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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area’s Book Club welcomes community members to join the last of our three Book Club discussions of Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia. Our third and final Book Club discussions will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, 6-8 p.m., at the home of Dwight Watson, 220 S Church St in Whitewater.
League members and the general public are invited to fully participate in discussions of this engaging memoir by a gender non-conforming writer.
College of Arts and Communication, Department of Theatre/Dance
The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its production of “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare. Adapted and directed by Sara J. Griffin, this production will run in Barnett Theatre on select days from Nov. 10-18. Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person at Ticket Services, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. The Barnett Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190.
In this enchanting adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” step into the captivating world of 1935 New Orleans, where love, laughter, and deception intertwine against the backdrop of the Garden District and French Quarter. Set to the vibrant rhythms of jazz, this dazzling production will transport you to a bygone era of elegance and passion, and onto a journey where wit battles wit, villainy battles honesty, and love turns the most sensible into fools.
This show contains a momentary suggestion of sex. Acceptable for children under 13, with parental guidance.
On choosing this production, Griffin states, “Flaws and forgiveness, that’s what this wonderful Shakespeare tale is about. He asks us to examine our own personal limits for forgiveness through a variety of relationships and events in this play. Some are simple and easy; some are simple but not easy.”
The cast for the UW-Whitewater production of “Much Ado About Nothing” includes Core Miller as Beatrice, Emma Dutcher as Hero, Bryce Giammo as Benedick, and Sam Behling as Claudio.
Remaining show times:
- Thurs., Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Fri., Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sat., Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
You don’t want to miss this enchanting performance of “Much Ado About Nothing”in Barnett Theatre Nov. 10-18. Get your tickets today in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. The Barnett Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Ticket Services hours are Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. when classes are in session.
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The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers rigorous programs in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts; internships, pre-professional opportunities in journalism, advertising, and applied communication, and innovative interdisciplinary studies. The mission of the College of Arts and Communication is to cultivate and inspire creativity, diversity, expression, inquiry and integrity through embodied education in the fine performing and communicative arts and professions. For more information visit uww.edu/coac.
Kacie Carollo from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Integrated Science-Business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk women’s basketball team for the 2023-24 season.
The Warhawks are coming off their second straight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship and a trip to the third round of the NCAA Division III Championship. UW-Whitewater is ranked ninth in the D3hoops.com Preseason Poll and 14th in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Preseason Poll entering the 2023-24 season.
Head coach Keri Carollo enters her 22nd season at the helm of the program in 2023-24. She has led the Warhawks to eight WIAC championships and 14 trips to the NCAA Tournament, including four Final Four bids (2008, 2013, 2014, 2022) and two appearances in the national championship game (2013, 2022).
To view the full schedule, visit https://uwwsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule.
One Week left to enter Kiwanis “Top Dog” Contest running until November 18
Dogs with the Most Votes Win Prizes
Only one week left to show off your pup’s charm in the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Top Dog contest! Just until November 18, dog enthusiasts can head to wwtopdog.net (or scan the QR code below) to donate $5 and enter a photo of their adorable pooch. Remember, no humans in the picture, just let your dog’s personality shine!
After registering, rally your friends and family to vote for your furry friend—each vote costs just $1, and you can vote multiple times. The top eight dogs with the most votes will snag fantastic prizes, so don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your dog’s star power.
A big shoutout to our major sponsor, First Citizens State Bank, and heartfelt thanks to Second Salem Brewing, HIS Rentals, Shadow Dog Photography, Whitewater Veterinary Hospital, Whitewater Pet Supplies Plus, Whitewater Animal Medical Center, and Studio 84 for contributing amazing prizes. Get ready for a paw-some time! 
Following is a list of the current prizes and additional sponsors:
Grand Prize
Second Salem Brewing Company, working with the winner, will craft an exclusive springtime brew featuring a portrait of the victorious pup on its label. The winner’s owner/guardian will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with their Brewmaster on the label’s design and the beer’s moniker.
Additional Prizes and sponsors are as follows:
· A winter weekend retreat provided by HSI Rentals at their Lake Alice Airbnb
· Shadow Dog Photography is providing a portrait experience – $800 value
· Whitewater Veterinary Hospital will provide a free annual exam, vaccinations, heartworm test and fecal test – value $300
· Whitewater Pet Supplies Plus will provide a gift basket for your “top dog.”
· Whitewater Animal Medical Center will provide a gift basket of prizes for your “top dog.”
· Studio 84 in Whitewater will provide an artist’s rendition of your special dog.
This fun contest supports youth activities in our Whitewater community. If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Patrick Taylor at Petaylor.law@gmail.com.
Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100% of funds raised going directly to youth projects and zero to administrative costs. Over the past five years the club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park. Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team claimed the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-22) sweep of UW-Oshkosh Saturday night, November 10.
With the win the Warhawks …
- won the WIAC Tournament Championship for the 18th time in program history — that’s 14 more than any other school in the league
- secured the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament
- punched their ticket into NCAA Regionals for the 34th time in program history
- snapped UW-Oshkosh’s 34-match win streak
- handed the Titans their first loss of 2023
- broke UWO’s streak of 22 consecutive set victories
As fans would expect a match between the second-ranked team in the nation (UWO) and the sixth (UWW) was a thrilling battle throughout. The Warhawks worked back from an early 4-1 deficit out of the gate to knot the first set 5-5. The squads traded points until UWW went on a 4-0 run to take a 13-10 advantage. The Titans were forced to call a timeout and scored the next three to tie the set once again.
The set continued that way, a back-and-forth battle, all the way until the end. A Titan error gave the Warhawks the first set point, 24-22. UWO registered a kill on the next point before Aubrie Krzus (Wheaton, Ill./Warrenville South) sneakily dumped the ball over on the second hit for the final point and a 1-0 lead in the match for UWW.
The Warhawks never trailed in set two, leading by as much as seven late in the set, 20-13. Still the home team battled back to force two set points before Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) put it away with a kill.
The third set was reminiscent of the first two – back-and-forth early on followed by a Warhawk run that gave UWW a big lead, 17-11. The 8-0 burst featured three kills from outside hitter Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial).
The Titans responded with their own 6-0 run to knot the set 17-17. After trading a number of points, UW-Whitewater strung together three in a row to give a little cushion, 21-18. UWW scored three of the next five to force match point, 24-20. After a pair of miscues, middle hitter Hannah Proctor’s (Durand, Ill./Durand) hard cut shot towards the line couldn’t be handled by the Titan libero and the Warhawks stormed the court in celebration.
Anderson was efficient from the middle with 13 kills in 29 attempts with just a single attack error – a hitting percentage of .414. The nation’s top blocker added a solo and six assist blocks in the match. Weinfurt matched Anderson’s kill output with 13 to share match-high honors, adding 10 assists for the double-double. Right side Payton Kuepers (Madison, Wis./Lakeside Lutheran) was integral in UWW’s blocking game with two solo and three assist blocks.
Krzus dished out 32 assists adding a pair of kills, an ace and a block. In the backcourt, Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) led all players with 28 digs. Ally Longden (Pewaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) added double digit digs with 13.
Prior to the match Saturday night, WIAC administrators announced the Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete Award. Jensen was selected as the 2023 honoree. She is the 12th Warhawk to earn the award and first since 2016. More information will be released on Monday.
UW-Whitewater will make its 34th appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament slated to start next week. More information including locations of the regional sites, opponent and the entire Division III field will be announced during the selection show on Monday at 12 p.m. available live on ncaa.com.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing Regarding Consideration of A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Proposed
Residential Units on Second Floor to be located at 209 S. Taft Street, Parcel # /HAS 00046
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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/550432685
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 550-432-685
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 Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding private side lead water lateral replacement
costs and Discussion and possible action regarding sidewalk replacement program.
City of Whitewater Park & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING STARIN PARK UNDERGROUND
DETENTION BASIN.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87394704981?pwd=RjE1L3pJSHdRRDJBU0xSdVBDNVYvQT09
Meeting ID: 873 9470 4981
Passcode: 461759
Or dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 873 9470 4981
Passcode: 461759
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA) – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Update from Kristin Parks of Anderson Commercial Group regarding marketing strategies
for sale of City-Owned lots, Update regarding status of Economic Development Director position, and closed session (followed by open session) regarding Innovation Center Memorandum of Understanding between City and UW-Whitewater -Update Only and Discussion and possible action regarding Action Fund Loan to Fine Food Culture LLC (The Black Sheep).
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://us06web.zoom.us/j/86121751414?pwd=CyUeWnA6JdGPqSU6PB6EQXxzKqOmQA.dWrp6ntR6S_hdHIQ
Passcode: 504327
Or Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 861 2175 1414
Passcode: 504327
Updated 11/13/23 @ 8:40 p.m. – WIAC section added at end of article.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At the NCAA DIII Selection Show on November 12, UW-W (9-1 overall) was selected for the tournament and slated to play the first round at home vs. Bethel (MN) on Saturday, November 18 at 12 p.m. CST.
The Warhawks finished the regular season with five wins against nationally ranked opponents under first-year head coach Jace Rindahl.
UW-Whitewater is a six-time national champion (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014).
The championship field consists of 32 teams in a single-elimination tournament. Twenty-eight of the 32 spots are filled by teams that win their conference, earning an automatic bid. The remaining four spots are given to at-large teams. UW-W was granted one of those at-large spots, as it was the runner-up in the WIAC conference.
The Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the national championship, will be played on Dec. 15, 2023 at Salem Stadium in Salem, Virginia.
North Central (IL) is the reigning champion. The Cardinals have played in three straight Stagg Bowls (the DIII national championship game), winning two of them.
From WIAC:
INDIANAPOLIS–For the third consecutive season, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater have received bids into the NCAA Division III Football Championship.
UW-La Crosse (9-1) earned an automatic bid into the 32-team field by winning the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title, while UW-Whitewater (9-1) claimed one of four at-large bids.
UW-La Crosse is making its 14th NCAA appearance and will host University of Minnesota Morris (7-3) in the first round. The winner will face either Aurora University (Ill.) (10-0) or Coe College (Iowa) (9-1) in the second round.
UW-Whitewater, appearing in the NCAA championship for the 19th time in program history, will host Bethel University (Minn.) (8-2) in its first round contest with the winner meeting either Wheaton College (Ill.) (9-1) or Mount St. Joseph University (Ohio) (9-1) in the second round.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Stevens Point, Wis. — University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior forward Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) became the all-time leading scorer in Warhawk women’s basketball history in UWW’s 84-56 win over St. Norbert College Saturday afternoon.
Grundahl led all players with 20 points in the contest bringing her career total to 1,380 to set the program record previously held by Mary Merg (2010-14). The record-breaking bucket came early in the fourth. Grundahl took the entry pass from the top of the key near the right block. She backed down the defender towards the middle of the lane before spinning back right for a fading bank shot to score around three defenders. Grundahl was 7-15 from the floor and 6-8 from the free throw line to lead UWW in the game. She was a single rebound shy of a double-double while adding six assists in the record-breaking game.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a handy lead outscoring the Green Knights 20-7 in the first quarter. The Warhawks extended the margin to 24, 48-24, at the break. UWW continued to widen the gap eventually taking a 33-point lead – the largest of the game – on a Sydney Lehman (Amherst, Wis./Amherst) layup with 4:12 left in the contest.
Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) joined Grundahl in double figures with 19 bolstered by 5-9 from beyond the arc. Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) added 11 points on 4-8 from the field and 3-5 from long range.
The Warhawks return to Whitewater for their home-opener Wednesday against Ripon College. The doubleheader features the Warhawk women at 5:30 followed by the men against Carroll at 7:30. The teams will be collecting nonperishable food items during the Hoops for Hunger night. All donations will go to the Whitewater Community Space to help our community as we near the holiday season.
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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