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Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to present “The Beauty of Nature,” a shared exhibition featuring the expressive watercolors of Painter Woody Olsen and the nature inspired ceramics of Tile Artist Jennifer Alexander. The exhibition will run from June 1st to June 30th, 2024, with an Artists’ Talk on Thursday, June 6th from 5pm to 7pm at the Cultural Arts Center 402 West Main Street, Whitewater.
Painter Woody Olsen, a former member of the prestigious Arts Club of Chicago, invites viewers to experience images of playfulness and happiness through his artwork. With over 40 years of residency in Chicago, including living in Mies Van Der Rohe’s iconic modernist Esplanade apartments on Lake Shore Drive, Olsen brings a wealth of artistic experience and insight to his pieces. Having studied at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), Olsen’s paintings reflect a deep appreciation for nature and a desire to provide respite from the negative forces of the world. “I want the viewer to experience images of playfulness and happiness, allowing for a moment to forget their surroundings and the negative forces that abound in our world today,” says Woody Olsen of his artistic vision.
In contrast, Ceramic Tile Artist Jennifer Alexander draws inspiration from stained glass artwork. With a background in glazing and a keen eye for design, Alexander’s creations evoke the organic beauty of nature. Founding Alexander Ceramics in Waukesha, WI, in 2020, Alexander looks forward to sharing her unique design creativity with a growing audience. “I’m drawn to the depth of color and richness found in stained glass artwork and enjoy the organic, sweeping lines that flow through art nouveau,” shares Jennifer Alexander about her inspiration.
The exhibition will be open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. For more information, please contact Gallery Director Kim Adams at 608-201-2151 or visit www.whitewaterarts.org.
About Whitewater Arts Alliance:
The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community.
Richmond Cemetery Association Annual Meeting- Monday, June 3, 2024 @ 7 pm, Richmond Town Hall.
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Wayne L. Redenius. The image on the homepage is from findagrave.com and was submitted by Clara Ann Straws.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery at UW-Whitewater.
Engage with the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “The World of AAC” by UW-Whitewater alum and artist Anastasia (Stasia) Wilson. This exhibit showcases paintings of Wilson’s communication device icons that she sees and selects with her eyes for communication due to her experience with cerebral palsy. She wants to open the broader public to the world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). After much consideration and planning, Wilson has created a painting of each icon on her communication device, equating to 144 individual paintings. Her artwork will be showcased starting on Tuesday, May 28.
“I was talking with my art mentor about my struggle to make art about my disabilities, and he encouraged me to start right away by painting my assistive technology. I began with a couple of paintings of my hand braces. Then, one day, I was thinking about what to paint next. I asked myself, ‘Girl, what is in front of your face almost 24/7?” says Wilson. In addition to the 144 icon paintings, Wilson’s four-piece Emotions series will be displayed. These pieces, completed in 2005, are part of the Crossman Gallery’s permanent artwork collection. “As an adult, I am so appreciative of this device that gives me my voice. By creating this piece, I will introduce the broader public to the world of AAC. I want to show other people who use AAC that they aren’t alone and provide some support on their journey to accept their augmented voice,” says Wilson.
Anastasia Wilson is the founder of HeadStrong Art. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a minor in English from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Wilson uses specially crafted headgear to hold the paintbrush as she paints because her head has more mobility and control than her hands. Wilson has exhibited previously at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Inspiring Hope Ministries, and is currently collaborating with the Wisconsin-based Chatter Matters overnight camp for AAC users and their families for this exhibit. The open house reception will take place on June 20, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., is open to the public and will include light refreshments.
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 to coordinate and sponsor exhibits. The gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, with extended hours to 4:30 p.m. during SOAR orientation days on May 29 and 31, along with June 4, 10, 12, 14, 18, and 20. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
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 for updates on exhibits. Anyone interested in learning more about Wilson and her artwork should check out Headstrong Art on Facebook. For more information on Chatter Matters Camp, visit: /www.uww.edu/ce/camps/additional/chatter.
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, all of John’s Disposal’s pickups are being delayed a day. City of Whitewater residences will be picked up on Friday.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
May 23, 2024
Myrtle Beach, SC – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s and women’s track and field programs opened competition in the 2024 NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Thursday, May 23.
Gracie Holland competing in the pole vault at the 2024 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship (Credit: Olivia Zinanni)
Gracie Holland led the way with a runner-up finish in the pole vault competition. Holland cleared the bar on her second attempt at 4.01 meters (13-1.75) to break the program record in the event. She is now a two-time national runner-up (2022) and three-time All-American (2023, fourth) outdoors. Adding in her national title indoors (2023) along with another All-America finish in 2022 (5th), Holland is now a five-time All-American in her signature event.
Two Warhawks advanced to the finals in their events Thursday. Christian Patzka won his heat of the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:03.96 to qualify for the finals scheduled for tomorrow evening. Justin Krause posted a time of 3:52.90 to finish sixth and qualify for the finals in the 1,500-meter run. That final is slated for Saturday afternoon.
Tina Shelton competed in a pair of events Thursday. She registered a career-best time of 24.37 to finish 15th in the prelims in the 200-meter dash. That mark is sixth-fastest in program history. Shelton joined teammates Hannah Bilodeau, Jacqueline Kornowski and Danielle Pouska in the 4×100 meter relay. The squad crossed the line in 46.94, just .08 away from qualifying for the finals in the event.
In the final event of the evening, Gunner Schlender gave it his all in a tough 10,000-meter run. The heat and humidity created an interesting race as Schlender held fifth for over half of the race. A couple of big moves from a few athletes stretched the group and Schlender crossed the line 14th with a time of 31:28.27.
On the docket for Friday, Shelton will be back in action for the prelims of the 100-meter dash and Patzka will go for a defense of his 2023 national title in the steeplechase. Saturday’s slate features both Patzka and Schlender competing in the 5,000 while Shelvin Garrett II and Jordan Hall will compete in the triple jump. Kenni Czarnecki will also represent UWW in the hammer throw.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team [D3baseball.com end of regular season #5] is headed to the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship this week. The eight-team championship is slated to run Friday, May 31 through Thursday, June 6. The North Coast Athletic Conference in combination with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the Lake County Captains are hosting the championship at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, Ohio.
LOCATION – CLASSIC AUTO GROUP PARK (35300 Vine St., Eastlake, OH)
Classic Auto Group Park is home of the Lake County Captains, the High A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The stadium features 6,500 seats and an upper level of suites.
TICKETS (Purchase Here)
Tickets will be available at the entrance to the stadium on the day of the game or in advance here. Tickets can be purchased on a per-game basis or via an all-session package. Per game ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (62+). All-session packages for students and seniors are $25 and $40 for adults.
PARKING/TAILGATING
Parking will be available in lots around the stadium. Tailgating is allowed as space permits.
LODGING/AREA INFORMATION
Please visit the tournament page for more information on the Eastlake area including lodging, the stadium, attractions and food.
CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT (Interactive Bracket | Printable Bracket)
The championship is split into two four-team double-elimination brackets. The winners of each bracket advance to the Championship Series, a best-of-three series set to begin Wednesday. The Warhawks’ four-team pod includes their first round opponent Randolph-Macon, Salve Regina and Birmingham Southern. The other bracket includes Pomona-Pitzer, Misericordia, Endicott and Lynchburg.
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER
UW-Whitewater (40-9) will open the 2024 NCAA Division III Championship against Randolph-Macon (33-14). The matchup will be the first between the two squads in program history.
The Warhawks claimed the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles to punch their ticket in the NCAA tournament. Cruising through regional action, UWW won a three-game series over UW-La Crosse in Super Regionals to secure their spot in the DIII College World Series.
RMC received an at-large bid into the 2024 postseason tournament. The regular season Old Dominion Athletic Conference champions won a NCAA Regional hosted at Penn State Harrisburg before defeating Adrian College in a three-game secures to punch their ticket into the final eight.
The Warhawks have the most championship experience of any team competing in Ohio this week. UW-Whitewater has seven DIII College World Series appearances in program history including national titles in 2005 and 2014.
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The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office (NWS) has completed its preliminary assessment of the volatile weather in areas near Whitewater in the early evening of Sunday, May 26. Highlights from their report are shown below. NWS determined that there were three EF-0 (the weakest level) tornadoes, including one that ended “in the vicinity of Hwy 12 between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson.” Peak winds were estimated between 65-80 mph. No injuries or major damage were reported in any of the cases.
Tornado – West of Janesville (5 ENE Footville) to Milton
COUNTY NAME: Rock
| Date | 5/26/24 |
| Time (Local) | 5:00 – 5:21 pm |
| EF Rating | EF-0 |
| Est. Peak Winds | 80 MPH |
| Path Length | 12.23 miles |
| Max Width | 50 yards |
| Injuries/Deaths | 0 |
| Summary:Tornado began west of Janesville and tracked northeast toward Milton where it went through the High School area and the north central part of town. Mainly tree damage was noted but a bleacher section of a baseball field was lofted over a fence at the high school. | |
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tornado – Lake Koshkonong to west of Fort Atkinson
COUNTY NAME: Jefferson
| Date | 5/26/24 |
| Time (Local) | 5:27-5:37 PM |
| EF Rating | EF-0 |
| Est. Peak Winds | 65 MPH |
| Path Length | 5.57 miles |
| Max Width | 30 yards |
| Injuries/Deaths | 0 |
| Summary:Developed over northeastern Lake Koshkonong and tracked toward the northwest side of Fort Atkinson. Minor tree damage long its path. | |
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tornado – Harmony/Lima Center (East of Janesville) to between Fort Atkinson and Whitewater)
COUNTY NAME: Rock and Jefferson
| Date | 5/26/24 |
| Time (Local) | 5:15 – 5:38 PM |
| EF Rating | EF-0 |
| Est. Peak Winds | 80 MPH |
| Path Length | 15 miles |
| Max Width | 50 yards |
| Injuries/Deaths | 0 |
| Summary: It developed east of Janesville and tracked northeast into Jefferson county, ending in the vicinity of Hwy 12 between Fort Atkinson and Whitewater. Trees were uprooted, an empty grain bin was tipped, roof was damaged. | |
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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