Dustin Reichwald

Upcoming City & Community Meetings: Week of June 3 – June 9

Urban Forestry Commission – Monday, June 3, 2019, at 4:30 pm at the Whitewater Municipal Building – Cravath Lakefront Room

More information, including agenda

Downtown Whitewater Board Meeting – Monday, June 3, 2019, at 5:00 pm at the Discover Whitewater Conference Room

More information, including agenda

Common Council Meeting – Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 6:30 pm at the Whitewater Municipal Building

More information, including agenda

Landmarks Commission Meeting – Thursday, June 6, 2019, at 6:00 pm at the Whitewater Municipal Building, City Manager Conference Room

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New Beginnings APFV community workshop in Whitewater

Article and Photos by Tom Ganser

Front L to R
Ben Kelly, Lisa Otterbacher, David Byrne, Emily Radaj, Araceli Wence
Back L to R
Nathan Radaj, Pete Goihl, Sam Radaj, Deborah Grulkowski, Jessica Wilson, Regan Hammons, Nancy Schmidt, Mary Barnes, Deborah Blackwell, Brittany Redden

In May, five young teenagers and five senior citizens put their artistic and horticultural skills to the test in a fun and intergenerational experience sponsored by the Association for the Prevention of Family Violence (APFV).

The four-session workshop was supported by a 2018 grant from the Whitewater Community Foundation to promote collaboration between APFV and Studio 84, Whitewater Middle School students, and residents of Fairhaven Senior Services.

The first four-session workshop focused on providing a greater understanding of individual strengths and sought to gain insight on the different challenges each generation faces. The workshop included seniors and youth working together on a fun personality assessment and a combination art and garden project.

Throughout the sessions, the youth had an opportunity to share some technology experiences as seniors shared some of the wisdom they have gained throughout life.

Working side by side in Studio 84, the five teens and five senior citizens planned how to decorate flower pots, painted the pots, transplanted flowers and other plants into the pots, and distributed them to Fairhaven Senior Services residents.

APFV began in 1978 as a task force looking at the community problem of domestic violence, enhancing its mission over the years and expanding its services. In 2018 APFV changed its name to New Beginnings APFV and opened a second New Beginnings office in downtown Whitewater in order to better serve the needs of the northern portions of Walworth County as well as begin to serve residents of southern Jefferson County. The original office is located in Elkhorn.

New Beginnings APFV is an advocacy center that collaborates with individuals who are seeking to reclaim ownership of their lives. New Beginning advocates are dedicated to walking the journey with individuals who are navigating a challenging time in their lives that often involves emotional trauma as well as complex court and legal systems.

New Beginnings APFV provides comprehensive, compassionate support and services to people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. This includes crisis intervention, legal advocacy, safety planning, individual counseling, housing advocacy, children’s services, medical advocacy and information and referral to other relevant community resources.

To learn more about APFV, visit newbeginningswalworth.com.

WHS Soccer defeats East Troy, advances in WIAA regional play

  • Cora Linos making one of her 11 saves.
  • Carmen Kraayvanger scores the first WHS goal.

Article by Dan McCrea; Photos by Peter Mischka

Whitewater Girls Soccer, a number ten seed in first round WIAA regional play, traveled to number 7 East Troy and defeated the Trojans 2-0.

In regular season play, the Whippets lost twice to the Trojans, 2-0 and 2-1, thus the win was redemptive. The Whippets started off slow, but gained momentum when Carmen Kraayvenger scored, assisted by Jaden Henneman in the 37th.

The warm weather taxed the Whippets but the reserves provided steady relief maintaining the team’s tempo. In the 79th minute, Meikayla Korf placed a floater over the keeper to put the Whippets up 2-0 for good. Cora Linos recorded 11 saves in goal. Sierra Brunner pressed the Trojans on attack allowing  space for Kraayvenger, Korf, Henneman and Melanie Reyes to work the midfield. Defensively Brianna Zimdars, Maddie Elworthy, Crystal Chan and Hannah O’Brien held an aggressive East Troy attack.

Up next Whitewater travels to number two seed New Berlin West on Saturday at 1:00 pm.

Daniel Lee Leverenz passed away peacefully on May 16, 2019, after battling a serious illness for years.

He fought bravely with determination continuing his various jobs and hobbies until the end. With his kindness and generosity toward family and friends, “Danny” loved and lived life on his own terms. He became an amazing chef and baker ,a caretaker, a woodworker, and an excellent pool player. Most importantly, he was an avid reader and poet. He had a collection of thousands of books, movies, music, and art objects. Asked anything about his collections, he could answer them verbatim. Daniel was born in Fort Atkinson, WI and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1982. He since continued to pursue teaching and other careers in the Twin Cities.

He is survived by his partner of many years, Phyllis Kay Lenss, sisters Gail Beach, Jean Malson (Raymond), Terrie Leverenz (Matt), Stepmother Joyce Leverenz and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother, Vera Embree, father Walter Leverenz, and sisters, Sheryl and Shelley. Celebrations of his life will be held in Minneapolis, MN and Whitewater, WI.

Services will be held in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 15, 3:00 p.m. at Biffs Sports Bar and Grill, 777 Hwy. 65 NE, Spring Park Lake, MN, 55432.

Specified donations will go to Hospice of Minneapolis and Scleroderma Dan’s Book’s for Charity.

Myron “Mike” Richard Paynter, 79, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Myron was born on February 9, 1940 in Johnstown Township, Rock County to Meredith and Eldora (Zanton) Paynter. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1958. Myron married Norberta Verthein on June 17, 1967. He was employed with Wisconsin Electric Company for over 25 years. Myron enjoyed golfing, deer hunting, and playing cards. He loved to follow his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. Myron was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Norberta; children Julie (Matthew) Burns, Highlands Ranch, CO, Jennifer (Matthew) Nyquist, Orono, MN, Michael Paynter, Milwaukee; sisters Nancy Morrow, Whitewater, Elizabeth Banholzer, Astoria, OR, Arlene Kearney, DeForest; brother Robert Paynter, Whitewater. He was preceded in death by his parents Eldora and Meredith Paynter and brothers LaVerne and Arlyn Paynter.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. and then a brief burial service at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Whitewater Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 63, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Nitardyfuneralhome.com

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Whippets compete at regional meet; Up Next: WIAA State Championships

Article by Coach Maas

The Whippet Track and Field Family had a busy week, first competing at the Regional Meet on Monday at Beloit Turner. From there they qualified several individuals and relays for the Sectional Meet in East Troy. There the Whippets then qualified 5 relays and 4 individuals for the WIAA State Track and Field Championship in La Crosse. Qualifying for State for the girls were the 4X200 and 4X100 M Relays. Those relays consist of Kacie Carollo, Morgan Radaj, Grace Black, and Abby Grosinske, with Amanda Tovar, Hailey Murphy, and Olive Coburn serving as alternates. The 4X200 got things going running a season best of 1:48.19 and. When the dust settled in the 4X100 the girls ran another season best touring the track in an outstanding time of 50.93 finishing 2nd. The girls are now ready to show what they can do at the State Meet.

On the boys’ side the 4X800 M Relay with Juan Cuellar, Gio Anello, Ignacio Cuevas, and Trenten Zahn rolled to a season best time of 8:17.20 and earned themselves a trip to La Crosse. Jared Clapper kept things rolling qualifying for State in the 100 M Dash, finishing 3rd in a photo finish with a time of 11.40. The Italian Stallion Avery Caputo took home gold in the wheelchair division of the 100 M Dash, and Sashi Popke delivered another gold winning the pole vault, skying 13’ 6”. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was Joe Gmur’s personal best in the high jump. Gmur leaped 6’ 2” to earn himself a trip to state. Then it was time for the boys 4X200 M Relay to step up to the starting line. Jack Mayer, Juan Cuellar, Will Leibbrand, and Jared Clapper were only seeded fourth coming out of regionals, but they had other plans. Setting a blistering pace from the very start, the quartet of sprinters ran the second fastest time in school history with a 1:30.72 winning the relay and cementing their spot at the state meet. Next it was time for the 4X100 Meter Relay consisting of the same 4 gentlemen. All they did was win again lighting a fire on the track with a time of 43.67. Once again running the second fastest time in school history.

The track and field team would like to thank all of their supporters who came to sectionals to cheer them on. It was great having everyone there. Now, it’s on to La Crosse for the WIAA State Track and Field Championships.

Lois Ann Nyman (Zimmerman) 93, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Fairhaven in Whitewater.

She was born March 23, 1926, in New Glarus, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late John C. and Anna Katharina “Katie” (Zweifel) Zimmerman. She married Lyle D. Nyman on January 15, 1947 at St. Mark’s Church, Dubuque, Iowa. He predeceased her on May 31, 1989.

Lois was a 1943 graduate of Palmyra High School and she started her career at the age of 17 at Palmyra State Bank. She was a charter member of the Women Bankers Association which was founded at a time when only men were allowed as members of the Bankers Association. Lois was later employed by Walworth County and then Door County as the Real Property Lister until she retired in 1990. Finding that retirement did not suit her, Lois accepted a 10 year appointment as Grand Secretary of the Order of Eastern Star in Dousman, Wisconsin. Lois had been active in the Eastern Star for many years in Palmyra, Sturgeon Bay, Dousman and Whitewater.

She is survived by daughters Laurie Medina (Dwight Brass), Atlanta, Georgia; Lee (Fred) Wurzbach, Palmyra; Lou (Bob) Kehoe, Eagle; and step-daughter Sharon Turner, Ashland, Mississippi. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 21 great great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Joyce Zimmerman, Palmyra, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, and parents, Lois was predeceased by step-daughter, Linda  Nyman; great grandson, Cory Lytle; brothers, Sylvan, Lawrence and Erwin Zimmerman; and sisters, Viola Adams and Iona Turner.

Visitation of remembrance will be on Friday, May 31, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 145 Prairie Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. followed by an Eastern Star service at 10:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation, MS 3050, P.O. Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI 53201 or online at https://chw.org/ways-to-help/giving/how-to-give or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-memorials.

UWW’s Jasinski Wins National Pole Vault Title

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s and women’s track and field teams racked up three individual All-America honors, including one national title, and one relay All-America finish Saturday on the third and final day of the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.

Junior Zach Jasinski (Sussex, Wis./Hamilton) of the men’s team highlighted the day with his first national championship in the pole vault. He matched his own school record with a height of 17-02.75 (5.25 meters), topping UW-Stout’s Noah Zastrow, who tallied a 16-10.75 (5.15 meters). Jasinski finished as national runner-up at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March and now has two All-America medals for his career.

Jasinski’s title helped the Warhawk men finish in a tie for 14th place at the meet with 17 points.

UW-Whitewater’s 4×100-meter relay team of freshman Victor Rinaldi (Medford, Wis./Medford), sophomore Dwayne Ford (Racine, Wis./Case), junior Jake Schneider (Plymouth, Wis./Plymouth) and sophomore Tyreik Thomas (Racine, Wis./Case) combined for a third-place finish, four spots ahead of the group’s preliminary finish. The quartet posted a time of 41.13 seconds. Schneider and Ford are now  two-time All-Americans for their careers.

Junior Adam Schommer (Freedom, Wis./Freedom) joined Jasinski on the All-America podium with an eighth-place finish, registering a height of 15-07.00 (4.75 meters) on his first attempt. It was his first All-America honor.

On the women’s side, junior Abbie Felton (Burlington, Wis./Shoreland Lutheran) earned her seventh career All-America accolade with a seventh-place finish in the 400-meter dash. She collected a time of 56.92 in the race.

Felton’s two points allowed UW-Whitewater to finish in a tie for 66th in the team standings.

More at UWWSports.com

Neil F. Rolli, 85, of Hartford, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2019.

He was born January 20, 1934 at the Rolli homestead in Lafayette County, WI. Neil was the youngest of two children born to Frederick E and Catherine M (Brannan) Rolli. He was a graduate of Cuba City High School (WI) in 1952. Neil served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957 during the Korean War. After military service he pursued a degree in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In 1961, Neil graduated from UW-Whitewater and shortly after, married Bonnie Louise Halvorsen. Together they had four children, Charles (’62), Bridgette (’63), Jeffrey (’64) and Eric (’78).

After graduation Neil began his teaching career on the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation. In 1967 he moved back to Whitewater where he taught history at Whitewater Junior High School. During his time in Whitewater he also supported the school district as the AV Coordinator and attained his M.A. in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He finished his career in 1996 teaching fourth grade at Lakeview Elementary School. After retirement, Neil moved to Park Falls in 2001 to pursue his life-long interests of hunting and fishing. In 2014 he made his final move to the Hartford area. Neil will always be remembered for his love of fishing and hunting with his grandchildren and telling stories around the campfire. He was also a proud member of Phi Chi Epsilon Fraternity, Kiwanis Club, VFW, and the American Legion.

Preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Catherine (Brannan) Rolli. He is survived by his sister; Mary Louise (Rolli) Bowden, Cuba City, WI; his children, Charles Rolli, Waupaca, WI, Bridgette Turner (Chris), Trempealeau, WI, Jeffrey Rolli, Aurora, CO, Eric Rolli (Robyn), Minot, ND, his daughter-in-law; Brenda Rolli, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Mainstreet Pub & Winery in Cuba City, WI. A Military Service Ceremony is also scheduled at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VFW Post 8318 in Cuba City, WI.