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M.E. and My Pets posted an announcement on their Facebook page in April indicating that the owners were thinking about retirement and were looking to sell their two stores, one of which is at 147 W. Whitewater St. in Whitewater, with the other being in Fort Atkinson.
In a Facebook post on August 30, the business announced the sale of the Fort Atkinson location, while also indicating that the inventory of the two stores will be consolidating in Fort. The Whitewater store will be closing on September 14. A July, 2024 post stated that the Whitewater store was celebrating its 23rd anniversary.
The August 30 post closed with the message, “We appreciate the support we have received from our Whitewater customers for over 20 years and we hope you will continue to support the Fort Atkinson location. The Fort Atkinson store will be under the new ownership beginning September 16th, and Eric will stay on board until the end of September to help with the business transfer.”
The City of Whitewater is excited to announce a new feature on our municipal website: a dedicated Community page that is designed to host the links to local organizations’ calendars. Currently included are the links are to the city Parks & Recreation Department, the school district, the university, and the Chamber of Commerce. This centralized platform is designed to keep residents and visitors alike informed about activities, celebrations, and gatherings happening throughout our city.
As part of our commitment to fostering a vibrant community atmosphere, we invite local organizations, clubs, and community groups to share their event calendars with us. By featuring your events on our Community page, you can reach a wider audience and ensure greater participation.
How to Get Your Events Featured: To have your calendar included on our Community page, please send your link to Becky Magestro, Chief of Staff, at bmagestro@whitewater-wi.gov. We are looking forward to showcasing the diverse and dynamic events that make Whitewater a special place to live and visit.
Editor’s note: This announcement has been adapted from a press release from the city.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. For the last summer image from the Scholl collection of glass plate negatives from c.1900 we offer this salute to Labor Day coming up on Monday. Here is a group of men working in a Whitewater area quarry. It may be the one off of Franklin Street, or elsewhere in the area, but it illustrates how hard some c.1900 jobs were. Many of you may remember the 1960s song, “I Fought the Law,” that starts “Breaking rocks in the hot sun. . .” Well, that is what these men appear to be doing. Fortunately, most labor is not as physically demanding today, but all labor is valuable, and we salute all workers on Labor Day!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3765GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Book Buddies.
Dr. Seuss once wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know; the more things that you learn, the more places you’ll go!”
Book Buddies, a fun after-school reading program for all children in the Whitewater community, is back for its 4th straight year! Book Buddies will again be meeting every Monday afternoon from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church (401 W. Main Street) starting September 16 and running through December 2, 2024.
Book Buddies pairs a caring adult with a child in grades Kindergarten through Grade 5. After snacks and a short program, “buddies” read books together working on skills and discussing what they read. Authors, such as Linda Teed, story-tellers like Whitewater’s own Jim Winship, and other guests including Officer Justin Stuppy and his police dog, Tilla, plan to visit our group sharing their unique insights on the importance of reading.
AND EVERYTHING IS FREE! There is no cost for a child to participate and all participants receive a FREE Tee-shirt and a FREE bookbag filled with a new book and other surprises. Snacks are also provided. Books in Spanish and Spanish-speaking helpers are also available.
Book Buddies is extremely grateful to the Whitewater Community Foundation for the Community Action Grant we recently received. Thrivent and the Women of the ELCA at First English Lutheran Church have also financially supported the Book Buddies program.
So, come and join the fun! If you know of a child who would like to participate, contact Barb Penington at bookbuds1@gmail.com or call 262-215-9061 with the child’s name, grade in school, and phone number. Deadline for registrations is Friday, Sept. 13!
The Whitewater High School Girls’ Tennis team traveled to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin for a non-conference dual against Wayland Academy on Thursday, August 29. The Whippets ended the night with a 6-1 dual win.
Article and Photo Courtesy of Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Assistant Tennis Coach
gstewart@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Whippet Boys’ Soccer Team invites all Whitewater youth to join them on Thursday, September 5th, at 7:00 PM, for the 2nd annual WHS Boys’ Soccer Youth Night.
Talen Jourdan (Left) is one of six Whitewater alumni on the U.S. men’s team in Paris; Christine Schwab with her Olympic gold medal in wheelchair basketball from Rio 2016 (Craig Schreiner/UW-Whitewater)
An article by Ben Pickman in The Athletic (a New York Times publication) on August 28 was titled “Welcome to UW-Whitewater, the bedrock of the U.S. Paralympic wheelchair basketball teams.” Excerpts of the story, which is behind a paywall, are shown below.
“The scuff and skid marks help tell the story. Of collisions, of wheelchairs tipping over, of abrupt stops, pivots, and turns. The banners on the walls around the court’s perimeter serve as a complement to those tales — of a World Championships in Amsterdam, of a Parapan-Am Games in Toronto, of the 2012 London Paralympics, of the three women’s and 14 men’s collegiate national titles.
From the outside, the Roseman Building…looks like another indistinguishable administrative hall….But “Roseman,” as its inhabitants call it, is home to some of the best wheelchair basketball players in the United States….It is one of the most understated venues used by high-level athletes.
…As the Paralympic Games get underway in Paris, the core of the U.S. wheelchair basketball program has roots in the school and the Roseman Building.
Of the 12 members on Team USA men’s wheelchair basketball squad, six are alumni of UW-Whitewater, the most of any university. The women’s team has two players, and one alternate, who competed collegiately at UW-Whitewater…Two alums will play for Germany and another is on the Netherlands roster.
That a university with Division III athletics, and a student body of around 11,000 (more than 1,300 of which have disabilities) became a leader in the wheelchair basketball space stems from serendipity.
In the early 1970s, only a few programs provided services to students with disabilities across America. Less than a half-dozen had wheelchair basketball teams.
John Truesdale was working for Wisconsin’s division of vocational rehabilitation when UW-Whitewater received grant money to support students with disabilities. Shortly after, he was brought into the university to address campus accessibility needs, eventually starting the school’s disabled student services office — which then served around 10 students — and its adaptive recreation program.
Truesdale played stand-up basketball recreationally throughout his youth but had no prior coaching experience. Nevertheless, he took over the sideline duties…. A group of non-disabled students practiced with them because they liked the competition. “I really didn’t know anything,” Truesdale said. “It wasn’t anything that I did as much as it was students and staff buying into it because they saw the need.”
The existence of the program was a starting point.
Shortly after the program’s launch, the university rewrote its mission statement and committed to developing and providing services for students with disabilities. Its intentions were clear. Buy-in followed. “Interest spread throughout the entire campus,” Truesdale says. “It was somewhat unique.” Nowadays, more than 12 percent of Whitewater students use the services offered by the center for students with disabilities on campus.
…..Talen Jourdan represents this generation. Jourdan is from nearby Deerfield. He didn’t know much about the program’s history when he enrolled. But he does now. And on top of the tales of those before him, he appreciates that the men’s team has their own locker room, space for chairs, and a weight room.
Jourdan’s hands are full of calluses and his forearms have countless scars because he uses them to help brake. The marks have been worth it. This spring, he learned he had made his first Paralympic team.
While the U.S. women are looking to win their first gold since 2016, the men are seeking a third consecutive title and to complete the first Paralympic three-peat in men’s wheelchair basketball. “It would mean a lot to everybody,” says Jourdan, who graduated from Whitewater in May…“I love playing at Whitewater because everybody knows about wheelchair basketball and the success the program’s had.”
A comment made by a reader of The Athletic:
Bruce G.
Thanks for the great article celebrating UW-Whitewater. Both of our boys swam at UWW but went to wheelchair basketball games and had their players come to their meets. I remember watching wheelchair basketball games during tournaments UWW would host and being in awe of the athletes. Our experience at UWW was all athletes from all the sports fully supported each other.
When are the U.S. wheelchair basketball teams in action?
Men’s fixtures
- Aug 29: vs Spain (10am ET) US 66 / Spain 56
- Aug 31: vs Netherlands (9 am CDT) — US 60 / Netherlands 34
- Sep 1: vs Australia (3.30am CDT) — “Digital only”
- Sep 3: quarterfinals (Begin 6:45 am CDT)
Sep 5: semifinals; Sep 7: bronze medal match and gold medal match
Women’s fixtures
- Aug 30: vs Germany (9 am CDT) US 73 / Germany 44
- Aug 31: vs Netherlands (11.15 am CDT) – Netherlands 69 / US 56
- Sep 2: vs Japan (6.45 am CDT) – Broadcast on USA
- Sep 4: quarterfinals; Sep 6: semifinals; Sep 8: bronze medal match and gold medal match
How do I watch the Games?
Live coverage of the opening ceremony will be shown on USA Network at 12pm CDT. Then on every sporting day, starting on Thursday, August 29, USA Network will provide coverage of the most exciting events, including live finals. Streaming service Peacock will also broadcast around 1,500 hours across all 22 sports throughout the 12-day event, including the hugely popular ‘Gold Zone’ whip-around show.
NBC will have three primetime windows: Friday, August 30 at 8pm CDT; Sunday, September 1 at 6pm CDT; and Friday, September 6 at 8 pm CDT, while CNBC will present live action each weekend. NBCParalympics.com will have the most up-to-date listings and information for viewers in the States.
The Paralympics YouTube channel will also provide live coverage, replays, highlights, creator content and athlete features.
A comment made by a reader of The Athletic:
Bruce G.
Thanks for the great article celebrating UW-Whitewater. Both of our boys swam at UWW but went to wheelchair basketball games and had their players come to their meets. I remember watching wheelchair basketball games during tournaments UWW would host and being in awe of the athletes. Our experience at UWW was all athletes from all the sports fully supported each other.
| Person | Team | Role | At UW-W |
| Jake Williams | USA Men | Player | Former student athlete |
| AJ Fitzpatrick | USA Men | Player | Current student athlete |
| Talen Jourdan | USA Men | Player | Former student athlete |
| John Boie | USA Men | Player | Former student athlete; Current academic advisor |
| Nate Hinze | USA Men | Player | Former student athlete |
| Jeromie Meyer | USA Men | Player | Former student athlete |
| Becca Murray | USA Women | Player | Former student athlete |
| Lindsey Zurbrugg | USA Women | Player | Former student athlete |
| Christine Schwab | USA Women | Head coach | Former women’s coach; Manager Learning Communities Program |
| Desiree Miller | USA Women | Asst coach | Former student athlete |
| Sammy White | Australia Men | Player | Former student athlete |
| Mareike Miller | Germany Women | Player | Former student athlete |
| Vanessa Erskine | Germany Women | Player | Former student athlete |
| Mariska Beijer | Netherlands Women | Player | Former student athlete |
Obituaries
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
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
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
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!
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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