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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. A few weeks ago, this building, on the Milwaukee Street bridge, was demolished. We found a photo, probably from the 1970s, of this building when it was Baker’s Garage, an AMC, Jeep, and GMC truck dealership and service station run by Harley Baker. The building was constructed in 1924 as a modern filling station for the O’Neil Oil and Paint company and became a D-X service station in the 1940s. Harley Baker acquired the building in 1948 after operating a garage at his home on North Street for a number of years. After the dealership and garage closed, Baker’s daughter, Donna Baker Henry, remodeled the building for offices.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5433P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Abigail Brown Receives Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority Scholarship
Recognition of Academic Achievement by Whitewater Educators’ Sorority
Abigail Brown, a senior from Muskego, is currently pursuing a major in English with a minor in creative writing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her dedication and accomplishments have recently been recognized through the awarding of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority’s scholarship. The scholarship was presented during the College of Education and Professional Studies award program, which took place on Monday, November 10th at the University Center. This event celebrated outstanding students across the college and highlighted their achievements and contributions.
Ms. Brown is set to graduate in the spring of 2026 with a degree in education. As part of her academic journey, she will complete her student teaching at the high school level in Palmyra, further preparing her for a career in education.
Valerie Mason of Whitewater writes, “This week I caught this sweet picture of a young buck taking time to check out the colorful fall leaves.”
Our thanks to Valerie Mason for sharing this sweet picture.
— 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!
Studio 84 is doing the winter Flower Power Fundraiser. This includes a variety of items such as amaryllis, paperwhites, gifts, seeds and more.
Our personalized website is: http://studio84.fpfundraising.com
Orders placed by December 1st will arrive before the holidays for gift giving. The website will be open to receive orders until December 15th. Studio 84 will receive up to 50% of total sales from all orders placed. Your order will be shipped directly to your home.
Please consider this holiday fundraiser as a way to continue to support the programming at Studio 84.
A felting workshop will take place Monday, Nov. 17, in Whitewater. It is set for 5 to 8 p.m. at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St. Attendees may work on needle or wet felting or both. The fee is $20, materials included. Payment may be made at the class.
Register by calling instructor Leani Schoor at (608) 421-4078 or emailing her at leanischoor@gmail.com.
Having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Schoor taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, she teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting.
Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace or community workshop. For more information, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.
The Florence Bassett Club of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs cordially invites the public to attend a historical presentation by Michael Rehberg, Lead Interpreter at Black Point Estate and Gardens, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s house museum in Lake Geneva. The event will be held at the Bassett House, located at 708 West Main Street in Whitewater, on Wednesday, November 19th at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Rehberg’s presentation will examine the history of Black Point Estate, its significance among the mansions of the lake region, its preservation, and aspects of summer life at the estate. He will highlight the entrepreneurial achievements of the Conrad Seipp family, builders of the house, as well as their philanthropic contributions to the county.
A permanent resident of Walworth County with a home on the south shore of Lake Como, Mr. Rehberg holds both BA and MBA degrees from UW–Madison. He managed the development of Lake Geneva’s walking tours in collaboration with the Geneva Lake Museum and the Lake Geneva Preservation Commission. Additionally, he is active in local history and preservation organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for the Walworth County Historical Society.
All members of the community are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Florence Bassett Club.
The UW-Whitewater women’s volleyball team swept UW-Stevens Point 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-22) in the first round of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Tuesday evening in Russell Arena.
With the win, the No. 11 Warhawks advance to face fourth-ranked and top-seeded UW-Oshkosh on Thursday in Oshkosh. The winner of that match will advance to the WIAC Tournament Championship to battle for the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament.
The first was a set dominated by big runs for both teams. The Pointers scored the first four of the contest. The Warhawks ran off the next six before UWSP tallied eight in a row to reclaim the lead 12-6. The Pointers maintained their six-point advantage later in the set, 18-13 when UWW went on a tear. The Warhawks tallied 12 of the last 14 points in the set to win 25-20.
UW-Whitewater strung together runs of four and five before capping set two with a 6-0 spurt to take a two-set advantage in the match.
The Warhawks battled in set three, coming from behind for the sweep. UWSP held the lead early until a 4-0 run knotted the set 13-13. A few points later, UWW strung together five in a row to open up a 22-17 lead. The Warhawks held off a late surge to take set three 25-22.
Abbie Dix paced the Warhawk offense and defense at the net. The junior middle hammered down 13 kills and registered eight blocks in the match. Fellow middle Amanda Hillmann was efficient tallying six kills on eight attempts – an attack percentage of .750 in the contest.
Aubrie Krzus recorded 33 assists adding four blocks. Meanwhile, libero Natalie Lawton held down the backcourt with 16 digs.
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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