Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Sunday, May 10, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.
Fort HealthCare Women Who Care (WWC) is hosting a special membership event at Riverstone Premier Event Center on Thursday, May 12 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Riverstone Premier is located at 1905 Central Coast in Fort Atkinson. Existing members, guests, and those interested in membership are encouraged to attend. The event is free for existing members, and $25.00 for non-members. WWC asks guests to RSVP to wwc@forthc.com, or by calling (920) 568-5465.
Humorist Sandra Bernhardt will be the featured guest speaker. A resident of Fort Atkinson, Bernhardt has kept people laughing for more than 30 years. She is a UW-Whitewater graduate and mother of three sons. The membership event will also celebrate the positive impact that WWC has had on our local communities, and guests will hear from existing members about how participation in WWC has impacted their lives.
Riverstone Premier will provide hors d’oeuvres and desserts. A cash bar will also be available. Adding to the evening’s festivities will be a May Basket Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase, but those that bring additional guests to the event will receive an additional ticket per guest.
About Women Who CARE
Women Who CARE has its roots in the Women’s Giving Circle established by the Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation in 2004. A group of area women gathered for lunch once a quarter for information and inspiration about their health and well-being. Member contributions were gathered to fund various services at Fort HealthCare. A wide variety of projects were included over the years including hospital equipment, new health and wellness services, and scholarships.
In 2014, a group of members had an idea to expand the way the group functioned. Their idea was to engage the membership to determine ways in which the group could make a measurable impact on the health and well-being of people in our area. From that beginning, a group of philanthropic-minded women was formed, setting out to identify opportunities of service to our area, such as School-Based Behavioral Health Services, School Nurse leadership training, and forward-thinking initiatives focused on women’s health equity. For more information about Women Who CARE, visit www.forthealthcare.com/wwc.
On Thursday, April 28, Whitewater Girls’ Soccer hosted Big Foot-Williams Bay High School in a conference game. It was a very close match, with Big Foot ultimately winning 2-1.
Whitewater had 14 shots on goal, with Natalia Sortino scoring for the Whippets. Madison West and Annie Sanchez scored for Big Foot, which had six shots on goal.
Whitewater goalkeeper Marina Linos had four saves, and Maylani Venegas had nine saves in goal for Big Foot.
On Monday, May 2, the Whippets traveled to McFarland. The teams played a physical game, with McFarland winning 11-1.
Goals for McFarland were scored by Grace Breuchel (7′, 25′, 55′, 64′, 67′), Elise Gillen (12′, 21′, 26′), Lucia Matenaer (24′), Avery Pennenkamp (39′), and Sierra Binger (60′). Whitewater’s goal was scored on a free kick by Mayte Navejas (53’).
Marina Linos fielded 22 shots on goal and 13 corner kicks by McFarland, coming away with 13 saves for the Whippets. Avery Weaver played in goal for McFarland.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Congratulations to senior Guin Yeager and junior Brooke Bazeley who were honored as Wisconsin Honorable Mentions for the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award at a ceremony at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday, May 1. The ceremony celebrated 138 students from high schools across the state of Wisconsin.
Both girls have completed an array of computer science courses at Whitewater High School and have been key members of the programming teams that have competed at MSOE and Marquette University. In addition, Guin served as the team captain for the Aerospace Jam Drone Team this year, and Brooke is a member of the programming team for Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Team #6574.
The awards ceremony featured guest speakers from the world of information technology, a question and answer period with people working in the field, and an opportunity for award recipients to network.
For more information on the Aspirations in Computing Awards program, visit https://ncwit.org/k-12/.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Last week, the Whitewater Track & Field team competed in both Junior Varsity and Varsity Competitions. On Thursday, several athletes competed at the Jefferson JV Invite. Personal records were set by Payton Bunger in the Shot Put and Ethan Barels in the Discus. The Whippets’ JV squad returns to competition next Thursday at Lake Geneva Badger.
On Friday, Whitewater competed in the Fort Atkinson Invitational against five other teams. Several strong performances were had across the board by both squads. The boys were led by first-place finishes from Jack Hefty (3200m run) and CJ Tomomitsu (Pole Vault). Connor Raupp continued his strong 2022 campaign in both throwing events, taking 2nd place in both the shot put and discus. Other medalists included the 2nd place 3200m Relay team of Jack Hefty, Nate Holden, Cooper Hammond, and Ethan Dugan, and Traysen Thomason placed 3rd in the 200m dash.
The girls took home one gold medal from Izzy Dieter in the Discus, who won the competition with a PR throw by over 6 feet. The girls’ Pole Vault trio of Evie Troxel, Izzy Dieter, and Grace Villarreal took 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, respectively, while posting several PR’s. Other medalists included Grace Villarreal who placed 2nd in the 400m dash, and Calli Grosinske with a 3rd place finish in the Long Jump. The Whippets return to competition next Friday at Edgerton for the Tider Invitational.
Article Submitted by Matt Green
Whitewater High School Head Track and Field Coach
mgreen@wwusd.org
File Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippet Booster Club will be hosting their semi-annual Sports Auction on Saturday, April 30 at 841 Brewhouse.
The doors open at 5:00 p.m., and tickets are $20. Your ticket includes entry into the event, food, beverages, and an opportunity to win door prizes. The auction grand prize for the evening is a $1000 drawing but there are MANY more ways to win on the night!
This auction site at https://sportswwusd.sportngin.com/auction will show some of the big ticket items that will be at this year’s auction along with some of our raffle items.
If you have any questions about the event or wish to donate, please contact Booster Club President Tom Grosinske or Athletic Director Justin Crandall.
Make sure to save the date and come out to support our Whippet Athletics! Go, Whippets!
Article Submitted by Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org
The Whippets won in walk-off style on April 26! Carter Friend was the hero of the game with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 7th inning to propel the Whippet Baseball Team to a 2-1 victory over visiting Brodhead-Juda.
The Whippets put together a complete seven inning game, collecting six hits and only allowing three hits.
Marcus DePorter threw a complete game, only throwing 84 pitches.
The Whippets will be back in action again this Thursday as they travel to Brodhead.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippet Softball Team defeated Delavan-Darien this past Monday, April 25, 15-2 in five innings.
Delavan took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but Whitewater scored one in the bottom of the first and three runs in the second for a 4-2 lead. The Whippets broke things open with a 10 run third inning as they cruised to the win.
Cheyenne Bohmann pitched the first three innings for the win, while Ashlynne Bohmann pitched the last two innings to seal the victory.
Shyan Lesperance, Falyn Krahn, Lexi Juoni, Cali Kopecky, Gaby Kubicz, and Nataly Benes scored two runs each. Kopecky and Cheyenne Bohmann also drove in two runs apiece.
The Whippets will be at home this Thursday, April 28th, as they play host to McFarland. Game time is 5:30 p.m.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
On Saturday, April 23rd, the Whippet Softball Team hosted Brodhead in a doubleheader. In between games, the Varsity Softball Field was named in honor of the late softball coach Tim Hering.
Attending the ceremony were two of Coach Hering’s daughters, Kelly and Laura, along with their families. Also celebrating this special occasion were many former players, coaches, and friends.
Special thanks go to the Coulthart family for agreeing to share in the naming of the facility along with Larry Kachel and Don Vruwink who took the initiative to get this naming process moving forward. Thanks go to Athletic Director Justin Crandall and Athletic Assistant Shannon Cushman for all of their hard work in making this day a success.
Guest speakers along with Kelly and Laura were Justin Crandall, Don Vruwink, Diane Schwab, Larry Kachel, and Laurie Kyle Mack.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Greg Stewart
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
