Lynn Binnie

UW-W Gymnasts Punch Ticket to Nationals

Warhawk team photo after finishing as the runner-up (Kayla DeRosia)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Saint Paul, Minn. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Women’s Gymnastics team scored a 192.275 at the WIAC/NCGA West Regional Championship on Saturday. The Warhawks placed second in a field of eight teams, punching their ticket to the NCGA Division III National Championship to be held later this month in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

The Warhawks kicked off the competition strong with junior Kara Welsh making her long awaited season debut, leading UWW with a 9.875. Welsh’s vault score earned her a second consecutive WIAC vault title. Freshmen, Ava Pesch and Chloe Hammond, earned 9.650 and 9.600 respectively. Sophomores Carleigh Moore, contributed a 9.575, while Brianna Balian and Danielle Dudziak earned a pair of 9.500s to round out the team score of 48.200 which is tied for 9th in the UWW record book.

Sitting in third place after one event, the Warhawks stayed focused on bars earning a 48.250 which is the 9th best score in school history. As usual, senior Kelsey Kollhoff was remarkable posting a 9.725 which was good for fourth place. Her teammates followed suit with freshman, Hayden Gough, tying her season best with a 9.675. Freshman, Paige Magel and junior, Carley Scott both earned 9.650, while senior, Estee Flom and Pesch chipped in matching scores of 9.550.

While other teams seemed to struggle on the beam, the Warhawks showed up in a big way hitting all six routines. Senior, Sarah Knetzke lead the way with a 9.775 to tie for first place. Hammond followed closely behind posting a 9.675 which was enough to tie for third place. Sophomores, Ashnaya Gupta and Teagan Haberstock, kept things rolling with solid scores of 9.525 and 9.425 respectively. Magel had another strong performance adding in a 9.500 to the total team score of 47.900 which is good for 14th in the UWW records.

The energy on floor was electric as the Warhawks rounded out the meet. As the lead off gymnast, Knetzke earned a solid 9.500 to start off the rotation. Dudziak also chipped in a 9.500. Haberstock earned a 9.625 and junior, Elena Bailey, added in a 9.600 for good measure. But it was Kollhoff who stole the show as the last competitor on floor posting a 9.700 for the Warhawks and earning a fifth place finish. The 48.400 total team floor score is the 12th highest total in school history.

Dudziak was honored as a member of the WIAC All-Sportsmanship team at the conclusion of the meet.

The Warhawks will continue their season at Ursinus College on March 23rd as they compete for the Division III National title. More information on the championship will be announced early next week. 

Candidates Announced for UW-W Dean of College of Education & Professional Studies

Provost John Chenoweth has announced the three finalists [note: now there are only two] for the dean of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Education & Professional Studies. There will be forums, open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, for the candidates during the week of March 11.

DR. LANA COLLET-KLINGENBERG
BRIEF BIO – Lana Collet-Klingenberg is the interim dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Collet-Klingenberg joined the faculty at UW-Whitewater in 2009, served as chair of the Special Education department from 2015-2018, and was the college’s interim associate dean and associate dean from 2018-22. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her doctorate in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lana has led work in educator preparation at the state and national level as president of the Wisconsin Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, an affiliate chapter of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

Open forum: Monday, March 11 at 11 a.m., University Center, Room 266 or Webex

Webex Event Information
Event address for attendees:  
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=m6bd7a5b155176ba74d03ed9f519a16cb
Webinar number (access code): 2634 794 4673
Webinar password: MDwEiFTe586 (63934383 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone:  +1-415-655-0001 US Toll
Access Code:  2634 794 4673 

DR. M. CECIL SMITH
BRIEF BIO – M. Cecil Smith is a professor in the School of Education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he served as dean of the School from 2020 to 2023. Prior to his appointment at SIUC, he was Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education in the College of Education and Human Services at West Virginia University from 2013 to 2020. He earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1988 and joined the faculty of the College of Education at Northern Illinois University from 1988 to 2013, where he rose to the rank of full professor. A nationally known scholar in adult learning and literacy, he is the editor of seven books and has produced more than 60 peer-reviewed publications.

Open forum: Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:00 AM in Winther 2001 or Webex

Webex Event Information
Event address for attendees:  
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=mef4f8f4e264044b5cb05032ffb40fe39
Webinar number (access code): 2633 690 3892 
Webinar password: rgT2j2KUTu4 (74825258 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone:  +1-415-655-0001 US Toll
Access Code: 2633 690 3892 

Note: There was a third candidate, Dr. James Ball; however, he has withdrawn from consideration.



Behold the Magic of Oz at the Library

Historical Presenter Michelle Gibbons will visit the library on Tuesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the beautiful yet tragic life of Judy Garland. Gibbons will explain how Garland would receive worldwide fame for her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. She will explain how she went on to star in other notable movies such as Meet Me in St. Louis; The Harvey Girls; Easter Parade; and Summer Stock. Gibbons will discuss how Garland was let go from MGM in 1950 for personal struggles yet went on to star in the Emmy-nominated television show, The Judy Garland Show and was the first female to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. She was also awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award after her death, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was placed on the Top 10 Greatest Female Stars of the American Cinemas list by the American Institute.

There is no cost or registration. While the event is geared toward adults, all ages are welcome to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater.

UW-W Women’s Basketball Falls in Elite 8

The Warhawk faithful cheer in the background after Kacie Carollo hit a three-pointer against Transylvania (Craig Schreiner)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

 The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s phenomenal season came to a close in the Elite 8 Saturday following a 62-48 loss to undefeated Transylvania University. 

The Warhawk faithful showed up in droves and provided a fantastic atmosphere in Kachel Gymnasium for the game Saturday night. As the contest got underway, it was clear the first half was going to be a defensive battle from the opening tip. The stifling defenses on both sides limited scoring through the first two quarters and kept the game close. 

Late in the first, Lunden Alexander knocked down a triple that gave UWW a 12-9 advantage with 3:29 left. The Pioneers hit a layup at the 1:54 mark for the last bucket of the period.

The second quarter went back-and-forth until TU went on a 7-2 run to open up a six-point lead, 22-16, halfway through the period. The Warhawks responded on both sides – the offense put up seven points including four from Aleah Grundahl and another three from Alexander, while the defense blanked the Pioneers for the final 5:46 of the quarter. That 7-0 run gave UW-Whitewater all the momentum heading into the break despite the one-point difference, 23-22. 

A big third quarter run for Transylvania saw the Pioneers build a double figure margin by the midway point. The Warhawks refused to fold and went on a tear late in the quarter. With the score 42-29 in favor of TU, Kacie Carollo fed Grundahl on a beautiful pass for the layin. A quick Pioneer turnover gave the Warhawks the ball under their own basket and Carollo capitalized drilling a three-pointer in the corner in front of the UWW bench. The play was a perfect catch and shoot off the inbounds pass from Renee Rittmeyer and the crowd erupted. 

Less than 30 seconds later, Carollo struck again from long range to cut the margin to five. On the other end, Carollo hauled in a defensive board, one of her nine on the night, and pushed the pace up the court. The ball found its way into Katie Hildebrandt’s hands, and she knocked down a jumper to send Kachel into pandemonium as the UWW had cut the lead to three, 42-39, with less than 30 seconds remaining in the quarter. With all of the momentum going the Warhawks’ way, Transylvania called a timeout. Following the break in action, the Pioneers got off a last second shot to push the lead back to five, 44-39, by the end of the third. 

The margin was still at five at the 6:17 mark in the fourth before Transylvania hit a couple of big shots and the Warhawk offense went cold. TU hit a three and a layup while UWW had multiple shots circle the rim and pop out. The swing had Pioneer advantage back into double digits with less than four to play. The Warhawks were forced to foul, but TU hit their free throws down the stretch for the final. 

Grundahl led UWW with 17 points on 6-12 from the floor. She added six rebounds and tallied three blocks. Hildebrandt posted 10 points while Carollo went 9-9-7 in scoring, rebounds and assists respectively.  

The Warhawks closed the 2023-24 campaign with a 25-5 mark after making the team’s 22nd appearance in the NCAA tournament and fifth trip to the Elite 8.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Mid-20th Century Parade


It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the second image of the band in the mid-20th century parade that was photographed coming down Main Street. This view shows the north side of Main Street very well, with the Strand Theater, the College Grill, and other businesses visible on this side of the street.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

3830P, Whitewater Historical Society

Spring Forward – Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday @ 2 a.m.

Remember to “spring forward” this Sunday morning. Once again in the past year there have been calls for eliminating daylight savings time. Polling shows that a majority of Americans detest the practice: 62% would prefer to end it, according to a March, 2023 poll by YouGov, but respondents were divided between those (50%) who would like to have permanent daylight time (DST) and those (31%) preferring permanent standard time. 

What’s the status of that Senate bill to end time changes? (From NPR)

In March 2022, the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act. The intent behind the bill was to make daylight saving time permanent starting in the spring of 2023.

And at first, it looked as though it might become a reality. The Senate passed the bill through an expedited process and with unanimous consent — legislative rarities in this day and age.

But the bill wasn’t taken up in the House. Members cited higher priorities, like a budget deficit and the war in Ukraine, but there was also a growing chorus of criticism about the bill’s approach.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., reintroduced the bill in March 2023, and it was sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, but there has been no notable movement on it since. A companion bill, introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., is similarly stuck in committee at the House level.

Even if either bill manages to pass both chambers, it’d still need to be signed by President Biden, who hasn’t indicated how he leans on the issue.

So for now, the tradition remains intact.

As Daylight Savings begins, it is a perfect time to “spring ahead to safety” and tackle a few critical emergency preparedness updates for the coming spring season.

  • Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: All residences are required to have both types of detectors on every level, including the basement, but not the attic or storage areas. Now is a good time to replace the batteries in your detectors and push the test buttons to be sure they’re working properly. Replace your detectors every five years.
  • Emergency Go Bags: Be sure to have a basic emergency kit in your home with supplies, food and water to last you and your family for at least three days. Other items like a battery powered radio, flashlights, additional batteries, and first aid kit should also be included. For more information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
  • Emergency NOAA Weather Radio: Spring brings the threat of tornadoes. Make sure you have an emergency weather radio. It’s like having a tornado siren in your home. When it goes off, go to a safe place. Remember, the outdoor warning sirens are only intended for people to hear outdoors.
  • National Weather Service Wireless Emergency Alerts: Wireless Emergency Alerts are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. No signup is required. Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. For more information, please visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

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UW-W Women’s Basketball Advances to Elite 8

Warhawks celebrate late in the game against Hope Friday. (Michael Gouvion)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team defeated Hope College 72-61 in Kachel Gym to advance to the Elite 8 for the fifth time under Head Coach Keri Carollo. The Warhawks will host unbeaten Transylvania University Saturday, March 9 with tipoff slated for 7 p.m. and a ticket to the Final Four on the line. 

Doors to Kachel Gym will open at 6 p.m. Tickets (cash only) can be purchased at the ticket window in the Williams Center near the gym entrance. No presale tickets will be available. Parking is free in the Williams Center or Perkins Stadium parking lots.

  • $15 for adults
  • $10 for students with a valid college ID, seniors and youth
  • Free for children 3 years old and under


UWW got off to a good start for the third NCAA postseason game in a row. Late in the first, Aleah Grundahl converted on an offensive board and followed up the bucket with a steal that turned into a Katie Hildebrandt layup to give the Warhawks a 20-11 advantage. Hope made the final basket of the first quarter to cut the margin to seven. 

UW-Whitewater dominated the second quarter shooting 62-percent (8-13) from the floor and 63-percent (5-8) from three-point range to widen the gap to 18, 41-23, by the intermission. Bri McCurdy and Kacie Carollo paced UWW with six points each – both knocked down a pair of threes in the period. 

After an even third quarter, Hope put together a run in the fourth, but the Warhawks held them off. A 7-0 spurt early for HC narrowed the gap to 11, 61-50, with seven minutes left. UWW responded with a 9-2 run bolstered by seven points from Carollo to push the lead back to 19 with four left to play. 

The margin fell to 10 with under a minute to go but Carollo sealed the game from the free throw line for the final. 

A major advantage for UW-Whitewater Friday came on the glass as the Warhawks enjoyed a 41-27 sway in the rebound column. 

Grundahl led the way with 25 points on 12-20 from the floor. She was a single rebound shy of a double-double while adding three assists and three steals. Carollo dropped in 19 with four assists in the game. Lunden Alexander knocked down three clutch triples to get the crowd going. She had 13 points off the bench for UWW. 

Saturday’s Elite 8 matchup with Transylvania will be the first time the two teams meet. The Pioneers (30-0) hold the longest active win streak across all sports in NCAA competition with their 63rd consecutive win earlier Friday – a 63-58 victory over UW-Stout. 

Signs of Community Industrial Photography Exhibit at the Arts Alliance



“Signs of Community” Art Exhibition Featuring Industrial Photography by Lance Thomas at Whitewater Cultural Arts Center Gallery

Whitewater Arts Alliance announces its current art exhibition, “Signs of Community,” showcasing the industrial photography of Lance Thomas. The exhibition will run from March 1-30, 2024, at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center Gallery located at 402 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI, 53190.

Lance Thomas

Lance Thomas, a talented photographer with a passion for aging architecture and community narratives, brings his unique
perspective to life through his industrial artwork. Thomas embarked on his project journey in 2012, exploring the city of Milwaukee and capturing the essence of its urban landscapes. What started as a simple stroll evolved into a profound artistic exploration, where Thomas discovered that the beauty of a community lies in its simplest elements. “I set out to capture the essence of aging architecture and community bonds through my lens,” says Lance Thomas. “Incorporating salvaged and
reclaimed materials to frame my work adds depth and resonance to each piece, creating a powerful presentation that invites viewers to delve into the heart of each image.”


In 2019, Thomas expanded his project to include iconic buildings and signs in Whitewater, as he prepared for an exhibition at Roberta’s Art Gallery, located in the UW-W University Center, and participated in a collaborative art project installed at the University Center.

Returning to Whitewater for the “Signs of Community” exhibition at the Cultural Arts Center, Thomas is excited to share his latest works with the community. The Whitewater Arts Alliance, will hold an artist’s reception on Thursday, March 21, from 4-6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Lance Thomas and engage with his thought-provoking artwork.

Please see this Banner post for information regarding the months-long art and rummage sale. Additionally, on March 21, from 12-6 p.m., the Whitewater Arts Alliance will offer special deals during their art and rummage sale, offering bargains on local artwork and unique treasures from their storage. Many Whitewater Arts Alliance artists have donated their work for the sale.

Kim Adams, Gallery Director for Whitewater Arts Alliance, invites art enthusiasts and community members to celebrate the arts and foster connections within the community. “Join us in exploring Lance Thomas’s remarkable industrial photography, as we come together to celebrate the arts and create a sense of community,” says Adams. Adams is hopeful that the rt sale will be a successful fundraiser for the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

For more information about the “Signs of Community” art exhibition and the upcoming art/rummage sale, please contact Kim Adams at 608-201-2151 or visit www.whitewaterarts.org.

Seniors in the Park Presents Killers of the Flower Moon

It’s movie awards season and Seniors in the Park will be presenting many nominated and winning films over the coming months!

“Killers of the Flower Moon”

Tuesday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.

(Earlier starting time due to film’s length; 15 minute intermission midway). 

(Drama/History) Rated R (profanity, violence)

3 hours, 26 minutes (2023).

When oil is discovered in 1920’s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Native American Osage people are mysteriously murdered one-by-one until  the newly formed FBI steps in to unravel the mystery. Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director (Martin Scorsese), Actress (Lily Gladstone) and Actor (Robert DeNiro). 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Dementia – Reminiscing Brings Comfort


Reminiscing about the past can be a powerful way to connect, offering comfort and joy for both persons with dementia and caregivers.  Reminiscing is less about facts, names and dates than it is about re-experiencing feelings of happiness, comfort, and love. Here are some tips on how to reminisce effectively and sensitively.  

Choose the Right Time: Pick a moment when your loved one seems most alert and open. Mornings are often a good time, but every individual is different.

Use Props to Spark Memories: Photos, music, familiar objects, or scents can act as powerful triggers for recalling memories. They can serve as a gentle prompt that encourages your loved one to share their stories. The aroma of baking cookies or cake can bring on pleasant memories, so don’t miss a chance to appreciate that moment together.

Be Patient and Receptive: Show genuine interest in their stories, even if they repeat themselves. Don’t insist they recall a name or date.  Your attentiveness, patience and affection are much more important.

Follow Their Lead: Let them guide the conversation. If they steer towards a particular topic or era, follow their lead.

Avoid Correcting Errors: The goal is to enjoy the moment together, not to challenge inaccuracies. Remember, the emotional pleasure you both experience is more important than factual details.

Encourage Sensory Memories: Sometimes, talking about how things tasted, smelled, sounded, or felt can be easier than recalling specific events.

Use Open-Ended Questions: Phrases like “Tell me about…” or “What was it like when…” can encourage more detailed responses than yes/no questions.

Remember the goal of your time together is to create emotions of warmth, kindness and comfort.  You may hear statements that are incorrect – one moment she has a daughter, the next she never had a daughter – but there is no need to correct the statement.  Nobody likes to be corrected and you may inadvertently cause feelings of shame.  Keep your goal in mind.

For more information on reminiscence benefits, click

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-together-magazine/ideas-help-person-dementia-feel-connected-using-scents-and-aromas

This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers.  New members are always welcome!  Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.  More resources for caregivers:

https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center

https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services/aging_and_disability_resource_center/index.php

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/benefit-specialists/ebs.htm