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Today is Friday, November 29, 2024

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WHS National Honor Society Lakeland School Waffles with Santa Fundraiser

December 26, 2022

Editor’s note: The following report was submitted by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz, National Honor Society advisor.

Whitewater High School National Honor Society members made over 1100 waffles for a wonderful fundraising event for Lakeland School called, “Waffles with Santa” on Saturday, December 10!  Please enjoy the YouTube photo story here of pictures taken during the event, or click on the arrow on the image below! Thank you to the following members for participating: Aidyn Amundson, Danielle DePorter, Brandon Haas, Kindyl Kilar, Cali Kopecky, Alexandra Martin, Aileen Perez, and Ashlyn Prah.

Seniors in the Park Presents Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

December 24, 2022

“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”

Tuesday, December 27, 1 p.m.

(Action/Adventure/Comedy)

Rated R (violence, language)

2 hours, 19 minutes (2022)

Look forward to the future and the new year, as we enter the Multiverse, a theoretical reality that includes a possibly infinite number of parallel universes. In this adventure, an aging Chinese immigrant (Michelle Yeoh) is swept up in an insane adventure, in which she alone can save our world, by exploring other universes connecting with the other lives she could have led. Also stars Jamie Lee Curtis. This film has garnered a lot of 2023 Oscar buzz. As the 2023 Golden Globe and Academy Awards approach, Seniors in the Park will be screening the nominated films. 

Whitewater’s Jewel Has Been Dark Too Long – Jay Craggs Takes the Helm at Young Auditorium

December 23, 2022
Vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles perform in the 2019 Holiday Gala in Young Auditorium on Dec. 7, 2019. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Since its opening in 1993, the Young Auditorium on the UW-Whitewater campus has been known locally and in surrounding communities as a “jewel” — an unusually large premier performing arts venue for a community of Whitewater’s size. The facility has 1300 seats and a 400 square foot stage, and is fully accessible. It hosted dozens of dance, music, theatre, comedy, and university events every year. The auditorium is fortunate to be in close proximity to Milwaukee and Madison, as oftentimes touring groups that are on the schedule at venues there have added a stop in Whitewater, usually with a more affordable ticket price. Guests also appreciate the convenient, free parking.

As a performing artist (electric guitar/vocals), Jay Craggs has numerous awards and albums to his credit.
 

Since the start of the pandemic the Young has been largely dark, with a notable exception of the Holiday Gala on December 3, and until recently it had lost nearly all of its staff. That is in the process of changing, particularly with the appointment, effective December 5, of Jay Craggs as director. Jay’s twenty-five year tenure at UW-W has included serving as assistant director for facilities, University Center; technical director of Young Auditorium; and as a music and communication instructor. Craggs holds an M.A. in arts, entertainment and management from Columbia College and a B.M. in music education from UW-W. He’s had experience on both sides of the entertainment industry, as both a performing artist (electric guitar/vocals) and in booking events. In announcing Jay’s appointment, Eileen Hayes, dean of the College of Arts and Communication, said, “We look forward to benefiting from his depth of experience in the arts and entertainment industry as well as his business acumen as he joins the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Young Auditorium.”

The Young staff also includes longtime staff member Michael Morrissey, now serving as Event Manager; Brian Breezer, Marketing Specialist; Harley Faustrum, Stagehand; Heather Haywood, Office Manager; and Josh Werner, technical director.

Craggs told the Banner that he is excited for this new opportunity, and is already actively seeking bookings, hopefully even on late notice for the spring semester. Watch for further information in the near future.

First United Methodist Church Welcomes All to Christmas Eve Services

December 23, 2022

On Christmas Eve, Saturday, the First United Methodist Church choir will be singing at the 7 p.m. service. Communion will be celebrated at the 11 p.m. service. An elevator provides easy access to the sanctuary, which is on the second floor. If you are unable to join us live, please consider watching the livestream on our YouTube channel. The service will also be archived there.

Although there are normally two worship services on Sunday, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., on Christmas Day there will be only one service at 9 a.m.

Click on this link for a message from our Pastor, Dan Fahs. https://www.facebook.com/fumcwhitewater/videos/3301068420141630

A warm welcome to all!

Little Dribblers & Shooting Stars Complete Another Great Year

December 23, 2022

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Christmas Greetings

December 23, 2022

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

“Christmas Greetings” to everyone from the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is from the society’s collection of holiday “penny” post cards, popular during the first two decades of the 20th century.

On the back of this card sent to Miss Ida Edwards, the sender wishes Ida a Merry Christmas and “lots of presents.” The card is postmarked December 21, 1910.

Join us next week for greetings for the New Year!

(post card in the manuscript collections of the Whitewater Historical Society)

Boys’ Swim Hosts Badger Co-op

December 21, 2022

The Whitewater Boys’ Swim Team competed against a tough and very fast Badger Co-op on Tuesday, December 20th.

Tyler Arnett

The Whippets logged many best times on the night; those include:

  • In the 200 Medley Relay, we had a few notable splits: Miles Nickelsburg – 28.81 (50 FR), Xavier Zei – 45.22 (50 BR), David Enns – 30.70 (50 FR)
  • 200 Freestyle Crew all had best times: Jack Hefty – 2:13.73, Sam Nickelsburg – 2:51.77 (4 second drop), Onyx Thompson – 3:01.33 (20 second drop)
  • All 50 Freestyles went best times: Cruz Aranda – 26.28, Myles Morse – 30.44, David Enns – 33.30
  • Sam Nickelsburg tried out the 100 Fly for the 1st time and had a great time of 1:22.43
  • Myles Morse and David Enns continued to swim fast on the night both dropping significant time in the 100 Freestyle.
  • Tyler Arnett continues to have a strong performance in the 500 Freestyle, winning the event and going a season best time of 5:30.46.
  • Miles Nickelsburg tried out the 500 for the 1st time in his career, swimming a great time of 6:42.77
  • Tyler Arnett and Miles Nickelsburg, after a short break from the 500 Freestyle, were back in the water swimming a 100 Backstroke where both swam great times.
  • Xavier Zei continues to drop more time in the 100 Breaststroke going a 1:47.20
  • Miles Nickelsburg (1:05.60) and Cruz Aranda (1:00.49) both had great splits in the 100 Freestyle.

The boys are back in action on Tuesday, January 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in Elkhorn.

Article and Team Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Brodhead Tops Girls’ Basketball

December 21, 2022

Whitewater’s girls’ basketball team traveled to Brodhead for a conference game Tuesday night, December 20.

The Whippets got a spark on offense early in the game when Kindyl Kilar hit a jump shot within the first two seconds, forced a turnover in transition, and then Danielle DePorter hit a 3-point shot. That gave us confidence and momentum. We battled on defense throughout the game keeping the score within 9 with 9 minutes left in the second half. 

Mayte Navejas

Foul trouble changed that momentum, and Brodhead went on a 19-point scoring run to win 66-32.

Mayte Navejas led the team with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Kindyl Kilar followed with 8 points and DePorter added 5.

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

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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