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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Whitewater Unified School District has a 2-hour delay. Per our policy, the morning Early Childhood and 4K classes are cancelled. The full-day 4K and afternoon 4K classes will continue to be held. We apologize for the late notice, but for our students’ safety, there was one last-minute drive around the area, and it has gotten worse within the hour. Some of the townships have encouraged the bus company to hold off due to the roads.
Whitewater High School Schedule:
Abundant Life Christian School beat Whitewater 55-24 in non-conference girls’ basketball action on Monday, December 8. The game was close for the first 10 minutes before ALCS broke it open before halftime. In the second half, Whitewater went on a spurt but struggled to score against the ALCS defense. Emery Kachel led Whitewater with 15 while ALCS had two in double digits.
The Whippets play at Delavan-Darien Tuesday, December 9 before returning home to play East Troy on Friday evening. Both games start at 7:15 pm.
Other Recent Action from Last Week
The Whippets are struggling on the offensive end to start the season. Last week we lost to Lake Mills (61-36) and Marshall (58-23). The team is very young and is working to grow in each game with many players playing both JV and Varsity.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is honored to announce that Whitewater resident Tom Ganser has been selected to receive the League’s 2025 Making Democracy Work award for documenting democracy in action as a photographer. Through photography, Tom tells a diverse, multigenerational story of civic pride and action. Tom provides his services to the community at no charge, documenting crucial community events such as town hall meetings, local elections, Unity Walks, and League of Women Voters-sponsored events. The League’s Making Democracy Work Award recognizes citizens who strive to make their community a safer and fairer place in which to live.
A public reception celebrating Tom’s commitment to diversity and civic action will be held Sunday, December 14, 2 PM – 4 PM, at the Prairie Village Community Center, located at Prairie Village on Burr Oak Trail just south of County U in Whitewater. Refreshments will be served.
Please join us on December 14th in honoring Tom. Tom taught English for 10 years at Custer High School in Milwaukee and served for 20 years as Associate Director and Director of the Office of Field Experiences in the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater and as Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He directed the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program and served on the Whitewater Unified School District for four years. Tom serves on the Finance Committee for First United Methodist Church. He has contributed to the Whitewater Register, the Whitewater Banner, the Daily Jefferson County Union, and Fort Atkinson Online.
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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!
Wednesday, December 10th is Whitewater High School’s annual Winter Gala concert and fundraiser. We would love to see a big crowd out to support our talented musicians. There will be a raffle basket auction to help raise funds for the music booster club. Support of the community in the raffle is greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to attend in person but want to join us virtually, here is the link (please scroll down.)
Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 10. Unsold baskets will be available for onsite purchase, while supplies last, at First Citizens State Bank’s downtown lobby beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, December 17.
Over the weekend, Whitewater High School’s Model UN team participated in the Model UN Conference at Arrowhead High School. Students spent the day debating global issues and collaborating with delegates from other schools. Their strong preparation, professionalism, and teamwork were evident in every committee.
We are incredibly proud of our Model UN students for their dedication and outstanding performance. Congratulations to all members on a successful event!
Article and Photos Submitted by Liberty Cunningham and Greg Stewart
WHS Model UN Advisors
cunli01@wwusd.org
The Whippets had a strong showing at the Tom Lieder Invitational on Saturday, finishing 3rd out of 11 teams! The boys continue to build momentum early in the season with several top-16 finishes, big time drops, and two relay wins!
Top 16 Finishers:
• 200 Medley Relay – 7th (2:13.28)
Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Xavier Ortiz
• 200 Free:
1st – Cruz Aranda (1:55.46)
• 50 Free:
1st – Mateo Bazeley (23.73)
12th – Wyatt Esch (26.86)
• 100 Fly:
3rd – Langdon Coburn (59.59)
7th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:10.49)
• 100 Free:
1st – Cruz Aranda (51.32)
2nd – Mateo Bazeley (54.07)
• 100 IM:
2nd – Langdon Coburn (1:03.38)
8th – Caleb Kluck (1:15.06)
11th – Xavier Ortiz (1:24.85)
• 200 Free Relay – 1st (1:35.72)
Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn
• 100 Back:
11th – Wyatt Esch (1:15.22)
14th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:22.65)
• 100 Breast:
12th – David Enns (1:27.32)
15th – Caleb Kluck (1:31.16)
• 400 Free Relay – 1st (3:37.45)
Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Mateo Bazeley
Other Highlights:
• 200 Freestyle group of Angel Kilar, Cooper Housel, ChaCha Binagi, and Hunter Runnoe — all with time drops!
• Angel Kilar with two PRs, including a 5-second drop in his 100 Free!
The Whippets will be back in action on Tuesday, December 9th, at home vs. Burlington Co-op. Swimming starts at 5:30 pm — come pack the pool!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Updated 12/9/25 @ 9:15 p.m. with the link to the video.
A Whitewater program will be featured on Monday, December 8 on the WDJT Channel 58 News at 10 p.m. One of the regular diners from the community had reached out to the Milwaukee station to suggest that the University/Community Lunch that is offered at First United Methodist Church would be an interesting feature for Natalie Shepherd’s “Everyday Heroes.” Shepherd, the evening anchor, recently visited the lunch to see it for herself.
Lunch Coordinator Terrie Parenteau indicates that about 250 meals a week are currently being provided. Four to six volunteers assist Parenteau with preparing and serving the meals, not to mention additional church members who contribute food from home. The program is in its 25th year, having pivoted to take-out meals five days a week during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 20,000 meals were provided during that time.
Students and community members are welcome at the free lunch, which is served throughout the school year on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The last lunch for the semester will be served on December 9, with the first lunch in 2026 being served on January 27.
Written by Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
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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