Prestigious honor recognizes decades of dedication, leadership, and passion for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Cross Plains, Wis. — Barb and Jerome Converse of Whitewater have been named the 2026 recipients of the Spirit Stick Award, the most prestigious honor presented by the Ice Age Trail Alliance. The award recognizes long-term dedication, leadership, and a deep passion for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
The Converses were honored on April 25 during the Alliance’s Annual Conference Awards and Recognition ceremony.
Presented annually, the Spirit Stick Award celebrates individuals for whom the Trail is not just a place but a way of life. Recipients are selected by Alliance staff from nominations submitted by members, volunteers, and staff, following a rigorous review process. Inspired by the European “Wood Spirit” legend, the award symbolizes enduring commitment, enthusiasm, and the ability to inspire others.
Barb and Jerome Converse exemplify these qualities through decades of service and leadership. As dedicated members of the Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter, they have been a steady and positive force through multiple periods of growth and change within the organization.
Their contributions span Trail construction and maintenance, youth engagement, community outreach, and more. Whether working on local projects or supporting statewide efforts, the Converses have consistently shown up; month after month, year after year bringing optimism, cooperation, and a deep belief in the Ice Age Trail’s future.
“Jerome and Barb have been a steady, positive force for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and Alliance for decades,” says Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “Their volunteer involvement has impacted multiple areas of our work. Their generosity and leadership continue to strengthen the entire organization.”
The Spirit Stick Award honors individuals who lead by example, inspire those around them, and carry out service with cooperation, enthusiasm, and optimism. The Converses’ impact reaches far beyond any single project—and has helped lay the foundation for future generations to explore, connect with, and continue building the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
“Their dedication is a powerful reminder that meaningful progress on the Trail happens over time through persistence, belief, and a willingness to keep showing up,” says Kloberdanz.
About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a nonprofit member- and volunteer-based organization that conserves, creates, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail along with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the National Park Service. To learn more about the Alliance, including how you can get involved, visit www.IceAgeTrail.org.
About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state. Approximately 78% of Wisconsin residents live within 30 miles of the Ice Age Trail.
Molly Griep-Popowski recently earned Northeast Region Girls’ Track and Field Coach of the Year honors in North Dakota.
Molly’s team had 24 athletes qualify for the state track and field meet, which will take place May 21–23 in Bismarck. Reflecting on the achievement, Molly said, “I have a great staff of coaches that dedicate a lot of their time and are selfless in helping get this track team where it is today.”
Molly has served as the head coach at Hatton-Northwood High School for the past three years and has been involved with the program for six years overall. She is currently a K–6 physical education teacher at Northwood Public School.
A 2012 graduate of Whitewater High School, Molly is the daughter of Pete and Lisa Griep. During her time at Whitewater, she became — and remains — the school record holder in both the shot put and discus. She also captured the state championship in the shot put in 2012. She earned High School All-American Honors in that event as well as discus.
Congratulations, Molly!
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens Whitewater High School Assistant Track and Field Coach ccarstens@wwusd.org
The University/Community Free Lunches that have been provided at First United Methodist Church have ended with the conclusion of the university year. The church is, however, happy to offer free pre-packaged frozen meals available for pickup for anyone in need. All are welcome to come by at 145 S. Prairie St. between 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday beginning May 19.
Hands-on learning at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater translated into real-world recognition alongside world-class artists for students and alums working with metals and jewelry.
The artwork of four Warhawks was on display at the 32nd Korea Jewelry Design Association Member Exhibition, which took place in Seoul, South Korea, in September 2025.
Artists from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States assembled to showcase their artwork, including jewelry, textiles, sculptures, and other forms of three-dimensional art.
Liina Heikkinen, an art student from Madison, in the metals studio at the Greenhill Center of the Arts with a piece she created on Feb. 3, 2026.
Liina Heikkinen, an art major from Madison, was approached by her mentor, Teresa Faris, professor of art and design, about exhibiting in Seoul. The two met over the summer to choose which piece of Heikkinen’s work would be displayed with Faris’s art at the exhibition. They selected a brooch titled “Brain Waves,” which was designed to represent anxiety.
Two pieces created by UW-Whitewater alums joined “Brain Waves” at the exhibition. JJ Thomson, who earned a BFA in art in 2016 and now works as an artist and print technician in Minneapolis, sent “Placed here for a reason,” a commentary on the experience of students placed in special education.
Minneapolis-based artist, Ger Xiong, who earned his BFA in 2017, sent a piece titled “Re/silience,” using art to explore his Hmong-American culture and family history.
Immersive experiences lead to great outcomes
Faculty who teach classes in metals and jewelry encourage students to find their unique style and develop distinct themes in their work.
“In the metals program, we dig deep to find each person’s authentic voice,” Faris said. “Once people are able to reveal their authentic self, their unique visual vocabulary automatically follows. It’s actually very easy — people just need to feel safe enough to do it.”
In 2015, instructor Teresa Faris, left, and students Ger Xiong and Liz Christianson of the advanced metals program presented to the UW System Board of Regents at the board’s September 2015 meeting on the UW-Whitewater campus.
Beyond artistic voice, the program builds discipline in its students, a necessary disposition for a dedicated artist. Students are encouraged to create new art and innovate outside of the classroom, and the mentorship students receive in the classroom sets them up for success.
“I don’t think I would be where I am right now if I didn’t go to UW-Whitewater,” Xiong said. “The professors that I met there were very caring. It was very intimate — the classes were a good size where students were able to connect and have mentors, especially within the department of art.”
UW-Whitewater art student Ger Xiong is shown on March 31, 2017, in the metal studio at Greenhill Center of the Arts as he worked to complete copper and brass pieces for his Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibition at the end of the semester.
Xiong began his undergraduate career at UW-Whitewater majoring in art education. After his first metals class, he fell in love with metalsmithing and jewelry design. Faris encouraged him to change his major from education to fine arts, focusing on metals and jewelry.
Similarly, Thomson took a jewelry class as an elective while jumping from major to major within the Department of Art, and — like Xiong — switched his major under Faris’s encouragement.
JJ Thomson working on a project as a student in April 2016. A red brass necklace emerges after days in an electrically-charged acid bath, which creates different thicknesses in the metal. Each one of Thomson’s creations in copper, brass and sterling silver teaches him more about his own learning disability and shares his journey with others.
“I didn’t know that jewelry actually existed in this form or this format at all,” Thomson said, “I was really inspired, and my professor, Teresa Faris, was such an amazing instructor about conceptual jewelry and the art work, and (she) wanted her students to succeed.”
Teresa Faris, professor of art and design, reads a tribute to artist Melanie Sainz, an artist from the Ho-Chunk Nation, in Crossman Gallery in the Greenhill Center of the Arts in March 2024. Sainz, the 2024 Schuh Visiting Artist, worked with UW-Whitewater students to create “Boundaries vs. Connections,” an exhibition that was in the gallery through March 21, 2024.
Faris integrates professional practices into the metals classes to develop skills the students need for success in the artistic world — networking with other artists, developing artist bios, applying to exhibitions, writing resumes and grant proposals, and photographing and selling artwork. Students also maintain the studio, work as lab technicians, and host visiting artists.
“They don’t feel like they have to start at the beginning (when they graduate),” Faris said.
Graduate school is also a viable option for students who work in metals and jewelry. Xiong and Thomson earned their MFAs at New Mexico State University and the University of North Texas, respectively.
“Teresa Faris prepares you conceptually about your work and really prepares you for the artist world outside of Whitewater,” Thomson said. “When I went to grad school, I already understood my work, what I wanted to make, and what I was talking about.”
Turning passions into professions
Liina Heikkinen, an art student from Madison, is shown at work in the metals studio at the Greenhill Center of the Arts with some of the art she creates on Feb. 3, 2026.
While she completes her bachelor’s degree, Heikkinen is gaining real-world experience through exhibitions and as president of the metalsmithing student organization and small business on campus, Alloy.
“We do run sales as a way to kind of step into the world of jewelry, sell our work, make some money for ourselves, and (promote our art),” Heikkinen said.“It’s really fun to work closely alongside people and let your work be known and sold.”
No matter the next step in their careers, art students at UW-Whitewater take advantage of immersive experiences — both on campus and in other countries — to turn their immense talents and passions into professions.
Joscelin Castro, a communication major from North Freedom, wears a first-generation sash. UW-Whitewater held its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Kachel Fieldhouse. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)Cade Stowe, a psychology major from Milton, served as a student speaker for the afternoon ceremony. UW-Whitewater held its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Kachel Fieldhouse. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
On a beautiful day in Whitewater, more than 1,800 students were honored for graduating during the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s 2026 spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at Kachel Fieldhouse inside the Williams Center.
Graduates, their friends, and families took advantage of sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s to add to a festive, jovial atmosphere on the Whitewater campus.
Chancellor Corey A. King presided over morning and afternoon ceremonies. Graduates from the College of Arts and Communication and the College of Business and Economics were recognized in the morning, followed by graduates from the College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Integrated Studies, and the College of Letters and Sciences in the afternoon. Graduates from the School of Graduate Studies were honored at both ceremonies.
Brian Radish, a special education major from Muskego, poses in front of a UW-Whitewater landmark before the afternoon ceremony. UW-Whitewater held its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Kachel Fieldhouse. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Morning ceremony
Joe Balistreri, a native of Lake Mills who earned a BBA in management, addressed his fellow graduates at the morning ceremony. A Wisconsin Air National Guard member, Balistreri served at the university as a resident assistant and member of the Whitewater Student Government, and was active in the faith-based EVOLVE Whitewater ministry organization.
“The military taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay calm when there is chaos around you, but it was here at Whitewater where I discovered something that I didn’t in the military — and that something was how to sit with someone in their struggle and simply be present,” he said. “How to listen, not to fix, but to understand.”
Balistreri, who will pursue an MBA at UW-Whitewater starting this fall, encouraged graduates to be a bridge to others in need and to be the person the university helped them become as they venture into the real world.
“When you leave this field house, carry all of it with you,” he said. “The wins and the losses. Carry it all. Because it made you who you are.”
Commencement speaker Peter Glerum earned a BBA in management computer systems from UW-Whitewater in 1990. He most recently served as Chief Investment Strategist and Partner at Castlelake and is treasurer on the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board.
Glerum reflected on his career in finance — which spans more than three decades — and said his UW-Whitewater education both inside and outside of the classroom allowed him to build his business acumen and communication skills.
“Whitewater is a small town … you spend time talking, relating, interacting, connecting, and developing your character,” Glerum said. “Your non-classroom education in connecting with those around you is priceless. This place is full of real students, real faculty, real staff, real people.”
Andy Olson, a finance graduate student from Hartland, with wife and children outside the Williams Center following the morning ceremony. UW-Whitewater held its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Kachel Fieldhouse. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Afternoon ceremony
In the afternoon, student speakers Sabrina Wolf and Cade Stowe addressed attendees.
Wolf, who graduated with a B.S. in environmental science with an emphasis in geosciences and a minor in general business, was involved on campus as a resident assistant, as a member of the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, and in undergraduate research.
She told the story of getting involved in severe weather forecasting and verification, or “storm chasing,” through undergraduate research, and drew comparisons between that and life as an undergraduate student.
“Our education, experiences, interpersonal skills, networks, the friendships that started by saying ‘hi’ in class, and all of our small daily choices as simple as a kind word or a smile,” Wolf said. “It’s these moments, accumulated over time, that put you in the right position when it matters most.”
Stowe started his journey as a student at UW-Whitewater at Rock County and finished his time at the Whitewater campus with a B.A. in psychology with a minor in sociology. He will continue his education in the counselor education master’s program at UW-Whitewater.
Stowe, who has neurodivergent conditions and has used the Center for Students with Disabilities, spoke passionately about his story and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace the way they see the world.
“When we love ourselves, it becomes much easier to see the humanity in others,” Stowe said. “As we celebrate the legacy we leave here and the people we’ve met along the way, continue becoming the most loving version of yourself.”
Afternoon commencement speaker Reggie Lawrence earned two degrees from UW-Whitewater — a B.S. in elementary education in 1990 and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction in 1992. He currently serves as superintendent of Harvey School District 152 in south suburban Chicago and is a member of the Board of Directors of the UW-Whitewater Foundation.
“At UW-Whitewater, I mattered,” Lawrence said. “From the first day I set foot on campus, I was embraced with open arms by various faculty members.”
Lawrence credited UWW faculty members and his involvement in student government, Black Student Union, and other campus organizations with preparing him for a 30-year career as an educator. He encouraged graduates to let life come to them.
“The world is messy, it’s loud, it’s divided, and at times, it’s exhausting,” Lawrence said. “You will have days when you feel like a tiny drop in a very large ocean. When those days come, I want you to remember this: an ocean is nothing but a multitude of drops. It took a while to form and wasn’t done overnight, so don’t be in a rush or hurry to have your life be perfect.”
Bailey Quinn, a marketing major from Saint Charles, Illinois, and Tori Slama, a marketing major from Hillsboro, embrace outside the Williams Center following the morning ceremony. UW-Whitewater held its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Kachel Fieldhouse. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Editor’s note: This story was provided by UW-Whitewater.
Residents are reminded that blowing, placing, or leaving grass clippings and other lawn debris in any City street is prohibited.
This regulation exists for several important reasons:
Prevents Flooding: Grass clippings, leaves, and debris can clog storm drains, leading to street and property flooding.
Protects Water Quality: Storm drains flow directly into local lakes without treatment. Grass clippings add excess nutrients that contribute to harmful algae blooms.
Improves Safety: Grass clippings left on roadways can create slippery conditions, posing hazards for bicyclists and motorcyclists.
Proper Lawn Care Practices:
Use a mulching mower to return nutrients back into your lawn.
If using a discharge mower, direct clippings toward your property, not the street.
After mowing, clean up any debris from streets, sidewalks, and storm drains using a blower, broom, or rake.
Grass clippings may be bagged, but they may not be disposed of in garbage totes.
Residents are encouraged to compost clippings on their property or take them to the City’s designated compost site.
City Code – Chapter 12.08: Street Obstructions
It is unlawful to deposit grass clippings or other debris on any street, alley, sidewalk, gutter, or public ground.
Violations may result in a penalty ranging from $25 to $250, plus associated costs.
Your cooperation helps keep our streets safe, prevents flooding, and protects our local waterways. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community clean and safe.
Brad Marquardt Director of Public Works bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team fell in extra innings to Bethany Lutheran College in the Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament. The heartbreaker came to an end in the bottom of the 11th, with the Vikings hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly to score the winning run.
The Warhawks struck first in the game, scoring at the top of the first as the designated away team. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) scored the first run of the game off a single from Jackson Spring (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North).
From there, it was the Vikings quieting the Warhawks’ offense, keeping UWW at just one run until the 8th inning. On the offensive end, Bethany Lutheran piled on some runs to take the lead. A 2-run homer in the third put a crooked number on the board. The Vikings added one run in the fifth, and a solo home run plus an RBI double in the 7th to build a 6-1 lead.
Entering the last two down by five, the Warhawks’ time was running out. Leyten Bowers (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) was able to spark some momentum with a solo home run over the right field scoreboard to get the first run on the board since the first inning.
The four-bagger from Bowers kick-started the Warhawks’ offense. Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) got a hold of one for his own three-run homer with Wyatt Jensen (Luck, Wis./Luck) following up McVay’s at bat with another solo shot to tie the game up at 6-6.
Still in the top of the 8th, the Warhawks kept the inning going with a single from Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine). Hopper moved up 180 feet, getting second on a wild pitch & third from an errant throw down by the catcher. Hopper came in for the go-ahead run off a deep double by Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North). With just one inning, the Warhawks had flipped the script & took a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the 8th.
Bethany Lutheran was able to tie up the game from a wild pitch in the 8th, but no scores in the ninth sent the game to extras. In the 10th, the Warhawks had just a single base runner, but couldn’t move him past second. The Vikings were able to get runners on second & third, but the UW-Whitewater defense escaped the frame to send it into the 11th.
UW-Whitewater was retired in order on the 11th as the side flipped back to the Vikings. A single, sacrifice bunt, and a single put runners on the corners with just one out. A fly ball to right field did the job for the Vikings, as they scored the winning run after 3-hours & 40-minutes of game time.
The Warhawks 2026 campaign came to a close with a 43-6 record, the second-highest winning percentage in Warhawk history. The 2026 season included a school-record 36-game win streak as well as a perfect 28-0 record in conference play, the first time a team has done so in WIAC history.
The Walworth County Department of Public Works will conduct roadside vegetation management activities in late April and early May to control invasive plant species and reduce long-term mowing costs.
Beginning the latter part of April, weather permitting, residents may observe Public Works crews applying herbicide treatments along County Highway rights‑of‑way. Crews will also conduct selective spraying within the rights‑of‑way of designated State highways, including State Highways 50, 11, and 89. These activities support the County’s ongoing Vegetation Management Plan, which is designed to improve roadside ecosystem health while lowering expenditures for mowing labor, equipment maintenance, and fuel.
Invasive plant species such as wild parsnip, ragweed, field sow thistle, and chicory remain a significant concern in southeastern Wisconsin and are present throughout Walworth County. These plants can pose safety risks to highway workers, hinder visibility, and displace native vegetation. Vegetation management efforts over the past few years have substantially reduced invasive growth, resulting in more efficient and safer mowing operations.
For the 2026 season, County staff—trained and certified in herbicide application—will use an EPA‑approved blend of broadleaf herbicides and plant growth regulators formulated to target invasive species while minimizing impacts on native plants, including grasses and milkweed. This approach supports pollinators, enhances wildlife habitat, and helps restore ecological balance along roadways.
Residents, including organic growers, who have questions or concerns about the vegetation management program are encouraged to contact the Walworth County Public Works Highway Division at (262) 741‑3114. Find more information at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1278/Vegetation-Management.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County Highway Department. Our apologies that it was not posted earlier.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our final 2026 Boater Safety Education Course on May 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and June 6, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a Boater Safety Education Course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years old or turn 12 shortly after the class.
Boater Safety Education Course – Class #2 Session 1: May 20, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office Session 2: June 6, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office Registration is now open. [Editor’s note: As of Saturday evening, May 16 there are still openings.] Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat. https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/boater-education Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The student must have a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number to register. The course fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the first session (exact cash or check). If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
