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Online Registration Open For 2025 VIP Services Golf Outing

April 26, 2025
Online registration has officially opened for the 31st Annual VIP Services Golf Outing. The event is scheduled for Monday, June 2, at Big Foot Country Club, located at 770 Shabbona Drive in Fontana.

Craig Poshepny, Executive Director of VIP Services, credits the enduring success of the event to its mission and the exceptional experience it offers participants.

“The Annual VIP Services Golf Outing has become one of the premier golfing events in the region,” Poshepny said in a statement at VIP. “It’s a great opportunity for golfers to enjoy a fantastic day of golf at Big Foot Country Club, one of Wisconsin’s finest courses, all while supporting adults with disabilities.”

Those interested in signing up to reserve their spot can register online at https://onecau.se/_8yuyz1 today. Additional information about the organization and the event can also be found at vipservices-inc.org or by calling VIP Services at 262.723.4043.

Bulk Trash Pickup – Next Four Thursdays

April 26, 2025

Large items will be picked up in the City of Whitewater on
Thursday:

~ May 1, May 8, May 15, and May 22, 2025~

  • These additional pickups are for garbage or recycling items that are too large to fit in
    the toters. This does not include yard waste, construction materials, hazardous
    materials, or electronics (including TVs).
  • The Electronic Recycling Event is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9 am –
    12 pm (or until their vehicle is full, so come early) in Lot B (Cravath Lakefront).
  • Place all large items including furniture, carpeting, large metal, large cardboard boxes
    (emptied and flattened), and appliances 6 ft. away from, and not in front of or next to, the
    toters.
  • Items such as automotive batteries, tires (two per home per month), drain oil (in sealed 1-
    5-gallon container) should also be 6 ft. away from the toters.
  • Solid waste containers, recycling containers, and bulk items should not be placed at the
    collection point sooner than 4:00 pm on the day before the collection day.
  • Solid waste containers, recycling containers, or bulk items should not remain at the curb
    line after 9:00am on the day after the scheduled collection time.
    For additional pick-up information or removal of TVs, please contact John’s Disposal at
    262-473-4700 for current disposal rates.

More information regarding John’s Disposal can be found at: https://www.whitewater-
wi.gov/231/Johns-Disposal-Service.

4th Annual Community Tree Sale Continues Sat./Sun.

April 25, 2025


It’s time again for the City of Whitewater’s Community Tree Sale!! Each of the last three years, the Urban Forestry Commission has organized and held our Community Tree Sale to offer native trees and shrubs to our community and the surrounding area. Because of the success of these sales and the efforts of our City Forester to plant more native trees in the city, Whitewater now has one of the most diverse tree inventories in the state of Wisconsin! That’s a very big deal! That means that when the next invasive pest shows up, we will lose fewer trees. Remember the emerald ash borer killed more than 600 trees on public land, and many more on private property. Thank you to all past and future buyers and planters for your hard work in making our forest canopy a much stronger and more resilient one.

As in past years, the sale is held during the last weekend in April to coincide with Arbor Day and Earth Day. This year it will be held at Starin Park’s Upper Shelter on April 25th from 10 – 6, April 26th from 8 – 4 and, if necessary, April 27th from 10 – 4 or until sold out. We will be offering more trees this year due to popular demand, but as in previous years, all sales are on a first come, first served basis. Cash and check will be accepted as payment. Remember that these trees are being offered at prices you won’t find anywhere else as Urban Forestry holds this sale not to make a profit, but to cover the costs of the sale as we get more natives into our landscape. Go to arbatstarin.org for a complete list of trees and shrubs that will be available this year, make your list and we will see you at the sale!

Seniors in the Park Presents “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”

April 25, 2025

“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”

Tuesday, April 29, 1 pm

(Romantic Comedy) Rated R (language);

 2 hours, 4 minutes (2025). 

In this fourth (and final..?) film of the series, Bridget (Renee Zellwegger) is a now a widow, mother, screenwriter, and, on her smartphone’s apps, has found a suitor 20 years her junior. Also starring Colin Firth, Hugh Grant and Leo Woodall.

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/

“Beyond The Stigma: Understanding Substance Misuse Together” – Discussion in Evansville

April 25, 2025

Beyond The Stigma: Understanding Substance Misuse Together
A Community Conversation Series
Panel and Small Group Discussion on Substance Misuse
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Location: Creekside Place, 102 Maple St, Evansville, WI 53536

Substance misuse is a growing crisis in Evansville, WI, and Rock County. In 2022, Rock County ranked 6th in the state for alcohol-attributed deaths, and opioid-related fatalities have risen 25% since 2018. Stigma remains a major barrier to addressing this issue, silencing dialogue, isolating families, and preventing early intervention.

Join us for Beyond The Stigma: Understanding Substance Misuse Together on April 29, 2025, at 6:00 pm. This panel and small group discussion is designed to foster compassionate understanding by raising awareness about substance use disorder, break the cycle of stigma through open, honest dialogue, empower families and allies to support recovery efforts effectively and connect individuals and families to a supportive network to reduce isolation and build resilience.

Panelists include:
● Christine Quinn, Moderator/Founder Living Kindness
● Lori Frison, Psychotherapist & Relationship Coach
● Alicia Ziolkowski, EHS School Counselor
● Sean Mangold, Recovery Coach, Peer Specialist, QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer, SAC-T

This event is free and open to the public. We encourage individuals, families, and community leaders to participate in this important conversation.

RSVP: livingkindness.net/conversations

Hosts:
● Living Kindness, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, promotes education, support, and compassion around substance misuse.
● The Evansville Fund supports local initiatives that strengthen the community.
● Evansville Community School District

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Living Kindness. The description below is from their website.

Conversations

Discover the transformative power of Living Kindness Conversations, where we delve into the complexities of addiction through engaging, research-driven discussions. These conversations are crafted to enhance your understanding by featuring insights from top professionals worldwide.

Our diverse formats ensure a rich and interactive experience. Formats vary, including expert videos followed by engaging discussions and practical applications. Whether you prefer the intimacy of face-to-face meetings or the convenience of online sessions, we offer both to fit your lifestyle.

Join us in these enlightening conversations and become part of a compassionate community dedicated to fostering growth and understanding in the realm of addiction.

If you have a topic, you would like us to build a conversation around just email us at kindness@livingkindness.net

UW-W Men’s Bowling Club Takes National Title

April 25, 2025
The UW-Whitewater men’s bowling club team members, coaches and support staff pose with the trophy after winning the 2025 Intercollegiate Team Championship in Las Vegas.

UW-Whitewater men’s bowling club takes collegiate national title

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s bowling club cemented its place atop collegiate men’s bowling in 2025 by winning the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championship on April 14-19 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After qualifying for bracket play as the No. 8 seed, the Warhawks won their next three matches before defeating Wichita State by a 3-0 score to claim the title and finish off an impressive postseason sweep — they won the Great Lakes Bowling Conference, club national tournament, and collegiate national tournament titles.

UW-Whitewater last won the Intercollegiate Team Championship in 2022. The team earned the 2025 Collegiate Club National Championship in late March, the program’s first title at that tournament since 2021.

The club is currently fundraising to purchase national championship rings for team members.

The men’s bowling club is one of nearly 40 club sport offerings at UW-Whitewater. Warhawk club teams have combined to win 31 national championships since 1982. For more information, visit uww.edu/rec-sports/club-sports.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: The paper mill dam

April 24, 2025

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

This week’s image is a post card of the paper mill dam. This dam was originally built in the 1840s to power a lumber mill and created a mill pond that we know today as “Trippe Lake.” The lumber mill was replaced with a paper mill, then in the early 20th century, the condensery was built on the site. This became the Hawthorn Mellody milk plant, demolished in the 1990s. The site now has condos but Trippe Lake is still there, a remnant of the early settlement era in Whitewater.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(2292PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

3rd Annual Bethel House Spring Raffle Fundraiser

April 24, 2025

Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

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

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

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!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

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

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

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

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

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

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

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

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