The Whitewater Whippet Football Team lost a non-conference game to Monroe on Friday, April 16, by a score of 29-7.
The high point for the Whippets was scoring their touchdown with just 1 second left in the first half on a 35 yard pass from junior quarterback Brock Grosinske to senior Chase Conn.
Another high was when the Whippets stopped the Cheesemakers when they had a first and goal in the second quarter.
Brock Grosinske
Chase Conn
Next up in this shortened alternate season will be a game at McFarland on April 23. Attendance continues to be limited due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The picture of Chase Conn shows him catching the 35-yard touchdown pass in the end zone. He is wearing a mask under his helmet which makes it hard to make out his features.
(Whitewater Arts Alliance submission) Art by students from ages 4 to 18 is now featured in the April virtual exhibit at the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s website www.whitewaterarts.org/wusd-2021. The gallery at the Cultural Arts Center will be closed for the month of April.
The exhibit includes visual two dimensional artwork by students from area schools. The art teachers displaying their students’ art are: Justin Mane (Washington), Sara Sixel (Lincoln), Sara Brautigam (Lakeview), Sarah Heyer (Middle School), and Crystal Gill (High School).
Here is a message from WAA’s President, Kristen Burton, about the show, “Part of the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s mission is to promote arts education. This collaborative exhibit between the Whitewater Unified School District and the Whitewater Arts Alliance supports that mission, provides the community an opportunity to follow the developing talents and careers of our up-and-coming artists, and fosters a positive environment for life-long learning and creativity.”
Art by Paige Callahan, 3rd grade Lincoln Elementary
Big thanks to WAA’s sponsor!
The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.
Comments and Photo Courtesy of Justin Crandall Whitewater High School Athletic Director jcrandall@wwusd.org
Congratulations to the Girls’ Tennis Team on their finish at the conclusion of the Conference Meet on Friday, April 16. The meet was started on April 8, but had to be postponed after a few matches due to rain.
All four singles players medaled! Emilia Houwers placed third at #1 singles, Mariana Cano took the conference title at #2 singles, Anisa Dauti finished third at #3 singles, and Crystal Chan placed third at #4 singles. Go, Whippets.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team held leads past the halfway point in each of the games it played Thursday afternoon but fell in back-to-back contests at UW-Oshkosh in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.
The Warhawks (11-7 overall, 1-3 WIAC) were defeated 5-4 in the opener after the Titans plated three runs in the bottom of the seventh. UW-W dropped a 9-4 decision in Game 2 after UW-Oshkosh scored seven runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead for good.
In Game 1, catcher Nikki Mikosz knocked a pair of home runs, including a two-run shot in the top of the second inning to give UW-Whitewater a 2-1 lead and a solo homer to lead off the top of the fifth.
The Warhawks’ advantage increased to three runs later in the fifth on a run-scoring single through the left side by designated player Kennedy Cox.
Pitcher Kate Cleveland dropped to 4-3 on the year with the loss, striking out four over 6 1/3 innings.
Third baseman Meg Cohrs, right fielder Meghan Dunning and second baseman Delaney Becker also tallied hits for UW-Whitewater. Centerfielder Vera Pflugradt reached base twice on a pair of walks.
In the nightcap, the Warhawks led 4-2 through 4 1/2 innings before the Titans (10-4, 2-0) broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth.
Cox totaled a team-high three hits, and left fielder Krista Sbarra posted two hits and two RBIs. Mikosz collected a two-run double and added two walks at the plate. Becker and first baseman Kaleigh O’Brien each registered one hit and one run scored.
Starting pitcher Rhiann Dick took the loss, falling to 3-3 for the season. Kathryn Kinsella, Annie Morelli and Marissa Adams each made appearances in relief.
UW-Whitewater continues play on the road this Saturday at UW-Stout. First pitch of the WIAC doubleheader is set for 2 p.m.
(UW-Whitewater submission) Four alumni who have achieved significant professional and community service success are being honored as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater celebrates its 153rd anniversary. The 2021 class of alumni award honorees include graduates with careers in business, biology and broadcasting — including one whose work shifted in 2020 to lead a team that helped develop a successful COVID-19 test.
This year’s recipient of the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award is Earl Arms. The award recognizes the professional accomplishments of Arms, who earned a B.S. in broadcast journalism in 2009, as an accomplished journalist and communications professional. Arms is the media relations manager for Milwaukee Public Schools, the largest school district in the state of Wisconsin, with approximately 77,746 students in 2018. He also serves as host of Black Nouveau, a popular series on Milwaukee Public Television.
The recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement is A. Scott Muerhoff. Muerhoff, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1983, is recognized for his outstanding work in the field of research, including a significant contribution to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Muerhoff is director of Biologics Discovery, Analysis and Design and the Volwiler Senior Research Fellow at Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories, with more than 28 years of experience in diagnostics assay research and development with an emphasis in infectious diseases.
Wade Fletcheris this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Community/Regional Service. Fletcher, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1978, is recognized for his exceptional service to others, as evidenced by numerous local, regional and statewide awards citing his outstanding commitment to the community of Beaver Dam, focusing on the health issues and the welfare of youth and people with disabilities. Fletcher is a retired corporate executive and entrepreneur.
The recipient of the Distinguished Alumni for Service to UW-Whitewater is Rajen Patel. Patel, who earned a BBA in computer end-user technology in 2000, is recognized for his outstanding dedication to the university in providing services for students, faculty and staff over the years. Patel is assistant director of University Housing, in charge of the overall management, supervision, planning, upgrades and maintenance of all things technology for more than 4,000 students living in residence halls, 70 employees and 16 buildings.
“All four of these accomplished alumni speak to the breadth and the depth of the impacts that our graduates can have, both professionally and in their communities,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson. “As evidenced by these individuals, our business, science and communication programs have a strong track record of producing talented, versatile graduates, and I couldn’t be more proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these Warhawks.”
“Our alumni bring a wealth of experiences to the Warhawk family,” said Amy Oeding ’90, director of alumni relations. “Like so many of our alumni, they not only give back to their communities, they continue to have a rich connection to the campus and to today’s students.”
Also being honored are the 2021 UW-Whitewater Outstanding Student Awards, one from each of the university’s five colleges. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship in addition to their award:
Emily Burk, accounting and finance double major from Waukesha, College of Business and Economics
Nicole del Plaine, criminology and psychology double major from Sherwood, College of Letters and Sciences
Elise Matson, history education major from Waukesha, College of Education and Professional Studies
Parker Peabody, mechanical engineering major from Janesville, College of Integrated Studies
Danielle Terrell, communication major from Sun Prairie, College of Arts and Communication
The outstanding alumni and student awards will be presented at a virtual event on April 17, in honor of the university’s founding on April 21, 1868.
For more information on UW-Whitewater’s Outstanding Alumni awards, visit uww.edu/alumni/awards.
(Jefferson County Parks submission) The Jefferson County Parks Department is seeking volunteers to complete several essential projects in our parks, and we need your help. Volunteers continue to be an essential part of the development and maintenance of our system of Parks and Trails and below are a few of the projects you can help us with today. For more information on volunteer opportunities in the parks or where to meet and what to bring, contact our office at 920-674-7260 or email parks@jeffersoncountywi.gov
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION and TASK
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
8:00 am – noon
Korth Park
W8390 Korth Lane, Lake Mills
Invasive Plant Removal
Thursday, April 22, 2021
8:00 am – noon
Korth Park
W8390 Korth Lane, Lake Mills
Invasive Plant Removal
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
8:00 am – noon
Dorothy Carnes Park (West)
N3220 Radloff Lane, Fort Atkinson
invasive Plant Removal & Tree Planting
Friday, April 30, 2021
8:00 am – noon
Dorothy Carnes Park (West)
N3220 Radloff Lane, Fort Atkinson
invasive Plant Removal & Tree Planting
Friday, May 14, 2021
8:00 am – finished
Maunesha River Clean Up
Put-In: 136 N Monroe St, Waterloo
Take-Out: Gravel lot by the bridge west of Hwy 19 and Hubbleton Rd.
Saturday, May 22, 2021
8:00 am – finished
Koshkonong Creek Clean Up
Put-in: CamRock Bike Park, W Water St, Cambridge
Take-Out: Hwy B Bridge in Rockdale
Saturday, June 5, 2021
National Trails Day
TBD
Friday, June 18, 2021
8:00 am – finished
Bark River Clean Up
Put-In: Hagedorn Rd, east side of river
Take-Out: Hwy 106 on east side of river, roadside parking.
Volunteer Checklist:
Gloves Safety Glasses or sun glasses
Closed toe shoes Sunscreen
Drinking Water Snacks
Volunteer waivers must be signed prior to starting. Anyone under the age of 18 must have an older an adult with them for signature.
If you or your organization are interested in adopting a park or trail for a clean-up event or improvement project please contact us today at 920-674-7260 or e-mail.
(Studio 84 submission) Studio 84, located in Whitewater, is offering a dance workshop open to all ages and all abilities. “Dancing for Everyone” will be held in person with a max of four in the class to allow for social distancing and as an online prerecorded class. This first workshop will be an intro to modern dance techniques and moves, allowing for adaptations for all abilities and any mobility concerns. In person classes are available at several times/days and both options are only $120 for a ten-week one hour a week session. Participants will have the option of doing a recital or public performance of the choreographed piece they will be taught as a fundraiser for Studio 84’s programing in the arts.
Instructor, Margaret Wheeler, obtained her Masters in Dance from Mills College in Oakland, CA in 1983, but she began dancing as a young child. Since receiving her MA, she has taught Modern, Ballet, Tap, African, Improvisation and Choreography classes in a wide range of venues in diverse cities and states, including Chapel Hill, NC, Helena, MT, Boston, MA, Elkhorn, WI, and as the Dance Director, Teacher and Choreographer for Fisk University (ranked #6 among historically black universities and located in Nashville, TN).
Dance Instructor Margaret Wheeler
She was the Director and Choreographer for the Parabolic Dance Company in Helena, MT, which she founded in order to give back to the community, donating all proceeds to local charities and non-profits, including to AIDS research and to the local animal shelter.
Margaret lived in New York City, as an immigration attorney, for several years, and one day realized that her apartment was a block from the famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater School of Dance. She had already had the privilege of taking classes with this amazing company when they had toured other states.
Her philosophy on Modern Dance can be borrowed from these words from Mr. Alvin Ailey himself, “I believe that the dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.” Mr. Ailey’s comment means that dance is for everyone—not just the elite, and not just well-trained dancers. Not just for white people, but for all races, ethnicities, origins, genders and abilities. Dance is for all of us, and it can bring peace, creativity, self -confidence, and a connection to our own souls.
Studio 84 is a non-profit community art studio with a creative focus on the abilities through the arts. Go online for more details and to register at www.studio84inc.org. You can email/call them if you have any questions. info@studio84inc.org 262-473-9845.
(University of Wisconsin System submission) Facing intense competition in online education, the University of Wisconsin System is planning more focused coordination of new and existing resources to capture more of the online education market.
The effort will involve intensive research on program opportunities with the goal of accelerating the development of new online programs while enhancing marketing toward adult learners and Wisconsin employers.
“We have an opportunity to better serve adult learners in Wisconsin, but we have to be more aggressive and focused to serve these potential students and employers,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson. “This proposal adds focus and resources while leveraging what the UW can offer to help solve this challenge.”
The UW System Board of Regents heard a presentation on the framework for the UW System’s online education plans – including enhanced research and marketing, expanded program and curriculum development, and maximum flexibility to respond to evolution in the marketplace – at its meeting Friday. Details for the framework, called Project Distance Education+ (Project DE+), are being developed through ongoing discussions with university and other stakeholders.
The effort will target the estimated 815,000 adults in Wisconsin with some college credit but no degree. Adult learners often identify online education as the preferred pathway for advanced education.
UW System will also solicit employers as it determines which career-ready programs to develop and offer. Surveys show adult learners are more likely to pursue online education opportunities that offer non-credit, work-related training as opposed to degrees.
UW System has made improving online education a key focus of its 2021-23 budget proposal. It is seeking about $15 million to get started but would eventually be self-sustaining.
The improved online education plan would be implemented as early as January 2022, depending upon funding.
UW System and each of its 13 universities have been delivering online education to students for years; in 2018-19 about 10,000 students were receiving over 50 percent of their coursework online. UW Extended Campus, which partners with universities to develop and offer degree programs, is responsible for over half of all fully online enrollments. UW System plans to aggressively increase both program growth and enrollment through Project DE+.
By Al Stanek Whitewater Banner volunteer staff Whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Per City Clerk Michele Smith, the recount which was conducted on April 15 confirmed the previously announced outcome of the April 6 election for Aldermanic District 5 Councilmember. Incumbent Gregory Majkrzak received 62 votes, and Neil Hicks, 60 votes. Majkrzak will be sworn in for his first full term on April 20, together with incumbents Brienne Brown and Carol McCormick, who ran unopposed. Lisa Dawsey Smith will also be installed for her first term.
