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Today is Friday, January 10, 2025
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According to a press release from Chief Kelly Freeman of the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department, a person was found deceased in a house where a fire had taken place on Ventura Lane on the city’s west side on November 21. The department responded in just over four minutes from the time of dispatch to a report of smoke, finding an odor of smoke about the property and heavily soot stained windows.
Per the release, “Whitewater Engine 121 made entry into the single-family home and reported smoke conditions inside. An area of the home containing general household goods and materials was found burned and charred, but had almost completely self-extinguished prior to the arrival of firefighters. Engine 121 initiated a rapid primary search and located one person deceased in the home. Walworth County Fire Investigation was called to assist with a fire origin and cause investigation, which is ongoing. Whitewater Police Department is handling the death investigation in conjunction with the Walworth Country Medical Examiner. This investigation is also ongoing. Whitewater Fire/EMS will not be releasing any further details due to the ongoing investigation, and notification of next of kin.”
Whitewater Fire and EMS extended gratitude to the Walworth County Fire Investigation Team and Whitewater Police Department for their assistance.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 6 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team swept Ohio Wesleyan 28-26, 25-14, 25-15 to open NCAA Regional action Thursday night in Whitewater. The Warhawk win sets up a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup in the next round as UWW will take on UW-Eau Claire at 7 PM Friday in Russell Arena.
Regional Webpage (Click there for the bracket and other information. Single game tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior adults and students, $5 for children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free. All day tickets are also available.) The game may be viewed on uwwtv.org or, presumably, on Spectrum cable.
The Warhawks found a way to take the early lead in the match despite a shaky start in set one. The teams traded small runs throughout the set with UWW grabbing the first set point, 24-23. The Battling Bishops responded with the next two points to force another set point. Alayna Jansky hammered down a kill to tie the game, but OWU responded once more for a third set point. Jansky pounded down back-to-back kills and Hannah Proctor put the finishing touches on the set to make it three straight Warhawk kills and hand UWW the 1-0 lead in the match.
The final two sets were all UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks jumped out to an 8-3 advantage in set two. OWU whittled away at the margin, but another big run extended the lead to seven, 17-10. A six-point sway late in the set gave UWW set point, and a Battling Bishop miscue handed the Warhawks a 2-0 lead in the match.
A few small runs added up to a big lead in set three. The Warhawks quickly built a 19-10 advantage and cruised to the finish line. Chloe Werner hammered down a kill and then teamed up with Abbie Dix on a block for the final two points of the match.
Dix paced the Warhawks offensive with 13 kills hitting .458 in the match. Werner was the most efficient with 11 kills in 19 attempts while committing just one attack error on the evening – a hitting percentage of .526. Jansky joined her teammates in double digits with 10 kills.
Defensively at the net, UW-Whitewater showcased why they are the best blocking team in the nation. Proctor and Dix posted seven blocks each while Jenna Weinfurt and Werner had four a piece and Aubrie Krzus added three.
Krzus tallied 33 assists in the match while Jaedynn Evans led UWW with 10 digs.
The Warhawks are competing in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the 35th time in program history and 18th under head coach Stacy Boudreau. UW-Whitewater is now 72-5 in matches played in Russell Arena in the last five seasons.
UWW swept UW-Eau Claire during the conference slate this season. The Warhawks won 25-17, 25-22 and 25-11 in that match that was held October 4 in Russell Arena. Since 1995, UWW is 34-13 against the Blugolds.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAGEANTS is proud to announce Sage Spear of Whitewater has been crowned as United States of America’s Miss Wisconsin 2025 and will represent the great state of Wisconsin at the 2025 national competition.
Sage, a Whitewater native, has made significant strides in both volunteerism and scoliosis awareness. She received the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for completing over 250 hours of community service within the past year. She actively works to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by scoliosis—a condition she personally faces after being diagnosed at age 11. Sage’s passion for advocacy inspired her to create Every Stem Has a Story, a platform dedicated to funding scoliosis research and spreading awareness. Through her initiative, she illustrated and self-published a coloring book and designed a sweatshirt to promote her cause.
In addition to her advocacy work, Sage serves as an AmeriCorps member with the United Way of Jefferson & N. Walworth Counties. In this role, she recently organized a free community baby shower, providing over 8,000 essential items to families in need. Alongside her service work, Sage is the office manager at her family’s local business, Aropa Designs. In her free time, she enjoys watching football, spending time outdoors, and listening to true crime podcasts. Her family is proud to support her as she competes against inspiring women from across the nation, striving to bring home the title of United States of America’s Miss 2026!
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAGEANTS is the fastest growing pageant system in the nation and was named in the TOP 10 BEST National Pageants of 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022 by the Pageant Planet! The pageant is designed to encourage women to strive to achieve their hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations, while making them feel confident and beautiful inside and out! Our motto is to EMPOWER women, INSPIRE others, & UPLIFT everyone! We focus on women empowerment, promoting positive self-image and advocating a platform of community service, which allows our contestants to rise by lifting others. Additionally, we award thousands of dollars in prizes and provide countless opportunities to achieve success including an opportunity to be considered for a modeling contract with MMG!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Two weeks ago, we featured a horse-powered sorghum press. This week we are showing a horse-powered saw with men doing a late fall/winter chore, sawing wood for wood stoves. This view from the Scholl collection of glass plate negatives from the turn of the 20th century, shows piles of wood ready for cutting and a draft horse providing the power for the saw. With winter near, we are very lucky that most of us only have to turn on a switch to get heat today!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society
(3766GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Mequon, Wis. — The No. 3 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team was impressive on both ends of the floor in an 80-37 win at Concordia Wisconsin [CUW] Wednesday night.
The Warhawks held the Falcons scoreless for nearly eight minutes after CUW scored the opening bucket, allowing Wis.-Whitewater to lead 19-7 at the end of the first quarter. They capitalized on Concordia’s 10 turnovers while committing only two themselves. UWW was efficient from the free-throw line, making 7 of 8 attempts, and outscored the Falcons 8-3 on points from turnovers. Kacie Carollo contributed significantly for UWW, scoring a team-high with two 3-pointers and a total of 10 points in the quarter.
In the second quarter, UWW extended their lead over CUW with a 21-6 run. UWW held CUW scoreless for over seven minutes to start the period. The Warhawks dominated in the paint, scoring 12 points while also capitalizing on the Falcons’ turnovers with 5 points. The visiting team shot an efficient 9-for-17 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, while CUW struggled offensively, making only 2 of 12 shots and committing 7 turnovers. UWW’s defense was active, recording 5 steals and limiting CUW’s second-chance opportunities.
The second half was more of the same with UW-Whitewater holding the advantage on both sides of the ball, extending the lead down the stretch.
The Warhawk offense was stellar Wednesday as UWW shot 54-percent from the floor (30-56) and 73-percent from three-point range (8-11). Their efficiency from deep is tied for the fourth-best three-point percentage in a single game in program history.
Carollo led the way with 21 points hitting 7-10 from the floor, 4-5 from deep and 3-3 from the charity stripe. She added nine boards and eight assists in the contest. Mia Gillis knocked down 6 of her 8 shots for 13 points. Defensively, Logan Lowry registered four blocks in the game while Bri McCurdy added three steals.
UW-Whitewater returns to the court Tuesday as they host Illinois Wesleyan at 6 PM in Kachel.
Updated 11/21/24 @ 8:10 p.m. to provide availability of television broadcast.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host a NCAA Division III Volleyball Regional beginning Thursday, November 21.
Where: Russell Arena, Williams Center, Whitewater, WI
When: Thursday, November 21-Saturday, November 23
Regional Webpage (Click there for the bracket and other information. Single game tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior adults and students, $5 for children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free. All day tickets are also available.)
The Warhawks, ranked 6th nationally, are making their 35th NCAA appearance in program history and 18th under Head Coach Stacy Boudreau. Coach Boudreau was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Region 8 Coach of the Year earlier today.
UW-Whitewater will open play in the regional against Ohio Wesleyan Thursday. The match is slated for a 7 pm start. The game may be viewed on uwwtv.org or, presumably, on Spectrum cable.
The Whitewater, Wis. Regional features two other Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams – UW-Eau Claire and UW-Platteville, as well as Washington University in St. Louis, Edgewood College, Saint Benedict and Northwestern-St. Paul.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff on Anniversary of 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Thurs., Nov. 21, 2024, in recognition of the 3rd anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and to honor the six individuals who were senselessly and tragically killed in the attack: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8. “The Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy three years ago shook the Waukesha community and folks across our state and country. On this anniversary, we honor Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, Jackson, their loved ones, the dozens of people who were injured that day, and the many whose lives were forever changed by this senseless act of violence. Kathy and I keep them in our hearts today and every day,” said Gov. Evers. “Today, we also remember and recognize the strength and the spirit of the Waukesha community, their resilience, and their generosity and compassion in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy. Waukesha and Wisconsin remain ‘Waukesha Strong.’” |
Per the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, the Whitewater area is likely to get 1-2″ of heavy, wet, slushy snow between 6 a.m. to noon on Thursday morning.
- A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for east central and southeast Wisconsin from 6 AM to Noon CST Thursday.
- A burst of moderate to heavy, wet, slushy snow and west northwest wind gusts of 35 to 45 MPH are expected for the Thursday morning commute, mixing with and changing to rain by midday into early afternoon.
- Wet, slushy snow accumulations of 2-4 inches are forecast including on roadways with eastern Wisconsin having the greatest travel impacts.
- Although windy conditions will be occurring, the snow will be wet, which will greatly limit the blowing, but still contribute to lower visibility with sideways falling snow.
- Temperatures will warm to near 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the afternoon and evening commute, with much better road conditions anticipated at that time.
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more
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William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more
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David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more
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Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more
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Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox. She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years. Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more
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Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more
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John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater. John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates. As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more
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Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte. Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more
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Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963. She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later. She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon. She was … Read more
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Jean Lucile Zuill, 98, of Whitewater passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Hearthstone Memory Care. Jean was born on April 20, 1926 in the Town of Lima to Howard and Florence (VanDuser) Hunt. Along with her brother Van, she grew up on their family farm in Lima. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1944. For a short time, Jean worked at the Parker Pen Company in Janesville. She married David “Dave” Zuill on August 9, 1947 in Whitewater. Upon marriage and having their two daughters, Janet and Mary, Jean undertook the meaningful job of mother and homemaker. … Read more
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