An athlete from Neilsville, Wisconsin, competes in the mini javelin event at the Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games on June 7, 2024. This is the second year that Special Olympics Wisconsin had their Summer Games at UW-Whitewater. (UW-Whitewater Photo/Kyle Winter)
Make a difference with Special Olympics Wisconsin this June
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Special Olympics Wisconsin continue preparations for the 2025 State Summer Games on June 5-7 in Whitewater.
More than 1,200 athletes, representing 100 programs around the state, are set to compete in athletics (track and field), cornhole, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis. Events will be held at UW-Whitewater’s athletic facilities – Perkins Stadium, Rex Foster Track, the Warhawk Outdoor Tennis Complex, the Williams Center, and the campus intramural fields.
With more than a dozen events and competitions scheduled over the course of the three days, approximately 300 more volunteers are needed for multiple roles throughout the weekend. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and the opportunity to engage with participants, fans, and event staff.
No prior experience is required to volunteer (unless otherwise designated). Volunteers aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone. Special Olympics Wisconsin will provide training before your shift start time.
The Parade of Athletes and Opening Ceremony kicks the event off on June 5 at 6:30 p.m. inside Perkins Stadium. Check out the full schedule of events here.
For more information or group volunteer reservations, contact Danny Kuklinski, Senior Director of Sports, at dkuklunski@specialolympics.org.
Lexus D. Boedecker was driving a group home’s vehicle on April 13, 2024, her 24th birthday, when she ran a stop sign at East County Line Road and Highway 12 in the town of Lima, causing a chain reaction crash that involved two other vehicles. Four persons who were in the vehicle that Boedecker was driving died as a result of the crash, with several other occupants being injured as well as one of the other drivers. On May 27, 2025 Rock County Circuit Court Judge Karl Hanson sentenced Boedecker to 16 years in prison followed by four years of extended supervision. Boedecker had pled guilty in February to four charges of Homicide by Vehicle – Use of a Controlled Substance.
Boedecker, residing at the time in Elkhorn, was not authorized to be driving the group home’s vehicle, was 23 weeks pregnant, admitted to smoking marijuana the night before, and had a vape THC cartridge in her possession after the crash. Testing indicated that she had THC in her system at the time of the crash. She was charged in August with four charges of homicide and four charges of causing injury related to the alleged intoxicated use of a vehicle.
Three passengers — Jeffrey Turnipseed, 67, Ericka Berg, 38, and Jamie Ranguette, 39, all of Whitewater, who were not wearing seatbelts — were ejected from the rear windshield and died at the scene, while a fourth passenger — Patricia A. Seufzer, 59, of Whitewater, who also wasn’t wearing a seat belt — died of her injuries a few days later. All four victims were adults with cognitive disabilities.
Rock County District Attorney Jason Sanders issued the following news release after the sentencing:
RE: Boedecker sentenced to 16 years in prison for Fatal Crash that Killed Four
Janesville, WI – On April 13, 2024, Lexus Boedecker was driving a group home’s vehicle when she blew through a stop sign in Lima township, Rock County, setting off a “chain reaction” crash with two other vehicles. The crash she caused killed four people and injured four others. Three passengers, who were not wearing seatbelts, were ejected from the rear windshield and died at the scene of the accident. A fourth passenger, who also wasn’t wearing a seat belt, died of her injuries a few days later. All four adult victims had cognitive disabilities. Boedecker was not authorized to be driving the group home’s vehicle, was 23 weeks pregnant, admitted to smoking marijuana the night before and had a “vape” THC cartridge in her possession after the fatal crash. The Rock County District Attorney’s Office charged Boedecker last August when the test results showed that she had THC in her system at the time she was driving. In February, Lexus Boedecker pled guilty to four counts of Homicide by Vehicle – Use of a Controlled Substance.
Today’s sentencing hearing took place in a crowded courtroom, with more than a dozen family members of the deceased attending the sentencing hearing. Four family members of the deceased victims addressed the courtroom, with more writing to the judge directly. Some victims expressed their anger and asked for Boedecker to be sentenced to the maximum consecutive sentence in prison. Others expressed that their strong faith compelled them to forgive Boedecker. Boedecker, who recently turned 25 years old, had no criminal history and recently gave birth to a child. She also had several letters testifying to her character, including from her pastor, and one that described her as “a tender soul.”
Assistant District Attorney Jerry Urbik argued for her to be sentenced to prison for a “substantial number of years, consecutive to one another.” Urbik noted that, while Boedecker did not intend to hurt anyone, she chose to consume THC on a daily basis despite being pregnant and chose to drive a vehicle she was not authorized to drive with THC in her system and without ensuring that her passengers, who she was responsible for, were wearing their seat belts. Boedecker’s attorneys argued that she should spend 4-5 years in prison, with more time on extended supervision. Judge Karl Hanson agreed with Urbik that Boedecker had made a series of bad decisions and sentenced Boedecker to 16 years in prison custody, followed by another four years of extended supervision. Because her crimes involved the death of others, she will not be eligible for early release pursuant to the Substance Abuse Program but can petition for release after serving 85% of her sentence.
“The senseless deaths of these four people could have been avoided if Ms. Boedecker chose not to drive a vehicle after consuming marijuana,” ADA Jerry Urbik said. “Judge Hanson’s sentence was tough but fair.” Urbik and his co-counsel ADA Verity Altenberger both thanked the Rock County Sheriff’s Office for an excellent investigation, and for their assistance in helping all the people injured by Boedecker’s crash. They also thanked the Victim-Witness office for their tireless work helping the many family members and friends victimized by Boedecker’s crime.
“Some people think that because THC isn’t as dangerous as fentanyl, it is just not a big deal,” said District Attorney Jason Sanders. “That’s not true when you’re driving. We’re moving thousands-of-pounds at high speeds, and it is easy to make mistakes even when sober. Don’t drive high. The lives you wreck may include your own.”
Editor’s note: Previous Banner articles regarding this crash were published on April 14, April 17, April 22. and July 30, 2024.
Samuel Karns speaking at the Community/Parent Candidate Meet & Greet on May 22 [Photo courtesy of Tom Ganser]
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Whitewater Unified School District School Board put in a long evening’s work on Tuesday, returning from a nearly one-hour closed session at 10:39 p.m. to vote on the choice of a superintendent to succeed Caroline Pate-Hefty, who resigned effective July 1 to accept a superintendent position in Pennsylvania. In its meeting after final interviews of three candidates last Thursday, the board chose Samuel Karns and Kurt Schneider as the finalists. The motion to approve the hiring of “Sam” Karns was supported on a 6-1 vote, with Jeff Tortomasi the lone dissenter. The terms of the proposed contract were not announced, other than a term of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027. The job posting indicated that the base salary range was “expected to be $165,000 to $180,000 (based on experience); other benefits to be negotiated.” It is assumed that the hiring is contingent on successful negotiation and Karns’ acceptance of the offer.
Karns is the principal of Todd Elementary in the School District of Beloit, where he has served for three years. He was named the 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and was a 2025 Herb Kohl Principal Leadership recipient.
Last Bugle Call, Memorial Day 2025, by Isabelle Lavertu [Photos by Tom Ganser]
Rifle salute, 2025
Last Bugle Call
We honor and remember the following Whitewater area veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” General George S. Patton.
Taps 27 May 2024 – 26 May 2025
Joseph C. Bauer Will D. Ensslin Robert W. Fiskum Charles A. Grover Edward W. Hamilton Leo J. Hansen Donald J. Jacobs John Kent, Jr. Raymond Miles Lee S. Murray Patrick J. O’Connor Ernest W. Regelein Fred C. Traxler Jack G. Trojan Bradford L. Tuttle John D. Varnes Robert K. Webb Clifford M. Witte Lloyd G. Worden Lowell V. Youngs
We apologize if we have omitted the name of any veteran. It is not intentional. We only know what we see reported in the media and other sources.
Steven R. Smith, Adjutant, William Graham Post 173, Whitewater American Legion
Editor’s note: Updated on 5/28 to add current photos
Dear Caregivers, you and your loved one are cordially invited to a tour of Hoard Museum in Ft. Atkinson on Wednesday June 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. The history of the dairy industry in Wisconsin is featured in the museum’s Dairy Shrine exhibit. Another favorite exhibit features the Civil War including a replica of a library like the one used by Abraham Lincoln. The museum’s gardens should be in full bloom and there are many places to sit and relax indoors and out.
The Mystery of the Mounds explores the culture of the native Americans of the Woodland Period who built effigy mounds in Wisconsin and the Mississippi valley, 700 in Jefferson County alone, over 1000 years ago. This was long before the familiar tribes of today, Potawatomie and Ho Chunk. Little is known about these mound builders except what is left of their earthen mounds in the shape of animals and birds still visible especially around Lake Koshkonong. Other items of interest in the Mystery of the Mounds exhibit are arrowhead collections, a diorama of a Late Woodland camp, a replica keyhole pit house and an informative video.
The Whitewater Dementia-Friendly Community Initiative is happy to sponsor this visit for caregivers and their loved ones. Capri Communities has graciously covered the suggested donation.
Caregivers should provide their own transportation to Hoard Museum, 401 Whitewater Ave., Ft. Atkinson WI 53538.
Registration is appreciated so we have enough volunteers to assist everyone. Please call Seniors in the Park at 262 473 0535 or email jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov by June 4.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the Whitewater Dementia-Friendly Community Initiative.
William David Hofmann of Whitewater was among 3,591 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during commencement exercises May 3, 17 and 18.
Hofmann earned a Bachelor of Journalism from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
The graduates are from 57 countries, 46 U.S. states and 250-plus Nebraska communities.
John Wilberding kindly shared the following news: “Over the years Gulf Shores [Alabama] has been a point of destination for many Whitewater residents. It was announced recently that Allegiant will begin nonstop flights from Appleton to Gulf Shores beginning in October. A drive to Appleton is a bit shorter than the 1,065-mile drive to GS.”
Departures from Appleton and from Gulf Shores will normally be on Thursday and Sunday, starting on October 2, with occasional changes during holiday weeks. Fares vary considerably from one date to another. Currently there are one-way fares as low as $54.50 and as high as $224.
Allegiant is described as a low fare carrier; however, they have some “optional” fees that are similar, for example, to those of Spirit Airlines. Seat selection at the time of reservation can range from $0 to $80. It appears that there are no free beverages; the charge for drinks and snacks is $2-7. Booking travel through the call center incurs an additional fee of $19.99. One personal item, defined as follows, is free: “8 in. x 14 in. x 18 in. (20 cm x 35 cm x 45 cm) maximum -A purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack, small camera or food container. The item must be stored completely underneath the seat in front of you.”
Baggage fees apply to carry-on and checked bags and vary depending on route and when the bag is added to your itinerary. Below are shown the fees that are quoted for a trip on October 2. A carry-on costs $1 more than a checked bag when paid for at booking!
According to gulfshores.com, Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) is just three miles from the beach. “From the airport, guests can call shuttles, taxis, or ride-share services like Lyft or Uber to take them to their accommodation. We suggest arranging transportation in advance to secure a ride. If you prefer to have a vehicle for your entire trip, book a rental car so you can easily get around the destination.”
Our thanks to John Wilberding for discovering and sharing this news.
Editor’s note: Minor corrections/changes were made shortly after this was posted on May 26.
University of Dubuque Spring Semester 2025 Academic Dean’s List
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2025 Academic Dean’s List.
Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and having earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean’s List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean’s List for the given term.
Dean’s List is awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and may be awarded retroactively.
About the University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private, coed university founded in 1852 that offers undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary degrees as well as other educational opportunities with the intention of educating and forming the whole person. Here, the value of an education is measured in helping our students find their calling in life through academics, community, character, vocation, and stewardship. Our approach to learning is based on professional programs with a liberal arts core, and we prepare students to find their purpose and make meaningful contributions to the world. https://www.dbq.edu/
US Route 12 extends almost 2500 miles from Detroit, Michigan to Aberdeen, Washington, but it has been largely superseded by Interstates 90 and 94. It’s said that “unlike most U.S. Highways that have been superseded by an Interstate, US 12 remains intact as an important link for local and regional destinations.” [1] That’s certainly the case for the Whitewater area, but most residents are probably unaware that since 1993, per an act of the state legislature, the Wisconsin portion of the highway has been designated the Iron Brigade Memorial Highway. A historical marker [depicted above] in Augusta, Wisconsin in Eau Claire County tells the story, reading as follows:
“Highway 12 is dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Iron Brigade who fought in the Civil War of 1861-1865. Of the 672 infantry brigades in the Union Army, the Iron Brigade, composed of the 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana and 24th Michigan Regiments, experienced the highest rate of casualties. Also known as the “Black Hats,” they served in every major battle with President Abraham Lincoln’s Army of the Potomac, from Bull Run to Appomattox.“
Per Wikipedia, “Although it fought entirely in the Eastern Theater, it [the Iron Brigade] was composed of regiments from three Western states that are now within the region of the Midwest. Noted for its excellent discipline, ferocity in battle, and extraordinarily strong morale, the Iron Brigade suffered 1,131 men killed out of 7,257 total enlistments: the highest percentage of loss suffered by any brigade in the United States Army during the war.
The designation “Iron Brigade” is said to have originated during the brigade’s action at Turners Gap, during the Battle of South Mountain, a prelude to the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. Maj. Gen.Joseph Hooker, commanding I Corps, approached Army of the Potomac commander Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, seeking orders. As the Western men advanced up the National Road, forcing the Confederate line back to the gap, McClellan asked, “What troops are those fighting in the Pike?” Hooker replied, “[Brigadier] General Gibbon’s brigade of Western men.”McClellan stated, “They must be made of iron.”
Hooker said that the brigade had performed even more superbly at Second Bull Run. To this, McClellan said that the brigade consisted of the “best troops in the world.” Hooker supposedly was elated and rode off without his orders. There are a few stories related to the origin, but the men immediately adopted the name, which was quickly used in print after South Mountain.”
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay.
