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WMS Teacher John Schimming Honored with Inspiring Educator of the Year Award
At its August 29 All-Staff Kick Off Event, the Whitewater Unified School District recognized John Schimming as this year’s recipient of the WUSD Inspiring Educator of the Year Award.
Schimming is a seventh-grade math teacher at Whitewater Middle School. He is known for his mentorship to his students and the many colleagues, athletes, and community members with whom he interacts. He also has an active role in growing the Whitewater wrestling program, specifically the girls’ division.
“On behalf of our entire school district community, I would like to congratulate John on earning this well-deserved award for the 2023-24 school year,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “During his time in our district, John has had an incredible impact on our students, families, and community. He is someone who is dedicated to his craft and who truly cares about ensuring students have the opportunities they need to thrive. A big thank you goes out to John for all he does, each and every day.”
The district considers nominations for the annual award from its teachers and staff. A WUSD Inspiring Educator of the Year is an individual whose work exemplifies the district’s core values and demonstrates best practices in the field of education.
The recipient provides students with exceptional learning experiences and unique opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to helping them achieve their highest potential.
The Whitewater Girls’ Tennis Team moved to 2-0 in conference play on Tuesday after defeating Big Foot at home 7-0.
Singles:
- No. 1 – Emilia Houwers def. Lauren Decker 6-0, 6-0
- No. 2 – Jackie Franco def. Easton Gregory 5-7, 6-4, 14-12
- No. 3 – Liz Servin def. Kara Rees 6-1, 6-3
- No. 4 – Vicki Ramirez def. Gabby Klein 6-1, 6-2
Doubles:
- No. 1 – Isabel Aranda & Stephanie Wence def. Robin Cronin & Hannah Grever 7-6 (4), 6-4
- No. 2 – Vanesa Wence & Leah Newmann def. Addie Larson & Mia Nor 6-1, 6-2
- No. 3 – Lillian Navejas-Ortiz & Ariadna Gonzalez Cervantes def. Ryann Grunow & Mya Gonzalez 6-3, 7-6 (1)
Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org
The closure for paving and culvert replacement on County Highway N which extends from the western end of Walworth Street was originally projected to be completed by August 31. Now the Rock County Public Works Department indicates that they do not expect this work to be completed until September 29.
Meanwhile, according to reports on social media, some drivers have been ticketed for failing to observe the detour. One person stated that he got a $175 citation for simply driving the very short distance to County Line Road to make a delivery to the mobile home park.
September 19, 2023 is National Voter Registration Day
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is a proud supporter of the National Voter Registration Day and will provide Voter Registration education and assistance in Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, and Delavan, in celebration of this nonpartisan civic holiday.
Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day was designed to create a day each year when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right – the right to vote.
According to U.S. Census data from 2020, as many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote. Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote.
Please tap into the League’s collective expertise with all your voting concerns on this special day. League members will be staffing tables at the following locations and times on Tuesday, September 19th:
10 AM – 2 PM Aram Public Library, 404 E Walworth Ave, Delavan
11 AM – 1 PM Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater
11 AM – 1 PM UW Whitewater University Center, Table A, 190 Hamilton Green Way
3 PM – 5 PM Dwight Foster Public Library, 209 Merchants Ave, Fort Atkinson
4 PM – 7 PM Whitewater City Market, 301 W Whitewater St
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the League of Women Voters – Whitewater area.
Mary Hardin-Baylor, #3 in D3football.com’s preseason poll, fell to #23 UW-River Falls by a score of 22-45 on September 2 at River Falls. Reportedly MH-B lost many of their leading players and are fielding a younger squad. The team has won three D-III championships, most recently in 2021.
As previously reported, the #11 Warhawks beat #19 John Carroll by 27-23 on September 2. UW-W will face MH-B in week #3 in Texas.
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take control of their life.
A popular workshop in Rock County can help! “Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder” is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides information, group activities, and simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three, 2-hour sessions over the course of a month.
Dedication to the series of three classes is required. This is a workshop for females, taught by a female.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County invite women to join them for a “Mind Over Matter” series at the Daniel Williams Resource Center (where the ADRC is located) at 1717 Center Avenue in Janesville, Wisconsin. The series will occur on three Monday mornings from 10:00 am -12 pm on: September 11, 25 & October 9, 2023. Suggested donation is $10 to cover cost of materials. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a spot! Registration deadline is September 6th !
To learn more, or to register for the series, contact Health Promotion
Coordinator, Lisa Messer, of the ADRC of Rock County at: 608-757-5309 or email: lisa.messer@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: Although first priority is given to Rock County residents, the ADRC staff has indicated to the Banner that residents of other counties are welcome to participate when space is available. Interested women living in Jefferson or Walworth county should contact Lisa to confirm whether space is available.
Former UW-W Head Football Coach Lance Leipold joined the University of Kansas as head coach in May 2021. Bret Bielema, former UW Head Football Coach, hired on in the same position at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in December 2020. The teams coached by the two men will meet for the first time on September 8 in Lawrence, Kansas.
This article titled “Leipold and Bielema’s shared history informs KU’s approach to Week 2” in kusports.com may be of interest to readers.
Friday night, September 1, saw a closely contested and hard-fought game for Whippet Soccer’s 1st annual youth night. Your Whippets never gave up after going down 2-0 and fighting back through a sensational hat trick from Sebastian Cuellar Meza to see things tied at 3 with 10 minutes remaining. Another comeback was necessary when in the 76’ minute Rosenberg Escobar tied things up for Whitewater again at 4-4.
Two minutes from full time, Living Word Lutheran scored the final goal of the contest, thus sealing their chances for victory. It was a tough loss but you can bet that we will be ready for another hard-fought match on Tuesday when we host Racine Park.
Whitewater:
- 27’ goal by Sebastian Cuellar Meza assisted by Sebastian Alvarez
- 41’ goal by Sebastian Cuellar Meza assisted by Rosenberg Escobar
- 70’ goal by Sebastian Cuellar Meza assisted by Chris Cortes\
- 76’ goal by Rosenberg Escobar assisted by Ethan Dugan
- Casey Schlicher 3 saves
- Phoenix Jones 2 saves
Living Word Lutheran:
- 14’ goal by Denny Oechsner
- 26’ goal by Ethan Breckenfelder
- 66’ goal by Timmy Bagin
- 72’ goal by Ethan Breckenfelder
- 78’ goal by Timmy Bagin
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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