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According to The Gazette, “The estimate of structural damage the EF-2 tornado that struck the south side of the city on June 22 caused has surpassed $20 million, a city official said.
Nick Faust, assistant to the city manager, said that estimate was as of Thursday with about 300 structures damaged. Both figures might change as the city continues to assess damages.
Janesville was the site of one of eight tornadoes across southern Wisconsin on June 22. There were estimated wind speeds of 115 mph in the Janesville tornado. It was on the ground for 11 minutes from 7:42-7:53 p.m……”
The National Weather Service summary on the tornado in Janesville:
“The tornado began just west of Murray Rd, north of Bass Creek where portions of several trees were snapped. The tornado quickly grew, moved to the east-northeast and produced damage rated EF-1 neighborhoods near Loch Lomond park. EF-2 damage was noted at a residence on the east side of county highway D where well over one hundred trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado continued to the northeast, crossing the Rock River, Highway 11 and Highway 51 producing damage rated EF-1. The second area of EF-2 damage was noted a neighborhood just northwest of Burbank Park, where a house lost its roof and a portion of its second story. The roof was found to the north-northwest over a block away. The tornado continued northeast crossing Beloit Ave. and ending in the fields to the west of South Read Rd. Damage along the majority of the path was rated EF-1. Tree damage was substantial with well over 1000 trees that were snapped, uprooted or had large sections damaged. Roof damage on several structures included shingle loss, occasional loss of roof decking material, peeled or dislodged siding and other facia and soffit peeling and removal. A few structure sustained damage to walls when their garage doors were breached. Numerous power poles were leaning, with several snapped.”
Path length was reported at 6.21; maximum width, 700 yards.
Twelve members of Ferradermis were able to represent Whitewater High School at the Laser Lights Offseason Robotics Competition at Kettle Moraine Middle School on Saturday, June 29.
Since the team returned from the World Championships in Houston in April, they have been discussing changes and improvements to their robot that would allow them to accomplish one of the scoring feats in the game that few robots could do. They wanted to “trap.” This means that the robot could climb on a chain and reach high enough to push in a trap door and pass through one of the notes (the orange circular game pieces). The robot the team competed with in Houston could do all of that, except its reach was just a few inches short of the trap door. In order to add those few inches of reach, the students worked to increase the height of their elevator and replace the climbing arms with something that could give them just a little more height. That mission was accomplished when the team successfully trapped in the final 10 minutes of work time before they packed and loaded for Laser Lights!
However, with no time to practice, the impact that these changes had on the other previously successful portions of the robot’s scoring mechanisms went unnoticed until the robot was on the field in Kettle Moraine. This led to some tough morning matches with little time to troubleshoot until the lunch break.
The Ferradermis Drive Team took the field with veteran driver Andrew O’Toole serving as Drive Coach and incoming sophomore Preston Miller stepping into the Driver role. They were accompanied onto the field by Operator Kay Mikos, Human Player Erison Dreksler, and Technician Nina Heim. Due to the quick match turnaround with only 14 robots competing, Ferradermis rarely made it back to their pit between matches. Incoming freshman Vivian Harris took on the role of runner, making sure the team had what they needed from the pit, including a fresh battery for each match. Margaret Brown continued her role of videographer, capturing match video to help the drive team analyze their performance, and Programming Subteam Lead Ace Hudec made adjustments to the code when time permitted between matches. Rae Breisath and Carson Miller cheered on the team from the stands and provided feedback on matches.
Some successful afternoon matches left Ferradermis with a 4-5 record in qualifications, ranking 7th overall. CAD Subteam Lead Zoe Olson represented the team during alliance selections when they were invited to be part of the #3 seeded playoff alliance, joining forces with Team 1259 Paradigm Shift from Pewaukee and Team 3596 Rocket Robotics from South Milwaukee.
The alliance went 0-2 in the double elimination playoffs, coming up just short in both matches 63-54 and 50-44.
This event also marked the launch of Ferradermis’ newest sustainability initiative, Project Preserve. Robotics teams, including Ferradermis, are doing more and more 3D printing of parts, leading to a great deal of filament waste from prototyping, failed prints, and printing supports. Ferradermis has connected with a company that will recycle the clean, sorted PLA, PLA+, and PETG plastic waste and provide recycled spools of filament in return. The team had advertised this project in advance to those attending the event, and Team 930 from Mukwonago dropped off the first contribution, bringing over 10 kilograms of scrap filament! Business Subteam Lead Andrew Zimmermann made the rounds to all of the pits, discussing the program and encouraging teams to participate. At the same time, he was working on behalf of Team 8744 Leviathans from Eau Claire who was not in attendance, trying to recruit additional teams for their new offseason event in August.
Ferradermis continues to have a busy summer ahead, with the 4th of July Parade this week and continued work on a new robot so that the team can put two bots on the field in Mukwonago on July 20 and 21 during the MROC Offseason Competition, giving even more team members a chance to get on the field.
New members and new mentors continue to be welcome over the summer and fall. Those interested should reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Update 7/2/24 @ 3 p.m. – Photos of Multicultural Heritage Showcase performance added.
ee is $15 per person, per hour with several options to pay.
- Pay by check, cash or credit card under our self pay plan.
- Submit to your funding source. We are vendors for many and will invoice monthly once we have required authorizations for services.
- This is an on going enrollment so sign up and join at any time.
NOTE: class size is currently limited to 10 dancers.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Studio 84.
Studio 84 recently participated in the Whitewater High School’s Multicultural Heritage Showcase event featuring lots of talent and food. Watch a video of their performance “Dare to be Different” at www.studio84inc.org
Studio 84’s Dance Theatre programming is taking flight! It is open to all ages and abilities and skill levels. You do not have to have a disability to join just as with all their programming. Margaret Wheeler, dance teacher, does a wonderful job accommodating all skill levels and choreographs a finished product that makes all feel welcomed. You can sign up at any time. They meet on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. at Studio 84 located at 121 W Center St., Whitewater WI.
Details and registration online at https://www.studio84inc.org/dance-program
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County.
The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County is thrilled to announce its inaugural BINGO event at the upcoming Jefferson County Fair. This exciting addition to the fair promises fun for all ages while supporting a great cause.
Scheduled to take place July 10th -13th with mini-games starting at 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm each day (3 pm on Saturday) and concluding with a special evening session with a 50/50 game and progressive pot at 6 pm each evening. Card Sales will start 30 minutes before each game. BINGO event will be located at “the big tent across from the Grandstand” within the fairgrounds. Participants can look forward to a lively atmosphere filled with anticipation and great prizes, all while contributing to the United Way’s mission of serving our local communities.
“We are excited to bring this new entertainment option to the Jefferson County Fair,” said Elizabeth Ellis-Bols, Executive Director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and fairgoers to have fun together while supporting important initiatives in our community.”
The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County invites everyone to join us for BINGO at the Jefferson County Fair. Come enjoy the thrill of the game, win fantastic cash & prizes, and help make a difference in our community.
For more information about the event or to learn more about how the United Way is impacting lives in Jefferson and North Walworth County, visit us on Facebook.
About United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County
The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. We harness resources to create lasting change and empower local individuals and families to thrive.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 59th Hall of Fame Class.
Former student-athletes Amy Gahl-Sweeney ’09, Suzanne Gersich Huss ’09, Tiffany Morton ’09, Beth Proeber ’06, Jace Rindahl ’10, Jeff Schebler ’10, Cassie Uttech Schroeder ’05, Ricky Spicer, Bob Stone and Bob Wickman will be inducted. Longtime UW-Whitewater Head Men’s Basketball Coach Pat Miller will be inducted under the category of staff/coach, and Warhawk supporter Ray Jacobsen will be inducted for his distinguished service to the institution.
All 12 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-River Falls on Saturday, November 2, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., will be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet, which begins following the contest at 4:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room.
More information on the Hall of Fame Banquet, including registration, will be posted in August.
Inductee information is provided below.
For a complete schedule of the festival’s music and other events, click here.
Festival Closing Live Musical Performance – Saturday, July 6, 8:00 p.m. to after fireworks
“PH!L” – The Music of Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins & Genesis!
PERFORMING 3 GENERATIONS OF HITS!
Songs like, ABACAB, Turn It On Again & Misunderstanding! To Sledgehammer, Solsbury Hill, Follow You Follow Me, In The Air Tonight! To deep cuts like, Red Rain, Shock The Monkey, Games Without Frontiers & In Your Eyes, and many, many more from these three Grammy award-winning artists! – Double Drums, and all… With A BIG BAND SOUND!!! And a show people talk about for months after…!
Featuring WAMI award winner and Grammy member himself, Scott E. Berendt.
Scott has been a singer/songwriter & drummer for the last 2 decades, of the legendary Wisconsin rock band, Bad Boy & his all-star adult/contemporary/world beat band, The Us Project!
THE SHOW PERFORMERS INCLUDE:
Brian Wirt on drums
Mitch Cooper on keys
Brian Memmel on Guitars
Scott Esser on Bass
(*PROMO VIDIO’S*)
SHORT LIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF “PH!L” @ https://youtu.be/BNaOIKVbTUc?si=dQzxf4KpNxDAVNax
LONG LIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF “PH!L” @ https://youtu.be/mdsswhANkl4?si=_zi8HJNBNKTwFiFp
The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) announces a record-breaking start to its Summer School Program, with nearly 800 students participating.
This is the highest number of participants in the program’s history, highlighting the strong support and student interest in summer learning. WUSD’s Summer School Program offers a wide selection of academic and recreational classes, catering to diverse interests and needs. Courses include “Getting Ready for Kindergarten,” “Ice Cream Making,” and “Elementary Engineering,” as well as physical education classes and high school credit recovery opportunities.
“The students’ energy and enthusiasm have been incredible,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “We want to sincerely thank our community for their support in making the start of summer school a resounding success. Additionally, a shout-out to our amazing summer school staff and principals; we could not do this without you!”
In addition to the various class offerings, WUSD has integrated a reading initiative into the summer curriculum. This initiative aims to support students’ reading goals and outcomes, ensuring continued literacy development throughout the summer break.
WUSD is proud to be at the forefront of Act 20 compliance, particularly in its summer programming. The district is committed to providing top-notch educational opportunities for students by staying ahead of future requirements.
The “Ongoing Literacy Learning” initiative, designed for students below grade-level standards, ensures targeted elementary and secondary-level literacy courses. This initiative is crucial to WUSD’s commitment to fostering academic success for all students.
To learn more about the WUSD Summer School Program, please visit www.wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
The Purple Angel program has grown from one small town in the UK to a global effort to help communities become more dementia-friendly. In January 2012, Norman McNamara, a resident of Torbay, Devon, UK who had been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 50, was out shopping and had an unhappy experience with an impatient shopkeeper. He realized this person lacked information and decided to change the way people see dementia and treat their neighbors who have been stricken with the disease.
Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives around the world such as Whitewater’s, have adopted the Purple Angel as one of their primary means of educating the public. Training is available to organizations such as stores, restaurants, offices, libraries, churches and services of all kinds. Employees and management receive a free 30-minute training session and then receive a Purple Angel logo to display at their entrance. In Whitewater, thirteen locations have earned the Purple Angel logo including churches, banks, offices, the public library and the Police Dept.
What does Purple Angel training cover? You will get an overview of changes in the brain which cause certain behaviors, recognizable as signs of dementia. You will get tips for how and why to communicate with patience, kindness and a friendly manner. You will learn how to make your space more dementia-friendly and where to find resources in your community and on-line to learn more.
Every new Purple Angel logo means a few more people have changed their thinking and have helped people with dementia find it easier to navigate their world and remain engaged in community life.
For more information: https://purpleangel-global.com/
https://dementiafriendsusa.org/become-a-dementia-friend
*****
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New members are always welcome! Contact jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.
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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