Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

Today is Monday, May 11, 2026

News & Events

WHITEWATER WEATHER

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.

Thursday Concert in the Park: Indigo Canyon

August 14, 2023

Grab your family, dinner, and chairs to join us for a free concert at Cravath Lakefront Park on Thursday, August 17th, starting at 7 p.m.
Smooth, Soulful, Beautiful, Melodious—all words to describe the spot-on vocal harmonies produced by Michelle and Todd of Indigo Canyon. Whether playing as a Duo or with the Full Band, the energy is always upbeat. Hailing from the Kenosha area, Indigo Canyon has built a strong reputation for creating grooves and drawing crowds into dancing frenzies. If you don’t believe it, come see for yourself!

Edgerton Hospital Hosting 100 Year Celebration on August 26th

August 14, 2023

(EDGERTON, WI) – Edgerton Hospital and Health Services is celebrating 100 years of providing quality and compassionate care, on August 26th, and everyone is welcome!

The hospital and its team invite patients, supporters, community members, family, and friends to join them in the Edgerton Hospital healing garden for food, fun, and to celebrate the organization’s history and commitment to the community.

This free public event will feature:

  • Food Trucks & Booths, with food sales, including: Eat at Joe’s, Steve’s Deli Dog House, Ember Foods, Lily’s Magical Treats, Quick Chef, and Maria’s Taco Truck
  • Prize Drawings
  • 100 Year Edgerton Hospital T-Shirt give away – (first 200 attendees)
  • A display of the hospital’s 100-year history
  • Special “I was born at Edgerton Hospital” pins
  • And more…

Event details:
Who: Edgerton Hospital and Health Services

What: 100 Year Anniversary Celebration – (Open to the public)

Where: Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden, 11101 N. Sherman Road, Edgerton, WI
When: Aug 26, 2023, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This is a FREE public event, with food sales. In case of inclement weather, the event may be moved indoors. For more information visit www.edgertonhospital.com.

Edgerton Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital. The hospital serves the communities of Edgerton, Milton and surrounding communities.  Founded in 1923, the facility offers inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic, emergency, urgent care and rehabilitation services.  It is an affiliate of SSM Health. For additional information about Edgerton Hospital, please visit www.edgertonhospital.com.

Walworth Co. ADRC to Host Medicare Workshops

August 14, 2023

The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer “Welcome to Medicare” workshops on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. This popular educational session will provide information about Medicare for individuals turning 65 years of age, those over 65 and planning to retire, or individuals with disabilities that have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months or have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

“It is vitally important that individuals eligible to receive Medicare are aware of the different parts of Medicare, including Part A and Part B, as well as the prescription drug coverage,” says Elder Benefit Specialist Julie Juranek. “Being knowledgeable about premiums and penalties for not having creditable prescription drug coverage will help people make sound choices when exploring available plans.”

The Welcome to Medicare workshops will be held at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.

About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.

Whippets to Host Youth Night at Soccer Game September 1

August 14, 2023

Get ready for the 1st annual Youth Night for Boys’ Soccer on Friday, September 1st! It looks like it will be a fantastically fun evening for kids young and old!

Information Provided by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org

Chimney Swifts Gathering for Migration – Counters Sought

August 14, 2023
The swift tower at Cravath Lakefront Park
Chimney swifts swooping at sunset

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Sherry Stanek.

Chimney Swifts Gathering For Migration

Chimney Swifts are very important birds for those of us who don’t like being bitten by mosquitoes, midges and other pesky bugs as we enjoy the outdoors each summer. Each one eats thousands of insects every day as they swoop, chittering through the sky! It is quite a beautiful ballet to watch!

A big gathering place for these birds in Whitewater is the large chimney behind Whitewater Middle School and they’ve started to gang up there ahead of their migration to South America in the coming weeks. Chimney Swifts used to nest in hollow trees in old growth forests and moved into chimneys as that habitat got harder to find. The Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission raised funds to build a ‘Swift Tower’ at Cravath Lakefront Park near the gazebo a few years ago because so many buildings no longer have accessible chimneys. This Swift Tower was built to look like a large chimney and is also a place to watch at this time of year. Plan to arrive about ten minutes before sunset and you’ll get to see the birds arriving and swooping and making their chittering sounds. As it gets closer to dark, they begin circling the chimney they’ve chosen and one by one, drop in to spend the night.

There is a continent wide effort to raise awareness about the diminishing numbers of Swifts held by The Audubon Society each fall. The birds start to gather in mid August and leave sometime between then and mid September. Audubon needs citizens to watch for and count these birds and then report the numbers to The Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group’s website. It is not easy to count the hundreds of swooping birds, and doesn’t have to be perfectly accurate, but it does give them an idea of the population that is invaluable and helps us know how they’re doing. It’s also an amazing sight and lots of fun if you just want to go and see the spectacle! Thank you to everyone who wants to help!

Food Truck Rally at Dwight Foster Public Library

August 14, 2023

On Sunday, September 10 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. will be the second annual Food Truck Rally in front of Dwight Foster Public Library, 209 Merchants Ave.  The food truck rally is the only event of its kind in Fort Atkinson!  We like to think of the event as a laid-back family fun event where everyone can find something they enjoy.  And, of course, it’s the only Sunday the library is open. Enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks! Cuisines include Thai, Jamaican, American and Mexican. We’ll also have fresh squeezed lemonade, mocktails, Kettle Korn and Cotton Candy. Music by Jason Pettit.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Dwight Foster Library.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings (Updated)

August 14, 2023

Editor’s note: Updated on 8/14/23 @ 1:40 p.m. to add Community Development Authority.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 5:30 (Closed Session) Review the superintendent’s evaluation, discuss and consider a third party donation into an endowment fund to benefit the District; and to discuss and consider the deficit threshold for the Whitewater Fitness and Aquatic Center negotiations and discharge of the ad hoc committee.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:30 p.m.
———————————————–
5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online (Closed session)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87207144755?pwd=a1doZ21CVWFtWTJBTU4rMlMvbE1sUT09
– Passcode: 441869
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 872 0714 4755
– Passcode: 441869
———————————————-
Closed Session
———————————————-
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (Open Session)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84244209521?pwd=K20yT2hDK0M3WmVCaWZlZk1DaDBKdz09
– Passcode: 102952
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 842 4420 9521
– Passcode: 102952
Open Session – 7:00 p.m. Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Naming of WHS Auditorium for Jim Stewart, Middle School science curriculum adoption, and district math data.

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review CommissionMonday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://meet.goto.com/592244373
You can also dial in using your phone
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 592-344-373
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation on a housing study by Tracy Cross & Associates, Business and marketing plan for Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Discussion and possible action regarding Twin Oaks mobile home permit, Discussion of the current goals, objectives and management plan for the City Manager, Discussion regarding retaining an attorney to represent Common Council on personnel matters, closed session followed by open session: Discussion regarding the performance evaluation of the City Manager.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 West Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during
topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84931997366?pwd=MmtXcFQ4VHFmU3JJMit0cGo5SFFGUT09
Or dial by phone
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 849 3199 7366
Passcode: 722290

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Status of current Vacant Land Listing Contract with Twelve2 Commercial Group for sale of City‐owned properties expiring 10/31/2023 and review and discussion of proposals received from
Anderson Commercial Group and Legacy Realty Group, Update regarding acquisition of properties from Rod and Mary Dalee located at 104 E. Main St. and 126 N. Jefferson Street and proposed re‐development of the site, and Status of Recruitment for Economic Development Director Position.
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89506632483?pwd=S1hVN0MvOFBXYnh4UUVuOG45eG5Qdz09
Passcode: 610764

Or join by phone: 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 895 0663 2483
Passcode: 610764

Could Have Been a Lot Worse: WFD Extinguishes Downtown Fire With Lots of Mutual Aid on Hand (Updated)

August 12, 2023
137-139 W. Center Street fire – Photo credit Matthew Richardson


Update 8/14/23 at 12:10 a.m.: According to WKOW, “Whitewater police told 27 News one person was taken to the hospital….That person is expected to recover. The Whitewater Fire Chief told 27 News they lived in a top floor apartment next to the fire….The chief said one of the building’s owners was on the roof working on a small repair when they believe a piece of tar caught fire and spread to the rest of the building.”

At approximately 2:12 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, August 12, Whitewater Fire and EMS was dispatched to a report of multiple Center St. buildings on fire, in the City of Whitewater. Fire crews quickly responded, finding two downtown buildings involved, with flames visible from the roof.

First arriving crews were able to extinguish a large body of fire from the ground, prior to gaining roof access with aerial apparatus. Once on the roof, crews found the roof involved, as well as the front wall and minor extension to the 2nd floor of the structure.

The incident was escalated to a three alarm fire due to the number of buildings involved and the outside temperatures. Box 12-2 was pulled bringing numerous units from Walworth, Jefferson, Rock and Waukesha counties to the scene.

Damage is estimated to be approximately $175,000 for building and contents. The cause of the fire is believed to be construction related. Crews were on scene approximately three hours.

Whitewater Fire and EMS was assisted by the following agencies. A huge thank you to them for their assistance.

City of Delavan Fire Dept
Darien Fire Dept
East Troy Fire Dept
Elkhorn Area Fire Dept
Evansville Fire Dept
Fort Atkinson Fire Department
Janesville Fire Department
Jefferson Fire Department
Johnson Creek Fire Department
Kettle Moraine Fire Dept
Lake Country Fire and Rescue
Lake Geneva Fire Dept
Lake Mills Fire Dept
Lakeside Fire-Rescue
Lauderdale-LaGrange Fire Department
Mukwonago Fire Department
Sullivan Fire Dept
Town of Delavan Fire Dept
Walworth Fire Dept
Watertown Fire Dept
Western Lakes Fire District
Williams Bay Fire Dept.

Closeup of fire by Matthew Richardson, who says that it “shows beasts fighting in the smoke if you look.”
After fire was doused the damage looks deceptively minor.
Lisa Dawsey Smith sweeping up ashes; she always seems to show up when something needs doing downtown! Lynn Binnie photos

Editor’s note: Fire and water damage appears to be limited to 137-139 W. Center St., which is currently vacant on the first floor. It is not known whether there are tenants on the second floor. Reportedly the cats next door at BaristaCats Cafe were all safely evacuated. 139 W. Center St. was formerly Gus’ Pizza Palace.

Obituaries

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

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

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

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!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

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

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

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

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

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

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

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

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

Obituary: Carol Ann Seebruch, 88

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