(UW-Whitewater Young Auditorium submission) With a signature brand of Celtic, Bluegrass, and Gospel music perfect for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday season, you won’t want to miss Young Auditorium favorites, Derek Byrne and Paddygrass in this exclusive concert presentation! With in-theatre tickets and live stream access available, there are ways for EVERYONE to enjoy this performance. For tickets click here.
Russell Clarence Hodge
Russell Hodge ended his earthly adventure on February 24, 2021. Even at 95, it took a broken hip and Covid to finally slow him down. He lived his life looking for tomorrow and was never held back by the past.
He was born September 21, 1925 in Koshkonong, WI. Growing up on a farm, he learned to look for fun and exciting things to do. Like many of his peers, he enlisted at age 17 immediately after Pearl Harbor. After naval training at Great Lakes, he was shipped by aircraft carrier to Hawaii. One would think that his love of water crystallized there. He would never be far from the water again. Upon his discharge from the navy, he married Violet Smith in 1946. For 67 years, she joined him on many of his adventures and supported him in most others.
He spent his summers in or on the water most of his life. From bluegills to muskie, he chased the fish wherever he could. Fishing stories were many and impressive. A mounted muskie, not his biggest, adorns the mantle.
His love of the water also led him to scuba diving. He had many exciting stories of sharks, barracuda, and Morey eels. When he had a cottage on Lauderdale Lakes, he used his diving to scout the lake bottom for spawning beds. He could tell you where and how many fish were on each bed. He also joined the Fire Department Rescue dive team.
Russ was also an avid hunter. Being a great shot, he brought home game to eat from every season. His wife Vi, a great cook, only asked that he clean it and have it ready for the pan. For bird hunting, he had hunting dogs that he trained. His Irish Setters were inseparable from him and loved the lake as much as he did. When they were in the yard, they knew the lot lines and never strayed beyond.
In addition to outdoor fun, he also enjoyed competing. He spent many years on bowling teams in Whitewater. The old pictures show some seriously spiffy team members with their ties. At some point, he picked up a love of tennis. That interest may have come from his nephew Dell “Junior” Olson who amazingly could have been mistaken as his twin brother as they aged. He played as often as he could until he felt a weak knee was too limiting. So at the age of 89, he switched to pickleball. Then at 92, after playing three hours, he said he felt a little more tired than usual. Doctors concluded he needed a heart valve. The friends he made in these sports were lifelong. They still met socially when they could.
Coming indoors, he turned to playing games, especially cards. He was extremely savvy at all games, but poker and euchre were the money games these past few years. He played aggressively and expected everyone at the table to know how the games were to be played.
He was a man that championed the phrase “work to live.” Russ and Vi found a way to bring their family anywhere they wanted to go – whether camping in The Keys, Yellowstone, Gulf Shores, at the lake, or up north. Many of these were in the company of Nancy and Jack Cummings or Harold and Mary Smith. They got there and had a good time with many stories to tell.
Having a daughter was never an issue for activities. Sandy went with him on most of his adventures. She joined him in hunting, fishing, scuba diving, playing tennis, and loving the outdoors.
A big fan of music, he would always listen to polkas and big band when he could. Lawrence Welk was still a visitor every Saturday night. He would travel to polka concerts when he could and always looked for a chance to find a dance partner.
I don’t know if he thought about being 95, but despite a heart valve, bad knee, and hearing loss, he refused to let anything slow him down. He went down a water slide for the first time at age 93. More than once. Even the hearing loss was blamed on diving in Lake Superior’s super cold water. I think his favorite time was working as a traveling collector after the factory closed. He got to drive all around the country seeing new places and talking to new people. Russ was an extraordinary person who will be greatly missed, but always fondly remembered.
He was preceded in death by his wife Violet, his sister Irene and many in-laws, and his parents Clarence and Hazel Hodge. He is survived by his brother-in-law Harold Smith and wife Mary Smith; his daughter Sandy Thies (Alan), his grandchildren Drew (Bridget Molloy), and Darren (Rimma), his great-grandchildren Leon and Felina, in-laws, and many special nephews and nieces.
There will be a family graveside service in August when the grandchildren will be able to be in attendance.
(UW-Whitewater submission) The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at winter commencement on December 19, 2020:
Whitewater, WI, — Toney Anderson graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance
Whitewater, WI, — John Best graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history
Whitewater, WI, — Gabriella Braun graduated with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science
Whitewater, WI, — Elyssah Cook graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education
Whitewater, WI, — Owen Couture graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in supply chain and operations management
Whitewater, WI, — Sarah Cross graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in media arts and game development
Whitewater, WI, — Cody Foreman graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing
Whitewater, WI, — Acacia Fossum graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science
Whitewater, WI, — Emmanuella Fox graduated with a Master of Science in communication
Whitewater, WI, — Nathaniel France graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics
Whitewater, WI, — Logan Fulton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in English
Whitewater, WI, — Emily Grunert graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology
Whitewater, WI, — Seth Herman-Bergner graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting
Whitewater, WI, — Kelsey Herold graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in general management
Whitewater, WI, — Lucas Hines graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in physical education
Whitewater, WI, — Jack Huberty graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in communication
Whitewater, WI, — Abigail Hummel graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in music
Whitewater, WI, — Noah Huntley graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics
Whitewater, WI, — Jaiveersinh Jadeja graduated with a Master of Business Administration in business administration
Whitewater, WI, — Anthony Juoni graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance
Whitewater, WI, — Sean Krupa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance
Whitewater, WI, — Bailey Kulas graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in international studies
Whitewater, WI, — Farit Kuri-Azamar graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in physical education
Whitewater, WI, — Benjamin Lamberty graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in English
Whitewater, WI, — Jamie Marietta graduated with a Master of Science Education in professional studies
Whitewater, WI, — Alec Matter graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art
Whitewater, WI, — Joyce Mendoza graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting
Whitewater, WI, — Kevin Mesich graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in physical education
Whitewater, WI, — Bailey Meyer graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art
Whitewater, WI, — Alyssa Morris graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in supply chain and operations management
Whitewater, WI, — Catherine Nelson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education
Whitewater, WI, — Suad Ruble graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology
Whitewater, WI, — Benzon Carlitos Salazar graduated with a Bachelor of Science in computer science
Whitewater, WI, — Fiona Schimke graduated with a Bachelor of Music in music
Whitewater, WI, — Florime Shabani graduated with an Associate of Arts in liberal arts
Whitewater, WI, — Thomas Soehner graduated with a Bachelor of Science in public policy and administration
Whitewater, WI, — Madisen Stender graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education
Whitewater, WI, — Rachel Stone graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in communication
Whitewater, WI, — Dreyel Taylor graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology
Whitewater, WI, — Anna Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science
Whitewater, WI, — Whitney Treder graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in general management
Whitewater, WI, — Rodrique Tshualah graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance
Whitewater, WI, — Emmanuel Vubumuh graduated with a Master of Business Administration in business administration
Whitewater, WI, — Seth White graduated with a Bachelor of Science in computer science
Whitewater, WI, — Komi Yenkey graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in computer science
Whitewater, WI, — Kayla Zilisch graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in women’s and gender studies
More than 846 graduates graduated in a virtual ceremony. The ceremony recognized 86 undergraduates from the College of Arts and Communication, 206 from the College of Business and Economics, 170 from the College of Education and Professional Studies and 222 from the College of Letters and Sciences. Of the 718 undergraduate degrees awarded, 22 were completed online. The School of Graduate Studies awarded 134 degrees, including 125 master’s degrees and nine doctorates.
The graduating class included 61 veterans, 6 international students and 128 nontraditional undergraduate students, defined as students who are 25 years of age or older.
(Sponsored by the Whitewater Unified School District) Free Citizenship Classes will be offered April 6 to May 11. Clase de Ciudadanía Gratis 6 Abril – 11 Mayo.
Whitewater High School
534 S Elizabeth St
Whitewater, WI 53190
To Register:
Text/Phone 262-949-1408 Sarah Linn (Instructor)
414-418-8424 Jorge Islas Martínez
Para Registrarse:
Text/Phone 262-949-1408 Sarah Linn (Instructor)
414-418-8424 Jorge Islas Martínez
Las clases son patrocinadas por el Distrito Educacional de Whitewater
Sponsored by the Whitewater Unified School District
(Whitewater Public Library submission) The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Presents: Paranormal Investigators of Milwaukee on Tuesday, March 16th at 6:00 p.m. Registration for this Zoom program can be found at whitewaterlibrary.org.
Believe in ghosts or spirits? Skeptical about the paranormal? People of all viewpoints are welcome to come to an informational session about hauntings by the Paranormal Investigators of Milwaukee (PIM). Founded in 2007, the group has investigated many locations in the area, including the Milwaukee Public Museum, Riverside Theater and several area residences. The group will be on hand to discuss types of hauntings, the ways they as a team investigate claims of the paranormal along with information on how to be an investigator. Evidence will also be showcased from prior PIM investigations. Come with questions. Leave with answers.
We welcome everyone in the community to attend our meetings and participate in our events. If you require accommodations to make that possible for you, please call the office of the Library Director (473-0530) 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Appointments represent the needs, concerns, and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities in Walworth County
(Walworth County submission) The Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking applications for a citizen appointment to represent persons age 60 or older and adults with disabilities on the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Governing Board.
The ADRC in Walworth County provides information on a broad range of programs and services, helps people understand the various long-term care options available to them, helps people apply for programs and benefits, and serves as the access point for publicly funded long-term care. ADRC board members represent the needs, concerns, and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities in Walworth County. Applicants must reside in Walworth County. Appointments are for a three-year term. In an effort to have representation of the populations residing in Walworth County, we encourage individuals who could represent the Latino population to consider submitting a notice of interest.
Notice of Interest applications are available upon request from the ADRC, 1910 County Road NN, P.O. Box 1005, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121. Applications may also be obtained by emailing Randy Kohl, Division Manager, at rkohl@co.walworth.wi.us.
Deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. on Wed., March 31, 2021. Applications should be submitted to the ADRC, Attn: Randy Kohl, 1910 County Road NN, P.O. Box 1005, Elkhorn, WI 53121.
Learn more about the ADRC at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
The most observed wildlife in the city this past week must be a river otter who is enjoying Trippe Lake. Three readers have submitted photos of the otter. On Friday afternoon the otter could be observed from the bridge by the Trippe Lake dam. Take Wisconsin Street and turn to the east at the sign just past Clay Street, near the former American Legion building.
Steve Watson submitted the photos below that he took of the otter on Monday morning. He states, “I watched it till I got cold and had to continue on my walk. It was quite playful….I take my daily walk by the lakes every morning.”
Lesley Haven submitted the below photos that she took on Tuesday evening. She says of the North American river otter, “It spent quite a while playing in the sun before catching dinner. I am not an expert on fish, but I believe it has a yellow bullhead.”
Janis Goder shared the photos below that she took on Monday. She says, “The resident otter on Trippe Lake today, catching and eating a prodigious amount of fish.”
Thus far there seems to be no evidence of more than one otter in the lake. Readers may be interested in further information about the otters, which may be found on this Wikipedia page.
Our thanks to Steve Watson, Lesley Haven, and Janis Goder for sharing these great pictures with us.
Irvin L. Young Library Special Board of Trustees Meeting – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda – Library Building Project
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/523873725
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 523-873-725
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/523873725
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion Regarding And Update On Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/880656125
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 880-656-125
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/880656125
WUSD Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.
Click here for agenda, then click on “meetings” in upper right corner.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82365058687?pwd=c3VPUkF2TjJRVDVxT1FVR0RNWEJtQT09
Passcode: 645164
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 823 6505 8687
Passcode: 645164
(Whitewater Middle School submission) Whitewater Middle School (WMS) Spelling Bee Champs: First place went to Ashutosh Kutal – 7th grader; second place to Zoe Olson – 8th grader; and third place to Quinton O’Toole – 7th grader.
This year’s event was held online and each student was presented with the same list of words to spell. Additionally, this year’s event had a vocabulary component to it also. First-place winner, Ashutosh Kutal, went on to compete in the regional CESA 2 spelling bee event which was also held over the internet this year. Ashutosh represented Whitewater well and we are awaiting the results.
“Let Him Go”(Crime/Drama/Thriller)
Tuesday, March 9, 1 pm
Rated R (Violence);
1 hour, 53 minutes (2020)
A retired sheriff (Kevin Costner) and his wife (Diane Lane) learn, after the death of their son, that their grandson has been adopted by a family living in a compound in the Dakotas, away from law enforcement and modern amenities. With no other recourse, they embark on a mission to get the boy back, no matter what the cost.
There is a capacity limit, and COVID-19 precautions, including facial mask, are required. Please register in advance online, by email (dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov), or phone (473-0535).