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$20 E-gift Card Offered for Blood Donations on Thursday

December 19, 2023

The holidays can be tough for hospitalized patients and their loved ones – especially if they need blood. Please spare a moment this season to give the life-changing gift of blood and hope for these families. Donors will receive a $20 e-gift card* as thanks!  This includes those who have already made an appointment.

OLD WHITEWATER ARMORY
Thursday, 12/21/23 (1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
146 W. NORTH ST.
WHITEWATER, WI 53190

*Donors will receive an email from Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin <noreply@tangocard.com> 4-7 business days after their donation with a link to redeem $20 at a vendor of their choice, including Amazon, Starbucks, Target, Walmart and 60 more. Donors must have a valid email address on file with us prior to their appointment, or update it at the time of their donation.

Please make an appointment at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997. If you are a new donor to Versiti, use the link and then click on “login” and follow the directions under “new donors.”

Girls Come Back to Defeat Marshall in Overtime

December 19, 2023

WHAT A COMEBACK! On Monday night, December 18, down 5 with under 2 minutes to go, the Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team was able to claw back and make a buzzer beater layup to force overtime! The Whippets owned the overtime and left Marshall with a 53-49 overtime win!

Video of Danielle DePorter’s layup that sent the game to overtime (no sound):
https://www.hudl.com/v/2MuRut

Comments Courtesy of Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org

Flags to Half-Staff in Memory of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

December 18, 2023

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was an American icon, the first woman on our Nation’s highest court. She spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice O’Connor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys. She gave her life to public service, even holding elected office, and never forgot those ties to the people whom the law is meant to serve. She sought to avoid ideology, and was devoted to the rule of law and to the bedrock American principle of an independent judiciary. Justice O’Connor never quit striving to make this Nation stronger, calling on us all to engage with our country and with one another, and her institute’s work to promote civics education and civil discourse has touched millions. She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart.

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Sandra Day O’Connor, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of her interment [Tuesday, December 19], the flag of the United States shall be flown at half‑staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

                            JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Whitewater Girls Wrestling Team Finds Success at Mount Horeb, Bueler Named Outstanding Wrestler

December 18, 2023

On Saturday, December 16, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling team was up early and traveled to Mount Horeb High School to participate in the first annual Mount Horeb Girls’ Wrestling Invite.

Whitewater had a great showing with the most girls of any of the schools participating and all wrestling very well. Of the nine girls that were competing, seven came home with a top two finish.

Leading the way for the Whippets were Lauren Buehler and Giulia Ristagno, each winning their respective weight class. Buehler had two first period pins on her way to the championship, and Ristagno also had two pins on her way to her first championship in wrestling. Lauren was also recognized with the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award, voted on by the coaches at the tournament.

Lauren Buehler

Coming in second place included Ema Aranda, Katie Rojas-Reyes, Atreya Wilson, Myia Cobb, and Marianna Kubicz. All five of these girls wrestled very well on the day, coming up just short of the championship.

The coaching staff is very happy with the progression the girls are making as many are new to the sport of wrestling. They are next in action when they travel to East Troy to compete against New Berlin.

Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org

​Wrestlers Come in Second at Mount Horeb Invitational 

December 18, 2023

On Saturday, December 16, the Whitewater Wrestling team traveled to Mount Horeb to participate in the 16 team Mount Horeb Invitational. The team wrestled very well during the day and in the end found themselves in 2nd place behind Merrill, Wisconsin.

The coaches stressed the importance of being ready and starting the day strong as in a tournament with the bracket as it was if you have an early round hiccup it will be hard to be in a team race. The Whippets wrestled extremely well in the opening rounds and found five individuals in the championship match. Rylan Oldenburg, Jarvis Porcaro, Connor Friend, Sebastian Cuellar, and Payton Lyon all found themselves in the championship match. Unfortunately, they came up short and brought home the silver. All the finalists wrestled very well throughout the day. Highlights included Sebastian Cuellar defeating a state qualifier from Johnson Creek to reach the finals. Payton Lyon had a great semi-final match, pinning a young man whom he had lost to in last year’s semi-finals.

Also reaching the podium and taking 3rd place was Traysen Thomason. His sole loss on the day was in the semi-finals which was a good match with him ending up on the wrong end of a scramble situation. 

Great job to the team with their Runner-Up finish. The team is next in action on Wednesday night when they travel to East Troy to open with an RVC Dual meet with East Troy and then will compete against New Berlin in a second dual on the evening. Wrestling begins at 5:00 with the first dual and approximately 6:30 for the second dual.

Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Toy Drive

December 18, 2023

Grads of UW-W Doctorate of Business Admin. Shine in Their Professional Pursuits

December 17, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.

Graduates of UW-Whitewater DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) Program Shine in Their Professional Pursuits 

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater proudly announces the completion of its 2023 Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program by eleven outstanding individuals. These graduates – Patrice Achu, Tobin Anderson, Eric Barber, Betty Carew, Michelle Gabor, Kokou Gadedji, Chris Harper, Melissa Nelson, David Rollins, Rizvana Zameeruddin, and Emily Zoet – mark a significant milestone as they prepare for their commencement ceremony in December.

Reflecting on their transformative experiences, these graduates have shared invaluable insights into the program’s impact on their careers and scholarly contributions. Dr. Patrice Achu, this year’s commencement speaker, highlighted, “The program’s deep understanding of strategic leadership, research methodologies, and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world business challenges” as a standout feature that prepared them for leadership roles.

The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills resonated strongly with the alumni, enabling seamless application of theoretical knowledge to practical business contexts. Dr. Emily Zoet affirmed her commitment to ongoing professional development, stating, “I will continue in my role as Assistant Professor of Accountancy at Ferris State University, researching sustainability issues in accounting, including climate change risk.”

Dr. Eric Barber, another program alumnus, expressed intentions to continue building upon learned skills and contribute to research in the areas of management and organizational behavior. He further announced participation in the 2024 Academy of Human Resources Development (AHRD) conference, showcasing ongoing dedication to scholarly engagement.

Key highlights from the graduates included the invaluable networking opportunities, exposure to diverse perspectives, and collaborative experiences with classmates and professors. They praised the program’s unique approach, combining self-study with live group discussions and a collegial, supportive learning environment.

Dr. Melissa Nelson, securing a tenure-track position in Silicon Valley, emphasized her enthusiasm for continued research and publishing articles in esteemed journals, contributing to the evolving landscape of academia.

When asked what he enjoyed about the program, Dr. Tobin Anderson replied with “The mix of self- study and live discussions challenged my thinking, taking our learnings to an additional level,” highlighting the program’s unique approach that enriched the learning experience.

The UW-Whitewater DBA program continues to empower professionals, equipping them with the tools and expertise to excel in their careers and contribute significantly to their respective fields.

Cortland wins 2023 Stagg Bowl, the DIII football championship

December 16, 2023

From ncaa.com:

The Cortland Red Dragons are the DIII football champions for the first time in program history. A back-and-forth scoring match ended with one victor, as Cortland [State University of New York at Cortland] defeated [defending champion] North Central (IL) 38-37 to win the title.

Editor’s note: The Stagg Bowl returned to Salem, Virginia, for its 50th anniversary game. The game had previously been played there for 25 years. A report on fans coming from all over because of the anniversary, including from schools that weren’t even playing, may be found here. UW-Whitewater has won the bowl six times.

In Friday’s matchup, both teams were tied 31 a piece with 7:16 left on the clock in the fourth quarter. Cortland’s Cole Burgess’ second TD of the night came on a 21-yard pass from junior QB Zac Boyes with 1:41 left. North Central (IL) QB Luke Lehnen’s 60-yard TD pass to DeAngelo Hardy gave the Cardinals a possibility to win their fourth Stagg Bowl in a row, but a failed two-point conversion fell incomplete to close out the game.

Boyes accounted for 472 of Cortland’s 503 offensive yards, 349 through the air and 154 on the ground.

Cortland finishes its first national championship-winning season 14-1 overall.

Here is the schedule of the 2023 NCAA Division III football tournament:

2023 NCAA Division III football tournament schedule, scores

Opening Round: Saturday, Nov. 18

Second Round: Saturday, Nov. 25

Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 2

Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 9

Championship: Friday, December 15

Obituaries

Obituary: Janet Irene Heckert, 87

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

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Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78

Obituary: 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

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Obituary: Harry Oliver Dempsey, 80

Harry 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

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Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

SHIRLEY 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

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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A 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.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James 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

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley 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

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia 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

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie 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

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn 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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