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Local Student Honored for Media Work at UW-W

May 11, 2024

Brandye Carter, a Journalism major from Whitewater, WI, at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is one of 17 Warhawks to claim a Wisconsin Community Media Best of the Midwest award for their work on UWW-TV during the 2023-24 academic year.

Carter earned the following awards: third place, UWW-TV News – “The Code of Conduct that Shocked the World”; third place, UWW-TV News – “Miss Black and Gold 2023”

Award winners will be recognized at the Best of the Midwest Media Fest banquet and show on May 16 at the Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and celebrate during the exhibitors reception and banquet.

The 2024 Best of the Midwest Media Fest celebrates local Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access programming and Low-Power Community Radio programming. The event recognizes local programming produced by both professionals and amateurs and provides producers with feedback on their work from a slate of four judges.

The nine-state Alliance for Community Media Midwest Region includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

UWW-TV is housed in UW-Whitewater’s College of Arts and Communication. The station provides students with hands-on experience in producing high-quality content both behind the scenes and on camera. To learn more about UWW-TV, visit uwwtv.org.

City Announces Request for Proposal for Property at 216 E Main

May 10, 2024


The City of Whitewater and the Community Development Authority (CDA) is announcing a Request For Proposal (RFP) regarding the property located at 216 E. Main Street. Specifically the City and the CDA is seeking proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of a prime property situated a few blocks from historic downtown. This initiative supports the City’s steadfast commitment to revitalizing its downtown core and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The selected proposal will be instrumental in driving the City’s redevelopment agenda, with a focus on elevating the vibrancy of the area and expanding the municipal property tax base. Positioned within the B-2 district, this property offers a unique opportunity to reimagine a space that seamlessly integrates retail, service, office spaces, table-service establishments, and residential units. Participation in this development presents an opportunity to indirectly contribute to the positive transformation of our community.

Prospective developers are invited to submit their proposals by June 28, 2024. Each proposal will undergo thorough evaluation based on its alignment with the City’s redevelopment goals, its capacity to enhance residents’ quality of life, and its contribution to the broader revitalization objectives. 

For inquiries or assistance regarding the proposal process, developers are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Director, Taylor Zeinert, at 262-473-0148.

Fort HealthCare Receives Three Top Workplace Awards

May 10, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare is extremely honored to accept three Top Workplace Awards this Spring including the 2024 Top Workplaces Award and 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for Purpose & Values by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award by USA Today.

“This is the 10th year in a row that we are being honored by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel!  Receiving multiple Top Workplace Awards is a true testament to the culture we have developed over many years.  Fort HealthCare is an exemplary place to work.  We are very proud of our staff at Fort HealthCare.  They are responsible for creating such a sustained, supportive environment in the workplace,” states Michael Anderson, MD, Fort HealthCare President & CEO.

The Top Workplaces program has a 17-year history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 60 regional markets. These awards are based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute, to name a few.

The 2024 Top Workplaces USA program celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey.  Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“Earning a Top Workplaces Award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

About Fort HealthCare

Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.

About Energage

Making the world a better place to work together.TM

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations,  Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

UW-W Softball Advances to WIAC Tournament Championship Game

May 10, 2024
Brooke Hock closes out the game against UW-Stevens Point (credit: Angela Kelm)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Oshkosh, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team defeated UW-Stevens Point 2-1 to advance to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship game. The title game is slated for 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Box Score

The Warhawks will play the winner of UW-Stevens Point and UW-Stout/UW-Oshkosh for the tournament title Saturday. The WIAC Tournament champion will receive the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III tournament. 

UW-Whitewater had the first scoring opportunity of the game in the bottom of the second. Taylor Koehler laced a ball up the middle to lead off the frame. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, she moved up 60 feet on a Kiera Jarrett single through the left side. The speedy Belle Lapacek took over for Jarrett at first base. Lapacek drew a throw down to second on the next pitch and Koehler took off for home on the throw. Koehler was forced to the back side of home plate and attempted to slide around the catcher, but the tag was put on and an out called. 

The pitcher’s duel continued into the fifth when the Warhawks broke the stalemate. Maggie Ward led off the frame with what appeared to be a fly out to left field. However, as the play was being made, the home plate umpire signaled for catcher interference and Ward stayed put on first base before moving to second on a sacrifice. Maddy Anderson came in to hit and singled on the first pitch to left center to put runners on the corners. Abby Borchardt took over to run at first base and stole second in the next at bat. 

With runners on second and third and one out, head coach Brenda Volk gave the sign for a squeeze play and Meghan Dunning laid down the bunt. The first baseman fielded and shoveled to home as Ward slid into the plate. Through the dust, the ball came flying out of the catcher’s mitt and caromed off the fence. Meanwhile, Volk’s arm was circling to keep the speedy Borchardt going around third and came sliding into home for a 2-0 lead. 

The Pointers cut the lead in half in the top of the sixth. After a leadoff single, a one out fielder’s choice had both the runner and batter safe. On the next pitch, the Pointer runners took off and JJ Jakosalem had a perfect throw to Dunning covering third. Catching, turning and laying the tag on UWSP’s diving runner, Dunning had out number two. 

A hit-by-pitch, the Pointers’ runner at first got into a pickle between first and second. The runner from third scored but the Warhawks got the out to head to the seventh inning. 

UWW didn’t capitalize on Bella Eggert’s leadoff single, but the defense held. Brooke Hock sent the first batter back to the dugout on a swinging strikeout. After a single to left center, Hock had the next batter fanning at a strike number three. The Pointers stole second, but Hock ended the game with yet another K. 

UW-Whitewater’s four hits came from four different Warhawks. Maddy Anderson got the start and pitched a gem. She struck out three while scattering three hits across five innings to improve to 11-3 on the season. Hock registered the save – her third of the 2024 WIAC tournament and eleventh of the season. 

Seniors in the Park Presents The Color Purple

May 10, 2024

“The Color Purple”

Tuesday, May 14, 1 pm

(Drama/Musical) 2 hours, 21 minutes 

Rated PG-13 (2023)

A young black woman in the South in 1909 faces much hardship and sadness, her only happiness being her family and a new suitor. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Jon Batiste, and  Lou Gossett, Jr.  Oscar Nomination for Best Supporting Actress, Danielle Brooks.

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Soccer Defeats East Troy 3-0

May 10, 2024

Whitewater hosted East Troy for a conference soccer game on Thursday, May 9.

Whitewater won 3-0, with goals by Belle Peterson (asst. Mayte Navejas), Mayte Navejas (asst. Belle Peterson), and Isabella Aranda (asst. Mayte Navejas). 

Belle Peterson

Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Why Whitewater: New Video Showcases the Community (Update: Link Corrected)

May 9, 2024

Update 5/10/24 @ 9:40 a.m. – An incorrect link was provided for the video. This is now corrected. Our apologies for this error.

The passion that our community has for the City of Whitewater is clear. To help showcase our community from all angles the Media Services department has joined forces with Karl James and Company to showcase why we all choose Whitewater. We all choose to be a part of the City of Whitewater. Whether you learn, live, work or play, Whitewater is in all of us. May we remember why we choose Whitewater.

Click here to view the video.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the city of Whitewater.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Happy Mother’s Day

May 9, 2024

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

In honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, we present this Scholl glass plate image from around 1900 only identified as “Mrs. Murphy and Lillian.” It is possible this is a mother and her daughter, but even if it is not, it suggests a mother and her daughter. We hope all mothers have a great day!

Join us next week for another c.1900 image.

(3829GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

Obituaries

Obituary: Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)

In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more

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Obituary: Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills

Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger.  He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021.  They enjoyed traveling … Read more

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Obituary: William J. “Bill” West, 75

William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more

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Obituary: David Harold Baker Jr., 61, of Portland, OR

David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more

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Obituary: Allen C. Hicks, 85

Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more

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Obituary: Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91

Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox.  She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years.  Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more

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Obituary: Isaac Richard Unger, 31

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more

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Obituary: John George Mack, 61

John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater.   John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.   As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more

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Obituary: Clifford Maynard Witte, 103

Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte.  Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more

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Obituary: Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79

Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963.  She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later.  She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon.  She was … Read more

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