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Twenty-one members of Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, participated in the TWIST off-season event held at Muskego High School on Saturday, October 12. The mission of TWIST (Together Women in STEM Thrive), hosted by Team 6421 The WarriorBots from Muskego, is to create an off-season event with a twist, centered around creating an empowering and inclusive environment for girls, a group typically underrepresented in STEM fields, to take their skills to the next level. The one rule modification for the event is that the drive team must be entirely female; male team members otherwise fully participate. The second annual TWIST event hosted 30 teams and 27 robots from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.
The event also included a FIRST Lego League (FLL) Scrimmage, providing an opportunity for FLL teams who have already started their new season, to meet with judges to learn about the judging process and get feedback on their in-progress Innovation Projects. Full competition tables with referees were also available for students to test their robot runs and receive feedback. The Washington Bricklayers FLL Team, under the mentorship of Chris Nate and Val Troxel, embraced this opportunity to test their season progress so far. The Washington team, along with Whitewater FLL teams from Lincoln, Lakeview, and the Middle School will be competing with 20 other teams from around the state at the Whitewater FLL Regional hosted by Ferradermis at Whitewater High School on Sunday, December 8.
At TWIST, each team may nominate one student for the Student Inspiration Award Presented by CrunchLabs and Milwaukee Tool. Ferradermis was proud to nominate Senior Mechanical-CAD subteam lead Zoe Olson. Her nomination essay, submitted by Head Coach Mark Zimmermann and Advisor Laura Masbruch, included the following summary of Zoe’s contributions to the team: “Zoe Olson has shown amazing growth in both her leadership skills and her technical skills over her four years on Ferradermis. When Zoe joined the team as a freshman, she was not sure she wanted to travel with the team and really hung back at meetings. As a senior, she is still a very soft-spoken young woman, but her determination to push herself out of her comfort zone to master CAD and get comfortable with large-scale shop equipment has set a great tone for other girls on our team. Zoe has taken on the role of CAD subteam lead for the last two years. She has a true drive to learn and understand mechanical concepts. When not operating the lathe or the CNC router in the shop, she will often sit and have quiet debates with our technical team lead about mechanical design. Zoe is very welcoming of all students and will often sit with our newest members, exposing them to CAD and sharing her passion. Zoe tackles any job that needs to be done, whether that be repairing the robot or scouting in the stands. As a senior, she has enrolled in the Introduction to Engineering Design course as well as Digital Electronics and is now considering pursing a biomedical engineering degree at MSOE.”
The Ferradermis robot, Chief Lee the Tangerine, was led onto the field by Drive Coach Emerson Dunham, Driver Margaret Brown, Operator Erison Dreksler, Human Player Vivian Harris, and Technician Nina Heim. Ferradermis membership is currently over 60% female, so the team had no issues fulfilling the all-female drive team requirement. Other teams, however, would have been unable to field a drive team with enough girls to compete. For the second year in a row, Ferradermis demonstrated their gracious professionalism and loaned out girls to other teams so they would have a full drive team. Zoe Olson had agreed ahead of time to fulfill the role of human player for Team 8531 the TermiKnightors from Dominican High School. On the spur of the moment, two Ferradermis freshmen, attending their first ever robotics competition, also stepped up to help out other teams. Charlotte Trautman filled in as the human player for Team 1259 Paradigm Shift from Pewaukee, and Emilie Bruns stepped in as the human player for Team 1675 UPS from Milwaukee. The role of the human player is to feed game pieces into the field at the appropriate moment and to control the coopertition and amplification buttons, which change the scoring during a match.
The Ferradermis robot went 6-5 on the day and was invited to be part of the 6th seeded playoff alliance by Team 930 from Mukwonago. The pair then invited Team 6381 Red Raider Robotics from Sheboygan North to round out the alliance. Ferradermis was represented on the field for alliance selections by Isabella Cohen and Georgia Esch. The alliance pushed their way through the double-elimination playoff bracket, finishing the day in third place.
The team was supported throughout the day by members Andrew O’Toole, Preston Miller, Carson Miller, and Safety Captain Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman in the pit. The scouting team in the stands was led by Chacha Binagi and Andrew Zimmermann. Freshman Eli Gonsior took on the task of videoing every match and delivering it immediately to the pit for analysis by the drive team. Freshman Virginia Nelson wore the team’s media badge, photographing the event for the team’s records, and freshmen Jayden Kehrer and Cooper Housel helped with scouting and each spent some time in the pit, learning how an event works. Students were able to take advantage of an Opportunities Fair throughout the day. The fair featured representatives from multiple universities, scholarship providers, and NCWIT, the National Center for Women in Information Technology.
Seven team awards were presented throughout the playoffs, and Ferradermis was honored to receive the T’WISTful Thinking Award Presented by Generac. This award was to celebrate a team with innovative designs and use of materials to create a successful and creative mechanism. The judges were impressed with the team’s use of 3D printing to create custom components and the team’s iterations on their robot design throughout the season.
FIRST Robotics competitions are run by volunteers, and the event on Saturday had over 110 people step up to take on volunteer roles, several of them with ties to Ferradermis. Whitewater’s Administrative Team Captain Maddison LaHaie got her wish to “DJ” and ran the sound system in the gym throughout the day. Ferradermis Advisor Laura Masbruch volunteered as a Judge, gaining valuable insight for the team on the judging process used at all FRC events. Several Ferradermis alumni were also at the event as volunteers including MSOE student Reilly Aschenbrener, UW-Madison student Kay Mikos, and former Head Coach Dilpreet Randhawa. Thank you to volunteer team mentors Kat Dunham, Tori Breisath, and Paul Kriegel for supporting the team throughout the day. Thank you also to alum Zach Brantmeier for spending time with the team in the pit and helping troubleshoot the code on the team’s second robot.
At a FIRST Robotics Competition event, a unicorn match is a match where the two alliances earn all possible ranking points. TWIST took this concept to a whole new level with charity matches for Children’s Hospital. Many off-season events include some aspect of community service, and our hosts for TWIST chose to create a competition between teams to bring in the most LEGO kits to be donated to Children’s Hospital. Our Head Coach Mark Zimmermann graciously agreed to don a unicorn costume if Ferradermis brought in enough LEGO kits to earn a spot in the match. Thanks in great part to generous Whitewater community members who ordered kits and had them shipped to the high school, Ferradermis was able to donate 32 LEGO Kits, won a $25 gift certificate for REV Robotics, and earned a spot in the match! The participating teams donated a total of 217 kits.
Ferradermis will enter its 10th and final competition of the 2024 Crescendo season on October 25-26 at Roboteer Rumble in Tremont, Illinois, where they will face off with 36 robots from Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Iowa. The new 2025 Reefscape season will kick off on January 4.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Kat Dunham, Tori Breisath, and Laura Masbruch
Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2024 occurs on Monday, October 14. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous People’s Day, now celebrated in many U.S. states and cities.
Editor’s note: The above article is from history.com. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay.
According to a press release, Dodge County deputies were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on County Road G near Canary Road in the town of Beaver Dam on Saturday, October 12 at 8:38 p.m. The sole occupant of a black 2009 Cadillac CTS was pronounced dead at the scene. The other vehicle was parked in a private driveway and was not occupied.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office indicates that the initial investigation shows the Cadillac, driven by a 45-year-old man from Palmyra, was southbound on County Road G and ran off the roadway to the right, entering a private driveway. The car struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle and continued in the private yard, striking a tree and coming to a stop with severe front-end damage. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor.
The crash is under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Team. The name of the driver is being withheld pending family notification.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025. The 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.) On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.
Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent. The COLA was 3.2 percent in 2023, [8.7% in 2022, and 5.9% in 2021.]
Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.
Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $176,100 from $168,600.
Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed and improved COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions.
Individuals who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message–such as their COLA notice–waiting for them in my Social Security. People will need to have a personal my Social Security account by Nov. 20 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at www.medicare.gov.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was made by the Social Security Administration on October 10.
Jenna Weinfurt hitting a ball during a match earlier this season (Tim Kruse)
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 5 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater picked up another win over a ranked opponent with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-10) sweep over No. 21 North Park University in Russell Arena Saturday evening.
The Warhawk offense was efficient hitting .500 in the contest with at least 14 kills in each set while the defense held the Vikings to single digits in the kill column the entire match. The .500 attack percentage tops the Warhawk record book for a single match. Individually, Jenna Weinfurt hit .700 – ranked third in the UWW records books.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead with Alayna Jansky at the service line and never looked back. That initial 9-0 run was bolstered by three aces and three Weinfurt kills. Set two saw the Warhawks burst out of the gate to a 10-2 advantage and set three opened with a big 9-1 run for UWW.
For the match, Weinfurt tallied 15 kills in 20 attempts while committing a single error for the .700 attack percentage. She added a pair of aces and four blocks on the evening. Jansky registered 12 kills in 23 attempts with one miscue from. The fellow outside hitter posted three aces and eight digs on the night. Ally Warburton hit over .500 with 8 kills in 11 attempts while only committing a pair of errors on the right side. She added four blocks in the contest.
Aubrie Krzus led the offense to the phenomenal attack efficiency with 31 assists.
Defensively, Abbie Dix enters the Warhawk record book with 11 blocks in a single match – a mark that ties for second-most in program history. Jaedynn Evans added 13 digs to lead all players.
UWW returns to WIAC play next week with a home match against UW-Stevens Point Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Pointers currently sit atop the league standings with a 3-0 record while the Warhawks are currently tied for second at 2-1.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Menomonie, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team [D3football.com #10] fell to UW-Stout [D3football.com unranked] 29-27 on the road Saturday afternoon marking the Warhawks’ first loss to the Blue Devils since 2001.
Turnovers proved costly for UW-Whitewater in the game as a fumble led to a UW-Stout touchdown early in the second and an interception played into a Blue Devil field goal in the third.
The Warhawks won the toss and deferred but gained possession on the third play of the game courtesy of a fumble. Dyson Klubertanz was covering on a short completion, forcing a loose ball as he hit the receiver. The fumble was picked up by Deven Magli at the Stout 37. The early turnover led to the first score of the game, a 25-yard field goal from Jackson Fox.
The Blue Devils came back with a field goal of their own to knot the game before Tyler Vasey responded with his second kickoff return for a touchdown. Vasey hauled in the kick at the five and cruised through a pack of UWS special teams players before bolting up the sideline for the touchdown. The sophomore now holds the UWW record for kickoffs returned for touchdown in a career with three.
The back-and-forth battle continued with the Blue Devils marching 70 yards to even the score 10-10, but the Warhawks had another big-play response.
On the first play of UWW’s next drive, Jason Ceniti hit Brian Wilterdink on a deep ball for the 73-yard touchdown. Fox’s extra point made it 17-10 Warhawks as the game headed into the second quarter.
UW-Stout narrowed the gap with a 38-yard field goal early in the second. The Blue Devils secured their first lead of the game after a fumble recovery on the UW-Whitewater’s next drive led to a Stout touchdown and a 20-17 advantage for the host institution.
Fox knotted the game once again with a 39-yard field goal on the team’s next drive, but UW-Stout would tally the final score of the half on a 26-yard field goal to make it 23-20 Blue Devils at the break.
The lone score of the third quarter came on another Blue Devil field goal, this time from 25-yards out. Stout’s kicker hit another early in the fourth, a 40-yarder, to give the Blue Devils a 29-20 lead.
Late in the fourth, the UWW defense came up with a big stop to force a punt. Pinned inside their own 20, with less than four minutes to go, the Warhawks got to work. Ceniti hit Wilterdink for 15, then Nick Wind for 12 more. On the next play, Ceniti found Tamir Thomas on a short completion that led to a 57-yard touchdown. The extra point narrowed the gap to two, 29-27 with less than three to play.
A flag on the first onside kick attempt pushed UWW back five yards. The second attempt did not go the full 10 needed as the Blue Devils took over at the Warhawks’ 37.
The UW-Whitewater defense stiffened forcing a field goal attempt that missed the uprights and brought the Warhawk offense back onto the field at their own 29 with just 70 seconds left in the game.
UWW opened the drive with an 18-yard completion to Wind. After a sack led to a loss of eight, a five-yard pass was caught in bounds as seconds ticked away. A deep pass fell incomplete to stop the clock, but the Warhawks took a delay of game before getting off the next play. On the final play of the game, an illegal forward pass was called as Ceniti tried to elude defenders and get the ball downfield ending the game.
Ceniti was 16-27 for 281 yards with a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions. Thomas led the rushing attack with 36 yards on 14 attempts. Wilterdink was the top target on the day. He hauled in five passes for 113 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Ethan Gallagher paced the defense with 11 tackles including 2.5 tackles for a loss of six yards.
WAA is pleased to host an Artist Reception for the two exhibits currently on display in the Cultural Arts Center Gallery during the month of October, Studio 84: Past & Present and the Electric Eclectic IV invitational photography exhibitions. The reception will be held Saturday, October 12 from 12 pm – 4 pm, with the Studio 84 program beginning at 1 pm and the Electric Eclectic IV program beginning at 2 pm.
A previous Whitewater Banner article provides information regarding the Electric Eclectic IV exhibition. See below for the Studio 84 exhibit.
Studio 84: Past & Present
A Review of the Past and Present Art of Studio 84
Exhibit: October 3 – 27, 2024
Reception: Saturday, October 12, Noon – 4 pm, Program at 1 pm
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), in collaboration with Studio 84, proudly presents Past and Present. Past and Present is an extraordinary exhibition that celebrates Studio 84’s rich history and vibrant future, along with the many artists who have contributed their creative works over the years.
The exhibit will be open to the public from October 3 to 27, 2024, with a special reception on October 12 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, offering a chance to meet the artists and experience their creative journey.
This exhibition highlights the collaborative spirit between the WAA and Studio 84. Studio 84, a unique non-profit art studio located in Whitewater fosters inclusivity through the arts. Studio 84 focuses on providing creative opportunities for all individuals, with an emphasis on supporting artists with disabilities. The studio’s philosophy encourages participants to explore a variety of artistic mediums, providing individualized guidance based on each person’s abilities and goals. With programs designed to nurture creativity and self-expression, Studio 84 promotes personal growth and community engagement.
Founded by artist Deborah Blackwell, Studio 84 has been a cornerstone of the Whitewater arts community since 2009. Its mission is to offer fully accessible artistic experiences that enrich lives, empowering individuals through self-directed activities and a focus on their unique strengths. Over the past 15 years, the studio has evolved, providing a wide range of visual arts programming and recently introducing a dance program. This exhibit will showcase a range of media, reflecting both traditional and contemporary artistic approaches, while celebrating the growth and creativity of all contributors.
Join us in celebrating the power of art and community.
Lakeview, Lincoln, and Washington Elementary Schools are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with classroom and building-wide activities to promote and educate students on the rich Hispanic culture many community members share.
The month-long series of activities is designed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of
Hispanic cultures. They highlight various traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic communities,
offering students meaningful opportunities to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds
that enrich the Whitewater community.
Lincoln Elementary School kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant, educational assembly led
by its multilingual staff earlier this month. “Hispanic Heritage Month is such an important time for us to
come together in our school community and recognize the diverse backgrounds that make us stronger,”
said Lincoln Elementary Principal Brad Gefvert. “We’re excited to continue celebrating and learning from
one another as we explore the many cultures of our students and staff.”
At Lakeview, classrooms have enjoyed activities like decorating doors with vibrant designs that highlight
Hispanic traditions and contributions. Daily announcements feature fun and educational facts about
various Spanish-speaking countries. In art class, students have created projects inspired by renowned
Latino artists, while in music class, they’ve been learning and singing songs from across Latin America.
Teachers at Washington Elementary enjoyed a lunch with authentic ethnic foods gifted by families. Fun
facts about Hispanic culture are shared during morning announcements, and students look forward to a
“Día de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” art project to learn about this beautiful tradition.
WUSD is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student’s culture is honored and
celebrated. Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, plays a vital
role in supporting this effort.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Obituaries
Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home. Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old. He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree. He also served two years in the army. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001. Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more
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Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank. He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more
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After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more
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Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more
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Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more
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Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield, MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning. She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening. As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more
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James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more
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Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Oct 31, 2024. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on November 14, 1967 to Ponciano and Blanca Rodriguez. He graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at Gateway, earning a degree in marketing. He had a love for helping people and worked in healthcare for over 30 years as a CNA. He enjoyed shooting darts with his lifelong friends: Robert Bramley, Brian Quass, and Todd Piper. To know Manny, you knew he had a love for his Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders. He loved to play … Read more
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James Trier, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Edgerton Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Whitewater. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. A full obituary will follow. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
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