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Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from across the state are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. UW-Whitewater will host this event on Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be open to the public and free of charge.
“The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” said Matt Onstad, Festival Manager for UW-Whitewater. “It is also an opportunity for our music program to showcase our facilities and emphasize how much we value and support the efforts of our school music colleagues, their students and their families.”
Students must earn a “starred first” rating in Class A (which consists of the most difficult music) at a WSMA District Music Festival to qualify for WSMA State Music Festivals. The participants, in grades 6-12, can choose from a variety of instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble categories for their performances in district festivals throughout the state. Over the past six months, WSMA has held over 140 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.
“WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals provide youth musicians a state-level platform to showcase their growth and achievements. This opportunity is possible because of our state’s exceptional music educators, adjudicators, families and communities who support access to a well-rounded education inclusive of music,” said WSMA Executive Director Laurie Fellenz.
Nine other university campuses will host performances by more than 11,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside and UW-Platteville will hold festivals on April 27 also. Carroll University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point festivals will be held on May 4.
Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting wsmamusic.org. Festival information, including schedules and results, will be posted here.
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Founded in 1932, Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a non-profit service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Students from member schools are eligible to participate in WSMA programs, such as District and State Music Festivals, Concert Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships, Student Composition Project and WSMA Aca U. WSMA is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over the state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
…
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletic Department has announced the hire of Jarod Wichser as the next head coach of the Warhawk men’s basketball team. Wichser served as the interim coach last season.
“I would like to thank Chancellor King, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan, and the search committee for trusting me to lead the men’s basketball program,” said Coach Wichser. “It is a privilege to be a part of the Warhawk family, and I will work hard to build upon the rich tradition of success here at UW-Whitewater.”
“We are excited for Jarod to lead our men’s basketball program,” said Athletic Director Callahan. “Jarod holds character in high regard and his work ethic and ability as a teacher are never in question.”
Prior to taking over as the interim head coach a year ago, Wichser served as an assistant coach under longtime head coach Pat Miller for six seasons. The Warhawk men’s basketball program has a history of longevity of its head coaches – Wichser is just the third to take on the role since 1978.
“We’ve been fortunate with two of the nation’s most decorated coaches at the helm since 1978 – Dave “Augie” Vander Meulen and Pat Miller – that led with integrity and passion for the sport and the university. Working under Coach Miller for six years has put Jarod in a position to continue the legacy of Augie and Pat while building his own,” added Callahan.
Wichser takes the helm of a program with a long history of success at the conference and national level. UW-Whitewater has won 15 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and five WIAC Tournament titles – second-most in the league. UW-Whitewater’s 22 NCAA appearances is more than any other team in the conference while the program’s four NCAA Division III titles is tied for the most in the WIAC. The Warhawks boast a record of 42-19 in NCAA tournament play.
“The standard of success in men’s basketball at UW-Whitewater is very high because of the many elite student-athletes and coaches who built this program,” added Wichser. “We are going to be relentless in our pursuit to meet and maintain the standard of excellence they established.”
“I am thrilled for him and his family as he leads us into a new era of men’s basketball,” concluded Callahan.
In his interim campaign, Wichser led UWW to a 17-9 overall record and a 7-7 mark in WIAC play.
Wichser is a 2012 graduate of UW-Whitewater. He earned a degree in elementary/middle education before completing a master’s program in professional development at UWW in 2018.
Tickets are available one hour before the show at the door or on the Fort PAC website at this link: https://fortatkinsonpac.com/event/alice-in-wonderland/
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Sarah Gehrenbeck.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which all children add to the beauty of our community at the third annual free family-friendly International Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27 in Whitewater.
This event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School. Information will be available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for sale.
Marco Wence will perform. A student choir will sing Puerto Rican and Chinese children’s songs including one that honors the Lunar New Year. Lakeview Elementary students will drum. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the talents of our school children and community members.
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 27 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
Representatives from the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee will be at the event, providing information and answering questions.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Students from Whitewater High School’s Music Masters Ensemble and Jazz Band celebrated Jazz Appreciation month with a performance for Whitewater Middle School’s music students on April 12th. Each group performed three pieces that represent the music they have been studying this semester. Congratulations on a fine performance!
Editor’s note: The above photos and copy were provided by Karen Tordera.
It is anticipated the Walworth Avenue Storm Sewer and Drainageway Project will begin on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The
project entails replacing storm sewer inlets and storm sewer pipe in Walworth Avenue near the properties of 1011 and
1027 Walworth Avenue, replacing the storm sewer pipe that runs south from Walworth Avenue, and reshaping the open
drainageway.
Walworth Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Prince Street and Elizabeth Street for a day, Thursday, April 25,
2024, starting at 7:00 a.m. to remove terrace trees. It is anticipated to be closed again starting around May 9, 2024, until the project is completed, tentatively scheduled for May 24, 2024.
If you have any questions please contact Brad Marquardt, Director of Public Works.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-2239
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city Department of Public Works.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Department of University Health and Counseling Services will host “Can I Kiss You?”, a presentation by WHS/UW-W alum Mike Domitrz, this Thursday, April 25, at 5 p.m. at Summers Auditorium in the University Center on campus.
Domitrz, an author and award-winning speaker, will present a high energy, inclusive program for providing how-to skills for teaching consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention, and addressing sexual assault.
Admission to the event is free. Food, free t-shirts, and giveaways will be on hand.
Domitrz, who founded The Center for Respect, works closely with students, parents, and educators across the country to produce national initiatives resulting in revolutionary change in America’s approach to dating, respect, and intimacy.
Domitrz served as UW-Whitewater’s May 2023 commencement speaker.
Whitewater hosted a Triangular Track & Field Competition on April 22 which included East Troy and Monroe. The Whitewater Boys beat East Troy 108-27, but the Whippet Girls lost to East Troy 91-41. Monroe, a much bigger school than both Whitewater and East Troy, won over both of the smaller schools.
The Whitewater Boys dominated the shorter races, winning the 100 Meter, 200 Meter, 400 Meter, and 800 Meter Races. Ethan Dugan won the 100, Traysen Thomason won the 200, Nate Holden won the 400, and Jack Hefty won the 800.
Junior A’lani Ross won the Girls’ Triple Jump competition with a jump of 33′ 1.2″.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka.
Obituaries
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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