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Local Students Receive Scholarships from Several Organizations

June 22, 2024

Whitewater Arts Alliance Awards Diane Flood Public Arts Enrichment Scholarship

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) proudly announces the recipient of the Diane Flood Public Arts Enrichment Scholarship. This scholarship, established in honor of the late Diane Flood, aims to support aspiring artists in their pursuit of higher education.

Photo:Kim Adams (L), Gallery Director for Whitewater Arts Alliance presents Brooke Mason(R) with the Diane Flood Public Arts Enrichment Scholarship

During a ceremony held at the senior awards night at the Whitewater High School, Kim Adams, Whitewater Arts Alliance Gallery Director, presented the $500 scholarship to Brooke Mason. Mason, a talented young artist, will be attending Illinois Wesleyan University in the fall of 2024. Brooke’s academic focus will be music and theater.

In her remarks, Adams emphasized the WAA’s commitment to fostering artistic talent within the community and beyond. “The Whitewater Arts Alliance is dedicated to nurturing creativity and ensuring that the arts continue to flourish,” said Adams. “Through the Diane Flood Public Arts Enrichment Scholarship, we aim to empower promising artists like Brooke Mason to pursue their passions and contribute to the cultural landscape.”

The scholarship, named after Diane Flood, a cherished member of the Whitewater arts community and long time Whitewater Arts Alliance board member, reflects her enduring legacy and commitment to the arts. Flood’s passion for artistic expression continues to inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance extends its congratulations to Brooke Mason and wishes her success in her academic and artistic endeavors.

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FCCU awards $10,000 to local graduates
FORT ATKINSON, WI — Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) announced the names of five scholarship recipients who were selected to receive $2,000 each. The FCCU scholarship was developed in 2019 as a reflection of FCCU’s mission statement; “To help our members be in a better financial position than when we met them.” The program aims to empower and support the next generation by easing the financial burden while helping members achieve their educational dreams.

This year’s scholarship committee reviewed the applications submitted by our member graduates. “By providing scholarships, we hope to enable talented individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities,” said Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development.

Michelle Abarca


The local FCCU scholarship recipient for the 2023-2024 school year is Michelle Abarca-Graduate of Whitewater High School. Attending Gateway Technical College, majoring in social work.

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WAUKESHA, Wis. — Omunazia Hicks, a Whitewater resident and UW-Whitewater student, has received a LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarship for $2,500 from the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA) Educational Foundation.

The LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarships are named after former WICPA Executive Director LeRoy C. Schmidt, CPA, who served from 1990 to 2006. He was passionate about promoting the accounting profession and actively involved in the 150-hour legislative process. Multiple recipients are selected for this scholarship.

Fourteen accounting students in total received scholarships from the WICPA Educational Foundation this year. Recipients were selected by the WICPA Educational Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee based on academic achievement, community service, personal statements and recommendation letters.

The WICPA Educational Foundation supports programs to improve awareness of the accounting profession and ensure the advancement and vitality of the profession. The WICPA is the premier professional association for Wisconsin accounting and business professionals, with more than 7,300 members working in public accounting, industry, government and education. Find the WICPA on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

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Fort HealthCare Announces 2024 Scholarship Award Recipients

JEFFERSON COUNTY – Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce awarding $70,000 in scholarships for students pursuing academic degrees in career fields that support Fort HealthCare’s Mission. Each of the following scholarships is made possible by generous donations in recognition of the important roles in healthcare to maintain the quality of life we enjoy in the communities we serve. Thank you to each of our benefactors and the hundreds of people who donated honorary and memorial contributions to make these scholarships possible. Congratulations to each of Fort HealthCare’s 2024 scholarship award recipients!

Fort HealthCare Partners Scholarships Award Winners

  • Health Career Advancing Scholarship – Health Careers Advancing Education Scholarships are awarded to candidates who currently hold a degree or certification in a healthcare field and are now enrolled in a course of study that leads to an advanced degree in a healthcare field.
    Two $1500 awards went to:
    • Eli Koehler
    • Juanita Tarp
  • High School Student Applications – Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students pursuing a career in the healthcare field.
    Three $1500 awards went to:
    • Emily Boucher
    • Michaela Kennedy
    • Alison Werning
  • Health Career Scholarship – Associate Degree Program – Scholarship awards are available to students who are currently enrolled in a two-year program in a healthcare field.
    Two $1000 awards went to:
    • Tiffany Pernat
    • Etheine Yang
  • Woody Finn Memorial Scholarship – In memory of Woody Finn, a long-time dedicated volunteer of Fort Memorial Hospital, a scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in healthcare who serves regularly in a volunteer role.
    A $1500 award went to:
    • Payton Schmidt

Fort Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Scholarships Award Winners

Fort HealthCare medical staff sponsors several scholarships in memory of Dr. Robert Handeyside. Graduating seniors, who reside or attend school in the Fort HealthCare service area and have chosen a career in the healthcare field are eligible for this scholarship.

Five $2,000 awards went to:

  • Emily Boucher
  • Langdon Eske
  • Ava Kleinfeldt
  • Alayna Riddell
  • Payton Schmidt

Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarships Award Winners

  • General Scholarship

A $1,000 general scholarship award went to:

  • Lauren Dempsey
  • Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship – The Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship was set up by his parents, Gerrit and Rebecca Hulstein, in his memory. Scholarships are awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate currently enrolled at a college or technical school pursuing a degree in the healthcare field.
    Thirteen awards totaling $11,500 (ranging from $500-$1000) went to:
    • Andrea Alcala
    • Maritza Alvarado
    • Mara Brown
    • Rebecca Christ
    • Natalie Grulke
    • Joselyn Hack
    • Michaela Kennedy
    • Kassandra Kloss
    • Alayna Riddell
    • Rachel Simonson
    • Stella Van Zanten
    • Alison Werning
    • Morgan Zastrow
  • Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarship – Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarships will be awarded to students studying medicine or nursing at an accredited institution of higher learning. Per the trust established by Ms. Kolasinski, preference will be given to medical students beyond their second year and nursing students beyond their first year.
    Fourteen $1000 awards went to:
  • Zane Apkarian
  • Katrina Breaker
  • Makenna Croson
  • Abigail Frame
  • Amanda Godlewski
  • Brooke Hartwig
  • Eli Koehler
  • Tiffany Pernat
  • Danielle Spesard
  • Jadyn Splittgerber
  • Peighton Strasburg
  • Juanita Tarp
  • Yvette Torres
  • Etheine Yang
  • Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship – The Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship awards Fort HealthCare employees who are studying nursing (LPN, ADN, BSN Completion, MSN) at an accredited college or university. Consideration is given to the applicant’s service and involvement in the community and Fort HealthCare, excluding job related activities.
    Seven awards ranging from $1000-$1500 went to:
    • Maritza Alvarado
    • Abigail Frame
    • Eli Koehler
    • Tiffany Perant
    • Jadyn Splittgerber
    • Juanita Tarp
    • Carrigan Walter
  • Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams Scholarship – This Scholarship was established by Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams in recognition of the important role Fort HealthCare employees play in providing excellent care for the people we serve. Applicants must be an employee in good standing at Fort HealthCare and pursuing education in a healthcare field.
    Five $750 awards went to:
    • Brielle Johnson
  • Natalie Krueger
  • Allison Notbohm
  • Emily Stedman
  • Alexis Viola
  • Wanda L. Draeger Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory of Wanda L. Draeger, RN, who was an OB nurse at Fort HealthCare for 45 years. Applicants must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one year in an accredited nursing school.
    Four $500 awards went to:
    • Kate Duddeck
    • Peighton Strasburg
    • Yvette Torres
    • Etheine Yang
  • Arthur and Nancy Nesbitt Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt in appreciation of the excellent care provided by Fort HealthCare’s nurses. Applicants must be employees of Fort HealthCare in good standing and enrolled in an accredited nursing program during the 2023-2024 school year.
    Fourteen awards ranging from $1000-$1250 went to:
    • Maritza Alvarado
    • Zane Apkarian
    • Abigail Frame
    • Amanda Godlewski
    • Dawn Hove
    • Eli Koehler
    • Tiffany Pernat
    • Danielle Spesard
    • Jadyn Splittgerber
    • Peighton Strasburg
    • Juanita Tarp
    • Yvette Torres
    • Carrigan Walter
    • Etheine Yang
  • Florence Falk Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory of Florence Falk, LPN, who was an OB nurse at Fort HealthCare for 50 years. Applicants must be an employee in good standing at Fort HealthCare or a graduate of a high school in Fort HealthCare’s primary service area (Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, or Whitewater). Applicants must also be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing school and in their second year of nursing school or beyond.
    Four $250 awards went to:
    • Zane Apkarian
    • Abigail Frame
    • Peighton Strasburg
    • Etheine Yang
  • -more-
  • Students interested in applying for Fort HealthCare scholarships can complete an application online at FortHealthCare.com/Scholarships beginning in December each year. Applications are due by the following March 1st. Completing one application makes you eligible for each scholarship applicable to the degree you are pursuing. Applicants must be residents from Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, or Whitewater, or employees at Fort HealthCare. While grade point average is important, it is not always the primary consideration.

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FOREMOST FARMS ANNOUNCES 2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Middleton, Wisc. (May 30, 2024) – Foremost Farms awarded Eloise Rohloff of Whitewater $3,000 as part of its Agricultural Education Scholarship program. Eloise is committed to attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. “This scholarship will help me further my education. It will also help me pursue my future career in agriculture and be financially stable,” Rohloff noted. 

Karlee has garnered recognition from peers as an exemplary student; “I have known Eloise for at least four years and she consistently outworks and outsmarts most of her peers. Her work ethic and dedication to success is admirable,” said Paul Majors – agriculture teacher at Whitewater High. Every spring, scholarships are awarded to seven children of Foremost Farms employees and seven member farmers totaling $42,000. The scholarship program continues to invest in students’ educational futures as part of Foremost Farms’ commitment to be a Force for Good.

“We strive to be a “Force for Good” in the communities we serve, which is one of the four core values at Foremost Farms,” said Greg Schlafer, President and CEO. “We want to create opportunities for student achievement and contribute to the next generation of workforce success.”

Note: Scholarship America selects winners independently based on criteria including academic performance, leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, statement of career and educational aspirations, involvement in dairy farm operations, and unusual personal or family circumstances.

ABOUT FOREMOST FARMS USA
Foremost Farms USA® is a dairy cooperative representing hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located across seven Midwest states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin – America’s Dairyland. It is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and a major food manufacturing business.

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Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Youth Baseball Tryouts Scheduled for July 24 and 25

June 22, 2024

Whitewater Youth Baseball Tryouts for the 2025 season will be July 24 and 25! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the growing youth baseball program. This is not affiliated with the Park and Rec.

Please follow link to register for tryouts:
https://forms.gle/bqFP2b3MiQ2aaFnn9

Article and Photo Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

June 22, 2024

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on planning 2025 4th Annual Tree Sale
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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/424012725
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 424-012-725
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 5:15 (closed session) – 7:00 (open session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:15 p.m.
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5:15 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87278796737?pwd=IvA44gayDFXVtdPEdkhjDlrtuOjWUQ.1
– Passcode:748046
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID:872 7879 6737
– Passcode: 748046
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Closed Session
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online OPEN SESSION
Agenda (Click on “meetings/agenda” in upper right corner) includes WUSD Strategic Planning & Scorecard Review, Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary School, and staff survey

URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83481230854?pwd=dFJsVEg5SWpHTi8ycEtMTnVDbkRhdz09
– Passcode: 789182
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 834 8123 0854
– Passcode: 789182

City of Whitewater Board of Review – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.

Statement from Rock Co. Regarding Severe Weather Event – UPDATE: Volunteers sought for cleanup

June 22, 2024

UPDATE 6/23 @ 9 a.m. – Per WMTV15, the city says anyone who would like to volunteer with the cleanup can meet at the old Rock County Jobs Center at 1800 Center Ave. in Janesville at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. Work will continue until 4 p.m.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM ROCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND ROCK COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REGARDING SEVERE WEATHER EVENT

At approximately 8:00 p.m., [June 22] Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Janesville Police Department, Janesville Fire Department, Beloit Police Department, Beloit Fire Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rock County Communications Center, Rock County Emergency Management, and Rock County Department of Public Works responded to reports of severe weather damage on the southside of the City of Janesville and in the Town of Rock.

As units arrived in the area, they verified damage ranging from minor to significant and encountered debris closing roadways. Damage to power infrastructure caused outages on the southside of the City of Janesville and in the Town of Rock. No injuries have been reported. Further damage assessments will be completed after first light. We do not currently have an anticipated time when power will be restored in the area.

Any county residents in need of assistance, please review the following information released by the City of Janesville.

“Earlier this evening, on Saturday, June 22, a reported tornado touched down on the south side of the City of Janesville. This weather event caused considerable damage to structures and infrastructure. First responders are currently on the scene, and the City has activated its Emergency Operations Center to mobilize additional resources.

The City of Janesville, in collaboration with the Salvation Army of Rock County and Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center, is offering transportation and additional services to those affected by the weather event.

Residents in need of assistance and resources can head to either facility. Transportation will be provided from the Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center to the Salvation Army of Rock County. The Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center is located at 1717 Center Avenue, with the Salvation Army of Rock County at 514 Sutherland Avenue.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center will provide additional information on its response and available resources when they become available.

For questions, contact the City of Janesville at (608) 373-6025.” Residents can also call the Rock County Communications Center’s non-emergency line at 608-757-2244.

CURTIS N. FELL
SHERIFF
By: Captain Matthew Jacobson

Seniors in the Park Presents Mudbound

June 21, 2024

“Mudbound”

Tuesday, June 25

(Drama/War/Historical)

Rated R (violence, language); 2 hours, 14 minutes (2017)

Two men, black and white, return from World War II, to work on a farm in rural Mississippi , where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war. A highly regarded film depicting the times. Nominated for 4 Oscars;  an AARP Best Movies for Grownups. 

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/

Safe Families Wisconsin to Offer training in August; Preview on July 14

June 21, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by First English Lutheran Church.

Safe Families Wisconsin will be offering a training opportunity in Whitewater to support local families. This program pairs well with existing work in our area as it seeks to help families before they reach a stage of needing support like Bethel House. We are hopeful that this not only helps families in our community, but also reduces strain on resources for other support programs. The program is Saturday, August 10th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church on 401 W. Main Street.

Those who would like to learn more prior to the event are welcome to hear a brief presentation at the end of Worship Services at First English Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 14th (9:30-10:30 a.m.) or hang around after the service and speak with presenters. (401 W. Main St. Whitewater)

You can register for this event at: https://forms.gle/6Wz2DxATGJpEkTyw5

New Stickers Appearing on EV and Hybrid Vehicle License Plates

June 21, 2024


By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

A new state law passed in 2023 requires an orange and black “EV Hybrid” sticker to be attached to the license plates on electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles. There were nearly 146,000 such vehicles on the road in 2023.

The law was enacted in order to to quickly alert first responders that a vehicle has electric components. Per wearegreenbay.com, “Chief Alan Matzke of the De Pere Fire Department says determining the type of vehicle involved in a crash is one of the first things responders do when arriving on the scene. “With regular vehicles, we can tell when they’re running or not because we can hear the engine running. One of the things that we do is stabilize the vehicle and make sure that the engine is shut off so we don’t have any surprises of that vehicle moving in case of an accident. Electric Vehicles make no noise, so we have no idea if that vehicle’s going to lunge forward or backward,” Matzke says. With the style of EVs evolving, Matzke says it is now more important than ever to start using the stickers. He says, “Certain EVs have a distinctive look, but as they progress and new models come out, they look more and more like an everyday combustion automobile. The stickers are going to be really fundamental in identifying that for us.”

Per ems.gov, in a crash, a high-voltage (HV) lithium-ion battery in a damaged EV or HEV can off-gas or ignite (what’s known as thermal runaway) rapidly with little or no warning. The gas and smoke emitted when the battery is off-gassing or burning is not just flammable but highly toxic. Battery fires also burn much hotter (3000+ degrees) than those in an ICE vehicle, which burn at about 800 to 1000 degrees.

Several other states are either mandating a special EV plate or sticker, while others are making this optional, which sometimes allows a vehicle to use HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. Illinois is among the states with a special plate. The Wisconsin legislature considered issuing a plate but opted instead for a sticker, which initially was proposed to cost drivers $1.

All current owners of electric or hybrid vehicles with valid registration will automatically be sent their EV Hybrid sticker(s) and should receive their sticker(s) by June. Starting this summer, those who apply for title and registration for a new electric or hybrid vehicle (including those purchased at a dealership) will be provided a sticker(s) with their new plate(s). Anyone who purchases an electric or hybrid vehicle ahead of that time will receive their sticker by mail. There is no need to contact the DMV for EV Hybrid stickers.  

By the way, there is a $75 annual surcharge for the registration of a hybrid car, and effective July 6, 2023 the surcharge for registering an EV increased from $100 to $175. The intent of these surcharges is to compensate for not collecting the 30.9 cents per gallon state gas excise tax that helps to pay for road improvements.

Hagerman Named UW-W Women’s Bowling Head Coach

June 21, 2024
Rebecca Hagerman

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has announced Rebecca Hagerman as the next head coach of the Warhawk women’s bowling program. 

Hagerman comes to UW-Whitewater from Jacksonville State University where she recently capped a successful collegiate career. “I am extremely excited for Becca to begin her coaching career with us,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “She is one of the best bowlers in the country and has won on the biggest stages.” 

Hagerman is coming off of a phenomenal final year at Jacksonville State. She led the Gamecocks to a NCAA title, the second of her career, en route to earning NCAA Division I Player of the Year accolades. The Conference USA Bowler of the Year, Hagerman was a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-American selection in 2024. In 2023, Hagerman was selected to the Team USA roster before wrapping up her collegiate career at Jacksonville State. 

Hagerman began her collegiate journey at McKendree University. A two-time All-American with the Bearcats, Hagerman helped lead the squad to a NCAA title in 2022 and an Intercollegiate Team Championship in 2023. Successful on the lanes and in classroom, Hagerman is a two-time recipient of the NCAA Elite 90 honor – awarded to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average competing at the finals of each sport. 

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Hagerman. I can’t wait to give back all of the knowledge I’ve learned from the O’Keefe’s.” Shannon and Bryan O’Keefe coached at McKendree University before starting the program at Jacksonville State in the fall of 2023. 

“Leann Sullivan left the program in great shape and I’m confident Becca will continue to move the program forward,” added Callahan. 

A native of Loves Park, Illinois, Hagerman received a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from McKendree in 2023. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in integrated studies from Jacksonville State. 

Sullivan Named NTCA DIII Coach of the Year in Final Season

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater head bowling coach, Leann Sullivan, has been named the National Tenpin Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year in her final season at the helm for the Warhawks.
 
This season, Sullivan’s squad led Division III in nearly every statistical category including traditional frame average, Baker frame average, Baker double percentage, strike percentage, single pin spare conversion percentage and overall spare conversion percentage. Additionally, bowlers Rachel Nelson (Poplar Grove, Ill./Belvidere North) and Kelly Whipple (Sheboygan, Wis./South) led Division III in Baker frame average and Baker double percentage respectively.
 
The 2024 Warhawks are ranked 22nd in the NTCA’s power index rating with a season record of 58-46. The power index rating includes programs from each division taking into consideration team record and strength of schedule. UWW’s 190.3 average in Baker games this season is ranked 16th in the field of 91 teams across all divisions.
 
Sullivan announced her retirement from leading the program following her 14th year as the head coach. She retires as arguably the most successful Division III bowling coach in NTCA history. A three-time NTCA Division III Coach of the Year (2013, 2015, 2024), Sullivan has amassed a record of 744-536 competing against teams from all divisions.
 
Sullivan led the Warhawks to their first-ever berth into the NCAA Championships in 2013. The team finished seventh that season, but returned the next two years to finish third in both 2014 and 2015. In 2021, UW-Whitewater finished third in the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships.
 
Over the course of her tenure, Sullivan has coached eight NTCA Division III Bowlers and Rookies of the Year including Nelson (Bowler-2024), Whipple (Bowler-2023, Rookie-2022), Skye Farr (Sun Prairie, Wis./) (Rookie-2023), Caitlin Mertins (Bowler-2022), Amanda Van Duyn (Bowler-2016, Rookie-2013) and Katie Zwiefelhofer (Bowler-2014). In fact, every NTCA Bowler of the Year and Rookie of the Year in UW-Whitewater women’s bowling history has been coached by Sullivan. She has coached five bowlers to seven NTCA All-America honors and two that earned NCAA All-Tournament Team recognition.
 
Sullivan’s bowlers have also excelled academically. Warhawk bowlers have earned more than 60 Academic All-NTCA honors under Sullivan’s tutelage. Mertins was named a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American and was the UW-Whitewater Student-Athlete of the Year for her success in the classroom and on the lanes in 2022.
 
Prior to the 2019 campaign, Sullivan played an integral role in starting the Central Intercollegiate Bowling Conference. UW-Whitewater won the inaugural CIBC Championship in 2019-20 while Mary Conneely was named the CIBC Player of the Year.
 
Under Sullivan, the Warhawks have been ranked in the final NTCA Top 20 poll nearly every season and have appeared in the final DII/III rankings each of her 14 seasons.
 
Sullivan was a four-year letterwinner for the Warhawks from 2006-10. She was a captain of the 2010 squad that earned a berth in the USBC national tournament.
 
“What Leann was able to do at UW-Whitewater with the women’s bowling team was nothing short of amazing,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “Her passion, knowledge and overall love for Warhawk women’s bowling is going to be tough to replace. The Warhawk community is grateful for her hard work within athletics, and we’re all grateful that she is staying on campus to continue to impact the student experience at UWW.”

Obituaries

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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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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Obituary: Robert Karl Webb, 97

Robert Karl Webb passed away peacefully with his loving wife Adrienne by his side on June 14, 2024, at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater, WI.  Dr. Webb was born in Trenton, Missouri on September 29, 1926, to parents Karl and Esther (Kull) Webb. During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Pennsylvania and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Illinois in Urbana. Dr. Webb was a composer and taught in the public schools of Moberly, Missouri, and was the director of the Hobart, Indiana … Read more

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