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Today is Thursday, November 28, 2024
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Wisconsin Badger Bench built by Rod Berg
Two items added to the ONLINE Silent Auction! A “Heart Prairie” cedar chest and a Wisconsin Badger bench – both built by the late Rod Berg – the last custom pieces built by Mr. Berg specifically for First English Lutheran Church.
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
About Our Auction
The Women of the ELCA at First English Lutheran Church (Whitewater, Wisconsin) conduct an annual Christkindlmarket. This year, the fundraiser will take place inside the church as well as out in the parking lot on November 5th, 2022. The ONLINE Silent Auction, that takes place earlier from October 10th – 31st, is part of this fundraiser.
Monies raised assist charities in the local area as well as in the larger world.
They include:
-Bethel House
-Lutheran Social Services
-ELCA World Hunger Appeal
-Whitewater Food Pantry
-Lutheran World Relief (shipping fund)
-Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless
-Lutherdale Bible Camp
-Lutherdale camper scholarships
-Campus & Community spaghetti suppers
-Women of the ELCA
-Seminary scholarships
About WELCA’s Christkindlmarket
A Christkindlmarkt is a European street market held during advent with a history that goes back to medieval times. At these markets, farmers came to town to shop and to offer their wares.
Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas decorations and traditional handicrafts, such as hand carved nutcrackers and straw ornaments. Linens were also sold at Christkindlmarkets.
From open-air stalls, food and drink were served. The early markets were usually held in front of churches and were looked at as part of a church visit.
The name, Christkindlmarket, can even be attributed to Martin Luther. He suggested that children exchange gifts because of das Christkind, the Christ Child
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or
bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some
women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take
control of their life.
A class can help. Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder
is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control
of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides information, group activities,
and simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three,
2-hour sessions over the course of a month. Dedication to the series of three classes is
required.
This is a workshop for females, taught by a female. It has been our most popular class in the last 15 months and has helped many, many women.
The ADRC of Rock County-Aging Unit and Mercy Health Systems are partnering to offer a
Mind Over Matter workshop this fall at the Hedberg Public Library in Janesville. The
workshop series will be on three Wednesday mornings (every other week) from 10 a.m. – 12
p.m. on November 16, 30 and December 14, 2022. Space is limited, please call ASAP if
interested.
To learn more, or to pre-register for the workshop by November 3rd, contact Lisa
Messer at the ADRC of Rock County/Aging Unit at: 608-757-5309.
Congratulations to Whitewater High School Senior Anderson Waelchli on his selection into the 2022 Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School State Honors Mixed Choir! This year, more than 1,100 students auditioned for 429 positions in five ensembles.
Anderson will be performing at the Overture Center in Madison on October 27th, at 8:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School will be honoring Anderson with the new Whippet Walk tradition on Wednesday, October 26th.
Congratulations, Anderson!
Article and Photo Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org
The Whippets battled throughout the regional final WIAA volleyball match on Saturday, October 22, that what would be their last of the season, losing to #1 seeded Edgewood in 4 sets 15-25, 15-25, 25-22, 21-25.
“Seeing this season come to an end is so bittersweet. We had such a great ride, and this team is something absolutely special; we are so sad to see it end. I think I can speak for every person who was part of this team when I say, this season is one we will all cherish. We won together, we lost together, we battled together, but most of all we supported each other, and we played some great volleyball!
This was the absolute best team I have ever coached. And, in reality, it had nothing to do with our wins, and we had some great ones, rather it had everything to do with the culture we created. We loved coming together on the floor in practice or game, and we made it our mission to make each other better. And, we did just that. We are all better because of the time we shared being part of this team. I have said many times before, I have never coached a more selfless team. These seniors led the way, and our younger players saw firsthand what it means to be part of something so special, what it means to be in a Whippet uniform.
Seniors Caroline Skindingsrude, CC Alexander, Cali Kopecky, Jenna Pope, Cristal Verduzco, Caleigh Yang, and Kindyl Kilar led this team by the example they set every day. Whether they were on the court or cheering from the sidelines, they cared about each other and played this game for each other. We definitely found success, with a record of 23-9, but saying good-bye to this team is incredibly hard. They all hold a special place in my heart, and we will all forever cherish the memories made this season!
The match found the Whippets struggling in sets one and two. However, they never quit. The Whippets rallied and took set three. This carried over to set four, and we were exchanging point for point. Ultimately, the Crusaders rallied to win the fourth. Even with the loss, I could not be more proud of this team, these athletes, and this program.
It is always hard to say goodbye to our seniors. However, what we know for certain is that each of these student athletes have bright futures. Special thanks to all our fans and families, and to Mr. Crandall, our Athletic Director, for his support this season.
Statistical leaders included Calli Grosinske with 28 assists, Cali Kopecky with 3 aces, Caleigh Yang with 20 digs, Aidyn Amundson and Kindyl Kilar with a block a piece, and Kilar with a double double with 17 kills and 18 digs. Leaders for Edgewood included Gillian Koning with 15 kills, Ella Weber with 18 assists, Jocelyn Romadka with 2 aces, Weber with 13 digs, and Addie Schmotzer with 5 blocks.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
The Whippet CC teams competed in their WIAA Sectional hosted by Racine St. Catherine’s at the UW-Parkside National CC course on Saturday, October 22. The weather was quite warm, but the racing was even better as this meet displays the best of the best as a trip to state is on the line as the top two teams and the top five individuals not on those qualifying teams earn a trip to State in one week.
The girls ran first and had a strong pack throughout their race. Mady Hefty led the team for the final time this season as she came home in 24th with a time of 23:16. Not far behind were three more Whippets. Athena Soto placed 26th, Nola Coburn 27th, and Jackie Franco 29th. Their times were 23:16, 23:28, and 23:40 respectively. Senior Caelyn Caputo gave it her all to finish 40th with a time of 24:22. Packed up in the 6th and 7th runner spots were Lauren Buehler finishing 51st and Emma Weigel in 53rd with times of 25:05 and 25:10. The girls finished in fifth place overall to cap off a great season. This girls’ program battled all season long and has done a terrific job representing not only themselves but the Whippet name, on a high level. The team officially says goodbye to the outstanding leadership from seniors Elisa Albertini, Caelyn Caputo, Evie Troxel, and Emma Weigel.
The Whippet boys toed the line next and were led by Nate Holden and Jack Hefty running side by side for the first time in program history (see the attached picture which was just over 1.5 miles into the race). They tag-teamed a runner from Clinton and put him away in the back woods loop as they spurred on. Nate emerged ahead of Jack in the final mile but Nate’s work was not done. He had secured himself a spot at state in his current position but he kept pressing and catching a few more runners and claimed 4th overall and was the first runner not on one of the qualifying teams. It was a huge race for him! Nate completed the race in 17:27. Jack came home in 7th overall, and the 4th individual qualifier to match his state qualifying position from last season. Jack finished in 18:00. Senior CJ Tomomitsu rebounded nicely after last week’s illness to finish his career off well by placing 29th in 19:36. Miles Nickelsburg placed 26th in 20:02. Sophomores Onyx Thompson and Andrew O’Toole packed together throughout to claim 66th and 67th with times of 21:44 and 21:45. Fellow Sophomore Xavier Zei placed 76th with a time of 22:13. This group placed fifth overall, one point away from fourth. They, too, had a really strong season and many reasons to keep their chin up and be proud of the accomplishments they achieved together. We officially say goodbye to the seniors as their race has come to an end. A special think you to Keith Cameron, Ben McCulloch, and CJ Tomomitsu for their leadership and guidance over the last four years!
Next up will be the WIAA State Cross Country meet for Nate Holden and Jack Hefty. The boys’ division 2 race is slated to begin at 2:35 at the Ridge Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, October 29th. All state meet information can be found at this link. You can also email Coach Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org, should you have any questions.
Go, Whippets!
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
Photos Courtesy of Erica Holden and Jeff Hefty
The Whippets had a sensational day in the pool on Saturday, October 22, in Platteville against 6 other teams! Taking a 4th place finish as a team, the Whippets brought home 18 medals and many best times!
Top 8 (medal winners):
200 Medley Relay (1st – 2:03.42): Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley
200 Freestyle (4th – 2:16.63): Brooke Bazeley
100 IM (8th – 1:11.84): Emerson Dunham
200 IM (2nd – 2:20.91): Makayla Bazeley
50 Freestyle (2nd – 26.59): Grace Foucault
100 Butterfly (2nd – 1:02.32): Makayla Bazeley
500 Freestyle (4th – 6:00.45): Brooke Bazeley
500 Freestyle (8th – 6:49.39): Charlotte Hajewski
100 Backstroke (1st – 1:02.02): Grace Foucault
100 Breaststroke (5th – 1:24.26): Emerson Dunham
100 Breaststroke (7th – 1:25.37): Josie Treder
400 Freestyle Relay (4th – 4:02.98): Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Grace Foucault
Other top 16 finishes included:
- Charlotte Hajewski (100 IM – 14th)
- Josie Treder (50 Freestyle – 15th)
- Karime Velazquez (100 Butterfly – 12th)
- Ashly Xochipa (100 Freestyle – 12th, 100 Backstroke – 12th)
- Atreya Wilson (100 Breaststroke – 15th)
Up next the Whippets head to the Conference Championship Meets. Tuesday, October 25 is JV Conference at Elkhorn, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 29th is Varsity Conference at Jefferson, starting at 11a.m. Hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the City of Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater would like to remind everyone that winter parking hours go into effect on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
It is unlawful for the operator or owner of any vehicle to park the vehicle on any street in the City between the
hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any day from November 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023, except as hereinafter
provided:
• Physicians and surgeons shall be permitted to park vehicles at any time when the physician is on
emergency call.
• Parking shall be permitted in the downtown parking area after 5 a.m. of such period.
• By special advance arrangement with the Public Works Director.
Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the penalties and provisions set
forth in Sections 11.56.010(4) and 11.56.010(5) of the Municipal Code. [According to the code, the minimum fine is $20, besides the possibility of towing and storage charges.]
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-0139
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The excitement and joy of solving challenging problems was evident as members of the elementary and high school robotics teams shared their experiences with members of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) on Thursday, October 20, in the high school library. DKG promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education, and this chapter is made up of mainly retired educators from the Whitewater School District. DKG has been a supporter of Ferradermis, the high school FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team for years, writing grants for the team to purchase a 3D printer and other materials. This year, members of DKG would like to focus their grant writing on our elementary and middle school FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams.
Presentations began with student representatives from the FLL teams at Washington, Lincoln, and Lakeview Elementary Schools, who shared information about both their robot tasks and their innovation projects. At one point, students carried their LEGO creations around the room to allow DKG members to see them up close. The FLL portion of the presentation concluded with a demonstration of one of their Spike Prime robots completing a mission to turn a wind turbine. FLL has been a part of WUSD for five years in various forms, with the first team being formed at Lincoln Elementary in the fall of 2018 under the guidance of then Ferradermis member Bennett Miles. Since that time, FLL has become part of the Advanced Learner Program in the district for 4th and 5th graders. The Washington teams are led by Val Troxel and Chris Nate, the Lincoln teams are led by Lisa Kaminski, and the Lakeview team operates under the guidance of Sara Brautigam. The team at the middle school this year is operating under the direction of Kerry Ramsden. Ferradermis member Peter Portwine is currently helping mentor the middle school team. The Whitewater teams are all waiting to hear if they will receive an invitation to compete at the Mukwonago Regional on November 19, but they are also planning an in-district competition between the teams.
Ferradermis members Peter Portwine, Maddi LaHaie, and Andrew Zimmermann then provided a brief update on the activities that Ferradermis has been engaged in over the course of the last year, before doing a demonstration of their swerve drive robot, and providing a tour of the new robotics workspace at the high school. Ferradermis is getting ready for one more off-season competition with last season’s game in Tremont, Illinois from November 4-5. They are currently merging the capabilities of the two robots that they built last year to capitalize on the best parts of both robots. The new FRC game for the 2023 season will not be unveiled until January.
If you have any questions about the robotics programs in the district, or if you would like to volunteer as a mentor or help sponsor the teams, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org. The teams are thankful for all of the support they have received from the community.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Obituaries
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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Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Oct 31, 2024. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on November 14, 1967 to Ponciano and Blanca Rodriguez. He graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at Gateway, earning a degree in marketing. He had a love for helping people and worked in healthcare for over 30 years as a CNA. He enjoyed shooting darts with his lifelong friends: Robert Bramley, Brian Quass, and Todd Piper. To know Manny, you knew he had a love for his Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders. He loved to play … Read more
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