Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Storytime
Wednesdays | 9:30 a.m. | January 7th-May 20th
Meeting Room 1
Join Miss Deana for stories, songs, and silliness! Storytimes are best for children ages 2-5, but older and younger siblings are always welcome. No registration is required. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 with any questions.
Coloring Club
Mondays | 3:30 p.m. | January 5th-May 18th
Meeting Room 1
Mondays are hard. Come to the library for snacks, soothing music, and seasonal coloring pages. All ages are welcome and no registration is required. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 with any questions.
Build It! Club
January 6th | February 3rd | March 3rd | April 7th | May 5th
3:30 p.m.
Meeting Room 1
Spend an afternoon building whatever suits your fancy with the library’s LEGO bricks. This program is best suited to kids in grades K-5. No registration is required. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 with any questions.
Family Game Night
January 13th | February 10th | March 10th | April 14th | May 12th
3:30 p.m.
Meeting Room 1
Tired of sitting at home and beating your family at Monopoly? Come to the library and beat someone else’s family at Monopoly! Games and snacks will be provided. Registration is not required. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 with any questions.
Homeschool Hangout
January 8th | February 12th | March 12th | April 9th
2:00 p.m.
Meeting Room 1
Join Whitewater homeschool families at the library for educational presenters or problem solving activities. Activities are geared towards children ages 6-12, but older and younger siblings are always welcome. No registration is required. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 with any questions.
2nd Thursday of the month.
Teen Gaming Club
Thursdays | 3:30 p.m. | January 8th-May 21st
Teen Room
Nintendo Switch and snacks. What more do you need? Open to students ages 12-18. No registration required. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 with any questions.
HERSHEY, Pa. — Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA) announced today that Lindsay and Eric
Baneck of Helenville, Wisconsin have been named finalists for the 2026 National Outstanding Young
Farmer of America (NOYF) Award.
Baneck
The 2026 finalists are:
Mitchell and Rebecca Henry, Moulton, Alabama; John and Rachel Bearden, Arkadelphia, Arkansas;
Knapp Boddiford III, Sylvania, Georgia; Todd and Meghan Selvik, Waseca, Minnesota; Preston and
Emily Cave, Dobson, North Carolina; Wade and Abby Walters, Shickley, Nebraska; Brandon and
Nichole Raso, Hammonton, New Jersey; Tanner Hento, Avon, South Dakota; Lindsay and Eric Baneck,
Helenville, Wisconsin; and Adam and Amanda Bunker, Sheridan, Wyoming.
Nominations were submitted from across the United States by a nationwide network of county extension
agents with the National Association of County Extension Agents, as well as members of OFA, former
NOYF winners, and agricultural industry professionals. Nominations may be submitted by anyone, and
while multiple nominations from a single state are allowed, no more than two finalists may represent any
one state.
Eligible nominees must be between the ages of 21 and 40, not turning 41 prior to January 1, must be
active farm operators, and must derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming. Nominees are
evaluated based on progress in their agricultural careers (50%), soil and water conservation practices
(25%), and contributions to their communities, states, and the nation (25%).
“There are challenges in Agriculture today, but there are also opportunities. These 10 Finalists exemplify
their ability to take on challenges, their love for their families & communities, and their desire to improve
their operation for generations to come,” said Mary Johnson, National Outstanding Young Farmer of
America coordinator. “These finalists represent the best of American farming. This award recognizes
their hard work and dedication while welcoming them into Outstanding Farmers of America, where they
can connect and network with top farmers from across the country.”
The finalists were notified in December and invited to attend the 2026 Outstanding Farmers of
America Convention, scheduled for Feb. 4–7 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. During the convention,
finalists will participate in in-person interviews to determine four honorees who will be named the
National Outstanding Young Farmers of the Year for 2026. Winners will be announced during the
final banquet on Saturday, Feb. 7.
All finalists attend the convention with travel and expenses fully covered. More than 200 farmers from
across the United States are expected to attend the annual OFA Convention, which includes educational
sessions, agricultural tours, and networking opportunities celebrating the NOYF Class of 2026.
For more information, visit www.outstandingfarmers.com or email info@outstandingfarmers.com.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Kelly McElroy, Administrator, Outstanding Farmers of America
“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale”
(Period Drama)
Tuesday, January 13, 1 pm
Rated PG; 2 hours, 3 minutes (2025).
Is this really the final chapter in the favorite 14 year family saga…? Starring Hugh Bonneville and the entire Downton cast.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Today’s image is of the Whitewater Paper Mill that was located on Trippe Lake off of Wisconsin Street today.
The Whitewater Paper Mill was built at the Trippe Lake dam on the site of a saw mill from the 1830s constructed by James Trippe, who financed the building of both the Trippe Lake and Cravath Lake dams and started industry in Whitewater. In 1859, Trippe and Crombie built this paper mill on the sawmill site. It had a stone foundation and brick walls. It made paper from straw, a plentiful by-product of wheat growing, which was dominating agriculture around Whitewater in the mid-19th century. The paper made at this mill in 1860 was advertised as book and wrapping paper. The paper mill operated until the mid-1890s. In the 1910s, the Whitewater Condensery (later the Hawthorn-Mellody Milk Plant) was built on this site. That complex was demolished in the 1990s and today condos sit on the site.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society
(3127STU, Whitewater Historical Society)
UW-MADISON ANNOUNCES FALL DEAN’S LIST
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.
To view an online listing, visit https://registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist/.
Here are the students from the Whitewater area who have received this honor.
Andrea Alcala, School of Education, Dean’s List
Isabel Aranda, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Carley Lane Boudreau, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Crystal Chan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Shivam Kalra, School of Education, Dean’s List
Leah Newmann, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Lucien Pomazak, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Caleigh Yang, School of Business, Dean’s List
The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host the new Executive Director of The Young Performing Arts Center, Mike Stefiuk, to present on the Young’s current and upcoming projects and initiatives at the upcoming January meeting.
This event will take place on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Mike Stefiuk, the recently appointed Executive Director of The Young Performing Arts Center, is a strategic, results-driven performing arts executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in concert operations, artistic programming, and venue management. He has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led high-performing teams, and produced nearly 1,000 events annually across major venues serving audiences of up to 5,000 patrons. Known for his expertise in artist relations, contract negotiations, and cross-sector partnerships, Mike has collaborated with world-renowned artists and institutions while driving significant growth in ticket revenue, audience engagement, and operational efficiency.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about The Young Performing Arts Center. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, January 14th.
“The Young Performing Arts Center has always been a staple in the heart of the Whitewater community,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “Many of our members frequently attend the events they host. We are excited to hear about the recent initiatives and learn how we can support this incredible program.”
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
A New Year Intention-Setting Workshop in Whitewater – New Date!
Live Life Spiritual Direction Announces “One Word. Infinite Possibility”
Live Life LLC, led by local mind-body-spirit coach Denise Maple, is pleased to announce a reflective and creative workshop designed to help community members begin 2026 with clarity, intention, and purpose. The “One Word. Infinite Possibility.” workshop will be held in early January at The Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.
This inspirational experience invites participants to discover their personal Word of the Year—a single guiding theme that serves as both a touchstone and a compass for the year ahead. Through guided reflection, discussion, and manifestation-focused exercises, attendees will explore what energy or essence they want to cultivate in 2026.
Along with the intention-setting work, the workshop includes a hands-on creative component where participants will design and decorate a personal keepsake featuring their chosen word. This take-home piece serves as a daily reminder of their intention and a source of inspiration throughout the year.
“Choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful way to stay aligned with your values, goals, and inner truth,” said Maple. “This workshop creates space to slow down, listen inward, and begin the new year grounded and fully connected to what matters most.”
The event is open to adults of all backgrounds—no experience with coaching, creative work, or intention-setting practices is required. All materials will be provided.
Event Details:
What: One Word. Infinite Possibility.
Where: The Book Teller, Whitewater, WI
When: Tuesday, January 13th at 6:00 p.m. (originally planned for January 6th)
Registration: Learn more and sign up at https://livelifespiritual.com/events/word-of-the-year/
About Live Life Spiritual Direction
Live Life Spiritual Direction, a branch of Live Life LLC, is where soul-centered wisdom meets practical, grounded guidance. Led by Denise Maple a mind-body-spirit coach who serves as a spiritual life coach, bioenergetic testing practitioner, Reiki Master, and holistic business coach— this work is rooted in the belief that you deserve to live authentically, vibrantly, and in alignment with who you truly are. Denise welcomes clients at her cozy office on Main Street in Whitewater, Wisconsin, as well as virtually.
Denise founded Live Life Spiritual Direction to help people move beyond merely surviving and step into a life where they can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her approach blends deep spiritual training with over 30 years of business leadership and teaching experience.
As a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Illinois, honored as a Teacher Rated as Excellent by Students and a Dean’s Impact Award recipient, Denise brings a rare blend of heart, intuition, and grounded expertise. She serves as a compassionate guide to help you unearth and live the Song of Your Soul—so you can expand into your fullest potential with clarity, joy, and confidence.
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team hosted Elkhorn and The Prairie School on Tuesday, January 6th for an exciting triple dual. While the Whippets outswam The Prairie School 111–43, they came up short against a strong Elkhorn squad 109–61. Overall, the boys had some really good swims, and it was great to be back racing!
Highlights from the night include:
• 200 Medley Relay – Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Cruz Aranda, and Mateo Bazeley finished 2nd with a time of 1:50.19. Caleb had a strong 50 Breast split, clocking 34.44.
• 200 Freestyle – Langdon Coburn finished 2nd with a time of 2:04.78. Carson Miller and Ian Agen both tried the 200 Free for the first time and went under 3:30.
• 200 IM – Cruz Aranda won the event with a time of 2:07.94, moving him into 5th place on the Whippet Top 10 List. Eloy Rodriguez swam the event for the first time and did a great job.
• 50 Freestyle – Mateo Bazeley continued to swim fast, hitting right on his best time. Chacha Binagi dropped a huge 4 seconds, going 34.67, and Cooper Housel posted a new best time of 34.50.
• 100 Butterfly – David Enns and Mateo Bazeley both swam the event for the first time in their careers. Mateo finished 7th with a time of 1:07.30, and David followed with a solid 1:24.34.
• 100 Freestyle – Cruz Aranda took 2nd with a time of 52.12. Wyatt Esch dropped 5 seconds to go 1:02.18. Hunter Runnoe dropped an impressive 8 seconds, hitting 1:12.06, and Ian Agen had a massive 16-second drop, posting a best time of 1:24.88.
• 200 Freestyle Relay – Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, and Cruz Aranda won the event with a time of 1:39.23.
• 100 Backstroke – Chacha Binagi and Hunter Runnoe both had huge time drops. Chacha dropped nearly 15 seconds, finishing in 1:40.47, and Hunter dropped 14 seconds, posting a new best time of 1:34.80.
• 100 Breaststroke – David Enns continued his strong improvement with a best time of 1:23.43. Carson Miller dropped 10 seconds, touching in 1:52.58.
• 400 Freestyle Relay – Wyatt Esch led off with a strong split, bettering his 100 Free time again with a 1:01.23.
Up next: The Whippets head to Stoughton on Saturday, January 10th to compete in the Stoughton College Invitational. Swimming starts at 10:30 AM — hope to see you there!
Article Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
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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