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UW-W to Host UW-La Crosse for Family Fest Saturday; Huge crowd anticipated

October 2, 2025

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team returns to Perkins Stadium to host UW-La Crosse in a top 10 matchup for Family Fest this Saturday. Kickoff in front of what is sure to be a huge crowd is set for 1 PM.

RANKINGS
The Warhawks are ranked 9th in the latest national polls from D3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association while the Eagles are listed fifth in both.

SERIES
Saturday marks the 74th meeting between these two powerhouses. The series dates back to 1917 and the Eagles claimed both the first win and the last matchup. The Warhawks hold the longest win streak in the series – a 19-game span from 2005-2022. UWW is 17-12 against the Eagles in games played in Whitewater. The Warhawks have shutout the Eagles four times in the series while UWL has tallied seven in the last 108 years.

LAST TIME OUT – UWW
UW-Whitewater cruised to a 26-6 win over then-No. 6 Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas two weeks ago. The Warhawks were balanced in their attack against the Crusaders with 255 yards on the ground and three touchdowns through the air. 

Justin Klinkner found Patrick Lippe, Brian Stanton and Tyler Vasey on TD passes while Seth Adams hit a pair of field goals. Defensively, Efrein Ramirez and Ethan Gallagher paced UWW with seven tackles each while Gallagher added a sack for a loss of six.

The Warhawks geared up for their Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener during the bye week last week. 

LAST TIME OUT – UWL
The Eagles topped Division II Wayne State 31-22 in their last time out on September 20. UW-La Crosse registered 343 yards and four passing touchdowns while totaling just 55 yards on the ground. 

With just two non-conference games on their schedule, the Eagles have had two bye weeks so far this season — week one and just last week. 

ON THE AIR
Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on the WIAC Network courtesy of UWWTV. Live stats will be available on uwwsports.com. Fans can listen to Josh and Bill with the call live on the radio on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater/Janesville area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.

NEW FOR THIS GAME
UW-Whitewater students will need to scan their Hawk cards for entry into Perkins Stadium per new university policy. Students will still get in free of charge, but they will now scan their IDs upon entry. 

Fans are encouraged to visit Gameday Central with all the information you need for gameday at The Perk including UW-Whitewater’s bag policy, tailgate policy, carry-in policy, links to purchase tickets and parking and more! Tickets are cash only- $15 | Senior Citizen & Youth (under 18) – $10 – Children 3 years and under: Free

PARKING INFORMATION
As of Wednesday, October 1st, seven parking lots have been sold out. Fans arriving on gameday that have not purchased parking online must use Lots 1 [which is south of the Greenhill Center for the Arts] or 12 [which is just north of the Bassett House off Prairie St.] No cash will be accepted on gameday for parking. Lots open at 10 AM Saturday. Questions regarding football gameday parking can be directed to UWW Parking Services at 262-472-1011 or by email at parking@uww.edu.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from UW-Whitewater Athletics.

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Two-time Paralympic gold medalist and former Shriners Children’s Chicago patient John Boie will be making an appearance at noon prior to the UW-Whitewater Shrine Game on Saturday, October 4. UWW is taking on UW-La Crosse for Shriners Day.

Boie won his second gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics as a member of the United States men’s wheelchair basketball team. He began receiving care at Shriners Children’s Chicago when he was 6 years old, undergoing physical and occupational therapy throughout his childhood after being paralyzed in an accident on his family’s farm.

Boie is also a Wisconsin native and a UWW graduate. The UWW Shrine Game supports Shriners Children’s and its mission to care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status. The game will help children across Wisconsin receive life-changing care. 

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Schriners Children’s.

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#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Whitewater’s Largest Toyland 1960

October 2, 2025

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is from the November 24, 1960 Whitewater Register. In this edition there was a special section about the start of Christmas shopping in Whitewater with lots of ads for downtown stores. The Gambles store was a place in the mid-20th century to get toys, as well as gifts for “Mom” and “Dad.” The Whitewater Historical Society is joining the trend of talking about Christmas before Halloween at our program this Sunday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m. at the Starin Park Community Building (Senior Center). Our program is Whitewater Recollects: Downtown Christmas Shopping in the 1950s and 1960s. We will have special guests to get the discussion started.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

Whippets Improve In Conference Flights at the Rock Valley Conference Tournament

October 2, 2025

The Whitewater Whippets improved in a few flights at the 2025 Rock Valley Conference Tennis Tournament, which was held on the campus of UW-Whitewater. Taryn Rothwell, Number 1 singles had the highest finish. Adamari Barajas pulled off a win at number 3 singles in a tough 3-set match. Ruth Lopez and Madeline Joseph also came back from losing a first set to win their match in three sets, winning the third set tiebreaker 13-11.

East Troy won the Rock Valley Conference Championship. The last team to beat the Trojans in both the conference season and at the tournament in a season was the Whitewater Whippets in 2015.

Singles:
No. 1 – Taryn Rothwell, Whitewater def. Vanessa Hernandez, Edgerton, 6-3, 6-0, -;
No. 1 – Aubrie Cherek, East Troy def. Taryn Rothwell, Whitewater, 6-0, 6-0 -;
No. 1 – Sophia Szczap, Delavan-Darien def. Taryn Rothwell, Whitewater, 6-1, 6-4, -;
No. 2 – Elliot Van Buren, East Troy def. Aubrey Ramirez-Mendoza, Whitewater, 6-1, 6-1 -;
No. 2 – Alana Martin, Edgerton def. Aubrey Ramirez-Mendoza, Whitewater, 6-2, 6-1 -;
No. 3 – Jayna Kirkpatrick, Delavan-Darien def. Adamari Barajas, Whitewater, 6-2, 6-1, -;
No. 3 – Adamari Barajas, Whitewater def. Genevieve Sparrgrove-Christofferson, Edgerton, 6-4, 2-6, 10-8 ;
No. 3 – Molly Gee, Jefferson def. Adamari Barajas, Whitewater, 6-0, 6-1, -;
No. 4 – Emme Nyman, Big Foot def. Yareli Palomec Garcia, Whitewater, 6-1, 6-2 -;
No. 4 – Isabella Smith, Jefferson def. Yareli Palomec Garcia, Whitewater, 6-1, 6-0 -;
No. 4 – Kaiya Logterman, Delavan-Darien def. Yareli Palomec Garcia, Whitewater, 6-2 6-2, -;

Doubles:
No. 1 – Irelyn Loomis, East Troy – Raegen Feucht, East Troy def. Natalia Casillas, Whitewater – Kiani Aranda, Whitewater, 6-0 6-0, -;
No. 1 – Hannah Werning, Jefferson – Georgia Bolger, Jefferson def. Natalia Casillas Whitewater – Kiani Aranda, Whitewater, 6-1, 6-1 -;
No. 2 – Mia Taylor, East Troy – Taylor Korpela, East Troy def. Izzy Lawton, Whitewater – Abby Treder, Whitewater, 6-0, 6-2, -;
No. 2 – Taylor Johnson, Edgerton – Hayden Wileman, Edgerton def. Izzy Lawton, Whitewater – Abby Treder, Whitewater, 6-2, 6-2, -;
No. 3 – Caedyn Blackburn, Monroe – Elise McKenzie, Monroe def. Madeline Joseph, Whitewater – Ruth Lopez, Whitewater, 6-3, 6-1 -;
No. 3 – Ruth Lopez, Whitewater – Madeline Joseph, Whitewater def. Tanner Wagner, Delavan-Darien – Vivienne Frenz, Delavan-Darien, 3-6, 6-1, 13-11 ;
No. 3 – Allison Apple, Edgerton – Marianna Gonzalez, Edgerton def. Ruth Lopez, Whitewater – Madeline Joseph, Whitewater, 6-3, 6-3

Article Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Tennis Coach
gstewart@wwusd.org

Mail Will Still Be Delivered During the Government Shutdown

October 2, 2025

The federal government entered a shutdown at midnight on Oct. 1 when lawmakers failed to pass new funding bills. It’s unclear how long the stalemate will last, and lawmakers do not appear to be any closer to coming to an agreement that could reopen the government.

Postal services, including mail delivery, will continue during the government shutdown. Essential services during a shutdown include the U.S. Postal Service, Medicare and Social Security services and air traffic control.

In a Sept. 25 statement, the U.S. Postal Service confirmed that its operations will not be interrupted in a shutdown, and post offices will remain open for “business as usual.” “Because we are an independent entity that is generally funded through the sale of our products and services, and not by tax dollars, our services will not be impacted by a government shutdown,” the statement said.

Electrical Fire in Apartment Contained to Bedroom

October 2, 2025

At approximately 8:04 PM on October 1, 2025, Whitewater Fire/EMS received a report of smoke
coming from an apartment at 1563 W. Wildwood Rd.

Engine 121 arrived on scene within five minutes of dispatch and initially reported no visible fire.
Upon further investigation, firefighters observed smoke coming from an apartment interior door. An
aggressive offensive attack was initiated, which limited fire damage to the bedroom of origin and
prevented the fire from spreading throughout the apartment.

The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical components located in the bedroom, with a
power strip suspected to have contributed to ignition. The cause is not suspicious in nature.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. One occupant was evaluated for smoke inhalation
but was not transported. Only the residents of the affected apartment were displaced as a result of
this incident.

Whitewater Fire/EMS was assisted on scene by:

  • Lauderdale-LaGrange, Lakeside, and City of Delavan Engines
  • Fort Atkinson Truck
  • Jefferson and Elkhorn Squads
  • Janesville Ambulance
  • Chiefs from LaGrange, Jefferson, and Fort Atkinson
  • We Energies (gas/electric)
  • City of Whitewater Police Department

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Fire Department.

Ready to Start Your Farm Succession Planning? UW Extension Offering Virtual Workshop

October 1, 2025

Ready to start your farm succession planning? Virtual workshop series to connect you and your family wherever you are

Join our UW-Madison Division of Extension Farm Management Specialists, Joy Kirkpatrick, Steph Plaster, Kelly Wilfert, and Kevin Bernhardt as they lead discussions and activities during the Cultivating Your Farm’s Future workshop series. This program will provide tools and resources for farmers who want to start their succession plans. 

The program will explore the three-step process of planning your business succession:

  1. Where are you now?
  2. Where do you want to be?
  3. How do you get there?
    This workshop series will prepare you to shape and communicate your ideas about the future of
    the farm and business as well as save time by having these crucial conversations before visiting
    with professionals. 
    Who should attend? 
    This program is for farm businesses and farm families interested in shaping the future
    ownership of their farm. If you are the owner generation, you may be wondering how to transfer
    to the next generation or develop a fair inheritance distribution plan. If you are the next
    generation, you may have questions or ideas about your future role in the farm business or how
    to make it financially feasible and realistic for your goals. Multiple farm/family members are
    encouraged to attend together.
    What topics are covered?
     Communication preferences and how to talk about the farm’s future
     Common tensions around farm succession 
     Inheritance distributions – Is equal fair?
     Financials for farm succession
     Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats – SWOT analysis
     Estate planning including probate & estate tax
     Wills, trusts, & business entities
     Setting goals and action steps
    When are these workshops?

    There are two workshop series available in the upcoming months:
    November/December 2025
    6:30 – 8:00 PM Thursday evenings, November 13, 20, and December 4 & 11, 2025. This series
    also offers an optional action planning session on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

    February 2026
    6:30 – 8:00 PM Thursday evenings, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026. This series also offers an
    optional action planning session on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

How is the program delivered? 
The four (plus one optional) sessions will be live via Zoom, so participants can join from anywhere! Each week participants will receive an email with homework assignments. The homework is designed to help participants gather information and be prepared for the discussions and activities during the live Zoom sessions. The live sessions will not be recorded so everyone can feel comfortable participating. The homework will be a mix of short videos, worksheets or reading assignments. The hard copies of the materials for the program will be mailed out before the first week of class. If the farm has participants living at different locations, we will need all the addresses at registration so we can mail materials to the appropriate addresses. 

Registration details
Registration Fee: $150/per farm. We encourage farms to sign up multiple farm/family members (all for $150/farm). This fee provides one Cultivating Your Farm’s Future workbook and one Cultivating Continuity book per farm, a participant manual for each person registered, access to course videos that are assigned as homework, and four (with an optional fifth) live zoom classes. If farms want additional Cultivating Your Farm’s Future workbooks those are $15/additional workbook. Additional Cultivating Continuity books are $25 each.

Register online at https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/farm2526/reg

The registration deadline for the November/December 2025 series is October 24, 2025, to ensure participants receive the mailed materials in time for the first class. The registration deadline for the February 2026 series is January 16, 2026. Registration is limited to 20 farms for each series.

Even if you have attended other transition, estate, or succession planning classes, consider attending this program to get a START on YOUR succession plan.

For more information contact Joy Kirkpatrick, Farm Succession Outreach Specialist, joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu, 608.263.3485

Whitewater Music Boosters – October Meeting (and Elections!)

October 1, 2025

The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next monthly meeting on Monday, October 6th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Join us at WHS – Room 403 or via Google Meet at the following link: https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa. The biggest agenda topic for this meeting is electing a new board. All seats are up for election, and some have been vacant for a while.

Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing

Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing

Ways to get involved: 

Way #1: Run for a seat on the Board! The positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Sponsorships/Fundraising Chair, and Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator are up for election at the upcoming meeting. Position descriptions are in the Constitution.

Way #2:
Volunteer! 

Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for other opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.

Way #3:

Donate/Fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.

Donate/Share Form here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link

Free Counseling Group for Graduate Students 

October 1, 2025

Are you a graduate student who’s adjusting to new routines, balancing school and life, or just looking for extra support? You’re not alone!

My name is Kat, and I’m one of the practicum counselors at Winther Counseling Services at UW–Whitewater. I’m currently facilitating a counseling group called “Navigating the New Normal,” a free group that provides a safe, supportive space for graduate students to share experiences, build connections, and learn strategies for navigating life adjustments.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Winther Counseling Services at counselinglab@uww.edu for more information, or scan one of the QR codes on the flyer to learn more.

Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026.  Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976.  Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family.  Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more

Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74

Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more