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League of Women Voters Book Club Discussion, Part II
The League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area’s Book Club is pleased to announce the second of three discussions of the book James: A Novel by Percival Everett, on Thursday, March 20, starting at 6:30 PM. The discussion will be held at The Book Teller, 171 W Main Street, in Whitewater, where copies of the book are still available. Call 262-269-9101 to hold a copy.
The 2024 National Book Award winner and finalist for the Booker Prize, James: A Novel by Percival Everett, is a re-imaging of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. The League invites anyone in Walworth and Jefferson counties to join us in the discussions of the book.
Thank you to all who joined us for the Whitewater League’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) book discussion last month covering Part I of Percival Everett’s James: A Novel. Whitewater High School reading teacher, Tara McKenzie-Peotter, led seventeen of us through a stimulating conversation that provided new insights into the pre-Civil War South. It is not too late to join our next discussion on March 20 to continue the examination of Part II with Greg Stewart, Whitewater High School history teacher, with an emphasis on the teaching of this historical period through concepts such as cake walks, minstrel shows and slave narratives.
Part III discussion will be held Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 pm led by UW-Whitewater professor Dr. Tamara Lindsey, with an emphasis on topics such as emancipation, liberation, freedom, and social construction theory.
Please call Deb Gamble at 262-853-1946 with any questions. The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area welcomes all community members to join us in these meaningful discussions.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Nearly 400 people supported the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis Club’s annual pancake breakfast on March 8.
Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club thanks everyone for a terrific pancake-day fundraiser on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who attended and donated to Kiwanis, to all of the businesses that contributed, and to all of the wonderful volunteers.
“We are grateful to everyone in our community who helped to make the Pancake Day a success! Every year we love to see people enjoying our pancakes and Jones sausages. The camaraderie and friendship in Whitewater is amazing, and people are so generous with donations that help us help children,” said Corey Davis, Co-President of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
“We are so grateful to our volunteers of all ages who helped to plan, set up, serve pancakes, clean up and more. We couldn’t do this without them,” said Penny Ardelt, chair of the breakfast.
Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world. The club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park. Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.
If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Corey Davis at coreydavis77@yahoo.com
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Thanks to Tom Ganser for most of the photos.
Join us for an Open House of our BRAND-NEW 2nd Floor Advanced Assisted Living! Wednesday, March 12th from 4:30-6:30 pm come on over to get the first look at this new space and living option at Fairhaven. Private tours for our 3rd and 4th Floors will also be available. We are excited to show this floor off to all….see you Wednesday Night!
La Crosse, Wis. — The UW-Whitewater gymnastics team finished third at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships/National Collegiate Gymnastics Association West Regional Saturday. Head Coach Jennifer Regan was named the WIAC Coach of the Year for the third time in her career.
UW-Whitewater posted a total of 192.850 – the eighth-highest team total in program history – to secure bronze in the nine-team field. The top two from each regional automatically qualify for the NCGA Championships with additional at-large bids determined on season average. The Warhawks consistency this season solidified their position as the top recipient for an at-large. The national championship is slated for March 22 in St. Peter, Minnesota. More information will be posted when available.
The Warhawks opened the meet on the balance beam. Chloe Hammond (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny) registered the top score on the apparatus, 9.675, to tie for eighth. Sofia Spadafora (Windsor, Ontario, Canada/Saint Thomas of Villanova) (9.575), Tegan Haberstock (Alberta, Canada/National Sport School) (9.575), Kelsey Kollhoff (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg) (9.425) and Kristen Swiebocki (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) (9.375) made up UWW’s scoring five in the event.
UWW added a top 20 mark in the program record book with a total of 48.550 on the floor exercise. Kollhoff paced the Warhawks with a 9.775 to share fourth and claim All-WIAC honors. Hammond registered a 9.750 followed by 9.7s from Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon) and Ariana Goodwin (Elgin, Ill./The Einstein Academy). Elaine Copeland (Arlington, Texas/University Prep) and Zoe Jenks-Recker (Cottage Grove, Wis./Monona Grove) each scored 9.625 in the event.
Ava Pesch (Waterford, Wis./Waterford Union) led UW-Whitewater on the vault. She claimed a share of second with a score of 9.8 to secure All-WIAC honors and spark the team from the leadoff position. That mark is the fourth-highest vault score in program history. Copeland registered a 9.75 to tie for eighth while Hammond and Alayna Fern (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) added 9.7s in the event. Moore rounded out the scoring five on the apparatus with a 9.5. UW-Whitewater totaled 48.450 on the vault – ranked sixth in the program record book.
The Warhawks capped the meet on the uneven bars. UWW’s total of 48.225 is a top 20 mark in the Warhawk record book. Hayden Gough (Dallas, Texas/Dallas International School) and Kollhoff led the way with matching 9.7s to tie for fourth and claim All-WIAC recognition. Pesch and Paige Magel (Cary, Ill./Prairie Ridge) shared eighth with bars routines scoring 9.65. Goodwin rounded out the crew with a 9.525.
Prior to the second session of the regional, the WIAC announced major award winners and recognized athletes that had earned Athlete of the Week honors throughout the course of the season. Coach Regan was honored as the Coach of the Year, the fifth time a UWW coach has earned the award in program history. Pesch was recognized as UW-Whitewater’s representative on the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.
Addison, Ill. – The UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team punched its ticket to the Intercollegiate Team Championships after finishing fourth in the Addison, Illinois sectional.
The top four teams from each of the four sectional sites advance to the 2025 ITC in Las Vegas in April.
The Warhawks came into the first session Sunday carrying a total pinfall of 6436 from 32 Baker games. UW-Whitewater dropped to fifth after the first block Sunday. Dani Swaisgood (Burbank, Calif./John Burroughs), Samantha Radig (Beaver Dam, Wis./), Zoey Darwin (Monona, Wis./Monona Grove), Kelly Whipple (Sheboygan, Wis./South) and Kayla Devine () represented UWW in the 16-game Baker set with top games of 223 and 212. After 48 Baker games, the Warhawks total pinfall was 9364 – 32 pins behind the the team holding the last qualifying spot.
In the final block of 16 Baker games in the second session Sunday, the Warhawks totaled 3081 pins bolstered by top games of 225, 219, 218 and a pair of 214s. Emily O’Byrn (Barrington, Ill./) joined Darwin, Swaisgood, Devine and Whipple on the lanes for the session as UW-Whitewater jumped into fourth to secure their spot at the national championships.
Over the course of two days, four sessions and 64 team Baker games, UWW registered a total pinfall of 12,445.
Additionally, Jordyn Norvell (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) qualified for the Intercollegiate Singles Championship after finishing among the top seven Friday in the singles competition.
Saturday Recap
Addison, Ill. – The UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team is in third after the first day of competition in the Intercollegiate Team Championships Sectional Qualifier.
The top four teams from each of the four sectional sites will advance to the 2025 Intercollegiate Team Championships in Las Vegas in April. Jordyn Norvell (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) qualified for the Intercollegiate Singles Championship after finishing among the top seven individuals at the Addison sectional Friday.
Saturday’s competition featured two sessions of 16 Baker games each. In the first session, the Warhawks totaled 3235 to hold third. UWW registered top games of 256, 243 and 235 in the 16-game series. The Warhawks added 3201 pins to their total in the second block to maintain their hold on third place in the team standings with an overall total of 6436. UW-Whitewater opened the second session with seven consecutive 200+ games. Their 25th game of the day was their best with the Warhawks rolling a 257.
The tournament is set to conclude after two more sessions Sunday.
Friday Recap – Singles Competition
Addison, Ill. – The UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team opened competition in United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Sectionals with singles qualifying Friday. Jordyn Norvell (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) finished among the top seven to qualify for the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championship.
Norvell finished fifth in a field of over 200 bowlers Friday. The top seven from each of four sectional sites advance to the singles championship that is slated for April 14-19 in Las Vegas. Norvell improved over the first five games of the six game series Friday. After opening with a 191, Norvell went 215, 222, 223 and 236 before wrapping up the day with a 231. She registered a total pinfall of 1318 on the day.
Samantha Radig (Beaver Dam, Wis./) finished 25th in the singles competition with a total pinfall of 1222. Ashley Bowe (Brillion, Wis./) (1149), Zoey Darwin (Monona, Wis./Monona Grove) (1142) and Grace Lehmann (Huntley, Ill./) (1125) added top 100 finishes.
Also representing UW-Whitewater in singles competition Friday were Emily Rusk (Greenfield, Wis./) (1099), Anna Heddinger (Farmington, Minn./) (1077), Dani Swaisgood (Burbank, Calif./John Burroughs) (1060), Emily O’Byrn (Barrington, Ill./) (1019), Mackenzie Juedes (Menasha, Wis./Menasha) (1018), Kelly Whipple (Sheboygan, Wis./South) (1016) an Emma Johnson (Greenfield, Wis./) (924).
The tournament continues Saturday with two sessions of team competition featuring four game Baker blocks. The sectional will wrap up Sunday with two more Baker sessions and position round.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes PUBLIC HEARING FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL Consideration to Approve and Recommend to Common Council a change in the District Zoning Map to Rezone Parcel # 292-0515-3233-008 at 500 N Tratt St. from AT (Agricultural Transition District) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residence District) and /WUP 00359 from R-3 (Multi-Family Residence District) to AT (Agricultural Transition District.)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/749292677
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 749-292-677
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the addition of a right turn only lane on southbound Prairie Street at Main Street, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding reducing parking and adding a sitting area at Parking Lot C. [This lot is adjacent to the mural.]
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
AGENDA
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone:
+1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 859 3695 9081
Passcode:
019093
City of Whitewater Referendum Public Information Session regarding Police and Fire/EMS Referendum – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84951123016?pwd=8O0n8A40XtonGgFeh3FFOqWL0n2pZn.1
Webinar ID: 849 5112 3016
Passcode:322958
Phone one-tap:
+13092053325,,84951123016#,,,,322958# US +13126266799,,84951123016#,,,,322958# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd floor Cravath Lakefront
Conference Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Public Information Session on Trippe & Cravath Lakes by City Staff and the Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 11:30 a.m.
Starin Park Community Building, 504 W Starin Rd
City of Whitewater Referendum Public Information Session regarding Police and Fire/EMS Referendum – Thursday @ 1:00 p.m.
Where: Starin Park Senior Center, 504 W Starin Rd.
(Above photo courtesy of Olivia Zinanni: Kacie Carollo, Maggie Trautsch and Bri McCurdy celebrate after defeating UW-La Crosse in the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament)
Still Dancing … Warhawks Advance to Sweet 16 for Fourth Consecutive Season
The UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team punched its ticket to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season with a thrilling 50-49 win over UW-La Crosse Saturday night in Kachel Gym.
The Warhawks advance to face another familiar foe – UW-Stout. This time UWW will be on the road heading to Scranton, Pennsylvania for their Sweet 16 matchup. Tipoff against the Blue Devils is set for 4:30 PM Central on Friday, March 14. In the other game of the sectional, Johns Hopkins will take on the host university, Scranton at 7 PM. More information will be posted when available.
Saturday’s game was the epitome of a WIAC battle – fast pace, physical play and stifling defense from both squads. The first half score was indicative of the shutdown defenses as the teams went into the locker room tied 20-20.
The second half was a continuation of the first, with ties and lead changes abounding. By the end of the third the Eagles had the upper hand by just one, 37-36.
Bri McCurdy (St. Croix Falls, Wis./St. Croix Falls) turned phenomenal defense into offense early in the fourth. Poking the ball away from the Eagle guard just a second into the quarter, her steal led to a wide open layup for Mallory Oloffson (Normal, Ill./Normal Community) off a Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) assist to give UWW the lead, 38-37. Hildebrandt scored on the next possession with a layin for a three-point Warhawk advantage less than a minute in forcing a quick UWL timeout.
On the other side of the break, the Eagles drained a three-pointer to knot the game, 40-40. Oloffson broke a two-minute scoring drought with a layup to hand the Warhawks the lead, 42-40, with just over six minutes to play. Two minutes later, Oloffson made one of two at the line to extend the lead to three with 4:19 to go.
The Eagles registered their first points in nearly five minutes with a layup at the 3:15 mark to cut the gap to one. They hauled in a defensive board and knocked down a three for a quick five-point swing to reclaim the lead, 45-43, with 2:37 on the clock.
Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) answered, driving hard to the basket for a layin to tie it up, 45-45 with two minutes left. Both teams got to the basket in the final two minutes trading layups. The Eagles took the lead – Whitewater countered to tie it up. UWL once again grabbed a two-point advantage and, once again, the Warhawks responded. Carollo found Hildebrandt down low for a layin on that final layup that tied it 49-49 with 33 seconds remaining.
As the game came down to the wire, the atmosphere in Kachel was electric. UW-La Crosse called timeout after Hildebrandt’s layup to plan an offensive set. They opted for a three-pointer as the clock ticked down. As the shot went up, it had a chance but just found the front rim and Carollo elevated for the rebound. Head Coach Keri Carollo immediately called for a timeout to advance the ball.
Inbounding from the near side, right by their home bench, the Warhawks looked for Carollo but the Eagles had her tightly guarded. Instead, Hildebrandt took the inbounds pass, immediately drove to the rim and was fouled on the shot. The senior forward hit the first free throw to give the Warhawks a 50-49 lead with 2.3 on the clock. Her second shot hit the back rim, bounced near the top of the backboard and was tipped around before landing out of bounds as the final horn sounded. The officials signaled for replay to check both time and possession.
After the review, the officials put 0.3 seconds on the clock and the call on possession stood – the Eagles had the ball. UWL called timeout to advance the ball, choosing to inbound from near their bench.
The inbounds pass was a lob near the basket, but Carollo jumped in front and swatted the ball away as the horn sounded and Kachel erupted.
Rebounding has been a huge piece of the Warhawks’ philosophy this season and it paid off Saturday. UW-Whitewater held a 41-28 advantage on the glass and allowed just a single offensive rebound for UWL. The Warhawks hauled in 14 offensive boards scoring 15 second chance points in the contest.
Hildebrandt led the way with 14 points. Carollo set another career record Saturday in a fitting way – hitting her number, twice, for a double-double. Wearing jersey number 13, Carollo scored 13 and pulled down 13 rebounds to break the program record for career double-doubles with 29. Oloffson also posted double digits in the scoring column with 11 on 5-6 from the floor.
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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