News

Southern Lakes Conference Sports Reunion (Classes 1954 to 1962) is Sept. 29

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Tom Kraus.

The 6th Annual Southern Lakes Conference Sports reunion will be held at 11:30 September 29th at Someplace Else in Elkhorn. This year it as been extended to include Classes 1954 to 1962. It is for anyone who played any sport those years (FB, BB Golf etc). If you have any former teammates please invite or bring them along. We need some kind of running total of attendees so please text John at kilkenny@fontier.com. Conference: Mukwonago,Burlington, Delavan, East Troy, Lake Geneva, Wilmot, Whitewater and Elkhorn. Also you can call me Tom 262-215-9985 or text gatortom57@yahoo.com. It is a cash bar and food. So “PLEASE” come and meet some of the guys who maybe put a hit on you or blocked one of your shots again.

Whitewater FFA Officer Adventure 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater FFA Reporter Katie Gillette.

On July 24th, the Whitewater FFA officer team kicked off their annual officer trip excursion.

Our trip started out with a scenic drive from Whitewater to Monroe, WI. Our first stop was Alp and Dell Cheese Factory. Our amazing tour guide gave us much knowledge about the history and process of how cheese is made. Alp and Dell can make up to 38,000 pounds of cheese in just one day! We all enjoyed the opportunity to eat 23-year-old cheese.

Our journey continued to Yellowstone Lake State Park. Along the way, we saw many different areas of agriculture, endless acres of crops, and many species of wildlife. After settling in our team hit the water. We all enjoyed skiing, tubing, and swimming. We also saw many species of fish.

On July 25th, our team made a short trek to Belmont, where we enjoyed a scenic lookout. Throughout our trip, we enjoyed the vast Amish and Mennonite communities, along with the different groups and departments of agriculture. Our next adventure took place at Crystal Lake Caves in Dubuque, IA. We were given the amazing opportunity to go down over 45 feet and explore the caves. We learned the history and artifacts behind the caves that first originated in 1868. The atmosphere was incredible. Oohs and Ahhs could be heard throughout the cave.


Following our cave adventure we headed to the heart of Dubuque. We arrived at Eagle Point Park to enjoy some sightseeing of the majestic Mississippi River. We continued later that evening with more water fun and team bonding.

On July 26th, our trip concluded with our FFA team working together on our yearly planning and discussions which will be the foundation for the upcoming year.

Whitewater Historical Society Meeting Oct. 1 Features New Web Site

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Historical Society.

The public is invited at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023, when the Whitewater Historical Society holds its fall program. The Special Guest will be Kristina Koslosky of Kreative Solutions, Inc. She will be discussing her work with the new Whitewater Historical Society website. Working with the historical society, she was responsible for the creative redesign and the technical process to make the website more user friendly to both historical society personnel and the general public. Along with Carol Cartwright, who will talk about the content of the website, Ms. Koslosky will talk about how she updated this important communication tool for the society.

The program will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Cravath Lakefront Building, Whitewater Street, in Whitewater. The building is located at in Cravath Lakefront Park right behind Me and My Pets (147 W. Whitewater Street, just go under the arch).

The Monday Night Free Spaghetti Meal is Sit Down and Dine In!

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Patty Harmon.

Dine In and enjoy the Monday Night Campus & Community Free Spaghetti Meal! Whether you dine in or take out, beginning September 18, from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., we will be serving fresh spaghetti pasta, choice of Marinara or Alfredo sauces, 2 Italian meatballs, with Parmesan cheese, Italian spices and a slice of garlic bread. All are welcome to partake in the meal at the Congregational UCC Church, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater WI. The meal is coordinated by the Congregational UCC and First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater.

“If we serve only one person, we take comfort knowing that that one person did not walk away hungry.”

El 18 de septiembre, la espera ha terminado… ¡La Cena de Espagueti Gratis de los lunes por la noche es para sentarse y cenar en el lugar! ¡Ven a cenar y disfruta de la Cena de Espagueti Gratis para el Campus y la Comunidad de los lunes por la noche! Ya sea que comas en el lugar o para llevar, a partir del 18 de septiembre, de 5:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m., estaremos sirviendo espagueti fresco, con la opción de salsas Marinara o Alfredo, 2 albóndigas italianas, con queso parmesano, especias italianas y una rebanada de pan de ajo. Todos son bienvenidos a participar en la comida en la Iglesia Congregacional UCC, en la calle 133 S. Franklin, Whitewater, WI. La comida está coordinada por la Iglesia Congregacional UCC y la Primera Iglesia Luterana de Inglés, Whitewater. “Si solo servimos a una persona, nos reconforta saber que esa persona no se fue con hambre.”

LOVE. FAMILY. FREEDOM. Presentation at the Library Oct. 2

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

Community members are invited to attend the “Love. Family. Freedom.” presentation by Kim Simes at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, October 2 at 5:30 p.m. This presentation will provide an overview on LGBTQ+ families and the current environment in which we’re living. Simes is the Chief of Staff, People and Culture for Family Equality, a national non-profit organization that exists to create a world where everyone can experience the unconditional love, safety and belonging of family. As a leader in the LGBTQ+ movement, Simes credits her success to putting relationships and connections with and among people first, while working to make inclusive, positive changes for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Simes has degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Communications (undergraduate) and Counseling (masters).

The presentation is cosponsored by Whitewater Pride and the League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area. Ellen Penwell, President of the League, states that the organization is “proud to partner with the Irvin L Young Memorial Library in support of programming that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, which align with the League’s policy and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and practice.”

Kim Simes

There is no cost or registration to attend. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.

Obituary: Mary Ann C. Rodriguez, 83

Mary Ann C. Rodriguez, 83 of Whitewater passed away Monday September 11, 2023 at Delavan Health Services.

She was born on August 19, 1940 the daughter of Olin John “Cotton” and Genevieve (nee Branks) Bienfang in her Whitewater home where she continuously resided until her ailing health prevented her from remaining at home.  She married Victor A. Rodriguez, Jr. on November 25, 1958 and they had five children.

Mary Ann, more fondly known as “Mary,” “Mother Mar,” “MM,” “Miriam,” “Gramma,” and “Grams,” was a traditional mom in every sense of the word.  Her family and home were the center of her life.  Home was always the center of the neighborhood block kid activities where treats were always a priority.  Daily laundry and removing stains was her expertise!  She had a love of animals as was evident by the numerous cats and dogs in and out of the house throughout the years.  She was heart broken she couldn’t take her cat, Mippy, with her to Health Services.  Her passion was listening to music and reading, hanging out in her recliner with her chips and chocolate watching TV and movies in her living room. Her DVD collection is phenomenal.

Mother Mar is survived by her 5 children; Victor (Margaret) Rodriguez of Shorewood, WI, Roque (Rhonda) Rodriguez of Whitewater, WI, Genevieve (Brant) Mursch of Whitewater, WI, Chinchi Jorgensen of North Prairie, WI, and Mary (Michael) Mahoney of Whitewater, WI.  She is further survived by 12 grandchildren; Christopher, Emery, Alex, Laura, Victor, Clayton, and Xavier Rodriguez, Jaime (Charlie) Rortvedt, Michael and Shane Rodriguez, Jennifer (Josue) Santiago, and Melissa Mursch-Rodriguez.  In addition, she is survived by 7 great-grandchildren; Addison and Andrew Rortvedt, Quinton, Lucas, Havana, and Alora Rodriguez, and Josue Levi “Jr” Santiago.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor; mother, Genevieve (Branks) Streib; Father, Olin John “Cotton” Bienfang; grandparents, Catherine and Thomas Branks; brother, Timothy Streib; sister, Margaret Gonzalez; niece, Margaret “Maggie” Gonzalez; son-in-law, Greg Jorgensen; and grandson, Lance Rodriguez.

Mother Mar will forever be missed and remembered for her loving, generous, giving, kind heart and silly “tee hee” laughter. Thank you, mom, for always being there for all of us!

Special thanks of sincere gratitude and appreciation to the entire Delavan Health Services staff and St. Croix Hospice /Delavan for all your kindness and compassionate care to our mother and our family during her brief residency and unexpected decline in health. Your dedication and sincere care for those in need has made a difference in our lives during this most difficult time.

A private mass of Christian burial took place on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church Whitewater.  Burial took place immediately following the mass at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials in Mary’s name can be made to St. Croix Hospice if desired.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Celebrate your Kids and Grandkids with a Library Fund Donation and Wall Tile Purchase

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Doug Anderson.

Dean and Arthur’s names will be on the library’s wall thanks to donations from their parents.

Dean:  I see our names are on the tiles!  

Arthur: Mom and Dad gave to the library fund in our names to remind us about how important the library has been to our growth and development.  In 25 years we will be prepared to support the library ourselves. 

You too, can pay it forward for your kids or grandkids by putting their names on the wall to remind them each time they enter how important the library is to you and them.  $250 for two lines on a tile up to 40 characters. Use the QR code or visit http://bit.ly/3DwnndS to make a gift online. Write a check to Whitewater Community Foundation, PO Box 428, Whitewater, WI 53190.   Enter Library Fund in memo line.

Discover Whitewater Series Celebrates 11th Year Success

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Jeff Knight.

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC)’s 11th annual Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Teams, and 5k was a smashing success, raising money for local charities. 

This year’s DWS brought in 475 participants, 200+ volunteers, and nearly 70 sponsors. The DWS team was thrilled to welcome 39 runners from nine different states other than Wisconsin. The weather was cooler and rainy this morning for runners with a temperature of 60 degrees. 

UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey King arrived bright and early this morning to give the welcoming remarks and wish all of the participants a great race. 

Women’s Half Marathon Winners: Jenny Zwagerman, Megan Wagner, Kortney Pippenger

Jenny Zwagerman

Men’s Half Marathon Winners: David Fassbender, Braeden Michael, Carl Greene 

David Fassbender

Half Marathon Teams Winner: Jenny Zwagerman, Tyler Zwagerman, Alex Moehn, Christina Moehn

Women’s 5k Winners: Alyse Peters, Heidi Mane, Kate Omernik 

Alyse Peters

Men’s 5k Winners: Mark Elworthy, Quinn Mckenzie, Lucas Springstroh 

Mark Elworthy

To see all race results, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/26133

As runners ventured through the course, they got to experience some of Whitewater’s finest features. The DWS team was proud to welcome new and returning participants alike. Thanks to all of the hard work of volunteers and sponsors, this 11th Annual DWS proved to achieve its mission of bringing people together in support of a good cause. 

All proceeds will be distributed to the DWS’ four charity partners: Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Bethel House of Whitewater, and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. Runners and volunteers joined together after the race to celebrate the day’s accomplishments, enjoying a free beverage from bronze sponsor 841 Brewhouse. 

“The 11th Annual DWS was an amazing community event,” said Race Director, Dawson Miller, “It was great to see runners and volunteers showcase their hard work.”

The DWS team would like to thank all who came out in support of the race. The entire community has been a part of such an amazing event that has greatly helped charities across Whitewater. 

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and university  to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

Obituary: Maria Gloria Benitez, 67

Maria Gloria Benitez, 67, Fort Atkinson, passed away surrounded by her family at the Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek, WI.

Maria was born in Hildgo, Texas on October 11, 1955, to Fidencio and Maria Ester (Casarez) Beltran.  She graduated from San Jsidro High School.  On April 19, 1997, Maria married Angelio Benitez in Minnesota.  Maria worked, teaching ESL at Purdy Elementary in Fort Atkinson and at Jefferson High School.  She enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Angelio, Fort Atkinson; children Pam (Juan Aguilar) Garza, and Jose Garza, both of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren Ivan and Diego Gonzalez, Vincente and Mia Aguilar.  She was preceded in death by her parents and son Isaac Beltran.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater.  The day and time will be announced.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.