Obituary: Laura Eleanor Murphy, 85

Laura Eleanor Murphy passed away on October 23, 2021 in the comfort of her home surrounded by family. Laura was born on January 19, 1936 to Florence and David Coari in Chicago Illinois. She was raised in Chicago and the western suburbs and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst in 1954.

Laura married Joseph Murphy in 1956 and moved to West Chicago, Illinois where they raised their 3 children. Laura’s fierce love of family was emulated throughout her life. Her welcoming and warm spirit created a sense of family in all aspects of her life whether it was with friends, coworkers, or animals.

Raising her family was her priority and as her children grew, she worked as the school secretary and bookkeeper. Throughout her life she had various jobs including a successful career with Aetna Insurance in which she retired in 1995. Once retired, Laura and Joe moved to their summer lake house in Wisconsin and created a warm and loving home for family and friends to gather over the years.

Laura touched so many people during her 85 years of life through her love of family and friends, strength, caring nature, sense of humor, creative spirit, love of gardening, and many other attributes that connected her to people. She was the “fun and spirited” mom, grandma, great grandma and aunt, a loving wife and daughter, and a passionate friend to many. Her spirit lives on in all of us.

Laura is survived by her husband Joe; son, Joey (Mary), daughter, Kathi, daughter Laurie (Shawn); 9 grandchildren, Dan (Lori), Jami (Sinatra), David, Jodi, Cori (Dan), Jim (Natalie), Nick (Lori), Ric (Brittney), Matt; 9 great-grandchildren, Colin, Mason, Jasmin, Joe, Bella, Dylan, Sawyer, Lucas, Kayla; cousins, Carol Coari, Jim (Julie) Coari; brother-in-law, Denny Murphy; sister-in-law, Donna Murphy; and a plethora (Mom would have loved this word) of nieces and nephews.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents Florence and David Coari; great-grandson, Braylon Lighthall; aunt and uncle Virgil and Bea Coari: cousin, Geraldine Johnson, parents-in-law, William and Violet Murphy; sister-in-law, Joy Murphy; brother-in-law, Jerry Murphy; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Laura’s name to Rainbow Hospice or The ALS Association.

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

Insight FS Scholarships Include WHS Senior

Elizabeth Katzman (submitted photo)

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Insight FS.

Insight FS recently paid out scholarships to high school seniors and college students for the fall semester. Since 2015, Insight FS and the Insight FS/GROWMARK Foundation have donated over $140,750 to students pursuing a career in agriculture.

“We want to play a vital role in the future of agriculture, and in order to do that we need to support the industry through education and awareness of the diverse career options available,” said Dave Mottet, general manager at Insight FS. “These students are going to support the farmers of the future, a role that continues to shift with more technology, data utilization and changing landscape. We want to be there with them on that journey.”

Insight FS scholarship applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, active participation in local and state clubs or groups promoting agriculture and environmental stewardship, leadership potential, and essay responses. Ten winners are chosen and awarded $1500 during Fall semester. To be eligible, the student must be the dependent of an employee or patron of Insight FS. Applications for 2022 will be available in December at insightfs.com/scholarship and are accepted through March 15, 2022.

Insight FS also donates $5,000 in scholarships through UW-Platteville each year. Those winners are chosen by UW-Platteville and can be renewed yearly. Winners in 2021 were: Haylee Spence, Jay Long, Austyn Capouch, Jacob Beauchem, Stanlee Rillie, Jason Long, Haylee Spence, Kelsey Carey, Kaitlin Asche and Sydney Van Swol.

2021 Insight FS scholarship recipients included:

Morgyn Haumschild, a sophomore at UW-River Falls, is majoring in Ag Business and Dairy Science. Over the last year, Morgyn expressed interest in pursuing a career in nutrition.

Audrey Pelikan, from Sullivan, is majoring in soil and crop science and environmental horticulture at UW-Platteville. She intends to continue her education to receive a master’s degree and focus on plant breeding and improving seed hybrids.

Elizabeth Katzman, from Whitewater is attending Northeast Technical College in Green Bay and plans to major in entrepreneurship and launch a protein-based product line for her family farm. Elizabeth made significant contributions to the dairy industry in 2020 with her idea to sell “Support Wisconsin Dairy” yard signs during covid. She raised over $10,000 and sold 1,000 signs.

Lindsey Propst, a 2021 graduate from Beaver Dam High School is pursuing a degree in genetics and genomics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lindsey would like to become a plant geneticist and improve seed varieties.

Tiffany Neuheisel from Spring Green is currently attending Southwest Wisconsin Technical College pursuing a degree in agribusiness management. Tiffany is part of the 6th generation on her dairy farm and looking to step up and continue to be involved in the agriculture industry. She plans to continue her education at UW-Platteville after achieving her associated degree.

Nicole Plenty, daughter of Agronomy Area Sales Manager, Jeff Plenty, is pursuing a degree in soil and crop sciences from UW-Platteville. Nicole found that her interests may lie in crop science after working in the research lab and taking a plant biotechnology class. When not at school, she resides in Delavan.

Madison Russell, a 2021 graduate from Shullsburg, is attending Oklahoma State University with plans to major in animal science. Madison has an interest in small ruminant reproduction after working as a part-owner in Presidential Livestock, a 100 commercial ewe operation.

Cassandra Wendt, daughter of Daniel Wendt, a propane sales and delivery specialist at Insight FS, is attending UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course for meat animal farm management. Her passion for working with animals has led her to plan for a small herd of Simmental cattle in the future.

Matthew Fischer from Owen, Wisconsin is attending UW-River Falls with aspirations to pursue a career as a dairy nutrition specialist. Matt also serves as his church head organist and director of music.

Brenna Murry, from Mosinee, is a college freshman at UW-River Falls. Brenna is passionate about agricultural education and plans to become an ag teacher and FFA advisor.

Insight FS is headquartered in Jefferson, Wis., serving patrons in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Insight FS is part of the GROWMARK system. GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agronomy, energy, feed, facility planning, risk management, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing, in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which represents knowledgeable, experienced professionals acting with integrity and dedication to serve more than 250,000 patrons. More information is available at insightfs.com.

Tommy Thompson to visit UW-W on Oct. 27 as campus celebrates vaccination success – UPDATE: Time changed to 5:15

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-W.

UW System President Tommy Thompson will visit the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and join students, faculty and staff in a campus-wide celebration to mark the success of the university’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, which will begin at 5:15 p.m. (NOT 4:45 p.m.) Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, outside the Connor University Center on the north Wyman Mall, and will feature performances by the members of the Warhawk Marching Band — including the “Warhawk Strut” — an appearance by Willie Warhawk, remarks from university and student leaders, and light refreshments.

“We’re ecstatic to host this event and to welcome President Thompson to UW-Whitewater,” said Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson. “Our vaccination numbers are the result of a concerted effort to keep our community as safe as possible during the pandemic. Our students, faculty and staff have embraced that goal, and I look forward to celebrating this achievement.”

As of Oct. 18, UW-Whitewater students have reported a 74% COVID-19 vaccination rate. 

Vaccinated students are eligible for the UW System drawing of 70 scholarships valued at $7,000 each that will take place later in the fall. UW-Whitewater students who have not yet been vaccinated or reported their vaccination are still eligible for the scholarship drawing, as long as they complete the vaccination series and report their record by Oct. 31.

The rain location for the event will be in the University Center atrium.

Winter Parking Ban: Beginning Nov. 1, No Street Parking Between 2 a.m. & 6 a.m.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the City of Whitewater.


The City of Whitewater would like to remind everyone that winter parking hours go into effect on November 1, 2021.
It is unlawful for the operator or owner of any vehicle to park the vehicle on any street in the City between the
hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any day from November 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022, except as hereinafter
provided:
• Parking shall be permitted in the downtown parking area after 5 a.m. of such period.
• By special advance arrangement with the Public Works Director.
– Physicians and surgeons shall be permitted to park vehicles at any time when the physician is on emergency call.


Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the penalties and provisions set
forth in Sections 11.56.010(4) and 11.56.010(5) of the Municipal Code.

Studio 84 Fundraiser: Be a Judge in the Halloween Themed Cupcake Battle


YOU BE THE JUDGE in our annual cupcake battle.  Place your order today to receive up to a dozen Halloween themed cupcakes. Bakers will be competing for your VOTES for the best decorated and the best tasting.  
Past cupcake voters have said it was the best fun they’ve had, many loved the feeling of being like those cool judges on the TV bake off shows. 
Only 48 tickets will be sold, don’t miss out, order early!
All proceeds support Studio 84’s programing in the arts for people with disabilities.
Order your ticket ($25) at this link: https://www.studio84inc.org/events/no-tricks-all-treats-cupcake-battle

NHS Fall Silent Auction is Underway Till November 12

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the WHS National Honor Society.

The National Honor Society at Whitewater High School will be hosting a Fall Silent Auction from Monday, October 25 to Friday, November 12.  Projects up for bid this fall are housework, manual labor or yardwork, horseback riding lessons, a Norwex Basket which includes items such as hand towels, face & body cloth, exfoliating facial mitt, peppermint foaming hand wash, optic scarf, travel bag and UPP detergent (retail value $180), 10 hand-painted watercolor greeting cards with envelopes, an Italian Themed Basket of amazing items, a basket of six $10 gift cards to a variety of restaurants & businesses in Whitewater, and 90 minutes of tutoring for a Freshman student.  Projects will be completed or delivered to winners between November 15 and December 21.  Funds raised will be used for local and area scholarships and other worthwhile causes.  People interested in participating can place their bids on the following link to the WHS NHS Website:  https://www.whs.wwusd.org/page/3138 Please contact Pam Sonmor-Wintz if you have any questions!

Young Auditorium’s $3 ‘Friday Night Flicks’: Halloween Themed Horror Double Feature!

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Young Auditorium.

Popcorn, Candy, and Two Horror Classics Back-to-Back / Friday, October 29 at 7:30 pm

Enjoy a classic horror movie double feature on the big screen as Young Auditorium fires
up the projector for its BRAND-NEW Friday Night Flicks series. Start your Halloween weekend off right with
George Romero’s zombie masterpiece Night of the Living Dead (1968), followed directly by The House On
Haunted Hill (1959) starring Vincent Price….all for the frighteningly low cost of $3.00 per ticket!
New this season, Friday Night Flicks brings film-fanatics together to enjoy classic movies in a theatre style
setting. We’re breaking out the big screen and preparing our movie theatre style concessions for a unique
theatre-going experience. From campy to classic, Friday Night Flicks is designed to take you on a journey
through the Golden Age of cinema.

Tickets for all Friday Night Flicks series movies are only $3 per person…and totally FREE for Young
Auditorium members!


HORROR DOUBLE FEATURE – Friday, October 29, 2021 | 7:30 PM

• Night of the Living Dead (1968) – A ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old
farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls that are ravaging the East Coast of the
United States.
• The House On Haunted Hill (1959) – A millionaire offers $10,000 to five people who agree to be locked in a large, spooky, rented house overnight with him and his wife.

Can’t make it this time? There are four (4) more opportunities to enjoy Friday Night Flicks at Young Auditorium!

FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS

It’s A Wonderful Life – Friday, December 10, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.
Creature Double Feature – Friday, February 25, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.
The Wasp Woman (1959) and Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)
Phantom of the Opera (1925) – Friday, March 11, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.
A Star Is Born (1937) – Friday, April 1, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.


Tickets for Friday Night Flicks and all 2021-2022 Young Auditorium season performances can be purchased
online at http://www.youngauditorium.com … or by connecting with the UW-Whitewater Ticket Services
department.

UW-Whitewater Ticket Services
950 West Main Street – located inside the Greenhill Center of the Arts –
(262) 472-2222 | Monday – Friday 9:30 am – 3 pm

THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON SPONSOR: DLK Enterprises

Masks will be required for attendees of this performance. Please visit the Warhawks Are Back! website, which outlines operating practices for the UW-Whitewater campus. Modifications of these practices should be anticipated. UW-Whitewater will continue to use information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Wisconsin, county health departments and the University of Wisconsin System to guide the decision-making processes across campuses. – https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-are-back

Whitewater Chamber to Celebrate its Annual Ghoul’s Night Out on Thursday

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce.


After a one-year hiatus the Whitewater Chamber is once again sponsoring
its Annual Ghoul’s Night Out event on Thursday, October 28th from 4 pm to 7 pm. We are
thrilled to be bringing back this ghoulish good time along our Main Street corridor!
Businesses along Main Street, from the west side to the east side will be hosting activities and
handing out Halloween treats to all the children of Whitewater as we usher in the Halloween
weekend. There will be spooky stories at The Book Teller, scarecrow stuffing and bags hosted
by the Whitewater 4-H, a bounce house at Winchester True Value, and so much more! A map
of all the Treat Stops can be found here; we will be updating this as we get more businesses to
join the party! For those families still wishing for socially distanced activities we will be hosting
our Halloween symbol scavenger hunt again this year. Many businesses in Whitewater are
“hiding” a symbol at their location and if you find at least 10 of them you can turn your form
into the Chamber’s office on Thursday, October 28th to pick up a treat and be entered into a
drawing for a great prize!



New this year is a Trunk-or-Treat event being held in the parking lot of the Whitewater
Cinemas. We’ve invited businesses, organizations, and families in Whitewater to participate and
we are hoping for a great turnout of decorated trunks handing out amazing treats! We will have
special visitors, the Whitewater Police Department, sharing some treats from one of the
cruisers. If you or someone you know is interested in participating contact the Chamber to get
on the list of treat trunks or fill out the sign-up form here.

All the spooky details of Ghoul’s Night Out can be found by going to the Chamber’s event
calendar
. The Whitewater Area Chamber is so grateful to be part of such a caring, generous,
and vibrant community. We look forward to seeing everyone out and about next Thursday! For
more information about this event or anything Chamber related please contact Kellie Carper,
Exec. Director at (262) 473-4005.

Key Club Participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Whitewater High School Key Club will be participating in the Trick or Treat for UNICEF by collecting donations. UNICEF is a global organization that helps children’s charities. This year, our Trick or Treat donations will go to Haiti. Recently, Haiti has been struggling with outbreaks of COVID-19 due to sanitation issues. There was a recent earthquake, which has limited access to clean water. Your donation will help children in Haiti have access to clean drinking water and make a positive impact on their lives. 

If you’d like to donate directly to our Whitewater High School Key Club Trick or Treat for UNICEF, you can visit this link: https://unicefusa.donorsupport.co/-/NUEQGPKC

Thank you for your support.

Los estudiantes de Whitewater High School en el club de Key Club, una organización de servicio están participando en “Trick or Treat” para UNICEF. Esté año estamos pidiendo donaciones para UNICEF. UNICEF es una organización mundial que ayuda a organizaciones benéficas para niños. Este año, nuestras donaciones se destinarán a Haití. Recientemente, Haití ha estado luchando con brotes de COVID-19 debido a problemas de saneamiento. Hubo un terremoto reciente, que ha limitado el acceso al agua potable. Su donación ayudará a los niños de Haití a tener acceso a agua potable y tendrá un impacto positivo en sus vidas.

Si quisieron donar directamente a Whitewater High School Key Club Trick or Treat UNICEF, visita a: https://unicefusa.donorsupport.co/-/NUEQGPKC Gracias por su apoyo.

Article Submitted by Colleen Mendez
Whitewater High School Key Club Advisor
cmendez@wwusd.org