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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Hundreds of trick or treaters came out for Ghoul’s Night Out on October 30. It was a beautiful night to visit businesses and organizations. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This weekend begins the gun-deer season, a popular hunting season in Wisconsin. Hunters in the mid-20th century may have stopped by at the Whitewater Sports and Tackle store for last minute needs. Before the sports store, this building, on 2nd Street, was the long-time location of Pete Johnson’s meat market. Johnson retired in 1964 and this photo was probably taken in the 1970s. The building is also of interest because it was built around 1915-1920 from rusticated concrete blocks, an unusual material for a downtown building.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5709 P, Whitewater Historical Society)
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff on Anniversary of 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy |
| Gov. Tony Evers on Nov. 19 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., Nov. 21, 2025, in recognition of the fourth anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and to honor the six individuals who were senselessly and tragically killed in the attack: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8. “Four years ago, six of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones were senselessly killed in the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, forever changing the lives of folks and families in the community and across our state, and each year since, we’ve come together to honor them, their loved ones who carry on their memory, and all those who were affected by this horrific and tragic act of violence,” said Gov. Evers. “The memory of those we lost that tragic day lives on through the strength, resilience, generosity, and compassion we have seen exemplified by the entire Waukesha community over the past several years. We will never forget Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, and Jackson, and today, the state stands with the Waukesha community in remembering, honoring, and mourning.” |
Holiday Helpers connects community donations, sponsors, and resources directly to families in need to ensure every child experiences joy, dignity, and care during the holidays. The deadline for families to register their children, ages 0-17, is Sunday, November 23. The form is accessible through the QR code above or on the United Way website.
“Our community always steps up in big ways — and this is one of the most meaningful examples of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Elizabeth Bols, United Way’s CEO. “Holiday Helpers ensures children don’t feel forgotten during the holidays, and for many families, this relief makes an enormous difference.”
More information, registration details, and ways to get involved will be shared at: www.uwjnwc.com
Holiday Helpers conecta las donaciones comunitarias, patrocinadores y recursos directamente con familias necesitadas para garantizar que cada niño experimente alegría, dignidad y cuidado durante las fiestas. La fecha límite para que las familias registren a sus hijos, de 0 a 17 años, es el domingo 23 de noviembre. El formulario está disponible a través del código QR arriba o en el sitio web de United Way.
“Nuestra comunidad siempre responde de manera extraordinaria, y este es uno de los ejemplos más significativos de vecinos ayudando a vecinos”, dijo Elizabeth Bols, CEO de United Way. “Holiday Helpers garantiza que los niños no se sientan olvidados durante las fiestas, y para muchas familias, este alivio marca una diferencia enorme.”
Más información, detalles de registro y formas de involucrarse se compartirán en: www.uwjnwc.com
Final boarding call on the ocean liner S. S. American for the WHS Players production of the truly classic American musical “Anything Goes” Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School.
Tickets available an hour before performance at the box office (adults $12, students $5).
For fun, about 30 minutes before the curtain opens Tom Ganser’s photos from three previous WHS Players musicals will be shown: “Beauty & the Beast,” “Mean Girls,” and “White Christmas.”
Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” debuted on Broadway in 1934, featuring a mix of romance, comedy, and memorable songs, and can in many ways be classified as the most remarkable musical to ever surface in the canon of American theatre.
No better way to get into the holiday spirit than by joining the cast, crew, and live pit band of the WHS Players in a memorable performance of “Anything Goes.”
The City of Whitewater is excited to invite the entire community to join us for Christmas at Cravath, a month-long celebration of lights, holiday cheer, and family-friendly fun!
From December 5th, 2025 through January 5th, 2026, Cravath Lakefront Park and downtown Whitewater will come alive with festive events for all ages. The season kicks off on Friday, December 5th with the Holiday Market and our dazzling Parade of Lights, followed by the official lighting of the park’s holiday display.
Throughout the month, families can enjoy:
Cookies with Santa
Parents’ Night Out & Kids Pajama Party
Paws and Claus Pet Pictures with Santa
Breakfast-for-Dinner with Santa
Family Painting Projects
Meet the Magic: Real Reindeer for Christmas
Chili Cook-Off
…and so much more!
Whether you’re shopping local, snapping photos with Santa, or simply taking in the sparkling lights, there’s something magical for everyone.
We invite all residents and visitors to celebrate the season with us and make unforgettable memories at Christmas at Cravath.
Join us for a holiday season full of joy, lights, and community spirit!
For full details, visit www.wwparks.org or follow the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation on social media. Some programs require a registration fee, others are FREE. Please sign up for the free programs as well to help be sure we do not run out of items.
La Ciudad de Whitewater se complace en invitar a toda la comunidad a unirse a nosotros en la Navidad en Cravath, ¡una celebración de un mes llena de luces, alegría navideña y diversión para toda la familia! Desde el 5 de diciembre de 2025 hasta el 5 de enero de 2026, el Parque Cravath Lakefront y el centro de Whitewater se llenarán de eventos festivos para todas las edades. La temporada comienza el viernes 5 de diciembre con el Mercado Navideño y nuestro deslumbrante Desfile de Luces, seguido por la iluminación oficial de la exhibición navideña del parque. A lo largo del mes, las familias podrán disfrutar de: Galletas con Santa Noche de Padres y Fiesta de Pijamas para Niños Fotos de Mascotas con Papá Noel Desayuno para Cena con Santa Proyectos de Pintura Familiar Conoce la Magia: Renos Reales para Navidad Concurso de Chili … ¡y mucho más! Ya sea que estés comprando localmente, tomando fotos con Santa o simplemente disfrutando de las luces brillantes, hay algo mágico para todos.
Invitamos a todos los residentes y visitantes a celebrar la temporada con nosotros y a crear recuerdos inolvidables en la Navidad en Cravath.
¡Únase a nosotros para una temporada navideña llena de alegría, luces y espíritu comunitario!
Para obtener todos los detalles, visite www.wwparks.org o siga a City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation en las redes sociales. Algunos programas requieren una tarifa de inscripción, otros son GRATIS. Por favor, regístrese también en los programas gratuitos para ayudar a asegurarnos de no quedarnos sin artículos.
Jefferson County is providing a brief update regarding ongoing response efforts to minimize the impact of the avian influenza [“bird flu”] outbreak:
- Actions to manage the outbreak are moving forward consistently, with response operations ongoing.
- Additional monitoring and response activities are planned to ensure that the outbreak is fully addressed in a timely manner and that remediation efforts continue effectively and safely.
- County officials are working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and federal partners to ensure all actions align with state and federal guidance.
- The Jefferson County Health Department continues to monitor the health and safety of personnel and partners involved in the response. It is actively addressing community questions and concerns related to environmental health, water quality, and potential impacts.
- Jefferson County remains fully committed to protecting public health and local agricultural operations through coordinated response, monitoring, and transparent communication.
- Residents and poultry owners should remain vigilant, follow biosecurity protocols, and report any suspected cases. Additional information and guidance can be found at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx. The Jefferson County Health Department Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyHealth/.
Jefferson County sincerely thanks residents, producers, and response partners for their continued cooperation and support as we work together to protect community health, agriculture, and the environment.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Office of the Administrator of Jefferson County.
The UW-W football team will compete in the NCAA Division III Championship for the 20th time in program history. The bracket that was announced on November 16 may be viewed here.
The Warhawks will host DePauw University in the second round. Kickoff is slated for noon on November 29 at Perkins Stadium. Further information regarding this contest will be posted to The Banner when available.
The 2026 Stagg Bowl will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on January 4, 2026. This will be the second consecutive year that the Stagg Bowl is being played in January; previously it has always been in early to mid-December. Also, for the second year in a row, the game will be played on a Sunday night, and on ESPN’s primary network. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. This event marks the return of the championship to Canton, where it was last played in 2021. Next year’s event will return to the original site of Salem, Virginia, with the following year returning to Canton.
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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