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The FIRST Robotics Seven Rivers Wisconsin District Event took place at the La Crosse Center from Thursday, April 2 – Saturday, April 4, featuring 33 high school teams from Wisconsin as well as a visiting team from Indiana. Ferradermis competed hard, going 9-2 in qualification matches and ranking 5th at the end of qualifications. The team played 12 total qualification matches but only earned ranking points for 11 of them because of a red card disqualification when our robot accidentally knocked over another robot during a match.
During alliance selections, Ferradermis moved up to become the captain of the #4 seeded alliance and invited Team 171 The Cheese Curd Herd from Platteville and Team 8782 TroBotics from New Auburn to join them for the playoffs. After victories over the #5 seed and #1 seed, Ferradermis was bumped to the lower portion of the double-elimination bracket by the #3 seed. They then lost their rematch with the #1 seeded alliance, the eventual champions, to end their weekend in third place overall.
Points earned from this competition combined with the previous competition at Lakeland College qualified the team to compete in the State Championship Event at Brookfield East High School from April 17-19. It is at the end of this event, that it will be determined which Wisconsin teams will represent the state in Houston for the World Championships.
Team members traveling to La Crosse included Chacha Binagi, Rae Breisath, Emilie Bruns, Asher Downs, Erison Dreksler, Georgia Esch, Alex Fletcher, Mason Genung, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Cooper Housel, Ace Hudec, Jayden Kehrer, Colby Long, Carson Miller, Preston Miller, Al Nelson, Sam Raupp, Julian Rennells, Johan Servin, Owen Taylor, Letty Trautman, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Paxton Wilson, and Mily Zeferino-Hernandez.
In addition to competing on the field, several members volunteered to take shifts at the safety glass station, and seven students joined the team choir to perform the national anthem during opening ceremonies. Eight members served as team ambassadors, giving tours to VIPs. Students also rotated through scouting shifts, and the Impact Team presented for the judges. Team members staffed the team pit throughout the event, working on the robot between matches, talking with judges, and selecting the recipients of their pit awards. Safety Captain Nina Heim received the Safety All-Star Award based on nominations from other teams.
On the way to the event, students experienced a UW La Crosse campus tour, visited the Mississippi Valley Archeology Center as a tribute to this season’s archeology theme, stopped at the Dahl Auto Museum, and spent a couple of hours bowling, a team tradition.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The following press release was issued by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on April 7.
MADISON, Wis.—The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System has unanimously voted to make a change in leadership of the system, with current President Jay Rothman’s tenure ending immediately.
The Board is grateful for President Rothman’s service and recognizes the meaningful work undertaken during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Universities of Wisconsin took important and often difficult steps to address longstanding structural deficits, putting individual universities on sounder financial footing for the future. He worked hard to bring the best to the campuses, students, faculty, and staff. Those efforts and that dedication are acknowledged and appreciated. However, despite these accomplishments, based on the annual performance review and subsequent discussions, the Board has lost confidence in President Rothman’s ability to lead the UWs moving forward. View a copy of yesterday’s statement providing additional details. [See below.]
Universities of Wisconsin Vice President for University Relations Chris Patton will serve as Acting Executive-in-Charge Prior to Appointment of Interim President.
The Board has immediately moved forward in its work to identify the successor. Further details regarding that process will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Universities of Wisconsin have incredible students, faculty, and staff and serve as an economic engine for the state of Wisconsin. The UWs work will continue unabated during this transition, and the remarkable accomplishments and work of the 13 universities will continue.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT
Universities of Wisconsin Regents President Amy B. Bogost
April 6, 2024
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents takes its fiduciary responsibility seriously
and acts in the best interests of our students, faculty, staff, and the people of Wisconsin.
Under Board policy, the Board President is tasked to conduct an annual performance
review of the System President. The Board President met with a wide variety of individuals
and stakeholders including, Regents, Chancellors and other members of the Universities
of Wisconsin communities. Regent leadership then shared the results of that review with
President Rothman. This process consisted of multiple meetings with the full Board of
Regents, including direct conversations and clear feedback regarding leadership
expectations.
President Rothman was not without notice, nor was this process sudden. The Board has
engaged with President Rothman in good-faith discussions over the past several months.
This does not diminish the President’s many contributions, which we acknowledge and
greatly appreciate. As an at-will employee of the Board of Regents, the System President
serves at the pleasure of the Board, which bears the responsibility of determining whether
its chosen leader continues to hold its confidence. This governance structure is standard
practice, and it exists to ensure that we remain accountable to the public we are honored
to serve.
At a time of profound change in higher education, this decision is about the future. The
Universities of Wisconsin must be led with a clear vision that both protects and
strengthens our flagship, supports our comprehensive universities, and ensures we are
meeting the evolving needs of our students, workforce, and communities across all 72
counties.
The Board will meet on April 7, 2026, at 5:00pm to consider next steps with that
responsibility firmly in mind.
Polls will be open on Tuesday, April 7 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A photo ID is required. Same-day registration is available. Proof of residence is required for registration, and the voter must have lived in the residence for at least the previous 28 days.
Anyone may enter their address at this website to confirm the races on their ballot and their polling place. The city will have two polling places, the Downtown Armory and the University Center on the UW-Whitewater campus. There will be no charge for parking at the university in lots 12 or 12A.
All city residents will have the following contested races on their ballot:
Justice of the Supreme Court
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Members (four candidates for three seats)
City of Whitewater Council Member At Large
City residents in Districts 2 and 4 also have a contested race for Common Council member.
Absentee ballots must be received by Tuesday at 8 p.m. Voters wishing to deliver an absentee ballot on Tuesday must bring it to the Community Room on the first floor of the Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater St.
This Easter, we’re seeing what happens when a community begins to come together around something meaningful.
Across Walworth County, real progress is underway.
Whitewater: A Strong Start
Excavation began this past week at 214 E. Main Street in Whitewater [shown above], marking the first visible step toward two new workforce homes for local families. To recognize this moment, we invite you to join us for a ground blessing: Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. 214 E. Main Street, Whitewater. If you’d like to attend, RSVP here.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Habitat for Humanity Walworth County.
| On May 1st you can give a little bit of joy to someone special. The Whitewater Lions Club is hosting their annual May Day Basket fundraiser. For $5 your recipient will receive a paper basket containing a paper flower and assorted candy. The order form is in Google Docs, address below; please fill out one form per delivery address. Orders due by 4/25, and are limited to addresses in the Whitewater School District. Orders will be delivered on Friday May 1 approximately between 7-8 am. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclIWXHrn8bk676ZwPx9m_IvA_h7X1EFFxigH88pl7HBwPJfg/viewform?usp=dialog |
Earlier this year, students enrolled in automotive courses completed a series of ASE certification exams, marking an important milestone in their technical education.
In the Auto Service Fundamentals course, students had the opportunity to take the ASE A5 Brakes exam. Those who successfully passed earned their first ASE credential—Entry-Level ASE Certification—a nationally recognized industry qualification. Meanwhile, Auto II students completed the Manual Transmission certification exam, further advancing their technical expertise.
Preparation for these assessments involved a comprehensive blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Students engaged with ASE-aligned curriculum, exploring key concepts in brake systems and manual transmissions. Lessons covered topics such as identifying signs of brake failure, measuring and diagnosing brake pad wear, flaring brake lines, and repairing both disc and drum brake systems. Students also learned to recognize and address issues such as air in brake lines.
Throughout the unit, emphasis was placed on building technical vocabulary and reinforcing theoretical knowledge. Students then applied these concepts in the shop through practical lab work designed to develop real-world skills.
To further support exam readiness, students participated in daily review exercises using ASE-style questions. These “bell ringer” activities encouraged critical thinking, as each question was carefully analyzed to help students understand its intent and evaluate possible answers. Through guided discussion and deductive reasoning, students developed the test-taking strategies necessary for success on industry certification exams.
Autos instructor Justin Buntrock had the highest number of students pass and highest percentage of success so far in his nine years of teaching! He is very excited for these students and proud of what they achieved. Even the large majority of students who didn’t pass only missed it by 1 or 2 questions, which is very impressive!
Auto 1 students earning their certification: Nolvin Alvarez, Cristian Juan Aranda, Micah Dvorak, Aubrey Fuoco, Lucas Klein, Carter Lien, Quinton O’Toole, Fransisco Alcala, Rae Breisath, Emmanual Cansino-Pena, Mason Dvorak, Aaron Garcia, Preston Miller, Cooper O’Neal.
Auto II students earning their certification: Westley Carlson, Logan Duesterbeck, Jhonny Escobar, Jimmy Kinson, Dayne Lohmeier.
Advanced Auto Student earning his certification: Aaron Aranda Porras.
Article and Photo Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Automotive Teacher
jbuntrock@wwusd.org
Friday, April 10, 2026, 6 pm-9 pm
The Whitewater Arts Alliance invites the community to an evening of food, fun, and friendly competition at BINGO a la Mostaccioli on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 6 pm-9 pm, with doors opening at 5 pm. The event will be held at Berry Hall (which is accessible and has an elevator) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main Street in Whitewater.
Guests will enjoy a delicious homemade dinner featuring their choice of meat or vegetarian mostaccioli, along with garlic bread, salads, desserts, and refreshments—all included with the price of admission. Specialty mocktails and additional refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Admission is $20 per person and includes one BINGO sheet for each of the 10 rounds, one cash raffle ticket, dinner, and refreshments. Cash is preferred and checks as well as Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Whitewater Arts Alliance, supporting local arts programming and cultural events in the community. The Alliance extends its sincere thanks to the generous sponsors who are helping make this event possible, including The Blue Opal • Countryside Jeweler • Culver’s • Edward Jones • First English Lutheran Church • The Dentist • The Duck Inn •Fanatico • JM Carpets • Dawn Aiello Klocek • McCullough’s LTC Pharmacy • Pet Supplies Plus • Revamp Nutrition • Rock County Honda • Rosa’s Pizza • Superior Plumbing.
Community members are encouraged to gather friends and join in the fun for a lively evening of BINGO, great prizes, and wonderful food—all while supporting the arts in Whitewater.
For more information, contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director,
Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King recently announced that three finalists have been chosen for the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The position is currently held on an interim basis by Robin Fox.
The candidates are as follows. To view further information on the candidates and the open forums that will take place beginning on Tuesday both in-person and online, click here.
Andrae Marak, Ph.D.
Professor of History and Political Science, Roosevelt University
Andrae Marak Curriculum Vitae
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Open Forum: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Hyland Hall Timmerman Auditorium or Webex
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Kathryn Zuckweiler, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Dean of the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Kathryn Zuckweiler Curriculum Vitae
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Open Forum: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Hyland Hall Timmerman Auditorium or Webex
-_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pieter deHart, Ph.D.
Associate Provost for Research, Dean of Graduate Studies, Minnesota State University-Mankato
Pieter deHart Curriculum Vitae
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Open Forum: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Hyland Hall Timmerman Auditorium or Webex
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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