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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Korth Park, Lake Mills [The image on the homepage is from Carlin Weld Park, Palmyra.]
The Jefferson County Parks Department has officially launched the public information and engagement phase of its Parks and Outdoor Recreation Plan (PORP) update, marking the fifth comprehensive plan update in the County’s long-standing history of publicly driven parks and recreation planning.
Since the establishment of the Jefferson County Park System, these plans have served as the foundation for nearly all major park improvements, trail development, land acquisitions, and program expansions throughout the County. Each update has built upon previous community input, ensuring that the Park System continues to reflect the needs, values, and priorities of Jefferson County residents.
The Parks Department has launched a dedicated project webpage to serve as the central hub for plan information, public input opportunities, and project updates:
https://snyder-associates.mysocialpinpoint.com/jefferson-county-porp
The webpage includes:
- An online public survey, where residents and park users can share feedback on park use, priorities, and desired improvements
- A project calendar highlighting key milestones, engagement opportunities, and public meetings
- A GIS-based project map that visitors can utilize to suggest project ideas in real time and location
- Background information on the planning process and how public input will be used
Public participation is a critical component of the plan’s success. Feedback gathered through the survey, public meetings, and the project webpage will directly inform future park development, system-wide departmental strategies, and investment decisions across Jefferson County.
“This plan continues a tradition of thoughtful, community-driven planning in Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Parks Director Kevin Wiesmann. “Every Parks and Outdoor Recreation Plan update has played a key role in shaping the system of parks that residents and visitors enjoy today, and this update will help guide the next generation of improvements.”
We encourage community members to visit the project webpage, complete the online survey, and follow the project calendar for upcoming engagement opportunities. For more information or to get involved, please visit the project webpage or contact the Jefferson County Parks Department.
For more on the Jefferson County Parks System, see https://parks.jeffersoncountywi.gov/.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Jefferson County Parks Department.
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion on tree health concerns along Jefferson Street and justification for planned
removals; Discussion on what to do with the wood from the Territorial Oak.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28157411477414?p=GAEYN82QyzBrNmCEAO
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Ordinance 2026-O-03 an ordinance regarding amendment of the Comprehensive Plan
and Future Land Use Map-Community Development; Ordinance 2026-O-04 and ordinance amending the zoning map the zoning classification in regards to certain properties in the City of Whitewater Tax Parcel #’s /A410100001, /A410100002, /A410100003, /A503200001 and /A503200002 on Bluff Road. CLOSED SESSION to be followed by OPEN SESSION: City Manager’s Performance Evaluation and Employment Agreement
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25142739207755?p=JYio9vudLKHm5TjmpB
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,903593902# United States,
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 903 593 902#
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Editor’s note: The agenda has not yet been posted as of 2/1/26.
UW-Oshkosh Fall 2025 Dean’s List, Honor Roll released
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean’s List and Honor Roll in fall 2025.
The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean’s List is 3.75, out of a possible 4.0.
To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. There can be no individual grades below a “C” and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run.
Whitewater, WI
Quinn Burgess, Dean’s List
Ty Hagedorn, Honor Roll
On Friday night, January 30, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling team traveled to Lodi High School to participate in a 5-team tournament and found much success. After a delay in the start of action and much anticipation, the girls hit the mat and wrestled extremely tough on the night coming home with six champions and leading the way in the team score, outdistancing Mukwonago.
Starting the championship trend was Isabelle Cantu (100) going 3-0 on the evening with a pin and a couple very well wrestled matches on her way to the championship. Next up was Ema Aranda (107) who was 4-0 on the night with all pins. Storm De Porter (126) finished 3-0 on the night with 2 pins and a great championship match outconditioning her opponent to bring home her first high school championship. Next up for the champions was Berma Vubumu (145) who also brought home her first high school wrestling championship going 3-0 with 2 pins along the way. Payton Taylor (165) finished the evening 3-0 with two pins along the way, defeating a strong girl by pin in the championship match. Finally, closing out the evening of championships for the Whippets was Marianna Kubicz (185) who had two pins. She weathered the storm in a very physical match in the opening round. She remained calm, got to her position on her feet, and ended up taking the girl down to pin.
Just missing out on the gold medal was Atreya Wilson (138) who was 3-1 on the night. Atreya had a tough loss but came back from it by going back to her basics, securing two pins along the way. Aubrey Fuoco (145) continues to improve each time she is on the mat proving that showing up to practice, listening, and doing really pays off as she had two pins on her way to the championship before falling to her teammate. This is the highest place that Aubrey has had in any tournament in high school.
Coming in 5th place, yet going 3-1, was Emma Maas (114) with two pins. Kora Davis (120) also took 5th place in what I would say was the most competitive weight class in the tournament with a couple of state ranked girls in the bracket. Kora wrestled her heart out and did not back down to any of the girls.
Also wrestling very tough on the night were Silvia Harris (120) and Amanda Pena-Ramirez (145) who battled every match but were unable to reach top 5.
The girls are next in action on Friday night, February 6, when they travel to Edgerton High School to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Tournament. Wrestling begins at 5:00.
Article and Photos Courtesy of John Schimming
Whitewater High School Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The Whippet Boys Swim Team had a strong showing at the Battle on the Rock Invite at Beloit Memorial on Saturday, January 31st, finishing 8th overall out of 17 teams! The boys put together an excellent day of racing with multiple Top 10 finishes and a ton of personal bests as we head into championship season.
Top 10 Finishes:
• 4th – 200 Freestyle Relay (Cruz Aranda, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley) – 1:35.97
• 4th – Langdon Coburn, 100 Butterfly – 56.58 (PR)
• 4th – Cruz Aranda, 200 IM – 2:12.06
• 5th – Mateo Bazeley, 50 Freestyle – 23.20 (PR)
• 6th – Cruz Aranda, 100 Freestyle – 51.42
• 6th – 400 Freestyle Relay (Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Wyatt Esch, Cruz Aranda) – 3:33.70
• 7th – Mateo Bazeley, 100 Freestyle – 51.86
• 7th – Langdon Coburn, 200 IM – 2:14.79 (PR)
Additional PR Highlights:
• Hunter Runnoe had a great day with a 5-second drop in the 200 Free (2:39.18), an 18-second drop in the 100 Back (1:16.64), and a 4-second PR in the 100 Free (1:04.59) leading off the 400 Free Relay
• Cooper Housel dropped 4 seconds in the 200 Free (2:47.05) and 10 seconds in the 500 Free
• Langdon Coburn led off the 400 Free Relay with a 52.64, placing him 9th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List
• Ian Agen dropped a massive 15 seconds in the 200 IM
• ChaCha Binagi broke 30 seconds in the 50 Free (28.50), had a strong relay split of 27.25, and dropped 10 seconds in the 100 Free (1:05.72)
• Wyatt Esch improved his 100 Fly to 1:10.49
• Eloy Rodriguez knocked 3 seconds off his 100 Free (1:10.24)
• Carson Miller continues to improve, dropping time in both the 100 Breaststroke (1:35.42) and 100 Freestyle (1:16.31)
• Angel Kilar shaved off more time in the 500 Freestyle
• David Enns posted a new best in the 100 Breaststroke (1:22.11)
Up Next:
• JV Conferenceday, February 3rd @ Elkhorn | 6:00 PM
• Varsity Conference – Saturday, February 7th @ Jefferson | 11:00 AM
Come out and cheer on the Whippet Swim Team!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Whitewater High School Players – “Radium Girls”
The Whitewater High School Players will be performing “Radium Girls” Feb. 26-28 at 7 p.m. and Mar. 1 at 2 p.m. in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at WHS.
“Radium Girls” is based on a true and tragic story that defined American labor history in the 1920’s. The Radium Girls were factory workers who painted dials with radium-based paint and mysteriously started dying. The “ghost girls” were instructed to finely point their brushes by molding the bristles with their mouths, but this process ultimately poisoned the laborers themselves. As doctors began to discover radium’s devastating harm, five women in New Jersey sued their employers but reached a settlement outside the court in 1928. Both topics of workplace hazards and corporate accountability are explored throughout the play. The legacy of the Radium Girls can’t be understated — even today. Their case was among the first in which a company was held responsible for the health and safety of its employees, and it led to a variety of reforms and to the creation of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
General admission tickets ($12 for adults, $7 for students) are available beginning one hour before the performances.
Under the direction of Jim McCulloch, the cast includes Ian Agen, Camdyn Avila, Isabella Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Joseph Falcon-Kienbaum, Aurora Gerblick, Vivian Harris, Ameera Lin, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kia Peterson, and Lia Ramirez. Josie Davis and Jesus Ramirez support the production in their important role as stage manager.
Kat Dunham guides the backstage crew that includes Caitlin Alford, Sidney Block, Georgia Esch, Ace Hudec, Hadley Huebner, Joshua Nygren, and Jesus Ramirez.
For additional information about the history of Radium Girls, go to https://www.britannica.com/story/radium-girls-the-women-who-fought-for-their-lives-in-a-killer-workplace
Grief rarely follows a straight line. For many, the experience of losing a loved one feels complex, non-linear, and composed of many layers. To help community members navigate these fluctuating emotions, Rainbow Community Care is hosting its unique, hands-on workshop: “Broken Pots: Exploring Our Beautiful Brokenness Through Art.”
Led by the experienced bereavement team of Laura Wessels, Hilary Furnish, and Terry Hein, the workshop is inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi—the practice of repairing broken pottery to highlight the fractures as part of the object’s history. This approach views the cracks not as flaws that need to be fixed, but as a unique part of the story. “In the breaking and reconstructing of these pots, space is made to acknowledge both the pain of loss and the enduring love that remains,” says Rainbow Bereavement Counselor Hilary Furnish. “It becomes a tangible way to see your own experience and realize that while you are changed by loss, you are still whole and there is a different kind of beauty in that.”
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center (Community Room) 1225 Remmel Dr., Johnson Creek, WI
Cost: Free and open to the public
Rainbow Community Care remains committed to supporting the community long after a loved one has passed. Through its 13-month bereavement program, the organization offers the counseling and community connection necessary to help individuals process their grief and find a path forward. This workshop provides a safe, creative environment to put feelings into motion and discover a new perspective on the healing journey.
Registration: Space is limited for this hands-on experience. To reserve your spot, please call (920) 674-6255 today.
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
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