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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, June 1, 2026
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Congratulations to the cast and crew of the WHS Players Production of “The Little Mermaid” on their 14 Jerry Award nominations! The show was performed November 21-24, 2019, involving more than 60 cast, technical crew, and pit band members. The plot involved Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, who wished to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain was not what it seemed, and Ariel needed the help of her colorful friends to restore order under the sea.
“The Jerry Awards encourages, recognizes, and honors excellence in high school musical theater. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback. School and student achievements are honored and featured in an awards show held at the Overture Center in June, and two outstanding performers are selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theater Awards (The Jimmys) competition in New York City.” Last year, Whitewater High School’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee” won Outstanding Musical, and Lauren Harkness was selected to represent the state in New York City.
Jerry Award nominations are based on three adjudicators’ reviews and recommendations. Winners will be announced in May after all competing high school productions have been evaluated. Winners will be honored at the Overture Center in early June.
Please congratulate the nominees below as well as the rest of the cast and crew for their outstanding contributions to the production.
2019-2020 Jerry Award Nominations from Whitewater High School
Outstanding Lead Performance:
Lauren Harkness, Ariel
Carter Waelchli, Ursula
Henry Bresser, Sebastian
Ella Willman, Scuttle
Chris Porcaro, King Triton
Outstanding Supporting Performance:
Anderson Waelchli, Flounder
Sophie Mayer, Chef Louis
Outstanding Direction- Jim McCulloch
Outstanding Stage Management- Josie Hintz, Hailey Long, Emma Van Daele
Outstanding Overall Design
Outstanding Set Design- Jim McCulloch, Kat Dunham
Outstanding Costume Design- Karen McCulloch, Deborah Blackwell
Outstanding Lighting Design- Jim McCulloch
Outstanding Sound Design- Tony Hansen
For more information on the Jerry Awards, visit https://www.overture.org/programs/jerry-awards
Photo Credit: Tom Ganser
Current University at Buffalo football coach Lance Liepold was ranked at No. 78 on ESPN‘s list of the top 150 football coaches of all time, released in December.
The selections were made by a blue-ribbon panel of 150 media members, administrators and former players and coaches, ESPN said.
Leipold was lauded primarily for his time at UW-W when he posted a record of 109-6 from 2007 to 2014 and won six Division III national titles. He was named national coach of the year six times and reached 100 career wins faster than any football coach in NCAA history at any level. Leipold was also recognized for taking down “the dynasty that was Mount Union.
For the article in The Buffalo News, click here.
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission - Thursday at 3:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
The first step to overcoming an addiction is to admit that you have a problem. The new year is a great time to make that fresh start. The following groups are led by supportive people who are recovering and would love to have you visit. We are grateful to the churches and the city for providing space for these nonsectarian meetings.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main Street
Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Whitewater Senior Center, 504 W. Starin Rd. (Starin Park) (We are not certain whether they will be meeting on New Year’s Day; if someone in the group can clarify this, please email whitewaterbanner@gmail.com.)
Thursdays at 7 p.m., St. Patrick Church – Berry Hall Rooms 1-2, 1225 W. Main Street
Fridays at 9:30 a.m., First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main Street
Narcotics Anonymous
Tuesdays at 8 p.m., Congregational UCC Church – Guild Hall, 133 S. Franklin Street (We are not certain whether they will be meeting on New Year’s Eve; if someone in the group can clarify this, please email whitewaterbanner@gmail.com.)
Gamblers Anonymous
Mondays at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church – Library, 145 S. Prairie Street
Whitewater hosted Brodhead in a girls’ basketball game on Thursday, December 19, and lost 52-66. Abby Grosinske led the Whippet scoring with 20. Kacie Carollo scored 7 and Brianna Zimdars added 5.
The WHS Boys hosted McFarland in basketball on Friday, December 20, and lost 78-71. Carter Brown led the Whippet scoring with 19 followed by Peter Zimdars with 16.
Comments and photos courtesy of Bob Mischka.
Pursuant to the public meeting noticed by the DNR (https://dnr.wi.gov/news/releases/article/?id=4992) notices will be posted at both Trippe and Cravath Lakes of the following:
NOTICE OF FISHING SEASON CLOSURE ON TRIPPE AND CRAVATH LAKES, WALWORTH COUNTY
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the fishing season on Trippe and Cravath Lakes is closed effective December 18th, 2019 and will remain closed until further notice. This season closure is established pursuant to s. NR20.33(1) Wis. Admin. Code because a scheduled drawdown of water levels in order to control invasive Eurasian watermilfoil may concentrate fish, make them more vulnerable to angler harvest and may deplete the game fish supply. Closure of the season will conserve game fish populations until water levels are restored to allow future opportunities for good fishing on Trippe and Cravath Lakes in Walworth County.
If you have questions, please contact:
Laura Stremick-Thompson, Fisheries Supervisor
(920)387-7876
Laura.stremickthompson@wisconsin.gov
Find additional frequently asked questions regarding the lake drawdown project here: http://www.whitewater-wi.gov/438/Parks-Recreation.
Whitewater Fire Department - Monday at 6:00 PM
Fire Department Meeting Room - More information
WUSD School Board - Monday at 6:00 PM
Central Office of Whitewater Unified School District - More Information
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees - Monday at 6:30 PM
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Meeting Room - More information
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee- Tuesday at 6:10 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
City of Whitewater Common Council- Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board- Wednesday at 5:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority - Thursday at 5:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
Obituaries
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
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
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