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Today is Saturday, January 11, 2025
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Halloween ’24 was a very windy, cold event, but some residents reported seeing over 200 trick-or-treaters.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Join Us for an Engaging Community Evening!
Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Willow Brook Golf Course, N9035 Hwy 89, Whitewater, WI 53190
The Whitewater Community Foundation is excited to invite the community to a special social event on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Willow Brook Golf Course. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved!
The evening will feature a presentation at 5:30 PM, including:
- Introductions to our team
- A presentation showcasing our recent projects and highlights from our annual report
- A heartfelt message from our co-presidents
Join us for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and community spirit. Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to our organization, this is a wonderful chance to engage with our mission and discover ways to participate in our initiatives.
Light refreshments will be served. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family!
For more information, please contact: info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
Our Website: https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitewatercommunityfoundation
#CommunityEvent #GetInvolved
City of Whitewater Election Central Count – Tuesday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is processing all Absentee Ballots in a Central location. The information follows:
When: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
If you are retuning your Absentee Ballot in person on Election Day, please return to the Municipal Building, not the Armory. The same polling place rules and standards will apply to Central Count as they do for any other polling place. The difference is you cannot vote at the Municipal Building; we will only be processing Absentee Ballots.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Heather Boehm, Whitewater City Clerk at 262-473-0102.
This is open to the public.
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Safety Referendum and Discussion and Possible action regarding 2025 Budget
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84304645001?pwd=YZ4aKEGZ3DAb0Kc2PZzt0e6bIlX48i.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 843 0464 5001
Passcode: 460333
On Saturday, November 2, WHS students participated in the Madison Model United Nations XV conference at Middleton High School. The Madison Area Model United Nations (MADMUN) Conference is a high school Model UN conference organized and run by students from multiple high schools throughout Wisconsin. The conference is geared towards students of all ability levels (beginner through advanced) and is a great way to kick off the Model UN conference season. Students learn the structure of parliamentary procedure, how to debate and communicate ideas, and how to problem-solve international issues.
Back Row: Stephanie Wence, Falyn Krahn, Ava Alvarado, Joseph Falcon-Kienbaum, Cyrus Hudec, Kai Peterson, Alice Aubry, Genesis Valadez, Yareli Palomec Garcia, Narek Keshishyan
Front Row: Carley Boudreau, Skylar Hibbs, Ruth Lopez, Aimee Servin, Jackie Franco, Adalynn Frye
MADMUN XV allows its participants to step outside their comfort zones, outside the echo chambers that many of our media algorithms, friend groups, peers, and families often become. By acquiring knowledge about diverse international cultures, policies, and approaches to some of the most pressing topics of our world today, delegates learn valuable lessons in communication, compromise, and empathy.
Students wrote position papers and participated in various issues at MADMUN, ranging from the impact of bioweapons to addressing the needs of Eastern European refugees.
Carley Boudreau served as a Co-Chair of the Human Rights Council at MADMUN. This leadership role was the second time a WHS student had ever participated in a MADMUN conference as a Co-Chair. Being selected as a co-chair means work developing background materials starting in May and working with students in preparation leading to this day in November, along with chairing a 40-60 student committee for the delegates.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Model UN Advisor
gstewart@wwusd.org
The 2024 State Cross Country Meet in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, November 2, was exactly what the team had envisioned months ago when this group of seniors laced up their shoes for their first summer runs. They were driven and would not waver from the vision of being the best version of themselves by wearing a Whitewater Cross Country uniform this fall. They followed through with that in spades, as the team finished ninth overall, capped off with an individual state title from Jack Hefty.
In near perfect race conditions for both the course and the weather, Jack Hefty asserted himself early on with the pack that he was a force to reckon with. Positioned nicely with the leaders at the first mile at 5:00.7, he was poised to have a great day. By the second mile, he was now in third with his sights set on when he would make a push for the title. In the third and final mile, the most difficult part of the course with several challenging hill sections, Jack took the lead with about 300m to go. Making his last turn onto the final straight to a roaring crowd that was several people deep, it was all gas and no brakes as Hefty looked as smooth as ever with a lead that grew with every stride. The Whippet jersey once again was on full display for the crowd to see as Jack became the third Whitewater athlete to win a state cross country title (Rick Bergholtz ’75, Ben Maas ’95). Jack ran 15:46.5, the ninth fastest time overall across all divisions, which earned Jack first team All-State honors. His time is also the ninth fastest in Division 2 state history, and the sixth fastest on this course at the Ridges which has hosted the state race for over 35 years. Jack simply ran a flawless race that was the most complete 5000 meter effort of his life. He won every race he entered this season except one invitational in Janesville.
Miles Nickelsburg also shined brightly on this day as he made it back-to-back state meets where he came up big and was the team’s second runner. He methodically sawed his way through the field moving from 69th up to 53rd and finished in 17:18. Miles ran 29 seconds faster than last year’s state meet performance. Xavier Zei was the team’s third runner and finished in 78th in 17:35. Xavier was able to put a more complete race together this season which afforded him an incredible 57 second improvement over 2023. One year ago, Luc Pomazak wasn’t even a scoring runner on our JV team. This year, he was the fourth man on a team that finished 9th at state with a time of 18:01 and placed 101st. A year ago, Andrew O’Toole was the team’s 7th runner and finished in 20:29. This year he was the team’s fifth man placing 128th with a time of 18:31! Nearly two full minutes were cut from his state race a year ago. Onyx Thompson placed 134th with a time of 18:55, a 35-second improvement from a year ago. Isaac Straight was the final Whippet to cross the line in 150th place with a time of 20:18.
As a team, they finished in 9th place overall, moving up five spots from one year ago. It was an incredible day with incredible results. This was not just any team, this was a team consisting of all seniors – boys that started as freshmen who simply found their way, pulling in friends, and sharing their love of the sport to create a beautiful masterpiece as seniors. They will cherish this for the rest of their lives and fondly remember what they were able to accomplish together as one team, one family.
Last time it happened:
- The last time the boys’ team finished this high at state was in 2007 when the team finished in 8th.
- The last time that a boys’ CC team had qualified for state in back-to-back seasons was in 1995 and 1996.
- The last time a Whippet boy won a state title was Ben Maas in 1995.
Full Results: https://live.pttiming.com/xc-ptt.html?mid=7561
Article and Individual Photos Courtesy of Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Representatives of the UW-Whitewater Branch of the UW Credit Union were unhand to receive a Regents Business Partnership Award from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay O. Rothman and Regent Timothy Nixon, along with UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King. (UW-Whitewater Photos/Craig Schreiner)
UW Credit Union, a longtime partner of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an enthusiastic contributor to the success of thousands of students, has earned the 2024 Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award.
“The partnership between UW Credit Union and UW-Whitewater encapsulates what the Regents Business Partnership Award is all about — these two entities are dedicated to student success and improving the lives of those in the community,” said Rothman. “From financial literacy training to participating in greater service projects, UW Credit Union and UW-Whitewater make our state a better place.”
UW-Whitewater and UW Credit Union have teamed together for more than 40 years to provide resources and information for students and to educate students about the importance of financial literacy.
“We are thrilled to accept this award from the Universities of Wisconsin,” said UW Credit Union President and CEO Paul Kundert. “We’d like to thank the Board of Regents and President Rothman for the recognition, along with Chancellor King and his team of Warhawks for being such wonderful partners. The ‘people-first’ philosophy is at the core of the credit union movement, and we’re proud to bring that experience to the UW-Whitewater campus.”
UW Credit Union has been an in-house partner to UW-Whitewater since opening a branch on campus in 1982. In addition to having the branch location inside the University Center, the credit union also provides ATMs on both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses for the convenience of Warhawk students, faculty, staff and visitors.
“UW-Whitewater welcomes students from all journeys. Financial literacy is at its heart equipping students with the knowledge, best practices and tools to successfully reach their financial goals,” said Chancellor Corey King. “UW Credit Union through our partnership provides space for our students to learn the importance of integrating financial tools toward their overall success. We deeply appreciate this collaboration. It’s a prime example of our commitment to inspire, engage and transform lives.”
UW-Whitewater and UW Credit Union have collaborated on a number of efforts during their partnership.
- In 2023, UWCU partnered with the university’s Financial Literacy Center (FLC) and the College of Business and Economics to offer more than 20 financial education sessions serving more than 600 student attendees.
- Last April, the credit union helped celebrate Financial Literacy Month by encouraging students to visit the Whitewater branch and win prizes for answering financial literacy questions. It also partnered with UW-Whitewater’s Andersen Library and the FLC on a virtual scavenger hunt during Money Smart Week.
- UW Credit Union actively supports UW-Whitewater’s student success initiatives, including the university’s annual Warhawk Welcome. The organization participates annually in 14 Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) sessions as well as the Campus Resource Fair, HawkFest, and the Fall Prep Rally, engaging more than 2,000 students.
- Bank employees volunteered at the 2023 and 2024 Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games, joining UW-Whitewater colleagues by welcoming more than 1,400 athletes and fans to campus each year. UWCU has also supported other university initiatives, including Homecoming, final exam week, the Employee Benefits Fair, and the Wellness Fair.
- UW-Whitewater athletics, a perennial NCAA Division III powerhouse, also benefits from the support of UW Credit Union. The organization, an “Official Partner of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletics,” has sponsored multiple athletics storytelling projects and community initiatives during the relationship.
- The Warhawk women’s basketball team supports Play4Kay, a national initiative aimed at raising funds for cancer awareness research named after Kay Yow, a former college women’s basketball coach who passed away from breast cancer. UW Credit Union has provided a donation match with the team for several seasons at the annual game, which is typically in February.
UW Credit Union awarded $115,000 in scholarships to students at the Universities of Wisconsin during the 2022-23 academic year and provided more than 200 financial education sessions to nearly 20,500 individuals on state campuses.
The credit union has also worked with multiple UW schools to co-brand debit cards as a fun way to engage students, faculty, staff and alums and drive school spirit throughout the state.
The Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award recognizes innovative collaborations between universities and businesses, as well as the impact these relationships have on campus, in the community and around the state.
About UW Credit Union
UW Credit Union is a growing, federally insured financial institution and a leading provider of a full range of financial services to University of Wisconsin communities. UW Credit Union’s more than 900 employees serve the financial needs of over 360,000 members through world-class technology systems and a convenient network of 35 branch locations and more than 100 ATMs. With $5 billion in assets, UW Credit Union is ranked nationally among the leading credit unions. Founded more than 90 years ago by members of the University of Wisconsin faculty and staff, UW Credit Union continues to operate as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with locations in the Madison, Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Whitewater and La Crosse areas.
Dive into stories of resilience and the determination of UW-Whitewater’s first-generation college students at the pop-up exhibition “First-Gen College CELEBRATION.” This exhibit is hosted by the UW-Whitewater First-Generation Team in commemoration of the accomplishments of first-generation Warhawks. This exhibit begins on Nov. 4 and will be on display outside Roberta’s Art Gallery until Nov. 8.
“First-Gen College CELEBRATION” presents personal stories, quotes, and experiences from current first-gen students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni. Also on display will be individual portrait photographs taken by Craig Schreiner, UW-Whitewater photographer. Included in the exhibit are Xitlaly Antonio, biology major; Isabelle Clowes, pre-nursing major; Brian Flores-Cordova, double major in marketing and finance; Glenn Hayes, director of bands; Terri Jones, King/Chávez Program coordinator; Jenny Krzyszkowski, director of First Year Experience; Corey A. King, chancellor; Joshua Reed, Career Services director; and Holly Wayne, marketing alumnus.
This exhibit recognizes the efforts made at the National First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) which officially takes place on Nov. 8 to raise awareness and visibility for first-gen students. According to FGCC, there is a 54% national rate of first-gen undergraduate students. At UW-Whitewater, 36% of students are first-gen, and at UW-Rock County campus, 54% are first-gen.
The exhibit reception will take place on Monday, Nov. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. to kick off the week of the celebration and recognition of first-generation students. Chancellor King and others will share brief remarks beginning at noon, and light refreshments will be served. For more about first-generation students at Whitewater, view the website.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. Roberta’s Art Gallery’s hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag.
Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00 a.m. In 2022 the U.S. Senate approved a bill known as the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. But the legislation stalled in the House, as there was debate about whether to make standard or daylight time permanent. The bipartisan bill continues to be promoted, but it still hasn’t been passed.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety reminders to help you prepare for an emergency.
Check household safety items
o Smoke detectors
o Carbon monoxide detectors
o Furnaces
o Wood burning stoves
o Fire extinguishers
Create or update emergency kits for home
and vehicle(s)
o Swap summer items for winter items
o Restock and check expiration dates
• Batteries
• Food
• First aid supplies
For more emergency preparedness tips, visit https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also
follow Ready Wisconsin on Facebook and Twitter.
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more
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Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger. He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021. They enjoyed traveling … Read more
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William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more
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David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more
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Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more
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Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox. She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years. Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more
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Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more
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John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater. John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates. As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more
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Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte. Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more
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Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963. She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later. She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon. She was … Read more
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