mukwonago High School for a kickoff event hosted by Team 930, the Mukwonago Bears. They were joined by Team 8701 Graffiti from Greendale, Team 6421 WarriorBots from Muskego, Team 8002 The Knack from Hartland, Team 5148 New Berlin Blitz, and rookie team 9760 from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Milwaukee.
Kickoff events started with a series of workshops where students could learn about team/task organization, programming, prototyping, FIRST Wisconsin leadership opportunities, CAD, and more. At 11:00 a.m., all participating teams gathered together to watch the worldwide broadcast that would reveal the much-teased game via a game animation. To watch the animation and learn about the game, visit https://youtu.be/9keeDyFxzY4. After a pizza break, teams worked to break down the 150-page rule book individually and then by teaming up with representatives from all of the other participating teams.
The single game piece this year is a 14” diameter orange foam ring, known as a “note” because of its likeness to a musical whole note. The robot must interact with a variety of field elements including the “speaker,” the “amp,” the “stage,” and the “source.” Robots will collect notes from the source and deliver them to the amp and the speaker. The amp has lights controlled by the human player that can signal point scoring in the speaker is amplified for a certain amount of time based on the number of notes in the amp. There are also opportunities for the two alliances playing against each other to use coopertition to reduce the total number of notes needed to earn ranking points. [Coopertition means that teams help and cooperate with each other, even as they compete.] Situations that incorporate coopertition and cooperation are named “melody” and “ensemble” to keep with the music theme. During the end game, the human player will have an opportunity to make a half-court ring-toss that will help increase point values for tasks in the end game.
Ferradermis members returned to the high school for the remainder of the afternoon on Saturday to discuss their approach to start the season and to start setting specific goals for what their robot will do. They will now begin meeting 20-30 hours per week after school and on weekends to design, manufacture, assemble, wire, program, and test their new robot. They will put their bot on the field for the first time in a scrimmage at Sussex-Hamilton High School on Sunday, February 18, and need to be fully ready for competition before the end of February.
Ferradermis is scheduled to compete in three regional events this year, with each event lasting four days and consisting of 50-60 high school teams. They will be at the Northern Lights Regional in Duluth from February 28 – March 3, at the Wisconsin Regional in Milwaukee from March 14-17, and at the Midwest Regional in Chicago over Spring Break from March 27-30. The team is particularly excited for the Chicago event as it will host teams from 6 countries (Panama, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Canada, the US, and Mexico) and 10 states including Hawaii, California, New York, and Florida. Four teams from each regional will advance to Championships in Houston, Texas in mid-April.
The public is invited to learn more about the team at their Open House at Whitewater High School on Saturday, February 3, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
Community members are invited to a presentation by Carol McLernon celebrating the 130th anniversary of the World’s Fair in Chicago, which will be held at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, January 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Attendees will learn about Wisconsin’s building at the fair, new foods that were introduced and famous people who attended. Those from Wisconsin included Harry Houdini and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Jennifer Motzko, Head of Archives at UW-Whitewater’s Andersen Library, will also have Exposition items from their collection on display. There is no cost or registration to attend this presentation. The library is located at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater.
The Whitewater Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team was able to get a few key stops to end the game and close out a five-point win, 46-41, when they hosted Deerfield on Friday, January 5.
Whitewater built a six-point halftime lead and pushed it to double digits for a few possessions midway through the second half. Deerfield would not go away and took a one-point lead with just over four minutes to play, but Whitewater finished the game on a 13-7 run to secure the win.
The Whitewater Youth Basketball Club Girls’ 5th/6th Team played at halftime, and the 7th/8th girls’ team was all in attendance. This combined with a fantastic pit band performance and a great performance by the poms team fed into an awesome, loud crowd. The girls’ team appreciates all in attendance.
Whitewater returns to conference action as the Whippets host Big Foot on Tuesday, January 9, and Edgerton on Friday, January 12.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At the December 19 Common Council meeting, Police Chief Daniel Meyer requested feedback regarding a letter he had drafted to be sent to President Biden regarding the need for more resources for the Police Department and other areas in order to continue effectively serving the entire population of the city. Those residents now include an estimated 800-1000 persons who have immigrated here from Central and South America in the past two years.
The council members endorsed the draft while also suggesting a few additional points they thought might be included in the letter. Ultimately City Manager John Weidl suggested that Meyer be allowed to send his letter with minimal changes, while committing that Weidl would be happy to draft an additional letter through which the council might communicate its own concerns. Council members, endorsing this proposal, requested that the chief’s letter also be sent to a number of federal and state officials. They also felt that in addition to the chief it should also be signed by the city manager and the council members. The letter, a copy of which is included at the end of this article, was sent on December 28. In addition to the president, it was also sent to Vice President Harris, DHS Secretary Mayorkas, Governor Evers, Lieutenant Governor Rodriguez, US Senator Baldwin, US Senator Johnson, US Representative Steil, US Representative Fitzgerald, WI Senator Nass, WI Representative Peterson, WI Representative Schutt, and WI Representative Vos.
State and national media picked up the story, and among the inaccurate comments being made in some outlets and on social media are references to busloads of people being “dumped” in Whitewater.
The Banner inquired whether the police chief and city manager would care to provide any comments in response to this concern. Their comments are below.
Police Chief Daniel Meyer: “I would like to make it absolutely clear that this is an apolitical issue for us. It’s unfortunate that certain media outlets have chosen to use the letter as political ammunition. The purpose of the letter is to obtain financial support for services that the Whitewater community is in critical need of. It is a simple fact that we are not currently providing the Whitewater community with the degree of service that our residents are accustomed to. Our proactive law enforcement statistics show that. That needs to change for the sake of both long-time residents, as well as individuals who have recently moved here from Central America. We are in no way working to divide this community. We want to make positive change so that we can all continue to move forward in a safe and welcoming city.”
City Manager John Weidl: “The City of Whitewater is experiencing population growth, necessitating a shift in the allocation of city resources to address the evolving needs of the community. This includes ensuring access to safe housing, education registration, library services, and other essential public amenities. Additionally, it is crucial to adapt our public safety strategies to effectively serve newcomers, enhancing communication between officers and residents, aiding in obtaining necessary identification, and providing support to integrate them as active, contributing members of the community.
It is important to emphasize that the intention of this letter is not to cast a negative light on any part of our community. Instead, it is a call for additional resources to enable the City to more effectively serve all community members.”
Editor’s note: We appreciate having permission to use the image on the homepage by Pexels from Pixabay.
Congratulations to A’lani Ross, Calli Grosinske, and Maddison LaHaie for being selected to represent Whitewater High School at Badger Girls State in 2024!
Badger Girls State is a program designed to develop leadership skills in high school students and train future stateswomen in the science of government. The program will be held at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh from June 16-21. Participants are chosen for their interest in the American government and their outstanding qualities of leadership, character, cooperativeness, dependability, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Thank you to the Whitewater American Legion for sponsoring our awesome delegates again this year! Congratulations!
Article and Photo Submitted by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz
Whitewater High School Counselor
psonmorwintz@wwusd.org
“A Haunting in Venice”
Tuesday, January 9, 1 p.m.
(Mystery/Drama) Rated PG-13.
1 hour, 43 minutes (2023)
Agatha Christie’s celebrated sleuth Hercules Poirot, now retired and living in self imposed exile in Venice, reluctantly attends a Halloween séance in a “haunted” palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, Poirot is, once again, on the hunt.
Kenneth Branagh, Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh star.
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 $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our 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/
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
With the 72-hour extension in the filing deadline for Common Council seats having passed at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 5, the April 2 ballot has now been finalized. City Clerk Heather Boehm indicated that the candidates are as follows.
At large seat (Shown here in alphabetical order; the draw for placement on the ballot will be held on Monday, January 8.)
Greg Majkrzak, 1294 Tower Hill Pass
Keith Staebler, 542 E. Clay Street
Aldermanic District 2
Orin Smith, 901 W. Starin Rd., #502A
Aldermanic District 4
Brian Schanen, 441 S. Buckingham Blvd.
There will be no primary election for either the Common Council or the School Board. The general election will be held on April 2. As was previously announced on The Whitewater Banner, there are three candidates for two seats on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board.
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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