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On Saturday, February 4, the Whippet Wrestling Team traveled to Clinton to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament. It was a very good day for the team as everyone wrestled very well with some having their best matches of the season to this point of the year. When the day ended, the Whippets found themselves in 2nd place in the Conference tournament behind Evansville.
Leading the way for the Whippets was Aaron Porras who claimed his first RVC Championship. He wrestled very well all day recording two pins and a convincing win against a very strong opponent in the championship match. With the championship Saturday, Aaron checked off the first of his goals for the post season.
Finding their way into the finals were Victor Hernandez, Connor Friend, and Payton Lyon. Each of these wrestlers had very nice wins on their way to the championship match. Friend and Lyon both had a steep hill to climb in the finals as they had defending state champions and unfortunately were unable to knock them off, even though they gave it their all. Hernandez had two very nice matches leading up to the championship before a strong opponent from Big Foot.
Coming in 3rd place for the Whippets included Jasen Porras and CJ Tomomitsu. Each of these wrestlers lost tough semi-final matches but came back strong in the wrestlebacks to bring home the bronze.
Taking 4th place and just missing a medal was Nate Black. Finishing the day strong and winning their last match of the day to take 5th included Jason Villegas, Trayson Thomason, Odair Porras, Jesus Barajas, Avi Kalra, and Ethan Barels. It is tough to battle back and wrestle for placement.
The Whippets are next in action on Saturday, February 11, when they travel to Jefferson to participate in the WIAA Regional Tournament.
Article and Group Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photo of Aaron Porras Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippets Boys’ Swim Team had a sensational day in the pool competing in the Southern Lakes Conference Championships on Saturday, February 4th. The Whippets finished 6th overall as a team, took home 4 medals, and posted 17 of 21 best times!
Placing in the Top 16 includes (Top 6 medal):
200 Medley Relay A (Tyler Arnett, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Andrew O’Toole) with a 9th place finish and a time of 2:01.44.
200 Medley Relay B (Onyx Thompson, Xavier Zei, Myles Morse, David Enns) with a 15th place finish and a time of 2:21.07. Dropped 7 seconds off seeded time.
Miles Nickelsburg had an 8th place finish in the 200 Freestyle going a best time of 2:18.69.
Tyler Arnett finished 3rd in the 200 Freestyle with a best time of 2:00.18. He moved up on the Whippet All Time Top 10 List to 7th overall.
Jack Hefty won his heat in the 200 IM with a best time of 2:23.35. His time was fast enough to beat two swimmers in the following heat to earn himself a 5th place finish.
Cruz Aranda won his heat in the 50 Freestyle with a new best time of 25.69. He placed 10th overall!
Cruz Aranda finished 10th in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 1:09.42.
Tyler Arnett finished 2nd in the 500 Freestyle with a best time of 5:29.50
Andrew O’Toole dropped 27 seconds in the 500 Freestyle going a time of 6:24.42. Placing 11th overall.
Myles Morse dropped over 6 seconds in the 500 Freestyle going a time of 6:25.19. Placing 12th overall.
Onyx Thompson placed 15th overall in the 100 Backstroke dropping over 3 seconds going a best time of 1:25.50
Miles Nickelsburg dropped over 3 seconds in the 100 Backstroke placing 10th overall going a 1:13.04
Jack Hefty swam a fun 100 Breaststroke race where he and an opponent from Jefferson/Cambridge touched at the same time. The two of them ended up tying for a 6th place finish. Jack went a new best time of 1:15.16.
400 Freestyle Relay A (Cruz Aranda, Andrew O’Toole, Jack Hefty, Tyler Arnett) placed 5th overall with a time of 3:54.63. They bested their seeded time by nearly 5 seconds. Jack Hefty posted an impressive 55.82 split and Andrew O’Toole also had an impressive split going a 1:01.68.
400 Freestyle Relay B (Myles Morse, Onyx Thompson, Xavier Zei, Miles Nickelsburg) placed 10th overall with a 4:41.92. They all swam well and beat their seeded time by 11 seconds.
With an impressive meet like this, we are excited to watch the Whippets compete in the WIAA Sectional next Saturday, February 11th at Sauk Prairie at 1 p.m. Go Dogs!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Residents of Fairhaven Senior Services and appropriate family members were notified this past week that the organization is closing its second floor skilled nursing unit, and consequently will no longer hold a license as a skilled nursing facility, sometimes known as a nursing home. Paul Kuenning, President/CEO of Fairhaven, shared his letter with the Banner, indicating that the decision that was made by the board of directors was not made lightly. Input was received from market analysis and industry consultants. “Over the past year the Board has continually reviewed the ongoing challenges with workforce shortages, inadequate reimbursement, and higher costs of operations and compliance, and has concluded that Fairhaven can no longer sustain skilled nursing services. This decision, though hard, will help ensure Fairhaven’s long-term viability and its ability to continue its mission to provide for God’s older children,” Kuenning stated.
Fairhaven’s decision is part of an increasing trend in the nation and Wisconsin in particular. Beginning even prior to the pandemic, driven by reimbursement, regulatory and staffing challenges, together with changing consumer preferences, the census in skilled nursing facilities has been declining while assisted living capacity and residency has steadily increased. According to a 2017 article in the Wisconsin State Journal, the state had nearly 4,200 assisted living facilities with room for 59,000 residents, compared to about 400 nursing homes with roughly 33,000 beds. By contrast, according to the article, until 2008, beds in nursing homes outnumbered those in assisted living. COVID-19 exacerbated the challenges for senior residences in general, with a high number of virus-related resident deaths occurring in many facilities, and increasing difficulties with recruiting and retaining staff.
According to Kuenning’s letter, “Since 2016, over 50 nursing homes in Wisconsin have made the difficult decision to close due to the ongoing pressures of workforce shortages and government reimbursement. Furthermore, according to data from LeadingAge Wisconsin, since March of 2020, over 2,666 nursing home beds have been delicensed.”
Kuenning continued, “Under current regulations Fairhaven will continue to care for many of our current skilled nursing patients, under a stepped-up assisted living plan and licensure as a Community Based Residential Facility. In addition, our Director of Nursing has estimated that we will be able to provide 80-85% of the care which was provided in skilled nursing to Fairhaven residents on assisted living floors and in apartments. To better accommodate this change, we plan to renovate 3rd and 4th floors to assisted living apartments and transition the skilled nursing floor into additional assisted living apartments with options for higher care levels.” He told the Banner that physical, occupational, and speech therapy services will continue to be provided.
“Fairhaven is working closely with the State Relocation Team to ensure a careful transition of skilled nursing residents to appropriate settings. Assessments of our current skilled nursing residents will be done by our nursing staff and support agencies to determine each individual’s needs in order to assure proper placement for future care. Throughout this process we will assure that all care needs are met, residents’ rights are protected, and resident centered care is maintained,” Kuenning stated.
Kuenning concluded, “At Fairhaven we will continue our mission and serve our residents in the apartments, assisted living, Hearthstone Memory Care, and duplex homes at Prairie Village. Fairhaven has served our community for sixty years, and we look forward to continuing our mission to provide quality services and care for our residents and our community.”
Join Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team Ferradermis and FIRST Lego League students and mentors representing the teams from Washington, Lincoln, Lakeview, and Whitewater Middle School on Saturday, February 11 for an Open House at Whitewater High School. Stop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to visit with students and see this year’s projects and robots. Visitors should enter the school through Door #38 at the high school, which is between the back of the auditorium and the overhead auto shop doors. Parking is available in the lot next to the JV baseball field, but anyone with accessibility needs may drive right up to the door.
The Open House will take place during a regular Saturday workday for the high school team. Ferradermis members will take visitors on a guided tour of their workspace and the school shop, and visitors will have a chance to speak with representatives of the mechanical, electrical, programming, competition logistics, CAD, and administrative subteams as well as see the 2022 and currently under construction 2023 robot. Representatives of the FLL teams will be demonstrating their robots and sharing their innovation projects which relate to this year’s energy-themed game.
In addition, Ferradermis will have various themed gift baskets available for visitors to bid on as a fundraiser for the team. The team will also have Kwik Trip gift cards for sale as part of an ongoing fundraiser. Gift cards can be purchased at face value, and the team will be able to keep a portion of the money collected.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The Whippets fell 37-40 in a close game by a last second shot to the Jefferson Eagles in a girls’ basketball conference match up at home Thursday night, February 2.
Working a good inside out game offensively and communicating on defense were key going into this game. We got into foul trouble early in the first half, but we continued to play aggressively on defense, making adjustments to protect the hoop. We started to connect on our outside shots and hit key free throws to give us the edge going into the second half up 18-15.
To start the second half we struggled offensively, stuck at 18 as Jefferson went on an 8-point scoring run. Working our inside out game, hitting our free throws, and putting on our press helped us chip away and tie up the game 27-27 with 5 minutes left in the game. The rest of the game was back and forth right up to the end. Danielle DePorter fought for an offensive rebound, got fouled, and hit both free throws to tie it up 37-37 with seconds left in the game.
Jefferson’s Lenz connected on a last second shot scoring 3 of her 4 points to win the game.
Mayte Navejas led the Whippets with 12 points and 3 steals. Danielle DePorter followed with 7 points and 3 rebounds. Cali Kopecky added 5 points and 8 rebounds. Kindyl Kilar also scored 5 points.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
THE JEFFERSON COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAILS WILL CLOSE
@ 6:00am SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023
DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL CONDITIONS ALLOW.
PLEASE DO NOT RIDE THE TRAILS UNTIL AN OFFICIAL TRAIL OPENING NOTICE IS POSTED.
RIDING CLOSED TRAILS IS TRESPASSING.
PLEASE RESPECT LANDOWNERS’ PROPERTY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE
24 HOUR SNOWMOBILE HOTLINE AT: 920-699-7669
Congratulations to the Whippet Wrestling Team on closing out the regular season Wednesday night, February 1, with a very exciting win against Janesville Craig. It was very much a back and forth dual meet with it culminating with Avi Kalra clinching the team win with a big pin at 195 to lead the wrestlers to a 46-33 victory.
The win closes out the regular season for the Varsity Whippet Wrestlers with a dual meet record of 9-1 on the season.
For full results visit https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/seasons/LoadBalance.jsp?pageName=DualMatches.jsp&dualId=6734923132
The JV team travels to Badger for a dual, and the Varsity heads to the Rock Valley Conference Tournament at Clinton on Saturday.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Join the WHS Players for Agatha Christie’s, “A Murder is Announced,” February 23 – 25 at 7:00 p.m. or February 26 at 2:00 p.m. in the WHS Auditorium.
Tickets are $7 per student and $10 per adult. Reserve your general admission tickets by calling the box office at 262-472-8178.
Article Submitted by Jim McCulloch
WUSD Theater Director
jmcculloch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser
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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