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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Providence, RI — Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) and Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) claimed All-America honors at the 2025 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships after finishing fourth and fifth respectively Saturday.
Peet opened Saturday with a semifinal matchup against third-seeded Cooper Willis of Augsburg. The 165-pounder bounced back from a 5-0 loss to Willis with a 6-0 win over Springfield’s Jake Deguire in the consolation semifinal. In the battle for third, Peet fell to second-seeded Tanner Gerber of UW-La Crosse by 15-6 major decision. Peet claimed his first All-America honor in his first NCAA Championship appearance with the fourth-place finish.
Mallinder had a tough battle against top-ranked Chase Randall (Coast Guard) in his semifinal bout at 133 pounds. After the 7-2 loss, Mallinder dropped into the fifth-place match following a close 3-2 loss to fifth-seeded Jaden Hinton (Baldwin Wallace). In his final bout of the 2025 championships, Mallinder pinned third-seeded Garrett Totten (TCNJ) in just 1:54. With the fifth-place finish, Mallinder earns his second All-America honor in as many seasons – he was sixth at 133 pounds a year ago.
Team scores are not available as the championship bouts are scheduled for 7 PM ET Saturday evening.
Friday Recap
Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) and Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) advance to the semifinal round of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships.
Jalen Dunson (Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park River Forest) represented the Warhawks in the 125-pound weight class. Dunson opened the day with a major decision win over Connor Fiser from Loras. The junior faced conference opponent Quinten Wolbert from UWL in the second round. Dunson lost by in a close 7-5 decision. In the wrestle-back rounds, Dunson won his first by a major decision & advanced again with a take down in the overtime period against Kaden Majcher from Lycoming. His run came to an end in round in the consolation bracket to the sixth seeded Jake Craig from Southern Maine.
Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) went 3-0 in the 133 weight class to advance to the semifinals on Saturday. Mallinder secured a major decision followed by a technical fall on riding time in the first two rounds. The junior won his quarterfinal match over Connor Kidd from Luther. Mallinder will wrestle top-seeded Chase Randall from USCGA on Saturday.
Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) Joins Mallinder in the semifinal round. Peet recorded three straight decisions at the 165-pound weight class. The sophmore will face third-seeded Cooper Willis from Augsburg on Saturday.
Gavin Kohel (River Falls, Wis./River Falls) represented the Warhawks in the 184-pound weight class. Kohel seventh-seeded Tyler Winthers from Merchant Marine in the first round. In the second round of the sophmore battled but fell in a major decision.
Full Results
125 pounds – Jalen Dunson (Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park River Forest)
R1: won by MD over Connor Fiser (Loras), 11-2
R2: lost by DEC to Quinten Wolbert (UWL), 7-5
Cons R2: won by MD over Wyatt Kaczrowski (Augsburg), 13-4
Cons. R3: won in SV-1 over Kaden Majcher (Lycoming), 12-9
Cons. R4: lost by DEC to #6 Jake Craig (Southern Maine), 4-1
133 pounds – Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park)
R1: won by MD over Daniel Haws (Centenary), 12-2
R2: won by TF over Wyatt Magolski (UWL), 17-2 (7:00)
QF: won by DEC over Connor Kidd (Luther), 10-5
SF: lost by DEC to #1 Chase Randall (USCGA), 7-2
Cons. Semi: lost by DEC to #5 Jaden Hinton (Baldwin Wallace), 3-2
5th Place Match: won by FALL over #3 Garrett Totten (TCNJ) 1:54
165 pounds – Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore)
R1: won by DEC over Konrad Parker (Ithaca), 8-2
R2: won by DEC over Mark Troni (Wash. & Lee), 8-2
QF: won by DEC over Christophe Stathopoulos (Stevens), 7-3
SF: lost by DEC to #3 Cooper Willis (Augsburg), 5-0
Cons. Semi: won by DEC over Jake Deguire (Springfield), 6-0
3rd Place Match: lost by MD to #2 Tanner Gerber (UWL), 15-6
184 pounds – Gavin Kohel (River Falls, Wis./River Falls)
R1: lost by FALL to #7 Tyler Winthers (Merchant Marine), 3:32
Cons. R1: BYE
Cons R2: lost by MD to #8 Blake Williams (Adrian), 17-4
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior guard Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) has been named a finalist for the 2025 Jostens Trophy, a national honor recognizing the most outstanding men’s and women’s Division III basketball players of the year. Sponsored by Jostens, Inc. and created by the Rotary Club of Salem, the Jostens Trophy celebrates student-athletes who exemplify excellence in basketball, academics, and community service.
Carollo, a four-time All-American, has etched her name into the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball record book in numerous categories throughout her career. During her remarkable career, Carollo has become one of the most accomplished players in program history. She was named the 2024-25 WIAC Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team for the third consecutive year. This season, Carollo set several program records, including career rebounds (a record that had stood for 41 years), career double-doubles, points in a season, season scoring average and three-pointers in a season. Additionally, she broke the conference record for career three-pointers.
Carollo is arguably the best all-around player in UW-Whitewater history as the only Warhawk to record at least 1,500 points, 800 rebounds, 300 assists, 200 steals, and 50 blocks. Her all-around dominance on the court has solidified her as one of the top players in Division III women’s basketball. Carollo’s career numbers are nothing short of astonishing with 1,828 points, 902 rebounds, 371 assists, 226 steals, and 58 blocks.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Carollo excels in the classroom. She holds a 3.9 cumulative GPA as an integrated business and science major, was named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators last season and earned WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete for women’s basketball honors this season. A Chancellor Scholar Athlete, she has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester and the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll throughout her four years at UW-Whitewater.
Beyond basketball and academics, Carollo’s connection to the Whitewater community is deep-rooted. A Whitewater native, she has volunteered throughout her college career, contributing her time to Fairhaven Senior Services, organizing and participating in Hoops 4 Hunger events, and helping run youth basketball camps and clinics. Carollo is also a four-year member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and has completed two internships—one with UW Health Ambulatory Service Department and the other with Qualtrics Insurance Company. Moreover, she is a product of Warhawk women’s basketball, growing up the program with her mother, Keri, who serves and the head coach and her father, Joe, who is an assistant.
A leader through and through, Carollo is a vocal and positive force on the court and was integral to the Warhawks’ success the last four seasons. She was voted a team captain the last three seasons – an honor and testament to the trust and respect her peers have for her as a player and a person.
Carollo is the second Warhawk in as many seasons to be named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy. Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) was the recipient of the award last season.
Photo by Dane Sheehan
Scranton, PA — A phenomenal season for the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team came to a close in the Sweet 16 following a 62-56 loss to UW-Stout.
The Warhawks cap the 2024-25 campaign with a 24-7 record. UWW won the WIAC Tournament title for the fourth time in program history to punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the 23rd time in program history. The Sweet 16 appearance is the fourth straight for UW-Whitewater and seventh under Head Coach Keri Carollo.
Friday’s game against UW-Stout marked just the second time two WIAC schools met in the Sweet 16, but it was the fourth time this season that the Warhawks and Blue Devils clashed. This game was like all of the others between the storied programs – a battle until the end.
The contest was close throughout setting up a down-to-the-wire fourth quarter. The Blue Devils pushed to a seven-point lead, 50-43, at the 6:12 mark, but the Warhawks responded. Defense turned to offense as Mia Gillis (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) came up with a big block and defensive board. On the offensive end, Bri McCurdy (St. Croix Falls, Wis./St. Croix Falls) found Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) for an in-rhythm three-pointer that cut the margin to four.
After a layup for UW-Stout, it was McCurdy’s turn to knock one down from deep, this time it was Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) on the dish, to cut the gap to 52-49. Carollo pulled down the defensive board, pushed the pace and was fouled. Her two free throws narrowed the margin to one, 52-51, with 4:33 on the clock.
Carollo hauled in another defensive board to put UWW back on the offensive. As the shot clock ticked down, Gillis found McCurdy who drove to the lane for a floater as the buzzer sounded. The shot hit the glass and went in with the officials immediately heading to the monitor. The play on the court stood, the jumper was good and the Warhawks claimed the lead, 53-52, for the first time since the first quarter with 3:29 remaining.
A flurry of action under the Blue Devils’ hoop on their next possession led to a layup as UW-Stout reclaimed the advantage with 2:11 on the clock.
Neither team was able to capitalize offensively for over a minute forcing UWW to foul as the clock neared the 30-second mark. The Blue Devils made a pair from the charity stripe to widen the gap to 56-53.
UW-Whitewater called timeout and advanced the ball to their bench side but couldn’t knock down the triple forcing the squad to foul immediately.
Stout made both once again to make it a five-point, 58-53, game with 24 left. The Warhawks called timeout and advanced the ball. This time Carollo drilled the three to pull UWW within two with under 20 seconds to play.
UW-Stout hit four more free throws down the stretch to seal the game.
Carollo led the Warhawks with one more double-double in her final game for UWW. The senior registered 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. She set the program record for points in a season and ends the season averaging 20.5 per game – another UW-Whitewater record. Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds with 4 blocks. Trautsch also registered double digits in the scoring column with 10.
Carollo amassed one of the greatest careers in Warhawk history with 1828 points, 902 rebounds, 371 assists, 226 steals and 58 blocks. Prior to the game Friday, Carollo was named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy – a full release will be announced Saturday.
Wisconsin Makers is holding two “Copper Enameling” workshops during March. The “Mondays@Makers” class will take place at the community makerspace, 200 E. Clay St., on both March 10 and 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. [Editor’s note: Our apologies that this announcement was not posted prior to the first workshop.] Note that these are separate workshops, although people may sign up for both if they wish.
The fee per workshop is $20 plus the price of copper used, likely $1-$10 depending on the size of the piece. Students may register by calling Chris Spangler at (920) 728- 2960 or emailing her at editorspangler@gmail.com. Include the names of attendees and their contact information. Payment may be made at the workshop, which is geared toward ages 10 and up.
Copper enameling is a traditional technique that involves fusing powdered glass to a copper surface at high heat to create a
permanent, colorful coating. Students will be able to decorate a small dish and/or jewelry to take home that night.
Leading “Copper Enameling for Beginners and Beyond” is Leani Schoor of Madison. Schoor earned her bachelor of science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schoor teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting.
Mondays@Makers
Suggestions for “Mondays@Makers” classes are welcomed. “If there is a skill in the arts you are interested in learning, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you on your journey,” Schoor said.
Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators by unlocking
their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Dane and Waukesha counties and
beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics,
automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric
arts, matting/framing and more. The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities. For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.
Whitewater High School Technology Education Teacher Mike Fellin has received the 2025 Wisconsin Technology Education Association [WTEA] Spirit Award.
Each year, WTEA recognizes educators and industry professionals who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to technology education. Mr. Fellin’s commitment to inspiring students and advancing technical education has made a significant impact on the field and the students he serves.
“We are thrilled to recognize Mike Fellin for his outstanding contributions to technology education,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “His passion and dedication exemplify the spirit of this award, and the impact educators can have on shaping the future workforce. A big congratulations goes out to Mr. Fellin for all his outstanding work on behalf of our students.”
Mr. Fellin was presented the award at the annual WTEA Awards Banquet on March 5 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The banquet is part of the WTEA annual Technology and Engineering Education Conference, themed “Workforce Ready.”
Mr. Fellin, who began teaching in 1979, spent time at WHS (1989-2000) and returned again in 2023. He specializes in Woods Construction, Metals Manufacturing, and Fab Lab implementation.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder Lori A. Boelkes |
| Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #255 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., March 15, 2025, in honor of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Lori A. Boelkes, who passed away in the line of duty on Feb. 27, 2025, at the age of 56. “Lori left a considerable impact on those who knew and loved her in New Auburn, Warrens, and beyond, and she will be remembered for her bravery, sacrifice, and proud commitment to service,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to Lori’s family, friends, colleagues, and the communities she worked tirelessly to help as we join in paying our respects to Lori for her many years of dedicated service.” A Wisconsin native, Lori served as a volunteer firefighter and EMR for over a decade, spending 10 years of service with the New Auburn Area Fire Department and the past year with the Warrens Area Fire Department. In addition to her service as a firefighter and EMR, Lori also worked as a veterinary assistant and vehicle detailer, and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crafting, and bow hunting. |
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office issued the following update on Saturday morning:
Very strong south to southwest winds are expected today, especially during the morning hours. These winds are not associated with thunderstorms. Wind Advisories are in effect for most of the area, with a High Wind Warning for southeastern Wisconsin [including the Whitewater area] from 5 AM through noon (with an Advisory in the afternoon).
Within the High Wind Warning area, gusts as high as 60 MPH are possible. Gusts to 50 MPH can be expected within the Advisory area.
Tree, powerline, and minor structural damage will be possible with these winds, especially in the warning area. In addition, any damaged trees or debris from the storms that moved through the area late Friday night will pose an additional hazard if blown around by the strong winds today.
Light snow will develop over southeastern and east central Wisconsin after midnight tonight, continuing into the morning hours on Sunday. Accumulations are currently expected to be around an inch or less, with the highest amounts across the far southeastern portions of the state.
Temperatures are expected to be around freezing, and accumulation will be greatest on grassy and elevated surfaces. Temperatures will then rise above freezing by mid-day Sunday, with most snow melting during the afternoon.
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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