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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball team finished our regular season and honored our seniors on Friday night, February 17 when we played Clinton at home.
For game highlights, visit https://www.hudl.com/video/2/14916/63f0af0215f6020e00e861ab
The Whippets got a spark offensively early on in the game with a steal and 3-point shot by junior Danielle DePorter within the first minute of the game. Clinton answered back, hitting two/ 3-pointers in back to back possessions. Clinton packed the lane on defense making it challenging for us to get inside looks. At half we were down 27-38.
At the start of the second half, Cali Kopecky got our offense started, hitting a 3-point shot, but we got stuck at 30 while Clinton scored 11, putting us down by 19. We were able to close the gap a bit when we hit 4 consecutive 3-point shots. Our defense tightened up and forced some turnovers with our full court press and got within 3 with around 5 minutes left in the game. Clinton scored 11 of their 13 points in those last minutes on free throws to solidify the win 57-67.
Mayte Navejas led the Whippets with 16 points, followed by Danielle DePorter with 12 points, and Cali Kopecky with 10.
We play our first regional game on Tuesday, February 21 against Clinton at Clinton. Game time is 7pm.
Article and Senior Posters Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The spring primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 21 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Whitewater has only one polling place for this election, the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street. The ballot for city residents may be viewed here. Wards 1-10 are in Walworth County; Wards 11-13 are in Jefferson County. However, aside from formatting, the ballots are identical.
State Supreme Court – Vote for One
Candidates in Ballot Order
– Janet C. Protasiewicz
– Daniel Kelly
– Everett D. Mitchell
– Jennifer R. Dorow
Updated: A nonpartisan voters guide to the Supreme Court race may be viewed here. Una guia no partidista a la elección de la Corte Suprema se puede ver aquí.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Member – Vote for up to three; the six candidates with the highest votes will advance to the general election on April 4, with three candidates being elected.
Candidates in Ballot Order
- Christy Linse
- Joseph A. Kromholz
- Michael Bergman
- John D. Truesdale
- Daniel Dern
- Chuck Mills
- Nathan Vander Pas (Editor’s note: Vander Pas withdrew from active candidacy)
- Stephanie Hicks
- Will Dammeir
- Brian Schanen
- Thayer A. Coburn
- Lisa Huempfner
All eleven active candidates responded to a Banner questionnaire. Their responses may be viewed here.
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area held a school board forum on January 28. Ten of the eleven candidates participated in this two hour event. The video may be viewed here.
Specific types of photo identification are required in order to vote. This website shows the acceptable forms of ID.
Citizens may register to vote at the polls. Proof of residence is required. This website shows the acceptable forms. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:
- will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
- has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election.
The Whitewater Wrestling Team traveled to Evansville on Saturday, February 18, to participate in the Sectional Wrestling tournament with the top three advancing to the individual state tournament. This is a competitive day with lots of emotions for students, coaches, and families. Whitewater competed hard in every match, and when the dust settled we will have two competing on Thursday at the Kohl Center.
Lauren Buehler became Whitewater’s first qualifier in the new format by securing two pins on her way to the championship. She started the day with a very fast pin and in the finals was down 4-5 going into the 3rd period, went up 10-5, and then was able to secure the pin. The excitement on her face was priceless.
Aaron Porras started out the day with a convincing 15-point victory and then followed that up with a very tough win against a strong young man from Belleville. This brought him into the championship. This was an outstanding match but unfortunately ended up in a scramble and got put to his back in a tied match. He then had to hold onto his second-place finish and did so defeating a young man who had defeated him at the Mid-States tournament.
Just missing out on a trip to state was Connor Friend who placed fourth, losing his 3rd place match 6-5.
Great job Lauren and Aaron!
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The gymnastics team competed at the conference meet on Friday night in Waterford. All the girls crushed it. Our JV team had their best meet of the season with 9 out 15 season or lifetime best scores and their highest team score!
Every single one of our JV Beam gymnasts had a lifetime best score and a season best team score of 21.1. Brooke Bazeley, Grace Coleman, and Alexa Wildenberg all scored 5.40, while Stephanie Walters scored 4.9, and Gabby Pena Perroni scored 3.6. Brooke and Alexa had no fall beam routines. Mady Hefty and Halee Peters from the varsity side also had no fall beam routines.
Although we had no season best scores on Vault – all the girls were so close to their season best scores that they earned a season best team score of 31.375.
The Floor was another strong rotation for our JV team. Stephanie Walters earned a 6.8, followed by Brooke Bazeley with a 6.4 and Payton Brautigam with a 6.10 – lifetime best scores for all three. JV scored their highest team score on floor with a 22.8. Varsity girls also had their highest team score of the season with a 30.35. Alexa Wildenberg earned herself a season best score of 6.2. The rest of the Varsity team scored very close to their bests.
The girls will be competing at sectionals at Mount Horeb High School on Thursday, February 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
In collaboration with the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), the Vinery Stained Glass Studio will be hosting a social night at their building—218 Elkhorn Road, Whitewater, WI 53190–on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. This is a $40 class on fused glass with the theme of barn squares. All materials are provided onsite. This is a precursor course to bring awareness to the WAA’s Public Art Project. Members of the alliance can get a 10% discount, they need only give their name to the Vinery to obtain it. The class is open to everyone of all ages. Additionally, this is a new collaboration that should appear bi-monthly.
No sign up required; show up at the Vinery the day of!
To learn more about the class, visit either the WAA’s page, https://www.whitewaterarts.org/vinery-glass-waa-night, or the Vinery’s Facebook page, https://facebook.com/events/s/fused-glass-barn-quilt/2205916136261185/.
Greetings everyone from The Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Beginning March 1st, 2023, The Whitewater Community Food Pantry will close at 11:30 a.m. rather than 12:00 noon. Therefore, the new hours for Wednesday and Thursday will be 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The pantry is located at 146 North Street, Whitewater, WI, Second Floor of the Old Armory.
With the end of the year 2022 The Whitewater Community Food Pantry served 262 families. In the average week we provided food for about 72 adults and 41 children. Your generous donations and support from everyone, including the churches, schools, companies, organizations, clubs, our farmers and gardeners and the various food drives have made it possible for the pantry to take care and provide for these families.
The food pantry has 22 volunteers who have put in over 3070 hours of their time to serve and help the patrons.
With the new year well underway, as of the end of January, we have 90 families registered which amounts to 228 individuals.
Anyone in need of food is welcome to register with The Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Should you need help you will need to provide us with:
1. Identification of yourself and all occupants of your household. For children: birth certificate, passport, school report card or library card.
2. Proof of your name and address (utility bill, rental agreement etc.) to show you live within the Whitewater Unified School District.
3. These documents must be provided as soon as possible but no later than the third visit.
4. You must show ID each time you pick up food.
Beginning March 1, the food pantry will be open every week Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thank you all for your thoughtfulness to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
The varsity gymnastics team had their last invite of the season in Platteville, Saturday, February 11, 2023. The season may be winding down, but the girls are getting stronger!
The girls started strong on the Floor where Halee Peters did a front layout for the first time. She led the team with an 8.0725, followed by Makayla Bazeley with a 7.725, and Mady Hefty with a 7.45. Rounding out our Floor competitors were Nola Coburn with a 6.9 and Alexa Wildenberg scoring 5.75. The team scored 30.1475 on Floor.
The next rotation brought the girls to the Vault where they were all very close to their season best scores. Mady Hefty led the team with an 8.0, followed close by Halee Peters with a 7.9. Makayla Bazeley scored a 7.5, while Nola Coburn came in with a 7.3 and Brenda Aguilar scored a 6.95. The Vault team scored a 30.7.
Uneven Bars was another amazing rotation for the girls where all of them scored very close to their season bests or exceeded. Makayla Bazeley led this round scoring her lifetime best of 7.70 when she included uprises into her routine. She has been working extremely hard to be able to add them into a meet; we were all so excited to see her do them so confidently. Halee Peters was just behind her with a 7.625, while Mady Hefty scored 5.875 and Nola Coburn scored 4.325. The team scored 25.525 on Bars.
The last rotation was on the Balance Beam where the team scored 27.2. Halee Peters led the way again with her no fall Beam routine and earned a 7.775 while Mady Hefty scored a season best of 7.0 and also had a no fall routine. Makayla Bazeley came in at 6.325, Nola Coburn scored a 6.1 and Brenda Aguilar scored 5.85.
All Around scores came in with Halee Peters at 31.3725, Makayla Bazeley at 29.25, Mady Hefty at 28.325 and Nola Coburn at 24.625.
Come watch more twists, flips, leaps, and turns on Friday, February 17th, when the girls compete at the conference meet at Waterford High School. Sectionals will take place on Thursday, February 23rd.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Whippets traveled to Evansville Monday night for a girls basketball game. We played a very strong 1st half. Our defense was tough both inside and out. The key was our communication, which helped us protect the hoop and close out on the shooters on the perimeter. Offensively, we attacked the rim and shot confidently from outside. We went into half up 25-23.
In the second half, Evansville adjusted their defense giving them an opportunity to go on a scoring run by getting steals and connecting on fast breaks. That created a 24-point scoring deficit quickly. We fought back tirelessly, putting pressure on them defensively and working our offense by getting the ball inside. We closed the gap but came up short 51-57.
Calli Grosinske led the Whippets with 14 points, 5 assists, and 7 steals. Mayte Navejas added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 steals. Cali Kopecky scored 9 points and had 6 rebounds. Danielle DePorter also added 9 points and 4 rebounds.
The Whippets take on Clinton at home for Senior Night on Thursday, February 16.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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