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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The UW Oshkosh 149th spring commencement – with a pair of ceremonies May 13 – recognized the accomplishments of students from all three of its campuses (Fond du Lac, Fox Cities, Oshkosh). Nearly 1,300 students earned bachelor’s, master’s, associate and doctoral degrees and joined the ranks of more than 100,000 UWO alumni.
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, COLLEGE, DEGREE, MAJOR (if listed) Whitewater, WI
James DuVal, College of Education and Human Services, Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education-Cross Categorical
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, in partnership with the Whitewater Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an investigation that involved the sale of cocaine as well as fraudulent documents including both state and federal identification cards. The investigation involved controlled buys conducted by law enforcement.
On July 13th, 2023, at 7:00 AM, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Jose Valentin OSTRIA-HERNANDEZ (31), located within the City of Whitewater.
Located inside the residence were over 60 grams of Cocaine, in excess of twenty (20) fraudulent state and federal identification documents, various drug paraphernalia, and over $50,000 in cash. Five vehicles were also seized as a part of this investigation.
Jose Valentin OSTRIA-HERNANDEZ was subsequently arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.
Jose Valentin OSTRIA-HERNANDEZ is currently facing the following charges:
961.41(1)(cm) Delivery of Cocaine (4 counts)
961.41(1m)(cm)(4) Possession With Intent To Deliver Cocaine – Excess of 40 Grams
961.573(1) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
961.42(1) Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Residence
Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Looking for a summer activity for your kids that will pay off down the road? FCCU’s Common Cents Summer Camp teaches the skills necessary to have smart money sense.
The camp will be taught by Certified Financial Coaches and will include the basics of financial knowledge with grade
appropriate lessons, games, and activities. The camp will be held on Wednesday, July 26th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at
FCCU’s Home Mortgage Store, 732 Madison Ave, Fort Atkinson.
The camp is free and open to all kids in grades 2-5. Registration can be completed online by visiting
https://www.fortcommunity.com/notice-details.html. Space is limited, register today to invest in your child’s financial wellness! Editor’s note: FCCU is using an outside service, DocuSign, for registration which will require verifying one’s identity. Do not be alarmed when you are asked the types of questions that might be asked if you were checking your credit report.
About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative
open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch
locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more
than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit
fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.
Savory Sounds Presented by the Whitewater Arts Alliance on July 20, 2023, 11:30-12:45 – TAPESTRY: ACOUSTIC FOLK QUINTET A five piece acoustic string band of local musicians woven together in a multi-faceted collection of musical styles and flavors. Add five-part vocal harmony and a wonderful experience is guaranteed. The featured food vendor for this concert will be Jersey Mikes.
Location: Birge Fountain, outside of the Cultural Arts Center at 402 W. Main Street. Extra parking is freely provided across the street at First English Lutheran Church. In case of rain, the concert will be airconditioned indoors. “We love playing here,” Tapestry says on their Facebook page.
Sponsored by: First Citizens State Bank, Associated Bank, Fairhaven Senior Services, Olm and Associates, Fort Community Credit Union, PremierBank, and all those who wish to remain anonymous.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County.
More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate use of medication, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.
Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held in the Kettle Moraine Trail Room on Thursdays, August 3 to August 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Walworth County Health and Human Services, 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI 53121. The workshop has a suggested contribution of $10.
For questions, or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: 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 situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
The UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. recently announced the election of five new members to its Board of Directors. Each member joins with the commitment to inspire philanthropic support for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and ensure student success now and in the future through the administration of financial awards.
Joining the Board of Directors are Dave Adam, ’87; Todd Gray, ’77, ’82, and ’84; Louise Hermsen, ’75; Ashley Johnson, ’08; and Tanika Murphy, ’02. The new board members begin their term on July 1, 2023 and will continue for three years.
“I am honored to welcome new members Adam, Gray, Hermsen, Johnson, and Murphy,” said Katie Kuznacic, Foundation President and Vice Chancellor for University Relations. “Our Foundation is comprised of steadfast and highly engaged members that drive long-term University support through strategic engagement and impactful giving. I look forward to working with them to build on our successes and achieve even greater impacts for Warhawks in the years to come.”
Adam is a financial consultant and non-profit leader. He earned his BBA in Accounting from UW-Whitewater and serves as president of Argentarii Advisors, LLC and as an advisory board member for MobCraft Beer. Adam also spent 11 years in senior leadership roles for Johnson Financial Group, including senior vice president of finance and treasurer.
Gray is an adjunct professor at UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics. He was also formerly the interim superintendent of schools for the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District and superintendent of schools for the School District of Waukesha. Gray received a BSE in business education and M.S. in school business administration and accounting from UW-Whitewater.
Hermsen is a senior marketing and communication leader and women’s leadership advocate. She is a committee member at the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County and on the board of Present Music and the Waukesha County Museum. She was a marketing executive for DUECO Inc., Odyne Systems LCC and Joy Global’s P&H Mining Equipment. Hermsen received her MBA in Marketing from UW-Whitewater.
Johnson is an audit director and accounting and auditing manager at Sikich LLP, specializing in non-profit organizations. She received her Master of Professional Accountancy from UW-Whitewater.
Murphy is the manager of inclusion and belonging (DEI and supplier diversity) at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. She also worked as an HR manager at Harley-Davidson and SC Johnson. Murphy received her B.S. in public policy and administration, and human resource management from UW-Whitewater.
To learn more about the UW-Whitewater Foundation and its work, visit https://www.uww.edu/foundation.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Kim Pontel.
The Whitewater High School Class of 1983 will be holding a 40th class reunion on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Saturday, August 26, 2023
5:00 p.m. – cocktails
6:30 p.m. – dinner
casual attire
Willow Brook Golf Course
(formerly Whitewater Country Club)
N9035 Hwy 89
Whitewater, WI 53190
One night is never enough, join us the night before!
Friday, Aug 25 08:00 p.m. – Close Rick’s Eastside Pub & Grill, Whitewater
Please invite all classes, friends, teachers, and coaches to an informal gathering!
(Food and beverages on your own)
Please RSVP by Aug 10 for Saturday’s event at Willow Brook at the rate of $30.00 per person
(After Aug 11, the rate will increase to $35.00 per person)
____ Yes, I will attend! ____ No, I am unable to attend (please include current contact info below)
Classmate First Name: ______________ Last Name: __________________ Nee: _________________
Address: _______________________________ City: _________________ State: ____ Zip: ________
Email address: ______________________________ Guest Name: ____________________________
Amount enclosed: ___1 person $30.00 ____1 person $35.00 (after Aug 11)
___2 people $60.00 ____2 people $70.00 (after Aug 11)
___Additional Donation of $ _____
Please return RSVP with check payable to:
Kim (Allen) Pontel
c/o WHS Reunion
2944 Oneida Lake Rd.
Harshaw, WI 54529
OR send payment via Zelle to 262-903-1100, add WHS Reunion and guest name in the comment section.
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Jeff Weigel.
The rain last week was no match for the hearty group of volunteers who began clearing brush and invasives along Whitewater Creek at Brewery Hill Park! Thanks to all who were able to make it and lend a hand, and to the City of Whitewater staff for their extra chipping efforts. Join us again this Wednesday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m. to see progress and keep the momentum going!
Click the link, or send an email to friendsofwhitewatercreek@gmail.com to learn more and get involved:
https://forms.gle/4bkrv64EcbjnG8ZA7
Obituaries
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
Entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, April 3, 2026, age 65. Donna is survived by her cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Lois (Michels) Lyons. Donna was raised in the Church of Nazarene, with her father being the assistant pastor. Religion was very important to Donna. Donna enjoyed working with the students of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she resided. Donna also loved to travel, visiting France, Italy, and all around the United States. She also loved to paint, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. She also loved collecting recipes and trying … Read more
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