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By Lynn Binnie
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
The filing deadline to run for a seat on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board is Tuesday, January 6 at 5 p.m. As of the close of business before the holiday break on December 19 there were only two candidates for the three open positions on the board, incumbents Stephanie Hicks and Lisa Huempfner. Incumbent Christy Linse has indicated that she is not running for reelection.
The Whitewater Banner reported on January 2 that the district had declined to release the names of those who had filed for candidacy. This statement was based on the district’s failure to respond on a timely basis to The Banner’s open records request last year together with their announcement this year that they would not release candidate names until the filing deadline. However, Superintendent Samuel Karns reached out to The Banner on January 5 with the indication that the district is actually willing to release candidate names before the deadline. Karns provided the above information regarding the current status of candidate filings.
Interested in Running for the WUSD School Board?
All School District candidates must complete and submit the required forms to the filing officer no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Candidacy paperwork, Ballot Access Checklist & Campaign Finance Overview – Local Candidate Committees is available at the Central Office, 419 S. Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. The Whitewater Unified School District does not require nomination papers for School Board candidates.
The district office is open on Monday, January 5 until 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 6 until 5:00 p.m. The candidacy paperwork may be completed in a matter of minutes.
*If you have questions or need assistance with candidacy paperwork, please contact Christine Dodge, School Board Secretary, at 262-472-8713 or cdodge@wwusd.org.
Lakeside Fire-Rescue and Rock County Sheriff’s Office units were alerted by the Rock County 9-1-1 Center at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 3rd, of a 9-1-1 call reporting a home on fire on Road Five in the Mallwood Estates Subdivision in the Town of Milton (Rock County). The caller was the occupant who reported flames on the outside of the home spreading rapidly. Lakeside Fire-Rescue units from Stations 2 (Edgerton) and 3 (Milton) were dispatched.
Based on the information being received by 9-1-1, Lakeside upgraded the incident to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) “Working Still,” which added additional fire and support units from Janesville, Whitewater and Fort Atkinson Fire Departments. Lake Mills Fire Department was also requested to provide an engine to stand by in case of another incident in the Lakeside region, and the City of Edgerton and Town of Milton Police Departments assisted the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
There were four people home at the time of the fire, all who were able to exit without injury. First arriving fire crews reported the fire had already penetrated into the interior of the home and they had fire showing throughout the living level and through the roof.
Based on the rapid spread of the fire, the windy conditions, the proximity of other homes in the area, and the subdivision not having fire hydrants, Lakeside further upgraded the response to a MABAS “Box Alarm” response which added additional firefighting crews and water tenders from Stoughton, Delavan, LaGrange, Darien, Town of Delavan, Elkhorn, Jefferson, Evansville and Town of Turtle.
The fire was under control at 00:53 a.m., approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes from the original call. It took an estimated 60,000 gallons of water to fight the fire, all of which was brought in by the water tenders.
The home is a total loss, and the family is being assisted by neighbors who have provided them a place to stay temporarily. Lakeside Fire also worked with their medical partners from MercyHealth to help family members who lost critical medications in the fire.
Lakeside Fire-Rescue is being assisted by agents from the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall’s Office in the investigation. The fire is believed to have started on a patio area outside the home. The exact cause is still under investigation.
Fire personnel are remaining on scene with a smaller fire crew providing fire watch until the property owner’s insurance carrier can arrive to view the scene.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Lakeside Fire-Rescue.
The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next bi-monthly meeting on Monday, January 5th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Don’t forget – we are only meeting via Google Meet ( https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa ) for the remainder of the school year.
Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing
Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing
Ways to get involved:
Way #1:
We know that our meeting times don’t work for everyone, but anyone can volunteer!
Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers in the future. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.
Upcoming music events:
Jan. 9-10 WCDA Honors Choir HS All day UW Eau Claire
Jan. 16 Pepapalooza 6:00 pm HS Basketball
Jan. 26 RVC Honors Band All Day East Troy HS
Jan. 27 Lincoln Band 2:15 pm Lincoln Elem.
Jan. 28 Washington Band 2:15 pm Washington Elem.
Jan. 29 Lakeview Band 2:15 pm Lakeview Elem.
Feb. 7 WSMA Auditions All Day Rufus King HS
Feb. TBA RVC Honors Choir All Day TBD
Feb. 7 Bandorama (5th-12th) 3:00 pm WHS Gym
Feb. 26 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Feb. 27 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Feb 28 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Mar. 1 HS Spring Play 2:00 pm HS
Mar. 2 Middle School Orchestra Clinic 3:30 pm MS Band Room
Way #2:
Over the recent years, our funds have steadily decreased, so we could use people to donate and/or fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.
Donate/Share Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link—
Whitewater Music Boosters
Supporting the Whitewater Unified School District
The fall UW-Whitewater Undergraduate Research Program Day was held on November 20. Displayed were posters of research projects under the mentoring guidance of a faculty member. It’s important to note that students participating are from all four colleges. There is another Undergraduate Research Day in the spring. The exhibit is always open to the public at no charge.
Text and photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
FCCU Donates $909.09 to the Community Space in Whitewater through Employee Charitable Contributions
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce a donation of $909.09 to The Community Space in support of its mission to provide essential resources, food, and support that improves the wellbeing for Whitewater area residents. The donation was generated through FCCU’s new employee charitable giving program, which allows team members to voluntarily contribute a portion of their paychecks to local nonprofit organizations. In its inaugural year, the program supported 11 local organizations selected for their meaningful and lasting impact on the communities FCCU serves.
The Community Space in Whitewater was selected as one of the program’s first-year beneficiaries. As a volunteer-
driven nonprofit, Community Space plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families by offering free access to food, clothing, household essentials, and a welcoming space rooted in compassion and community care. Through its emphasis on reducing stigma, building relationships, and ensuring that all residents have what they need to thrive, The Community Space has become an essential pillar in the Whitewater community.
“We are thrilled to be selected as a beneficiary of this program,” said Cindy Wendt, general manager of the
Community Space. “We are donation-driven in addition to being volunteer-driven, and funds like this allow us to
leverage our strong relationship with Feeding America of Wisconsin and others to provide more critical resources to the community. We appreciate that FCCU sees the value of strengthening the community and deeply value their
partnership.”
FCCU’s employee giving program reflects the credit union’s cooperative values and its ongoing commitment to
empowering team members to make a direct and positive difference in their communities. By combining employee
contributions with FCCU’s support, the program amplifies the impact of local nonprofits working to meet critical
community needs.
About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $380 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.
Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter presents: Phoenix from the Ashes – Wildlife Returns
Dr. Bridie Fanning
Naturalist and conservationist Dr. Fanning will take you on her journey of discovery from the realization that her property was a desolate ecological landscape to the multi-year journey of healing the eco-system and sharing key learnings along the way. Bridie will share how the North Shore of Bass Bay Lake had been a wildlife paradise for the Potawatomi Native Americans, destroyed by over hunting and development. It is now restored to provide a wildlife sanctuary for not only threatened species but also species of special concern, such as great egrets, nighthawks, rusty patch bumble bees, large and little brown bats, ospreys, purple martins, bluebirds, great horned owls, beavers, monarch butterflies and many more. Learn what was involved to reimagine the property to prairie, savanna, marsh, wetland, woodland, and sedge meadow. Bridie will show how the property was managed for the different stages of ecological succession along the multi-year journey.
WHEN: Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, Eagle
S91W39091 Highway 59, One mile west of Eagle.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No admission fee.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter.
Editor’s note: The Common Council meeting that would normally take place on January 6 has been canceled.
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval for new awnings and railing for the White Memorial
Building locate at 402 W Main Street
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23998788998877?p=FMdV0pOw2HtClqWbH0
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,442399774#
Phone conference ID: 442 399 774#
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Three school board seats are up for election. The incumbents are Stephanie Hicks, Lisa Huempfner, and Christy Linse. Christy Linse has filed a noncandidacy statement. Lisa Huempfner told this writer that she will be running again. The Gazette recently published that both she and Stephanie Hicks have filed for re-election.
The Whitewater Banner is unable to provide the names of any other candidates for the School Board. For a number of previous years both the district and city personnel immediately provided updates on filings whenever requested by The Banner during the filing period. Last year the district declined to provide this information until their press release after the filing deadline passed, even in spite of an open records request that was filed by us. This year the district stated in a December 3 press release that “Per WASB [Wisconsin Association of School Boards], the names of any person running for School Board will not be released to the public until January 7, 2026. The names should stay confidential until that point.” An attorney and a journalist, both of whom are knowledgeable professionals, have told The Banner that refusal to respond on a timely basis to the open records request was a violation of the state open records law.
Again this year City Clerk Heather Boehm routinely provided The Banner the names of the persons who had filed for Common Council. This article names the candidates as of January 2. It is our view that it is in the public interest to know the status of candidate filings, as this may be a factor as to whether an interested person wishes to consider candidacy. If there are insufficient candidates to fill the expiring seats, a write-in candidate could win a position with a minimal number of votes; otherwise, the governing body would be able to make an appointment.
Interested in Running for the WUSD School Board?
All School District candidates must complete and submit the required forms to the filing officer no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Candidacy paperwork, Ballot Access Checklist & Campaign Finance Overview – Local Candidate Committees is available at the Central Office, 419 S. Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. The Whitewater Unified School District does not require nomination papers for School Board candidates.
*If you have questions or need assistance with candidacy paperwork, please contact Christine Dodge, School Board Secretary, at 262-472-8713 or cdodge@wwusd.org.
The district office will reopen from the holiday break on Monday, January 5. Regular hours at the district office are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The office will remain open on Tuesday, January 6 until 5:00 pm. The candidacy paperwork may be completed in a matter of minutes.
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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