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
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.
Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits for January 2026
In 2025, more than half of the homes tested for radon in Walworth County had levels exceeding the safety threshold set by the EPA
This January, in recognition of National Radon Awareness Month, Walworth County Health and Human Services will offer radon test kits to residents for just $5 with the donation of a non-perishable food item. The $5 price includes shipping and laboratory analysis. Normally priced at $15, the kits are supplied by the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center. Donated food will be distributed through The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity. This offer is limited to one test kit per person.
Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment, as testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.
The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, located at 1910 County Road. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Cash and check payments only.
For more information on the promotion, or to learn more about radon testing, please contact the Walworth County Health and Human Services at (262) 741-3200, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, on Facebook @WalCoDHHS, or online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.
Residents with elevated radon results should contact Walworth County Health and Human Services or the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center at (262) 605-6731 for mitigation options.
Editor’s note: The tests that were distributed a few years ago had to be received by the testing lab within a limited number of days. It may be worthwhile to pay for expedited shipping.
Heather Boehm, city clerk, indicates that Teresa Golembiewski requested on January 7 to have her name removed from the April ballot for Common Council At-large. Boehm has confirmed that this request will be honored, and consequently there are two candidates: Orin Smith and Aubrey Thompson. As a result, there is no need for a primary in February.
The Whitewater Banner provided a list of Common Council and School Board candidates which may be found here.
Update 1/7/26 @ 10 p.m. to reflect Teresa Golembiewski’s decision to withdraw from the Common Council At-large race.
Update 1/8/26 @ 12:45 p.m. to indicate that there is no competition for the two Walworth County Supervisor positions.
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
City of Whitewater Common Council
Three City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, the following is the final status of the nomination filings, as of the January 6 deadline. A primary will be held on February 17 to determine the two candidates who will move forward to the election of the at-large seat.
District 2 (Currently represented by Orin Smith, who is not running for reelection for this position)
Gavin Kelleher, 451 Warhawk Drive
Sean Liebherr, 771 W. Lauderdale Drive
District 4
Chuck Mills, 336 S. Whiton Street
Brian Schanen [Incumbent], 441 S. Buckingham Blvd.
At-large (Currently represented by Greg Majkrzak, who is not running for reelection)Teresa Golembiewski, 1180 Bloomingfield Drive Candidate withdrew on 1/7/26
Orin Smith, 329 N. Tratt St.
Aubrey Thompson, 318 W. North St.
Whitewater Unified School District
The candidates for WUSD School Board who had filed by the January 6 deadline, per School Board Secretary Christine Dodge:
Stephanie Hicks [Incumbent], 1254 Tower Hill Pass
Lisa Huempfner [Incumbent], 976 W. Charles St.
Terri Jones, 148 N. Hyer Lane, Apt. 8
Christy Linse [Incumbent who had filed a noncandidacy statement but changed her mind and is now running.] W5106 Meske Rd., Fort Atkinson
Walworth County Supervisor, District 4
District 4 represents the western portion of the city; a map may be found here.
Incumbent Al Stanek is not running for reelection.
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Tyler Schneider, 160 S. Whiton St, is the only candidate.
Walworth County Supervisor, District 3
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Incumbent Brian Holt is the only candidate.
_______________________________________________________________________________
FALL ELECTION
U.S. House of Representatives
The general election for this position is not until November 3. It is very likely that a primary will be held on August 11, as the following candidates have already been announced:
Bryan Steil (Incumbent) (Republican Party)
Miguel Aranda (Democratic Party)
Mitchell Berman (Democratic Party)
Randy Bryce (Democratic Party)
Enrique Casiano (Democratic Party)
Gage Stills (Democratic Party)
Connor Walleck (Republican Party)
Adam Follmer (Independent)
State offices – November election
Walworth County Sheriff – November election
Incumbent sheriff Dave Gerber has filed a noncandidacy statement.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to announce a public initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5 as a part of the League of Women Voters Women Defend Democracy campaign. Unite and Rise 8.5 seeks to inspire 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up to support democratic processes, free and fair elections, and the Rule of Law in our country. If just 3.5% of eligible voters participate in peaceful protests, we will create a meaningful difference to protect the Constitution and democracy.
Please join us to learn how you can make a change. Eileen Newcomer, Deputy Director of LWVWI, will speak on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Jean Eichman, richardeichman@sbcglobal.net.
_____________________________________
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
The Whitewater Public Library has a full calendar of free events for all ages in January! Events for all ages include the Winter Reading Challenge which begins January 20 and runs through March 12. Participants can pick up a bookmark at the library’s front desk and then fill in a circle for every 20 minutes you read or listen to a book. Then come back to the library and turn in your bookmark to receive a goody bag. Each completed bookmark is also an entry into the grand prize drawing! There will be one grand prize drawing for kids and one grand prize drawing for teens/adults.
Additional all ages events include:
Coloring Club: Mondays 1/5, 1/12, & 1/26 at 3:30 p.m.
Family Game Night: Tuesday, 1/13 at 3:30 p.m.
Weird Science – Slime: Wed. 1/14 at 4:00 p.m. (registration required)
Free Play Friday: 1/30 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Events just for kids include:
Storytime: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Build it! Club: Tuesday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, January 8 at 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Events for teens include:
Teen Gaming: Thursdays starting on 1/8 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/12 at 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Teen DIY: Wednesday, 1/21 at 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Teen Movie: Wednesday, 1/28 at 4:00 p.m.
Events for adults and teens include:
Chess Club: Thursday, 1/8 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Magic the Gathering 101: Friday, 1/16 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Vinyl Club: Tuesday, 1/27 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Makerspace 101: 3D Printing: Thursday, 1/15 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Making Games with bitsy: Thursday, 1/29 at 5:30-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Programs just for adults include:
Movie & Mocktail: The Princess Bride Monday, 1/5 @ 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Tea Time: Wednesday, 1/7 @ 11:00 a.m.
Tarot 101: Year-Ahead Spread: Thursday, 1/22 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/26 @ 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Details about all events can be found on the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org/events. Some events require registration, which can also be done on the library’s website or by contacting the library. All library programs are always free and open to the public.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Noah Verhasselt, and Pavan Chennamaneni pose for a group photo on competition day.
A team of students from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (UWW) delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up, one of the premier collegiate sales competitions in the country—bringing home top individual and team honors.
competition.
Bailey Quinn (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) earned 1st Place Overall – Best Salesperson, competing against 87 competitors from 28 universities across the nation. Fellow Warhawk Paige Moeller (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) placed 4th overall, while Noah Verhasselt (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) contributed significantly to the team’s 2nd Place Team Finish. The competition, hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, included teams from LSU, Baylor, Arizona State, Florida State, and the University of Texas at Dallas, among others.
“This was an amazing experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the UW-Whitewater Sales Institute,” said Quinn. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from my team and coaches.”
The team, led by Moeller (team captain), Quinn, and Verhasselt, was supported by student coach Taylor Wojcinski (Class of 2027, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis), whose mentorship and professionalism were key to the group’s success. Faculty coaching was led by Dr. James (Jimmy) Peltier, a long-standing leader of UW-Whitewater’s sales program, who returned from retirement this year to serve as Sales Team Coordinator. Professor Pavan Chennamaneni, Director of the Institute for Sales Excellence at UWW, and Taylor Wojcinski also played important roles in preparing the team.
The team began practicing for the competition during the first week of the fall semester. They practiced every Monday and Wednesday morning with Dr. Peltier and also met on their own about four times a week. As the competition drew closer, the team increased its commitment—practicing daily during the final two weeks to refine their presentations and sales strategies.
“I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jimmy Peltier,” said Chennamaneni. “His coaching talent, deep experience, and instinct for developing students were instrumental to our team’s success. He has an exceptional ability to bring out the best in every student—building confidence, sharpening their skills, and preparing them to perform at the highest level.”
Chennamaneni also credited the support of Dean Paul Ambrose, whose dedication to experiential learning has helped sustain UW-Whitewater’s standing as a top-tier sales education program.
“Our students continue to demonstrate that UW-Whitewater is a national leader in sales education,” Chennamaneni added. “Their preparation, professionalism, and grit are second to none.”
Rob Boostrom, Associate Professor of Marketing and Faculty Advisor for the UW-Whitewater Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) – Beta Gamma chapter, also reflected on the significance of the achievement.
“This is the first time that one of our PSE members has won the Great Northwoods Sales Competition,” said Boostrom. “PSE is proud of the team, honored to have Bailey and Noah as members of the team, and excited to see how Bailey’s performance may inspire other PSE members to make big contributions to the Whitewater Sales Team through the Institute for Sales Excellence.”
About UWW Institute for Sales Excellence
The Institute for Sales Excellence, housed within the College of Business and Economics, continues to build UW-Whitewater’s reputation for developing top sales talent through rigorous training, mentorship, and competitive experiences.
The Institute for Sales Excellence supports both the American Marketing Association (AMA) and Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) sales teams in attending regional and national competitions sponsored by their organizations. Previous competitions have been held in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Chicago, Eau Claire, Michigan, Milwaukee, and other locations.
About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
On December 30, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling Team woke up early and caught the bus at 5:45 AM to travel to Lakeland University in Plymouth, WI. They participated in the Sheboygan South Girls Holiday Invite, which featured 27 teams. This event was an excellent test of both ability and mental toughness for our girls, and they performed very well in both areas.
Our 13 wrestlers managed their emotions effectively and supported each other throughout the day. As a team, the girls placed fifth out of 27 teams. Leading the way was Marianna Kubicz, who won all four of her matches by pin. Marianna demonstrated remarkable mental toughness in the championship match, remaining calm under pressure and successfully pinning her opponent, who had only two losses on the season.
Other notable performances came from Isabelle Cantu and Ema Aranda, who both finished in third place. Isabelle won four matches, losing only one in the semifinals, and clinched her third-place match with a score of 8-3. Ema also won three matches, but she fell in her semifinal match to a girl with only two losses on the season. Ema secured her third-place finish by winning her final match due to a medical forfeit.
All the girls showed great improvement throughout the day. The team will be on the move again this upcoming weekend for the Muskego Invite.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Juan Gomez
Whitewater High School Girls’ Wrestling Coach
jgomez@wwusd.org
UW-River Falls won its first ever national title on Sunday, January 4 in a 24-14 victory against North Central (Illinois) in the Stagg Bowl. In their first playoff appearance since 1996, the Falcons defeated the defending champions, North Central (Illinois), to clinch the 2025 DIII football championship.
Editor’s note: The above is from the NCAA website, where the championship bracket may be viewed. This article, North Central: The Dynasty You’ve Never Heard Of, from Mikefarrellsports.com, makes clear what a surprise it was for UW-RF to beat North Central in its sixth consecutive Stagg Bowl appearance, having won three of the last five games.
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
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.
