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Rummage & Bake Sale – Richmond United Methodist Church – Next Fri./Sat.

November 4, 2022

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by hokiefacs on Flickr.

Seniors in the Park Presents Where the Crawdads Sing

November 4, 2022

“Where the Crawdads Sing”

Tuesday, November 8, 1 p.m.

( Drama/Mystery/Thriller)

Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 5 minutes (2022)

The film adaptation of the novel that has been on the New York Times Bestsellers List for over 3.5 years. A woman who raised herself in the marshes of the Deep South becomes a suspect in the murder of a man with whom she was once involved. 

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Election Day 2000

November 3, 2022
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Tuesday is election day and this week’s flashback is an image taken by George Scharfenberg in 2000. It shows voting at the Armory in that important election year. George photographed many voting events at the Armory and these images are included in his collection at the depot museum.

The historical society hopes that every eligible voter exercises his/her right to vote on Tuesday.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(Photo from the George Scharfenberg Collection)
 

Christkindlmarket Moved Inside Church Due to Inclement Weather Forecast

November 3, 2022

Dollar General Store Under Construction

November 2, 2022
Construction on the Dollar General store
Architectural drawings of the Dollar General building as provided to the Plan & Architectural Commission

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Construction is underway at the roundabout on the east side of town for a building that will house a Dollar General store. The property is across Bluff Road from the Kwik Trip. Since the property was purchased from the city last year, the Common Council was able to have input towards the goal of more desirable design specifications than are found in many of the stores. When the Plan and Architectural Review Commission reviewed the site plan, the planning consultant, Sonja Kruesel of Vandewalle & Associates, mentioned that, “the building materials and architectural presentation of this development exceeds that of many Dollar General stores. The proposed structure includes lap siding and gabled roofs, false dormers, masonry, cupola, glass windows and a vented soffit atop the roof among other features.”

Neighborhood Services Director Chris Bennett indicates that construction is expected to be complete by January 31, 2023.

Free Counseling Services Available at UW-W

November 2, 2022

Winther Counseling Services (WCS)

Free, Confidential, & Open to the Public

(262) 472-2842 | counselinglab@uww.edu | Winther Hall 3004, 230 N. Prairie St, Whitewater, WI 53190

Our Mission: Learning & Serving….supervised counselors-in-training providing counseling and outreach services to the campus and community. 

Winther Counseling Services is located in Winther Hall (3004) at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Parking is available in Lot 13 (Winther Lab Guests).

Winther Counseling Services are staffed by UW-Whitewater graduate students working toward their Master of Science (Counseling) degree. Supervision and consultation is provided by faculty in the Department of Counselor Education.  

University students and staff as well as children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in the community, can utilize the counseling services at Winther Counseling Services. Counseling can be delivered through individual or group sessions. Services are free (fees assigned to mandated services only) and confidential.  

WCS is not available for emergency services.

WCS is open for appointments Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM during the UWW academic year. If one of our graduate assistants is unable to take your call, please leave a message with your name and phone number and we will return your call. 

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage, Image by Tiyo Prasetyo from Pixabay.

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Grátis, Confidencial y Esta Abierto al Público en General

Winther Counseling Services se encuentra en Winther Hall (3004) en la Universidad de Wisconsin-Whitewater. Hay estacionamiento disponible en el lote 13 (invitados de Winther Lab).

Winther Counseling Services no está disponible para servicios de emergencia.

Se ofrecen servicios de consejería a la comunidad. Los servicios son proporcionados por los estudiantes de consejería que están terminando su maestría en la Universidad de Wisconsin-Whitewater. Los servicios son ofrecidos en español e inglés. Los servicios son gratis y confidenciales. Para hacer una cita llame al número (262) 472-2842. Nuestras horas de servicio son de 9:00 AM-7:00 PM lunes a jueves. 

Winther Hall, 230 N. Prairie St. Whitewater, WI 53190.

All-WIAC Women’s Soccer Team Announced; Jude Dobrinska Gets Two Honors

November 2, 2022

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the WIAC website. The complete article may be found here.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Ainsley Allan and Alexis McMahon were selected the Kwik Trip Offensive Player of the Year and Kwik Trip Defensive Player of the Year, respectively, while  UW-Stevens Point’s Miranda Nieman and UW-Whitewater’s Jude Dobrinska were selected the Kwik Trip Co-Goalkeepers of the Year to lead the individuals chosen to the 2022 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Women’s Soccer Team by the league coaches. Dobrinska also received Kwik Trip Newcomer of the Year honors, while UW-La Crosse was tabbed the Kwik Trip Coaching Staff of the Year…..
 
Nieman and Dobrinska earned a piece of the inaugural goalkeeper trophy. Nieman has recorded a league-high 115 saves, while ranking second with a .846 save percentage. She owns four shutouts.
 
Dobrinska leads the WIAC with seven shutouts, while placing second with a .828 goals against average and third with 1,631 minutes played. She has compiled a 11-4-4 record and 49 saves. Dobrinska’s Newcomer of the Year honor is the first for a Warhawk. A Newcomer of the Year is defined as a student-athlete who used her first season of participation in women’s soccer this season. Transfers are not eligible unless they didn’t participate in women’s soccer at their previous institution.
 
An All-Sportsmanship Team was announced for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. It included one member from each team.
 
2022 All-WIAC Women’s Soccer Team
Name, School, Year, Position, Hometown (High School)
Ainsley Allan, La Crosse, Junior, Forward, Lake Forest, Ill. (Lake Forest)
Ellie Arndt, La Crosse, Sophomore, Midfielder, Appleton, Wis. (St. Francis Xavier)
Ellie Behnke, La Crosse, Sophomore, Midfielder, Appleton, Wis. (East)
Mackenzie Bennett, Oshkosh, Senior, Defender, Geneva, Ill. (Geneva)
Caylee Boone, Stout, Senior, Forward, Eau Claire, Wis. (Memorial)
Claire Cater, La Crosse, Sophomore, Midfielder, Woodbury, Minn. (Hill-Murray)
Jude Dobrinska, Whitewater, Freshman, Goalkeeper, Milwaukee, Wis. (Ronald Reagan College Prep)
Kati Frierdich, Stevens Point, Senior, Forward, Neenah, Wis. (Winneconne)
Shea-Lynn Gerred, Stevens Point, Senior, Defender, Fond du Lac, Wis. (Fond du Lac)
Kiki Kussow, Eau Claire, Senior, Defender, Green Bay, Wis. (Notre Dame)
Kassidy Mackie, River Falls, Junior, Forward, Woodbury, Minn. (Woodbury)
Juliana Madonia, Whitewater, Sophomore, Defender, Schaumburg, Ill. (James B. Conant)
Alexis McMahon, La Crosse, Sophomore, Defender, San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian)
Miranda Nieman, Stevens Point, Senior, Goalkeeper, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (Lincoln)
Addie Pauling, La Crosse, Sophomore, Defender, Appleton, Wis. (West)
Elise Pinewski, Eau Claire, Sophomore, Forward, Anoka, Minn. (Anoka)
Allie Prigge, Whitewater, Sophomore, Forward, Palatine, Ill. (Fremd)
Liz Prigge, Whitewater, Sophomore, Defender, Palatine, Ill. (Fremd)
Lydia Smith, Platteville, Sophomore, Forward, Troy, Ill. (Triad)
Emma Stange, Eau Claire, Senior, Midfielder, Andover, Minn. (Anoka)
Marissa Steele, Stout, Senior, Midfielder, Farmington, Minn. (Farmington)
Emily Thill, Whitewater, Sophomore, Midfielder, West Chicago, Ill. (St. Francis)
 
All-Sportsmanship Team
Nicole Dawson, Whitewater, Sophomore, Defender, Aurora, Ill. (Metea Valley)
Megan Goodman, La Crosse, Senior, Midfielder, Pewaukee, Wis. (Pewaukee)
Megan Hanson, Eau Claire, Senior, Forward, Andover, Minn. (Anoka)
Lauren Johnson, Stevens Point, Senior, Midfielder/Forward, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (SPASH)
Julia McNamar, Stout, Senior, Defender, Belleville, Wis. (Belleville-New Glarus)
Anna Spindle, Platteville, Sophomore, Midfielder, Geneva, Ill. (Geneva Community)
Alayna Westerman, River Falls, Senior, Midfielder, Lakeville, Minn. (North)
Kate Whitney, Oshkosh, Sophomore, Midfielder, Skokie, Ill. (Niles North)
 
Kwik Trip Offensive Player of the Year:  Ainsley Allan of La Crosse
Kwik Trip Defensive Player of the Year:  Alexis McMahon of La Crosse
Kwik Trip Co-Goalkeepers of the Year:  Jude Dobrinska of Whitewater and Miranda Nieman of Stevens Point
Kwik Trip Newcomer of the Year:  Jude Dobrinska of Whitewater
Kwik Trip Coaching Staff of the Year:  La Crosse

Local Woman Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle

November 1, 2022
Maricela Del Carmen Rivas Rivas with her family (from GoFundMe page)

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

According to a press release dated November 1 from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded on Saturday, October 29 at 9:50 p.m. to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on CTH N south of CTH U in the Town of Cold Spring. According to a post on the Jefferson County scanner Facebook page, the crash occurred in the N300 block of Cty N, which would be near Twin Oaks mobile home park.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a group of pedestrians was attempting to cross the highway when one of them, Maricela Del Carmen Rivas Rivas, age 30, was struck by a northbound vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, who was not identified in the press release, was uninjured and remained on the scene until law enforcement arrived. Del Carmen Rivas Rivas was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Whitewater Police, Fire and EMS. According to the news release, the incident is still being investigated.

Maricela Del Carmen Rivas Rivas, from Whitewater, succumbed to her injuries on October 30. According to a GoFundMe page she leaves behind her husband Jose Fajardo and a five year-old son. It is indicated that funds are being gathered “for any funeral and transportation fees to Nicaragua to lay Maricela to rest.” As of the evening of November 1, $2315 had been raised towards a stated goal of $15,000.

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Haga clic aquí para ir a la página de GoFundMe

Mi nombre es Alejandra y he creado esta página para los gastos de funeral y transporte del cuerpo a Nicaragua de Maricela. Lamentablemente el 28 de octubre ocurrió un accidente trágico y Maricela a fallecido. Ha dejado a su esposo Jose Fajardo y su hijo de 5años de edad. Cualquier donacion se les agradecerá. Dios los bendiga y muchas gracias por adelantado.

‘Le dijo Jesús: –Yo soy la resurrección y la vida; el que cree en mí, aunque esté muerto, vivirá.’

Juan 11:25



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