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| Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the office of the governor. Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment |
| Wisconsinites statewide can sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024 |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek, today urged Wisconsin residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage during the 11th annual ‘Open Enrollment’ period. On Wed., Nov. 1, 2023, open enrollment will begin and continue through Jan. 15, 2024. During this limited time, Wisconsinites are eligible to enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period. “Healthcare shouldn’t just be for the healthy and wealthy, and that’s why expanding access to healthcare has been a top priority of my administration since Day One,” said Gov. Evers. “I encourage folks to explore all the available plans and take advantage of the Open Enrollment period so we can continue building a healthier, stronger state together.” In 2020, Gov. Evers’ OCI DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers looking for information about health coverage. By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 2-1-1, Wisconsinites can get connected with free, expert help to better understand their coverage options and determine if they qualify for subsidized health insurance premiums through the marketplace or free coverage through BadgerCare. “Shop around on the marketplace to find a high-quality plan that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more. There are a lot of options out there, and you might even qualify for a health insurance plan at low or no cost,” said OCI Commissioner Houdek. “Talk to a licensed insurance agent or broker, use the chat tool on WisCovered.com, or call 2-1-1 to find a free expert who can help you one-on-one. Don’t wait—get signed up for health coverage today.” The individual health insurance market has expanded substantially statewide, growing eight percent from 2019 to 2021. During the Open Enrollment Period last year, 221,128 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance, which is the highest enrollment in Wisconsin since 2018. Much of the enrollment increase is tied to the subsidies enhanced by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. Last year, 89 percent of Wisconsinites who enrolled on HealthCare.gov qualified for these cost savings. Additionally, the successful Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP) has held down rates on the individual marketplace. Without WIHSP, rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 18.2 percent for the 2024 plan year, based on a weighted average. Wisconsin’s individual health insurance market also has the second-most insurers in the nation. Wisconsinites in all 72 counties can choose from at least three different health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here. Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by kalhh from Pixabay. |
The volleyball program held its end of season banquet on Tuesday, October 30th at Whitewater High School.
The program thanked several people who helped make the season so successful!
The families who support athletes and coaches, and for the car rides, the snacks, the dinners, bus food, and love! There has never been a time when this program has not felt the love and support of all of our families and we are thankful!
To team parents- Nikki Amundson and Nicole Grosinske who have been so supportive of anything we have needed this season, from scheduling concessions, hosting pasta and taco parties, and helping wherever we needed! We thank them for all their support this season!!
Bob Mischka, Pictures
Bob is ever present supporting Whippet Athletics. We are so fortunate to have him capture these moments for our student athletes and thank him for his support of Whippet Athletics and our Volleyball program!
Justin Crandall, Athletic Director, Kendra Riddle, Assistant
A huge thank you to our AD who works behind the scenes to ensure we are scheduled correctly, have the right bus times, have the gym set up, announcers, etc. The program would like to thank our Athletic Director, Justin Crandall, for his support of our program all year long, and Kendra for her support of athletics!
Our Coaching Staff and Managers:
Coach Tori Miller-JV2, Coach Amarion Isbell, JV1, Coach Ariel Feiertag, Varsity Assistant, Coach Rosie Jaskolski, Varsity Assistant
Managers: Jasmine Kilar and Chloe Crandall were thanked for their work as junior managers this year!
The Athletes:
The JV1 and JV2 athletes were honored by their coaches for their commitment to the team. Many great attributes were shared about each individual athlete, and we are so proud of the growth each one has shown within the season!
The varsity squad and seniors were honored! The Varsity squad ended up 3rd in conference behind East Troy and Delavan and in front of Jefferson and Monroe. The athletes were each honored for their commitment to the program. In addition, several awards were received.
The members of the varsity volleyball program were:
- Grace Coleman, Sophomore, Setter/Right side
- Kaia Jones, Sophomore, Outside Hitter
- Savannah O’Neil, Junior, Defensive Specialist
- Sydney Schilt- Junior, Right Side
- Ava Alvarado, Junior, Defensive Specialist
- Zoe Kohl, Junior, Defensive Specialist, Pin Hitter
- Cali Grosinske, Junior, Setter/Outside Hitter
- Falyn Krahn, Junior, Outside Hitter
- Ella Spear, Junior, Libero
- Marina Linos, Senior, Setter and RS
- Aidyn Amundson, Senior, Middle Blocker
- Meg Roselle, Senior, Middle Blocker
- Manny Mbifi, Senior, Middle Blocker
Several Post Season awards were also handed out:
Whippet Growth goes to a player who soaked up any information coaches could give and always strived to get better every chance she could. Whippet growth and Captain award went to Manny Mbifi.
Whippet Spirit goes to an athlete who selflessly gave to her teammates, and was a positive supporter of her teammates. The Whippet Spirit Award and Captain award went to Meg Roselle.
Whippet Heart goes to an athlete who gave their entire self to this program. They showed heart to their teammates in word and action. This Whippet Heart and Captain award went to Marina Linos.
Whippet Perseverance goes to an athlete who never quit no matter how hard things got. Never complaining, always keeping a positive mindset even when the injury took her senior season away. This Whippet Perseverance and Captain award went to Aidyn Amundson.
Defensive player of the year goes to an athlete who refused to let balls hit the ground. We would often hope to direct the hits toward this defender. She led us in digs (127) and attitude! Defensive Player of the Year goes to Ella Spear. Ella also made her mark in the record books- she entered into the TOP TEN list for single season digs at 9th with 127, and career digs at 9th!
Offensive Player of the Year goes to someone whose stats speak for themselves. Leading us in kills with 114 (3.86 per set), Offensive Player of the year goes to Calli Grosinske. Calli Grosinske also garnered her 1000th assist this season and ended with 1021 assists, launching her to 4th in our TOP TEN record books!
All Conference selections were also made by the coaches within the Rock Valley Conference.
The Whippets had two athletes receiving All Conference Honorable Mention and they were: Falyn Krahn and Marina Linos.
The Whippets had two athletes receive All Conference FIRST TEAM Honors and they were Calli Grosinske and Ella Spear!
It was a pleasure coaching these athletes and they are all set to do great things in the future! After roughly 20 years coaching in some capacity at Whitewater High School, this was head coach Mary Kilar’s last year. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the athletes, coaches, staff and families! I will now become a super fan! Thank you for all the wonderful memories! Go, WHIPPETS!
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Caregivers deserve thanks every month of the year, and November is the month to remind us of that. Keeping a person with dementia safe, content, fed and cared for is a 24-7 job. Understandably caregivers often feel alone and unappreciated. This month we are saying to caregivers, “You are appreciated!”
Say Thank You Do you know someone who is caring for a person with dementia? Just saying Thank You acknowledges their work and makes them feel valued. Express gratitude for the small and large things they do for their loved one.
Make a Friend Get to know about the life of this caregiver, what she/he likes, what her hobbies are, maybe take note of her birthday and send a card. Learn what is most difficult about her caregiving job. Giving her a chance to share with someone who is actively listening can be very comforting.
Send a Thank You Note Often, writing instead of speaking makes it simpler to show gratitude. Choose a beautiful card and send it through the mail. Such a simple thing can make someone’s day. Perhaps you have a parent who is being cared for by one of your siblings. Your non-judgmental expression of appreciation will mean a lot.
Include a Gift Card! Take your thank you card up a notch and include a gift card for a take-out meal, gas, a massage or pedicure. The options are endless.
Encourage Self Care Being a caregiver is emotionally and physically taxing. Caregivers need to be encouraged to take a break and care for their own needs. Look into Whitewater’s ’”Rockin’ Respite” program where caregivers can drop off their loved ones two days a month and know they are receiving social and emotional stimulation. The loved one is paired with a volunteer whose job it is to give their full attention to their friend-for-a-day. An activity director keeps everyone busy with crafts, light exercise, games. music and puzzles. Caregivers can make necessary appointments, go shopping, have lunch with a friend, relax at home or have an undisturbed nap. Contact Jennifer at Seniors in the Park (jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0535) to find out more.
THANK YOU, CAREGIVERS!
For more information, go to https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/getting-help-alzheimers-caregiving
*******
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park (SITP) to help inform the community about dementia and to support caregivers and their loved ones. New members are always welcome! Contact Jennifer jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
Did you know Whitewater has a 1,000+ year old archaeological site located within our city limits? Join us on November 6th at 6:00 p.m. at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library for a family-friendly presentation that dives into the mysteries of Whitewater’s Effigy Mounds and mound builder culture. This free event is being sponsored in collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Whitewater Unified School District, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, Whitewater Parks and Recreation, and the Landmarks Commission in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
The program will be led by Wisconsin Historical Society staff archeologist, Dr. Amy Rosebrough. The presentation will promote a greater historical and cultural understanding of Whitewater’s Effigy Mounds to highlight this important community landmark.
Dr. Amy Rosebrough is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and she received her doctorate for region-wide re-analysis of Wisconsin’s effigy mounds and mound builders. In her current position at the Wisconsin Historical Society, she manages archaeological and burial sites data, assists Wisconsin’s citizens with archaeological questions, and serves as a subject matter expert.
The presentation will be held on Monday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend. For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Common Council’s decision to reject using a Request for Proposals for legal counsel to advise the council regarding personnel matters but rather to authorize the council president to solicit proposals has resulted in an “urgent call for transparent attorney selection process” from the city manager.
As was previously announced on The Banner, the Common Council at its October 3 meeting authorized, by a 4-3 vote, engaging an outside attorney at a cost of up to $10,000 to advise the council on employee discipline and personnel matters. This action would pertain specifically to the city manager, since that position is the only one that reports to the council.
At its subsequent meeting on October 17 the council was provided a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) that might be used in soliciting interested legal firms for such an engagement. That RFP received no discussion before a motion was made to allow Council President Allen to solicit two to three proposals. Several citizens spoke against the motion, including Ryan Oezer, who endorsed the transparency that would be provided through the RFP process, and Brian Schanen, who questioned why the city’s attorney who handles personnel matters, or someone in that firm, could not address the matter at hand. It was indicated by Allen that this attorney works with the city manager. Objections to forgoing the RFP process were also voiced by Councilmembers Brown and Dawsey Smith. Ultimately a motion by Hicks/Stone for Allen to present proposals from three legal firms passed with a 4-3 margin with Allen, Gerber, Hicks, and Stone in favor.
The city’s labor and employment attorney is Kyle Gulya from von Briesen & Roper SC. According to its website, the firm has 22 attorneys other than Gulya whose specialty is labor and employment. The Banner reached out to attorney Robert J. Simandl, the section leader for that area of practice, to inquire as to whether the firm might be able to suggest any of these attorneys who might be available and have appropriate expertise to work with the council. No response has been received.
John Weidl’s statement, dated October 19, is printed below in its entirety.
To the Members of the Common Council and Whitewater Community:
I wish to address the recent decision concerning the authority granted to a single elected official in sourcing an attorney to represent the interests of the council. With prior concerns regarding the conduct of the body, this decision adds to the prevailing unease.
Entrusting a solitary elected official with the responsibility to source and recommend an attorney, without adhering to our good governance manual and procurement policy, raises concerns of potential conflicts of interest. It’s paramount that our council operates with utmost transparency, ensuring our processes are free from any perceived biases. The essence of our decision-making should be rooted in integrity and impartiality. Granting extensive authority to a single individual might inadvertently convey a message to our community that our decisions might not be entirely unbiased.
Previous discussions and citizen comments at the last meeting have pointed towards an inconsistency in how our governing body views public participation and transparency. Decisions that bypass our governance standards might contribute to this inconsistency, potentially diminishing trust in our processes. Our stakeholders expect our actions to be transparent, consistent, and devoid of conflicts. They trust us to prioritize the broader community’s interests. The current decision might unintentionally foster an environment where the public, staff, or future stakeholders might hesitate to participate, apprehensive of potential bias or influence.
For the sake of our community’s trust and to ensure that our actions resonate with transparency and consistency – at the next meeting, I encourage the council to reconsider the decision of attorney selection based on any one individual’s discretion and instead propose we follow the established Request for Proposals (RFP) process, as delineated in our Good Governance Manual and Procurement Policy. Such an approach guarantees a selection process that upholds the broader interests of our council and community, aligning with clear, objective standards. A very real and actionable RFP was provided at the last common council meeting. Even following the process, the governing body should be able to have professionally, transparently sourced proposals for review in December. To date, no reason has been provided to the staff or public for circumventing established processes or requiring a tighter timeline.
Finally, I urge any attorney considering working for the City in this capacity to insist upon a public and transparent process. This will not only protect the reputation and integrity of the attorney but also ensure that the Common Council’s decision-making is held to the highest standards. A commitment to transparency is a shared responsibility.
In conclusion, my intent isn’t to oppose the hiring of an attorney, but to advocate for a clear and transparent process. Let’s ensure our decisions remain free from any doubts related to ethics, conflicts, or potential backlash.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Warm regards,
John S. Weidl
City Manager, City of Whitewater
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Karen Tordera.
WHS junior, A’lani Ross, performed at the Overture Center in Madison with the Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Choir on Thursday evening, October 26. A’lani was chosen last February to perform in the Honors Treble Choir under the direction of Dr. Julie Skadsem. The concert was held in Overture Hall along with the Honor Mixed Choir. Congratulations to A’lani on a fantastic performance!
Editor’s note: The following invitation was submitted by Kris McMenamin, USMC Veteran, Coordinator Military & Veteran Students Services
We would like to invite members from the community to join us for UW-Whitewater Veteran’s Day Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the James R. Connor University Center’s Old Main Ballroom (275). Visitors from the community will be able to park in Lot 12 without the need for a parking pass on the day of the ceremony. Speakers will include UW-Whitewater’s Chancellor, Dr. Corey King and Wisconsin VFW Jr. Vice Commander Ty Letto. The ceremony is scheduled for approximately one hour.
If there are any questions, readers can contact UW-W Veteran services at (262) 472-5236 or send an email to mcmenamk@uww.edu
The Whippets Girls’ Swim Team competed in the Southern Lakes Conference Championship Meet on Saturday, October 28th.
Placing in the Top 16 included:
200 Freestyle: 1:59.57 (2nd) – Makayla Bazeley
200 Freestyle: 2:25.50 (16th) – Charlotte Hajewski *Best time
200 IM: 2:36.39 (8th) – Emerson Dunham
100 Butterfly: 1:00.11 (2nd) – Makayla Bazeley *Best time
500 Freestyle: 6:05.75 (9th) – Emerson Dunham
200 Freestyle Relay: 1:57.00 (11th) – Makayla Bazeley, Maggie Maas, Charlotte Hajewski, Emerson Dunham
400 Freestyle Relay: 4:16.16 (5th) – Markayla Bazeley, Maggie Maas, Charlotte Hajewski, Emerson Dunham
400 Freestyle Relay: 5:13.25 (15th) – Atreya Wilson, Georgia Esch, Payton Peacock, Lucy Davis
Best Times include:
Atreya Wilson dropped over 5 seconds in the 200 Freestyle going a time of 2:45.49
Payton Peacock (34.57) and Adalynn Frye (33.28) both had great swims in the 50 Freestyle.
Our 100 Freestylers of Maggie Maas (1:07.12), Adalynn Frye (1:19.24) and Georgia Esch (1:20.56) all dropped a significant amount of time.
Lucy Davis continues to swim strong in the 500 Freestyle going a time of 6:57.52.
With an impressive meet like this, we are so excited to watch them compete at Sectionals this Saturday, November 4th in Sauk Prairie! Go, Whippets!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
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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