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Josmar Ortiz with Officers Mike Zens (left) and Saul Valadez (right).

The Whitewater Police Department held their first successful Shop with a Cop event on December 15th.

Washington Elementary student, Josmar Ortiz, was selected by Principal Tom Grosinske and his staff to shop with local police officers for the upcoming holiday season. Josmar was presented with a certificate and $100 from the Whitewater Crime Prevention Fund.

Officers Mike Zens and Saul Valadez helped pick out gifts with Josmar at the local Walmart. Josmar then enjoyed a ride in the officer’s squad car back to the Whitewater Police Department, where officers, along with dispatchers Maria Tlougan and Heidi Gempler helped wrap the presents. Josmar then took a tour of the police department and met on-duty officers before returning home with his wrapped gifts.

“Our support Services Manager, Kathy Boyd, recently had a friend experience this program and spoke so highly about it we felt it would be a great program to implement at the Whitewater Police Department,” said Chief Lisa Otterbacher. “Officer Jake Hintz was also involved in this program in Dane County and enjoyed some wonderful experiences. We just knew it would be a great event for our team.”

With the help from Boyd, Hintz and Captain Dan Meyer, the department was able to pull the event together in a short time and with great success. The department is already excited and planning for next year’s event.

“This community event served as a wonderful opportunity for the Whitewater Police Department personnel to positively connect with one of our community’s families,” said Otterbacher, “Something that is important to us all year long, but feels even more meaningful this time of year.”

Ms. Lauren Wiemer, Key Club Advisor at Whitewater High School, said, “Our KEY Club has grown exponentially over the past few years. Each member brings something unique to the table. I am very proud of all the KEY club members who have dedicated their time and efforts towards bettering our community. Their leadership skills and work ethic is what makes our club successful. I look forward to what the rest of this year has in store for us!”

The Whitewater High School Key Club is a part of the Kiwanis family, which includes the University’s Circle K, Whitewater Kiwanis Foundation, and the Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club. Students are all volunteers who choose to make a difference in the community through service to others.

Abby Grosinske

Kacie Carollo

Pictures by Peter Mischka courtesy of Bob Mischka – for extensive picture gallery CLICK HERE

(Coach Judy Harms) “Big Foot hits 2 free throws with 1.8 seconds remaining to pull out a win at Whitewater tonight. The Chiefs hit 18 of 23 free throws overall, 16 of the 18 were in the second half, including the winning shots from Courtney Schoenbeck. Whippets were trying to juggle positions with both Miranda Reynolds and Jaden Henneman on the bench after fouling out. In the end that really hurt our execution during crunch time, along with a poor night rebounding. Whippets had three scorers in double figures, Abby Grosinske 13, Kacie Carollo 11, and Miranda Reynolds 10.”

Whitewater score by Halves: 25-27=52
Big Foot by Halves: 20-34=54

JV1 – BF won JV2 – WW won

As a volunteer and Secretary of Downtown Whitewater, Katie reviewed Downtown Whitewater Inc.’s 2017 activities, which included 62 events, 2,708 volunteer hours and 17,000 attendees. In addition to the Main Street Festival, the Market, and other events, the Downtown Whitewater group led a community leadership summit, created a business information guide, provided the winter snowflake decorations, and more.

Katie Nass and Kiwanis president, Jerry Grant

Downtown Whitewater Inc. is always seeking volunteers to help with cleaning up the downtown, serving on committees and supporting the mission of the Downtown Whitewater Inc., which is to re-energize and enhance Whitewater’s historic downtown area: Downtown Whitewater, Inc. is a nonprofit, community-based organization devoted to preserving, improving, and promoting Whitewater’s quality of life by strengthening our historic downtown as the heartbeat of the community. More information CLICK HERE.

Little Dribblers (grades K-1) and Shooting Stars (grades 2-3) worked hard throughout the season on basic basketball skills. All participants improved on their dribbling, passing, defense, rebounding and shooting skills. Coach Bob Schramm stated “If these kids keep working as hard as they have during our practices, Whitewater girls and boys basketball should have a very bright future.” We hope to see all of the kids back next year with the addition of some new players. We wish our 3rd graders best of luck as they join traveling basketball.

Little Dribblers (grades K-1)

Shooting Stars (grades 2-3)

(L-R) Calvin Baker, Andrew Rollette and Lucas Castro-Huempfner

Whitewater Middle School hosted a school-wide National Geographic Geography Bee on Tuesday, December 19. Special congratulations to Andrew Rollette, son of Jeannine Volbright, Whitewater, for maintaining his 1st place finish for the second year in a row. Calvin Baker, son of Jason and Joanna Baker, Whitewater, earned 2nd place. 3rd place went to Lucas Castro-Huempfner, son of Lisa Huempfner, Whitewater. Andrew will now complete a qualifying test to go on and compete at the state level National Geographic Bee where he has a chance to win a $50,000 college scholarship. Congratulations to all of these students! Good Luck to Andrew as he advances to the next level of competition.