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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This view of Main Street in Whitewater dates from c.1920. One good way of dating Main Street photos is by looking at the old Commercial Bank building, left center. This building was constructed in 1914 for the new Commercial and Savings Bank, established 110 years ago in 1913. Of course, the bank became just the Commercial Bank, which more recently became the PremierBank. The bank moved from this distinctive Classical Revival building to a modern bank building designed in an even more distinctive Wrightian contemporary architectural style where it is located today.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#5492PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Trying to bounce back from a tough loss last week, Whitewater Boys’ Soccer raced to Milwaukee to take on St. Anthony.
Although your Whippets led 1-0 for 30 minutes of the game, two penalties, a beautifully converted free kick, and some momentary lapses in defense led to a 4-1 defeat. A game that could have gone either way ended in disappointment.
Nothing is easy in the Rock Valley Conference, but Whitewater will be looking to get back to their winning ways tomorrow in Monroe.
Whitewater:
- 21’ Goal by Aaron Garcia
- Phoenix Jones 9 saves
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Estate Sale Mid Century/Vintage
Owen Gromme prints (over 30 framed, signed and numbered and 20ish unframed) Many MCM/Vintage items. Late 1800’s East Lake pieces. Vintage table and chairs. Uranium Glass, beer glasses, wine glasses, German Steins. Beer can collection. MCM Stainless flatware. Cookware, Vintage Corelle dishes. Bakers cart, canning supplies. Christmas Decor and toys. Record collection. Tools, ladders, dressers, rototiller, Toro Power Clear 721 QZE Snowthrower. Way too much to list. Very clean estate. Thursday Sept 14th 9-6, Friday Sept 15th, 9-6, Saturday Sept 16, 9-5 and Sunday Sept 17 9-5 CASH ONLY
N374 County Rd. N, Whitewater, WI
The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed at home against Burlington Co-Op on Tuesday, September 12. The night was filled with lots of season and lifetime PRs.
Makayla Bazeley continues to be a power house in the pool. She went a season best time in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 1:00.29. She also had a first-place finish in the 100 Backstroke and won by 4 whole seconds.
Lucy Davis dropped 32 seconds in the 500 Freestyle from last season, and she continues to drop time in the 100 Freestyle.
Emerson Dunham continues to swim strong in her favorite events (500 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke). She started off the season with an impressive time of 6:09.22 in the 500 Freestyle. We are looking forward to see what the rest of the season has in store for her in these events.
Georgia Esch went best times in both of her individual events including the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke.
Sanibel Fox-Simes participated in the 100 Backstroke for the first time this season. She had an incredible time drop of 41 seconds since last season. On top of dropping 41 seconds, she had just competed in the 200 Freestyle Relay then had to go right into the 100 Backstroke. What an impressive swim!
Adalynn Frye had a personal best time in the 100 Freestyle by dropping 2 seconds to go a 1:30. She continues to get stronger and more confident in her 100 Breaststroke.
Charlotte Hajewski competed in the 200 Freestyle where she set the bar for a successful meet. Charlotte went a best time in the 100 Butterfly with a 3 second time drop going a 1:19.20.
Maggie Maas was the only Whippet swimmer to compete the 200 IM. She went a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:07.72.
Marijose Verduzco took on the 200 Freestyle for the first time. As nervous as she was, she still showed up and competed very well. Marijose dropped nearly 10 seconds in her split of the 400 Freestyle Relay.
Atreya Wilson went 3 for 4 in best times this season! She had an impressive time drop of 5 seconds in the 100 Breaststroke.
Zoe Zei absolutely destroyed the 500 Freestyle! The 500 Freestyle has nothing on Zoe. We are excited to see what other events she will compete in this season.
The Swim Team is back in Whippet Territory on Tuesday, September 19, against Badger and Platteville/Lancaster. We hope to see you all there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
It was a great day for the Whippet Harriers as they traveled to Cottage Grove to compete in the Dana Waddell Invitational hosted by Marshall High School on Tuesday, September 12. After not racing for over a week, the team was chomping at the bit to toe the line and get after it. With favorable conditions and solid training going their way, the Whippets didn’t disappoint and all came away with noticeable improvement and competed well.
The boys’ varsity was led again by Jack Hefty as he broke the tape for his first-ever cross country victory. He crossed the line in 16:12. Nate Holden medaled in 6th with his first-ever sub 17:00 clocking to finish in 16:58. Miles Nickelsburg placed 11th in 17:26 to round out medalists from Whitewater. The varsity team placed 3rd out of 11 teams with 98 points. In the boys’ JV race, Isaac Straight led the team with an 8th palace medal finish in 20:21. He was followed closely behind by Wyatt Esch who placed 9th in 20:30. This team also placed 3rd with a total of 72 points.
The girls’ race was equally impressive with significant improvement from all. Mady Hefty was the first of three medalists at this meet by placing 8th in 20:31. Athena Soto moved up to 12th late in the race to stop the clock in 20:47. Nola Coburn rounded out the medalists for the team by placing 18th with a time of 21:45. The varsity squad placed 4th out of 10 complete teams. In the girls’ JV race, Isabella Aranda took home a medal by placing 6th in 24:40. The girls’ JV team placed 3rd overall.
Coach Carstens added, “I cannot overstate how proud I am of the way the kids competed from top to bottom. Times are fun to look at, but it is most rewarding to see them discovering how tough they really are and being fierce competitors against others on the same day. We will look to carry this mantra through the season taking it one day at a time.”
Next up for the team will be the Racine St. Catherine’s Invitational hosted at UW-Parkside on Saturday, September 16th.
Full results: https://my.raceresult.com/260207/results
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Molly Fuller.
You are invited to join us for the 13th Annual “Run for Trey “ on Sunday, October 8 at Starin Park in Whitewater, WI!! Last year we were able to give away five scholarships to SDFA seniors and plan to do the same this year.
Through the strength of the Kilar family and the outpouring of community support, “Run for Trey” was established to support the development and maintenance of the little league field, Treyton’s Field of Dreams, and yearly local scholarships for students.
Mary and Mike Kilar’s son, Treyton, age 6, was killed in a car crash by a drunk driver on September 2, 2010. Although his dreams were shattered by a senseless tragedy, the field built in his honor provides a safe place for children and families to celebrate life and spend time together. It is a place where children are encouraged to dream big and learn that through hard work, their dreams can become reality!
Although Treyton is now playing on the “real” field of dreams in heaven, the fundraising efforts each year from the “Run for Trey” help thousands of other children have a better future and learn responsible life-long decision-making skills.
You can sign up for the Run for Trey atwww.treysfield.org. The day will consist of lots of family fun activities including:
- Run For Trey features an all terrain run/walk
- Run onto the field at Perkins Stadium at UWW
- Dogs welcome
- Bounce
- Obstacle course for the kids
- Balloons
- Raffle
- Great food to enjoy!
-$20.00 Registration (Adults) – Before October 8, 2023
-$25.00 same-day registrations at the event (Adult)
-$15.00 Registration (17 & Under) – NOTE: Runsignup will discount at checkout based on birthdate.
-$20.00 same-day registrations at the event (17 & Under)*Packet pickup starts at 8 am on race day. Race starts at 10. You can email Molly Fuller at mollyo18@me.com if you have any questions.
Events Provide Safe Disposal of Hazardous Waste, Electronics, TVs & Appliances
(ELKHORN, WI): Walworth County will host Clean Sweep recycling events on Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7, 2023. The events will be held at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn. No registration is required.
Residential Clean Sweep & Electronics Recycling
Residents may dispose of household hazardous waste on Friday, October 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Hazardous waste products are those labeled caustic, acid, flammable, danger, warning, or poison. Examples of acceptable items include oil and lead-based paints, pesticides and herbicides, rechargeable batteries, adhesives and lubricants, old fuel, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermometers, thermostats, furniture strippers, drain cleaners, antifreeze, brake fluid, and motor oil. Items should be in their original containers, if possible. A full list of acceptable items can be viewed at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1059/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Guides.
On Saturday, October 7, from 8 a.m. to noon, residents may dispose of household hazardous waste as well as electronics, TVs, and appliances.
Household hazardous waste is free. All electronics are free of charge. TVs cost $10 each. Mini fridges, small AC units, and dehumidifiers cost $5 each. Refrigerators and freezers cost $10 each; all other appliances are free. Cash only.
Business & Agriculture Clean Sweep Recycling
Businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste, farms, and other agricultural producers may dispose of hazardous waste on Friday, October 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Walworth County Public Works.
A maximum of 100 pounds of hazardous waste per farm is free of charge. In addition to hazardous waste, farms may also dispose of agricultural chemicals, including DDT, lead arsenate, chlordane, lindane, animal medications, vaccines, teat wash, and rodent baits. For a full list of items, visit www.co.walworth.wi.us/1059/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Guides.
Pre-registration is required for businesses and farms by September 22. Registration forms are available at www.co.walworth.wi.us/826/Clean-Sweep, by calling 262-741-3116, or by emailing walcosw@co.walworth.wi.us.
About Clean Sweep
Clean Sweep has served the residents of Walworth County since 1992 and the annual program has proven successful in keeping hazardous waste out of the landfill, wastewater treatment facilities, local environment, and groundwater. In June 2023, residents disposed of more than 56,000 pounds of TVs and 13,000 pounds of appliances and metals at the Walworth County Clean Sweep event, keeping these items out of our landfill.
Clean Sweep is sponsored by the Walworth County Public Works Department and funded in part by the Town of Darien, Mallard Ridge Landfill Fund, and a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
The Public Works department would like to acknowledge the following local partners and supporters for their financial contributions to the 2023 Clean Sweep program: City of Delavan, Village of Williams Bay, Lockhart Service, Inc., Kikkoman Foods, City of Whitewater, Joe Porter McLean, Halverson Door, Village of Walworth, Village of East Troy, and Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.
For more information and a complete list of items accepted at Clean Sweep events, please visit https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/826/Clean-Sweep. Or contact the Walworth County Solid Waste Division at (262) 741-3116, walcosw@co.walworth.wi.us.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
In last week’s d3football.com poll, UW-W was ranked #8 and St. John’s University (SJU), #4. After the Warhawks’ 56-28 victory over SJU on September 9, this week’s rankings have changed dramatically:
UW-W #4
St. John’s #9
The complete poll may be viewed here.
Defending champion North Central (IL) continues to be the strong favorite, garnering 23 out of 25 votes.
This coming Saturday UW-W plays University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Texas, a team now ranked #19 after two season opening losses.
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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