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| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff on Anniversary of 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., Nov. 21, 2022, in recognition of the first anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and in remembrance of and respect for the six people who were murdered in the attack: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8. “As Monday marks the one-year anniversary of the senseless, violent attack at the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade, Kathy and I are thinking of the entire Waukesha community, the six people whose lives were mercilessly taken, and all of the loved ones, friends, first responders, and neighbors for whom this anniversary will be especially difficult and traumatic,” said Gov. Evers. “As we remember this tragic event, we also reflect on the first responders, community leaders, and neighbors who ran toward danger to help, every person who responded in the days and months that followed with kindness, empathy, and compassion, and the extraordinary faith, strength, and resilience the Waukesha community has shown over the last year.” “Our community has been and will be defined by our unity in support of those who lost loved ones, support of those who endured physical injuries, and support of those who suffered emotional trauma,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow and Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly in a joint statement. “We begin another chapter in our journey as a community in providing support for those who need healing and finding peace.” Executive Order #177 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Mon., Nov. 21, 2022, and is available here. |
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
Warhawk Football Falls to Aurora in First Round of NCAA Playoffs
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team fell to Aurora University 33-28 in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs Saturday.
The Warhawks have historically been nearly unbeatable in the first round — this loss is just the second for the Warhawks in the first round of playoff action and first since 1997. However, Aurora is one of the best first round opponents UWW has faced with one of the top scoring offenses and stifling defenses in the nation.
Aurora won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick. They marched down the field and took an early 7-0 lead following a six-play, 66-yard scoring drive that took under three minutes.
Later in the quarter, the Warhawks responded with Evan Lewandowski capping a 91-yard drive with a punch in up the gut from three-yards out.
The teams traded touchdowns in the second with the Spartans reclaiming the lead on a 71-yard drive before UWW came back to tie it on a Lewandowski-Drake Martin connection.
Aurora added another score before the half, capitalizing on a 16-play, 91-yard drive to take a 21-14 lead. They held the lead the rest of the way.
The Spartans opened up a 33-21 lead in the fourth but the Warhawks put the pressure on. Lewandowski drove UWW 73-yards on six plays with a 28-yard strike to Tyler Holte hitting paydirt to pull the Warhawks within six, 33-28 with 4:10 remaining.
On the third play of Aurora’s next drive, Kyle Koelblinger jumped a passing lane for an interception at the Spartans’ 32-yard line. The momentum seemed to be in favor of UWW. On the Warhawks’ second play of the drive, Lewandowski had an open receiver near the endzone but his pass was a bit short in the windy conditions and an Aurora defensive back jumped the passing lane for the interception.
With 3:37 left to play, Aurora picked up a first down and was able to run out the clock for the final.
Tamir Thomas led UWW’s rushing attack with 81 yards on 10 carries. Lewandowski was 21-36 for 262 yards with three passing and one rushing touchdown in the contest. Steven Hein was the favorite target on the day hauling in seven catches for 119 yards.
Defensively, Ryan Liszka posted a game-high 12 tackles including five solo and a tackle for a loss. Luke Nelson registered a sack for the Warhawks.
UW-Whitewater ends the season with an 8-3 mark after securing a share of the program’s 39th Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and claiming the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III playoffs.
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From the La Crosse Tribune:
WAVERLY, Iowa — The wind blew punts, kicks, passes and more at Walston-Hoover Stadium on Saturday, but none blew into the sails of the UW-La Crosse football with their season on the line.
The seventh-ranked Eagles fell in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs to the 12th-ranked Wartburg Knights 14-6, ending one of the most successful seasons in recent memory for this season’s co-WIAC champions.
Six points is the fewest the Eagles (9-2) have scored in a game since Oct. 31, 2015 — scoring only three points against UW-Stevens Point — as the Knights (11-0) defense helped them advance to the second round.
For the full article click here.
The Whitewater City Market has moved indoors until April 2023. It’s hosted by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library in the Community Room every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Whitewater City Market brings together farmers, artisans, food vendors, musicians, and the community.
Additionally, the Whitewater City Market has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to host the first annual Shop Small Business Holiday Market, which will be an outdoor holiday market on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Cravath Lakefront Park.
Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is from the Whitewater City Market Facebook page; photographer is not identified.
Due to popular demand and many requests, Seniors in the Park will be showing “Top Gun: Maverick,” at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22.
“Bullet Train,” previously scheduled, will be shown at a later date, to be announced.
“Top Gun: Maverick” stars Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, and Jon Hamm.
It is a 2022 action/drama, Rated PG-13, and runs 2 hours, 10 minutes.
Photo by Al Stanek: “Opting Just to Stay Inside”
This squirrel may be representing what many residents are feeling this week, as winter seems to have set in rather suddenly: why not just stay inside?
Our thanks to Al Stanek for sharing another cute photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage. Thanks for thinking about this!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Today’s image is a postcard with a view taken around 1942. Prominent on the right side of the image is the “Whitewater Clinic.” The Whitewater Clinic was organized by Dr. Walter Mauthe, a local physician in the late 1930s. The overhang with the prominent sign was constructed in 1941. In 1942, Dr. Mauthe began to serve in World War II and the clinic disbanded. An attempt to revive it in 1946 was short-lived and the building was put to new use after that time. This is a great snapshot of a point in time in Whitewater’s downtown history.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(4479PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Roberta’s Art Gallery will host “UW-W Veteran Services Tattoos: Stories of Service,” a curation of photographed tattoos from servicemen and women within our armed forces. The exhibit will run from November 1 – 22 and hopes to educate the public about tattoos within the military. The exhibit highlights the importance of tattooing within the military, educating viewers on the social aspect of the art, as well as introducing personal stories about tattoos and the meaning behind them.
Tattooing often holds a negative stigma; however, the prevalence of this art within the military is quite surprising. This exhibit provides insight into the purpose behind tattoos and the conversation around veteran support and care. UW-Whitewater Veteran Services Coordinator, Kris McMenamin stated, “tattoos are often overlooked and underappreciated when it comes to our servicemen and women.” These tattoos are much more than a layer of ink under the skin – these are the stories of many battles fought to protect our freedoms, the hardship of a life full of conflict, and the challenges of overcoming pain in order to find normalcy in a life after war. With so many important stories on display, our exhibit looks to present these tattoos in a setting where they can no longer be ignored, and instead be fully appreciated and honored.
Uniforms, flags, and other military-inspired items will be displayed alongside the photographed tattoos to best represent each of the six branches of the armed forces: The Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guards, Marines, and Space Force. Highlighting these tattoos will allow the public a glimpse into the purpose they hold, and spark conversations about the importance of veterans being able to express their stories. The community members that are represented share their tattoos, with each one holding a different personal meaning – that meaning can act as a form of recognition, and often holds a therapeutic purpose of remembrance.
An important aspect discussed during the planning of this exhibit was the mental health and support of our veterans. Tattoos, like the ones seen within our gallery, tell a story that words cannot. These deeply personal pictures and artifacts from the military represent a collective experience of struggle, sacrifice, and honor through serving our country. Some of the mementos displayed alongside the photos are two canteens, an Army Patrol Cap and a few camouflage working uniforms – which come from the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The Patrol Cap comes along with a pin, and similarly, the marine working uniform has a selection of pins and ribbons with it. Photography projects similar to ours such as “Service Ink” by The Veterans of Foreign Wars look to encourage veterans to talk about their stories via their tattoo art. Also, programs like “Operation Tattooing Freedom” look to provide free tattoos to veterans as a means of cathartic release for those struggling with PTSD or chronic pains. Historically, the members of the military have expressed their stories through tattoos, and we are here to share those stories with you!
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW-Whitewater. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations and community groups in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. In the semester, our hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and closed Saturday & Sunday.
Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself on all of their exhibits being free and open to the public. Receptions are currently being held in-person with light refreshments provided. Attending certain events can earn students class credit. To be featured in Roberta’s Art Gallery, contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or (262) 472-3193 or visit our website for any questions or inquiries.
The inventor of the Lambeau Leap was honored by having his name unveiled on the stadium facade on November 17. The following excerpts are from an article by Jason Wilde in the State Journal.
“At the same end of Lambeau Field where he once leapt into the stands to create one of the most iconic celebrations in NFL history, Green Bay Packers legendary safety LeRoy Butler saw his name was unveiled on the stadium’s historic façade during Thursday’s prime-time matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
And then, he did one last Lambeau Leap for good measure.
Joined on the field by his family and a host of his 1990s teammates — Frank Winders, Sean Jones, Santana Dotson, Antonio Freeman, Earl Dotson and others — Butler thanked the fans (and his sponsors) during a brief address to the crowd.
But first, team president/CEO Mark Murphy called for the unveiling of Butler’s name. Calling him “an integral part of our dominant defenses of the 1990s” and introducing him as the “inventor of the Lambeau Leap,” Murphy had the green tarpaulin removed from the wall, where Butler’s name and tenure with the team (1990-2001) appeared on the façade in the stadium’s southeast corner.”
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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