This Thursday’s Savory Sounds concert (on June 26) featuring Randy Plunkett has been moved to Fairhaven Senior Services in the Fellowship Hall. The organizers felt it was necessary to make this decision because of the temperature, humidity, and potential for storms and gusty winds since there is another event scheduled for the Cultural Arts Center at the same time. There will be no food truck, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 60th class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Former student-athletes Lauren Cruz Battersby ’10 (softball), Austin Bautista ’11 (wrestling), Brooke Bell Burns ’16 (track and field), Dan Gnatzig ’05 (baseball), Justine Weyer Goodman ’10 (gymnastics), Garry and Larry Grimes (basketball), Kelsey Hendrickson ’10 (basketball), Justin Jacobs ’07 (football), Alison Miller Tanking ’07 (volleyball) and Jim Winkler (tennis) will be inducted. Brian Borland who served in multiple roles with the Warhawk track and field and football programs will be inducted under the category of staff/coach, while former tennis student-athlete and longtime UW-Whitewater supporter John Buckley will be inducted for his distinguished service to the institution.
All 13 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-Platteville on Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., will be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet, which begins following the contest at 4:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room.
More information on the Hall of Fame Banquet, including registration, will be posted in August.
Class Includes Whitewater High School Alum and Current Staff Member Dan Gnatzig
Dan Gnatzig was a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team from 2002-05. A model of consistency, Gnatzig was a staple in the outfield for all four years of his career. He helped lead UW-Whitewater to Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles in 2003, 2004 and 2005, as well as league tournament titles in 2003 and 2004. Gnatzig made three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Division III World Series appearances, helping the Warhawks to a national title in 2005. Gnatzig is a two-time all-region honoree (2004, 2005) and a two-time All-WIAC pick (2003, 2005). He is ranked among the top ten in the program record book in multiple season categories. In the program’s career record book, Gnatzig is ranked third in runs (187), sixth in at bats (619), eighth in hits (215) and eleventh in runs batted in (141). A native of Whitewater, Wisconsin and a graduate of Whitewater High School, Gnatzig earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a health licensure in 2005. Gnatzig currently teaches physical education at Whitewater High School.
For more information on each inductee: https://uwwsports.com/news/2025/6/23/general-uw-whitewater-athletics-announces-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025.aspx
The community is invited to attend the 13th Annual Miss Whitewater Pageant on Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 PM at the Frawley Amphitheater in Cravath Lakefront Park. This beloved tradition brings together local girls and young women in a celebration of confidence, community spirit, and charitable giving — all while supporting a great cause.
Over the past 12 years, the Miss Whitewater Pageant has raised more than $100,000 for veteran organizations. Each year, the pageant selects a different nonprofit organization focused on supporting those who have served our country. This year, all proceeds will benefit Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit that provides free guitars and music instruction to veterans struggling with the emotional scars of war.
Money is raised through ad sales in the official pageant program and raffle ticket sales — making it a true grassroots fundraising effort supported by generous community businesses and residents.
This year’s pageant features 24 contestants across five divisions, ranging from the youngest “Mini Miss” to the senior “Miss” division. Each contestant brings a unique personality, spirit, and dedication to service.
A Pageant with Purpose
Unlike traditional pageants that focus solely on competition, Miss Whitewater is rooted in service, self-expression, and support. Contestants of all ages take part in activities that build confidence, connect them to their community, and inspire them to give back.
“The value of the Miss Whitewater Pageant goes far beyond crowns and sashes,” says Elizabeth Bols, event organizer. “It teaches participants the importance of compassion, public speaking, and community involvement — while allowing them to contribute to something bigger than themselves.”
For the community, the pageant is a heartfelt celebration of local pride and generosity, showcasing the potential of young people to lead with kindness, empathy, and action.
Join Us for an Evening of Entertainment & Impact
Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening of music, smiles, and community support. Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to Guitars for Vets during the event.
Let’s come together on July 3rd to support our future leaders and honor those who have bravely served.
For media inquiries or information on how to support the event, please contact: Elizabeth Ellis 920-728-0135 Pageant Director.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) held their annual brat cookout on Saturday, June 7, to raise money for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition (JCOCC). The cookout took place at FCCU’s Main Branch located at 800 Madison Avenue in Fort Atkinson.
The JCOCC is a community-based organization that aims to support individuals and families affected by cancer in Jefferson County. The coalition works towards raising awareness about early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer while also advocating for improved cancer care and support services within the community.
All items were donated by Kwik Trip and FCCU team members, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went to the JCOCC. FCCU team member Deanna Ugalde was instrumental in the coordination and execution of the event. “Thank you to the FCCU team,” said Deanna, event organizer. “Without their help and support, this event would not be possible every year.”
FCCU raised a grand total of $2,060.32 for the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition this year! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support such a great cause!
About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.
For more information, please contact:
Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU)
wtownsend@fortcommunity.com
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of the Blugolds who have earned a place on the Dean’s List. Their commitment to excellence exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship at UW-Eau Claire. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment!
Students who were named to the Dean’s List are:
Alex Meyer, College of Business
At the end of each semester, each of UW-Eau Claire’s four colleges recognize excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the Dean’s List.
To be eligible, a student must:
– be in good academic standing.
– have a minimum semester GPA of 3.70.
– have completed at least 12 credits during the semester, with no incompletes, no courses below the 100 level, no repeats, and no Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory registrations (except in degree credit-bearing courses that are offered only on the S/U grading system in which a grade of S has been earned).
Linda D Hoffmann passed away peacefully at her home June 18, 2025.
Linda was born October 18th, 1943, to Orville (Dick) and Avis Hoffman. After growing up in Chicago, she spent most of her working life living in Florida before retiring in North Carolina.
Linda was a selfless and generous woman who loved all animals (but through the years, she loved her own cats and 3 Boston Terriers most of all). After retiring, she began her “second career” as a volunteer-sharing her time and many talents with organizations such as the Blue Ridge Humane Society and her local theater, as well as providing much needed care for her mother and her sister as they neared the end of their lives.
Linda left North Carolina, her dearest friend Bee, and the rest of her wonderful circle of friends in 2020 to be with her family in Whitewater for the final chapter of her life. She was a friendly and cheerful person who loved to read, travel, play Mah Jong, laugh, and visit, and told everyone who would listen that God had blessed her with a wonderful life. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law Kathleen (Katie) and Donald Ardelt, and her beloved pets.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Robert (Connie) Ardelt, Connie (Daniel) Foerster, and William (Penny) Ardelt, as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the animal rescue or Alzheimer association of your choice would be deeply appreciated.
There will be no public service. Nitardy Funeral Homes is assisting the family.
In an electrifying championship match at the USTA National Campus, the University of North Carolina’s dynamic duo, Reese Brantmeier and Alanis Hamilton, staged an impressive comeback for the second day in a row! Facing off against Auburn’s formidable pair, DJ Bennett and Ava Hrastar, Brantmeier and Hamilton battled through intense rallies to clinch victory with a nail-biting score of 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (10-5). The tension was palpable as they triumphed in the decisive tiebreak, showcasing their grit and determination! By winning the championship match of the American Collegiate Wildcard Playoffs Championship, the duo punched their ticket to play in the U.S. Open in New York City!
Come meet Reese at the Reese Brantmeier Project Opening on July 12th!
WHEN: JULY 12th, 2025, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
WHERE: 506 E Main St, Whitewater
Join us for an afternoon of tennis, games, prizes, exhibitions, booths, food, and so much more! Entry is free, and there will be fun for all ages and skill levels. There will be opportunities to meet local professional, collegiate, and high school tennis players, including Whitewater native and project founder Reese Brantmeier. Come to connect with our local tennis community, celebrate the efforts of so many supporters, and have a great time!
At 1:00 pm on July 12, there will be a welcome, ribbon cutting, and dedication, followed by an afternoon of fun and games. The full itinerary is available at www.reesebrantmeierproject.com
Please contact brantmeierb@gmail.com with any questions about the event.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.
Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Lizbeth Gallegos, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Jakub Toomey, School of Business, Dean’s List
To view an online listing, visit https://registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist/.
The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the City of Whitewater Police Department and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Police Department, conducted an investigation into the sale of illegal controlled substances in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin. The investigation included controlled buys and concluded with the execution of a search warrant.
On June 19, 2025, at approximately 9:16 a.m., the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, assisted by the City of Whitewater Police Department and the University of WisconsinWhitewater Police Department, executed a drug search warrant at the residence of 606 E. North Street in the City of Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin.
A resident, Yovani Ramirez Mendoza (11/28/1996), currently out on bond for the following cases: Walworth County: 2024CF000409, 2024CT000710, 2024CF000526, 2024CT000805, 2025CT000028, and 2025CF000021; Jefferson County: 2024CF000346, was detained.
While searching the residence, Cocaine, suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), THC, Psilocybin Mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, and one firearm were located and seized. A large indoor Psilocybin Mushroom grow operation was also located in the basement of the residence. Ramirez Mendoza was arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail and confined on the following charges:
Another resident, Stephanie Anguiano (05/10/1991), will have charges referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office of:
Additional aspects of this investigation are still ongoing.
Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Carol McLernon will talk about her books at the Senior Center 504 W. Starin Rd. at 1p.m. on Thursday, June 26. She will be joined by Elkhorn author, Kay Pleuss Meyer who illustrated “Black Hawk: A Boy and his Vision”.
Meyer has always had a love for drawing and painting, becoming more serious after retiring from a nursing career. Many of her paintings have won awards in Wisconsin and Arizona. She and her husband, Kent, have two children and two grandsons.
McLernon’s newest book, “Journeys to the Land of Gray gold” tells of Native Americans, farmers, politicians, miners, entrepreneurs, and missionaries, Some of her ancestors left Yorkshire and established Methodist parishes in Dubuque, Iowa and other mining towns. She will relate what John Wesley had to say about Parishioners in Yorkshire and how churches began having their sanctuaries on the second stories.
