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U W Whitewater Community Optimist Club Online Auction

U W Whitewater Community Optimist Club
Community fundraiser for the Youth of Whitewater
March 27th 8 a.m. thru Sat., April 3rd  12 Noon
https://u-w-whitewater-community-optimis.betterworld.org/

Click on our auction and purchase an item to benefit the youth of our community events such as:
*Easter Egg Hunt
*Youth Appreciation Week
*Scholarships (3)
*City Park-Optimist Turtle Mound Parkway
*Breakfast With Santa
* Whitewater Unified School District Emergency Fund
*Youth Awards
*Toys for Tots
*Food Pantry
*Fishing Clinic
These are some of our programs. Your purchases will help us provide the necessary funds for the programs.
We are meeting virtually right now and if you have an interest in the club please contact Al Hutchison @ alnjoyce.hutchison@gmail.com

https://u-w-whitewater-community-optimis.betterworld.org/


No. 18 UW-Whitewater Shuts Out Finlandia in Doubleheader Sweep

Box Score, Game 1: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/baseball/2021/bb05.htm

Box Score, Game 2: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/baseball/2021/bb06.htm

The No. 18 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team extended its win streak to six games Friday with a pair of victories over Finlandia (Mich.) in a doubleheader at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium.

The Warhawks (6-0 overall) allowed a combined two hits in the two games, topping the Lions 14-0 in the opener before a 10-0 triumph in the nightcap. Both games concluded after seven innings by run rule.

In Game 2, pitcher Matt O’Sullivan was perfect through 6 1/3 innings, struck out the first 13 batters he faced and totaled a career-high 17 strikeouts for the game, tied for the second-most in one game in program history (Michael Kaska, 2019). His perfect game was broken up on a single to center in the top of the seventh.

O’Sullivan (2-0) faced the minimum number of batters (21) after UW-W turned an inning-ending double play in the seventh.

Designated hitter Connor Moroder, shortstop Nick Santoro and catcher Ryan Norton each plated two runs to lead the offense. UW-Whitewater scored six runs in the bottom of the third to break the game open before adding three in the sixth and one in the seventh.

In Game 1, the Warhawks mashed 17 hits, and starting pitcher Westin Muir improved to 2-0 after allowing one hit and striking out seven over five innings. Ben Muscatello finished the game in relief, striking out three in two frames.

Left fielder Matt Korman collected three hits, including one double, and posted one run scored and five runs batted in. Right fielder Jacob DeMeyer recorded one hit, one run scored and three RBIs.

First baseman Donovan Brandl registered three hits and two runs scored. Moroder, Santoro, centerfielder Zach Campbell and third baseman Ben Wilkins tallied two hits apiece, and Moroder and Santoro each scored two runs.

UW-Whitewater broke the game open with five runs in the bottom of the third, and extended its lead with six in the bottom of the sixth.

The Warhawks return to action Wednesday when they host UW-La Crosse. First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 1 p.m. at Miller Stadium.

Whippets Top McFarland in Five, Remain Undefeated

Article by Kathy Bullis
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka and Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
kbullis@wwusd.org

What a night to be remembered! Thursday, March 25th, 2021, will go down in the Whitewater Volleyball books as a night that didn’t build character, it revealed it, as Whitewater defeated McFarland (3-2) 23-25, 21-25, 25-14, 25-20, 15-12! Heart, guts, staying together, and believing! Before the game I told the girls that they had to commit to the moment. At any point each and every one of them has the guts to take over the game. No words were more true! Each player made her mistakes, but more importantly each player had the guts to step up and take over the game.

Whitewater lost the first two sets to the 2019 Wisconsin State Runner-Up team of McFarland, 23-25 and 21-25. The Whippets knew they had a tough battle in front of them but they stayed focused and pulled up their bootstraps and got to work. Through very strong serving and great defense, Whitewater completed the reverse sweep and won the next three sets by the scores of 25-16, 25-20 and 15-10.

 
Below are players that showed their guts had moments where they took over a game:

Amanda Tovar went on a serving run in the third set which helped separate the Whippets from the Spartans. The Whippets then used that momentum to win the set.

Cora Linos went on a serving run, did an outstanding job setting our hitters up, and had keys blocks which led to a 4th set win.

Caleigh Yang turned up her defense and was making great reads which led to timely digs.

Cali Kopecky had some outstanding digs in the 3rd and 4th sets that extended many rallies, which Whitewater was able to capitalize on for big momentum changing points.

Avery Hintz also had a great serving run and outstanding play at the net, with a block that helped the Whippets once again separate from McFarland for a victory.

Lexi Juoni showed her guts when she had two blocks in a row on McFarland’s biggest hitter, to shift the momentum back in the Whippets’ favor.

Kiyla Kopecky also showed her guts by being a great presence in the middle with her blocking and smart placing of shots. McFarland was forced to set the ball outside, where we could pick up more of their hits defensively.

Kindyl Kilar and Emme Bullis each had their moments where we needed a side out, and Cora was able to set either one for the point. It is so wonderful to have two very strong, powerful, and smart hitters that can pick a team apart.

With this win, the Whippets are alone at the top of the conference at 7-0. They have one more conference game on Tuesday, April 6th, when they travel to Clinton.

I would like to extend a special thank you to W7 for coming down to Live stream our match! W7 works hard to get out and cover high school sports! As W7 says, “It’s for the girls!” Thank you W7!!!!

Leaf & Yard Waste Collection Runs for Two Weeks Beginning April 5

LEAF AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION:

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect leaf and yard waste the:

  • Week of April 5 – April 9, 2021
  • Week of April 12 – April 16, 2021

*Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.

Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 30 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not property bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags in the fall only at the Finance Department.

Please place your bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, April 3, (for collection beginning on April 5) and April 10, (for collection beginning on April 12). All bags must be brought to the curb for final collection on April 16, by 6:00 a.m. After April 16, bags will not be collected by City staff.

Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste. The compost site will open for the season on Saturdays, starting April 3, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays beginning April 7, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.

NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.

Walworth County Launches Embedded Crisis Liaison Program: Pilot Program Places Mental Health Professional in Whitewater PD Effective April 14

(ELKHORN, WI): For individuals suffering from mental health crises, interactions with police and the criminal justice system are upsetting and have lasting effects. Law enforcement officers responding to mental health and substance abuse-related service calls have few good choices. Simply put, holistically addressing mental health crises requires long-term solutions and a specialized skill set. A new Walworth County pilot program aims to provide that expertise.

Known as the Embedded Crisis Liaison Program (ECLP), the pilot program places Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Community Crisis Liaisons (CCLs) on-site at designated law enforcement agencies during peak call times and on-call 24/7 to allow for real-time community access to mental health support services. The liaisons go on applicable calls with police, who secure the scene before deciding when it’s appropriate to hand things over. The hope is that this immediate, on-scene response will provide better outcomes for residents in need while providing police with better support.

“The pilot program’s success will focus on decreasing demands on police officer time responding to mental health and substance-abuse crises, reducing repeat involvement for individuals with mental health or substance-abuse disorders, and providing quality mental health care in the least restrictive environment,” says Walworth County Administrator Mark Luberda.

Based on historical population and crisis-response case data, the Cities of Delavan and Whitewater were selected as preliminary partners for the pilot. The first Community Crisis Liaison moved into the Delavan Police Department on February 1, 2021. The second liaison will start with the City of Whitewater Police Department on April 14, 2021.

“We anticipate that having an embedded mental health crisis professional located within our police department, working with our officers and out in our community, will serve as a force multiplier when we find ourselves working with individuals who are experiencing crisis,” says Whitewater Chief of Police Aaron Raap. “It should improve our response efficiency and enhance effectiveness when confronted with the myriad of mental health crises people experience.”  

In addition to the services offered in Delavan and Whitewater, DHHS Behavioral Health specialists are evaluating ways to expand mental health support services for the Sheriff’s Office. Potential activities for the Sheriff’s Office may include consultation for serious situations that require the engagement of the SWAT team, preemptively de-escalating crises and follow-up in group homes, and enhanced mental health services at the jail. The Sheriff’s Office is located in close proximity to the DHHS and the in-house Crisis Intervention Specialists are available to respond on scene when requested.

To measure the program’s success rate, DHHS is working with licensed Psychologist Dr. Patric Mattek to analyze data related to the number of arrests, the amount of time law enforcement spends on service calls, and the number of hospitalizations for mental health and substance-use problems. This data will be used to better understand the program’s impacts and to help DHHS apply for grants to expand the program in the future.

For more information about DHHS, click here.

First United Methodist Church Invites All to Take Part in a Palm Sunday Car Parade

At 12 noon on Sunday, March 28, First United Methodist Church is inviting all to take part in a PALM PROCESSIONAL PARADE!

Drive into the FUMC parking lot (145 S. Prairie St.) at the South Prairie Street entrance.

Receive palm branches safely from masked & gloved Prime Time Youth.

Tune your FM radio to processional music.

Proceed along the parade route IN YOUR VEHICLE.

Maps will be provided and the route will be clearly marked.

Tell your friends! ALL are welcome to receive palm branches.

HOSANNA! A safe and creative way to celebrate Palm Sunday!

Arlene Louise (Bjorngaard) Ostermeier, 89, passed away at Fort Memorial Hospital on March 21, 2021 after a brief illness

Arlene Louise (Bjorngaard) Ostermeier, 89, passed away at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin on March 21, 2021 after a brief illness.

Arlene was born on February 18, 1932 to Peder and Selma Bjorngaard in Wanamingo, Minnesota. She attended country school for eight years and graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1950. Arlene graduated from St. Olaf College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in home economics education. She taught home economics for seven years at junior and senior high schools in Evansville, Litchfield, and St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Arlene received her M.A. at Michigan State University in December 1962 from the Department of Textiles, Clothing, and Related Arts. She completed 27 credits toward a Ph.D. in the Department of Sociology while she was teaching at Michigan State University.

Arlene married Terry Harlan Ostermeier on May 9, 1964 in East Lansing, Michigan. She taught in the Department of Home Economics at State University College of Buffalo from September 1964 to January 1967.

Arlene and Terry moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in July 1967 where they built a house in the country on a 20-acre woodlot, and she devoted herself to raising their two sons. She later was a substitute teacher and taught evening classes for Gateway Technical College. Arlene then worked in several positions at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and retired on July 15, 2000 from the Registrar’s Office.

Arlene was a co-founder of Whitewater Gourmet Club in 1970. Her hobbies were cooking, reading political and historical books, and traveling with Elderhostel, which continued her love of learning. Beginning with her two-month tour of Europe during the summer of 1956, Arlene visited more than 20 countries. She participated in many events at the Whitewater Senior Center and lectures at Fairhaven.

Arlene was preceded in death by her mother Selma, father Peder, and brother Norris. She is survived by her husband Terry, sons Marc (Elissa Zurbuchen) and Eric (Melanie Burns), granddaughters Brita and Sara Ostermeier, brother Pervin (Lois), and sisters-in-law Eileen Bjorngaard, Judi Krablien, Boni Otto, and Kris Seefeldt.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 Southeast 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 (www.parkinson.org).

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Alva D. Robinson age 85 of Whitewater was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at her home

Alva D. Robinson age 85 of Whitewater was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Saturday March 20, 2021 at her home. She was born on April 4, 1935 to Earl and Gertrude (Schober) Schrunk in Ewing, NE. She graduated in the class of 1952 from Bartlett High School in Wheeler County, Nebraska. She met her future husband Dorald in 1952 when he was working on the ranch; they were married on February 22, 1955 in Clearwater, Nebraska. Dorald knew the moment he laid eyes on Alva that she was his one and only. In 1965, the family moved to the Milton area where Alva worked for JC Penney and Prent. Alva dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her family. She excelled at many talents including various forms of crafting and gardening. In her later years, she turned her card-making into a successful business. Alva and Dorald lived life to its fullest over the last 24 years as snowbirds in Arizona. They cherished every moment of their many friendships and adventures.

Alva is survived by her loving husband Dorald of Whitewater; daughter Myrna (David) Rudolph of Beloit, and son Carl (Karen) Robinson of Menasha, WI.; three grandchildren Robbie (Ami) Robinson, Melissa Robinson and Scott Robinson, two great-grandchildren; Faith and Haven. Siblings Ellis (Lois) Schrunk, Roland (Shirley) Schrunk, Merlyn (Nila) Schrunk, Earleen (Marlowe) Jensen, Laura Ratliff, Bob (Sheila) Schrunk and Tim Schrunk. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation time will be held Friday, March 26 from 10:00 A.M. -12:30 P.M. at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Service with a family service to follow. The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Whippet Volleyball Remains Undefeated, Showdown with McFarland Set for Thursday

Article by Kathy Bullis
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
kbullis@wwusd.org

Whippet Volleyball defeated Evansville Tuesday night, 25-16, 25-14, 25-12. The Whippets move to 6-0 overall and 6-0 in Rock Valley play.

Senior Cora Linos led the way for the Whippets by having 4 Aces, 18 assists, and 1 block. Once again, sophomore Kindyl Kilar and senior Emme Bullis provided the 1-2 punch offensively by combining for 25 kills (Kilar 12, Bullis 13). Sophomore Cali Kopecky had a great game from behind the service line with 4 aces and provided strong defensive play in the left back. Senior Kiyla Kopecky is getting stronger and stronger in the front row each game. She had a couple timely blocks and is now adding a third punch offensively for the Whippets. Junior Avery Hintz and senior Amanda Tovar both had solid all around games playing as right sides. Junior Lexi Juoni is priming herself to have a breakout game by gaining more confidence as a middle blocker and applying her basketball skills to make her slide attack more effective. Sophomore Caleigh Yang is having an impact on the team with her solid defensive and serve receive skills. 

Thursday, March 25th, Whitewater will host a showdown with another undefeated Rock Valley Conference team, McFarland. The Whippets are 6-0 and have dropped only one set, while McFarland is 7-0 and has dropped two sets. You can watch the live stream at: productionsw7.com/live. The game is set to start at 6:30 p.m. We are looking forward to the challenge of playing the 2019 D2 State Runner Ups for a chance to be Rock Valley Conference Champions. Hope you all tune in to watch this high caliber game!

Cross Country Competes for the First Time in Nearly 18 Months

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

Whitewater Cross Country is back and in action! It has been almost one and a half years since the last time a student-athlete from WHS was able to wear a CC uniform, and it was a beautiful sight to see. Despite less than ideal conditions filled with steady cold rain and winds, the team had a nice rust-busting effort in Evansville on Tuesday afternoon. This course was 2.8 miles on pavement out of the 3.1 mile course, and athletes wore training shoes rather than spikes for a typical off-road CC event. 

On the girls’ side, junior Trinity Nickels paced the Whippets by placing 14th overall in the five team meet. Freshmen Danielle DePorter and Lauren Buehler placed 15th and 18th. Junior Emma Weigel placed 19th, and rounding out the top five scorers was sophomore Caelyn Caputo in 22nd. Also finishing this event were Izzy Dieter in 23rd, Jenny Villarreal in 25th, and Nikole Pelot in 28th. The girls’ team placed 3rd overall.

The boys’ race featured senior Trenten Zahn leading the Whippets to a 4th place finish and junior Cooper Hammond taking 10th. Sophomore CJ Tomomitsu placed 12th. Rounding out the top five were sophomore Ben McCulloch in 29th and senior Evan Schepp in 30th. Also completing the race for Whitewater was Andrew Rollette in 32nd. The boys finished in 3rd place.

Next up for the Whippets will be a true home meet which will be conducted at Whitewater High School for the first time since its construction 20+ years ago against Jefferson and Madison Country Day School on April 1. This event will start and finish near the JV baseball field and grassy knoll area. The boys will race first at 4:30 and the girls will compete at 5:15. 

Full Results: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rVdss-q5p5K2GqdwTonolPm0d7j9kJJGbKQ-b_aM8FU/edit#gid=0