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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Dear WHS Band Alumni,
For the 27th year, we will be putting together an alumni band for the July 4 parade. If you’re going to be in this part of the country for the holiday, please consider joining us! I know that some of you have been playing professionally while others haven’t touched it since graduation – ALL are welcome! Instrument loans are available as are fingering charts! No marching is involved; we’ll be sitting on a flatbed truck!
There will be no rehearsal, but if you want to see the music ahead of time, I can email scans to you. Our “uniform” for the parade consists of ANY WHS Band T-shirt and AT LEAST one other article of clothing. (I just happen to have some pretty nifty WHS Band shirts still available at the low price of $5) or just wear something red.
The parade starts at 10 AM, the normal time. We’ll plan to meet at Lincoln Elementary School (Prince St. between Highland and Walworth) around that time although we will be near the end of the parade. Do not attempt to drive up Prince Street that morning; best bet for close parking is in the Middle School (old HS) lot off Elizabeth Street. [Note: Walworth Avenue will be under construction and closed to all but “local” traffic all summer.] Drummers, talk to me about the best way to get your equipment onto the truck.
For added incentive, there will be the traditional gathering at the beer tent after the parade. (OK, soda for you recent alumni)
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU’RE COMING so I know how many chairs, stands & copies of music we need. Also, please forward this to any other WHS Band Alumni you know from any decade – my list of email addresses is far from complete.
Hope to see you there!
Dr Don W Deal [WHS Band Director 1979-2012 and again in 2020]
NEW WILMINGTON, PA – Amber Krebs of Whitewater, Wis., was one of 246 students earning degrees from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., on Saturday, May 10, in an outdoor ceremony on Old Main’s Weisel Senior Terrace. Krebs graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
A total of 250 degrees were conferred, including 79 Bachelor of Arts, seven Bachelor of Music, 133 Bachelor of Science and 12 Bachelor of Nursing degrees. Four students earned dual Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. An additional 19 master’s degrees were conferred, including 10 Master of Education and nine Master of Business Administration degrees.
About Westminster College: Westminster College is nationally known for its collaborative environment, outstanding experiential learning programs, focus on student success, and the effort invested in making higher education affordable and attainable to all students. Established in 1852, Westminster is proud to be the first college in the country open to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex or religion from its founding charter by the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Congratulations to the Whitewater High School Boys’ Golf Team for finishing 2nd at the WIAA Regional Meet hosted by Delavan-Darien at Delbrook Country Club! Their strong showing punches their ticket to the Sectional Meet!
Top Performers:
- Reece Condon – 2nd place, shot a 78
- Devin McKevitt – 5th place, shot an 80
- Archie Briggs – shot an 86
- Anakin Knudson – shot a 96
- Aiden Meyer – shot a 109
The boys will compete in Tuesday’s Sectional Meet at Dodge Point Country Club in Mineral Point, WI.
By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
Warhawks score 12 runs between 7th & 8th innings to propel them into the Championship
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team booked their second consecutive trip the NCAA Division III World Series Final with a dominant 17-4 win over Rowan University. The Warhawks finished the game out strong, scoring 12 runs in their final two innings of offense.
Max Huseboe (Ripon, Wis./Ripon) got the call on the mound and delivered to a 1-2-3 inning to get the game underway. The Warhawk offense got to work right away with a sacrifice fly to grab the first run.
Rowan answered back quickly, scoring two runs in the second to take the lead. The Profs worked on keeping the potent Warhawk offense quiet, tossing two scoreless innings to retain the lead.
Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hit a hard ball to cause an error and a score to tie the game up in the fourth, but Rowan retook the lead on a sacrifice bunt.
The Warhawk offense hit full stride in the fifth, putting their first crooked number on the board with a 3-run frame. A two-run double from Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) followed by a Paden RBI single put the Warhawks up for good at 5-3.
Rowan closed the gap to just one run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, but the one run lead didn’t last long for the Warhawks.
Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) kickstarted another rally, with the Warhawks loading up the bases with one out. Two runs scored on a back-to-back passed ball and wild pitch.
Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) cleaned off another two runs to put the Warhawks up 9-4 heading into the last two innings.
After a lead-off walk, Ethan Wickman (Spring Green, Wis./River Valley) put the Rowan batters down in order to put the Warhawks three outs away from their second consecutive Finals appearance.
In the 8th, the Warhawks broke the game wide open with an 8-run frame to put the game away.
Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) highlighted the inning with a three-run homer, a sense of deja vu for the right fielder. A year ago today, Paden hit the walk-off home run against Birmingham Southern in the World Series.
A heads-up play by Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) and Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) made the most of a wild pitch. Holland, Scolan, and Cootway went back-to-back-to-back RBI hits to cap off the huge inning.
A two-out single would be the only base-runner for the Profs in the Top of the 9th. Brady Malkow (Brodhead, Wis./Brodhead) recorded the last strikeout needed, sending the Warhawks back to the NCAA Division III Championship Series.
The Warhawks will take on Messiah in the final best-of-three series. The first game has been moved up a day due to the forecasted weather. Game one will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd at 2 pm CDT. The second and third games will be on Wednesday, June 4th beginning at 10 am CDT. [The championship is best of three games, so the third game may not be necessary.]
There will be a link to Tuesday’s game here.
Editor’s notes: Messiah’s season record is 39-14. They were the only team that entered the series unranked, and they were considered #8 in Eastlake. In the DIII “World Series” they won the right to play #3 UW-W by beating Johns Hopkins (#1) 16-7, Endicott (#4) 9-5 and Endicott a second time by 8-2. Messiah is located in Mechanicsburg, PA and it has an undergraduate/graduate enrollment of 3320 students. A win for them would be the second consecutive PA team win, as Misericordia beat UW-W for the championship last year. Per d3baseball.com, “Head coach Phill Shallenberger is in his fourth year and will be the least experienced coach in Eastlake. Every other head coach has been with their team a minimum of ten years. Messiah is a top 50 team in slugging (32nd) and ERA (31st). Among all the teams in the Series, they steal bases at a rate to make them third in the nation.” This is Messiah’s first appearance in the DIII “World Series.”
UW-W’s season record is 46-6. They won the right to compete versus #8 Messiah by beating Trinity (TX) (#6) 7-3, Denison (#2) 11-4, and Rowan, (#7) 17-5. Per d3baseball.com, “The Warhawks are the most experienced team this weekend as they make their ninth appearance in program history. Last year, they finished second to Misericordia but is back in 2025 to try to win their third national championship. UW-Whitewater coach John Vodenlich leads the rest of the head coaches combined in the series in championships (2-0) and World Series wins (19). The Warhawks took Player of the Year (Matt Scolan) and Pitcher of the Year (Max Husebee) honors. Ten players in total were placed 2025 All-WIAC baseball teams. Nobody has a better batting average than UWW in D-III baseball and only Johns Hopkins has a higher slugging percentage. With a 11th best ERA and 8th best WHIP, the pitching staff is almost as good as the offense.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Ed Schweitzer is at WUL Hometown Hero and he was nominated by Jasmyne Hauger and Brian Robinson of Fairhaven “For his kindness and generosity by bringing a flower and handwritten card to each mother living on Fairhaven’s Assisted Living Floors on Mother’s Day.”
Jasmyne Hauger, Dining Services Manager at Fairhaven, said, “I was approached by Apartment Resident Ed Schweitzer the week of Mother’s Day as he asked if there was any way I could find out how many mothers there were on the assisted living floors. He had the beautiful idea of getting a flower for each Mom and a nice handwritten card. Ed wanted to make sure that they were celebrated and felt special. I could tell this meant a lot to him as well.”
“I had the honor of delivering the flowers and cards with Ed on Friday prior to Mother’s Day. Seeing the faces light up when they were handed a flower and told “Happy Mother’s Day” was such a heart-warming moment. People like Ed are the reason I love working here. Remembering to slow down and take time to think of others and the people that you care about. I have known Ed for over nine years, and he is one of the kindest most thoughtful people I know,” she said.
Brian Robinson, Director of Marketing, Community Relations and Leisure Services at Fairhaven said, “It brought goosebumps to hear of him wanting to do this and to be able to hear of him doing so and the response afterwards was one that made this nomination a no-brainer. Ed not only makes Fairhaven Senior Services a better place, he makes the World a better place. Thank you again Ed!!!”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Updated 6/2/25 @ 6:00 p.m. to add future bingo dates to end of the article.
Join the Fun at The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA)
“BINGO For the Arts” Night – June 6, 2025!
Join us for a fun evening at the WAA “BINGO For the Arts!” during our 20th Anniversary year. The event will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6pm-9pm, with doors opening at 5pm. This event will be held at the Community Engagement Center (CEC), located at 1260 West Main St, in Whitewater (next to Walmart) in Rooms 108 and 109, which are fully accessible.
Get ready for an exciting night filled with fun, games, and community spirit! For just $20 admission, you will receive one BINGO sheet for each of the 10 rounds, one 50/50 raffle ticket, and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the night. Additional BINGO cards are available for purchase: a 10-pack of 3 sheets each for $10, a 10-pack of 6 sheets for $15, and a 10-pack of 9 sheets for $20. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase (cash only), and we accept cash (preferred), checks, and Mastercard/Visa for all BINGO cards.
Plenty of free parking is available at the front, back, and side of the building. You can sign up to attend through the WAA website at whitewaterarts.org, visit the Cultural Arts Center during regular gallery hours, or simply join us on the day of the event.
Admission includes food, soda, and water, with beer and wine available for purchase. The evening will feature a running slide show, a special appearance by Scoopie from Culver’s who will bring custard for dessert, basket raffles, money prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and the chance to win a FREE WAA membership. Additionally, we will be serving Toppers pizza, breadsticks, soda, and water.
All proceeds benefit the Whitewater Arts Alliance to help the arts thrive in the community.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to announce our future “BINGO For the Arts” events, which will take place on Friday, September 26; and Friday, November 7, from 6 pm-9 pm at the CEC. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of fun and community!
By Kristine Zaballos
Asst. Director of University Marketing & Communications
UW Whitewater at Rock County is offering 10 scholarships worth $1,000 each to encourage both current and prospective students to enroll full-time or part-time (at least 6 credits) for fall 2025 classes at URock. For students enrolled by June 16, 2025, five scholarship recipients will be selected at random and the winners notified by June 20. For students enrolled by July 28, another five will be selected at random and notified by Aug. 1.
“Enrollment for this fall is already strong, and it’s important that students who have already enrolled know they are also eligible for these scholarships,” said Tricia Clasen, assistant vice chancellor of the Rock County campus and dean of the College of Integrated Studies. “With our affordable tuition and 100% acceptance rate, URock is a great option, and we hope this incentive just sweetens the pot.”
UW-Whitewater at Rock County, with an enrollment of more than 700 students, has a 100% acceptance rate for all new freshman and transfer students with official transcripts, and no application fee is required. Students at URock campus find a friendly, welcoming campus, located in Janesville, that embraces a wide range of students, including 61% of our new students — and 73% of our transfer students — who are first-generation. The college offers small class sizes, an affordable tuition and flexible scheduling options for their academic programs.
The Rock County campus continues to grow its academic programs with the introduction of the collaborative nursing BSN program in 2023 and, just this spring, the new Bachelor of Science in medical sciences program, with an emphasis in diagnostic sonography or radiologic technology.
Also recently added to the list of academic offerings are two new emphases in the online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program: education (FoTE to K-9) and operations and supply chain management. Designed for working adults, the BAAS program offers a flexible degree completion pathway for students who hold an applied associate degree from a technical college.
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions and enrollment website.
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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