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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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Retiring County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Yvonne Duesterhoeft and incoming CVSO Brandie Hanson invite all Jefferson County residents to a Hail and Farewell Open House at the Jefferson County Courthouse on Friday, February 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
After arriving at the Courthouse building (311 S. Center Ave. in Jefferson) and passing through security, guests will have the opportunity to tour the renovated CVSO area, meet Yvonne and Brandie, learn more about the variety of resources available to local veterans through the County Veterans Service Office, and sample a dessert buffet of sweet treats.
Each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties maintains a County Veterans Service Office. Your local CVSO and other offices throughout the state stand ready to assist veterans and their families with many benefits and honors earned through military service, including healthcare, disability and other benefits, education and training resources, home loans, and research assistance for military medals and records.
Jefferson County Veterans Service Officer Yvonne Duesterhoeft, retiring later this month after 19 years of service in the CVSO role, reflected on her time at Jefferson County: “Nineteen years has gone by in the blink of an eye because serving in this position was never boring! I will miss the challenge of the work and all the people – but it’s easier to step away knowing that Brandie has hit the ground running and will be the passionate advocate Jefferson County veterans and their families need and deserve.”
Brandie Hanson joined Jefferson County in January with 15 years of experience in veteran advocacy, case management, and public service. She is a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, serving from 2000 to 2012, including two combat deployments to Iraq. “Over the past few weeks, it has become evident that Yvonne has changed so many lives – not just through her work, but through who she is. I am deeply grateful to her,” said Hanson. “Our office will continue to serve veterans with care and integrity. I am committed to making a meaningful impact in our community by improving access and outcomes while fostering trust and partnerships.”
For additional information about the Hail and Farewell Open House, please contact the Jefferson County Veterans Service Office at 920-674-7240.
For more about Jefferson County: https://cms4.revize.com/revize/jeffersoncountywi25/
Congratulations to the girls on winning the Rock Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament on Friday night, February 6!
The girls finished with nine in the top three. Ema Aranda and Emma Maas were both Conference Champions. Isabelle Cantu, Kora Davis, Storm De Porter, and Marianna Kubicz were runners-up, and Burma Vubumu, Aubrey Fuoco, and Payton Taylor finished in third.
Article and Photos Courtesy of John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Further information may be found by clicking the QR code above or at whitewaterforward.com
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Se proporcionará un intérprete de español.
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns will host a community listening session on Wednesday, February 11.
The “Conversation with Karns” event will take place from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center. It will give community members an opportunity to learn more about the district’s future, ask questions, and share input on key initiatives shaping Whitewater schools.
Topics of discussion will include the district’s strategic plan launch and opportunities for community involvement, 4K enrollment, and the 7 Mindsets framework.
The event will also feature special guest Araceli Wence, community crisis liaison from Walworth County Health and Human Services serving in Whitewater, who will participate in the conversation and share information about mental health resources.
“We believe strong schools are built through meaningful relationships and open communication with our community,” Superintendent Karns said. “This event gives us a chance to listen, share where we are headed as a district, and work together to support a better future for all students.”
No registration is required to attend. Community members are encouraged to participate and engage in the discussion.
More information about the Whitewater Unified School District is available at www.wwusd.org.
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WUSD Invita a la Comunidad a una Conversación con el Superintendente Samuel Karns
El Superintendente del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater (WUSD), Samuel Karns, organizará una sesión comunitaria de escucha el miércoles 11 de febrero. Interpretación en español disponible.
El evento, titulado “Conversación con Karns”, se llevará a cabo de 12:00 p.m. a 2:00 p.m. en el Centro Comunitario Cravath Lakefront. Será una oportunidad para que los miembros de la comunidad conozcan más sobre el futuro del distrito, hagan preguntas y compartan sus opiniones sobre iniciativas clave que están dando forma a las escuelas de Whitewater.
Los temas de conversación incluirán el lanzamiento del plan estratégico del distrito, oportunidades de
participación comunitaria, inscripciones para 4K y el marco de trabajo 7 Mentalidades.
El evento contará también con la participación especial de Araceli Wence, enlace comunitaria de crisis del condado de Walworth Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos sirviendo en, quien compartirá recursos disponibles sobre salud mental.
“Creemos que las escuelas sólidas se construyen a través de relaciones significativas y una comunicación abierta con nuestra comunidad,” dijo el Superintendente Karns. “Este evento nos brinda la oportunidad de escuchar, compartir hacia dónde vamos como distrito y trabajar juntos por un mejor futuro para todos los estudiantes.”
No se requiere inscripción para asistir. Se alienta a los miembros de la comunidad a participar activamente en la conversación.
Más información sobre el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater está disponible en www.wwusd.org.
“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”
Wednesday, February 11, 1 pm
(Classic Musical/Romance/Drama)
Rated G; 1 hour 31 minutes (1964).
Our early Valentine to you, is this French classic romance film. In this tale of reciprocated love, a young woman (Catherine Deneuvre) separated from her lover by war, faces a life-altering decision. This is a love story told entirely in song (no dialogue). It will be shown in its original French language with English subtitles. The musical score by Michel Legrand is most memorable. (Bring your Kleenex).
We will have complimentary Valentine’s chocolates for the audience.
Alexis Boston joins First Citizens State Bank
Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Alexis Boston has joined the Bank as a Loan Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Alexis is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. She is committed to giving back to the community and being actively involved in clubs and organizations. She is the current Vice President of the Milton FFA Alumni as well as a previous Ambassador for the Milton Chamber of Commerce and served as Co-Chair for the Young Professionals Council for the South-Central Wisconsin Builders Association.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are excited to welcome Alexis to our lending team focusing on agriculture, mortgage, and small business. Her fresh perspective, paired with her dedication to personalized service, will be a great asset to all of our customers and the communities we serve.”
In her spare time, Alexis enjoys traveling, sports, hunting, and fishing. She also loves making memories with her family and friends.
Alexis commented, “Developing trustworthy and meaningful relationships with customers is essential in banking. I’m eager to continue my banking career and follow this philosophy in a locally rooted and people-focused institution while offering a range of loan solutions to support our customers’ goals.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
This year, WHS students attended MUNUC (Model United Nations of the University of Chicago), one of the largest and most prestigious Model UN conferences in the country.
Over the course of the conference, students represented countries and debated real-world global issues. Participants practiced public speaking, collaboration, research, and problem-solving while working with students from schools across the nation. We are so proud of our students and teachers who took the time to attend and participate in the conference.
Article and Photos Submitted by Liberty Cunningham
Whitewater High School Co-Model UN Advisor
cunli01@wwusd.org
Steve Watson writes, “I was watching a mink work the shoreline. It was jumping in and out of the creek, when it finally caught a fish. As it was swimming away, this bird started diving on the mink to steal its catch. The bird was unsuccessful. I think the bird is a red shouldered hawk.
From the skate park bridge.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for a great photographic story.
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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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