News

Swimmers Set Personal Bests Against Burlington

The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed at home against Burlington Co-Op on Tuesday, September 12. The night was filled with lots of season and lifetime PRs. 

Whitewater Whippet Girls’ Swim Team

Makayla Bazeley continues to be a power house in the pool. She went a season best time in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 1:00.29. She also had a first-place finish in the 100 Backstroke and won by 4 whole seconds. 

Lucy Davis dropped 32 seconds in the 500 Freestyle from last season, and she continues to drop time in the 100 Freestyle. 

Emerson Dunham continues to swim strong in her favorite events (500 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke). She started off the season with an impressive time of 6:09.22 in the 500 Freestyle. We are looking forward to see what the rest of the season has in store for her in these events. 

Georgia Esch went best times in both of her individual events including the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. 

Sanibel Fox-Simes participated in the 100 Backstroke for the first time this season. She had an incredible time drop of 41 seconds since last season. On top of dropping 41 seconds, she had just competed in the 200 Freestyle Relay then had to go right into the 100 Backstroke. What an impressive swim!

Adalynn Frye had a personal best time in the 100 Freestyle by dropping 2 seconds to go a 1:30. She continues to get stronger and more confident in her 100 Breaststroke. 

Charlotte Hajewski competed in the 200 Freestyle where she set the bar for a successful meet. Charlotte went a best time in the 100 Butterfly with a 3 second time drop going a 1:19.20. 

Maggie Maas was the only Whippet swimmer to compete the 200 IM. She went a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:07.72. 

Marijose Verduzco took on the 200 Freestyle for the first time. As nervous as she was, she still showed up and competed very well. Marijose dropped nearly 10 seconds in her split of the 400 Freestyle Relay. 

Atreya Wilson went 3 for 4 in best times this season! She had an impressive time drop of 5 seconds in the 100 Breaststroke. 

Zoe Zei absolutely destroyed the 500 Freestyle! The 500 Freestyle has nothing on Zoe. We are excited to see what other events she will compete in this season. 

The Swim Team is back in Whippet Territory on Tuesday, September 19, against Badger and Platteville/Lancaster. We hope to see you all there!

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Six Varsity Whippets Medal at Marshall

It was a great day for the Whippet Harriers as they traveled to Cottage Grove to compete in the Dana Waddell Invitational hosted by Marshall High School on Tuesday, September 12. After not racing for over a week, the team was chomping at the bit to toe the line and get after it. With favorable conditions and solid training going their way, the Whippets didn’t disappoint and all came away with noticeable improvement and competed well.

The boys’ varsity was led again by Jack Hefty as he broke the tape for his first-ever cross country victory. He crossed the line in 16:12. Nate Holden medaled in 6th with his first-ever sub 17:00 clocking to finish in 16:58. Miles Nickelsburg placed 11th in 17:26 to round out medalists from Whitewater. The varsity team placed 3rd out of 11 teams with 98 points. In the boys’ JV race, Isaac Straight led the team with an 8th palace medal finish in 20:21. He was followed closely behind by Wyatt Esch who placed 9th in 20:30. This team also placed 3rd with a total of 72 points. 

The girls’ race was equally impressive with significant improvement from all. Mady Hefty was the first of three medalists at this meet by placing 8th in 20:31. Athena Soto moved up to 12th late in the race to stop the clock in 20:47. Nola Coburn rounded out the medalists for the team by placing 18th with a time of 21:45. The varsity squad placed 4th out of 10 complete teams. In the girls’ JV race, Isabella Aranda took home a medal by placing 6th in 24:40. The girls’ JV team placed 3rd overall. 

Coach Carstens added, “I cannot overstate how proud I am of the way the kids competed from top to bottom. Times are fun to look at, but it is most rewarding to see them discovering how tough they really are and being fierce competitors against others on the same day. We will look to carry this mantra through the season taking it one day at a time.”

Next up for the team will be the Racine St. Catherine’s Invitational hosted at UW-Parkside on Saturday, September 16th. 

Full results: https://my.raceresult.com/260207/results

Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Our Readers Share: Photo by David Yochum

David Yochum shared this photo from the Enchanted Highway in ND. Smoke created the haze of this mid-day image. There is a whole series of sculptures along this 30+ miles of highway off of I-94.

Photo by David Yochum.

Run for Trey is Sunday Oct. 8

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Molly Fuller.

You are invited to join us for the 13th Annual “Run for Trey “ on Sunday, October 8 at Starin Park in Whitewater, WI!!  Last year we were able to give away five scholarships to SDFA seniors and plan to do the same this year. 

Through the strength of the Kilar family and the outpouring of community support, “Run for Trey” was established to support the development and maintenance of the little league field, Treyton’s Field of Dreams, and yearly local scholarships for students.  

Mary and Mike Kilar’s son, Treyton, age 6, was killed in a car crash by a drunk driver on September 2, 2010. Although his dreams were shattered by a senseless tragedy, the field built in his honor provides a safe place for children and families to celebrate life and spend time together.  It is a place where children are encouraged to dream big and learn that through hard work, their dreams can become reality! 

Although Treyton is now playing on the “real” field of dreams in heaven, the fundraising efforts each year from the “Run for Trey” help thousands of other children have a better future and learn responsible life-long decision-making skills. 

You can sign up for the Run for Trey atwww.treysfield.org. The day will consist of lots of family fun activities including:

  • Run For Trey features an all terrain run/walk
    • Run onto the field at Perkins Stadium at UWW
  • Dogs welcome
  • Bounce
  • Obstacle course for the kids
  • Balloons
  • Raffle
  • Great food to enjoy!

-$20.00 Registration (Adults) – Before October 8, 2023

-$25.00 same-day registrations at the event (Adult)

-$15.00 Registration (17 & Under) – NOTE: Runsignup will discount at checkout based on birthdate.

-$20.00 same-day registrations at the event (17 & Under)*Packet pickup starts at 8 am on race day. Race starts at 10.  You can email Molly Fuller at mollyo18@me.com if you have any questions.

Discover Whitewater Series: Getting Ready for this Weekend’s Race

Editor’s Note: the following was provided by Knight Public Affairs, LLC.

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, & 5k is set for this Sunday, September 17, 2023 with the W3 Fit Kid Shuffle set for Saturday, September 16. 

On Saturday, volunteers begin to set up the course beginning at Whitewater High School where participants can start picking up their race packets from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on September 16. The W3 Fit Kid Shuffle begins at 10:00 a.m. where children under the age of 10 can participate in a free mile long run. 

On Sunday, packet pickup is also available from 6:00-7:30 a.m. with race festivities beginning at 7:45 a.m. with UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey King giving the opening remarks. At 8:00 a.m. the half marathon runners begin taking off and at 8:15 a.m. the 5k runners start their race. The awards ceremony will begin once the top three runners have been certified by Runner’s Edge. 

Parking will be available at Whitewater High School and Whitewater Middle School. The DWS team will be following the flag warning system to notify runners of weather conditions: green for good conditions, yellow for less than ideal conditions, red for potentially dangerous conditions, and black for a canceled event. 

It is not too late to register as a volunteer or participant, registration closes for the event at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 17. Those who registered before September 1 will receive their DWS t-shirt on packet pickup, those who registered after the date will receive their DWS t-shirt in the mail after race day. 

The DWS team encourages the community to come out and cheer on runners as they run throughout the City of Whitewater. 

Sign up today at: https://RunWhitewater.com/.

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.

Walworth County’s Largest Senior Resource Fair on October 5 is a Must Attend!

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County.

The Walworth County Aging Network (WCAN) will host the annual Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, October 5, from 8 to 11 a.m., at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. The fair will feature more than 50 vendors, health screenings, hearing testing, coffee, water, snacks, and awesome raffle prizes. The first 200 attendees will receive two free gifts and a valuable Walworth County resource directory.

“We are excited about this year’s Walworth County Senior Resource Fair,” says Walworth County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Manager Randy Kohl. “More than 50 agencies that provide services for older adults will be on hand to share information and answer questions. We have also expanded the number of health screenings Advocate Aurora Health provides.” 

The Walworth County Public Health Department will also provide information about flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 vaccinations.

“You won’t want to miss this event,” states Kohl. “Many attendees will win valuable raffle prizes, Walworth County Cycling Without Age will provide bike rides (weather dependent) and ADRC staff will be available to assist with the completion of Power of Attorney forms.”

The Walworth County Aging Network Senior Resource Fair is open to the public with free admission and ample free parking. For more information regarding the Senior Resource Fair or the Walworth County Aging Network, visit https://bit.ly/3Z4sKuL or contact the Walworth County ADRC at (262) 741-3400.

About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: 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 personal situation.

Whitewater High School Class of 1983 Celebrates Reunion

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

The Whitewater High School Class of 1983 reunited on August 25 and 26.

Tina (Bellrichard) Thatcher, Renee (Pfeifer) Luckett, Pam (Zimmer) Ross, Sheri (Nelson) Tjaarda, Ann (Haffely) Vollriede, Jane (Brunckhorst) Loizzo, Joanne (Raupp) Boggs, Holly (Davis) Feuling, Tammy (Riley) Parker, Marit (Lindgren) Brunsell, Kirsten (Shibles) DiGiovanni
 Back row:
Tony Giese, Liz (Truesdale) Witek, Kim (Allen) Pontel, Melissa Fojtik, Don Brokmeier, Phil Partoll, Lynne (Hicks) Rogers, Paul Brady, Lora Gailloreto, Tim Folke, Dan Fuerstenberg, Tom Kachel, Eric Sobania, James Oh
Photo by Tom Ganser

Walworth County Hosts Clean Sweep Recycling Events Oct. 6 & 7

Events Provide Safe Disposal of Hazardous Waste, Electronics, TVs & Appliances 

(ELKHORN, WI): Walworth County will host Clean Sweep recycling events on Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7, 2023. The events will be held at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn. No registration is required. 

Residential Clean Sweep & Electronics Recycling 

Residents may dispose of household hazardous waste on Friday, October 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Hazardous waste products are those labeled caustic, acid, flammable, danger, warning, or poison. Examples of acceptable items include oil and lead-based paints, pesticides and herbicides, rechargeable batteries, adhesives and lubricants, old fuel, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermometers, thermostats, furniture strippers, drain cleaners, antifreeze, brake fluid, and motor oil. Items should be in their original containers, if possible. A full list of acceptable items can be viewed at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1059/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Guides.

On Saturday, October 7, from 8 a.m. to noon, residents may dispose of household hazardous waste as well as electronics, TVs, and appliances. 

Household hazardous waste is free. All electronics are free of charge. TVs cost $10 each. Mini fridges, small AC units, and dehumidifiers cost $5 each. Refrigerators and freezers cost $10 each; all other appliances are free. Cash only. 

Business & Agriculture Clean Sweep Recycling

Businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste, farms, and other agricultural producers may dispose of hazardous waste on Friday, October 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Walworth County Public Works. 

A maximum of 100 pounds of hazardous waste per farm is free of charge. In addition to hazardous waste, farms may also dispose of agricultural chemicals, including DDT, lead arsenate, chlordane, lindane, animal medications, vaccines, teat wash, and rodent baits. For a full list of items, visit www.co.walworth.wi.us/1059/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Guides. 

Pre-registration is required for businesses and farms by September 22. Registration forms are available at www.co.walworth.wi.us/826/Clean-Sweep, by calling 262-741-3116, or by emailing walcosw@co.walworth.wi.us.

About Clean Sweep

Clean Sweep has served the residents of Walworth County since 1992 and the annual program has proven successful in keeping hazardous waste out of the landfill, wastewater treatment facilities, local environment, and groundwater. In June 2023, residents disposed of more than 56,000 pounds of TVs and 13,000 pounds of appliances and metals at the Walworth County Clean Sweep event, keeping these items out of our landfill.

Clean Sweep is sponsored by the Walworth County Public Works Department and funded in part by the Town of Darien, Mallard Ridge Landfill Fund, and a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

The Public Works department would like to acknowledge the following local partners and supporters for their financial contributions to the 2023 Clean Sweep program: City of Delavan, Village of Williams Bay, Lockhart Service, Inc., Kikkoman Foods, City of Whitewater, Joe Porter McLean, Halverson Door, Village of Walworth, Village of East Troy, and Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.

For more information and a complete list of items accepted at Clean Sweep events, please visit https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/826/Clean-Sweep. Or contact the Walworth County Solid Waste Division at (262) 741-3116, walcosw@co.walworth.wi.us. 

Wisconsin Makers is offering a Free Origami Class at its Whitewater Community Workshop on Sept. 16 and 23.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Chris Spangler.

Rebecca Lee Finster, a freelance graphic designer and art teacher from Madison, will teach a two-session origami class from 1 to 3 p.m. on consecutive Saturdays, Sept. 16 and 23. The free workshop will take place at Wisconsin Makers on 200 East Clay Street in Whitewater.

The class is limited to 10 participants age 10 and older. Pre-registration is necessary by sending the student’s name, email and telephone number to Chris Spangler at editorspangler@gmail.com or calling her at (920) 728-2960.

Materials will be provided.

Finster, who has studied with origami masters, graduated from Janesville’s Craig High School in 1973.

She went on to earn an art degree in 1979 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a graphic design certification from the Portfolio Center in Atlanta, Ga., in 1983. 

Finster worked as a graphic designer for UW-Madison’s Agriculture Journalism and UW-Extension  programs from 1984-91 and as a middle school art teacher at Eagle School in Madison from 2005-15.

Located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training.

It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock.

The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more.

The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities.

For more information about the makerspace, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.