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International Exchange Students Celebrated

May 8, 2022

The National Honor Society hosted an event called, “International Student Exchange Celebration Day” at Whitewater High School on Saturday, May 7. The international students, Jihwan Beck from South Korea and Miyu Takeda from Japan, reflected on their year in America, how much they loved their host families, friends, and teachers at WHS, and how the experience has changed their lives.

The students had fun playing an international Kahoot game, took pictures with flags and the world map, and then went bowling and ate pizza at UW-Whitewater Warhawk Alley. Thank you, NHS, for sponsoring and hosting this fun day.

Participating NHS members were: Savannah Hill, Shane Kinson, Audrey Mayer, Haley Street, Sophia Walton, Tyler Arnett, Jake Kuhlow, Alexandra Martin, Courtney Meyer, Aileen Perez-Aguilar, Skylar Staebler, Maria Verduzco, and Caleigh Yang.

Article and Photos Submitted by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz
Whitewater High School National Honor Society Advisor
psonmorwintz@wwusd.org 

This Week’s City Meetings

May 7, 2022

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review CommissionMonday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
This meeting is IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
httDS://meet.aoto.com/807624629
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 807-624-629

Whitewater Unified School District Employee Handbook Committee – Tuesday @ 3:45 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.)

William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street

City of Whitewater Public Works CommitteeTuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Municipal Building – 1 Floor
Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.

Seniors in the Park Presents West Side Story

May 7, 2022

“West Side Story”
Tuesday, May 10, 1 p.m.
(Musical/Drama/Romance) Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 36 minutes (2021)
This reimagining of the 1961 classic musical was nominated for Best Picture, and garnered a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Ariana DeBose. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, and Rita Moreno.

Soccer Falls 3-1 to East Troy

May 6, 2022

On Thursday, May 5, the Whitewater Whippets traveled to East Troy to play the Trojans in girls’ soccer. The teams played a fast-paced game that ended 3-1 in favor of East Troy.

Caelyn Caputo

The Trojans’ goals were scored by Robyn Sonderegger (8′), Callie Nelson (10′), and Lauren Stroh. Trojan goalkeeper Becca Barber had two saves. The Whippets’ goal was scored off a corner kick by Caelyn Caputo (80′).

Marina Linos had eight saves in goal for Whitewater. 

Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Wrestlers Earn Academic All-State Honors

May 5, 2022

At the end of each season the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association honors students for their academic excellence in the classroom. Whitewater is privileged to have seven wrestlers from the 2021-22 wrestling team achieve this honor. 

Carter Friend received 2nd team honors, while Cooper Hammond, Mason DePorter, CJ Tomomitsu, Aaron Porras, Sebastian Cuellar, and Nathaniel Holden received Academic All-State Honorable Mention.

The criterion for this award is that the student-athletes must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. They receive points based on multiplying their GPA by 100, point per varsity win, and points based on state placement or qualifier. There were 595 student-athletes nominated for this award who met the credentials. The top 20 in each grade level are 1st team and the next 20 are second team at each grade level. 

Congratulations to these young student-athletes as this is a great accomplishment for them. They continue to make WWUSD proud.

Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org

Fort HealthCare Women Who Care Welcome Local Humorist Sandra Bernhardt on May 12

May 5, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare Women Who Care (WWC) is hosting a special membership event at Riverstone Premier Event Center on Thursday, May 12 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Riverstone Premier is located at 1905 Central Coast in Fort Atkinson. Existing members, guests, and those interested in membership are encouraged to attend. The event is free for existing members, and $25.00 for non-members. WWC asks guests to RSVP to wwc@forthc.com, or by calling (920) 568-5465.

Sandra Bernhardt

Humorist Sandra Bernhardt will be the featured guest speaker. A resident of Fort Atkinson, Bernhardt has kept people laughing for more than 30 years. She is a UW-Whitewater graduate and mother of three sons. The membership event will also celebrate the positive impact that WWC has had on our local communities, and guests will hear from existing members about how participation in WWC has impacted their lives.

Riverstone Premier will provide hors d’oeuvres and desserts. A cash bar will also be available. Adding to the evening’s festivities will be a May Basket Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase, but those that bring additional guests to the event will receive an additional ticket per guest.

About Women Who CARE

Women Who CARE has its roots in the Women’s Giving Circle established by the Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation in 2004. A group of area women gathered for lunch once a quarter for information and inspiration about their health and well-being. Member contributions were gathered to fund various services at Fort HealthCare. A wide variety of projects were included over the years including hospital equipment, new health and wellness services, and scholarships.

In 2014, a group of members had an idea to expand the way the group functioned. Their idea was to engage the membership to determine ways in which the group could make a measurable impact on the health and well-being of people in our area. From that beginning, a group of philanthropic-minded women was formed, setting out to identify opportunities of service to our area, such as School-Based Behavioral Health Services, School Nurse leadership training, and forward-thinking initiatives focused on women’s health equity. For more information about Women Who CARE, visit www.forthealthcare.com/wwc.

Whippet Soccer Falls Twice

May 5, 2022

On Thursday, April 28, Whitewater Girls’ Soccer hosted Big Foot-Williams Bay High School in a conference game. It was a very close match, with Big Foot ultimately winning 2-1.

Natalia Sortino

Whitewater had 14 shots on goal, with Natalia Sortino scoring for the Whippets. Madison West and Annie Sanchez scored for Big Foot, which had six shots on goal.

Whitewater goalkeeper Marina Linos had four saves, and Maylani Venegas had nine saves in goal for Big Foot.

On Monday, May 2, the Whippets traveled to McFarland. The teams played a physical game, with McFarland winning 11-1.

Goals for McFarland were scored by Grace Breuchel (7′, 25′, 55′, 64′, 67′), Elise Gillen (12′, 21′, 26′), Lucia Matenaer (24′), Avery Pennenkamp (39′), and Sierra Binger (60′). Whitewater’s goal was scored on a free kick by Mayte Navejas (53’).

Marina Linos fielded 22 shots on goal and 13 corner kicks by McFarland, coming away with 13 saves for the Whippets. Avery Weaver played in goal for McFarland. 

Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Pair Honored at NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards

May 1, 2022

Congratulations to senior Guin Yeager and junior Brooke Bazeley who were honored as Wisconsin Honorable Mentions for the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award at a ceremony at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday, May 1. The ceremony celebrated 138 students from high schools across the state of Wisconsin.

Both girls have completed an array of computer science courses at Whitewater High School and have been key members of the programming teams that have competed at MSOE and Marquette University. In addition, Guin served as the team captain for the Aerospace Jam Drone Team this year, and Brooke is a member of the programming team for Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Team #6574.

The awards ceremony featured guest speakers from the world of information technology, a question and answer period with people working in the field, and an opportunity for award recipients to network.

For more information on the Aspirations in Computing Awards program, visit https://ncwit.org/k-12/.

Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Obituaries

Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement.  As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy.  Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more

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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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