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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team competed at the Stoughton Invitational on Saturday, January 10th, finishing 5th overall while racing against Division 1 programs and swimming college-format events. The boys stepped up to the challenge and put together a strong day of racing!
Meet Highlights:
- 400 Medley Relay
- A Relay (Cruz Aranda, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley) finished 5th overall. Mateo Bazeley had a really nice split of 50.80 in the 100 freestyle portion.
- B Relay (Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Eloy Rodriguez) finished 12th overall. David Enns had a strong 100 breaststroke split of 1:18.61.
- 200 Freestyle – Mateo Bazeley placed 3rd with a time of 2:00.17.
- 50 Freestyle – Wyatt Esch finished 10th with a time of 25.62.
- 400 IM – Cruz Aranda finished 4th with a time of 4:35.93.
- 100 Freestyle – Sam Nickelsburg placed 11th, touching in 1:03.52.
- 200 Freestyle Relay
- A Relay (Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Mateo Bazeley, Cruz Aranda) finished 2nd with a time of 1:35.77
- B Relay (Wyatt Esch, Eloy Rodriguez, Sam Nickelsburg, David Enns) finished 12th with a time of 1:55.23
- 500 Freestyle – Caleb Kluck placed 13th with a time of 6:31.88
- 200 Backstroke – Langdon Coburn placed 7th with a time of 2:16.41.
- 400 Freestyle Relay
- A Relay (Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn) finished 2nd overall with a time of 3:35.74
- B Relay (David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Eloy Rodriguez, Wyatt Esch) finished 10th with a time of 4:15.93
Racing against larger programs in a college-style meet gave the boys great experience and showed the continued progress of this group as the season moves forward.
The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, January 13th against Delavan-Darien!
Senior Night — be sure to come out and cheer on our seniors and the rest of the team.
️ Swimming starts at 5:30 pm 
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Congratulations to the Boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team for winning the Clinton Invitational on Saturday, January 10. Bringing home individual gold were Gabe Crane and Austin Retzlaff. There were lots of big wins on the day and a couple big come from behind wins. The Whippets won the tournament by 1 point.
Congratulations to the girls’ team for taking 5th out of 32 at Muskego. Top finishers for the Whippets included Ema Aranda 4th and Madi Kubicz 6th. Many girls had winning records on the day.
Finally, the JV competed at home hosting a 17 team JV regional. Yuver Meija will represent Whitewater at Wausau in the state JV finals. Just missing out on a trip were Franklin DiFiore and Carlos Salinas.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Rainbow Community Care is pleased to announce the successful completion of a year-long, intensive strategic planning endeavor designed to strengthen its organizational leadership and future planning capabilities. Funded by a $30,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF), the initiative has positioned Rainbow to provide more sustainable, aligned, and effective care across the community for decades to come.
The program, known as the “Visionary Community Leaders Initiative: Steering Rainbow’s Future in Community Wellness,” was focused on shifting the organization from making reactive decisions to adopting a clear, proactive strategy. Senior leadership
spent the last year working with experts from InVantage Consulting to develop a new Strategic Vision & Execution Plan (SVEP)—a comprehensive, long-term roadmap guiding all operations, from care delivery to community partnerships.
For the patients and families of rural South-Central Wisconsin, this means Rainbow Community Care is now better equipped to handle the changing health care industry landscape. Key outcomes include:
Clarity on Core Values: Rainbow refined its organizational values, creating a consistent cultural foundation for all staff, ensuring every interaction is aligned with the mission.
Proactive Planning: The leadership team adopted a disciplined approach to goal setting, using new digital tools to track progress and hold departments accountable to the shared vision.
Stronger Governance: The Board of Directors now uses a “governing dashboard,” providing them with clear, timely data for better oversight and support of the executive team.
“This grant gave us the structure and shared language we needed to operate with unity and clarity,” said Carol M. Brown, President & CEO of Rainbow Community Care. “It has empowered our leaders to lead with greater confidence and our Board to govern with sharper insight. We are moving forward with a clear, shared roadmap that ensures we can meet the growing needs of our community for years to come.”
The initiative’s success was confirmed in June 2025 with the Board of Directors’ formal approval of the new Strategic Vision & Execution Plan. Rainbow Community Care extends its sincere gratitude to the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation for its vital investment in the organization’s strategic planning capability. This framework will have a lasting impact on Rainbow’s ability to serve local patients and families live well throughout aging, illness, and loss.
ABOUT RAINBOW COMMUNITY CARE
Founded by volunteers in 1990, Rainbow Community Care is a local, independent, and non-profit provider of services that supports patients and families throughout the entire journey with aging and serious illness. Highly regarded for excellence in hospice care, palliative care, advance care planning, grief support, parish nursing, and volunteer programs, we care for people living in their homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes in rural South-Central Wisconsin as well as the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Rainbow Community Care.
On Saturday, January 10, some of Whitewater High School’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals members participated in the “live zoom” of regional competition in an event area of their choice. Several of our HOSA students competed in December in Round 1 which consisted of an online test, and then on Saturday some of the events had a Round 2 that was required. Later on in January we will find out if any of our students advanced to the State HOSA competition that will be held in Wisconsin Dells in April. Good luck to all of our Whippet competitors.
Competing on Saturday were Alexis Wildenberg and Charlotte Hajewski in CPR/First Aid; Cyrus Hudec, Mady Stevens, and Maddie Taylor in Biomedical Debate; Karlee Villegas-Korbel in Sports Medicine, and Alondra Verduzco in Sports Medicine.
The HOSA organization is new at Whitewater High School this fall and is intended for students pursuing a career in a health profession. HOSA students are advised by Ms. Lynn Weilbrenner.
Article and Photos Submitted by Lynn Weilbrenner
Whitewater High School HOSA Advisor
lweilbrenner@wwusd.org
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes rezoning of all city parks to Institutional, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council Childcare Ordinance, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the creation of a Razing Buildings Ordinance, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council regarding creation of a permit expiration ordinance, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council regarding increasing number of wall signs permitted on a business.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22371977662228?p=BW6FGKLsfJMvgKRJnw
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,159349400#
Phone conference ID: 159 349 400#
Innovation Center Advisory Panel – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
The agenda has not been posted as of 1/11.
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda includes public art on electric boxes
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23709701252747?p=Qu1V1zSretC3jVdM2R
Telephone: +1 929-229-5663 US
Webinar ID: 237 097 012 527 47
Passcode: oM6CS3vz
Phone conference ID: 761 487 627
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Pre-3 TIF Request: Review and Discussion [open session, followed by closed session, followed by another open session]; Community Engagement Center discussion in closed session, followed by open session.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
Passcode: 137945
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office on Friday identified a man who died Thursday morning, January 8 after a crash with a semi-truck east of Beaver Dam. Justin Dean, 33, of Whitewater was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash along County Highway A near Prospect Road in the Town of Burnett.
According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Dean was reportedly driving erratically along County Highway A when he hit a semi, head-on. The driver of the semi, a 38-year-old Burnett man, was not hurt. The crash remains under investigation.
As part of its ongoing Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program, the City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently met with leadership from PremierBank – Whitewater to discuss collaboration opportunities and better understand how the bank is serving local residents and businesses.
Mason Becker, Community Development Director, and Karin Silvius of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce met with Melissa Overdahl, Branch Manager, and Joel Kohl, Vice President & Loan Officer, at PremierBank’s Whitewater branch. The discussion focused on PremierBank’s range of personal and commercial banking services, lending products available to the community, and ways the City and PremierBank could partner more closely in the future.
PremierBank shared its strong commitment to Whitewater and noted that the Whitewater branch currently employs seven staff members, including bilingual team members who help serve the Latino community. The bank offers personal banking services for both residential and commercial customers and maintains dedicated lending funds to support local needs. “We have the resources to meet the full range of financial needs for residents in the Whitewater area, from everyday deposit products like checking and savings accounts, to competitive loan options for small businesses, consumers, and homebuyers. What truly sets us apart though is that we are a community bank, with local ownership, where all decisions are made locally, allowing us to respond quickly, and tailor solutions to our customers’ needs. We pay local taxes and reinvest in the Whitewater area through philanthropy, including donations to local nonprofit organizations,” said Kohl.
During the visit, PremierBank expressed interest in exploring partnerships that could help address housing affordability and homeownership opportunities, particularly for first-time homeowners. Workforce topics were also discussed, with the bank indicating that its current staffing needs are being met and that it frequently employs UW –Whitewater students. The PremierBank team also shared interest in expanding internship opportunities for high school students and highlighted its ability to provide advancement opportunities, which has contributed to strong employee retention. “The BRE program is about listening first and building long-term relationships,” said Becker. “PremierBank is clearly invested in Whitewater’s future, and conversations like this help identify ways we can align local resources, housing initiatives, and business support tools to strengthen the community.”
The City of Whitewater’s Community Development Department will continue BRE visits throughout 2026, meeting with local businesses including manufacturers, financial institutions, and other organizations to identify opportunities, address challenges, and support sustainable economic growth within the City of Whitewater.
The Whitewater Unified School District is launching a strategic planning process to gather community input and set priorities that will guide the district over the next three to five years.
The process will begin with a brief community survey, open from January 9 through January 30, inviting input from students, families, staff, and community members. Feedback collected through the survey will help inform the district’s strategic direction and ensure future planning reflects the needs and priorities of the broader school community. The survey is available at https://dgsurveys.com/r/Whitewater2026.
Input from the survey will guide the work of a Strategic Planning Workgroup, which will meet several times throughout the process to help shape the district’s vision, core values, and strategic priorities. Additional opportunities for engagement will include focus groups and community engagement sessions designed to gather deeper insight and encourage broad participation.
“We are committed to hearing directly from our students, staff, families, and community as we plan for the future,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “This process will help us build on our district’s strengths, address areas for growth, and make sure our strategic priorities reflect the voices of those we serve.”
A guiding theme of the strategic planning is “All Means All,” a commitment to ensuring every student is seen, heard, and supported. The district aims to create an accessible process that reflects the full diversity of the school community and engages participants across all backgrounds and experiences.
Updates and additional information about the strategic planning process will be shared throughout the coming months. For more information, visit www.wwusd.org.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Andreas Breitling from Pixabay.
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
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
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