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Per the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, there will be bitter cold wind chills again early on Sunday morning. A Wind Chill Advisory has been issued once again, from midnight tonight until 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Sarah Knetzke poses with a medal after tying for first on the beam and setting a new program record.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Lebanon, Tenn. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnastics team set a number of records in a historic night in the Tennessee Collegiate Classic Friday night. The Warhawks broke the Division III and UWW record for total score, 194.450, while also setting team and individual records on the balance beam. The meet also featured three Division I opponents: Kent State, Ball State and Southeastern Missouri.
In addition to setting the Division III record, UW-Whitewater’s team total crushed the program record that had stood since 2018 by 0.75.
The Warhawks posted record book-worthy scores throughout the evening, but the final event of the night for UWW was a highlight. UW-Whitewater posted a team total of 48.700 on the balance beam to break the program record. Sarah Knetzke led the way with an incredible 9.925 to tie for first at the meet and set the program record. Her mark is the best on the apparatus for a Warhawk since Allyse Dieringer’s 9.900 in 2014. Chloe Hammond added a 9.85 to finish among the top 10 at the meet followed by Tegan Haberstock’s 9.725. Kelsey Kollhoff posted a 9.650 and Ashnaya Gupta rounded out the scoring five with a 9.550.
UW-Whitewater registered the third-highest team totals in each of the other three events – 48.850 on the floor, 48.400 on the vault and 48.500 on the bars.
The Warhawks opened the meet on the floor exercise. Carleigh Moore’s fantastic performance scored a 9.850, tied for third-best in program history. Haberstock added a top 15 mark in the UWW record book with a 9.800 in the event. Elena Bailey and Knetzke posted 9.750’s while Danielle Dudziak registered a score of 9.700.
Moore paced UWW on the vault with a score of 9.775, tied for 14th in the UWW record book. Dudziak added a 9.725 followed by 9.650’s from Ava Pesch and Elena Bailey. Kora Donley wrapped up the scoring five with a 9.600.
On the uneven bars, Kollhoff and Paige Magel led the Warhawks with matching scores of 9.775, tied for 11th-best in program history. Pesch, Hammond and Dudziak all registered matching scores of 9.650 in the event to add to the team total.
Ball State won the Tennessee Collegiate Classic (198.025) followed by Kent State (197.725), SEMO (197.050) and UWW.
The Warhawks return to Whitewater for their home-opener Saturday, January 27. UWW will host UW-La Crosse at 4 p.m. The Warhawks will celebrate the 10.0 Club, Youth Night and recognize the parents of the 2024 team.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Recently released data from the Whitewater Unified School District’s implementation of literacy instruction practices aligned with the Science of Reading (SOR) in its elementary schools is showing exciting results.
The data comes from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment (DIBELS), a measure of children’s foundational skills including fluency and comprehension in their journey through literacy. The assessments were given to WUSD elementary students in September 2023, as part of the shift to the SOR-aligned instructional model. To monitor students’ progress and the impact of the new SOR-aligned approach, students were again assessed in January 2024, four months after the change in instruction.
January data indicates that, district-wide, the number of students grades K-5 testing above the grade level benchmark increased by nearly 33% from fall to winter. The number of students who initially tested below the grade level benchmark decreased by nearly 17%. “We are encouraged and thrilled for our students, as they all deserve to be reading on target; they are working tremendously hard!” reported Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent.
“Our teachers, Literacy Coaches, and our Elementary Principals: Mr. Adam Bretl, Mr. Brad Gefvert, and Mr. Tom Grosinske have dedicated themselves to achieve desired results. We are so thankful and proud! It is incredibly validating to see it all working,” said Pate-Hefty. “Additionally, our teachers are part of the Professional Learning Community that is giving feedback about the new curriculum adoption, led by our Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms. Terilyn Robles. We want to honor the significant contributions they are putting into this literacy movement.”
In the fall of 2023, elementary schools in WUSD transitioned to aligning literacy instruction with SOR, a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research focused on reading and writing. SOR uses key components of instruction that prove to be effective and is gaining traction in literacy instruction across the nation. More information regarding WUSD’s literacy programming and alignment with the Science of Reading can be found at https://www.wwusd.org/page/science-of-reading.
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The following students from the area have been named to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester.
The award is presented to students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or above.
UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, has 49 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate programs, including one doctoral degree. UW-Stout, established in 1891, prides itself on the success of its students in the workplace, with an employment rate above 99.4% for recent graduates. The university was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2001.
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.
Whitewater, WI
Zsuzana Gyenes, BS Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
Cassandra Hoxie, BS Computer and Electrical Engineering
Bennett Miles, BS Computer and Electrical Engineering
On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, at approximately 2:42 a.m., Whitewater Police received a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Kwik Trip Gas Station, located at 305 Elkhorn Road, in the City of Whitewater. The suspect reportedly attempted to purchase an item inside the store, but his debit/credit card was declined after multiple attempts. When employees wouldn’t allow the suspect to leave without paying for the product, the suspect reached into his waistband, brandished what was believed to be a firearm, and made threatening statements to the staff that he was going to “start spraying.” Employees told the suspect to simply take the item and leave, fearing what the suspect might do. The suspect then left Kwik Trip without further incident.
At the same time the armed robbery was being investigated by officers, the Whitewater Communications Center received a separate phone call of an incident involving a male who had been drinking alcohol, was being disorderly towards the caller, and was in possession of a gun. This location was located in close proximity to the eastside Kwik Trip gas station. Officers responded to this secondary location and recognized that the suspect involved in this second call was the same person from the Kwik Trip armed robbery due to viewing video surveillance moments prior. During this second incident, a handgun was recovered at the scene and the suspect was taken into custody.
The suspect, Noel J. Gonzalez (25-year-old male) [107 N East St,] was confined in the Walworth County Jail on multiple criminal charges. The Walworth County District Attorney has formally charged Noel Gonzalez with the following charges: Armed Robbery (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)), Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Wis.Stat. 941.23(2)), and Disorderly Conduct – Domestic Abuse (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1) with modifier 973.055(1)).
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Police Department, which assisted in the efforts to take the suspect into custody without incident. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was issued by the City of Whitewater Police Department on January 19.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This week’s image is the opposite view of last week’s. It was taken at the corner of First and Center Streets in front of the large Bower’s New Metropolitan Block. It shows three buildings on Main Street, two of which are not extant. The two-story building to the right of the three-story building and the three-story building were torn down for the Schultz Brothers “dime” store, now the Main Street Shoppes. The three-story building was reportedly the first brick building constructed in the downtown in the early 1850s. The two-story building was constructed in 1912 and replaced an old hotel. It was the home of McAlister’s Department Store. The building to the left of the three-story building is still standing. It was built in 1872 for Joseph Haubert’s Harness shop and now houses Fanatico’s restaurant.
Join us next week for another winter scene in downtown Whitewater.
(3723P, Whitewater Historical Society)
So You Think You Can Talk
With a goal of increasing comfort, understanding, and connection within our community, First English Lutheran Church invites everyone to come to an introduction of: So You Think You Can Talk.
Based, in part, on David’s Brooks’s How to Know a Person, Dr. Barb Penington, Professor Emeritus of Family Communications, will introduce us to what we hope can become an ongoing conversation about developing our ability to hear and talk to each other in productive ways.
Whether it’s a matter of faithfully living out a calling to love and serve our neighbors or the challenge of living in community with the many complex views and beliefs held by others, this event is for you.
Sunday, January 28th, 10:45 a.m. (approximately 1 hour)
First English Lutheran Church, 401 W Main St., Whitewater
Fellowship Hall, downstairs
Light refreshments provided, free event
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by First English Lutheran Church.
Students who have met all graduation requirements by the end of the first semester of their senior year are permitted to graduate in January. The final step for these students is to present their Graduation Portfolio.
On Thursday, January 18, ten seniors presented portfolios and are now ready to take the next step on their life paths, whether it be to pursue a career, join the service, or start post-secondary education.
Congratulations to these students as they leave WHS; we wish you all the best. January grads participate in the commencement ceremony in May.
Article Submitted by Kate McNulty
Whitewater High School
kmcnulty@wwusd.org
Obituaries
Janet Irene Heckert, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 in Delavan, Wisconsin. Born on November 1, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Gladys and Henry Jansen. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Heckert and her brothers Sonny and Paul and sister Darlene. Janet was a graduate of Elkhorn High School in 1955. On October 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Heckert, at Elkhorn Baptist Church in their hometown of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Janet worked for many years as a seamstress, but her true passion was as a … Read more
Read MoreObituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78 Fred was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on October 23, 1945, son of Chester and Elva (Klug) Traxler. He was born to eternal life at Ascension St. Francis Place in Milwaukee on June 1, 2024. Fred was a 1964 graduate of Whitewater High School. In his younger days Fred enjoyed bowling and polka dancing–and was very good at both. He was very competitive, especially when pitching horseshoes with his Dad, brothers, and cousin Sid. He was always ready for a card game, and was also a big fan of the Packers and Brewers. Fred is preceded … Read more
Read MoreHarry Oliver Dempsey passed away peacefully and among family in Elkhorn, WI on July 24, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944 to William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey, Harry grew up on the family farm in Whitewater. In his younger years, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion that he later passed on to his own children. All his life he could often be found in his shop, building or fixing something – from a child’s toy to lawn mowers, cars, and tractors. His passion for self-sufficiency extended to his large garden whose abundance he happily … Read more
Read MoreSHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement. As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy. Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more
Read MoreA celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.
Read MoreJames Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more
Read MoreShirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more
Read MorePatricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more
Read MoreMarjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more
Read MoreMarilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more
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