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Whippet Softball Team Defeats Edgerton

April 20, 2022

The Whippets rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Crimson Tide 8-5 on Thursday, April 19. Whitewater scored four runs in the 5th inning and four more in the bottom of the 6th to pull out the win.

Cheyenne Bohmann

Jenna Pope pitched the first 4 1/3 innings, while Cheyenne Bohmann finished the game to pick up the win.

Shyan Lesperance, Lexi Juoni, and Falyn Krahn had two hits each. Lesperance hit a homerun and drove in three runs. Juoni and Krahn each scored two runs, while Juoni also drove in two runs. Makaylyn Benes scored two runs and got the 5th inning rally started with a sacrifice bunt in which she also got on base.

Whitewater travels to Evansville on Thursday for a 5:00 game and then hosts Brodhead on Saturday for a doubleheader. In between games on Saturday will be the Tim Hering Field Dedication. The first game on Saturday starts at 10:00 a.m.

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

Baseball Falls to Evansville

April 20, 2022

The Whippet Baseball Team competed against Evansville and unfortunately came out on the losing end by a score of 6-3. The Whippets took the lead 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning and held the lead until the 4th inning. The Whippets cut the deficit to two runs in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Marcos Sagrero

Leading the offense was Wyatt Nickels who had two hits on the night.

Marcos Sagrero handled the starting pitching duties and went 3 ⅓ innings. Wyatt Nickels and Marc Jones each pitched in relief.

The Whippets will be in action again on Thursday, April 21st, when they travel to Evansville for a 4:45 p.m. start time.

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

Soccer Scores 12-0 Victory

April 20, 2022

The Whitewater Whippet Girls’ Soccer Team hosted Milwaukee High School of the Arts on Tuesday, April 19.

Sophia Garcia

The Whippets won by a score of 12-0, with goals from Sophia Garcia (1’, 6’), Mayte Navejas (4’, 40’), Teona Krivykh (9’), Andrea Alcala (13’), Adriana Dixon (14’), Belle Peterson (16’), Isabella Aranda (18’), Michelle Abarca (22’), Vivi Hauck (29’), and Caelyn Caputo (30’).

Marina Linos played in goal for the Whippets.

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

Baseball Splits Doubleheader

April 18, 2022

On Friday, April 15th, the Whippet Baseball Team hosted Big Foot for a doubleheader.

Blake Zajdel

The first game saw the Whippets fall 3-0. Marcus DePorter pitched six strong innings. The Whippets could only manage to record two hits against a very tough lefty for Big Foot.

The second game saw the Whippets get their first win on the year with a 7-5 victory. Wyatt Nickels pitched a phenomenal game with Marc Jones coming in and closing the game out on the mound. Offensively, the Whippets broke out with 10 hits while only striking out five times.

The Whippets will be in action again on Tuesday, April 19th, when they host the Evansville Blue Devils. Come on out for a 4:45 p.m. start time, and cheer on your Whippets.

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

Softball Loses Close Game to East Troy

April 16, 2022

The Whippet softball team lost to East Troy 11-10, on April 14, in a game played in the cold, windy weather. Both teams fought through the elements and put on a good show for everyone in attendance.

Gaby Kubicz

Whitewater scored five runs in the top of the first inning to take an early lead. East Troy scored three runs in the bottom of the first and four more in the third inning to take a 7-6 lead. Going into the seventh inning down 10-7, the Whippets rallied for three runs to tie the score. In the bottom of the seventh, the first batter for East Troy got hit by a pitch. That runner then went to second on a wild pitch and then got to third on a groundout. With one out, Jenna Pope snagged a hard groundball at first, touched the base and threw home. On a close play at home, East Troy’s runner slid under the tag for the winning run.

Falyn Krahn led the Whippets with 3 hits and 3 runs. Makaylyn Benes added 2 hits, including a double and a run batted in.

Jenna Pope pitched the first four innings for Whitewater, while Gaby Kubicz came in to finish the game.

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

State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski Highlights Over $80,000 for WUSD Libraries at Lakeview

April 13, 2022
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the state treasurer.
State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski visited Lakeview Elementary School on April 12 to present the Whitewater Unified School District’s (WUSD) record-breaking annual distribution of over $80,000 from the Common School Fund. Treasurer Godlewski was joined by Senator Janis Ringhand, Representative Don Vruwink, State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, and WUSD and community leaders for the event.

This visit comes after State Treasurer Godlewski, who serves as Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) and oversees the $1.3 billion Common School Fund, announced that the BCPL’s effective management of the fund has resulted in another record-high distribution of $40.6 million for public schools in every corner of the state. Whitewater Unified School District will receive $81,186 to focus on funding books and technology.

“Our kids are our future, and I am proud that the diversified investment strategy of the BCPL has provided this record-breaking distribution to make sure they have what they need to thrive in our public schools. Despite the economic challenges of the past few years, the BCPL has been able to invest wisely to provide these critical resources for our K-12 public school libraries. Whether it’s addressing the digital divide or building literacy skills, it’s great to see how these funds are making a difference,” said Godlewski.

The Common School Fund is a crucial source of revenue for school libraries, and this distribution provides the sole source of funding for over 90% of public school libraries. Earnings from the BCPL’s investment portfolio are distributed annually to every public school district in Wisconsin to enhance students’ educational experience and to help them gain access to books and technology, which are key to their success. 

“Ensuring our students have access to the books and technology they need is essential to helping them reach their full academic potential,” said Assistant State Superintendent for the Division for Libraries and Technology and State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt. “The Department of Public Instruction is grateful for the BCPL’s wise stewardship of the Common School Fund, which provides these essential dollars to public school libraries across Wisconsin.”

On her Facebook page, Godlewski added, “I also want to give a special shout out to Lakeview’s Library Leaders, who dressed as their favorite book characters and were excellent hosts!”

“Whitewater Unified School District is excited for the opportunities that this $81,186 in literacy-focused funding from the Common School Fund and State Treasurer Godlewski will bring. This funding will support and cultivate students’ love of reading, and support increasing the use of technology in our District’s libraries. New digital platforms along with multimodal learning are daily occurrences in our libraries engaging our wide variety of learners. Our community is ever-changing and it is our role as educators to meet those changes head-on and provide for our families. The Common School Funds provided by the State of Wisconsin help us provide these new and improved opportunities for all of our students,” said Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty.


The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), chaired by State Treasurer Godlewski, oversees $1.3 billion in state trust funds. This includes the Common School Fund, which makes annual distributions that fund books and technology for every school district in the state. As part of her role as board chair, the State Treasurer has prioritized Wisconsin investments and has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into the investment strategy. One of her first actions as board chair was to roll back a climate change gag rule which prevented staff from discussing climate change and how it impacted investments.
In today’s low-interest-rate environment and with the uncertainty of the financial market, this level of distribution would not be possible if the Trust Fund remained invested solely in loans and bonds, as required under statute from 1848 through 2015. The updated investment strategy has led to the diversification of the Common School Fund that added millions to future distributions and will continue to pay dividends to Wisconsin schoolchildren for generations to come. In the last biennium, the BCPL has made $570 million in new portfolio investments, which includes $165 million for financing essential economic development, infrastructure, and other community projects and purchases in Wisconsin.
 

Soccer Downs Janesville Parker 7-2

April 13, 2022

Whitewater traveled to Janesville Parker to play a non-conference match on Tuesday, April 12.

Vivi Hauck

The Whippets won over the Vikings by a score of 7-2.

Whitewater goals came from Natalia Sortino (2’), Teona Krivykh (32’), Vivi Hauck (40’), Mayte Navejas (42’, 55’), Adriana Dixon (57’ – PK), and Caelyn Caputo (71’). Parker’s goals were scored by Emma Dyer and Jaylynn Basic.

Whippet goalkeeper Marina Linos had three saves for Whitewater. Jeanne Pitteloud played in goal for Janesville. 

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

Whippet Softball Defeats Evansville

April 10, 2022

The Whippets played host to Evansville in a conference game this past Saturday, April 9, and came out on top 15-9 for their first win of the season.

Jenna Pope

The game went back and forth as Whitewater took a 3-run lead in the first inning, only to see Evansville tie it up in the second inning. Evansville went up 5-3 in the top of the third, but the Whippets plated two runs to tie it at 5-5. Whitewater scored 3 runs in the 4th inning to go up 8-5, but Evansville scored 3 runs in the fifth to tie it at 8-8. Evansville took a 9-8 lead in the 6th, but Whitewater blew the game open by scoring seven runs in the bottom of the 6th to complete the scoring.

Jenna Pope, Falyn Krahn, and Lexi Juoni led the way with three hits each. Shyan Lesperance and Cali Kopecky contributed two hits each. Krahn drove in four runs while Gaby Kubicz drove in three runs.

Jenna Pope pitched 4 1/3 strong innings, while Gaby Kubicz went the final 2 2/3 innings to get the win.

The Whippets play a conference game at home against Big Foot on Tuesday, April 12th. Game time is 5:00.

Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
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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