Heart Prairie Lutheran church, one of the oldest and longest continually operating churches in the United States, still in its original, historic construction, begins services for this year on Memorial Day weekend. The manual pump organ that accompanies the hymns is itself a historic artifact, being the organ from the Morris Pratt Institute and school for spiritualism that was once part of Whitewater. Come see this historic church, listen to this antique organ, and join in the regular weekly services on Saturdays at 5:00 pm and Sundays at 8:00 am.
For a real treat, come out and have refreshments, chat with community members, and walk the old cemetery before experiencing the historic oil lamp lit evening services on Sunday, June 30th, July 28th, and August 25th (the last Sunday of each summer month) with refreshments at 7:30 and service at 8:30 pm. This service is the Norwegian Hoisse Masse (“house worship service”) of the original settlers of the 1800s, translated into English.
The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2024 spring semester.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Steven Kornkven
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Westerman
Whitewater, WI 53190: Holland Engele
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Keller
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrea Kuhl
Whitewater, WI 53190: Destiny Mitchell
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Phelan
Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Wagner
Whitewater, WI 53190: Chris Abts
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nicole Butry
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Carlson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Dahl
Whitewater, WI 53190: Christian Derenne
Whitewater, WI 53190: Griffin Gerber
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cooper Gosse
Whitewater, WI 53190: Benjamin Hafeman
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jack Hanlon
Whitewater, WI 53190: Teagan Kane
Whitewater, WI 53190: David Kneiser
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yingxin Lin
Whitewater, WI 53190: Parker Louden
Whitewater, WI 53190: Seth Lozano
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isaac Lytle
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabella Miscevich
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Nelson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Rachel Nelson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Janessa Norvell
Whitewater, WI 53190: Raquel Ortiz
Whitewater, WI 53190: Annika Potter
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Prock
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayden Radloff
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Reinhardt
Whitewater, WI 53190: Melanie Reyes
Whitewater, WI 53190: Evelyn Rozenkvit
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gunner Schlender
Whitewater, WI 53190: Garrett Townsend
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Troy
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sebastian Van Wyhe
Whitewater, WI 53190: Annabelle Olson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dayna Wendelberger
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mackenzie Wesoloski
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Zimdars
Whitewater, WI 53190: Salaar Akbar
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tj Kaczkowski
Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp
Whitewater, WI 53190: Molly Wade
Whitewater, WI 53190: Stephanie Hensel
Whitewater, WI 53190: Samantha Meister
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yasmin Palomec-Garcia
Whitewater, WI 53190: Madelyn Hillesheim
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Bergeson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Adrianna Fico
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hailey Zaal
Whitewater, WI 53190: Match Clark
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitlyn Van Wyhe
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alexander Vail
Whitewater, WI 53190: Chase Zimmerman
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cameron Huntley
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mason Thompson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Devon Knowles
Whitewater, WI 53190: Angelina Izzo
Whitewater, WI 53190: Colton Meuret
Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Groetzinger
Whitewater, WI 53190: Donovan Winn
Whitewater, WI 53190: Logan Faust
Whitewater, WI 53190: Elizabeth Zinda
Whitewater, WI 53190: Aurora Leonhard
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kyra Maly
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Sims
Whitewater, WI 53190: Marijke Arreola
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jace Bezzo
Whitewater, WI 53190: Charlie Eckert
Whitewater, WI 53190: Maci Parrish
Whitewater, WI 53190: Taylor Koehler
Whitewater, WI 53190: Matthew Gumenyuk
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lila Glatczak
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brock Grosinske
Whitewater, WI 53190: Caden Leutner
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Rouse
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda
Whitewater, WI 53190: Reilly Grasso
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gracia Boley
Whitewater, WI 53190: Seth Gildemeister
Whitewater, WI 53190: Amarion Isbell
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cj Keating
Whitewater, WI 53190: Odessa Sonn
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sam Morton
Whitewater, WI 53190: Aiden Murray
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrew Swartz
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Wade
Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Sharlow
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gabrielle Quintero
Whitewater, WI 53190: Grace Baker
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tania Verduzco
Whitewater, WI 53190: Aubrey Church
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mel Prince
Whitewater, WI 53190: C.J. Tomomitsu
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Schneider
Whitewater, WI 53190: Madeline Church
Whitewater, WI 53190: Bianca Housworth
Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Hammons
Whitewater, WI 53190: Payton Lowe
Whitewater, WI 53190: Abi Hartwig
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Jordan
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dejaney Valles
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dayna Carlson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Gaytan-Mireles
Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Lamendola
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”
The Registrar’s Office reports 3,298 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the spring semester. More than 11,500 students were enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses in 2023-24.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
What’s better than bingo? Bingo and exercise! Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is pleased to announce a fun, new health program for seniors called Bingocize, which combines the game of bingo with exercise and health education.
Games are held twice weekly over 10 weeks for one hour. Trained facilitators lead this interactive workshop, which engages adults over 60 to meet personalized exercise goals. Participants can expect to leave with an increased knowledge of exercise including range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening, and endurance. Healthy prizes are offered to all bingo winners.
Bingocize will be held at the East Troy Intergenerational Community Center on Mondays and Thursdays, June 3 to August 15, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The Intergenerational Community Center is at 2019 Division St. in East Troy. The workshop has a one-time-only suggested contribution of $10.
Registration is required. For questions, or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team fought from behind in the Regional Championship, coming away with a 6-4 victory after Scolan’s go-ahead home run in the 7th inning put the Warhawks up for good.
As soon as the first pitch came in, the fans at Prucha Field knew they were in for a classic Regional Championship game. The Warhawks and Colonels both went three-and-out in the first inning, with both defenses on full display.
In the second inning, the Warhawks forced another three at-bat inning and capitalized on it, scoring the first run of the game with Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hitting a sacrifice fly to center field.
Centre recorded two hits in the third inning, but were unable to get any runners around, as the Warhawks held on to their 1-0 lead. The next frame, Centre put the Warhawks in a deficit for the first time all tournament, as a 2-RBI single put the Colonels up 2-1.
Paden recorded yet another RBI in the bottom of the fourth to tie things back up again. But Centre retook the lead after a RBI single and a sacrifice bunt scored two in the top of the 5th.
Centre looked like they had the momentum, holding the two run lead after only facing six Warhawk batters in the bottom of the 5th and 6th inning.
Heading into the bottom of the 7th, the Warhawks looked to get back on the board after two hitless innings. The lead-off Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) got on base after a walk, and Paden hit his third RBI of the game, sending Thies home and bringing the Warhawks within one.
Daryl Jackson then hit a single of his own, scoring Paden and tying up the game at 4-4. Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) had the final say, as he hit a deep home run to right field, scoring both himself and Jackson for the go-ahead runs.
Scolan knew the ball was going to be gone as soon as it left the park, celebrating with the team down the first base line.
The Colonels only had one base runner in the top of the 8th, and then faced WIAC Newcomer of the Year Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) on the mound in the 9th. Hagen and the Warhawks recorded three straight outs to retire the side and pick up the win in the Regional Championship.
Hagen picked up his first collegiate save and Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) the win on the mound. Hansen pitched 3.0 innings from the 6th thru the 8th and only had two base runners with a hit and a walk.
On offense, Paden was the hot bat, going 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs for the Warhawks. Scolan had two RBIs from his go-ahead homer, and Daryl Jackson picked up one RBI. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) drew three walks in the contest.
The Warhawks will await the outcome of the La Crosse, Wis. Regional. UWW will face the advancing team of either UW-La Crosse or Coe College. Times and Locations will be announced on NCAA.com on Monday, May 20th.
For more than 30 years the National Association of Letter Carriers has sponsored the largest volunteer one day food collection effort to “Stamp Out Hunger.” This food drive is to help relieve shortages that food pantries experience in the spring and summer after holiday donations have been depleted. Food pantries need our help. One in eight children in the United States-approximately 13 million- are, or may, experience food insecurity. When USPS employees join with people in their neighborhoods to support local pantries, it helps hard-hit families put food on the table.
We are excited to announce that 5100 pounds of food was delivered to the Whitewater Food Pantry on Saturday, May 11th, because of the generous people of Whitewater!
Our local sponsors included: Whitewater 4-H, Whitewater FFA, Richmond 4-H, LaGrange 4-H, PremierBank, Kwik Trip, Casey’s General Store, Festival Foods, TopCon Agriculture Americas, Jenny & Jerry Meiners Family, Linda Giorno & Ben Bradley, Ralph & Laurie Giorno, The Whitewater Community Food Pantry, and The Whitewater Post Office.
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Library Building Project update and Discussion of FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) changes to the exempt minimum wage starting January 1, 2025. Library Community Room 431 West Center *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86079654765?pwd=Z2ZqVWdTUEpQNkJnNy9WNVNVb3RDdz09 Telephone: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Webinar ID: 860 7965 4765 Passcode: mJpAyr6f
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Special Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m. Agenda includes Discussion and Presentation on Creating a Lakes District by Extension Lakes Director, Eric Olson Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Topic: Lakes Advisory Committee Special Meeting Time: May 21, 2024 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86864142195?pwd=N2I1cmZZZDhySDRPVm9EWHZnQThXdz09 Meeting ID: 868 6414 2195 Passcode: 880586One tap mobile +13126266799,,86864142195#,,,,880586# US (Chicago) +16469313860,,86864142195#,,,,880586# US
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Accurate Assessors Presentation, Spring Splash review/update, Update on Mobile Home Community Special Assessment, Outstanding balance from WUSD regarding WAFC, Compensation Study Results, Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Not to Exceed $6,430,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2024A, Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Not to Exceed $1,635,000 Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2024B, First reading of 2024-O-07 Ordinance allowing Board of Absentee Canvassers (Allowing Central Count for Absentee Ballots) , First reading of Ordinance 2024-O-05 an ordinance amending Title 20 Recreational Vehicle parking, First reading of Ordinance 2024-O-06 an ordinance amending 19.51.180 Truck, Trailer, mobile home and equipment parking restrictions, Ordinance 2024-O-08 Creating Section 5.30 Mobile Food Establishments (MFE’s)- Neighborhood Services, Second reading of Ordinance 2024-O-02 an ordinance amending 16.14.825 Violations of Regulatory Provisions, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Approval of a Permit for Storage of a Junked Disassembled-Inoperable or Unlicensed Vehicles or Parts Thereof for Marc Jones located at 311 E Cravath Street. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89486414174?pwd=0FusUq8_-vsZWxPah0WJahhdcwYudg.jYbLpclbMaax6vY1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 Webinar ID: 894 8641 4174 Passcode: 649239
City of Whitewater Community Involvement and Cable TV Commission – Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m. Agenda includes review of changes to commission ordinance and review recent content on channel 990. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St *In Person and virtual Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/516267045 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 516-267-045 United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor, 312 W. Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/292546989 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 292-546-989 United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Board of Review – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person and Virtual
Aschenbrener nominated for Saint Mary’s 2024 Outstanding Senior
WINONA, Minn. (April 25, 2024) – Ryann “Rosie” Aschenbrener, daughter of Crystal Aschenbrener of Whitewater, Wis., was nominated for Saint Mary’s University’s 2024 Outstanding Senior award.
Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community, as well as genuine concern for the needs of others.
Aschenbrener is majoring in Criminal Justice and Spanish and minoring in Lasallian Honors and Political Science. At Saint Mary’s, she has held leadership positions for the Criminal Justice Club, Pre-Law Honor Society, and Benefit Dance Committee. She has volunteered in the local community through the Polar Plunge, blood drives, Habitat for Humanity, and charity walks. She has been a Resident Assistant for three years and has worked for campus departments/offices since her freshman year. She completed two internships, one at a youth detention center in Wisconsin and the other at The Anthony ’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace on campus. She plans to attend law school and work in family law after graduation.
Riley Hall and Patrick Derleth were the two students recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Seniors at the university’s Founders’ Day celebration.
About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Grounded in Lasallian Catholic values, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Whether in person or online, adult or undergraduate, students are treated with respect, taught with humanity, and supported by faculty and staff committed to their success in programs designed to prepare graduates for today’s and tomorrow’s careers. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls nearly 4,100 students at its undergraduate and graduate programs on campuses in Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona, and online. Saint Mary’s offers a highly personal, real-world-ready educational experience that fully prepares students to work, lead, and serve with character and purpose. Learn more at smumn.edu.
The following photos of the 10:00 a.m. UW-Whitewater Commencement on May 11, 2024 are courtesy of Tom Ganser. The morning ceremony recognized 613 undergraduate and 151 graduate students from the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Business and Economics and the School of Graduate Studies. An announcement regarding the commencements, including the afternoon event, may be found here.
Tanner Engeseth leading Alma MaterChancellor Corey A. KingProvost John ChenowethProcessing inFirst generation college grads standingMilitary graduates standingChanging of the tassels Magna Cum Laude graduates Gracia Boley, BA, WhitewaterTrenten Zahn, BBA, WhitewaterBrianna Zimdars, BBA, WhitewaterYacouba Soire, MBA, WhitewaterGracia Boley, BA, Whitewater
Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.
As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, this weekend Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate graduation and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until Saturday, June 8. The response to this effort by the community has been really positive!
In a time of real division and polarization, we are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them.
Whitewater YES is happy to accept donations for the cost of the signs. If you would like to support that effort, simply send a check to: Whitewater YES via Ron Binning, W8645 Glacial Drive, Whitewater, WI 53190.
William Graham Post 173 of the American Legion in Whitewater is sponsoring the Memorial Day activities in the city.
On Thursday, May 23rd at 6:00 PM members of American Legion Post 173 will gather in the center of Hillside Cemetery to decorate the veterans’ graves at the cemetery. Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs and all other community members are invited to participate. Post 173 will provide the flags.
Plans for the parade and ceremonies at the Whitewater Armory are well underway. The parade will form in the Hearthstone Memory Care Residence by Fairhaven parking lot at 10:00 AM on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and other interested groups are encouraged to participate in the parade.
More information will be published later.
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Steven Smith.
