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
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Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Adjutant Steven Smith of the William Graham Post 173.
On Thursday 19 October, William Graham Post 173 of the American Legion in Whitewater was assisted in recovering flags from the veterans at rest in Hillside Cemetery by Scouts from Troop/Pack 173. We recover the flags this time of year to save them from the wear and tear of winter and to winnow out those flags that need to be retired. Each May, before Memorial Day we are assisted by the Scouts and community members decorating the graves of the veterans at Hillside Cemetery. The American Legion sincerely appreciates the help of Troop/Pack 173. Those young legs cut the time it takes to recover over 600 of those flags in half! Those members of the community with children who may be interested in the Scouts may contact Whitewater Scouting 173 at https://www.facebook.com/Whitewaterscouting173/.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes staff report on Territorial Oak and Protection of oaks from library expansion
Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St.
In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/795789949
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 795-789-949
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m. –
Agenda
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 S. Elizabeth St.
CLOSED SESSION
Agenda discuss the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center contract and discuss and consider School District attorney firms and fees.
URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83324625538?pwd=WFFXNnZwU2RtVXJnTTRzVks5T04xQT09
– Passcode: 333649
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 833 2462 5538
– Passcode: 333649
OPEN SESSION – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Middle School literacy intervention, approval of 2023-24 revised budget and approval and certification of 2023-24 tax levy
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82555687913?pwd=T0gyVk1jTnlSWHlUOFJRQ0RVK2owQT09
– Passcode: 914652
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 825 5568 7913
– Passcode: 914652
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes wastewater rate increase and former Starin water tower
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/674615965
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
674-615-965
United States:
+1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Irvin L. Young Library.
Steve Person will be at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. for the “Victorian Undertaker” presentation, which focuses on Victorian funeral and mourning customs, including a display of mortuary and embalming equipment and instruments. Adults and teens are welcome to attend this free event.
It was during the Victorian Era that the ritual of death became increasingly sophisticated and this period saw the development of the modern cemetery, morticians, and public funeral complete with floral arrangements and the hearse for transportation of the deceased. The “Undertaker” of the Victorian Era was the forerunner of today’s funeral director. Many of the traditions that are observed in our funeral process today came to be from superstitions of the 1800s.
Steve Person retired after 47 years as a funeral director. During this time, he has developed an interest in the history of the funeral industry, especially during the Victorian Era.
The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 5 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team downed UW-Stout 37-20 on a brisk day at Perkins Stadium Saturday afternoon.
The Warhawks put up 24 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a hefty lead and never looked back. UWW senior quarterback Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) eclipsed the 1,000 passing yard mark with 281 yards on 23-40 passing. He added another 90 yards with his feet in the game.
Jeff Isotalo-McGuire put the Warhawks on the board with a 30-yard field goal to cap a 13-play, 82-yard drive in the second quarter. Ogden was the next to enter the scoring column on a six-yard scamper that made it 10-0.
Just over five minutes later, Ogden found the end zone again, this time from 28 yards out to give UWW a 17-0 lead. With just under three minutes to go before the break, Ogden hit Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) in stride down the middle of the field for the biggest play of the game, an 80-yard touchdown.
UW-Stout hit a 19-yard field goal to send the teams into the locker room and the Blue Devils tallied another one, this time from 32 yards, for the first score on the other side of the intermission to make it 24-6.
The Blue Devils added seven more after capping a 10-play, 57-yard drive with a 20-yard passing touchdown to cut the margin to 24-13.
UW-Whitewater responded with three straight scores, a pair of Isotalo-McGuire field goals including a 33-yarder and 30-yarder, and a nine-yard touchdown catch by Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute). That pushed the lead to 37-13.
UW-Stout wrapped up the scoring with a touchdown run with 1:02 left. The Warhawks took a knee after the kickoff to run out the clock.
Alijah Maher-Parr (Wauwatosa, Wis./Arrowhead) added 71 yards rushing to lead the corps of running backs. Hein hauled in three catches for 103 yards including the 80-yard TD.
Defensively, Tyson Harvey (Eau Claire, Wis./Memorial) had the Blue Devil receivers on lockdown with two tackles, three pass breakups and an interception. Caden Straka (Lancaster, Wis./Lancaster), Nehemiah Lomax (Park Forest, Ill./Crete-Monee) and Roy Panthier (Elgin, Ill./Elgin) all got to the Blue Devil quarterback in the backfield for sacks in the game. Panthier added three tackles and forced a fumble in the game.
Next week, the Warhawks host UW-Platteville for the team’s annual Homecoming and Hall of Fame game. The contest is also the annual George Chryst Bowl with the teams battling for possession of the pickaxe. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.
Get ready for the Fall Musical! Mean Girls (the high school version) will open on Thursday, November 16. Shows are November 16, 17, and 18 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and may be purchased by calling the box office at 262-472-8178.
We are in the Halloween Spirit for two Tuesdays in a Row, October 24 and 31! Free Halloween Treats, too!!
“Hocus Pocus”
Tuesday, October 24, 1 p.m.
(Comedy/Family/Fantasy)
Rated PG. 1 hour, 36 minutes. (1993).
A teenage boy and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in, before awakening a trio of diabolical witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimi) that were executed in the 17th century. Now, the witches wish to suck the life out of the little children in order to stay alive…Yes, it IS played for laughs.
Update 10/21 @ 4:30 p.m.: Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. There is no admission charge. Regular participants in Seniors in the Park programming are requested to pay an annual fee: for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District, $10, and non-residents, $15. A fund is available for those who may not be able to pay the fee.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Rep. Ellen Schutt.
Representative Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton) is pleased to announce an upcoming event at which she will offer official Wisconsin Blue Books. This is an opportunity for constituents to discuss state related issues and learn what Representative Schutt has been working on in Madison.
Monday, October 23, 2023
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
431 W Center St, Whitewater
Editor’s note: According to the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, this book, which contains 777 pages, “published biennially, ….is a valuable source for information about the State of Wisconsin. First published in 1853 as a manual for legislators, the Blue Book has evolved into a useful tool for the state’s residents, as well as a historical record of Wisconsin state government. The Blue Book’s mission is to furnish the legislature and the public with information on state officers and governmental organization, along with statistical information and articles of general interest.”
Although often distributed at no charge by legislators, the book is also available on this site for $14.60; it is not known what the shipping cost may be. The book is also available at no charge online.
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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