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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Life has many seasons, and each one brings challenges and joys. Whether you’re coping with stress, changes in your family or personal struggles, it can help to have someone to talk to. During the academic year, Winther Counseling Services offers free individual and group counseling services to members of the Whitewater Community. Staffed by UW-Whitewater’s counseling master’s students, we offer you a respectful and inclusive environment to listen to your concerns. To set up an appointment or for more information please call us or email us at: 262-472-2842, counselinglab@uww.edu We look forward to hearing from you!
Editor’s note: Further information is available on the service’s website. It mentions that the service is offered to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in the community.
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La vida tiene muchas etapas, y cada una de ellas trae consigo retos y alegrías. Ya sea que estés lidiando con el esrés, cambios en tu familia o dificultades personales, puede ser útil tener a alguien con quien hablar.
Durante el año escolar, los Servicios de Consejería en Winther ofrece consejería individual y grupal gratuitos a los miembros de la comunidad de Whitewater. Con un equipo formado por estudiantes haciendo su maestría en consejería de la de Whitewater, te ofrecemos un espacio respetuoso e inclusivo para escuchar tus preocupaciones. Para agendar una cita u obtener más información, llámanos al: 262-472-2842 o puede enviar un correo electrónico a counselinglab@uww.edu. ¡Esperamos tener noticias suyas!
Nota del editor: Se encuentra más información en el sitio web del servicio. Se menciona que el servicio se ofrece a niños, adolescentes, adultos, parejas y familias en la comunidad.
Written by Kristine Zaballos | Photo by Craig Schreiner
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County has launched a program that allows professionals with a Foundations of Teacher Education (FOTE) degree from a Wisconsin technical college the opportunity to earn a Wisconsin elementary and middle school educator license while they continue working.
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in FOTE to K-9 was developed to address an ongoing teacher shortage in the State of Wisconsin by providing an affordable online pathway to licensure. According to a 2025 report by the State Department of Public Instruction based on data gathered in 2023, Wisconsin continues to see shortages created by the numbers of licensed teachers leaving the profession. An untapped resource in many schools is paraprofessionals — individuals working with students under the supervision of a licensed educator who may not have earned a bachelor’s degree. The BAAS in FOTE to K-9 provides the education and training that paraprofessionals and other aspiring educators not currently employed in a school setting need to attain licensure as they remain in their jobs.
“The curriculum is designed to build on the practical knowledge gained through the FOTE program at our technical colleges in Wisconsin,” said Kelli Danielski, assistant dean of student success in the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater. “The goal is to get prepared teachers into the classrooms as soon as possible. The program’s flexibility allows students to start coursework in a fall, spring, or summer semester as they work in their paraprofessional roles in local pre-K-12 districts.”
The program, which is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers classes year-round to provide as many opportunities as possible for future teachers to complete their degrees.
“The degree emphasizes universal skills such as writing, communication, critical thinking and adaptability,” said Kim Kostka, an associate dean on the Rock County campus who helped to support faculty in the development of the coursework. “It offers a flexible option to attain K-9 general licensure, and students are eligible to continue directly into a master’s degree upon completion of the BAAS.”
The Education (FOTE to K-9) emphasis is one of the emphasis areas available with online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS), specifically designed for working adults to offer them a flexible degree-completion pathway. Other emphases include criminology, digital marketing, human services, leadership, occupational safety, operations and supply chain management and professional selling. A personalized emphasis is also available.
For more about the online BAAS degree, visit the online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS). For questions about the new FOTE to K-9 emphasis, contact Kelli Danielski, assistant dean of student success, at danielsk@uww.edu or 262-472-1614.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater is pleased to announce that an initial concept review for the new Hale Farm Subdivision will be presented at the Planning & Architectural Review Commission (PARC) on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
The development, led by Bielinski Homes, proposes up to 99 single-family homes on the city’s west side. Bielinski Homes has a decades-long record of building thriving neighborhoods across Wisconsin, and their partnership with Whitewater reflects a shared commitment to expanding housing options for working families, young professionals, and long-time residents.
City Manager John Weidl underscored the project’s significance: “Housing is the foundation of community growth. Our goal is to make it easier for people who work here to live here, for families to stay and grow here, and for young professionals to put down
roots right here in Whitewater.”
Mason Becker, the City’s newly appointed Economic Development Director, noted that projects like Hale Farm directly support Whitewater’s strategic priorities: “This subdivision expands opportunities for homeownership at a time when housing supply is limited across Jefferson and Walworth counties. Developments like this help us strengthen the local workforce, support our schools, and create neighborhoods where people want to invest in the future.”
The PARC concept review marks the first public step in moving this subdivision forward. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the project.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. The parcel is approximately 33.5 acres, much of it currently being farmed. It is adjacent to the north and east sides of The Chapel property. Access to the subdivision from US Business Hwy 12 is proposed to be through Breidsan Drive and Warner Road.
The proposal is coming to the PARC as a conceptual review which allows the commission an opportunity to provide comments and feedback on the proposed use. The developer would need to formally apply for a rezone, preliminary plat, and final plat in order to proceed. The proposal complies with the city zoning ordinance for “small lots,” with the minimum 6000 square feet, which is approximately .138 of an acre. The minimum lot size in the original “R-1” one-family residence district is 10,000 square feet, or about .23 of an acre. The small lot district zoning was adopted in 2022 in an effort to increase housing diversity and affordability.
Shown below is the proposed site plan.
Shown below is the public access information for the PARC meeting.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Conceptual Plan Review of possible subdivision to be located on Hale/Pearson Farm on Warner Road for Belinski Homes.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/875408261
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 875-408-261
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
The Warhawks were picked to finish fourth in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) by the league’s coaches and sports information directors. They enter the season ranked 22nd by the American Football Coaches Association and 24th according to D3football.com.
Individually, the Warhawks return seven All-WIAC honorees to the 2025 squad. Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge), a 2024 All-American, 2025 Preseason All-American and reigning WIAC Special Teams Player of the Year is one of the top returners in Division III and also returns to the offense as a wide receiver. Two-time all-conference honoree Ethan Gallagher (Homer Glen, Ill./Lockport Township) is back to lead the linebacker unit. On the offensive line, Alex Pethan (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek), a two-time all-league selection, and Evan Oberg (DeForest, Wis./DeForest), a 2024 all-conference pick, are back. Also receiving All-WIAC recognition a season ago and returning to the defense this season are Noah Moris (Union Grove, Wis./Union Grove) (defensive line), Paul Kim (Janesville, Wis./Parker) (defensive back) and Karsten Libby (Wheaton, Ill./North) (linebacker).
UWW will head to Saint Xavier University (Ill.) for a 1 p.m. kick at Deaton Field on September 13 before wrapping up the non-conference slate with an 11 a.m. kickoff against #8/8 Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas on September 20.
Following the bye week, UWW returns to Perkins for the WIAC opener against #10/11 UW-La Crosse on October 4 (1 p.m.). The game is designated the Warhawks’ annual Family Fest, Alumni Day and Shriners Day. UW-Whitewater heads to UW-Stevens Point on October 11 (1 p.m.) before returning to Whitewater to host UW-Stout for Friday Night Lights on October 17. The game, presented by Mercyhealth, is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Warhawks will host #14/15 UW-Platteville for the annual Homecoming, Hall of Fame and George Chryst Memorial Bowl sponsored by PremierBank on October 25 a 1 p.m. Saturday, November 1 will have UWW heading to #19/19 UW-River Falls for a showdown with the Falcons at 1 p.m.
UW-Whitewater will recognize its 2025 seniors at the final home game of the regular season on November 8 against UW-Eau Claire. The game, set for a 1 p.m. kick, is also designated the annual Military Appreciation Day presented by Wisconsin Army National Guard.
The Warhawks will wrap up the regular season slate at UW-Oshkosh on November 15.
All UW-Whitewater home games will be broadcast on the WIAC Network courtesy of UWWTV. All conference games will be streamed on the WIAC Network. Fans can listen to every game courtesy of 105.9 The Hog online or on the radio. Visit the UWW football schedule page for all live coverage links.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater Athletics.
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner).
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Conceptual Plan Review of possible subdivision to be located on Hale/Pearson Farm on
Warner Road for Belinski Homes.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/875408261
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 875-408-261
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Johns Disposal Rate Increase for 2026.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85117401429?pwd=3slKnbhiVgIVutYAbyIiwAbZXW1ac1.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 851 1740 1429
Passcode:
234653
City of Whitewater Police & Fire Commission – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/741408613
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 741-408-613
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
City of Whitewater Pedestrian & Bicycle Commission – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not been posted as of 9/7.
City of Whitewater Artful Transformation 2025 Celebration – Saturday @ 10 a.m.
The agenda has not been posted as of 9/7.
The Whippet Football Team fell to McFarland 55-8 on Friday, September 5 after losing both quarterbacks to injury.
Comments from Coach Bartlett:
This was not a game where we could afford mistakes and still expect to win. Unfortunately, we made too many errors, combined with some untimely injuries, which hurt our chances of coming away with a victory. McFarland is a well-coached program that capitalizes on opponents’ mistakes while minimizing their own, and they did exactly that.
Even so, I’m proud of our team’s effort and resilience. Our players never gave up, even after both of our quarterbacks went down with injuries. Senior Christian Minett stepped in to take snaps at the end of the first half, and at halftime our offense adjusted with a “let’s roll with it” mentality. In the second half, senior Casey Lyon took over at quarterback, giving great effort despite not practicing the position. He ran the ball hard and even threw his first career touchdown pass to junior Trevor Piper.
We’ll get back to work this week with a focus on cleaning up mistakes and continuing to Pound the Stone each day as we improve.
Rushing:
- #2 Casey Lyon: 7 Rushes, 72 Yards
Passing:
- #2 Casey Lyon: 1 of 2, 28 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Receiving:
- #1 Trevor Piper: 1 Catch for 28 yards, 1 TD
Notable Defensive Stats:
- #10 Hayden Armstrong: 3 Solos, 2 Assists, 1 TFL
- #50 Deavion Olson: 1 Solo, 3 TFL
Article Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Damon Jay Photography
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by First English Lutheran Church.
Obituaries
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
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
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
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!
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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