Archives

Welcome back to #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society!

This week’s image features an unidentified dirt road near Whitewater. Before roads were paved, especially in rural areas, late winter and early spring often brought muddy and rutted roads. Sometimes, farmers that still had horse teams were called to pull cars out of ditches and some roads became pretty much completely impassable for days. The Good Roads Movement in Wisconsin in the 1920s brought pavement to many state and national highways, but it took until after WWII for many local roads to be paved.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!

(0389P edited, Whitewater Historical Society)

The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!​ 

No. 16 UW-Whitewater Baseball Splits at UW-La Crosse

Game 1 Box Score: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/baseball/2021/uwl9.htm

Game 2 Box Score: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/baseball/2021/uwl10.htm

The No. 16 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team collected 21 hits Friday on its way to a 19-2 victory in seven innings at UW-La Crosse in the nightcap of a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader in La Crosse, Wis.

The Warhawks (9-2 overall, 3-1 WIAC) were defeated 5-2 in the first game of the day.

UW-Whitewater erupted early in Game 2 with nine runs in the top of the first inning and added one more in the second, five in the fourth, two in the fifth and two in the sixth for a run-rule shortened win.

Pitcher Connor Spear picked up his first win of the year, allowing no hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings of work. Ben Muscatello struck out the side in the sixth, and Jim Jarecki pitched the seventh.

Second baseman Bryan Sturdevant and left fielder Jacob DeMeyer paced the offense with four hits apiece. Sturdevant scored three runs and batted in two, while DeMeyer posted one double, one home run, one stolen base, two runs scored and four runs batted in.

Designated hitter Matt Korman also plated four runs and added two hits, including one double, and two runs scored, and centerfielder Zach Campbell registered three hits, including two doubles, to go along with three runs scored, one stolen base and three RBIs.

Shortstop Nick Santoro recorded three hits, including one double, to go with one walk and three runs scored. First baseman Donovan Brandl finished 2-for-3 with one double, two walks, three runs scored and one RBI, and third baseman David Rubin smashed a solo home run in his lone at-bat.

In the opener, the Warhawks out-hit the Eagles 10-9, but left 10 runners on base and committed three errors in the field.

UW-La Crosse (6-4, 1-3) took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth and added insurance runs in the sixth and eighth innings.

UW-Whitewater’s last good chance to tie the game or take the lead came in the top of the seventh. After loading the bases with nobody out, the Warhawks were retired in order.

Third baseman Ben Wilkins reached base twice, including on a two-run single in the top of the fourth that gave UW-W a 2-1 lead.

Brandl totaled three hits, and second baseman Sam Vomhof recorded two.

Brandl dropped to 1-1 on the season with the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five. Kade Lancour tossed the final 2 1/3 frames, allowing one run.

The Warhawks resume action Tuesday with a conference doubleheader at UW-Oshkosh. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.

Whippet CC Hosts First Ever Meet on WHS Campus

Article by Chad Carstens, Photos by Peter Mischka
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Thursday was a history making day as the Whitewater Cross Country Teams raced on a true home course arranged on the campus of the high school for the first time in program history. 

The boys’ program was the first to race in this head-to-head competition against the Jefferson Eagles. Trenten Zahn harnessed the moment and brought the Whippet jersey across the finish line in first with a time of 18:30.9, just ahead of Mason Marin of Jefferson. Trenten looked smooth and under control, showing his maturity as a senior and racing disciplined to take the win. Cooper Hammond was the team’s second runner and placed 6th overall. CJ Tomomitsu placed in 7th, and senior WIll Hofmann ran his first race of the year good enough for 9th. Rounding out the top five finishers and placing 10th overall was Nate Holden with a time of 23:21.9. Jefferson won the meet with 22 points to Whitewater’s 33.

The girls’ race featured junior Sophie Walton leading the squad with a 6th place overall finish in her first event of the season. She finished the new racecourse in a time of 26:08.6. Gwen Truesdale also raced for the first time this season and was the team’s second runner finishing with a time of 26:21.1, good enough for 7th. A nice pack of Whippets followed with Trinity Nickels in 9th, Lauren Buehler in 10th, and Danielle DePorter in 12th to round out the top five Whippets. The girls seemed to find each other a little easier today compared to their first race, and that was great to see. Racing with a teammate is a powerful aid. Caelyn Caputo dropped a nice 51 second chunk of time from her previous race to place 15th. Jefferson won the meet with a score of 15 versus Whitewater’s 43.

  • Sophie Walton
  • Trenten Zahn

Next up for the Whippets is another home meet on Tuesday, April 6th, at Whitewater High School. The teams competing will be Clinton, Columbus, Edgerton, Evansville, McFarland, and Whitewater. Race times are 4:30 for boys and 5:15 for girls. The starting line is just outside the Auditorium, and the finish is on the hill along Walworth Avenue. Come out, and cheer for your Whippets!

Former American Legion Building Demolished to Make Way for Senior Apartments

Demolition of the former Veterans Memorial (American Legion) Building at 292 S. Wisconsin Street has nearly been completed in order to begin construction by DLK Remodeling of a ten apartment residence for people age 55+. The building will include an attached parking garage. Architectural drawings and other details about the project may be found in the agenda of the Plan & Architectural Review Commission meeting of March 9, 2020.

On Memorial Day in 2019, as part of his comments at the Veterans Memorial Building, American Legion Adjutant Steve Smith announced that a dwindling active membership, a lack of resources to maintain the building, and a refocusing on serving verterans led to the decision by the William Graham Post 173 of the American Legion to sell its building, which was 50 years old. “To be clear, we are not going away,” Smith stated. “We are downsizing to better focus on our mission, and we will continue to meet and function as we have in the past.”

The tank which had been displayed at the front of the property was relocated to Elkhorn Memorial Park.

Wilfred Arthur Ludeman, 97, of Whitewater, died on March 31, 2021 at his home

Wilfred Arthur Ludeman, 97, of Whitewater, died on March 31, 2021 at his home.

Wilfred was born on June 12, 1923 in LaGrange, WI to Arthur and Lillian (Romey) Ludeman.  He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1941. On June 20, 1946, Wilfred married Jean Orcutt. She preceded him in death on September 28, 2001. Wilfred owned and operated a dairy farm, drove school bus for 17 years, and worked for many years for Seasonal Services where he took great pride in the flowers and lawn at First Citizens State Bank. Wilfred was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and served as an usher for 72 years.  He was also active in the FFA and 4-H. He and Jean also cared for many foster children over the years.

He is survived by his children: Mary Hoof; Kathy (Dan) Wood; John Ludeman; Patricia (Thomas) Korslin; Becky Ludeman; Kris Ludeman; son-in-law Michael Annessi; special family friend Laura Johnson; grandchildren: Matthew (Jennifer) Hoof; Sarah (Luke) Hein; Benjamin (Kelly) Ludeman; Michael Ludeman; Kate (Michael) Kennedy; Meg Tindal; Steve (Mariah) Korslin; Alexis and Alyssa Rodriguez; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Freeman; Hailey and Caden Hoof; Jack Hein; Brock and Sophia Ludeman; Nathan and Cora Kennedy, Natalie and Jaxson Tindal; great-great grandson: Beckett Chaplin, and several others he thought of as family.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Caroline; daughter, Jean;  daughter-in-law, Patsy; granddaughter, Vicki Jo; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Bertha Ludeman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater.  A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  For your convenience, mass will also be live streamed on Tuesday. Please go to nitardyfuneralhome.com and follow the link on Wilfred’s obituary.

Following church and city protocols, masks are required and social distancing observed.  Because seating is limited, please email Becky at ludemanb@gmail.com if you are planning to attend in person for seat availability.  There will be no reception following the graveside service.  In lieu of flowers we suggest a memorial in Wilfred’s name to St. Patrick Catholic Church: Music and Liturgy or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.  Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary of Mary J. Goeglein has been updated with arrangements

A Memorial Service will be held to honor the life of Mary J. Goeglein on May 22, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Evergreen Country Club in the Pavillion, N6246 US-12, Elkhorn, WI 53121 .  Visitation will start at 1:00 p.m. with a service at 2:00 p.m., with visitation afterwards until 5:00 p.m.  Please note masks will be required.

Mary J. Goeglein, 61, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by her family on October 22nd, 2020.

Mary was born on November 29th, 1958 in Fort Atkinson to Robert A. and Jane E. (Graham) Kettwig. She spent all of her early life in Whitewater; graduating from Whitewater High School in 1977 and then UW-Whitewater in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. On June 1st, 1979, she married the love of her life, Walter “Wally” Goeglein, at United Methodist Church in Whitewater. After graduating, she pursued a career at her alma mater as an administrative assistant. Here, she touched many lives and dearly enjoyed mentoring and building friendships with her student workers.  Many kept in contact with her after their graduation and she enjoyed following their further careers and adventures. 

Many described Mary as a caring, warm-hearted person that was always willing to help others. She was gentle yet bold, and always had so much love to give. Her smile was bright and contagious; she lit up any room she entered. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren; and enjoyed cooking wonderful meals for family and friends.  One of her favorite activities was riding her Can-Am Spyder “Cora” and she was a beloved member of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. She loved all things Disney and made many trips “home” to Walt Disney World which brought her so much joy.  She enjoyed watching Badger, Packer and Brewer games and loved the spirit of Wisconsin sports. One event you could always find her at was Irish Fest in Milwaukee; enjoying the music, the food and all things Celtic.

Mary is survived by her husband Wally; her son Graham (Autumn White) Goeglein of Madison; her daughter Jessica (Tom) Ackley of Raymond; her brothers Thomas (Toni) Kettwig of Poinciana, FL, and Dan (Kathy) Kettwig of Port Orchard, WA; and her grandchildren Abraham and Harrison Ackley; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Estelle Villwock.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Agrace Hospice, Cedar Crest Assisted Living, and Visiting Angels for all of their compassion and kindness.

A memorial service for Mary will be held in the Spring of 2021 when we can all gather to share our beloved memories of her and honor her spirit.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be given to the ALS Association at their website donate.als.org to benefit ALS research.  You can also send a memorial in her name to Agrace Hospice by either going to their website or if you prefer to donate by check, please make the check payable to “Agrace Foundation” and mail it to: Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Whippet Soccer Opens on Turf Field

Comments and Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka:

Whitewater High School opened their Alternative Fall Boys’ Soccer Season on a windy day at one of the Mercy Health Sportscore fields in Loves Park, Illinois. It was a non-conference game on artificial turf against Beloit Memorial on March 30 — and the Whippets ended up on the short end of a 9-1 score. Beloit Memorial is, of course, a much bigger school than Whitewater.

This outing was a good opportunity for Rene Menager, our new coach, to learn more about the boys before conference play begins. Next up is another non-conference game at Racine Case on April 1. Conference play begins at home against McFarland on April 5.

Ignacio Cuevas

Local grocery co-op start-up opens special access ownership, funded by generous donations


[Whitewater, WI, March 2021] If you’ve hesitated to join the Whitewater Grocery Co., a
cooperatively-owned grocery store start-up, because of cost, there is a donor-funded
opportunity for you to become a full member for just $25.

In February, an anonymous owner generously donated $500 — raising the balance of the
sponsorship fund and making it possible for eight individuals and 10 students to become full
owners. This new ownership option includes all the same rights and responsibilities as any other
membership.

“This is a powerful opportunity to bring new members into our community to support a
locally-owned grocery store in Whitewater. This also demonstrates that the GroCo is an
inclusive organization. While there are a number of ways for people to join the GroCo, this
option may be more viable for some. We are also excited to make this offer to students, who are
an important part of the Whitewater community,” board president Katy Wimer said.

“It is our hope that other donors will help support this effort so that we can make this offer to
even more new owners. It’s easy to do by just going to our website.”
Whitewater Grocery Co. has 723 member-owners and is preparing for the next stages of
development which include a capital campaign and leasing a location.

“We’re excited that we’re getting closer all the time to launching our capital campaign and
finalizing decisions about the best location for the GroCo,” Wimer said.

Anyone can sign up to be an owner, a special access owner, or a special access sponsor on the
Whitewater Grocery Co. website at www.whitewatergrocery.co/ownership

UW-W Announces Plans for a Hybrid Spring 2021 Commencement

(UW-W press release) The spring 2021 commencement at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will be held in a hybrid format, allowing graduates an opportunity to cross the stage in cap and gown and receive their degrees in person, and providing the speeches, music and other traditional elements in a virtual format. About 1,775 students from both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses are expected to participate.

“We know from students and their families that crossing the stage is a powerful and emotional moment in the academic journey,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson. “Our Warhawks have worked to achieve this important milestone under remarkably difficult circumstances. We are happy to offer our graduates the opportunity to take this important step in person.” 

On Friday, May 14, students will be recorded crossing the stage at either Young Auditorium or Kachel Fieldhouse in cap and gown as their names are read. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing must be observed in keeping with the university’s COVID-19 protocols. Graduates will be contacted regarding their specific line-up time and location.

Then, on Saturday, May 15, the entire recorded ceremony — including students crossing the stage — will be shared online at 1 p.m., allowing graduates to watch it with their friends and family members. The video will also be available for viewing at a later time.

Photographers will be on hand to take photos on May 14 as students cross the stage, and students will receive printed commencement booklets. Because of limitations on gatherings, we cannot accommodate any guests. And, because of space limitations, the ceremony is reserved for 2021 graduates.

The Commencement Committee, in close consultation with students, university leadership, and the Emergency Operations Committee, carefully and thoroughly considered different options for the format of the ceremony. It was determined that an outdoor ceremony was not possible because Perkins Stadium, the only venue large enough to accommodate a graduating class of this size and their guests, is not available due to renovations beginning this spring and continuing into the summer. The hybrid option at Kachel Fieldhouse/Young Auditorium provides for an indoor opportunity for students to cross the stage and receive their degrees in person, in keeping with social distancing practices for safety.

More information on UW-Whitewater’s spring 2021 commencement will be released at a later date. This information and any additional updates will be posted to uww.edu/commencement. 


Graduation regalia for both undergraduate and graduate students is available for purchase from the University Bookstore. Caps, gowns, tassels and diploma frames can be purchased either in-store or through the University Bookstore website.