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 Whitewater Arts Alliance.
Photos included showcase some of the artwork on display. All photos taken by Whitewater Arts Alliance/Jeff McDonald or used with artist permission.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance invites everyone to attend its 2023 Members’ Show at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater. The show, which features 58 works of visual art in various media by 17 Whitewater Arts Alliance member-artists, opens Thursday,
November 2. A reception will be held Saturday, November 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. where light refreshments will be served.
Admission to the exhibit and its reception are free of charge, open to the public, and all are invited. The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 p.m. (Noon) to 4pm. The exhibit runs from Thursday, November 2 through Sunday, December17, except for Thanksgiving week. The Cultural Arts Center is located at 402 W. Main Street in Whitewater, on the triangle next to the Birge Fountain.
Jeff McDonald, Whitewater Arts Alliance board member and 2023 Members’ Show CoChair, said “this is a great opportunity to sample the wonderful artwork created by visual artists in our community. The Whitewater area is fortunate to have such an abundance of talent. This is an excellent show!”
The Whitewater Arts Alliance believes art plays a significant role in transforming the cultural fabric. It brings people together, fosters dialogue and reflection, and creates a sense of pride and ownership.
Big thanks to our sponsors!
Lynn & Cheryl Binnie
Carole Scharinger
Kristen Burton
Charles Taggart
Virginia Coburn
Barb & Chuck Taylor
Kay Drexler
Roni & Richard Telfer
H. Gaylon & Hannah Greenhill
Pamela Van Doren
Dawn & Lyle Hunter
And all donors/patrons who wish to remain anonymous!
The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to support, promote, and develop the
arts as an essential and integral part of our community.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was made by the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).
MADISON, Wis.–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the two-time defending champion, has been picked to secure the 2024 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s basketball title.
The Warhawks, ranked No. 9 nationally in the D3hoops.com Preseason Poll, have secured 11 regular season titles in program history and captured their third WIAC tournament championship a year ago. UW-Whitewater brings back three starters from last year’s squad that advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Championship. Among the returners is two-time WIAC Player of the Year Aleah Grundahl. She received the honor in 2022 and 2023, after claiming Newcomer of the Year distinction in 2020.
UW-Whitewater is followed in the conference predictions by: UW-Stout; UW-Oshkosh; UW-Eau Claire; UW-La Crosse; UW-River Falls; UW-Platteville; and UW-Stevens Point.
Moran Lonning takes over the head coaching role at UW-La Crosse. She was the head coach at Central College (Iowa) a season ago.
The 14-game conference schedule will begin on Jan. 4. The top-six teams in the league standings will qualify for the WIAC Tournament (presented by Culver’s). The event will be held Feb. 19, 21, and 23, with all contests hosted by the higher-seeded team. The winner of the tournament will receive an automatic NCAA bid.
2023-24 Preseason Predictions – Voted on by WIAC Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors
| 2022-23 Record | |
| 1. UW-Whitewater | (23-7 overall, 10-4 WIAC) |
| 2. UW-Stout | (18-8, 10-4) |
| 3. UW-Oshkosh | (20-9, 8-6) |
| 4. UW-Eau Claire | (20-9, 9-5) |
| 5. UW-La Crosse | (19-7, 8-6) |
| 6. UW-River Falls | (14-11, 4-10) |
| 7. UW-Platteville | (11-15, 4-10) |
| 8. UW-Stevens Point | (11-14, 3-11) |
UW-Whitewater Capsule
Head Coach: Keri Carollo; 22nd season at UWW; 414-167
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 9/11
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2
Returning All-WIAC: Kacie Carollo, Jr., G (2022-Honorable, 2023-First, 2023-Defensive); Aleah Grundahl, Grad., F (2020-Honorable/Newcomer of the Year, 2021-First, 2022-First/Co-Player of the Year, 2022-Defensive, 2023-First/Player of the Year); Maggie Trautsch, Sr., G (2023-Honorable)
Notable Returning Players: Mallory Oloffson, Jr., F
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted on October 26 by Chancellor Corey A. King.
- The State Building Commission has approved $3 million toward the proposed renovations of Winther Hall and Heide Hall. These funds are intended to complete a majority of the project’s design. This is a major victory, bringing us closer to our goal of authorization for construction in the 2025-2027 budget.
- Nearly $1.5 million has been approved to replace the Laurentide Hall roof.
Both UW-Whitewater and leadership at the Universities of Wisconsin were fully engaged with state legislators to advocate for these projects. I am proud of our team’s effort and can’t wait to see the building and design crews in action.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Although last week’s post was supposed to be the last in our series of historic houses in Whitewater, we can’t help but publish one more. This week’s image is the Bassett House, the home of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs. Built in 1857, the house was given to the Federation in 1927 by Florence Bassett, daughter of the first owner, Thomas Bassett. It is still being used by the Federation today.
This view is probably from around 1900 and may show Florence Bassett and her mother sitting on the porch. The house has been meticulously cared for by the Federation, making it one of the finest historic homes in the area.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(2659P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Whitewater, WI – WE DID IT!
The Irvin L. Young Library “Promoting Learning; Engaging the Community” Campaign
Leadership Committee is thrilled to announce that it met and exceeded its capital campaign
fundraising goal for a new library.
The Whitewater Common Council presented the library with a challenge in 2021 to raise half of the $6 million needed for a renovation and expansion of the library, with the Council borrowing the other half in January 2024 if the library completed the fundraising in time. The library raised more than $2,300,000 to be added to the library reserves of $840,000.
“We deeply appreciate the Whitewater community’s generosity to help us complete the campaign much sooner than expected; more than 260 people made gifts of all sizes.” said Jim Winship, Campaign Chair. He thanked the Campaign Leadership Committee – Doug Anderson, Brienne Brown, Kelly Davis, Richard Haney, Anne Hartwick, Jon Kachel, Ginger Katzman, Jennifer Motsko, and Gayle Stettler.
“The Whitewater community has come together in a tremendous way to make the new library, which is expected to open in 2025, a reality. The vision that was presented to me by the library board that hired me back in 2001 has finally come to pass.” said Stacey Lunsford, Library Director.
We are also pleased to announce that Fort Community Credit Union made an especially generous gift of $100,000 to help get the campaign ‘over the top.’ As with other businesses and individuals that made significant gifts, they will be prominently recognized in the new building.
There are still recognition opportunities available and gifts are still welcome until the end of the year. These include remembering or honoring someone through 100 Extraordinary Women TM or recognizing your family or business through a wall tile.
The renovated library will add even more value to the Whitewater community. It will offer more space and features where people can connect, read, learn, create and feel welcome. There will be 4,400 square feet of additional space and the current space will be re-designed to be more welcoming and accommodate new features.
For more information contact Stacey Lunsford, Library Director at 262 473-0530.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT
A team of assessors from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group (WILEAG) will arrive on November 14, 2023, to examine all aspects of the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office policy and procedures, management, operation, and support service.
Verification by the team that our agency meets the WILEAG Board’s state of the art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation. Our agency was initially accredited in 2017, and this will be the second reaccreditation process. Reaccreditation occurs every three years.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by telephone. The public may call 262-741-4677 on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Telephone comments are limited to ten minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with WILEAG’s standards. A copy of the standards is available upon request. Please contact Captain Josh Staggs at 262-741-4481 for further information.
Persons wishing to offer written comments about the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, WILEAG at 7625 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214.
Once the WILEAG Board’s assessors complete their review of our agency, they report back to the full WILEAG Board, which will then decide if our agency will be granted accreditation status.
Accreditation status is granted for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
For more information regarding the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, please write to WILEAG at 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214 or executive.director@wileag.info
Antonio Jermaine Statam, 36, of 300 block N Tratt St., Whitewater, has been charged with physical abuse of a child, repeater; and two counts of felony domestic battery, domestic abuse assessments, domestic abuse repeater, repeater.
Yefferson Guzman, 18, of 200 block N Fraternity Ln., Whitewater, has been charged with false imprisonment; strangulation and suffocation; misdemeanor battery; and disorderly conduct.
Life on the lake is easy, especially when the fish are biting, the jokes are funny, there’s a ‘couple two three’ beers in the bucket and the Green Bay Packers are on the field. From the warmth of their shanty ‘up north,’ old pals Marvin and Lloyd spin wit, wisdom and hilarious songs about life, love and the one that got away. Don’t miss this Wisconsin musical tradition, featuring songs like “When On Thin Ice,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit” and “The Wishing Hole.”
Since 1998, Guys on Ice has played to sold-out houses throughout Wisconsin and played for audiences as far away as California, New York and Oregon.
Tickets are available at www.youngauditorium.com. There is an additional service charge for tickets purchased at the door.
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.
