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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

Track and Field Makes Strong Showing at Fort Invite

April 30, 2022

Last week, the Whitewater Track & Field team competed in both Junior Varsity and Varsity Competitions. On Thursday, several athletes competed at the Jefferson JV Invite. Personal records were set by Payton Bunger in the Shot Put and Ethan Barels in the Discus. The Whippets’ JV squad returns to competition next Thursday at Lake Geneva Badger. 

Grace Villarreal and Connor Raupp

On Friday, Whitewater competed in the Fort Atkinson Invitational against five other teams. Several strong performances were had across the board by both squads. The boys were led by first-place finishes from Jack Hefty (3200m run) and CJ Tomomitsu (Pole Vault). Connor Raupp continued his strong 2022 campaign in both throwing events, taking 2nd place in both the shot put and discus. Other medalists included the 2nd place 3200m Relay team of Jack Hefty, Nate Holden, Cooper Hammond, and Ethan Dugan, and Traysen Thomason placed 3rd in the 200m dash. 

The girls took home one gold medal from Izzy Dieter in the Discus, who won the competition with a PR throw by over 6 feet. The girls’ Pole Vault trio of Evie Troxel, Izzy Dieter, and Grace Villarreal took 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, respectively, while posting several PR’s. Other medalists included Grace Villarreal who placed 2nd in the 400m dash, and Calli Grosinske with a 3rd place finish in the Long Jump. The Whippets return to competition next Friday at Edgerton for the Tider Invitational.

Article Submitted by Matt Green
Whitewater High School Head Track and Field Coach
mgreen@wwusd.org
File Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Whippet Booster Club Auction – Saturday

April 29, 2022

The Whippet Booster Club will be hosting their semi-annual Sports Auction on Saturday, April 30 at 841 Brewhouse. 

The doors open at 5:00 p.m., and tickets are $20. Your ticket includes entry into the event, food, beverages, and an opportunity to win door prizes. The auction grand prize for the evening is a $1000 drawing but there are MANY more ways to win on the night! 

This auction site at https://sportswwusd.sportngin.com/auction will show some of the big ticket items that will be at this year’s auction along with some of our raffle items.

If you have any questions about the event or wish to donate, please contact Booster Club President Tom Grosinske or Athletic Director Justin Crandall.  

Make sure to save the date and come out to support our Whippet Athletics! Go, Whippets!  

Article Submitted by Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org

Whippets Get Walk-Off Win Over Brodhead-Juda

April 27, 2022

The Whippets won in walk-off style on April 26! Carter Friend was the hero of the game with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 7th inning to propel the Whippet Baseball Team to a 2-1 victory over visiting Brodhead-Juda.

Marcus DePorter

The Whippets put together a complete seven inning game, collecting six hits and only allowing three hits.

Marcus DePorter threw a complete game, only throwing 84 pitches.

The Whippets will be back in action again this Thursday as they travel to Brodhead.

Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Big Inning Leads Softball Team to Victory

April 26, 2022

The Whippet Softball Team defeated Delavan-Darien this past Monday, April 25, 15-2 in five innings.

Lexi Juoni

Delavan took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but Whitewater scored one in the bottom of the first and three runs in the second for a 4-2 lead. The Whippets broke things open with a 10 run third inning as they cruised to the win.

Cheyenne Bohmann pitched the first three innings for the win, while Ashlynne Bohmann pitched the last two innings to seal the victory.

Shyan Lesperance, Falyn Krahn, Lexi Juoni, Cali Kopecky, Gaby Kubicz, and Nataly Benes scored two runs each. Kopecky and Cheyenne Bohmann also drove in two runs apiece.

The Whippets will be at home this Thursday, April 28th, as they play host to McFarland. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Whippet Softball Field Named in Honor of Tim Hering

April 25, 2022

On Saturday, April 23rd, the Whippet Softball Team hosted Brodhead in a doubleheader. In between games, the Varsity Softball Field was named in honor of the late softball coach Tim Hering.

Attending the ceremony were two of Coach Hering’s daughters, Kelly and Laura, along with their families. Also celebrating this special occasion were many former players, coaches, and friends.

Special thanks go to the Coulthart family for agreeing to share in the naming of the facility along with Larry Kachel and Don Vruwink who took the initiative to get this naming process moving forward.  Thanks go to Athletic Director Justin Crandall and Athletic Assistant Shannon Cushman for all of their hard work in making this day a success.

Guest speakers along with Kelly and Laura were Justin Crandall, Don Vruwink, Diane Schwab, Larry Kachel, and Laurie Kyle Mack.

Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Greg Stewart

Program to Reduce Falls in Older Adults Starts May 3

April 22, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC.)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults has a fall each year, and Wisconsin leads the nation in fall-related deaths for people ages 60 and older. The good news is that falls are preventable. The Stepping On program, offered by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), is a small group, community-based program that has been proven to reduce falls by 31 percent. Stepping On will be held in the Walworth County room on Tuesdays (9 to 11 a.m.) from May 3 to June 14, 2022, at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10. 

In seven weekly, two-hour sessions, Stepping On gives participants strategies for avoiding falls, including balance and strength exercises, home safety check suggestions, medication review, and more. Guest experts, including a physical therapist and pharmacist, visit throughout the seven sessions to provide information and strategies for avoiding a fall. The workshop is designed specifically for people who are age 60 or older, have fallen, and/or have a fear of falling.  Participants can expect to leave with improved strength, better balance, and a feeling of confidence and independence.

For questions, or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.

About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.

Whippet Soccer Opens Conference Play with Victory

April 22, 2022

Whitewater Girls’ Soccer opened conference play against Jefferson on Thursday, April 21. Both teams played hard, with Whitewater winning 1-0.

Belle Peterson

The Whippets’ goal was scored by Belle Peterson (56’).

Marina Linos had five saves in goal for Whitewater. Becca Wolfe and Rachel Simonson played in goal for Jefferson.

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

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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