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The City of Whitewater is starting a monthly newsletter! The newsletter will be sent on the first Thursday of each month.
The newsletter content will include:
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The City of Whitewater has been improving its communications with the staff, residents, businesses, and other
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different preferences on how to receive these communications. This newsletter provides another channel for you to stay up to date.
John Weidl, Whitewater city manager, shares, “One of the City’s strategic goals is to increase the type and frequency of our communication with the public. Providing a monthly newsletter is one step of several that we will take an order to deliver on that goal.”
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If you were writing a film about a tennis season, you could not have written a better scenario than the 2023 NCAA Women’s tennis season for Reese Brantmeier of Whitewater, Wisconsin, and the North Carolina tennis team.
After the University of North Carolina team won its first national championship, the two double teams from the school were to compete in a week-long NCAA individual tennis tournament in both singles and doubles.
After four single-elimination rounds, the 2023 NCAA Doubles Championship consisted of both North Carolina doubles teams. In the end, the doubles team of Fiona Crawley and Carson Tanguilig defeated teammates Reese Brantmeier of Whitewater, Wisconsin, and Elizabeth Scotty 6-1, 2-6, 11-9 in the championship match on Saturday afternoon, May 27, in Orlando, Florida.
“Winning the first NCAA outdoor team title was such a high for all of us. I am just really proud of the week we had as doubles teams,“ stated Brantmeier. Reese would also like to thank all the people back in Whitewater for their support.
Reese Brantmeier is the daughter of Scott and Becky Brantmeier and has two older brothers, Justin and Zach. All three attended Whitewater High School.
Article and Photo Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater is home to a culturally rich and diverse population. Whitewater and the surrounding community gathered to celebrate this cultural diversity as the Whitewater Unified School District hosted the first annual Multicultural Heritage Showcase on Saturday, May 6 from 4-6:30 p.m. at Whitewater High School. Over 250 guests attended to celebrate and enjoy art, music, food, and performances that represented a variety of cultures and ethnicities of the community. Over 50 students, staff and community members shared their cultural heritages and traditions and customs from around the world with neighbors and friends through song, dance, poetry, and artwork.
The evening began at 4 p.m. with socializing and sampling food representative of countries and cultures of Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America. Attendees were invited to view art submitted by local community artists and students of the Whitewater Unified School District. A mural on the wall invited children and adults to “graffiti” words and drawings that represented their cultural histories, heritages, and experiences. During the social time, music was played by the local band, Helia, in their first on-stage performance as an up-and-coming rock band.
Socializing was followed by live entertainment. Masters of Ceremony, WHS students Eduard Jiron Betanco and Alex Vazquez Martinez, welcomed the audience into the auditorium through introductions in both English and Spanish. The ceremony began with the presentation of the flags by the St. John’s Northwestern Academy’s Color Guard followed by two more songs by Helia. Next, the recitation of the well-known Nicaraguan modernismo poem, “A Margarita Debayle,” written by Rubén Darío, was performed in its original language, Spanish. Whitewater Middle School dance group, Pinoleras, made up of students honoring Nicaraguan and Mexican heritages, jointly performed “Polka Cumbia,” a “baile folklórico,” with traditional dance steps and costumes. Three WHS students continued the performance in singing the multicultural and multilingual pieces by Russian, German, and English composers. The dance duo “Nicaragua Mía” then performed a traditional Nicaraguan dance to the song “La Flor de Sacuanjoche.” The Sacuanjoche flower is the national flower of Nicaragua and a symbol of strength, love, and cultural perpetuity.
To complete the triad of traditional latin dances represented in the showcase, the WHS group Alma Pinolera, a Nicaraguan dance group of WHS students, gave a choreographed performance complete with twirling skirts and hats. The dance performed was an homage to Mayan, Mestiza, and Aztec cultures. The outfits donned by the dancers included imagery of Nicaragua, representing Nicaraguan history, legends, and battles. To follow, a group of young performers from Lincoln Elementary School took the stage next to perform a hula hoop dance routine to the song “Try Everything” by Shakira. The group shared with the audience the following message: “Try Everything means making mistakes is a good thing. We try hard things, stand up to our challenges, and don’t give up.” Next to the stage was the Studio 84 Dance Theatre with members from Studio 84 and Dancing for Diversity. Studio 84 is a non-profit community art studio and theater program with a “Creative Focus on the Abilities through the Arts” focused on the creative development of ability-diverse individuals. The group engaged the audience with stories told through dance. The final performance of the evening was a student performance by the Washington Multilingual Singers dedicated to Kelley Marotta, a beloved Kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary who recently passed away. The group gave a bilingual performance and ended with an enthusiastic dance and uplifting sing-along with the audience.
Themes of cultural diversity, perseverance, and community emerged from the evening. Community members, school district families, and local organizations and leaders came together to celebrate diversity and camaraderie in this first annual event. Whitewater Unified School District’s Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty reported of the event, “The Multicultural Heritage Showcase was the first of its kind at WUSD and drew over 250 of our family and community members to celebrate. I could not be more proud of the work that went into the celebration of diversity and inclusion for all of our students.” Organizers of the event, Jim McCulloch, WUSD Theater Director, and Terilyn Robles, WUSD Multilingual Services Coordinator, were also pleased by the audience turnout and community support for the event. “We are grateful for the school and community collaborations to make this event a success. Tonight we were able to experience cultural diversity- and celebrate it- through performance, art, food, and conversation,” said Robles. The district expressed gratitude to the performers, student volunteers, staff, and community, for their support of the event. They look forward to continuing the event and celebrating the community’s diverse heritages, cultures, and languages in next year’s showcase.
The Whitewater Whippets’ Varsity Baseball season comes to an end with a loss 11 to 1 in the regional tournament at McFarland.
The game started off rough with Owen Hicks giving up a home run to the first hitter of the game. From there they struggled to find a rhythm and come back.
The bright spot was a double by TJ Piper, who would end up also scoring later in the inning.
Next up is off-season Summer League, practice, and staying game ready for next year.
Article and Photo Submitted by Neil Hicks
On Tuesday, May 22, the Whippets traveled to Big Foot for the WIAA Regional, the first step in their trek towards the State Meet. The Regional consisted of 8 teams, with the Top 4 place winners in each event moving on to compete at the Sectional meet on Thursday, May 24.
The Whippet Girls’ Team was again led by the sprints crew, who cruised to a total of four first-place finishes between the open events and relays. In the opens, Maddie Buehler continued her stellar 2023 campaign by placing first in the 100-meter dash in a time of 12.70. Evie Troxel also added a 6th place finish in the event. In the 200, Kindyl Kilar placed first with a time of 26.42.
In the girls’ relays, Whitewater added a second-place in the 4×400 meter relay, earning a chance to compete on Thursday. The team of Calli Grosinske, Athena Soto, Cara Yang, and Sydney Schilt ran a season’s best time of 4:17.73. Also advancing to the Sectional meet with a pair of first place finishes were the girls’ 4×200 and 4×100 meter relays. The 4×200 team of Maddie Buehler, Schilt, Emma Weigel, and Kindyl Kilar ran a time of 1:44.78, which is the #2 all-time mark in WHS history. Additionally, the 4×100 relay team of Grosinske, Buehler, Weigel, and Kilar smashed their previous school record time of 50.08, running a new best of 49.17. Their time was good for first place, a new school record, and is currently the only sub-50 second 4×100 relay time in WHS history.
In the distance events on the track, Athena Soto ran a season’s best time of 2:27.52 in the 800-meter run, good for third place. In the 3200-meter run, sophomore Nola Coburn used a strong kick in the final lap of the race to secure 4th place in the event, earning another opportunity to run on Thursday. In the 1600, freshman Mady Hefty narrowly missed the Top 4, placing fifth. Her time of 6:04.42 was a season’s best in the event.
Several girls also contributed in the field events. Evie Troxel placed first in the pole vault with a vault of 10’-0”, and teammate Izzy Dieter also qualified for the Sectional meet by placing third. Dieter also qualified in the Discus throw, as her toss of 109’-6 was good for second place.
As a team, the girls placed fourth with 90 points. Brodhead-Juda were the girls’ Regional team champions.
The boys used a balanced attack of sprints, distance, and field events to propel themselves to a spectacular performance that concluded with them as Regional Champions! Overall, the boys scored 123 points, ahead of second place Edgerton.
The boys had two Sectional qualifiers in open sprint events from first-place winners Traysen Thomason and Ethan Dugan in the 100- and 400-meter dashes, respectively. Akamion McHenry also added to the team total with a 6th place finish in the 200-meter dash. In the 110-meter hurdles, Avi Kalra and David Enns placed 7th and 8th, adding to the team score.
The boys distance events saw two Sectional qualifying marks in the 1600-meter run, as Jack Hefty and Nate Holden placed first and second. In the 800, Miles Nickelsburg ran a personal best time of 2:08.65 for fifth, while Holden was 6th in 2:09. Xavier Zei added another fifth-place finish in the 3200-meter run, with a personal best time of 10:48.
The boys had two Sectional qualifying relays, as the 4×400 meter relay team of Quincy Boudreau, Jack Hefty, Ethan Dugan, and Traysen Thomason placed first in a season’s best time of 3:30.70. Additionally, the 4×200 relay of Curtis Rossmiller, Nate Black, Boudreau, and Thomason placed second in the event with a time of 1:33.70.
The boys’ team continued their strong performances in the field events. In the throws, Connor Raupp earned two first place finishes in the Discus and Shot Put, with tosses of 154’-2” and 46’-10”. Jake Kuhlow was third in Discus with a 130’-10” and fifth in the Shot. In the vertical jumps, Jaylyn Ewing placed 4th in High Jump with a jump of 5’-10”, and CJ Tomomitsu equaled his personal best of 12’-6” in the Pole Vault, good for second place. In the horizontals, Nate Black placed 6th in the Long Jump with a leap of 19’-2”.
The Whippets will head to McFarland on Thursday for the Sectional competition, where again the Top 4 place-winners will advance, this time to the State Meet in La Crosse.
Article and Team Photo Submitted by Matt Green
Whitewater High School Head Track and Field Coach
mgreen2@wwusd.org
Action Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Whitewater Soccer traveled to Evansville for the first round of the Rock Valley Conference tournament on Monday, May 22.
Both teams played hard in an exciting game that ended 3-0 to Evansville. The goals were scored by Jaden LeRoy (32’, 39’), and Hanna Johnson (49’).
Marina Linos played in goal for Whitewater; Kennedy Dobbs played in goal for Evansville.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
What a year it has been for 2022 Whitewater High School graduate Reese Brantmeier at the University of North Carolina!
On Saturday, May 20, the North Carolina women’s tennis team won its first NCAA championship in program history, defeating N.C. State 4-1 in Orlando, Florida.
The UNC tennis player in her first year is part of the 2023 National Championship team at UNC. During the 2023 NCAA tournament, Reese won the #1 Singles position against Old Dominion, Florida, Texas, and Georgia before falling to N.C. State in a hard-fought match at #1 Singles. Reese lost that match to a player who advanced in the 2nd round of the Australian Open a year ago.
Reese and her doubles partner Reilly Tran won a pivotal doubles match against N.C. State in the team championship match that gave the team a win, leading to their first women’s tennis championship.
Reese will be playing in this year’s NCAA singles and doubles championships that will also take place in Orlando, beginning on Monday and running through Saturday.
Reese Brantmeier is the daughter of Scott and Becky Brantmeier and has two older brothers, Justin and Zach. All three attended Whitewater High School.
Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart
gstewart@wwusd.org
Obituaries
Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ died on November 21, 2024 as a result of complications of antibiotic toxicity. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents Reg and Maydean Nash. She is survived by her dear husband of almost 40 years, Ken Piper, along with her children Joe, ^^Michael^^, Selena and Larry, granddaughter Maelyn and Becca’s siblings David and Janet (Nash) Schenck. She is also survived by extraordinary friends, extended family and much loved colleagues. Being a mother was especially important to Becca. She and Ken adopted all of their 4 children. Becca’s life … Read more
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In Loving Memory of Will Daniel Ensslin Whitewater, WI – Will Daniel Ensslin, 77, passed away peacefully on 11-26-2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave and long battle with cancer. He was born on February 5, 1947 in West Allis, WI to Willy and Ellen Ensslin. Will was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, cherished brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with courage and honor as a Huey helicopter mechanic from 1966 – 1967 — a dedication to service that remained a cornerstone of his life. He married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Bilkovich, in 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after their wedding, … Read more
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Richard Allen Splitter, age 80, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away November 12, 2024. He entered this life on June 16, 1944, the son of Edward and Berniece (Craig) Splitter in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy for two terms. During his time in the service, he was able to get his master’s degree in engineering from California State University of Long Beach. During his working years, Richard was an engineer for different aerospace companies. He retired to Blue Eye, Missouri, and thoroughly enjoyed lake life. Richard appreciated the outdoors and loved hiking, fishing, … Read more
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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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