News

UW-W Football Hosting NCAA Div. III Semifinal Next Sat.; Airing Live on ESPN+ (UPDATED)

UPDATE December 5, 2021

By Chris Lindeke
Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding, UW-W

UW-Whitewater Football to Host National Semifinal; Game to Air Live on ESPN+

The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will host second-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) in a semifinal of the NCAA Division III Playoffs this Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 2:30 p.m. at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater.

Saturday’s game will air live on ESPN+. Tickets and parking for the game can be purchased online starting Tuesday. Tickets and parking will also be available for game day purchase.

The Warhawks (13-0 overall), champions of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, advanced to the national semifinals with a 51-21 victory against No. 8 Central (Iowa) on Saturday at Perkins Stadium. UW-Whitewater will make its third straight trip and 13th appearance overall in the Division III semifinals.

The Crusaders (13-0), who won the American Southwest Conference, topped No. 7 Linfield (Ore.) 49-24 on Saturday in Belton, Texas.

UW-Whitewater and Mary Hardin-Baylor have split the last two meetings. The Crusaders defeated the Warhawks in a 2018 NCAA semifinal in Belton on their way to the national championship. UW-W topped UMHB in the 2019 NCAA quarterfinals on its way to a national runner-up finish.

The winner of Saturday’s game advances to the Stagg Bowl (Division III national championship game), which is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 17, in Canton, Ohio.

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December 4, 2021

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Breaking News: UW-W Hosting Mary Hardin-Baylor in Semifinal Next Sat.

Chris Lindeke, UW-W Asst. Athletic Director, told the Banner that Perkins Stadium has been chosen to host the NCAA Division III semifinal between the Warhawks (13-0) and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (13-0) (TX) on December 11 at 2:30 p.m. This semifinal will determine the team that will play in the Stagg Bowl championship on December 17 in Canton, Ohio versus the winner of the North Central (IL) vs. Mount Union game on December 11. North Central is the reigning champion, having defeated the Warhawks in the last Stagg Bowl, which was held in 2019.

A good turnout of 1400 was on hand for today’s contest in which the Warhawks trounced Central (IA). See below for the report that was posted earlier on that game. It would be great to have an even larger turnout for what promises to be a very competitive game next Saturday.
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No. 3 Warhawk Football Advances to NCAA Semifinals

By Chris Lindeke
Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding, UW-W

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Game Statistics: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/uwwsports.com/documents/2021/12/4/28525.pdf

The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team outscored eighth-ranked Central (Iowa) by 24 points in the second half Saturday afternoon on its way to a 51-21 victory in a quarterfinal game of the NCAA Division III Playoffs at Perkins Stadium.

The Warhawks (13-0 overall) will play in the national semifinals for the third straight season, and will face No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) next Saturday, Dec. 11, at a location and time to be announced Sunday.

UW-Whitewater held the high-octane Dutch (12-1) to zero points and 71 yards in the second half, including only two yards in the third quarter, to build on a 27-21 halftime advantage

Max Meylor completed 17-of-22 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, ran for one score and caught a touchdown to lead the Warhawks, who totaled 490 yards of offense.

Alex Peete posted the fifth 100-yard rushing performance in his last six games and his sixth of the season with 32 carries for 181 yards and three touchdowns. Tyler Holte recorded five receptions for 85 yards and two scores, and Ryan Wisniewski eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the season with a five-catch, 69-yard effort.

Shane McGrail paced the defense with seven tackles. Justin Allen registered five stops, including three sacks, while Kyle Gallagher collected 1.5 sacks. Mark McGrath and Thomas Wojnowski each recorded interceptions.

After a blocked punt, scoop and score by Central, the Warhawks responded with a seven-play, 81-yard drive to tie the game on Holte’s 10-yard touchdown reception from Meylor just before the midway point of the first quarter.

Following a touchdown drive by the Dutch, UW-Whitewater responded again. A 59-yard kickoff return by Wisniewski set up UW-W with great field position, and Meylor took a keeper on third and goal for a 2-yard score to make it 14-13 with 2:07 on the clock.

The Warhawks found the end zone twice in the second quarter. After a Central punt, Meylor hit Holte up the seam of the field for a 36-yard touchdown at the 12:51 mark. Later in the period, McGrath’s interception and 25-yard return set up UW-W for a touchdown with 5:59 remaining. Wisniewski took the handoff from Peete on a reverse and hit a wide-open Meylor for a 4-yard score.

The Dutch drew to within 27-21 with less than one minute to play in the second.

The two teams exchanged punts to start the second half. Following Central’s second punt of the third quarter, UW-Whitewater took a 34-21 advantage thanks to a 13-yard run by Peete with 4:56 left.

Matt Maldonado made it a 16-point game just under two minutes into the fourth quarter with a 30-yard field goal.

The Warhawk defense forced a three-and-out, and UW-W went 50 yards on eight plays as Peete hustled around the right side and inside the pile-on on third-and-goal for a 44-21 lead with 8:54 on the clock.

Peete did all the work on UW-Whitewater’s final scoring drive, rushing six times for 63 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown at the 3:40 mark.

Wojniewski intercepted Blaine Hawkins in the end zone on the next drive to preserve the second-half shutout.

The Warhawks will make their 13th appearance in the semifinals of the NCAA Playoffs since joining Division III.

Kwik Trip Stores No Longer Allowing Gas Fillups Before Payment Effective Jan. 3

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

According to this article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, effective January 3 customers will be required to either pre-pay or pay at the pump. With this change, customers will no longer be able to pump gas and then go inside to pay. Kwik Trip’s location at Whitewater’s roundabout opens on December 9, so if they do allow gas to be paid for after dispensing, it will only be for a little over three weeks.

Banner note: The image on the homepage, “Old Gas Pump” by daryl_mitchell is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. It does not represent the gas pumps at the forthcoming Kwik Trip.

Flags to Half-Staff for Firefighter in addition to Waukesha Parade Tragedy Victims

Banner note: The following information was provided by the office of the governor.
 
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #144 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, in honor of firefighter Brandon R. Romo of Pardeeville, who lost his life in the line of duty after contracting COVID-19.

“By all accounts, Brandon was incredibly beloved by those who knew him, and Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, the Pardeeville Fire Department, and the entire Pardeeville community,” said Gov. Evers. “Especially with the holidays upon us, we’re thinking of his family, friends, and loved ones as they grieve his loss.”

Romo passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at the age of 32, after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He proudly served the Pardeeville community as a volunteer firefighter for three years, demonstrating kindness, grit, and integrity in both his professional and personal lives. Romo will be remembered as a loving husband, father of three, son, friend, and colleague whose presence brought levity and laughter to those around him. 

A celebration of life will be held for firefighter Brandon R. Romo on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021. 

Executive Order #144 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, and is available here. 

In addition to honoring the life and service of firefighter Brandon R. Romo, pursuant to Gov. Evers’ Executive Order #141, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin were already ordered to be lowered on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, as a mark of respect for two victims of the tragedy at the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade.   

Obituary: Geraldine Rae (McCulloch) Wilcox; Reminder of Service on Dec. 11

Geraldine Rae (McCulloch) Wilcox May 27, 1929 – November 8, 2021

Geraldine (Gerry) R. Wilcox, age 92, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021. She was born on May 27, 1929, in Milton; the third daughter of Elmer McCulloch and Julia Elizabeth (Duckett) McCulloch. Gerry graduated from Whitewater City High in 1947, and then moved on to earn a Cosmetology degree. She worked at the Modern Beauty Shop many years, and in Fairhaven beauty shop for over 20 years. While working she enjoyed making lifelong friends and chatting with all her patrons.

On June 13, 1953, she was united in marriage to James Dean Wilcox in Waukesha, WI. Together they enjoyed raising their daughter Kathy, and spending time with family.

In her youth, Gerry was a member of the Lima Presbyterian Church and later became a member of the United Church of Christ in Whitewater, WI. Gerry was a fixture in the church. She loved helping, mentoring, cooking and guiding others. During her 50 + years in the church she participated in the Sunday school programs, guiding youth fellowship, church circle groups, music committees, call to care, delivering meals on wheels, and managing the coffee hour for more than 12 years. She was an active member in the Jaycettes, and really enjoyed being a part of the “50 Club” which was a gathering of her 1947 high school classmates.

Gerry had a passion for helping all. If anyone needed a meal, laundry, dishes, or ironing she was your gal. Always ready to jump in and help anyone in need. She had an inviting home and cherished her daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. She loved being with children having tea parties and playing make believe with them. Anytime, day or night she was ready to listen or chat and indulge in a cup of coffee and cookies. Ice cream, Scotcharoos and caramel corn available for any occasion. She shared stories growing up on the farm, working in the beauty salons and caring for family and friends. She enjoyed the outdoors, the song of a Jenny Wren, or a Robin or the sight of a Cardinal while she tended to her flowers and vegetable gardens. When not outside, she was inside canning, cooking, baking and always enjoyed a full sink of dishes to wash.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy (William) Smith of Blanchardville, WI; 4 grandchildren, Julia (Grant) Dochnahl of Blanchardville, Chad Smith of Madison, Amy (Nick) Christen of Monticello, Adam (Katherine) Smith of Bondurant, IA; 9 great grandchildren, Emily, Evan, Olivia, Georgia, Hazel, Elizabeth, James, Levi and Walker; brother, Elmer McCulloch; sister-in-law’s Marcy McCulloch, Mary McCulloch; and brother-in-law Wayne (Libby) Lusk along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, James Dean Wilcox; parents, Elmer and Julia McCulloch; five sisters, three brothers, two sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law. Beverly (William) Kyle, Betty (Robert) Kraus, Ida Mae Schultz, Judy (Kenny) Douglas, Norma Jean Lusk, Robert McCulloch, Lawrence McCulloch, David (Sandra) McCulloch, and Mary Pope; Mother-in-law Alice Wilcox; father-in-law Frank (Nina) Wilcox; brother-in-law Frank (Ginny) Wilcox; sister-in-law Roberta (Harry)Paul and stepsister-in-law Betty (Zeno) Weisensel.

Special thank you to all the nurses and support staff at Rainbow Hospice Care for your care and dedication during over the past 2 years.

A funeral service will be held at Congregational United Church of Christ in Whitewater, WI on December 11, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Please note that the church requires masks to be worn. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the family for donation to charity of their choice.

Man Killed in Car vs. Semi Crash at Hwy 12 & Walworth Ave. (Corrected)

According to a press release from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday December 03, 2021 at approximately 10:11 AM the Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center received a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a semi-truck and a passenger car in the City of Whitewater at the intersection of Highway 12 and Walworth Avenue. City of Whitewater Police, Walworth County Sheriff’s Deputies and the City of Whitewater Fire / Rescue Department were dispatched to the scene.

The initial investigation reveals a female driver operating a 2000 Dodge Neon was southbound on Highway 12 and attempted to turn left at Walworth Avenue failing to yield the right of way, crossing into the path of a semi straight truck loaded with steel pipe which was northbound on Highway 12. As a result of the crash a male occupying the front passenger seat of the Dodge Neon was killed. First responders attempted life saving measures along with a MD-1 Mercy Doctor unsuccessfully.

The female driver of the Dodge Neon was transported by ambulance to a local trauma center with critical injuries. The truck driver was also transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The conditions of each are unknown at the time of this release.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team is conducting a crash reconstruction. The Wisconsin State Patrol is conducting a post-crash inspection of the semi-truck.

This case is an active investigation and no additional information will be released at this time. Names are being withheld pending proper notification of relatives and positive identification ofthe deceased by the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Correction to previous Banner note: Brad Marquardt, Director of Public Works, indicates that the intersection is indeed in the city of Whitewater. The Banner regrets this error.

Police Chief Placed on Paid Administrative Leave

According to a press release dated December 3, “Whitewater Police Chief Aaron M. Raap has been placed on paid administrative leave. Deputy Chief Dan Meyer is serving as acting Police Chief until further notice. The Whitewater Police Department operations will continue without disruption and with full expectations of providing high quality services to our community.

An internal investigation will be conducted by an outside agency based on an incident that occurred outside the City of Whitewater. The leave is not considered punitive, rather part of the Whitewater Police Department policy.

Because this is an ongoing investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.”

Computer Science Students Compete in Computational Thinking Challenge

On November 11, students currently enrolled in computer science courses participated in Bebra’s International Computational Thinking Challenge, and the results were just released. This online problem-solving competition challenged participants to break down puzzles into smaller steps to solve them, just as you would need to approach a problem when writing a computer program. Freshmen and sophomores competed in the junior division, while juniors and seniors were part of the senior division. The problem set consisted of 15 problems worth varying point values depending on difficulty, and the competition was timed at 45 minutes. Penalty points were charged for incorrect solutions, so students had to decide whether they were confident enough in a problem’s solution to submit it for scoring.

  • Andrew O’Toole
  • Arno Crowley, Drew Swartz, Jon Chan, Tyjai Geoghan, and Nicholas Weirich

In the junior division, freshman Andrew O’Toole came out with the top score for all WHS participants, scoring a school-best 132 out of 180 points. Andrew is currently in enrolled in Computer Programming I, studying Python programming. Second place in the junior division went to Atreyu Blahnik, who is currently studying Digital Electronics, and third place went to Computer Concepts student Viktor Goldsmith.

In the senior division, Digital Electronics senior Jon Chan came out on top, earning 128 out of 180 possible points. Arno Crowley, currently working on an independent Senior Project, placed second. There was a three-way tie for third between Digital Electronics student Tyjai Geoghan, AP Computer Science student Andrew Swartz, and Cisco Networking Academy student Nicholas Weirich.

Bebra’s is an annual competition that all Whitewater High School students are invited to challenge themselves to complete.

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Friday is Last Chance to Compost Leaves till Spring

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

For those who missed the final city leaf pickup, there is one final opportunity to send your leaves to the compost pile. Friday 12/3, is the last day that dumpsters for leaf disposal will be available at the City garage, 150 E. Starin Road, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bio bags do not need to be emptied, but others do. Spring collection will be dependent on weather conditions.

Whitewater Community Foundation Recognizes the Life & Loss of Jim Stewart, Founder of the Whitewater Banner

Whitewater Community Foundation Recognizes the Life and Loss of Jim Stewart,
Founder of the Whitewater Banner

Among the many positive things Jim Stewart did in the Whitewater
Community was his creation of a site for local news because he knew the
great value of an informed community. He had the vision, set up the
mechanism for such a site, ran it for many years, and set the
expectations for it to continue. And when it became difficult to keep it
going, the Whitewater Community Foundation took over the financial
sponsorship and stewardship so that this valuable community asset
could be maintained.

Thank you, Jim, for the Whitewater Banner and for all you have done for
our community.

The Whitewater Community Foundation Board of Directors

About WCF: The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “Enhance quality of
life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent
expenditures” through scholarships and community action grants. To donate and support
the continuation of the Whitewater Banner, simply send a check made out to Whitewater
Community Foundation to P.O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI, 53190, or donate online
at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org by hitting the “Donate” button on top of the contact page.