Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant Applications Due April 30

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.

The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring Community Action Grants.  Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community. 

Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs.  Interested organizations can fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gY51mjXwlRW3vKYr75UWyqL5By6Wgdb4/view The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2025.

Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community.  The Foundation has given grants to The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater Rescue Squad and many more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation website: https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants
or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.

The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/ and on Facebook. 

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.

“The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” Presentation with Randy Cruse

On March 13, Whitewater has a chance to hear from a local community member who has seen dementia from both sides.  Randy Cruse was a caregiver for his wife and he is now an educator with the Alzheimer’s Association.  Randy will give a presentation on the Ten Warning Signs of Dementia on Thursday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.  Everyone is welcome.  Refreshments will be served.  

Randy’s talk will be interesting to all ages but especially to those age 40 to 50 which is when people typically find a loved one is in need of more help.   The presentation will distinguish typical age-related behaviors from true signs of a problem.  For example, age-related memory change that most of us experience includes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.  The brain is still able to “search its files,” find hints and logical connections to the type of information that needs to be brought forward.  This is different from signs that might indicate Alzheimer’s or related dementias. A degree of memory loss that disrupts daily life such as forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates or events, asking the same question repeatedly and depending on friends or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

All of us need occasional help using microwave settings, recording a TV show or help with an unfamiliar computer task.  That’s different from problems with daily tasks, getting lost driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a familiar game.  Those could be an early sign of dementia.

You will learn about several other types of behavioral changes that indicate your loved one should be evaluated for Alzheimer’s.  These signs shouldn’t be ignored.  New drugs and lifestyle changes have helped many patients.  Knowledge about what the patient is feeling and going through can be invaluable to caregivers in navigating this new relationship.  The community is cordially invited to Randy’s informative presentation on March 13.

For more information:    https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park

This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers.  New committee members are very welcome!  Contact jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.  

Baseball Coach Vodenlich Breaks WIAC All-Time Wins Record

John Vodenlich

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team opened the season on February 28 with a double-header sweep of Asbury University in Kentucky. The Warhawks picked up right where they left off from last season, with a 26-4 mercy rule win in the first game. The Warhawks took the second game 12-2.

With the opening win, Head Coach John Vodenlich became the all-time Winningest Coach in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference baseball history. Vodenlich has collected 730 wins, surpassing Tom Lechnir (728, UWO: 1989-2013) for most wins as a head coach in the WIAC.

In the opening game, the Warhawks blasted two home runs in the first two batters. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) and Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) each went the distance to put the Warhawks up 2-0 after only two batters. 

The Warhawks went on to score 15 runs over the first three innings. Holland added another homer in the fourth for the warhawks only run that inning. 

Asbury held UWW off the board in the 5th, but the Warhawks answered back with 10 runs in the 6th. Scolan hit his second homer of the game, a 3-run go to start off the scoring. Holland hit his third homer of the game to cap off the inning & put the Warhawks up 26-0.

Asbury managed to avoid the shutout, scoring four runs in the 7th inning, but the run-rule ended the game after seven. 

Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) picked up the win in the first game, going 5.0 innings with 4 Ks.

The second game started with 6 first inning runs from UWW, quickly setting the tone once again. Asbury added one run in the bottom of the third, keeping the game closer than the opener. But Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) had a three-run homer in the top of the 9th to the Warhawks up 12-1. 

An unearned run from the Eagles in the bottom of the ninth added another for Asbury, but Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) closed out the game with a swinging strikeout.

Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) got the win, with 5.0 innings & only 4 hits. 

Our Readers Share: Sidney McLean – “The Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses”

College is supposed to be a time for learning, meeting new people, and figuring out the next steps of life.  However, for a lot of students, this is a time that is filled with stress, anxiety, and even depression.  Based on the Healthy Minds Study, almost half of all college students struggle with anxiety or depression.  And across the University of Wisconsin School System, anxiety (73%), stress (65%), and depression (63%) are all in the top concerns for students who seek counseling.

Even though mental health is such a large issue, getting help is not always the easiest process.  Counseling services across the UW campuses are usually backed up, which means students have to wait weeks just to talk to someone.  Others don’t even bother reaching out because they feel embarrassed or don’t know what resources are available.

This issue isn’t just about mental health, it can also affect school performance, graduation rates, and can have a major negative impact on their futures after college.  When someone is constantly overwhelmed and struggling, their grades will be in trouble.  They might end up dropping out and carrying these issues into their careers as well if the proper help is not provided.  If we want to set students up for success, colleges need to make mental health more of a priority.

The University of Wisconsin School System needs to step up and create change.  More funding for counseling services and better promotion of mental health resources could be important steps in making sure students get the help they need.  Schools should also encourage conversations about mental health so feel less alone during these times.  

Students and administration need to come together in order to make this happen.  Students should reach out to their student government representatives and advocate for changes within the university to make sure that this issue gets the attention and can be resolved.  The UW system and colleges around the country need to prioritize mental health and make sure students have access to the resources that will be beneficial.  

Editor’s note: Sidney McLean is a senior majoring in social work at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. .

Healthy Minds Network. (2023). Healthy Minds Study: 2022-2023 National Report. https://healthymindsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HMS_National-Report-2022-2023_full.pdf

University of Wisconsin System. (2022). UW Student Behavioral Health Annual Report 2021-2022. https://www.wisconsin.edu/student-behavioral-health/download/UWCIAP_Annual-Report_21-22_FINAL.pdf

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. (n.d.). Mental Health Resources. https://www.uww.edu/uhcs/az/mental-health

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Bianca Van Dijk from Pixabay.

Decorate a Shamrock Workshop – Wednesday


The Whitewater Arts Alliance, in partnership with Fairhaven Senior Services, invites the community to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive “Decorate a Shamrock” workshop. This free event will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 3 pm-4:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, located at 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Led by Angie Alesci, this workshop is open to both Fairhaven residents and members of the Whitewater community. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate their own shamrock, with all supplies provided at no cost. This event promises a fun, hands-on experience for all ages and skill levels, fostering a sense of fun and community.

“We’re thrilled to, once again, partner with Fairhaven Senior Services for a community workshop and bring this St. Patrick’s Day celebration to Whitewater,” said Kim Adams, WAA Gallery Director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and community members to come together, get creative, and enjoy the spirit of the day.”

This event is generously sponsored by Culver’s, whose support helps make free community programs like this possible. No registration is required—just bring your enthusiasm and join the fun!

Warhawks Cruise into Second Round of NCAA Tournament – Today @ 7

Photo by Olivia Zinnani

The UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team cruised into the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament with a 75-53 win over Principia College in Kachel Gym in Whitewater on Friday night. 

With the win, the Warhawks advance to host UW-La Crosse Saturday at 7 PM in Kachel Gym. UWW defeated the Eagles in both regular season meetings — 62-56 on the road and 74-62 at home — this season. The Eagles topped Colorado College 79-52 in the first round.

Editor’s note: Whitewater had a good-sized crowd on Friday evening, and hopefully Saturday will be even better. Parking is free in lots 11 and 24 and tickets are purchased onsite. Adults are $15, Senior Adults, Students, and Children ages 6-17 are $10. Children under 6 are free. Those unable to attend may find links for listening or viewing the game here and here together with other information about the contest.

UW-Whitewater got off to an incredible start in Friday’s game against the Panthers. Mallory Oloffson (Normal, Ill./Normal Community) opened the scoring with a three-pointer off of a Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) assist. Less than 30 seconds later, Trautsch hit her first attempt of the night – also from long range – off a Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) pass for a 6-0 lead. Trautsch answered a Principia basket with another triple before draining her third three in the first six minutes of the contest to give UWW a 14-4 advantage. 

By the end of the first quarter, the gap ballooned to 24-18. Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) hit the first basket of the second quarter to push the margin into the 20s. Another three-pointer, this one from Renee Rittmeyer (Winnebago, Ill./Winnebago) with less than a minute left in the half, extended the Warhawk lead to 30, 47-17. Hildebrandt capped the first 20 minutes with a jumper to send UWW into the intermission with a 32-point advantage. 

The Warhawks were efficient in the first half shooting 47% and 67% in the first two quarters respectively. Meanwhile, the defense held Principia to 15% and 31% from the floor in the first and second quarters. 

The Panthers won the third and fourth quarters outscoring UWW 18-13 in each period for the 75-53 final. 

Hildebrandt led the Warhawks with a double-double hauling in 15 boards to go with 15 points. Trautsch and Oloffson each scored 16 while Rittmeyer added 11. 

Scores for other Wisconsin teams on Friday:
UW-Superior lost to Whitman 54-77
UW-Oshkosh beat Calvin 61-52
UW- Stout beat Ripon 87-57
Gustavus Adolphus over Wisconsin Lutheran 61-49

Whitewater Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Today at the Downtown Armory

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club

The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club will be holding a sit-down, dine-in Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 8 from 6:30-11 a.m.  All are invited to bring their appetites to the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street.  No tickets will be sold, and people are asked to make a donation of at least $7 to help cover the food costs.  Additional donations are welcome to help support the children that Kiwanis serves.

Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Co-President Corey Davis said, “We are thrilled to offer this wonderful breakfast fundraiser again this year to support children.” 

Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world. The club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park.  Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.

If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Corey Davis at coreydavis77@yahoo.com. We meet at 7 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Jessica’s Family Restaurant.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Roberto Soto of Omega Auto Repair – An Immigrant Story

Editor’s Note:  The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.

Roberto Soto, owner of Omega Auto Repair LLC, came to the United States from Piedras Negras, Mexico and is now a United States citizen and business owner in Whitewater.

Roberto first moved to Texas where he remembers being bussed as a migrant worker to what was then Larson Company in Fort Atkinson.  He canned corn and carrots and worked a 10-month contract before he returned to Texas each year. 

Roberto fell in love with Wisconsin, and met his wife in Fort Atkinson so he decided to stay.  Hard work is key for Roberto.  He started out at Generac as first a line-worker and then progressed to operator-three.  In addition, he worked on car brakes for people on the side.  He also worked at Coburn Company. But his love of cars began with his work at Kusel Auto Repair in Watertown. 

Roberto Soto at Omega Auto Repair

He bought what is now Omega Auto Repair from Donna Henry in 2021.  He specializes in electrical trouble-shooting and light mechanical work.  “I do work for three different shops in town that can’t do electrical.  I consider myself a technician.  I can do mechanical, but I specialize in electrical,” said Roberto.

“Whitewater is one of the most beautiful towns I’ve been in.  I’ve lived in three different countries, and what I like most (about Whitewater) is the people.  People here remember their grandpa who did not speak English because he came from another country.  They have decency and care for other people,” he said. “I was born in the wrong country (Mexico).  I’ve always wanted to come to the United States,” he said.

Roberto said, “Whitewater is a good place to raise a family.”  Three of his children are grown, and one attends school in Whitewater.  “I feel safe in Whitewater.  The majority of immigrants are hardworking,” he said. 

Roberto learned English in Mexico.  He said, “I was not a good student in any class except English class.  I was top of the English class.”  His goal at the time was to speak English well so he could fulfill his dream of living in the U.S. 

Roberto and his wife have raised two daughters and two sons with careers in nursing, mechanical engineering and computer science.  Roberto went to school until 9th grade, and he says, “I am very proud of my children.  Sometimes I don’t understand how they got so smart because I wasn’t a good student.”  Roberto is self-taught. 

About his business, Roberto said, “I am very honest to the point that it hurts.  People who bring cars here like how I explain what is wrong.  I tell it like it is.”  Sometimes that means letting people know that their repairs are not worth the price, and they should look instead at purchasing a new car.  “I want to do a good job, and I make sure the job gets done right,” he said.

He also really appreciates the good Google reviews that describe how he works with customers like the following:  “Roberto is super professional, and very reliable. I’ve been in there a few times, and he has fixed all of my issues with an affordable cost. Definitely my go to mechanic when I need something done. He tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Very quick and efficient.”

Roberto said, “I am here to help anybody who needs help repairing their car.  I love working on cars and I love helping people get their cars fixed and on the way, I make money.  It’s a good trade.”

Porcaro Places Fourth at State Wrestling Meet

The Whitewater Wrestling Team concluded their season this weekend with five competing on the Kohl Center floor in Madison. The format of the tournament was different this season with each competitor being guaranteed two matches over the weekend.

The team wrestled well throughout the weekend, but unfortunately three of them were unable to come off victorious even though they had given it their all on the mat. All of the losses the students took ended up being to opponents that placed in the top six and made podium on Saturday night.

Jarvis Porcaro

Jasen Porras, Traysen Thomason, and Marianna Kubicz each competed on Thursday night and Friday morning but had some tough challenges in front of them, coming up short.

Connor Friend started off the tournament with a very strong opponent who was a great rider on top. This was a tough loss, as all are in the state tournament, and he had to regroup and come back on Friday morning to stay in the medal hunt. Connor saw an opponent from Belmont/Platteville, whom he had lost to 4 weeks ago. Connor wrestled a great match coming out on top 4–1. This placed him in the consolation semifinals on Saturday morning. Connor had an opponent that was very good at defense, which made it difficult to get to his offense, which he is very good at. In the end, Connor fell just short of reaching his goal of being on the podium.

Jarvis Porcaro had a very good tournament. He started the tournament on Thursday evening with a nice technical fall victory in the opening round setting him up for a quarter final match against a state runner up from Richland Center. Jarvis wrestled an outstanding match, coming out with 10-8 victory, putting him into the state semifinals on Friday night. In this match, Jarvis wrestled against the number 1 seed in the tournament and came out very strong with an early takedown. Entering the 3rd period, Jarvis was down 7-5, but that was as close as it got. Jarvis ended up dropping the match, which was very disappointing to him as he self-analyzed his match right away and knew his errors in the 3rd period. He stayed positive with himself, which has been a huge battle for him to overcome since last season. This season, Jarvis was able to stay in the mental mindset, even during tough times. On Saturday morning, Jarvis came back to compete in the 3rd place match but lost the match, thus finishing in 4th place in the state. Jarvis had set his goals after last season to be in the state finals, and although he came up short of that goal, he was upbeat with his weekend and knows this is just one chapter of his life of wrestling. He will move forward working toward collegiate goals.

The weekend saw the close of some stellar high school careers from Jarvis, Jasen, Connor, and Traysen. They will be missed by the program, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org

UW-W to Host First Rounds of NCAA Women’s BB Tournament


The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host the first and second rounds of the 2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. The tournament will be held in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center. 

The first game of the Whitewater Regional will feature Colorado College (23-3) and UW-La Crosse (16-11). Tipoff is slated for 4:30 PM CT.

The Warhawks (22-6) will take on Principia (17-11) in game two that is set for a 7 PM tip. 

The winners will advance to face each other at 7 PM on Saturday. 

A livestream for all games in the Whitewater Regional will be available on ncaa.com

Ticket information will be announced Tuesday. A full preview will be available later this week.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater. Principia is in Elsah, IL.

Wisconsin is well represented among the 64 teams in the bracket, with six teams, five of which are part of Universities of WI: La Crosse, Oshkosh, Stout, Superior, and Whitewater. The sixth team is Wisconsin Lutheran.