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By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. — The UW-Whitewater football was dominant in a 48-7 win at UW-Eau Claire Saturday afternoon.
Tyler Vasey and the Warhawk special teams unit set the tone early. Vasey took the opening kick 71 yards down to the UWEC 24-yard line. Three plays later, Jackson Fox nailed a 35-yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead. That was the lone score of the first quarter.
On the first play of the second quarter, Dyson Klubertanz jumped a passing lane inside the Warhawks five-yard line and returned the pick to the 29. The turnover led to UW-Whitewater’s first touchdown of the game – a 14-yard Jason Ceniti to Brian Stanton connection for the 10-0 advantage. That would be all the Warhawks needed in the game, but UWW continued to roll.
UWW scored on the next drive as Drake Martin punched it in for the 17-0 lead. Jaden Hendrickson picked off a pass on the Blugold’s next drive and the Warhawks turned it into points on the other end. Another Ceniti passing touchdown, this time to Vasey from two yards out, put the finishing touches on the drive. Fox split the uprights on the point after for a 20-0 advantage.
On the other side of the break, the Warhawks added 14 points in the third courtesy of a 36-yard Noah Battle run and a 44-yard Vasey carry.
The fourth quarter saw 14 more added to UWW’s total in response to an Eau Claire touchdown early in the period. Ceniti took off on a 38-yard scoring sprint. He added a second score with his feet on a four-yard run to cap the scoring in the game for the 48-7 final.
Ceniti was 10-11 for 149 yards and a passing touchdown. He added 124 yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Vasey registered 75 yards on five carries with a touchdown in the game.
Vasey was also the top target with four catches. Steven Hein led the receiving corps with 45 yards on a pair of catches.
Defensively, Kamrin Hutt had a phenomenal game with 12 tackles including 10 solo and a tackle for a loss of two.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Northfield, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s cross country team finished second at the 2024 NCAA North Regional held in Northfield, Minnesota Saturday afternoon.
The top teams from each of the ten regional sites automatically qualify for the 2024 NCAA Division III Championship with 22 more teams receiving at-large bids. Additionally, the top seven individuals from each regional, 70 total, who did not qualify with their team will earn a bid to the national championship. The complete championship field will be announced Sunday, November 17 on ncaa.com.
Christian Patzka and Gunner Schlender crossed line together with a time of 24:30.40. Patzka officially took fourth with Schlender claiming fifth. The time is the second-fastest for Schlender in a regional meet. Dan Anderson added a 13th-place finish with a time of 24:50.10 while Chris Allen posted a time of 25:04.80 to finish 23rd. Allen’s mark is a regional best for the senior. All four Warhawks earn All-Region recognition with top 35 finishes.
Tucker Johnson crossed the line just outside the top 35 with a time of 25:17.90 for 36th. Conner Murphy was right behind with a time of 25:19.30 for 38th. Alex Metko rounded out the group of Warhawks with a time of 25:43.30 for 56th in the field of over 200 runners.
The 2024 NCAA Division III Championship will be held at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terra Haute, Indiana on Saturday, November 23.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Northfield, Minn. — The UW-Whitewater women’s cross country team finished sixth at the 2024 NCAA North Regional held in Northfield, Minnesota Saturday morning.
The top teams from each of the ten regional sites automatically qualify for the 2024 NCAA Division III Championship with 22 more teams receiving at-large bids. Additionally, the top seven individuals from each regional, 70 total, who did not qualify with their team will earn a bid to the national championship. The complete championship field will be announced Sunday, November 17 on ncaa.com.
Ari De La Cerda (Pewaukee, Wis./) paced the Warhawks with a time of 22:25.4 to finish 13th in a field of over 200 runners. A four-time regional participant, De La Cerda’s 2024 time is her best mark and top career finish at the meet. Payton Scoggin (Kenosha, Wis./Indian Trails) was clocked in 22:39.7 to finish 19th at the meet. Her mark is also a personal best at the regional. In her second regional appearance, sophomore Renee Forystek (Waukesha, Wis./North) crossed the line in 22:54.9 to claim 29th. As top 35 finishers, De La Cerda, Scoggin and Forystek all earn USTFCCCA All-Region honors.
Katie Erb (Winnebago, Ill./) added a time of 23:18.0 to finish 43rd while Ella Hansen’s (Pewaukee, Wis./) time of 23:33.4 was good for 54th. Abbey Wedwick (Westby, Wis./) registered a time of 24:23.5 with teammate Carleen Snow (Rio, Wis./DeForest) crossing the line just .02 later – both rank among the top 100.
The 2024 NCAA Division III Championship will be held at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terra Haute, Indiana on Saturday, November 23.
| Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment Period |
| Wisconsinites statewide can sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025 |
| The average person who qualified saved more than $570 on their monthly premiums last year |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek, today celebrated the upcoming launch of the 12th annual ‘Open Enrollment’ period on Fri., Nov. 1, 2024, and urged Wisconsin residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage through Healthcare.gov. During the last Open Enrollment Period, a record-setting 254,482 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance on the individual marketplace. Gov. Evers today also underscored the importance of retaining the Affordable Care Act to ensure millions of Wisconsinites and Americans can maintain access to healthcare coverage. “For more than a decade, the Affordable Care Act has been a game changer for millions of Wisconsin families, ensuring folks have access to affordable healthcare, including 2.4 million Wisconsinites like me with pre-existing conditions. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and our Senator Tammy Baldwin, coverage is more affordable than ever before,” said Gov Evers. “I encourage Wisconsinites to explore their options and get covered, and together, we’ll build a healthier, stronger Wisconsin for everybody.” Since it was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been transformational for folks and families across the state and country, providing healthcare coverage to millions of Wisconsin families and ensuring folks can access health insurance without lifetime limits and protecting the coverage of more than 100 million Americans—including 2.4 million Wisconsinites—who have pre-existing conditions. Another key provision of the ACA, authored by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), allows young people to stay on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26. “After battling a serious childhood illness, insurance companies refused to cover me because of my ‘pre-existing condition,’ and I saw firsthand the power and greed of our healthcare industry,” said Sen. Baldwin. “I took my personal story and turned it into action to pass the Affordable Care Act—protecting people with pre-existing conditions, lowering costs, and expanding care for working families. As we mark the start of open enrollment this year, I encourage every Wisconsinite to visit HealthCare.gov and explore their options to get quality health care.” Since its creation, the ACA has also saved Wisconsinites and Americans millions in healthcare costs. Thanks to the efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration and Sen. Baldwin, coverage today is more affordable than ever. Bolstered by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act, last year, the majority of Wisconsinites who enrolled in health insurance on HealthCare.gov qualified for cost savings, with the average person saving $573.11 on their monthly insurance premiums. “Talk to a licensed agent, broker, or health insurance navigator to find a high-quality health insurance plan that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more,” said OCI Commissioner Houdek. “Consumers in nearly every county in the state can choose from at least three insurers, and most Wisconsinites qualify for reduced monthly premiums.” Additionally, the ACA and its related regulations were groundbreaking in ensuring access to birth control and contraception care, as most plans are required to cover these services with no out-of-pocket costs for consumers. Further, earlier this month, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris proposed a rule that would significantly expand coverage of contraception with no out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans under the ACA, including over-the-counter contraception without a prescription. If approved, according to the White House, this would be the most significant expansion of contraception coverage under the ACA since 2012. Open Enrollment began Nov. 1, 2024, and will continue through Jan. 15, 2025. During this time, eligible Wisconsinites can enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period. Wisconsin has one of the most competitive individualhealth insurance markets in the nation, with 15 insurers participating for plan year 2025. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here. Gov. Evers has long been committed to ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to quality, affordable healthcare. In 2019, the governor delivered on his promise to withdraw the state of Wisconsin from a Republican-led lawsuit that would have gutted the ACA, kicked thousands of Wisconsinites off their healthcare, and put 2.4 million Wisconsinites who have a pre-existing condition at risk. Gov. Evers also launched the DHS OCI Health Care Coverage Partnership in 2019 to improve coordination around outreach and education, increase enrollment and health insurance literacy, and improve enrollment retention. In 2020, this partnership launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers looking for information about health coverage. Services are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. The ACA has also given Wisconsin the flexibility to operate the successful Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP). WIHSP was created by 2017 Wisconsin Act 138, a bipartisan bill signed into law in 2018 and implemented under Gov. Evers. WIHSP has helped keep health insurance rates low while increasing choice for consumers every year it has been in operation. Due to support from Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature, WIHSP has been fully funded in each of the last three state biennial budgets. This program was recently extended through Dec. 31, 2028. In 2022, health insurance rates were 14.5 percent lower, and in 2023, rates were 13.7 percent lower than they would have been without WIHSP. Rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 19.5 percent for the 2025 plan year, based on a weighted average. Thanks to WIHSP, rates on the individual health insurance market in Wisconsin will instead increase by a weighted average of 8.2 percent for the 2025 plan year. Wisconsinites can explore their coverage options at any time at Healthcare.gov. To get connected to free, expert help and explore cost-saving options, Wisconsinites are encouraged to visit WisCovered.com |
The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect leaf and yard waste during the remaining dates with no appointment needed.
Residents may place their bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, November 16, for collection during the week of:
- November 18 – November 22, 2024
However, all bags must be brought to the curb for final collection by Wednesday, November 20. Bio-Bags left outside in the elements during the winter months will NOT be collected during the spring collection.
*Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.
For residents who miss the collection deadline of November 22, a dumpster will be available at the City garage (150 E. Starin Rd.) between November 25 – December 6, 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. *Please note the facility will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. Spring collection will be dependent on weather conditions.
Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 33 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear, or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City’s supply of free Bio-Bags has been exhausted.
Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste. The compost site is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The compost site will close for the season at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 or visit this page to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays. Requests must be made by 12:00 p.m. on the Monday before Tuesday’s brush collection.
NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The Whitewater Unified School District’s Community ESL Program has received the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s 2024 Salute to Local Government award for its efforts in advancing racial equity. The program, launched in 1997, offers English language learners opportunities to enhance their reading, writing, and communication skills. Under the leadership of Jorge Islas-Martinez and Melania Argueta Borchert, the program has grown to help students work toward U.S. citizenship, improve computer literacy, and access important local resources.
“We are deeply humbled by this recognition and proud to receive the award on behalf of our community,” said Islas-Martinez. “Our goal has always been to create a welcoming environment that allows our adult students to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. This achievement has been built over 25 years, with generations of families impacted. It’s something for us all to be proud of and celebrate.”
“I am proud of the work our program is doing to advance ALL the members of our community. We are lucky to have the staff of the Community ESL Program that is committed to our learners and advancing them in the English language,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. The annual Salute to Local Government awards ceremony was held Wednesday, November 13, at the Italian Conference Center in downtown Milwaukee. Representatives from the Whitewater Adult ESL Program attended the event alongside other award recipients who were recognized for their contributions to Wisconsin’s communities.
The Community ESL Program is financially supported by the Whitewater Unified School District, with additional contributions from local civic groups and churches, and childcare funded by the United Way. For more information, please visit www.wwusd.org/page/adult-esl-program.
| Gov. Evers and First Lady Invite Military Families to Share Ornaments for 2024 Tribute to Our Troops Tree at Executive Residence |
| Gov. Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers invite the public to contribute ornaments for this year’s “Tribute to Our Troops” holiday tree at the Executive Residence. “The ‘Tribute to Our Troops’ tree is a tradition Kathy and I have been glad to continue these last six years as part of our annual holiday celebrations at the Wisconsin Executive Residence,” said Gov. Evers. “Especially over the holiday season, we should honor the incredible contributions of our state’s veteran and military communities, and thanks to the creativity and care of the folks and families who send in an ornament honoring their loved ones and military heroes, I know that this year will be another success.” The Tribute to Our Troops Tree tradition began in 2005 and honors Wisconsin service members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ornaments can be sent in honor of Wisconsin service members, past and present, in Wisconsin and abroad. The invitation is open to families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard members. All ornaments are welcome and can be personalized to honor fallen service members, those who are deployed overseas this holiday season, and all who wear the uniforms of the nation’s armed forces. Please note that ornaments will not be returned to senders. To be included as part of this year’s “Tribute to Our Troops” tree, ornaments must be received no later than Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at: SFC Liam Walsh 6001 Manufacturers Dr. Madison, WI 53704 The ornaments will be displayed at the Executive Residence throughout the month of December. The ornaments and the “Tribute to Our Troops” tree can be viewed as part of the residence’s holiday tours. As space is limited, individuals interested in a tour must pre-register to attend. More information is available on the Wisconsin Executive Residence website here. Residence tours will be available during the following dates and times: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. |
| Gov. Evers Order Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Rep. Fred Kessler |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #243 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Nov. 16, 2024, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. Fred Kessler, who passed away on Tues., Nov. 12, 2024, at the age of 84. “Having dutifully served the Milwaukee community both on the bench and in the Legislature, Rep. Kessler led a long, distinguished career of public service, and he was a tireless advocate for the people he served,” said Gov. Evers. “His legacy will live on through his countless accomplishments on behalf of the Milwaukee community, and Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, community members, and all those who knew and worked alongside him in mourning this loss.” Former Rep. Kessler was born in Milwaukee and received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1960, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly as the youngest person to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature at that time and represented the 10th Milwaukee Assembly District from 1961 to 1963 and 1965 to 1972, and later the 12th Assembly District from 2005 to 2019. Former Rep. Kessler also served as a Milwaukee County Judge from 1972 to 1978 and a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge from 1978 to 1981 and 1986 to 1988. During his 12 terms in office, former Rep. Kessler was a dedicated public servant and advocate on behalf of the people he served, working on legislation related to public education, civil liberties, fair housing, LGBTQ rights, freedom of speech, personal privacy, and redistricting reforms. In addition to his years of public service as an elected official, former Rep. Kessler was active in the Milwaukee community, serving civil and human rights groups, including as president of the Milwaukee ACLU Chapter and chairman of Amnesty International Group 107, and German language and heritage groups, including as president of Goethe House. Services for former Rep. Kessler will be held on Sat., Nov. 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. |
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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