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Today is Thursday, April 25, 2024
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Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by Brienne Brown.
Experienced Community Leader and Small Business Owner, Brienne Brown, Announces Candidacy for State Assembly in District 43
Brienne Brown, a respected community leader, small business owner, and advocate for positive change, officially announces her candidacy for State Assembly District 43 in the November 5, 2024 election.
“I am excited to announce my candidacy for State Assembly District 43 and to continue my commitment to serve the people of Wisconsin,” said Brown.
Brown, who has lived in Whitewater for 12 years, is a familiar face to many Whitewater residents, who describe her as “hardworking,” “compassionate,” and “dedicated to improving our community.”
Brown has been elected to three terms on the Whitewater Common Council, served on the Whitewater Library Board for 11 years, and was instrumental on the board of the non-profit Downtown Whitewater, which worked to create the vibrant Tuesday night farmers market, Whitewater City Market. She was also Program Director for the Whitewater Community Foundation, and helped to expand their operations to offer highly impactful Community Action Grants.
In her time serving on Whitewater Common Council, Brown championed the establishment of the professional EMS Department for the municipality, replacing the all-volunteer Fire Department. She also voted to build the Cravath Lakefront Park Amphitheater, and continues to fight for shared-revenue funding from the state legislature.
The new Assembly District 43 includes Whitewater, Milton, Edgerton, Fulton, Harmony, Johnstown, Lima, Richmond, and Cold Spring.
Brown looks forward to getting to know the citizens of the new 43rd district through a series of listening sessions. “I want to represent all the citizens of the 43rd, both rural and urban, regardless of political affiliation. When we respect each other and work together, we can create positive change and make Assembly District 43 a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
For more information about Brienne Brown, visit BrienneForWisconsin.com or write to info@BrienneForWisconsin.com
Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from across the state are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. UW-Whitewater will host this event on Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be open to the public and free of charge.
“The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” said Matt Onstad, Festival Manager for UW-Whitewater. “It is also an opportunity for our music program to showcase our facilities and emphasize how much we value and support the efforts of our school music colleagues, their students and their families.”
Students must earn a “starred first” rating in Class A (which consists of the most difficult music) at a WSMA District Music Festival to qualify for WSMA State Music Festivals. The participants, in grades 6-12, can choose from a variety of instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble categories for their performances in district festivals throughout the state. Over the past six months, WSMA has held over 140 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.
“WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals provide youth musicians a state-level platform to showcase their growth and achievements. This opportunity is possible because of our state’s exceptional music educators, adjudicators, families and communities who support access to a well-rounded education inclusive of music,” said WSMA Executive Director Laurie Fellenz.
Nine other university campuses will host performances by more than 11,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside and UW-Platteville will hold festivals on April 27 also. Carroll University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point festivals will be held on May 4.
Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting wsmamusic.org. Festival information, including schedules and results, will be posted here.
# # #
Founded in 1932, Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a non-profit service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Students from member schools are eligible to participate in WSMA programs, such as District and State Music Festivals, Concert Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships, Student Composition Project and WSMA Aca U. WSMA is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over the state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
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Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s wheelchair basketball team welcomes basketball players of all ages and abilities to Kachel Gymnasium on Sunday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to noon for 2s Frees 3s: The Ultimate Shooting Competition.
Participants should enter one of the following divisions:
- Youth girls (age 17 and younger)
- Youth boys (age 17 and younger)
- Adult men (age 18 and up)
- Adult women (age 18 and up)
- Wheelchair athletes
Registration fee is $20 per participant. Trophies will be awarded to the five champions – one per division.
2s Frees 3s (2F3) is a two-minute shooting competition made up of 21 spots on the floor. The goal is to make a basket at all 21 spots before the time runs out. 2F3 was created by Steve Novak, an 11-year NBA veteran and top 10 ranked 3-point shooter in NBA history. Novak is a native of Brown Deer who competed collegiately at Marquette University.
UW-Whitewater’s men’s wheelchair basketball team won its 14th National Wheelchair Basketball Association collegiate national championship in March. Head coach Jake Williams and student-athletes AJ Fitzpatrick and Talen Jourdan, who will be present for the competition, will compete for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games this summer.
Click here for more information and to register for the event.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletic Department has announced the hire of Jarod Wichser as the next head coach of the Warhawk men’s basketball team. Wichser served as the interim coach last season.
“I would like to thank Chancellor King, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan, and the search committee for trusting me to lead the men’s basketball program,” said Coach Wichser. “It is a privilege to be a part of the Warhawk family, and I will work hard to build upon the rich tradition of success here at UW-Whitewater.”
“We are excited for Jarod to lead our men’s basketball program,” said Athletic Director Callahan. “Jarod holds character in high regard and his work ethic and ability as a teacher are never in question.”
Prior to taking over as the interim head coach a year ago, Wichser served as an assistant coach under longtime head coach Pat Miller for six seasons. The Warhawk men’s basketball program has a history of longevity of its head coaches – Wichser is just the third to take on the role since 1978.
“We’ve been fortunate with two of the nation’s most decorated coaches at the helm since 1978 – Dave “Augie” Vander Meulen and Pat Miller – that led with integrity and passion for the sport and the university. Working under Coach Miller for six years has put Jarod in a position to continue the legacy of Augie and Pat while building his own,” added Callahan.
Wichser takes the helm of a program with a long history of success at the conference and national level. UW-Whitewater has won 15 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and five WIAC Tournament titles – second-most in the league. UW-Whitewater’s 22 NCAA appearances is more than any other team in the conference while the program’s four NCAA Division III titles is tied for the most in the WIAC. The Warhawks boast a record of 42-19 in NCAA tournament play.
“The standard of success in men’s basketball at UW-Whitewater is very high because of the many elite student-athletes and coaches who built this program,” added Wichser. “We are going to be relentless in our pursuit to meet and maintain the standard of excellence they established.”
“I am thrilled for him and his family as he leads us into a new era of men’s basketball,” concluded Callahan.
In his interim campaign, Wichser led UWW to a 17-9 overall record and a 7-7 mark in WIAC play.
Wichser is a 2012 graduate of UW-Whitewater. He earned a degree in elementary/middle education before completing a master’s program in professional development at UWW in 2018.
Tickets are available one hour before the show at the door or on the Fort PAC website at this link: https://fortatkinsonpac.com/event/alice-in-wonderland/
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Sarah Gehrenbeck.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which all children add to the beauty of our community at the third annual free family-friendly International Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27 in Whitewater.
This event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School. Information will be available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for sale.
Marco Wence will perform. A student choir will sing Puerto Rican and Chinese children’s songs including one that honors the Lunar New Year. Lakeview Elementary students will drum. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the talents of our school children and community members.
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 27 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
Representatives from the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee will be at the event, providing information and answering questions.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Students from Whitewater High School’s Music Masters Ensemble and Jazz Band celebrated Jazz Appreciation month with a performance for Whitewater Middle School’s music students on April 12th. Each group performed three pieces that represent the music they have been studying this semester. Congratulations on a fine performance!
Editor’s note: The above photos and copy were provided by Karen Tordera.
It is anticipated the Walworth Avenue Storm Sewer and Drainageway Project will begin on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The
project entails replacing storm sewer inlets and storm sewer pipe in Walworth Avenue near the properties of 1011 and
1027 Walworth Avenue, replacing the storm sewer pipe that runs south from Walworth Avenue, and reshaping the open
drainageway.
Walworth Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Prince Street and Elizabeth Street for a day, Thursday, April 25,
2024, starting at 7:00 a.m. to remove terrace trees. It is anticipated to be closed again starting around May 9, 2024, until the project is completed, tentatively scheduled for May 24, 2024.
If you have any questions please contact Brad Marquardt, Director of Public Works.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-2239
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city Department of Public Works.
Obituaries
Patricia (Pat) S. Johnson (Welter) passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 with her loving family by her side. Pat was born on March 24, 1951 in Edgerton, WI., the daughter of Stephen and Florence (Koscyczarek) Welter. Pat attended Whitewater High School graduating in 1969. She attended UW-Whitewater. Pat worked at Schweiger Industries in Jefferson, WI, where she met her first husband Frank Heth. They had two sons Shane and Todd. In 1990 she married Maynard (Skip) Johnson. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia where Pat was employed by Wal-Mart. After a number of years in Georgia they returned to Wisconsin to be closer … Read more
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Lawrence Edwin Schauder (Larry) of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 79. He was born January 28, 1945, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Larry graduated from Rhinelander High School and attended classes at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. He took a break to serve two years in the military and returned to UW to graduate in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in business. He established Schauder Building, Inc. in Janesville, Wisconsin in 1974 which was in operation until his retirement in 2008. He was very active in the South Central Builders Association, and he … Read more
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Donald Lee “Donny” Deegan, 76, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024 after a short stay at Alden Estates of Jefferson. Donny was born on October 19, 1947 to Daniel and Ada (Fitzpatrick) Deegan. He was raised in a family of 13 children and was very close to all of his siblings. Donny worked many years in construction, mostly roofing, until he had to retire due to health issues. Donny spent his whole life fishing and hunting. He was such a marksman that he once saw a buck while driving down the road, pulled over and parked, aimed … Read more
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Teta Hoerman, of Antigo, died peacefully on April 15, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her family. She was 74 years old. She was born on December 24, 1949 in Whitewater, a daughter of Donald and Dora “Pat” (O’Connor) Platner. She married Dale Pellmann; they had three children. The couple later divorced. She married James Hoerman on June 12, 1992; he preceded her in death on November 16, 2014. Teta graduated from Whitewater High School in 1968. She was employed at Schweiger Furniture in Jefferson for over 20 years. She then received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of … Read more
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PERRY DOUGLAS MOYER, 91 of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at Fort Memorial Hospital surrounded by family on April 8, 2024. He was born to John and Myrtle (Brokmeier) Moyer in Whitewater on March 23, 1933. Perry grew up farming most of his life. He graduated from Whitewater High School in the class of 1950. Perry married Dorothy Kramer on October 25, 1958 at St. Patrick Catholic Church by the late Father Berry. Perry served in the Army from March of 1958 where he served 16 months in Germany. Perry’s Ayrshire cattle played a large part in his life, leading … Read more
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A Celebration of Life will be held for at Robert “Bob” Obney of Whitewater on April 20, 2024, from 3 pm to 6 pm, at 841 Brewhouse, Whitewater, WI . Whitewater, WI – The man, the myth, the legend – Robert “Bob” Clayton Obney Jr., 82, took his final bow on the stage of life on March 10, 2024. Born with a twinkle in his eye on July 8, 1941, in Barberton, Ohio, Bob was infamous for his dad jokes, his green thumb, and his ability to fall asleep in any chair known to mankind. Bob leaves behind his soulmate … Read more
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WHITEWATER, WI—Tiiu (Rodima) Gray-Fow, age 82, died at home on April 6, 2024, from the late effects of a heart attack that she suffered several months earlier. She was born in Tartu, Estonia, and spent her childhood in the shadow of World War II. When Tiiu was three years old, her family fled Estonia between the retreating Nazi army and advancing Soviet forces which were to occupy Estonia for the next fifty years. Young as she was, she still recalled their wild flight from midland Estonia to the harbor at Tallin, and the red glow in the sky from Tartu … Read more
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Jayce Xavier Rocha, our beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in a boating accident on March 9th, 2024 at the age of 21. Jayce was born on March 4, 2003, to Benny and Casey Rocha in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Jayce attended Milton schools throughout his youth where he participated in many activities and built lifelong friendships. Jayce was a three-sport athlete excelling in hockey, lacrosse, and football. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where he played football. Stevens Point is also where he met the love of his life, Mara. After … Read more
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Shirley Lorraine (Drays) Sweno, age 85 of Whitewater, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024. She was born January 8, 1939 to the late William and Lydia (Stork) Drays. Shirley was united in marriage to Howard Sweno Jr. on November 8, 1958 in Whitewater. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. Shirley retired in 2007 from Fairhaven Senior Services after 27 ½ years as their cook. Shirley will be greatly missed by her daughters, Brenda (Al) Raglin, Denise (Phil) Jones and deeply loved by 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, … Read more
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MARY LEE MAZURKIEWICZ 08.18.1942 – 04.06.2024 Mary Lee (Floo) Mazurkiewicz, 81, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on April 6th at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, surrounded by her family. Mary was born on August 18th, 1942, in Milwaukee to Leona and Clarence Floo. She grew up with 3 sisters: Patricia, Sharon (Earl) Beranek, and Eileen (Robert) Shaffer. Mary attended Riley-Hayes Elementary School. She met her future husband, Richard Mazurkiewicz, at Pulaski High School and they married on June 13th, 1964. Before dedicating herself to the most important job of all, being a mother of 5, Mary worked for Brills … Read more
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