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Editor’s note: As was indicated in a previous Banner article, beginning July 30, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) are being provided by a city of Whitewater department. The pancake breakfast is sponsored by WFD, Inc. (WFD), the new name for the nonprofit organization that capably responded to the city and surrounding townships’ fire and EMS calls for 150 years. WFD continues to exist as a separate not-for-profit entity focusing primarily on fundraising and fellowship activities.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
After a difficult start to the season last Saturday when the Warhawks fell to host Saint John’s University (MN), 24-10, UW-W dropped from #4 to #6 in the D3football.com poll. The Banner article on that game may be found here.
The Warhawks continue their tough non-conference slate this Saturday, September 10 against top-ranked Mary-Hardin Baylor (TX) at Perkins Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. A great turnout will give the team a boost as they dig deep to get back on track. Tickets may be purchased here. Advance tickets, at a savings of $2 over the gate price, for adults are $13 and for youth (under 18) and senior adults (65+) are $8. Children age 3 and under are free.
Each week MaxPreps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) recognize deserving student-athletes at the high school level who have demonstrated outstanding play on the court throughout the week of competition. The MaxPreps/AVCA National Player of the Week for Wisconsin for August 22-28 is our very own Kindyl Kilar! Kindyl is a senior outside hitter for the Whippets.
Kindyl’s Stats for the Week:
Kills: 144
Kills/Game: 6
Digs: 96
Digs/Game: 4
Receptions: 91
Rcpt/Game: 3.79
Assists: 1
Aces: 19
Blocks: 7
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
The Whippet Football Team lost a heartbreaking game to Jefferson by the score of 13-14 on Friday night, September 2.
The Whippet offense, especially the run game, took control from the opening kickoff. On their first drive, the Whippets marched right down the field, 63 yards, capped off by a 5-yard touchdown run by Nate Black to take the early 7-0 lead. Jefferson eventually responded with a touchdown in the 2nd quarter to tie the game at 7. Throughout the first half the Whippet offense, powered by their run game, continued to move the ball well but unfortunately couldn’t capitalize and put any more points on the board.
The 3rd quarter went scoreless, and Jefferson finally broke the tie with a touchdown to take the 14-7 lead with 8:52 left in the game. Not willing to give up, the Whippet offense responded with another impressive drive, going 80 yards in roughly 4 minutes, finished off by a 7-yard touchdown run by Aaron Porras. Unfortunately, Whitewater was unable to get the extra point attempt off and trailed 13-14 with just under 5 minutes left to go in the game.
The Whippet defense got the stop they needed, but without having any timeouts, Jefferson was able to run the clock down to under 2 minutes before they had to punt the ball away to Whitewater. Although they were able to move the ball down the field, the Whippets’ two-minute offense stalled on a close 4th down play, turning the ball back over to Jefferson with 30 seconds to go, and the Eagles were able to run out the clock and end the game.
The Whippets offense had an impressive night on the ground with 53 carries for 362 yards resulting in 6.8 yards/carry.
Statistical Leaders:
Aaron Porras: 22 carries, 153 yards, 1 TD
Nate Black: 11 carries-108 yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions-68 yards
Mason Nobs: 10 carries-72 yards
Eli Rodriguez: 10 carries-29 yards, 3/10 passing-68 yards
Article Submitted by Jason Bleck
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
jbleck@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
There is no charge for the evening session; however, preregistration is required by Monday, September 26. There is a limit of 250 persons. Register here.
Preceding the conversation, a workshop on Alzheimer’s 101 Workshop will be offered. This workshop, led by UW-
Whitewater gerontology and biology faculty, will examine Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias from social and biological perspectives. In addition, we will explore the demographics of those living with these diseases and the services
needed to assist them and discuss the role of the caregiver and support they need. This event is suitable for professionals
in social work, healthcare, human services, and anyone interested in learning more about the subject. Cost includes 0.5
CEUs for successful completion of the workshop.
Register for one or both events at our website: https://www.uww.edu/ce/alzheimers101.
- Professional Development Workshop: Alzheimer’s 101 – $65. This fee includes instruction and 0.5 CEU certificate.
The 2022 Whippet Girls Swim season started out with Conference Relays on 9/1!
Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder, Charlotte Hajewski, and Karime Velazquez competed in the 200 Medley and the 200 Freestyle Relay where they swam some impressive splits. We are looking forward to them swimming even faster times this season!
We had some new Whippet swimmers compete in their first ever high school swim meet. We were excited to see Georgia Esch, Atreya Wilson, Sanibel Fox-Simes, and Lucy Davis compete in the 200 and 100 Freestyle Relay. It was awesome to see them swim best times since the start of our practices!
The Whippets took on the 1000 Freestyle Crescendo with a lineup of Emerson Dunham, Brooke Bazeley, Grace Foucault, and Makayla Bazeley. They took home some new hardware with a 2nd place finish! The same group placed 1st in the 100 Freestyle Relay with a time of 51.84. Now that’s some fast swimming!
In the 400 Breaststroke Relay, Grace Foucault as the lead off swimmer was able to get a best time in the 100 Breaststroke. That time landed her a spot on the Whitewater High School Top 10 list at #9!
We are so excited to see what the rest of the season holds for each of our Whippet swimmers!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
It was tough going on Thursday night, September 1, for the Whitewater Whippets Boys’ Soccer Team, falling to Milton by a score of 7-1.
The boys started off incredibly strong by controlling possession, pressing high, and scoring a goal in the 3’ minute. Placing the ball in the lower left-hand corner of the net and giving Whitewater the lead was Victor Hernandez with a beautiful assist from Avery Janovec. Milton then proceeded to score 5 goals in the next 13 minutes. After the 5-0 run from Milton, the Whippets responded well and kept the score at 5-1 until the break.
The second half was much stronger, and the Whippets only allowed 2 goals.
The team has a week break until our next game and we are hoping for some more hard-fought competition.
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Congratulations to WHS Class of 2022 graduate Reese Brantmeier and her doubles partner Clervie Ngounoue for their first-round straight-set win (6-3,6-4) at the 2022 U.S. Open over Allison Van Uytvanck and Rosalie Van Der Hoek on August 31.
The doubles team of Brantmeier/Ngounoue will now move on to the second round to play Nicole Melichar-Martinez (USA) and Ellen Perez (AUS). For more information about the second-round match go to the 2022 US Open official website.
Article Submitted by Greg Stewart
Photo Courtesy of Becky Brantmeier
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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