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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Habitat for Humanity Walworth County partners with the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin, First Citizens State Bank, and local organizations to build four new affordable homes, scheduled for occupancy in Summer 2026
The City of Whitewater, Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, First Citizens State Bank, and numerous corporations and volunteer groups are coming together in a major public–private partnership to construct four new affordable homes just outside downtown Whitewater. This initiative will transform a long-vacant property into safe, stable homes for local workforce families.
The project includes two twin homes (duplexes), built concurrently at 216 E. Main Street, using modern, efficient construction methods, including panelized exterior wall systems and full basements.
John Dawson, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, believes the future of affordable housing depends on strong partnerships between municipalities, financial institutions, corporations and nonprofit organizations committed to providing sustainable workforce housing.
“The future of affordable housing will be greatly impacted by cities and nonprofits working together toward a common goal: providing workforce housing that is safe, attainable, and sustainable,” said Mason Becker, Economic Development Director for the City of Whitewater. “This partnership represents exactly the kind of collaboration our community needs.”
“We are proud to support a project that reflects Whitewater’s commitment to long-term community vitality,” said John Weidl, City Manager for the City of Whitewater. “For years, our residents and local employers have identified attainable housing as a top priority. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity and First Citizens State Bank, we are turning that priority into real, tangible progress. These homes will strengthen our workforce, support families, and contribute to the stability that allows communities like ours to thrive.”
“First Citizens State Bank is honored to be a cornerstone of progress in the Whitewater area for more than 160 years, and we are excited to join the City and Habitat for Humanity in bringing workforce housing to our growing community,” said Jim Caldwell, CEO & Director of First Citizens State Bank.
Mark Garner, Board President of Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, added, “Through the TIP programs for new homeowners and through partnerships like this one in Whitewater, we are helping families build stability, equity, and long-term financial resilience. These new homes will change lives for generations.”
This project represents the shared commitment of Whitewater officials, Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, First Citizens State Bank, and the many corporations and volunteer teams working together to expand affordable homeownership opportunities in the region.
About Habitat for Humanity Walworth County
Habitat for Humanity Walworth County builds and renovates affordable homes in partnership with families in need of sustainable housing. Through volunteer labor, community partnerships, and donor support, Habitat helps families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.
On December 5, Jefferson County hosted a Legislative Breakfast at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Local, county, state, and federal elected officials joined county staff to discuss issues affecting the county and its residents.
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and U.S. Representative Scott Fitzgerald opened the session with remarks on federal legislation and their top priorities in Washington, D.C. Sen. Johnson’s presentation centered on government spending, the national debt, and opportunities for reforming the Affordable Care Act. Congressman Fitzgerald spoke about labor and housing issues that make headlines nationally but are especially important to Jefferson County: H1-B visas, undocumented workers in the agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors, and ideas for adding housing stock of the right size and cost to meet consumer demand.
Jefferson County Administrator Michael Luckey provided an overview of County accomplishments in 2025, priorities for 2026, and updates on local issues that impact residents. Key investments include a new Financial Empowerment Center available to all residents and workers, funding for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, and $1.1 million in the 2026 Jefferson County budget to support the Live Local Development Fund, a program that promotes local housing development. Luckey also voiced support for a bill to provide certainty in utility aid payments for liquefied natural gas storage, which he and other county leaders traveled to Madison to testify in favor of.
State legislators Brienne Brown (43rd Assembly District), Cindi Duchow (97th Assembly District), Joan Fitzgerald (46th Assembly District), John Jagler (13th Senate District), William Penterman (38th Assembly District), and Melissa Ratcliff (16th Senate District) presented updates on their work in Madison on behalf of their constituents. Rep. Brown spoke on agriculture bills and veterans’ issues. Rep. Duchow talked about school consolidation and her work on the Gail’s Law bill, which seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for breast cancer screenings. Rep. Fitzgerald focused on farmland-preservation efforts and a bill to advance property tax transparency. In his remarks, Sen. Jagler discussed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reform and ideas for adding affordable housing for seniors and others who lack a variety of options. Rep. Penterman shared his work to create a per diem for homeless veterans and concerns about foreign adversaries owning local agricultural land. Sen. Ratcliff expressed her support of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and provided details on a tax incremental district (TID) bill to encourage workforce housing development.
Officials from Jefferson County’s cities, villages, and towns addressed attendees to relay updates, achievements, and issues of primary interest to their residents. The Village of Johnson Creek shared updates on housing developments and two commercial additions: the new U.S. headquarters of Abet Laminati and an orthopedic center. The City of Fort Atkinson announced the successful closure of two TIDs. Among city and village representatives, discussions centered on development and infrastructure work, industry and workforce updates including additions to the City of Jefferson’s Food and Beverage (FAB) Innovation Campus, and efforts to add diverse housing stock. Town officials shared concerns about affordability of emergency medical services and discussed solar energy development considerations in rural areas.
This was the third Legislative Breakfast hosted by Jefferson County since 2024. The next Legislative Breakfast is tentatively scheduled for December 2026 at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Jefferson County.
Mariana Aranda, a student from Whitewater, whose major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is Finance, is one of 23 Warhawks who completed ConnectED, a professional development training program, as part of their student employment at the university’s student union.
ConnectED, a self-paced training program, encourages students to explore career pathways, strengthen their resumes, and connect with resources across campus while preparing for success after graduation. Students in the program were required to complete a suicide prevention course, two educational events, and five professional development opportunities.
UW-Whitewater’s University Center, the central hub of the Whitewater campus, offers a wide variety of activities and services designed to enhance the college experience. The UC sponsored more than 130 events during the 2024-25 academic year. Visit uww.edu/uc to learn more.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is one from 1998, taken by intrepid society photographer George Scharfenberg, who chronicled the comings and goings of downtown businesses in the 1990s and 2000s. It is the festive Christmas window of Ginny’s Ladies Apparel store that opened in late 1998 and lasted a few years in the downtown. The society hopes you are doing some of your Christmas shopping in downtown Whitewater!
Join us in the next two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s Greetings.
(George Scharfenberg Collection, Whitewater Historical Society)
Walworth County Supervisor District 4 Al Stanek filed non-candidacy papers with the Walworth County Clerk’s Office indicating it is his intention not to run for the Supervisor office in the upcoming April 7, 2026 Spring Election.
Those interested in running for County offices may contact the Walworth County Clerk’s Office. The deadline for filing the Campaign Registration Statement, Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination papers is 5:00 p.m., January 6, 2026
Editor’s note: County Supervisor is a paid position. District 4 represents the western part of the City of Whitewater. A map and further information is available on The Banner here.
So far this year, WHS has had five Auto II students pass their Manual Transmission ASE test. Also, 14 Auto I students have passed their ASE Brakes test this semester.
Autos Teacher Justin Buntrock stated, “This is an incredible feat for our young Whippets. I am very proud of each and every one of them. These are very rigorous tests with content covering diagnostics, theory, repair, and replacement.”
Since 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent non-profit organization, has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.
Article and Photos Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Autos Teacher
jbuntrock@wwusd.org
On the early morning hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, Whitewater Police received a report of a male suspect who was actively entering vehicles near the intersection of W. Main St and Second St. Jose De Jesus Pena Flores, 38, of [210 S. Franklin St.], Whitewater, was identified as the responsible individual, and was arrested. Pena Flores was subsequently linked to a number of additional thefts.
At this point in the investigation, the following criminal charges are being referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office: Burglary (Wis. Stat. 943.10(1)(a)), Theft from Motor Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.20(1)(a)), Entry into Locked Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.11), Misappropriate ID info (943.201(2)(a)), Credit Card Theft (Wis. Stat. 943.41(3)(a)), Resisting or Obstructing an Officer (Wis. Stat. 946.41(1)), and Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01).
In the course of the investigation, officers have collected a large amount of property suspected to have been stolen within the last two months. If you were a victim of a theft during that approximate timeframe, please contact Detective Lieutenant Anthony Heilberger (aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov) or Officer Tim Swartz (tswartz@whitewater-wi.gov) at the Whitewater Police Department (262-473-0555) to provide a description of your stolen property. Please be prepared to provide any serial numbers and detailed descriptions of your property.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department. Per Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Pena Flores has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money, a felony, as well as the following misdemeanor charges: Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property greater or equal to $2500, and Theft – Moveable Property greater or equal to $2500.
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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