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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Steve Watson writes, “Morning sunshine, full moon over Whitewater. The following info is copied from Google. ‘The November 2025 full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is a supermoon occurring on November 5, 2025, reaching peak illumination at 8:19 EST and appearing larger and brighter than usual. This is the closest supermoon of 2025 and is visible the night of the 5th as it rises, looking larger near the horizon due to the moon illusion.'”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for yet another beautiful photo.
— 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!
Whitewater Arts Alliance Annual Members’ Show—2025
Celebrate Community Creativity at the Whitewater Arts Alliance Members’ Show
| Exhibition Dates: November 6–December 20 Reception: Saturday, November 15, 1:00–4:00 p.m. Location: Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) invites everyone to its Annual Members’ Show, a celebration of local creativity and community connection. The exhibition runs from November 6 through December 20 at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater and features original artwork by WAA member artists. This annual tradition showcases the diverse talents of artists who support and shape the Alliance’s mission to promote the visual arts in Whitewater and beyond. Visitors will find a wide range of mediums—from painting and photography to fiber and mixed media—reflecting the unique perspectives and styles of each artist. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 1pm-4pm. All are welcome to attend. Guests can enjoy refreshments, meet the artists, and learn more about the stories behind the work. The reception offers a relaxed and welcoming time to connect with the creative community and explore the role of the arts in local life. The Members’ Show is one of the Alliance’s cornerstone events, highlighting the value of artistic collaboration and the importance of sustaining a vibrant arts culture in Whitewater |
| For more information, contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance Phone: 608-201-2151Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.comWebsite: whitewaterarts.org Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running. “20 Years Of Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!” |
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week our post honors Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11. While Memorial Day honors all those who died in service, Veterans Day honors all those who served. Here is a photo of Whitewater’s National Guard unit on the march in the summer of 1951 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. This was at the height of the Korean War so National Guard readiness was important. To all veterans, have a Happy Veterans Day.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(1827P, Whitewater Historical Society)
The 15th Annual Run for Trey took place on October 5, 2025. Treyton Kilar’s life was tragically cut short on September 2, 2010. His legacy and love for baseball lives on through Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the scholarships given in his name, and the community that gathers year after year to honor him.
Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
As renovation work concludes at the Jefferson County Courthouse building, the County is hosting a free Open House from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12 for Jefferson County residents and employee family members who would like to view the remodeled spaces.
Visitors should arrive at the Courthouse building, 311 S. Center Ave. in Jefferson, starting at 5:30 p.m. After passing through security, guests will have the opportunity to view maps, floorplans, and photographs, chat with County department heads and representatives from the architect and builder, and take a self-guided tour. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
“We hope to welcome many friends, family, and neighbors to see the refreshed and reimagined workspaces for County employees,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “I am proud that the renovations have enabled our staff to better serve County residents while maintaining excellent stewardship of taxpayer dollars.” For additional information about this event, please contact John Fox, Jefferson County
Director of Facilities Management, at JFox@jeffersoncountywi.gov or 920-674-7322.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our final
2025 Snowmobile Safety Education Course on December 2, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00
p.m., and December 13, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s
Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both
sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety
Education Course to legally operate a snowmobile in areas open to the public within
Wisconsin. Students should be at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.
Snowmobile Safety Education Course
Session 1: December 2, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: December 13, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/snowmobile-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the
submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information.
The course fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student
is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the
student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any
questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
The all-female Black Hawk Artists will host their annual art show at the Hoard Historical Museum.
The opening reception will be on Sunday, November 2 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The show runs until Thursday,
November 20. Shown here are Black Hawk Artist Janet Nelson [above] preparing a piece for the show and artwork [below] by Black Hawk Artist Jan Gilkey that will be in the show. For more information, please contact the Hoard Historical Museum at 920-397-9914 or info@hoardmuseum.org
Returning for its 52nd year, the Black Hawk Artists’ Show will run from November 2 through November 20.
As it has been for all 52 years, the show will be held at the Hoard Historical Museum, 401 Whitewater Ave.,
Fort Atkinson WI. Artists invite the public to an opening reception on Sunday, November 2 from 1:00-4:00
p.m. The Black Hawk Artists is a group of women artists who meet monthly to support each other’s work
and to plan their annual show at the museum. This year’s artists include Jan Gilkey, Priscilla Heussner, Judith
Henning, Jan Holewinski, Julia Ince, Sally Koehler, Mary Pratt, and Angie Hamele Szabo, all of Fort Atkinson. The group also includes Janet Nelson and Mary Wallace of Cambridge; Karen Crosby of Lake Mills, and Linda Tump of Whitewater.
Each artist’s interpretation of this year’s theme and title for the show, “Hanging By A Thread” will be
displayed as part of the theme wall located in the museum’s entrance gallery. The wall will end in a tribute to
Priscilla Heussner who passed away shortly before the show. Prior to her death, she completed most of her
theme piece. That accomplishment, one of her many achievements in overcoming her physical limitations
stands as a testament to her absolute determination to create art and to inspire the artistic efforts of her
fellow Black Hawk Artists.
The largest collection of the show’s art is found in the museum’s Jones Family Gallery. The gallery
provides a rich showcase for artwork created in the past year. The artwork is remarkably diverse. Artists’
media include oil, acrylic, pastel, and ink paintings. There are also fiber creations, jewelry, mixed media,
crafted papers, scarves, sculpture, and a Jan Holewinksi miniature assemblage featuring wildlife stamps.
Each artist spent the last year creating new pieces of art for the show. Julia Ince drove to the Pacific
Northwest in her modified van in search of painting subjects. She especially savored the stunning scenery of
Washinton state and Oregon. She painted oil and acrylic works on site and took a wealth of photographs to be subjects in later paintings. Karen Crosby is continuing her lifelong exploration of all things related to paper. She has also produced pieces in fused glass and a mobile for this year’s show. Judith Henning’s abstract
paintings involve continued experiments with various media. She has been printing leaves on gel plates for
this year’s show. Sally Koehler is searching for inspiration in Spain. Mary Wallace has spent weeks on a large
wall-hanging fashioned from wool and silk. Mary Pratt is working on small landscaping paintings which reflect the same fine craftmanship of her pottery. Linda Tump’s pear paintings have evolved into collaged sculptures.
New this year, the artists will also be hosting a gallery talk regarding their artwork. Led by Julia Ince,
the gallery talk will be held on Friday, November 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Artwork created by the artists will be
for sale during the run of the show.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum are located at 401 Whitewater
Avenue in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 9:30 to 4:30.
There is no admission charge. For more information, call the Museum at 920/563-7769, e-mail the Museum at info@hoardmuseum.org, and visit our website at www.hoardmuseum.org.
Potential caption:
Richard “Dick” Cheney died on November 3, 2025. He was the 46th Vice President of the United States, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.
The flag on the White House was lowered to half-staff on November 4. As of the afternoon of November 5 it appears that no official proclamation has been issued calling for flags to be lowered; however, the U.S. Flag Code calls for this to occur from the day of death until interment of a former Vice President.
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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