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Jim Caldwell (center) was presented with a 60-Year Club award by Paul Northway (left), president and CEO of American National Bank Fox Cities and the 2025–2026 WBA Chair, and Rose Oswald Poels (right), WBA president and CEO, at the 2026 WBA Bank Executives Conference.
James Caldwell from First Citizens State Bank has been honored with a 60-Year Club Award by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). This award recognizes exceptional dedication to Wisconsin’s banking industry. “Few achievements speak more powerfully than a career defined by six decades of service,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We are honored to celebrate Jim whose enduring commitment has left an indelible mark on Wisconsin’s banking industry.” Caldwell is a DeForest High School graduate and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and his master’s degree in business. He began his career with his first job out of college at First Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee, now known as US Bank. After working at First Wisconsin for over eight years, he was employed by the board of directors of First Citizens State Bank on October 1, 1974 as its executive V.P. and was promoted to president in 1979. In 2017, Caldwell transitioned from president & CEO to CEO as Nate Parrish was promoted to president. Caldwell continues to work closely with customers, city leaders, and numerous organizations to strengthen and enrich the communities the bank serves. His passion for CRA (Community Reinvestment Act), business development, community development, and the personal development of his staff and community members is evident every day — shown through the relationships he builds and the advocacy and guidance he provides. Caldwell was recognized during a special luncheon at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference. This year’s event took place on February 5, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells. About the Wisconsin Bankers Association Founded in 1892, the Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing 180 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and nearly 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 96 percent of banks in the state are WBA members. Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Wisconsin Bankers Association. |
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to sponsor The State of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, The State of the City of Whitewater, and The State of the Whitewater Unified School District.”
Dr. Corey A. King, UW-Whitewater Chancellor, Samuel Karns, Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, and John Weidl, Whitewater City Manager, are invited to present the state of their respective institutions.
The State of Our City and Schools will be held at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater, on Thursday, February 19th, from 6:30-8:00 pm.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Mary Beth Byrne, wisconsinwoods@gmail.com.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Missoula Children’s Theatre has been rehearsing The Jungle Book with a cast of local students this past week. They’re anxious to perform the show at the Young Performing Arts Center, 930 W. Main Street, on Saturday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. All seats are $11. Tickets may be purchased online or at Ticket Services, 950 W. Main Street, or 262-472-2222, on Friday between 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. When purchased at the door there is a small per ticket surcharge. There is no charge for parking.
The synopsis: Ever been abandoned in the jungle, adopted by wolves, taught by a bear, befriended by a panther and chased by a tiger? In the Missoula Children’s Theatre musical adaptation of THE JUNGLE BOOK, Mowgli the man-cub has all these adventures and more. Join him as he escapes from the Bander-log, outwits a tiger, enlists the help of a rock-python, explores what it means to be human and learns a lesson from the brave mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Original music and rollicking humor give new life to the classic tale by Rudyard Kipling.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2026 Boater Safety Education Course on March 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and April 4, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a Boater Safety Education Course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.
Boater Safety Education Course – Class #1
Session 1: March 12, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: April 4, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/boater-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. The department has previously indicated to The Banner that Walworth County residence is not required to participate in the course.
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is seeking applications on behalf of the Walworth County Administrator for a citizen appointment to represent people aged 60 or older and adults with disabilities on the ADRC Governing Board.
The ADRC of Walworth County provides information on a broad range of programs and services, helps people understand the various long-term care options available to them, assists people in applying for programs and benefits, and serves as the access point for publicly funded long-term care.
ADRC Governing Board members represent the needs, concerns, and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities in Walworth County. Applicants must reside in Walworth County. Appointments are for a three-year term. In an effort to have representation of all populations residing in Walworth County, we encourage individuals who could represent the Latino population to consider submitting a notice of interest.
Applications can be requested from the ADRC at 1910 County Road NN, P.O. Box 1005, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121. You may also email Randy Kohl, Division Manager, at rkohl@co.walworth.wi.us, or download an application from www.co.walworth.wi.us/532/Apply-for-Boards-and-Committees. Submit applications by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, to ADRC, Attn: Randy Kohl, at the above address.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Walworth County.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater. It is likely that some of the students listed did not live in Whitewater prior to their enrollment at UW-W. The university includes students who have registered with a Whitewater area address.
The following students will represent the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as student teachers during the spring 2026 semester:
53190 Whitewater, WI: Aidan Allamian, who is majoring in Physical Education and will work in Physical Education at Madison Elementary School the Janesville school district(s).
53190 Whitewater, WI: Daven Cooper, who is majoring in English Literature & Language Arts Education and will work in English at Milton Middle School the Milton school district(s).
53190 Whitewater, WI: Larissa Eaker, who is majoring in English Literature & Language Arts Education and will work in English & Language Arts at McFarland High School the McFarland school district(s).
53190 Whitewater, WI: Cameron Huntley, who is majoring in History Education and will work in Social Studies at Jefferson High School the Jefferson school district(s).
53190 Whitewater, WI: Megan Kasper, who is majoring in Elementary Middle Education and will work in Elementary & Middle at Lakeview Elementary School the Whitewater school district(s).
53190 Whitewater, WI: Katherine Sainsbury, who is majoring in Elementary Education and will work in Elementary & Middle at Purdy Elementary School the Ft. Atkinson school district(s).
Students from the university’s College of Education and Professional Studies will serve as student teachers through the end of the school year.
A total of 156 UW-Whitewater students were placed in school districts around the region starting in August. Student teaching is the final activity before teacher candidates earn their degree and license.
UW-Whitewater will partner with 191 cooperating teachers across 118 schools in 71 districts over the course of the semester.
Student teachers assist cooperating teachers with lesson planning, instruction and assessment. This spring, 33 UW-Whitewater teacher candidates were hired by school districts as student teaching interns as part of the Department of Public Instruction’s Wisconsin Improvement Program (WIP). Interns are licensed by the DPI to teach up to 50 percent of each day on their own and receive a stipend for the semester.
UW-Whitewater licenses the most teachers in the state of Wisconsin. Educating teachers was the university’s original mission during its founding in 1868. To learn more about the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater, visit uww.edu/coeps.
On Monday, February 9th the WHS choir department sent 14 students to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Honors Choir. They had the opportunity to work with Rachel Maki, a Grammy Award winning choral music professional. In just a few short hours students from all different schools in our conference came together to prepare four challenging choral pieces to perform for an audience. Congratulations to these talented students. Thank you for representing our school well.
Article and Photos Submitted by MacKenzie Gehrke
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
gehma01@wwusd.org
The Whippets put on a fun and competitive performance at the Southern Lakes Conference Championship Swim Meet, finishing 4th overall with a ton of strong swims, big time drops, and fast racing across the board.
Top 16 Finishes & Highlights:
200 Medley Relay
• A Relay (Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Caleb Kluck) – 7th (2:00.83)
• B Relay (Cooper Housel, Carson Miller, Eloy Rodriguez, Ian Agen) – 15th (2:27.64)
200 Free
• 3rd – Cruz Aranda (1:51.43)
• 11th – Wyatt Esch (2:13.54, 4-second drop)
• Hunter Runnoe (2:28.43)
200 IM
• 5th – Langdon Coburn (2:13.21)
• Ian Agen – really strong final swim of the season in one of the toughest events
50 Free
• 5th – Mateo Bazeley (23.22)
• 16th – David Enns (27.28)
• ChaCha Binagi (28.84)
• Eloy Rodriguez (29.90)
• Angel Kilar (30.65)
100 Fly
• 5th – Langdon Coburn (54.75) → now 3rd all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List
• 12th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:08.86)
100 Free
• 2nd – Cruz Aranda (49.89) → 5th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List
• 4th – Mateo Bazeley (53.04)
• 12th – Caleb Kluck (58.16)
• ChaCha Binagi (1:06.30)
500 Free
• 15th – Eloy Rodriguez (7:17.43, 45-second drop)
• 16th – Angel Kilar (7:29.58, 29-second drop)
• Cooper Housel (7:50.02)
200 Free Relay
• A Relay (Cruz Aranda, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley) – 2nd (1:33.84)
• B Relay (David Enns, Hunter Runnoe, Sam Nickelsburg, Mateo Bazeley) – 10th (1:50.30)
– Hunter Runnoe ripped a 26.62 split
100 Backstroke
• 11th – Wyatt Esch (1:13.24)
• 15th – Hunter Runnoe (1:18.09)
100 Breaststroke
• 9th – Caleb Kluck (1:16.32)
• 16th – David Enns (1:22.83)
• Carson Miller (1:34.31)
400 Free Relay
• A Relay (Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Wyatt Esch, Cruz Aranda) – 2nd (3:29.97)
– Langdon led off in 50.95, now 7th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List
• B Relay (Eloy Rodriguez, ChaCha Binagi, Hunter Runnoe, Sam Nickelsburg) – 10th (4:19.60)
– Sam closed it out with a strong 1:01.83 split
Next up:
Saturday, February 14th
WIAA Sectional Meet – Whitefish Bay High School
Swimming starts at 1:00 PM
Come spend Valentine’s Day cheering on your Whippets!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
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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