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SUMMER 2022 13TH ANNUAL FRAN ACHEN COMPETITION WINNERS
Sponsored by Whitewater Arts Alliance
Information at: www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2022
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Fran Achen Photography Competition. These works can be viewed at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI both in-gallery and online (https://www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2022). The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday through July 31 from 1-5 p.m.; however, bear in mind that on the 31st the photographers may be picking up their work beginning at 3 p.m.
AWARDS
Rock Cut State Park, Il. Rime ice is a deposit of feathery needles of ice that forms when supercooled cloud or fog droplets rapidly freeze when coming in contact with an object. These feathery needles of ice crystals transform the trees and bushes into beautiful feathery ice crystal sculptures.
Editor’s note: Readers may wonder about the difference between hoar frost versus rime ice. This link provides an explanation.
- First Place (Best of Show) – John Messley (Rockford, IL) : “Ice Fisherman”
- Second Place – Paulette Marzahl (Delavan, WI) : “Illusion of Fluidity”
- Third Place – David Bueschel (Menomonee Falls, WI) : “Mister Machine”
- Honorable Mention – Fletcher Crone (Whitewater, WI) : “Tranquility of Mind”
- Honorable Mention – Gary Galger (Madison, WI) : “Childhood Dreams”
- Honorable Mention – Paulette Marzahl (Delavan, WI) : “Time Travel”
- Honorable Mention – James Meldrum (Beloit, WI) : “Summer Afternoon”
- Honorable Mention – John Messley (Rockford, IL) : “Trestle”
- Honorable Mention – Karl Mohr (Machesney Park, IL) : “Baltic Mill”
- Honorable Mention – Karl Mohr (Machesney Park, IL) : “Horse Drawn Combine”
- Honorable Mention – Karl Mohr (Machesney Park, IL) : “Rock Cut Kestrel”
- Honorable Mention – Howard Rothstein (Whitewater, WI) : “Indigo Bunting”
- Honorable Mention – Howard Rothstein (Whitewater, WI) : “Trillium Studio Portrait”
The Viewers Choice award is still available for voting both in-gallery and online. When coming to the gallery, visitors fill out three ballots and vote for their top three pieces. Three pieces can also be voted for online: https://www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2022-vote Viewers’ Choice will be announced on Sunday, July 31.
For other questions please contact the event’s chairperson, Jeff McDonald, at waa.franachen@gmail.com
The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Ellis-Bols as its new Executive Director.
“I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in this position,” said Ellis-Bols. “The United Way’s ability to bring out the best in a community and those it serves, is an inspiration. I am excited to share my passion for helping others as we prepare to kick off another campaign year.”
Ellis-Bols, a Whitewater resident, has a professional background in nonprofit work and donor relations. Most recently, Ellis-Bols worked in the office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has served on the Whitewater 4th of July Festival board for over a decade, and with numerous other nonprofits. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: IUPUI.
United Way Board Chair, Chris VanGundy reports: “Elizabeth brings so many new ideas and such creativity. I could tell from the first time we met her, that she had a passion for the job and a drive to help the community come together with her fundraising ideas.”
United Way Board Vice-chair, Marissa Weidenfeller added: “I am confident that Elizabeth will continue the amazing work of Megan Hartwick, our previous Executive Director, to better the lives of those in our communities. The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is governed locally, and we are thankful to have another homegrown Executive Director that will continue to elevate the work of our hardworking partners in an effort to help as many people as possible.”
Elizabeth began her new role July 11,2022.
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The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties’ mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities. We do that by providing support to community programs, projects and local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need. This network of helping services can be described as a “safety net” for those in our midst in need. Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end of life care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in our community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.
For more information about our local United Way, you may visit the website at www.uwjnwc.com or “like” the Facebook page at “United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.” For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, please visit www.volunteermain.com.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance presents Ken Lonnquist & Friends, as part of its Savory Sounds concert series, this Thursday, July 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. The concert is at the Cultural Arts Center, Birge Fountain, 402 W. Main Street. Attendees may bring their own lunch or purchase lunch from the day’s vendor, Rocky Rococo.
Ken’s a prolific songwriter and enthusiastic performer. Much like folk legends Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, he sings for adults and children, addresses wide-ranging topics and mixes humor, sensitivity and joy in every show.
His ‘GREEN’ songs are widely known and loved. He toured across North America as The Minstrel for the Environment. His vast, varied repertoire and performance skills allow him to adapt to any audience or setting.
“Ken Lonnquist is one hell of a good songwriter and singer.”
~ Pete Seeger
”You are a treasure in the realm of music for children. Kids love your songs – they are fresh, relevant, musically sound, imaginative. Your work runs circles around the likes of children’s music gurus such as Raffi.”
~ Twila Bergeron, Music Teacher,
Fox Point, WI
“The highlight of Environment Week Canada! Enough energy to jump-start all of Ontario!”
~ Pat Potter, Toronto Environment Festival
Celebrating nature, delighting kids, touching hearts and spirits… you’ll love Ken Lonnquist.
Whitewater Arts Alliance Board Member and Chair of Savory Sounds, Christine Hayes, says:
“Welcome to a phenomenal free lunch concert series filled with music for all! Sit by the beautiful Birge Fountain as you listen. Buy or bag your lunch and bring a chair or blanket. Come rain or shine. These are musical opportunities you won’t want to miss, supported by our local financial institutions and businesses. There is parking available across the street at First Lutheran Church or on side streets.”
After enjoying the music and lunch, attendees are also invited to explore the exhibits inside the Cultural Arts Center. July features photography by the community to honor the late Fran Achen with the 13th Annual Fran Achen Photography Competition.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by Big Radio.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics signed a two-year agreement with Big Radio to air Warhawks football games on 105.9 FM The Hog in Janesville beginning with the 2022 season.
“We are thrilled to partner with Big Radio and 105.9 The Hog to bring Warhawk fans audio coverage of all football games for the next two years,” UW-W Director of Athletics Ryan Callahan said. “UW-Whitewater football is a staple of our campus community, and we believe this collaboration will enhance the profile of the university and bring fans high-quality coverage of this nationally-renowned program.”
All home and away games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons will air live on 105.9 The Hog, which airs in Southern Wisconsin with coverage as far north as Madison and as far south as Rockford, Ill.
Game broadcasts will also be available online at 1059thehog.com and on the Big Radio App, which is available for download on Apple and Google Play devices.
“At Big Radio our commitment to local sports in our communities is unmatched,” Big Radio CEO Ben Thompson said. “We are thrilled to be the new home of UW-Whitewater football and further expand our commitment to sports.”
Big Radio Sports Director Josh Golberg, a UW-Whitewater graduate, will handle play-by-play duties and will be joined on the broadcast by color analyst Bill O’Leary, a linebacker for the Warhawks from 1970-71. O’Leary served as head football coach at both Janesville Craig and Milton.
“Getting the opportunity to broadcast games for one of the top Division III programs in the country as an alumnus is thrilling on both a professional and personal level,” Golberg said. “Bill and I will try to bring as much energy, knowledge and entertainment as we can in support of the Warhawks.”
UW-Whitewater, a six-time NCAA Division III national champion, begins the 2022 season Sept. 3 at St. John’s (Minn.). The team’s home opener is scheduled for Sept. 10 against Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) for a rematch of last season’s national semifinal.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to a July 19 article in Daily Dodge, Nathan Thiel, who was introduced as city of Whitewater interim Economic Development Director on June 8, was approved on July 18 by the Beaver Dam common council to be hired as its city administrator. Other finalists included Walworth County Director of Public Works Richard Hough. The council approved the creation of the City Administrator position in September, while expecting to phase out the Director of Administration position and reducing the mayor from full-time to part-time.
Thiel was hired for the interim Whitewater position following the departure of Economic Development Director Cathy Anderson. He had most recently served as village administrator in Pleasant Prairie.
In other city staff news, Neighborhood Services Director Chris Bennett was not selected for the Village Administrator position for which he had applied in Union Grove. According to a June 28 article in The Journal Times, the village selected Kerry Bennett, who has been serving as village treasurer for the past three years, as well as interim village administrator for the past few months. Kerry Bennett is not related to Chris Bennett.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received on July 19 from the UW-W Athletic Department.
Tom Lange, a longtime volunteer, contributor and fan for teams at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, passed away last week of natural causes at the age of 85.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending.
Lange, a 1997 Warhawk Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, contributed significantly to the success of UW-W athletics programs for nearly half a century as a public address announcer, booster club officer and volunteer.
“Tom Lange is a Warhawk,” UW-Whitewater Director of Athletics Ryan Callahan said. “He touched countless lives over his 40-plus years working with our athletic staff and teams, pouring his time and resources into our programs while asking for nothing in return.
“I am grateful to have personally known him for the last 20 years and will remember our numerous interactions and the laughs we shared the most. I know countless alumni and friends feel the pain of this loss, but I know that Tom lived a full and happy life in this community. We are lucky to have had him on our team for the last four decades and will miss him dearly.”
Most recently, Lange served as public address announcer for the UW-W wrestling and baseball teams. He also previously volunteered for men’s and women’s basketball games and for freshman football games and was an active member of the Quarterback Club and Tip-Off Club as a longtime Whitewater resident.
Lange attended countless athletics events over the last 45 years and was one of the Warhawks’ biggest supporters.
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“Tom’s legacy lives in all of us that were truly blessed to call him our friend. His passion for the Warhawks was second to none. That passion is why we are ‘Powered By Tradition.’” – Head Football Coach Kevin Bullis
“Tommy ‘The Kid’ Lange was a unique figure in Warhawk Athletics who enhanced the student-athlete experience through his daily endeavors and his announcing. Tommy built many long-lasting and meaningful relationships with athletes and coaches. His presence, laughter and one-liners will be missed by Warhawk Wrestling and the athletics department.” – Head Wrestling Coach Matt Zwaschka
A small group of Whitewater High School students, Elijah Grall, Jazmin Cederberg, Peter Portwine, Emerson Dunham, Andrew O’Toole, Andrew Zimmermann, Payton Bunger, and Mel Prince, fielded two robots at the Lakeshore Invitational in Manitowoc on Saturday, July 16, and Ferradermis’ in-season competition robot (wearing #6574) brought home a blue banner as the captain of the winning alliance.
The second Ferradermis robot (wearing #9574) is the team’s off-season project bot allowing the team to implement a swerve drive for the first time and experiment with some alternative designs for mechanisms. Fielding a second bot also allows more students to get experience as members of a drive team. In one qualification match, #6574 and #9574 faced off against each other, and in another, they were able to play on the same randomly assigned alliance.
After a hard-fought day of competition with and against 15 total robots, Ferradermis became the captain of the #3-seeded playoff alliance and asked Team #930 the Mukwonago Bears and Team #7768 The Iron Hill Automatons from Iron River, Michigan to join our alliance. The Ferradermis-led alliance defeated the #2-seeded alliance 2-0 in a best of three series, and then faced the #1-seeded alliance captained by 2202 BEAST Robotics from Brookfield, winner of two in-season regional events, in the best of three finals. The Ferradermis alliance won the first match and then dropped the second but came back strong to take the third with all three of our alliance robots climbing to secure the win.
Ferradermis will next take the field at Mukwonago High School on Sunday, July 24, for MROC – the Mukwonago Robotics Off-Season Competition. This event is free and open to the public and would be a great way for sponsors and potential new team members to see the robots in action and talk with current team members and mentors. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:45 a.m., and the event will run until mid to late afternoon. It should be a great day of competition with 20 robots representing teams from Wisconsin and Illinois, including five teams that won regional championships during the season. If you get a chance, consider stopping in for an hour or two.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (July 18, 2022) -The University of Wisconsin-Platteville awarded diplomas to more than 800 students from its three campuses for the spring of 2022. Founded in 1866, UW-Platteville is located in Southwest Wisconsin and has branch campuses in Richland Center and Baraboo. UW-Platteville is ranked the best public institution in Wisconsin for value by Payscale. For more information on the university, visit www.uwplatt.edu. Students from this area who graduated include:
Whitewater, WI
Joseph Creanza, Soil & Crop Science, UW-Platteville
Alexa DuClos, Forensic Investigation and Chemistry, UW-Platteville
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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