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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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Congratulations to the WHS Music students who performed at the WSMA State Solo/Ensemble Festival on the UW-Whitewater Campus last Saturday, April 25th! Twenty-five events received a 1st rating and five events received a 2nd rating. Congratulations to all students who made it to State! Results for competitors can be found at https://wsmamusic.org/festivals/state/whitewater/results/
The Exemplary Performance Recognition Project expands recognition of outstanding performers at the WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival. State festival adjudicators select the most exceptional performances at each of the festival campuses through a two-step process. One WHS event received the Exemplary Performance Recognition Award: Ava Van Daele (Musical Theater Solo) and 3 other events were nominated for consideration: Ian Agen (Musical Theater Solo), Lia Ramirez (Musical Theater Solo), Ian Agen and Ava Van Daele (Classical Soprano Tenor Duet).
Article and Photos Submitted by MacKenzie Gehrke
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
gehma01@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring Community Action Grants. Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community.
Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2026.
Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community. The Foundation has given grants to The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater Rescue Squad and many more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/ and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.
Join us for three upcoming senior vocal recitals at WHS!
All recitals begin at 7:00 pm in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School. Admission is free.
Isabella Cohen- May 1
Charlotte Hajewski- May 8
Joint Senior Recital (Chacha Binagi, Samuel Nickelsburg, and David Enns)- May 14
This month, we proudly hosted our first annual Whippet Pathways Day at Whitewater Unified School District, welcoming more than 50 businesses, organizations, and institutions into Whitewater High School.
We’re excited to share that every available space in the building was utilized for meaningful, career-connected learning experiences.
The day featured three student-selected small group sessions followed by a career and college fair, creating an engaging and high-energy environment focused on student futures.
Students explored a wide range of career pathways, connected directly with local businesses, colleges, and community organizations, and engaged in authentic conversations with professionals about education, training, and careers. Through both individual and small group interactions, students built their networks and developed social capital while gaining real-world insight and advice.
Experiences like this are powerful in building career awareness. When students engage directly with professionals, they not only learn about careers, they begin to see themselves in them.
The impact has been immediate and inspiring. Over the past week, students have been connecting with staff to solidify, and in some cases rethink, their career plans. Many are adjusting their 2026 to 2027 course selections to better align with new goals, and others are actively pursuing job shadows and Youth Apprenticeships with partners they met during the event.
We also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and community partners, reinforcing the value and impact of this experience.
A huge thank you to the 50 plus businesses, organizations, and institutions who dedicated their time and expertise to make a lasting impact on our students’ futures. We’re excited to continue growing this experience in the years ahead.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mike Rick
WUSD Career and Technical Education Coordinator
ricmi01@wwusd.org
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team claimed their third-straight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season title with a doubleheader sweep over UW-River Falls on Sunday. The Warhawks extend their win streak to 30 games, improving to 22-0 in WIAC play and clinching the 24th regular-season title in school history.
To start the day, the Falcons took an early lead with a sacrifice fly run in the top of the second. The Warhawks were able to answer back, taking the lead with two runs in the fourth. Landen Seymour (Rockton, Ill./Honongah) drew in a run on a groundout to get the Warhawks on the board, followed by an RBI double from Dominick McVay. IN the fifth, Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) tacked on his own run with an RBI double to take a 3-1 lead after five complete.
UW-River Falls was able to tie up the game in the 6th inning, scoring two runs in the frame. The Warhawks were quickly able to get back ahead, with McVay hitting an RBI double to put the Warhawks back on top. Jackson Koenig (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) traded places with McVay for his own RBI double, putting the Warhawks up by two runs.
Sam Steuber (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) worked through the first 6.0 innings, able to pick up the win with the Warhawks taking the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Ethan Wickman (Spring Green, Wis./River Valley) came in pitching the final three innings to earn the save. Wickman didn’t allow a single hit in the final three frames, striking out two.
The Warhawks added more insurance runs to build their lead on the Falcons. Evan Olson (Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly) added a sacrifice fly in the 7th. Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) added a run in the 8th from a sacrifice bunt. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) put the final touches on the game with a two-run homer to push the Warhawks to the 9-3 win.
In game two, the Warhawks pulled ahead to a run-rule victory, defeating the Faclons 10-0 in 8 innings.
The Warhawks scored three runs in the third inning thanks to a lead-off home run from Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North). Leyten Bowers (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) RBI single & Landen Seymour’s (Rockton, Ill./Honongah) sacrifice fly put the Warhawks up 3-0.
The fifth inning was even larger, with five runs coming in from three hits. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) singled to load up the bases, before a balk scored McVay & advanced the runners over. Evan Olson (Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly) cleared the bags for a 2-RBI single, before Leyten Bowers (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) found the pitch he wanted for a two-run shot down the left field line. Bowers’s homer put the Warhawks up 8-0.
Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) added another run in the 5th, followed by Evan Olson (Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly) hitting his third RBI of the game to get the run-rule win.
Ben Lee (Amherst, Wis./Amherst) pitched a shutout 6.0 innings to earn the win in game two. Lee only allowed three hits & walked one with three strikeouts.
The Warhawks enter the last week of WIAC regular-season play with five games to go. On Wednesday, UWW will head up to Eau Claire to finish out the rain-out game from April 13th. The Warhawks will finish out the regular season with a four-game home stand against UW-Stout on May 1st & May 2nd.
NEW CLASS ALERT
Grab your little one and come move with us!
Join us for Move Together, Dance Together — a fun and welcoming dance class designed for babies in carriers and their caregivers. This class is all about connection, movement, music, and building community while getting out of the house and doing something joyful together.
No dance experience needed — just bring your baby, their carrier, and come as you are!
Ages: 0–walking
Date: Fridays starting May 1
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Old Armory Dance Studio
Fee: $10 for a ten punch card
Call or Text: 262-903-9430
Email: JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov
Benefits include:
• Bonding through music and dance
• Gentle feel-good movement
• Mood and energy boost
• A chance to connect with other caregivers
Colonel (COL) Christian C. Hofer will be retired on May 1st, 2026, after 38 years of military service as the Military Infectious Disease Portfolio Manager for the Defense Health Agency serving at Fort Detrick, Maryland.
COL Hofer is a native of Whitewater, Wisconsin and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1988 serving as a Nuclear Propulsion Machinist Mate and Engineering Laboratory Technician on three different operational and training nuclear propulsion plants. During his active-duty Navy service, he completed two Western Pacific deployments on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in support of Operation Restore Hope, Operation Vigilant Sentinel, and Southern Watch along with two assignments as a nuclear propulsion prototype instructor. COL Hofer transitioned to the Navy Reserves in 1999 and completed the Basic Reserve Intelligence Training, reclassified as an Intelligence Specialist, and served at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Mayport Naval Station in Florida. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Second Lieutenant in 2002.
COL Hofer graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Animal Science and then received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Upon graduation, he returned to active military service in the U.S. Army and was assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, NC where he deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. From 2007-2011, he was the Command Veterinarian for the Special Warfare Medical Group (Airborne) at the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center. COL Hofer completed his residency training in Laboratory Animal Medicine and a Master of Science in Comparative and Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 2014 at the Ohio State University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine in 2017. He served at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases from 2014-2017 and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research from 2017-2020. He then served as the Command Veterinarian and Director of the Veterinary Review Office for the United States Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base from 2020-2023.
COL Hofer’s military education includes Systems Engineering Management, Fundamentals of Systems Acquisitions Management, Fundamentals of Veterinary Global Health Engagement Course, Intermediate Level Education Resident Course, Medical Management of Chemical/Biological Casualties Course, and Contracting Officer’s Representative Course. He earned the Combat Medic Badge and his awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal (2nd award), the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Navy Battle “E” Award, the Navy Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal (2nd award), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2nd award), the Armed Forces Service Medal, and the NATO medal. COL Hofer was also recognized with the BG Charles V.L. Elia Veterinary Excellence Medallion at graduation from Officer Basic Course in 2005. He was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit and recognized by the Army Surgeon General with the 9A Proficiency Designation in 2023.
COL Hofer and his wife of 19 years, Dr. Jennifer Hofer, are professional scuba divers and like to travel the world sharing their diving experiences. He has a 27-year-old son, Jacob, from a previous marriage. He and Jennifer are moving back to Gainesville, Florida where Jennifer will be taking a faculty position as an Associate Professor in Medical Oncology at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. They are both looking forward to expanding their scuba instruction and travel business, Best Life Dive Adventures, Inc. Christian’s mom, Sherry, lives in Wellington, FL and his brother, Jason, lives in Ladysmith, WI.
Steve Watson wrote on Thursday evening, April 16, “According to my rain gauge, we’ve had six plus inches of rain since Wednesday. Here’s proof.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing these photos of “too much of a good thing!”
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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