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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth County.
Fort Atkinson, WI – September 13, 2023 –The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth County is kicking off the 2023 campaign with a shoe donation valued at over $20,000. The shoe donation consists of 200 pairs of Nike Air shoes ranging in sizes from 5 toddlers up to size 7 youth. These shoes will be donated to local schools and organizations throughout the community. The goal of this program is to help break down barriers to learning, United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Ellis-Bols stated, “If a child is cold, hungry, or tired, they won’t be able to learn in the classroom, no matter how engaging the teacher is. So, if we can fulfill some of those basic needs, they will be ready to learn when they come to school.”
This year’s campaign theme is “United in Building a STRONGER Community TOGETHER”. The organization we know today as the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties was organized on August 9, 1943, as the War and Community Chest of Fort Atkinson. In 1963, it became known as the United Fund of Fort Atkinson and became the “United Way” in the early 1970’s. In 1992, The United Way expanded into the surrounding communities of Jefferson and Whitewater. Ten years later, The United Way of Watertown merged to create the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties. Today, the service area of our local United Way is comprised of the communities of Fort Atkinson, Johnson Creek, Helenville, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, Waterloo, Watertown, and Whitewater where over 90,000 individuals reside. Furthermore, our United Way works with an average of thirty partner agencies which provide various health and human services to over 75,000 individuals in our community.
| “We’re excited to be hosting several new events and outreach opportunities throughout our county,” states Ellis-Bols, “We are hoping to participate in signature events in each locale to spread awareness of the United Way’s mission and our continued dedication to serving the community.” One such event will be the new BINGO nights offered at The Real MacCoys in Whitewater on the 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month, starting September 19th, 6-8pm. There will be a number of great prizes and cash jackpots available for bingo winners, including Stanley tumblers, coolers, portable wine glasses, gift certificates and much more. Ellis-Bols added “We know it has been a difficult year for many small businesses, so we are incredibly grateful that The Real MacCoys is generously offering this opportunity to our organization and donating some prizes beyond that. We feel fortunate to be involved and hope to have a great crowd join us on Tuesdays!” More information can be found via the Facebook invite for “Bingo at The Real MacCoys” and anyone with any questions can contact Ellis (920.563.8880) or The Real MacCoys (920.568.8988) directly. |
The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties’ mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities. We do that by providing support to community programs, projects and local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need. This network of helping services can be described as a “safety net” for those in our midst in need. Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end of life care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in our community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.
For more information about our local United Way, you may visit the website at www.uwjnwc.com or “like” the Facebook page at “United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.” For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, please visit www.volunteermain.com.
“The Empire of Light”
Wednesday, September 20, 1 p.m.
(Drama/Romance) Rated R (sexual content, language); 1 hour, 55 minutes. (2022)
Our last Wednesday art film of the summer is a British homage to the movie palaces of a bygone era. Coastal England, 1980. A middle-aged, unmarried cinema manager (Olivia Coleman) struggles to save a dying, chain movie theatre. Her loneliness and depression, compounded by a lecherous boss (Colin Firth), takes a turn when an energetic trainee (Micheal Ward) brightens her perspective on the business and life. Nominations included Best Cinematography (Oscar), Best Actress & Film (BAFTA) and AARP Best Grownup Love Story.
Breaking Ground: Walworth County & WCEDA Host Housing Summit
Summit Focused on Finding Meaningful Solutions to the County’s Housing Shortage
(ELKHORN, WI): Walworth County and the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) will host the Breaking Ground: Walworth County Housing Summit to find solutions to the shortage of middle-income housing. The summit will bring together local municipal and business leaders, educators, state and local housing and community development experts, funding and resource partners, builders and contractors, non-profit organizations, and residents to explore the state of housing in the county, solutions, and incentives.
“Right now, the American dream of owning a home is not attainable for most in Walworth County,” says Walworth County Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Derek D’Auria. “The lack of workforce housing is impacting the health of our communities, our local economy, and our school systems. Our goal is to bring together leaders from across sectors to work side-by-side on solutions to meet the housing needs of our residents.”
The Breaking Ground: Walworth County Housing Summit will take place on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana. An optional lunch will be served. This event is open to the public. Registration is required; please register at https://bit.ly/WalCoHousingSummit. Questions may be directed to WCEDA at 262-564-3212.
A 2023 housing study conducted by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) on behalf of Walworth County found that demand for housing in the County will grow over the next several decades. A few takeaways from the study illustrate the County’s housing challenges:
- The County is expected to add 16,500 households by the year 2050, creating a long-term demand for about 17,000 additional housing units.
- In the near term, there could be a demand for over 5,600 additional housing units in the County by 2030. When compared to the number of housing units developed in the County over the last 10 years—about 3,700—it shows that there is much work to be done.
- The median annual household income in Walworth County is about $69,400. According to the Wisconsin Realtor’s Association, the median sales price of a home in Walworth County was $316,250 in 2022. A household would need to have an income of at least $90,000 a year to afford the home.
To view the full study, visit Housing for a Healthy Walworth County.
QPR Suicide Prevention Training to be Held at Health and Human Services
(ELKHORN, WI): In recognition of September as National Suicide Prevention Month, Walworth County Health and Human Services will host suicide prevention training for anyone over the age of 16.
QPR—or Question, Persuade, Refer—is practical, proven suicide prevention training that empowers people to recognize the signs of crisis in others and provide potentially life-saving intervention and support. Just as people trained in CPR save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
“Suicide is complicated and tragic and often preventable,” says Walworth County Public Health Specialist Patty Stritesky. “Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can save lives. Throughout September, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Taking part in suicide prevention training is a simple yet impactful step that anyone can take to make a difference.”
This free suicide prevention training is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Walworth County Health and Human Services, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. Space is limited; registration is not required but strongly encouraged. You may register by visiting https://bit.ly/3PrzApR, emailing walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, or calling 262-741-3200.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support or chat 988Lifeline.org for connection with a trained crisis counselor.
The Whitewater Tennis Team celebrated Parents’ Night with a 6-1 win over Edgerton on Thursday, September 14. Whitewater’s one loss of the night ended in a 10-8 third set tiebreaker. The team is now 4-0 in conference play and is looking to finish the regular season next week strong against Delavan and East Troy.
Singles:
- No. 1 – Emilia Houwers def. Forfeit 2-0, 2-0
- No. 2 – Jackie Franco def. Hailey Wileman 6-3, 6-4
- No. 3 – Liz Servin def. Natalie Veitenheimer 6-1, 6-2
- No. 4 – Vicki Ramirez def. Vanessa Hernandez 4-6, 6-0, 11-9
Doubles:
- No. 1 – Maritza Vidales & Stephanie Wence def. Samantha Aleson & Isabella Edgington 6-4, 6-0
- No. 2 – Leah Newmann & Vanesa Wence def. Chloe Obermueller & Caitlyn Phillips 7-6 (5), 6-4
- No. 3 – Isabel Aranda & Aimee Servin lost to Hailey Aleson & Lexy Brunner 6-2, 5-7, 10-8
Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Volleyball team lost to Jefferson in 5 sets (25-18, 24-26, 25-23, 24-26, 10-15) on Thursday, September 14. Coach Mary Kilar stated, “I felt like we came out and played solidly and were in control of the match through the first couple sets. Our defense was solid and we passed well for most of the match. We have to begin to finish teams in 3 or 4 sets, because going to a 5th set to 15 points becomes anyone’s game. I was definitely pleased with our energy and commitment to each other tonight. Unfortunately, when games get tight we still resort to playing with the “not to lose” mentality, versus a “play to win” mentality. That confidence has to develop. As I told them in the huddle, I felt they battled. We just need to work on closing out matches early, and playing with confidence. We look forward to playing everyone in the conference two times, so these tight battles will hopefully fall our way soon. As always this is a team that will get back in the gym and fight hard to get better every contact. That hard work will eventually pay off with some solid wins.”
“I feel we are starting to see some great leadership on both offense and defense. We are definitely a strong defensive team, and our backcourt of Ella Spear, Ava Alvarado, Calli Grosinske, Zoe Kohl, and Falyn Krahn keep us battling in matches. Spear led the team in digs with 23 and tied with a team high 4 aces. Krahn added 12 digs, 7 kills, and 4 aces, and Kohl posted 15 digs and 3 aces. Emmanuella Mbifi and Meg Roselle got their hands on a ton of balls while blocking tonight, each posting 2 blocks a piece. This is exciting to see develop. Marina Linos led with a great team attitude, dishing out 19 assists, 7 digs, 2 blocks, and 3 aces. Calli Grosinske works hard to see open shots and make solid shot selections from both front and back court. She posted another double-double with 16 kills and 20 digs, 2 aces, and 1 block.”
“Tough losses like this can make or break teams, but as I told them tonight there is nothing to hang their heads about. Some calls did not go our way, and some great saves fell short. We need to keep our positive attitude because we are a good team, and if we keep working hard, the wins will come.”
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Steve Watson writes, “The morning of Sept 9. Temperature 48° and Foggy. A plethora of spiderwebs adorning the barrier on the Wisconsin St. scenic overlook.
Ok you arachnologists.
Look what’s in this morning mist.
Webs aplenty shape and size.
Dew drops let us scrutinize.
Webs of death for little guys.
Spiders weave these deadly traps.
To catch a snack or lunch perhaps.
Webs are woven almost every day.
Shiny for attraction,
Not for interception.
To catch their prey.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for yet another fascinating nature photo compilation.
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WHITEWATER- September 12, 2023- Whitewater Leads is excited to announce that they are expanding their ability to improve literacy for children within the Whitewater area.
Over the past six years, through their partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Whitewater Leads has given away over 24,000 free books to children from birth until their fifth birthday within the Whitewater area.
Through the increase of donations, Whitewater Leads was able to expand to give four elementary literacy grants last school year. The recipients of the Whitewater Leads elementary literacy grants for the 2022 – 2023 school year were Shannon Frye – kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Elementary, Lisa Kaminski – reading interventionist at Lincoln Elementary, Jill Whitney – fifth grade teacher at Washington Elementary, and Jacquie Sedmak – fourth grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary. Shannon Frye stated, “The Whitewater Leads Grant allowed me to purchase Boogie Boards to be used in the classroom. The Boogie Boards allow students to write, draw, and trace on an easy to use and clean device. These boards are a welcome addition to our classroom to practice literacy skills and more. Boogie Boards are a liquid crystal paper and allow students to write without the need for paper or messy ink (like dry erase boards). They erase completely at the click of a button. My classroom is grateful for the purchase of these boards to enhance our literacy program.” More information about each grant winner from the 2022 – 2023 school year is available on the Whitewater Leads website, whitewater-leads.org.
This school year, Whitewater Leads plans to give away up to six literacy grants to Whitewater Unified School District staff. These grants will give WUSD students additional literacy opportunities.
Molly Fuller, Whitewater Leads co-president stated, “ We are extremely excited to be able to expand our ability to help kids in our community. Being able to raise enough money to give away over 24,000 free books is an absolute honor. Now, to be able to give away literacy grants to help our elementary aged students is a dream come true.”
To apply for a literacy grant worth up to $500, WUSD staff can submit their grant proposal to whitewaterleads@gmail.com. If you have a child/children who are not yet five, live in the Whitewater Unified School District area, and would like to receive free monthly books, you can sign them up at imaginationlibrary.com today.
Whitewater Leads, Inc. works to support literacy, in all of its diverse forms, throughout and within the boundaries of the Whitewater Unified School District of Whitewater WI.
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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