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[Advertisement] Household Sale this Saturday & Sunday: Click to see more details

June 29, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Household Sale
James Davis
860 Burr Oak Trail (near the intersection of Fremont St. & County U)
Prairie Village
Whitewater, WI 53190

Saturday, July 1st 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 2nd 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

*Numbers issued 1 hour prior to sale on Saturday and ½ hour prior to sale on Sunday*(Numbers are used to control number of people in the house.)

Glassware: Pyrex, Corning ware, Press Glass, Cut Glass, English Johnson Brothers Soup Tureen, Cranberry, Lead Crystal, Nikko 8 Place Setting Plus Serving Pieces – “Dena” Pattern – Microwaveable & Dishwasher Safe, Bavarian, Nippon, Limoges, Lenox

Furniture: Flex steel Sofa, Chair/Ottoman, Dining Table & 6 Chairs, Roll top Desk, End Tables, Bookcase, Hutch, Serving Cart, Reed Chair/Ottoman, Kitchen Cupboard, Entertainment Center, Table & Floor Lamps, Bauhaus Sofa, American Drew 5 Piece Bedroom Set/King Size Bed, Stiffel Lamp, Umbrella Stand

Household Items: C.L. Peterson Prints, George Sumner Prints, Jose F.M. Arentz Print, JVC Compact Disc Player, Step Stool, Small Kitchen Appliances, Small T.V., Linens, Local Whitewater Prints, Usual Kitchen Items

Garage & Outdoor Items: Shop Vac, Work Bench, Garden Tools, Patio Set/Umbrella, Lawn Chairs, Garden Cart, Hose Reel, Step Ladder, Wrought Iron Table & Bench, Handy Andy Work Bench, Storage Racks, and much much more

All Sales Final · No Refunds · Cash · Sold in “As Is” Condition
No Early Sales · Not Responsible for Accidents
Please bring help and tools for removing your items on the day of purchase – our staff is unable to lift or load items.

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of PFC Clinton Koloski Who Lost His Life in WW II

June 29, 2023
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #206 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., June 30, 2023, in honor of Private First Class Clinton P. Koloski, who lost his life conducting combat patrol near Obermuhlthal, France, during World War II and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial.

“We are glad to welcome Private First Class Koloski home so that he can finally be honored and laid to rest in his home state,” said Gov. Evers. “Private First Class Koloski gave his life in defense of the values and freedoms we hold most dear, and on behalf of the state, we are forever grateful for his service, selflessness, and sacrifice.”

On January 14, 1945, United States Army Private First Class Clinton P. Koloski of City Point, assigned to Company A, 36th Engineer Combat Regiment, was killed conducting combat patrol near Obermuhlthal, France, during World War II. After the war, remains were recovered from the area where Private First Class Koloski was lost but could not be identified due to technology limitations at the time and were interred at Rhône American Cemetery in France. In 2006 and 2007, Private First Class Koloski’s identification tags were found near Obermuhlthal, and in 2016, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency excavated the site but found no further remains, and the unknown remains interred at Rhône American Cemetery were later exhumed and identified as Private First Class Koloski’s. 

Private First Class Clinton P. Koloski will be buried in Beloit on Fri., June 30, 2023.

Public Art Project, “Barn Quilts,” Now on Display in Downtown

June 29, 2023

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) and Whitewater Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the exhibition of the Public Art Project for 2023 – “Barn Quilts.” This community-driven project–which enhances the beauty and cultural richness of Whitewater–is on display downtown from now until late September. Plywood boards that have been turned into “quilts” are hanging from light poles along Main Street. Some are 2’ x 4’ while others are 2’ x 2’. These projects will hang throughout the summer.



Participants in this year’s project have been named below with brief images shown on
the WAA website. Viewers can go to the WAA website to read up on the inspiration of
some of the pieces. Participants included are:

Discover Whitewater
Studio 84
Culvers
Candace Jacobs
Sandy MacDonald
Lynn Weilbrenner
Ellen Penwell
Jill Gerber
Riley Buckett
Donn Lahaie
Linda Saumer
Carol Haas
Tricia Borchardt
Sherry Stanek
And all other participants who wished to remain anonymous.

The WAA believes that the public art plays a significant role in transforming the cultural fabric of a town. It brings people together, fosters dialogue and reflection, and creates a sense of pride and ownership among community members.

To learn more about the project and view individual pieces, please visit the Public Art page on the WAA website at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/public-art.

Any questions can be sent to either the chair of the project, Mary Nevicosi, at marynevicosi@yahoo.com, or to the WAA Manager, Ashley McDarison, at
wwartsalliance@gmail.com.

Storywalk at the Methodist Church: Blue Sky, White Stars

June 29, 2023

Please come check out the Storywalk at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, to read our newest book.  In honor of July 4th we are featuring “Blue Sky, White Stars” by Sarvinder Naberhaus. As quoted in the New York Times, this book is, “An inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people.”  We hope you enjoy!

WUSD Summer School Playhouse: Finding Nemo, Jr.

June 28, 2023

Photos and text courtesy of Tom Ganser

If you’re thinking the Fourth of July fireworks will be spectacular . . . you haven’t thought about taking in a performance of “Finding Nemo, Jr.” by the Unified School District’s Summer School Playhouse June 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and July 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Auditorium.

The play is perfect for all ages – and a wonderful treat for your relatives and neighborhood kids.

If you happen to be a senior adult, don’t worry.  Any youngster attending a performance with you will be happy to clue you in on the plot.

General admission tickets for adults ($10) and students ($7) can be reserved by calling the Box Office at 262-472-8178 or purchased beginning one hour before the performance.

“Finding Nemo Jr.” is a lively 60-minute musical adaptation of the popular 2003 Pixar movie telling the story of Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid, Nemo.

“Finding Nemo Jr.” brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

The cast and technical crew for this amazing production includes more than 70 students ranging from incoming 6th graders to WHS Class of 2023 graduates.

Led by director Jim McCulloch, music director Liz Elliott, and choreographer Taytum Adkins, the talented cast of fish and birds includes Ian Agen, Deven Bawden, Chacha Binagi, Nels Brown, Anders Clarksen, Alex Clarksen, Ayden Clark, Belle Cohen, Grace Coleman, Peyton Comfort, Julianna Cortez, Sienna Dahl, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Franki DiFiore, Emery Duris, David Enns, Tyrelle Griswold, Charlotte Hajewski, Nina Heim, Raena Hicks, Toby Kapfer, Haley Keltesch, Evelyn Kjome, Josh Kirley, Amelia Lafaive, Ameera Lin, Brooke Mason, Eloise Morse, Virginia Nelson, Kai Peterson, Julian Rennells, Lauren Rollette, Zel Scherer, Josie Selby, Melody Smith, Serina Soto, Skylar Staebler, Evie Stine, Alex Sullivan, Ava Van Daele, Anderson Waelchli, Cosette Wildermuth-Breizman, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Talon Wildermuth-Breitzman, Xavier Zei, Zoe Zei, and Matt Zingsheim.

Guided by amazing technical director Kat Dunham in creating a magical big blue world are Caitlin Alford, Henry Brockwell, Payton Bunger, Alexsandra Cansino-Pena, Lucy Davis, Laken DePorter, Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Lu DiFiore, Ace Hudec, Gabbie Kirley, Rayne Levaspu, Marren McCulloch, Kara Long, Jacob McGlaughlin, Ava Nygren, Abigail Olson, Betzy Palomec, Lucy Troxel, Sami Van Daele, Miles Nicklesberg, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock, Cora Shimming and Claire Tourdot.

According to Liz Elliott, “Finding Nemo Jr.” “is a fun and familiar story that the students have expressed their excitement to be a part of.  This show allows for many small groups of students to shine with the variety of songs and scenes that they are in.  Not all shows function this way, so it is a unique experience for many of our cast members.  While all students contribute to the greater whole of the show, these individual small group numbers highlight the many different characters and creatures within “Finding Nemo Jr.”

Comments from the students show how much they enjoy being part of the action.

Anders Clarksen said, “This is the second time I have been a bird!  I was a seagull in “The Little Mermaid” and I am a pelican in “Finding Nemo Jr.”

“I like being able to work with all ages and making an impact with performance and music,” stated Skylar Staebler.

Matt Zingsheim shared, “I enjoy the music in this show a lot,” adding, “I like the styles of the songs and some of the titles are funny to me.”

Asked to compare her character to an ice cream flavor, Charlotte Hajewski said, “I feel like my character, Peach, would be rainbow sherbet, because she lives in the colorful coral.”

“I am anxious just like my character,” Lauren Rollette noted.  “However, I am not purple or yellow.”

Ayden Clark reflected, “”I love helping with the dances, and helping the younger students get around the show and on stage.

7th grader Melody Smith, cast in the role of Breeze, said, “Something I have enjoyed about being in theatrical productions is feeling like you’re part of a family and getting really close with all of your fellow performers.”

Raena Hicks, a 7th grader, who plays a turtle and a seagull in “Finding Nemo, Jr.,” admitted, “Something that I learned about being in the play is that it takes a lot of time and effort to learn your part.”

Put seeing “Finding Nemo Jr.” on your bucket list for June 29, 30 and July 1.

Portwine Represents Wisconsin at National STEM Advocacy Conference

June 28, 2023

Class of 2023 WHS and Ferradermis Alum Daniel (Peter) Portwine spent three days in Washington DC for the National Advocacy Conference sponsored by SASA (Student Association for STEM Advocacy).

Daniel had the opportunity to meet Chris Moore, the CEO of FIRST Robotics on his first day in DC.

On Tuesday, Daniel was able to meet with staffers for Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Ron Johnson, and Representative Scott Fitzgerald to discuss the importance of STEM education.

Daniel has been passionate about the impact of the FIRST Robotics program on students for a long time, but a new fire was kindled when he was one of five Ferradermis members to participate in the Wisconsin Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in February.

Daniel represented Wisconsin along with alumni from FRC Team 8701 Graffiti from Greendale and FTC Team 4706 Supposable Thumbs from New Berlin.

More information on the conference can be found at https://mysasa.org/national-advocacy-conference.

Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Daniel Portwine

Fairhaven Names New Marketing Personnel

June 28, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Paul Kuenning, president and chief executive officer of Fairhaven Senior Services.

With the upcoming retirement on Friday, June 30th for current Marketing Director Tim Probst, I am happy to announce that the new director of marketing and community relations for Fairhaven is Brian Robinson. Brian is no stranger to Fairhaven as he is approaching his 9th year here and has created a solid leisure services program fostering many contacts throughout the surrounding communities and also at UW-Whitewater. His 18+ years working in senior living/healthcare and passion for what he does will be an asset that we look forward to tapping into with this new role. He will be overseeing the apartments, assisted living and Hearthstone levels.

Shannon Schoville will be the marketing manager for Prairie Village. Shannon has been with Fairhaven six months and shares her passion of adding to the culture of care throughout Fairhaven. She has experience with marketing and fundraising and we look forward to her adding that experience to Prairie Village. Each will also continue in their current roles, Brian as director of leisure services and Shannon as executive secretary.

Both Brian and Shannon will utilize the current Marketing Office together but can also be reached at their current office location. If needing to direct any calls related to marketing, we ask that they be sent to the Marketing Office phone at ext. 1143.

Brian Robinson may be reached at
Director of Marketing and Community Relations
robinsonb@fairhaven.org
262-473-2140 ext. 1143 Marketing Office

Shannon Schoville may be reached at:
Marketing Manager Prairie Village
schovilles@fairhaven.org
262-473-2140 ext. 1143 Marketing Office

We thank Tim for all he has done and added to the Fairhaven family and wish him the best in retirement.

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Walworth County; Precautions Described

June 28, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Walworth County Health & Human Services Department.

On June 20, 2023, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) confirmed a positive rabies test for a bat from Walworth County. This is the first rabid bat identified in the county this year. Human rabies is now rare in the United States; the last case of human rabies in Wisconsin occurred in 2010, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health
Services.

Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system. It is transmitted from infected
mammals to humans and is invariably fatal once symptoms appear. Human rabies is rare in the
United States, averaging about two to three cases per year. Although people typically acquire
rabies from the bite of an infected animal, the virus can also be transmitted by a claw scratch, or
by saliva from a rabid animal that comes in contact with an open wound or with a mucous
membrane.

For this reason, persons should be considered potentially exposed to rabies if they have had
physical contact with a bat and a bite or scratch cannot be ruled out. A common example of this
would be a cyclist who is struck by a bat while riding. Additionally, a bat that is found in the
same room as a person who cannot rule out physical contact with the animal may also constitute a potential rabies exposure. This would include a sleeping person, an unattended child or someone who is intoxicated.

Persons who sustain any animal bite or experience the type of bat exposures described above
should notify local law enforcement, humane society, family physician or health department as
soon as possible for evaluation as a possible rabies exposure.

Pet owners can help prevent rabies transmission by getting their dogs, cats, or ferrets vaccinated for rabies, even those that do not go outside. Indoor pets can still be exposed to rabid bats that find their way into living areas. Additionally, if an unvaccinated dog, cat, or ferret bites a person, the animal will be ordered into an isolation facility for a 10-day observation period—at the owner’s expense. Parents should also warn children to never handle a bat (or any other wild animal).

Keeping bats out of living areas can significantly reduce the potential for rabies exposure to
residents and their pets. Most bats enter homes and apartments through an open or loose fitting door or an attic, open unscreened window, unscreened chimney, or gaps in an outside wall, fascia, or soffit. Animal control professionals, pest control professionals and bat exclusion
professionals can be consulted to address these problems. Bat exclusion professionals, according
to Bat Conservation International, are insured and licensed in the states they serve and use
approved bat exclusion methods. For more information, visit their website at www.batcon.org.
Additional information about rabies can be obtained from the CDC’s website at
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ or from the Wisconsin Division of Public Health’s Rabies Fact Sheet, which can be viewed at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/p42081.pdf.

For more information about bats, rabies control, reporting and treatment, please contact
Walworth County Public Health at (262) 741-3200.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash.

Obituaries

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

Obituary: Donna Lyons, 65

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