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Twelve CC Athletes Run Personal Bests in Opening Meet

September 7, 2024

It was a terrific day for the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Teams as they competed at the West Allis Bulldog Invitational on Friday afternoon. There were six boys and six girls who all ran a lifetime best in the first meet of the season! 

Leading the boy’s field and never looking back was Jack Hefty, who blitzed the course to a new personal record time of 15:56 to secure the win. Xavier Zei ran a very strong race and also ran a lifetime best to place 16th in 17:26. Luc Pomazak has transformed himself into a killer runner and was the team’s third runner, cutting over six minutes off his personal best from last year in 18:01 and placing 32nd. Miles Nicklesburg wasn’t far behind and placed 34th in 18:08. Rounding out the top five scorers for the team was Andrew O’Toole placing 66th with a new lifetime best of 18:55. Onyx Thompson placed 86th in 19:38, and Isaac Straight ran a new lifetime best to place 100th in 20:06. The team had a very strong showing and placed 4th out of 18th teams, one point from Oak Creek which was 3rd. 

In the JV race, Quinton O’Toole ran a new lifetime best of 20:16 and placed 33rd. He led the team to a 9th place finish out of 15 complete teams.

On the girls’ side, pack running was as strong as ever. There was only a 52 second spread between the team’s first runner and fifth runner. Athena Soto finished as the top runner on this day after running much of her race with Mady Hefty and Virginia Nelson. Athena placed 37th in 22:01. Virginia placed 42nd in 22:20 for a new lifetime PR, and Mady was not far behind in 22:23, good enough for 45th. Carley Boudreau and Nola Coburn have been finding each other early as they work together picking people off throughout the race. Carley finished in 22:50 for 55th, and Nola ran 22:53 for 56th. Sami Van Daele crushed her race and ran a lifetime best 24:06, finishing in 71st. Ema Aranda was the team’s 7th runner in 24:45 and placed 83rd. Lucy Troxel also ran a lifetime best today by stopping the clock in 25:14, with an overall placing of 89th. The varsity team placed 10th out of 13 complete teams. 

In the JV race, Delaney Hammack ran a new lifetime best of 25:41 to place 43rd. Tying her previous personal best was Mya Graves-Koran in 27:05. Also running a lifetime best was Vivian Harris in 31:32. The JV squad placed 10th out of 13 complete teams.

Next up for the Whippets will be the Marshall Invitational on Tuesday, September 17th.

 Full results: https://wi.milesplit.com/meets/627901-wac-bulldog-invite-2024 

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

Seniors in the Park Presents Thelma

September 6, 2024

“Thelma”

Tuesday, September 10, 1 p.m.

(Comedy/Action) Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 38 minutes (2024)

When 93 year old Thelma Post (played by 94 year old June Squibb) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. Revenge has never been sweeter. Drama, comedy, adventure and romance commences! Also stars Richard Roundtree, in his last performance. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Flags to Half-staff to Honor a Korean War Corporal and a Former State Representative

September 6, 2024

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #238 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in honor of U.S. Army Corporal Robert P. Raess, who lost his life in the Korean War and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial.

“Corporal Robert Raess made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the values and freedoms we hold dear, and his bravery, service, and selflessness will not be forgotten,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m glad that after over 70 years, Corporal Raess will return home to Dodgeville and be laid to rest surrounded by his loved ones.”

A native of Dodgeville, Corporal Raess was a member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War. On Sept. 1, 1950, Corporal Raess was reported missing in action near Changnyeong, South Korea, and was officially declared deceased on Dec. 31, 1953. In 1951, the Army recovered remains from 12 smaller military cemeteries in the area where Corporal Raess was last seen and temporarily interred them at the United Nations Military Cemetery in Tanggok, South Korea, and in 1956, they were buried as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. Corporal Raess’ remains were positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on March 26, 2024.

Corporal Raess will be buried on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in Dodgeville.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #239 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. Stephen J. Freese, who passed away on Wed., Aug. 28, 2024, at the age of 64.

“Representative Freese’s unwavering dedication to public service, his deep devotion to his family and friends, and his commitment to uplifting Wisconsin’s rural communities, will be missed by many,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues in mourning his passing.”

Former Rep. Freese grew up in Hazel Green and was a graduate of Southwestern High and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Former Rep. Freese first entered public service in 1980, serving on the Jamestown Town Board from 1980 to 1994, and also served on the Grant County Board of Supervisors from 1982 to 1992. In 1990, former Rep. Freese was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, where he served for 16 years representing the 51st Assembly District. During his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Rep. Freese served as speaker pro tempore of the Assembly for 12 years.

Services for former Rep. Freese will be held on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in Sinsinawa.

No. 7 UW-W Volleyball Sweeps No. 20 Berry

September 6, 2024
Jaedynn Evans digs a ball during a home match this season (Michael Gouvion)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Box Score || St. Paul, Minn. – The No. 7 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s volleyball team swept No. 20 Berry College 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-16) in the team’s first match of the KTIS Classic hosted by the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. 

The Warhawk offense came out on fire hitting .486 with 19 kills in the first set to set the tone. UWW registered double figure kills in all three sets while the defense held Berry (BC) to single digits the first two sets. UW-Whitewater held a hefty advantage from the service line with six aces compared to just one for BC. 

Outside hitter Alayna Jansky led all players with 21 kills. She added three aces, a pair of assist blocks and nine digs on the evening. Right side Ally Warburton was the most efficient attacker for UWW. The senior registered a hitting percentage of .643 – hammering down nine kills without committing an error. 

Setter Aubrie Krzus set up the Warhawk attackers on 33 kills and posted 13 digs in the match. Defensively, libero Jaedynn Evans led all players with 17 digs. 

UW-Whitewater will wrap up play in the KTIS Classic with a pair of matches Saturday. The Warhawks will take on No. 22 Cornell at noon followed by a matchup against the host, No. 12 UNW, at 2 p.m. 

DHS Identifies Salmonella Infections Linked to Eggs Sold in Wisconsin

September 6, 2024
Example of one of the brands that’s being recalled

Forty-two people in Wisconsin have become sick, product now recalled, and consumers advised to check for products in their homes

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), along with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), local health departments, and federal partners, are working to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to eggs from a Wisconsin farm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 65 people in nine states have become infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella. This includes 42 people who live in Wisconsin.

The eggs were distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan through retail stores and food service distributors, and have now been recalled. The recall includes all egg types such as conventional cage-free, organic, and non-GMO, carton sizes, and expiration dates in containers labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market.” [Woodman’s and Hy-Vee sell Milo’s eggs. There may be other stores carrying them in the area.]

Anyone who purchased the recalled eggs is advised to not eat them or cook with them and to throw them away or return them to the store. Restaurants should not sell or serve recalled eggs. Check your home for this product. If you ate any of the recalled eggs and are experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection, contact a health care provider right away. Let them know you may have been in contact with Salmonella. Signs and symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting that lasts for several days.

Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is caused by Salmonella bacteria that are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by direct or indirect contact with poop from infected people or animals. Salmonella is a common cause of diarrheal illness, though in rare cases it can cause bloodstream infections which can lead to death. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may have more serious symptoms. Though most people will recover from salmonellosis on their own, some people may require extra fluids to prevent dehydration.

This investigation is ongoing. You can find updates and additional information on this investigation by visiting the DHS outbreaks webpage. For free, confidential support finding a doctor or other health care provider near you, dial 211 or 877-947-2211, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Find resources online at 211Wisconsin.org.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.

Four Whippets Earn Medals at Conference Relays

September 6, 2024

The Whippet Swimmers came in and made a splash at Conference Relays on Thursday, September 5th! Bringing home the medals for our team were Makayla Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Charlotte Hajewski, and Maggie Maas. These girls combined for four 3rd place finishes – 4×100 IM Relay, 1000 Freestyle Crescendo Relay, 500 Freestyle Crescendo Relay, and the 4×100 Backstroke Relay. In the 4×100 IM relay the girls worked hard to get redemption for this relay last year. The 1000 Freestyle was another great race; each of them absolutely rocked their distances! The 500 Crescendo tested their grit and determination, and they had to work from behind. Emerson Dunham had a great split in the unusual 150-yard distance with a 1:45 split! All four girls had nice splits on the 500 Crescendo Relay. In the 4×100 Backstroke relays the girls battled until the very end, Makayla Bazeley led off the relay with a great time of 1:00.69!

Makayla Bazeley, Charlotte Hajewski, Maggie Maas, and Emerson Dunham

In addition to our medal winning relays, the entire team impressed with many times close to their end of season times last year. In our first relay of the night, Kendra Serrano, Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Laken DePorter raced hard to finish in 10th place. The 200 Freestyle Relay of Georgia Esch, Maya Davis, Caitlin Alford, and Grace Coleman were up next; they all continue to get faster in their freestyle from our first meet a few weeks ago. Georgia Esch had a great lead off split of 35.39. In the splash and dash event of the night, we had two relay teams battling it out. Our “A” Relay of Atreya Wilson, Kendra Serrano, Grace Coleman, and Lucy Davis swam fast winning the first heat by 5 seconds and beat 3 teams in the 2nd heat to finish in 6th place. Our “B” Relay of Marijose Verduzco, Caitlin Alford, Laken DePorter, and Maya Davis crushed their seed time by over 9 seconds! Rounding out our relays was the 400 Freestyle Relay of Kendra Serrano, Atreya Wilson, Georgia Esch, and Lucy Davis finishing in 9th place overall. All four posted great split times including Lucy Davis anchoring with a 1:11.74.

2024 Whitewater High School Girls’ Swim Team

The Whippets finished 6th overall as a team! It was a great meet for the girls, and we can’t wait to see what they do the rest of the season! They will be back in the pool on Tuesday, September 10th at 5:30 pm against Edgerton/Evansville at Edgerton High School.

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu

Soccer Defeats Martin Luther 3-0

September 6, 2024

First United Methodist Church: Welcome to Kickoff Sunday

September 5, 2024

Sunday, September 8 promises to be an exciting and fulfilling time here at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater! This day is our special “Kickoff” Sunday. We will be celebrating the beginning of our church programming for the fall.

This Sunday begins with an uplifting worship service at 10:00 AM, led by our dynamic new pastor, Clarissa Martinelli. This service will feature Promise Point volunteer recognition, music provided by our chancel choir, and a rousing message from Pastor Clarissa. Anyone is encouraged to bring their backpack, briefcase, or laptop case…. whether for school or work. We will be blessing those items at this service.

The 10:00 service will be followed by a cookout, games and activities for children and others! We’ll enjoy brats (including veggie) and hot dogs with other side dishes. You may bring a dessert or side dish, or just come and enjoy. There will be plenty for everyone. Children’s and adult activities will include a bouncy house, cornhole games, chalk art, coloring, face painting, limbo, and other fun stuff!!

Please join us as we mark the beginning of our church year. We are going to have a joyful time that brings us together in Christ!

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by First United Methodist Church.

Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026.  Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976.  Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family.  Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more

Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74

Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more