5th Annual Optimist Trivia Night Event Raises $11,000

The 5th Annual Optimist Trivia Night was held on February 16, 2018, in the James R. Connor University Center at UW-Whitewater.  Nearly 200 people and 24 teams participated in the fund-raising event.  Participants had the chance to feel like a winner not only by playing Team Trivia, but also through Individual Trivia, the Silent Auction, Bucket Raffle, and Cash Raffle.

The winning team for having the best costume were The Pursuits.

Coming in first place for Team Trivia was the Janesville Wednesday Morning Optimist Team, and in second place was the Empty Nesters. Prizes were also handed out to the teams who had the best costume, funniest answers, and for being the most spirited.

Money raised from the event will go towards the Whitewater Food Pantry, the Whitewater Unified School District Family Emergency Fund, the Whitewater Middle School LMC Outdoor Classroom, the Whitewater Bethel House, the UW-Whitewater Children’s Center New Sensory Room, along with other youth programs sponsored by the the UW-Whitewater/Community and UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Clubs.

Without the support of our sponsors, none of this would have been possible. The Optimist Clubs would like to thank Trivia Night’s Main Event Sponsor, Thrivent Financial, for their significant donation, along with volunteering their time.

The Optimist Clubs would also like to acknowledge the following for their sponsorship of the trivia rounds: Burtness Chevrolet, McCullough’s Pharmacy, Fox Chiropractic, JM Carpets, Coburn Company, Kim Adams & Angie Alesci, Binning & Dickens, Edward Jones, Fairhaven Senior Services, First Citizens Bank, 841 Brew House, and The Sweet Spot.

Thank you to Dalee Water, Weber & Associates Public Relations, Premier Bank, Pizza Hut, Toppers, and Walmart; the clubs appreciate your contributions and volunteered time. The Optimist Clubs would also like to thank our Friend of Youth sponsors; UW-W Warhawk Alley, Window Genie, Lanora and Craig Heim, and LSM Chiropractic.

A big thank you to those who came to the 5th Annual Optimist Trivia Night to play along with the Optimist Members.  Gross proceeds of around $11,000 from the event will help the Whitewater community with a number of great causes.

Kettle Moraine Land Trust Earns National Recognition

Kettle Moraine Land Trust announced it has renewed its Land Trust Alliance accreditation – proving once again that, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.

“We at Kettle Moraine Land Trust are dedicated to the conservation of lakes, streams, wildlife habitat, forests and wetlands in Walworth County”, said Dave DeAngelis, President. “Our talented board has shown that it can make a big difference in the community. It is important to us that the residents of Walworth County have access to the pristine parks and natural habitat in our area. We at Kettle Moraine Land Trust are committed to sustaining that access for present and future generations.”

View of spring mayapple plants at Beulah Bog State Natural Area.

Kettle Moraine Land Trust had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation renewal. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded the renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Kettle Moraine Land Trust’s lands will be protected forever.

Led by Maggie Zoellner, Executive Director, the Board of Directors provided documentation to show Kettle Moraine Land Trust had lived up to the standards of the initial accreditation in 2012, which include high legal and ethical components.

Accredited Kettle Moraine Land Trusts must renew every five years, confirming their compliance with national quality standards and providing continued assurance to donors and landowners of their commitment to forever steward their land and easements. Almost 20 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities are now permanently conserved by an accredited Land Trust.

Founded in 2000, Kettle Moraine Land Trust has four public preserves and several conservation easements, as well as a partnership with Walworth County to manage Price Park and Natureland Park. Kettle Moraine Land Trust also provides educational events to students at area middle and high schools, as well as public events such as Meet the Monarchs, held last year. Kettle Moraine Land Trust also partners in management with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at Beulah Bog State Natural Area.

“It is exciting to recognize Kettle Moraine Land Trust with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Accredited Kettle Moraine Land Trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes Kettle Moraine Land Trust has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

Whitewater Boys Basketball 65 Clinton 51

Bryce Parrish, pictured in this file photo, led the Whippets with 22 points.

File photo by Bob Mischka

Whitewater Boys Basketball closed out their regular season play with a conference win at Clinton, 65-51.

Whitewater was led by Bryce Parrish with 22 points followed by Roberto Navejas with 13 and Daniel Fuller and Dylan Pease with 11 each. James Dedrick chipped in 6 points along with his tenacious defense.

This win gave the boys 10 wins for the season and momentum heading into their regional game against Kenosha Saint Joseph at home Tuesday at 7 pm.

Donna Mae Frodl, 73, Whitewater passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Rainbow Hospice inpatient center in Johnson Creek, WI.

Donna was born on March 30, 1944 in Marshall, WI to Clarence and Ada (Frank) Stark. She graduated from Marshall High School. On July 6, 1963, she married Eugene Frodl at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater. Donna enjoyed reading, sewing and crafts. She collected American Girl dolls and would make dresses for them. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donna was a breast cancer survivor. She and Eugene were dairy farmers and enjoyed the times they were able to get away and camp.

She is survived by her husband, Eugene; children James Frodl Sr., Julie (Jeff) Frie, Daniel (Colette) Frodl all of Whitewater; grandchildren James Jr.(Amanda) Frodl, Randall and Courtney Frie; great-grandchildren Grayson and Lorelai Frodl. She was preceded in death by her parents, and half-brother Gayle Stark.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at 7:00 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190 with Father Mark Niehaus officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 pm – 7: 00 pm. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to Susan G. Komen Cancer Research. The family would like to thank the Whitewater Rescue Squad, Fort Memorial nurses, and doctors as well as the staff at Rainbow Hospice.

UW-Whitewater Women’s Basketball: No. 12 UW-Whitewater 74, UW-Eau Claire 68

Photos by Peter Mischka, courtesy of Bob Mischka

No. 12 Warhawks Advance to Conference Championship

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team defeated UW-Eau Claire, 74-68, in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference tournament semifinals Wednesday evening at Kachel Gymnasium.

With the win, top-seeded UW-Whitewater advances to host No. 3 seed UW-Oshkosh on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. in the WIAC Championship final at Kachel Gymnasium. The team seeks its second consecutive tournament title.

Senior guard Brooke Trewyn and junior forward Sarah Schumacher led the Warhawks with 16 points each.  Senior guard Malia Smith recorded 14 points and seven rebounds and senior forward Andrea Meinert tallied nine points and six rebounds.

For more from UWWSports.com, 

Annual Third Grade Circus Trip a Success

The Whitewater 3rd Grade Zor Shrine Circus Trip has occurred annually for 46 years.  Thousands of Whitewater 3rd graders, siblings, and parents have attended this event over this time period.  This year, over 100 kids and parents had a great time at the Circus on Saturday, February 17th at the Madison Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This is all made possible because of the generous contributions from local area businesses and individuals.

The Zor Shrine Circus wishes to thank the following 2017 sponsors:

Binning & Dickens Insurance

Brennan & Steil, S.C.

841 Brewhouse

Burtness Chevrolet

DLK Enterprises, Inc.

Dr. Mark Elworthy

First Citizens State Bank

Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital / Mike & Kristin Wallace

Frawley Oil Company

Hawk Bowl

Home Lumber Company

HSI Rentals

Jefferson County Daily Union

J.P. Cullen

Kachel Financial Group / Cetera Financial Specialists

Ketterhagen Ford

Knight Public Affairs

Leif Knudsen, CPA, S.C.

Premier Bank

Provisur Technologies

Tincher Realty Inc.

Whitewater Manufacturing

Wisconsin Dairy Supply, Inc.

A special thanks to Nelson Bus Service & Culvers of Whitewater for providing transportation and lunch for all of the attendees.

UW-Whitewater Men’s Basketball: UW-River Falls 79, UW-Whitewater 68

Rongstad’s Big Night Not Enough for Warhawks at UW-River Falls

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team’s 2017-18 season came to an end Wednesday night with a 79-68 setback at UW-River Falls in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship first-round game in River Falls, Wis.

Junior forward Derek Rongstad tallied a career-high 34 points and added nine rebounds for the Warhawks (16-10 overall), who reduced what was a double-digit deficit all the way down to one point with five minutes to play in the contest.

For more from UWWSports.com, 

Saturday is Market day!

The Feb. 24 Indoor Winter Market is held at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Look for us — and 18 of our favorite local vendors — in the Community Room, just off the main entrance. You’ll find eggs, cheese, vegetables, local beef and chicken, honey, baked goods and LOTS MORE.  See you there!
For a list of vendors (posted Friday): Winter Whitewater City Market Facebook

OUR CUPBOARD IS BARE – Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Little Free Pantry in Need of Donations

The satellite Little Free Pantry, located in the lobby of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library (the Whitewater Public Library, at 431 W. Center Street) is desperately in need of donations.

As of Wednesday afternoon, all that is left is a box of pizza crust mix, a can of corn, and a handful of toiletries. If you are able to bring in some unexpired food to help people in our community who are struggling with hunger, please leave your donations in the box across from the returns desk. We are grateful for everything we receive!

FFA Toy Show, Sunday February 25, 2018 from 9 AM to 2:30 PM

When: Sunday, February 25, 2018, from 9 am to 2:30 pm

Where: Whitewater high school

Admission is $3 for 11 + up and 10 & under are free. Concessions will be sold to support the Whitewater FFA Alumni and the many projects that help the Whitewater FFA Chapter. We hope to see you there!

For more information,