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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Geneva Lake Conservancy, with its partner Lakeland Audubon Society, is pleased to announce its fourth biennial Kettle Moraine Bird Festival on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bromley Woods, W5798 Greening Road in Whitewater.
Participants can expect to see a variety of warblers as well as many other forest interior birds.
Bromley Woods is the Conservancy’s largest public preserve and features an oak woodland, savanna, and kettle pond, which provide habitat for many declining bird populations. Bird walks will be offered at 8, 9 and 10 AM. Be sure to bring your cameras and binoculars!
After the last bird walk, there will be an official opening of the last Bromley purchase of 21 acres, where the Conservancy’s Chair and a member of the Bromley family will speak. This will be open to the public. A ticketed lunch will be available after the Bromley opening with an avian presentation by Beth Martin, lead of the Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program.
The event is open to the public and registration is limited. The bird walk is $5 and the walk with lunch and presentation is $30. To register go to https://www.genevalakeconservancy.org/ [click on “events”] or call 262-275-5700.
Editor’s note: The site indicates that reservations should be made by May 14. A call to confirm availability might be wise.
The Geneva Lake Conservancy is an accredited land trust that has protected over 3,500 acres of open land in Walworth County. Formed in 1977, it offers five public nature preserves for hiking and other recreational activities as well as other programs and educational activities for children and adults, including its Conservation@Home program. For more information, go to GenevaLakeConservancy.org.
Cleveland, OH — The UW-Whitewater softball team opened the 2025 NCAA Regional hosted by Case Western in spectacular fashion Thursday. Josie Hammen (Combined Locks, Wis./Kimberly) tossed the first no-hitter in NCAA play in league history as the Warhawks topped Penn College of Technology 5-0.
The day didn’t start off as planned as a rainstorm popped up in the middle of warmups causing a delay. The Warhawks headed to a locker room to wait out the next two hours before heading back to field to re-warmup. The delay didn’t seem to have an impact as the Warhawks took an early lead and Hammen shutdown the Wildcats.
JJ Jakosalem (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Buffalo Grove) took one for the team to lead off the bottom of the third. Kaitlyn Weidemann (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) laid down a nifty bunt and legged out the infield single followed by a walk from Bella Eggert (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North) to load the bases. Kiarra Kostroski (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Fort Atkinson) put the ball in play and forced a miscue to push the first run across. Emma Giese (Kenosha, Wis./Indian Trail) found the 5-6 hole beating the diving shortstop for a RBI single. Grace Wickman (Wausaukee, Wis./Peshtigo) scored another on a grounder before Dani Peshia (Newark, Ill./Newark Community) tagged a ball up the middle. The second baseman made a diving stop but Peshia got the infield single and an RBI for a 4-0 lead. Auburn Roberson (South Elgin, Ill./St. Charles North) plated the final run of the inning, and the game, on a grounder that the shortstop made a diving play on. Despite the great defensive effort, Giese was able to score from third and give UWW a 5-0 advantage.
The top of the fourth saw the lone Wildcat batter reach on a walk. Hammen threw to just one over the minimum, one batter away from the perfect game.
The no-hitter is the first of Hammen’s collegiate career, the first seven-inning no-hitter for UW-Whitewater since 2017, and the first no-hitter by any WIAC pitcher in the NCAA tournament in conference history.
The Warhawks advance to face Case Western Reserve, which beat Lebanon Valley 10-2 in five innings on Thursday. and Lebanon Valley tomorrow (Friday) at 10 AM CDT. All games of the Cleveland regional can be viewed live on NCAA Champs Pass.
All WUSD after-school activities, athletics, and practices will be cancelled today, May 15, 2025, due to severe weather predictions in the area.
Alex Clarksen’s senior voice recital has been postponed until next week Wednesday, May 21 at 7:15pm, after senior portfolio presentations.
Lincoln Elementary School’s Family Teacher Partnership donated a helmet to every student who wanted one! A total of 115 helmets were distributed this year!
We take bike safety very seriously, even Mr. Smith, our P.E. teacher, demonstrates the importance of helmet safety while teaching a roller blading unit.
As the warm weather approaches, we ask that you watch for all the cyclists, children, and people! Be safe and have fun!
Warmly,
Lincoln Elementary Family Teacher Partnership
MADISON, Wis.–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Matt Scolan has been named the recipient of the 2025 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Baseball Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete Award.
A senior from Downers Grove, Ill. (South), Scolan is majoring in finance and sustains a 3.81 grade point average. He was selected the 2024 NCAA Division III Baseball Academic All-America® of the Year, selected by the College Sports Communicators. Scolan is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and been recognized on UW-Whitewater’s Dean’s List numerous semesters. He was a UW-Whitewater Chancellor Scholar Athlete this year.
Scolan was tabbed the WIAC Kwik Trip Position Player of the Year this season and received the award for the second consecutive year. He is a three-time All-WIAC first team selection helped UW-Whitewater win four conference titles and three tournament championships in his career. Scolan received All-America First Team honors a year ago from the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and D3baseball.com. He is a two-time ABCA All-Region honoree, claiming third team recognition in 2023 and first team accolades in 2024.
Scolan owns the conference career record in runs scored, and holds the program record for career at-bats, hits, and home runs. In 2024, he set single-season program marks with 228 at-bats, 81 runs scored, 92 hits and 78 RBI.
Scolan has provided community service at Helping Hand in Illinois.
Also nominated for this year’s scholar-athlete award were: UW-La Crosse’s Tucker Bouche (Sr., Oconto Falls, Wis./Oconto Falls); UW-Oshkosh’s Mason Kirchberg (Sr., DeForest, Wis. /DeForest); UW-Platteville’s Brady Hoppert (Sr., New Berlin, Wis./Martin Luther); UW-Stevens Point’s Colton Martell (Sr., Sussex, Wis./Hamilton); and UW-Stout’s Justin Sedin (Sr., Poplar, Wis./Northwestern).
The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Max Sparger, who served as commissioner of the Wisconsin State University Conference for 22 years from 1971-93. He oversaw the transition of the conference from NAIA to full NCAA membership. Sparger arrived at UW-Stout in 1959 and served the institution in a variety of capacities, including an assistant football and basketball coach, head wrestling coach and head football coach. He served as UW-Stout’s athletics director from 1969-71 and was inducted into the WIAC Hall of Fame in 2012.
In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.50 grade point average. In addition, he must be in his last year of competition, or on schedule to graduate this academic year, and have competed for a minimum of two years. The award is based on academic achievements, athletics accomplishments and involvement in other campus activities, organizations and community service projects.
Editor’s note: Source – WIAC website
Update 5/14/25 @ 11 p.m.: UW-W Women’s Softball has its first game in the championship on Thursday, May 15 at 10 a.m. CDT. They play Penn College and livestream may be found here.
The Warhawk softball team, will make its third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament starting Thursday, May 15, in Cleveland, Ohio.
UW-Whitewater (35-6 overall) will make its 25th appearance in the national tournament as an NCAA Division III member. The team takes on Penn College in its first game on Thursday, May 15, at 10 a.m. Central Time at the four-team Cleveland regional, which is being hosted by Case Western Reserve University.
The Warhawks claimed an at-large bid to the tournament after winning the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship for the third time in the last five years. UW-Whitewater reached the semifinals of the conference tournament last week in Whitewater.
Key points for the Whitewater area: We are in the area that has a higher risk for damaging winds, damaging hail, and tornadoes. The peak intensity is expected between 4-7 p.m. on Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, “There continues to be a risk for severe thunderstorms across most of southern Wisconsin on Thursday, with a risk for very large hail, tornadoes, and high winds. Initial storm development is expected between 2 PM and 4 PM, with peak intensity and storm coverage between 4 PM and 7 PM. Storms are expected to move east of the area after 8 PM.
Uncertainty remains regarding how south severe thunderstorms develop on Thursday, with the higher storm coverage expected north of the US Highway 18 corridor. While coverage may be more sparse south of this area, these more isolated storms may be more intense.
By Marcia James
You already have read the article about the Madison Brass Band performing at Whitewater High School’s Auditorium this Saturday night at 7 p.m. But the story doesn’t end there. In the band are Dr. Don Deal and his former student, Griffin James, a Whitewater High School graduate–1999.
Griffin plays euphonium, Don’s instrument, and when Griffin was a student in the Whitewater School District, he was blessed with having many fine music instructors including Christine Hayes, John Tuinstra, and Don Deal.
Don received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his mentor was John Stevens, who later became Griffin’s major professor and father-in-law!
Don and Griffin have collaborated on several projects. For instance, when Griffin is unavailable to lead his polka band, Don substitutes.
Griffin is the high school band director for the Baraboo School District. He is also the UW-Sauk County, Platteville, and Baraboo Community Band Director. His wife, the former Katie Stevens, is the choir director for the Baraboo School District.
Don and Griffin hope to see you this Saturday!
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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