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: Updated on 10/12 at 1:40 p.m. to add Finance Committee information.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes proposed Dollar Tree store at Main Street & Indian Mound Parkway
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/457869101
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 457-869-101
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Special Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
*Virtual Only
Agenda includes appointment of a search committee for recruitment of a new director
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/89836098082?pwd=eFdsbUN0OFpKVGZEd3hVWmxTVDRZQT09
Meeting ID: 898 3609 8082
Passcode: Fy3mzVUA
Dial
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 898 3609 8082
Passcode: 43662177
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes 2024-25 budget review (1 of 3)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/363127693
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
363-127-693
United States:
+1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Special Common Council Meeting for
City of Whitewater and Whitewater
Unified School District School Board – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda is discussion of proposals regarding Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center
Editor’s note: The School Board agenda does not allow for any action to be taken.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89566428404?pwd=7jg9bYeGD4yQEPlBT44HEf36bzMZYg.bnxxm1v6SEt2ZN
WX
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 895 6642 8404
Passcode: 834563
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda = ’24-25 budget draft review
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/403877333
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
403-877-333
United States:
+1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
UW System President Jay Rothman on October 10 unveiled the Universities of Wisconsin, a new name and identity that emphasizes the constellation of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities.
The Universities of Wisconsin will replace the University of Wisconsin System as the preferred way to describe the universities. The new name will be accompanied by new brand graphics, including a logo, mark, and map.
“The Universities of Wisconsin is the best way to describe our thirteen excellent universities,” Rothman said. “This new name rightfully shifts the focus from the System to the Universities that are providing opportunities to the students and families we serve.”
“We have thirteen universities with one mission – to make Wisconsin Future Ready. For All,” added Karen Walsh, Board of Regents President. “I am proud to represent the Universities of Wisconsin, and everyone in our state can take pride in all the universities do to improve lives and communities.”
Gov. Tony Evers issued a proclamation to mark the occasion as “Universities of Wisconsin Week.”
Rothman announced the new name and identity at UW-Eau Claire, accompanied by Chancellor Jim Schmidt.
The announcement included a new video featuring the voice of Rothman’s predecessor, former Gov. Tommy Thompson.
“I have often said the Universities of Wisconsin are one of the state’s greatest assets, aside from its people,” Thompson said. “I have always been – and always will be – a champion of our universities.”
Citing Gov. Evers’ ongoing support for Wisconsin public higher education, Rothman welcomed the bipartisan support for the Universities of Wisconsin and said he would continue advocating with lawmakers of both parties to advance the 13 universities.
Rothman said that while he and others will begin referring to the Universities of Wisconsin immediately, the University of Wisconsin System will remain the official legal name of the state’s public universities.
Over the next several months, officials with the Universities of Wisconsin will transition written materials, web pages, letterhead, and other elements to reflect the new identity. The transition is expected to be finalized in early 2024.
“In 2024 we will have a fresh look, with a focus on our students and the 13 universities that provide the foundation for developing talent in Wisconsin,” Rothman said.
The change includes development of a new logo, mark, and constellation map, found here: https://www.wisconsin.edu/brand-style-guide/visual-identity-of-the-uw-system-core-brand/logo-mark-seal/
“Our new identity aims to broaden awareness of our universities across the state,” Rothman said. “We believe the Universities of Wisconsin identity is more relatable for students, families, and employers.”
The public will hear more about the Universities of Wisconsin in the weeks and months ahead, Rothman said, including during additional stops on the OpportUWnity Tour he launched in late September.
To download audio of Jay Rothman: Audio Message
To view the new video featuring former Gov. Thompson: https://youtu.be/yP45sAKN71k?si=torjTQhsI81HMMt8
For more information and media coverage of the OpportUWnity Tour: https://www.wisconsin.edu/opportuwnity-tour/
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from University Relations.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
The community is invited to an all-ages Family Science Expo as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the public library’s community room. Children will participate in several fun, hands-on science exploration and experimentation stations.
First launched in 2011, the Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration of curiosity and creativity that brings people across the state in contact with scientists, educators, artists, manufacturers and more. Held throughout the state on October 16-22, the festival welcomes people of all ages for hands-on science, performances, demonstrations and conversations with leading researchers and creative thinkers. Unleash your curiosity! More information and additional events can be found at WiSciFest.org.
This is a free event and no registration is required. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.
XYZ (Extra Years of Zest)
Invites YOU to Join Us for Food, Fellowship & Laughter!
James Webb Space Telescope
Presented by Dr. Bob Benjamin, Physics Dept. Chair, UW-Whitewater
When: Thursday, October 19, 12 – 2 p.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater
What: Lunch ($6), Fellowship, Fun
Chicken casserole, salad, desserts
Who: YOU and YOUR FRIENDS
Why? To learn about our universe!!
Call 262-473-2131 to make a reservation by October 16.
An Escape Room is Coming
Studio 84, a nonprofit art studio located in Whitewater, WI is doing a most unusual fundraiser. It’s an Escape Room with the theme of….well….what else….an art gallery! After all Studio 84 is an art studio, it seems rather fitting.
One half of Studio 84’s space will be transformed into an art gallery called Musee Gallerie 84. The director, Benjamin Kelly, will play the part of the exhibit’s curator Monsieur Claude Restes and founder Deborah Blackwell transforms into Mademoiselle Deborah Noir Bien. A curator, for those unfamiliar with the term, is an art gallery’s key person that organizes an exhibit. The curator and team are the ones who do the research, gather resources, secure the art and organize
the details of an exhibit.
Set with the theme of an art gallery, the ‘exhibit’ Life and Death Through the Artist’s Eyes will be sure to bring on chills and make you put your thinking caps on to solve the clues in order to escape this rather creepy exhibit. Director Ben Kelly states, “Since it will be during the month of October (aka Halloween month) we went with a creepy/scary/horror feeling.”
No knowledge about art or even interest in art is required to visit this gallery because it’s more about the escape than anything else. Once inside an escape room the goal is to escape as the team of ten participants are ‘locked’ inside and need to decipher clues to obtain the code that unlocks the door. All within the one-hour time period.
The Escape Room runs October 1 – 31, 2023 and tickets are now on sale. You can purchase a ticket for yourself and become part of a team of others during the same day/time. Or sign up with one friend or as a group of ten friends. Each time slot has a maximum of ten people with a minimum of five. Team members must work together to solve the clues for the code. Tickets are $30 each.
Studio 84’s founder Deborah Blackwell said, “Ben and I have been working on this for a few years now, not because it took that long, but we had plans to open in 2020 and then the pandemic hit and we had many delays afterwards as our focus was getting the Studio back to pre-pandemic operational mode again. We lost so many of our students and people just weren’t ready for such group events. We felt 2023 was the year and people were ready. So, we kicked into high gear to finish up the details of it. We are truly excited to have this come to fruition.”
All proceeds from the event will support Studio 84’s programing in the arts for people with disabilities and the community. They offer daytime studio time for all ages and all abilities. Kelly states, “We understand the needs of those with disabilities and so have a focus with them
and provide experiences that support their individual needs to help them become successful and discover their artistic, creative side, but know that you don’t have to have a disability to sign up for studio time; we are open to all ages and all abilities.”
Watch the video trailer of escape room here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRQE54Vnzv0
Order your escape room tickets by following this link.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Greater Whitewater Committee.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Dr. Artanya Wesley and Dr. Veronica Warren as guest speakers at its upcoming monthly meeting in October. The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 12th at 7:00 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. Dr. Wesley is the Vice Chancellor from the Division of Student Affairs at UW-Whitewater and Dr. Warren is the Director of Counseling Services.
An RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jeffery Knight at: jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, October 11th.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wesley and Dr. Warren update us about students at the University,” said GWC Chairman, Crystal Singer.
Photo By UW-Whitewater’s Craig Schreiner
Dr. Artanya Wesley serves as the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a Master of Science in Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Dr. Wesley has over 19 years of experience working within four and two-year public and private institutions as well as working at the University of Wisconsin System Administration, serving 13 universities and 26 campuses.
Dr. Wesley is an inspirational leader with a strength-based approach to identifying solutions to emerging trends in higher education. She develops relationships, trust, and respect through authentic engagement and partnership with colleagues, faculty, staff, students, as well as external groups. Dr. Wesley is an innovative and collaborative leader with experience and expertise in student development and programming, university strategic planning, business operations and finance, policy development and implementation, change management, and higher education law and compliance.
Dr. Wesley is a student-centered professional with experience both as a practitioner and policymaker whose academic and personal journeys have resulted in a unique set of skills creating the perfect mix of knowledge, expertise, and passion for today’s leaders in higher education.
Photo By UW-Whitewater’s Craig Schreiner
Dr. Veronica Warren is the Counseling Center Director at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is an experienced program director and collegiate professional with a proven track record in streamlining and implementing innovative processes and procedures. She has expertise in fostering strong relations with youth and college students as an educator, counselor, and advisor to improve their performance and quality of life. Highly accomplished in communication, organization, compliance, staff management and program development. Dr. Warren received her BA in Psychology at the University of Michigan, her M.P.A. in public administration at Central Michigan University, M.A. in Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. in general psychology at Capella University.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
The Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, presents:
Laurie Yahr, a long-time Wild Ones member and Madison Chapter newsletter writer and her wildlife biologist husband, Rich Kahl, have been searching for interesting plants in natural areas at every opportunity. The aim of this program is to share some of the beauty and diversity of orchid flowers so you might recognize one if you come across it. There are almost 50 species of terrestrial orchids in Wisconsin; most are elusive, rare, in trail-less habitats, or just plain tiny and cryptic. Having an accurate search image is only half the battle. There is also timing, appropriate ecosystem and luck. Occasionally orchids occur unexpectedly in violation of all the rules. But sadly, more often they seem to be disappearing from our landscapes.
WHEN: Saturday, October 21, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, Eagle, S91W39091 Highway 59, One mile west of Eagle, on Highway 59
Open to the Public. No admission fee.
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.
