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Pair Named Academic All-State for Cross Country

January 9, 2023

The WCCCA (Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association) recently held its annual clinic, and awards were picked up for the Fall 2022 season. This piece of paper certifies that Jack Hefty and Nate Holden have been awarded the individual Academic All-State Award for the 2022 season!

Nate Holden and Jack Hefty

The criteria set is that an athlete must participate in the WIAA State Cross Country Meet and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. This is Nate’s first award and Jack’s second.

Congratulations, guys!

Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

LaHaie Selected to Represent WHS at Summer Leadership Conference

January 9, 2023

Maddison LaHaie has been chosen by the faculty at Whitewater High School to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha June 9 – 11, 2023. Maddison will participate in team-building activities, hear motivational speakers, and participate in small group discussions designed to develop additional leadership skills in sophomores across the state of Wisconsin. Congratulations, Maddison!

Maddi LaHaie

Article and Photo Submitted by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz
Whitewater High School Counselor
psonmorwintz@wwusd.org

This Week’s City & School Bd Meetings (Update: Added WUSD Policy Review Comm.)

January 8, 2023

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review CommissionMonday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing For Consideration Of A Conditional Use Permit For A Proposed Event Venue
And Sale Of Alcohol By The Drink Located At 183-187 W Main Street, Parcel ID#/OT 00070
For Stonegate Management LLC (Gregory Aprahamian).
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/115675677
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 115-675-677

City of Whitewater Public Works CommitteeTuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action Regarding The Final Starin Park Water Tower
Structural Analysis Report, and Discussion And Possible Action Regarding UTV/ATV Use On All City Streets In The
City Of Whitewater.
Cravath Conference Room
Municipal Building – 2 Floor
312 W Whitewater St

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda: A. 343.46, Early College Credit Program – Institution of Higher Education (IHE)
B. 177, Cancellation of School Board Meetings – NEW
C. Staff Use of High School Shop
D. Review of 800s Policies: 810, School-Community Relations; 811, District Accountability; 820, Public Information
Program; 821.2, News Releases; 822, News Media Relations; 822.1, News Media Relations; 823, Access to Public
Records; 823 Ex, Notice to the Public Regarding Access to Records; 823.1, Records Retention

Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Special Session Meeting Agenda – Wed. @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session interview of detective candidate.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or
smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/977640685
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 977-640-685

Five Wrestlers Advance to JV Finals in Wausau; Girls Place Second in Tourney

January 8, 2023

It was a very busy day of wrestling at the high school on Saturday, January 7, as the Whippets hosted a 28 team JV tournament with 277 competitors in 16 and 32-person brackets. The top three in each weight class earned a trip to the JV Finals in Wausau in two weeks. Whitewater qualified 5 boys.

  • 1st Place: JJ Gonzalez and Jesus Barajas
  • 2nd Place: Richi Kalra
  • 3rd Place: Curtis Rossmiller and Nate Black
  • Just missing out and being designated as alternates are Keenan Sheffield and Christian Minett.

Full results from the JV Challenge Series event are available at this link.

Our girls traveled to their first Women’s tournament today at Kenosha Bradford to participate in a 12-team tournament. They came in 2nd place as a team!

  • 2nd Place: Lauren Buehler and Ashley Xochipa
  • 3rd Place: Khloe Meyer and Odeling Gonzales 
  • 4th Place: Athena Soto

Awesome job to both our men’s and women’s programs!

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

Varsity Gymnasts Put Up Best Team Event Scores of Season, JV Wins Meet

January 8, 2023

The gymnastics team had their first home meet this season on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. JV competed for the first time and WON!

Emily O’Donnell and Stephanie Walters both competed for the 1st time on Vault. Stephanie Walters and Alexa Wildenberg tied for 3rd with a season best score of 6.7.

We had 3 compete on JV Bars, which hasn’t happened for a while. We are super excited to have JV girls competing in this rotation. Stephanie Walters took 4th, Grace Coleman took 3rd, and Payton Brautigam took 1st with a 4.2.

On Beam rotation, Stephanie Walters took 4th. We had two girls compete on Beam for the 1st time, Grace Coleman who took 3rd and Alexa Wildenberg who took 2nd with her no fall Beam routine.

We had a full roster on Floor with 4 out of 5 girls doing their routines for the first time. It was a 1st time performance for Grace Coleman, Payton Brautigam, Emily O’Donnell, and Stephanie Walters.  Stephanie took 3rd place and Brooke Bazeley took 1st.

Stephanie Walters competed in All-around for the 1st time and scored 17.50, taking 1st place for JV.

On the Varsity side, we had several season bests and lifetime best scores. We love seeing these girls push themselves in practices and continue to improve!

On Vault, Brenda Aguilar scored a season best score of 7.15 while Nola Coburn also scored a season best score of 7.4. Mady Hefty stepped up to the plate and competed in Vault for the 1st time and posted a score of 7.7 to tie with Makayla Bazeley. Halee Peters took 1st place with a score of 8.20. The girls scored their highest team Vault score with 31.0

Mady Hefty took on Bars for the 1st time as well. Halee Peters took 3rd place on Bars. The team again had their highest team Bars score with a 23.9.

Beam proved to be difficult against a very strong Elkhorn performance. However, Makayla and Brooke Bazeley both had season best performances. Both Bazeley girls had no fall Beam routines. The team even had a season best Beam team score!

The girls had a very strong showing on the Floor rotation. Alexa Wildenberg had a season best score of 6.0. Nola Coburn had a season best score of 6.85 – very close to her lifetime best. Mady Hefty also scored a 6.85 in her Floor debut. Makayla Bazeley had a lifetime best of 7.9, while Halee Peters took 1st place with her lifetime best of 8.6. The team score of 30.2 was a season high score and makes it 4 out of 4 season best scores for the varsity team.

In All-around, Makayla Bazeley received a lifetime best of 29.95, while Halee Peters took 2nd with a 31.40.

Come watch the girls in action at their next conference meet at Jefferson High School on Tuesday, January 10. Go crush it, Whippets!

Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Waelchli’s Independent Study in Vocal Performance to Culminate in Recital

January 8, 2023

On Tuesday evening January 10, something new is happening at Whitewater High School! 

Anderson Waelchli

Anderson Waelchli, a senior WHS Choir student, will present a Voice Recital in the High School Auditorium at 7:00 pm. The recital is free and open to the public. There will be art songs and musical theatre songs, as well as some contemporary pieces.

This recital is presented as a result of Anderson’s work in an Independent Study in Vocal Performance this semester. We hope you can join us. It will be a night to remember! 

Article Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org

Girls Take Evansville to Overtime

January 6, 2023

The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team played a conference game at home on Thursday night, January 5, against Evansville. It was an exciting, defensive battle throughout, ending in overtime. 

Calli Grosinske

Both teams battled in the first half, keeping the score low. We went into halftime down by 1, 10-11.  Scoring increased for both teams in the second half, sending the game into overtime tied at 35. The Whippets fell short when Evansville connected on their free throws at end, losing 41-47. 

We adjusted well to the changes Evansville made defensively, switching between a man and zone. We played with grit even when our shots wouldn’t fall. Being more patient when we have a lead late in the game is something we need to be more disciplined about. 

Calli Grosinske led the Whippets with 13 points, followed by Danielle DePorter with 11, and Mayte Navejas with 8. 

Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

WHS Players Nominated for 14 Jerry Awards

January 5, 2023

The WHS Players have received 14 Jerry Award nominations for their production of Beauty and the Beast! Winners will be announced in May after all participating schools have held their performances. School and student achievements are honored and featured in an awards show held at Overture Center in June, and two outstanding performers are selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theater Awards (The Jimmys) competition in New York City. WHS alumni Lauren Harkness was the 2019 winner who went on to represent the program in NYC. 

The Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s High School Musical Awards Programs, encourages, recognizes, and honors excellence in high school musical theater. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback. The program elevates the importance of musical theater within high schools.

OVERALL PRODUCTION AWARD NOMINATIONS

  • Outstanding Orchestra

PERFORMER AWARD NOMINATIONS:

  • Skyler Staebler – Lead – Belle
  • Josh Kirley – Lead – Beast
  • Brooke Mason – Lead – Mrs. Potts
  • Ava Van Daele – Lead – Lefou
  • Anderson Waelchli – Lead – Lumiere
  • Ben McCulloch – Supporting – Maurice
  • Mel Prince – Supporting – Chip

PRODUCTION TEAM NOMINATIONS

  • Outstanding Direction: Jim McCulloch
  • Outstanding Musical Direction: Liz Elliott
  • Outstanding Choreography: Taytum Adkins
  • Outstanding Scenic Design: Jim McCulloch
  • Outstanding Lighting Design: Jim McCulloch
  • Outstanding Costume Design: Karen McCulloch, Bobbi Wedl, Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Alexandra Cansino-Pena, Claire Tourdot, Maddison LaHaie, Remington Van Daele

Congratulations to all of our nominees! 

Beauty and the Beast Cast and Crew

WHS Players will be producing Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced” from February 23-26 at the WHS auditorium. Tickets go on sale soon.

Article Submitted by Jim McCulloch
WUSD Theater Director
jmcculloch@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Tom Ganser

Obituaries

Obituary: Becca (Nash) Piper, 65, of AZ

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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Obituary: Will Daniel Ensslin, 77

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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Obituary: Richard Allen Splitter, 80, of MO

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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Obituary: Edward W. Hamilton, 83, of Davenport, IA

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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Obituary: Verne Paul Schrank, 94

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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Obituary: Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss, 94

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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Obituary: Raymond Miles, 96

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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Obituary: Connie Jean Sukowski

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, 88

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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Obituary: James Robert Trier (Jimbo), 89

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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