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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The Whippet track and field team found themselves in some great competition on Friday night as they travelled to Watertown for the Gosling Invitational. Facing some of the top Division I schools in the area, the young Whippets competed well and put up some great performances and personal bests. Highlighting the evening for Whitewater on the girls’ side was senior Sydney Schilt. In her first outdoor appearance of the season, Schilt went head-to-head with defending Division I State Champion, Kyenret Rinkam of Brookfield Central, and Janesville Parker’s Harper Brandenburg, in the 100 M Dash. Schilt did not disappoint as she finished third in 12.58, putting her number 4 all-time on the Whippet Top Ten list, .02 ahead of former teammate, Kindyl Kilar. Schilt came back later in the meet and won the 200 in a time of 26.47. The 4X100 M Relay, composed of Emy Islas, Schilt, Emma Maas, and Emery Kachel, finished 2nd to Middleton in a season-best time of 52.46 as Kachel raced home on the anchor leg. Mya Graves-Koran ran her fastest time of the season in the 100 M Hurdles, placing 7th in 18.66. Maddi Morton, competing for the first time this season in the pole vault, cleared the 7 foot barrier, and Virginia Nelson ran season bests in the 1600 and 3200, as did Delaney Hammack in the 800.
The Whippet boys also found their way to some great performances as Langdon Coburn continued to show why he is one of the area’s top pole vaulters, winning his specialty with a vault of 13 feet. Ty Bucholtz placed 3rd in the 110 M hurdles in a field that included some of DI’s best hurdlers. Bucholtz’s time of 15.48 placed him at number 9 all time on the Whippet Top Ten list. Freshman Cason Boudreau continued to impress with an 8th place finish in the 300 M hurdles running 45.17. The 4X800 M relay composed of Angel Kilar, Wyatt Esch, Carlos Aguilar, and Tyler Carollo rolled to a season best of 9:51. Vinnie Juette, Mateo Bazeley, Evan Leising, and Aaron Garcia ran a season best time of 1:36.29 in the 800 M Relay placing 6th. Freshman Bastian Portales ran 58.94 in his first ever 400 M race and Trevor Piper continued an upward trajectory in the discus, a new event for him.
The Whippets travel to Brodhead on Tuesday to take on Delavan, Jefferson, and Brodhead in a quadrangular.
Kate Winn Author and Publishing Talk
Community members are invited to join debut author Kate Winn as she discusses Reliance Road, a memoir of tender and hopeful vignettes that recalls the past, shows how lessons apply to the present, and shares her life story with future generations.
Also meet with Kira Henschel of HenschelHAUS Publishing and learn about the publishing process that took Kate Winn’s idea and transformed it into a physical book.
Q&A and signing to follow, with copies of Reliance Road available for purchase.
This event will be held in Meeting Room 1 of Whitewater Public Library at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater on Thursday, April 30 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
This program is for adults, but teens are welcome with an accompanying adult. Registration is preferred.
Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0113 to register, or with any questions.
Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Summit to Tackle Workforce Housing Gaps
As housing costs rise and supply dwindles across Southeastern Wisconsin, regional leaders are gathering to move housing projects from vision to reality. The Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Summit will take place on Thursday, May 7, at the Zoofari Conference Center in Milwaukee.
Organized by UW–Madison Extension, the Summit addresses a critical shortage of workforce housing and the legislative and market hurdles currently facing the region. The goal of the event is to increase housing inventory and provide data to support community-level conversations on new housing development.
“A recent report by the Wisconsin Realtors Association estimated that 133,000-144,000 new housing units will be needed in Wisconsin by 2030,” said Steve Chmielewski, Community Development Educator for Extension Waukesha County. “That’s the projected number of housing units to support economic development across the state: to help people moving in for jobs, to help employers, to help schools.”
Event Details at a Glance:
● Date & Time: Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
● Location: Zoofari Conference Center, Milwaukee, WI
● Focus: Data-driven strategies, policy solutions, and practical development tools
● Registration: go.wisc.edu/housingsummit (registration closes May 1)
The Summit is designed for the people building and managing Wisconsin’s communities, including community leaders, employers, builders and developers, local officials, urban planners, and housing organizations/advocates. Attendees will explore high-impact topics such as overcoming NIMBYism and community opposition, manufactured/modular housing solutions, data trends, and problem-solving between local government and the private sector.
Registration includes lunch and refreshments. For more information or to register, visit go.wisc.edu/housingsummit.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension–Walworth County.
One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter – Episode 3 is now published on YouTube, and it covers all the incredible volunteers who donate their services to help Ukrainian Refugees.
James Olm covers these volunteers and what impact they make on the shelter.
The YouTube may be viewed here.
Editor’s note: James Olm’s previous episodes of One Safe Place may be found here:
Local Resident Volunteers in Poland on the Border of Ukraine: Video shared – Whitewater Banner
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda [click on “meetings” in upper right corner] includes WHS scorecard update; WMS scorecard update; Ratification of the Whitewater Education Association (WEA) 2026-27 Collective Bargaining Agreement; 2026-27 WUSD Staffing Plan and Report; Adjourn to CLOSED SESSION, possibly to be followed by an open session: preliminary consideration of allegations of misconduct against a District employee and to discuss the Superintendent’s Mid-Year Evaluation.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84343606226?pwd=SM4rTRus5a22ivrcbzI3b2TDyFnnY8.1
– Passcode: 349226
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 843 4360 6226
– Passcode: 349226
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Review and possible action: Approve recommendation of General Obligation Bond to the Common Council for Lifetime Manufacturing LLC development project in Technology Park; Discussion and possible action to approve the Down Payment Assistance Program for the Fire/EMS Department; Discussion and possible action to recommend Fire Department Recruitment & Advancement Incentive Program to Common Council; Discussion and possible action to recommend an amendment to the 2026 Salary Resolution to Common Council.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247275584778559?p=84oFBseA62QRFl3qwn
Meeting ID: 247 275 584 778 559
Passcode: YJ3Rh9jd
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,241505337# United States
Phone conference ID: 241 505 337#
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on immediate plan for maintaining and improving water
quality and carp impact.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – 4:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/216973048170222?p=fJRSrpQreMoglm3pSH
April 29 at 6 pm in Summers Auditorium on UW-Whitewater’s campus will be the premiere showing of “Beyond the Dryline” by junior journalism major and documentarian Peyton Walz. Walz participated in Dr. John Frye’s storm-chase course in 2025 as a student and, in the process, shot a documentary of the trip and course. “Beyond the Dryline” shows life on the road, the students’ learning process, their personalities, and, of course, the storms they experience. Come see the documentary, followed by a Q&A session with Walz, Frye, and others who participated in the trip.
Whitewater High School Carpentry and Construction students put their skills to work for a great cause on Friday afternoon!
Students volunteered with United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County, helping build bin storage for shoes that will be donated to children in need at their new office space. From design to cutting to final assembly, the entire project was completed in just one afternoon — a true showcase of their hard work and teamwork.
This was a great hands-on experience for our students, giving them the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting while making a meaningful impact in our community.
We’re proud of the work they did and grateful for the partnership that made it possible!
Article and Photos Submitted by Nolan Otremba
Whitewater High School Technology and Engineering Teacher
otrno01@wwusd.org
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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