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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Editor’s note: This will be Karen Tordera’s last concert as Choral Director at Whitewater High School. Tordera is retiring after 37 years of teaching, 29 years of which has been in the Whitewater Unified School District. She has taught at Lakeview, Lincoln, Washington, and the high school.
The Whitewater High School Choirs and A Cappella Ensembles will present their Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm. Music awards will also be presented at this concert with a reception to follow. This free event is open to the public and will be held in the James M. Stewart Auditorium, We hope you can join us for an evening of song and celebration!
Whitewater and Delavan-Darien soccer played a conference game on Monday, May 13. The game ended with Delavan winning 1-0, the lone goal being scored by Anna Smith (32’). The two teams will play again next week in the Rock Valley Conference Tournament.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka
TICKETS
$10 – Adults
$8 – Senior Citizens/Students
PARKING
Lot 22 and Lot 24
GAME SCHEDULE
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
| Friday May 17 | Time | Live Links | Results |
| Game 1 – (#1) UW-Whitewater vs (#4) Crown | 11:00 AM | Stats | Stream | |
| Game 2 – (#2) Centre vs (#3) Cal Lutheran | 2:30 PM | Stats | Stream | |
| Saturday, May 18 | |||
| Game 3 – Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 | 11:00 AM | Stats | Stream | |
| Game 4 – Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 | 2:30 PM | Stats | Stream | |
| Game 5 – Winner Game 3 vs Loser Game 4 | 6:00 PM | Stats | Stream | |
| Sunday, May 19 | |||
| Game 6 – Winner Game 4 vs Winner Game 5 | 11:00 AM | Stats | Stream | |
| Game 7 (if necessary) | Stats | Stream |
Over the past two weeks, WHS students in Dual Credit/PIE Biology 142 had the opportunity to conduct an observational field study of Red Wing Blackbird populations in the Whitewater area! Students traveled to the UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve with Mrs. Lindsey Taylor and Mr. Shane Cullian, and collected data on the behavioral ecology of Red Wing Blackbirds.
For those not familiar, those little guys can be pretty fierce when it comes to guarding their nests! Giving students the opportunity to collect geographical and behavioral data to determine their territories is an experience they won’t soon forget!
Article and Photos Submitted by Shane Cullian
Whitewater High School Biology Teacher
scullian@wwusd.org
Whitewater High School played the role of host for the 2024 Rock Valley Conference Track and Field Meet which featured all 11 teams from both divisions. When the dust settled, the teams finished in 2nd for the boys and 11th for the girls.
On the boys’ side, Ty Bucholtz was the first to claim a medal with a killer 110H hurdle final. Three stepping his final flight of hurdles, he thrusted himself into third by the finish line and earned his first ever medal as a freshman. Not to be outdone, next up was Traysen Thompson who broke 11 seconds for the first time in the 100-meter dash final running 10.99 and capturing the individual title. Not long after, Jack Hefty raced to his first of three conference titles on the day by winning the 1600 and closing in under 60 seconds for his final lap to stop the clock in 4:28.91. The track was still smoldering when the boys’ 4×200 stepped on the track and blazed to a victory in 1:32.97. This relay consisted of Traysen Thomason, Nate Black, Keenan Sheffield, and Quincy Boudreau. If the track wasn’t hot enough, Ethan Dugan was next up in his premiere event, the 400m dash, and was able to handle the field and take the crown in 50.22. Akamion McHenry placed 4th and Curtis Rossmiller placed 8th in the same event. Jack Hefty stepped back onto the track after a few events and was able to earn his second title on the day to win the 800 in 2:01.98, and teammate Nate Holden was fifth in the same race. Ethan Dugan stepped into the blocks for the second time and blazed a trail of fire behind him as he stopped the clock at 22.36 and also claimed his second title on the day in the 200m dash. In the same event, Trayson Thomason took 3rd in his final race of the day and Akamion McHenry placed 6th. Xavier Zei ran a gutsy race, much of it by himself running solo in 3rd and was only passed by one runner and earned a fourth, and final medal, in the 3200. His time was 10:36.91. The final track event for the boys was the 4×400 relay. With the walk-up song of Iron Man by Black Sabbath blaring throughout the facility, the boys got pumped to leave it all out there and did just that. The relay team of Quincy Boudreau, Jack Hefty, Curtis Rossmiller, and Ethan Dugan set a new conference meet record in their win by stopping the clock at 3:25.75. The previous mark was set by Jefferson in 1980. It was the oldest record in the books.
In the field events, Jaylyn Ewing placed 8th in the discus and 4th in the high jump. Quinton O’Toole secured fifth place in the pole vault. Three Whippets scored in the long jump by placing 5-6-7. Traysen Thomason just edged out his teammate by .75″ to lead the trio. Quincy Boudreau was 6th and Nate Black was 7th. In the triple jump, David Rubio placed 5th with a jump of 39′ 3″.
Ethan Dugan was named the male track athlete of the meet based on his performance in the meet. This is the first Whippet to earn this honor since Brett Harms earned it in 2014 when he won the 800, 1600, and 3200 events.
On the girls’ side, A’lani Ross earned a 6th place finish in the finals of the 100 with a time of 13.45. Mady Hefty ran a lifetime PR and placed 8th in the 1600 with a time of 5:53.64. The 4×2 stepped on the track and earned a fifth-place finish with a time of 1:51.95. This relay consisted of A’lani Ross, Sydney Schilt, Ava Alvarado, and Calli Grosinske. The same relay, just in a slightly different order, came back for the 4×100 and secured a top 3 finish by .01 with a hard lean by Sydney Schilt. The relay order was Calli Grosinske, A’lani Ross, Ava Alvardo, and Sydney on the anchor leg. Carley Boudreau placed 7th in the 300 hurdles with a time of 55.27. Athena Soto placed 6th in the 800 with a time of 2:35.63. Sydney Schilt blazed her way down the homestretch in the 200-meter dash to stop the clock in 27.21 and took the bronze medal position. To wrap up the track events, the girls’ 4 x 400 relay of Athena Soto, Calli Grosinske, Carley Boudreau, and Emy Islas took 7th with a time of 4:32.61. Placing in the field events, Myialynn Cobb and Makayla Bazeley took 4th and 6th in the pole vault. They cleared 8′ 0″ and 7′ 6″ respectively. A’lani Ross placed in the triple jump with a leap of 31′ 1.25″ and took 7th overall.
Full results can be found here: https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/554326/results/all
Next up the the team will be at the JV conference meet on Tuesday followed by the WIAA Regional on Monday, May 20th at Delavan.
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s Note: The following interview was done by Dr. Lauren Smith on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.
A Whitewater resident for 29 years, Hassimi Traore was born in Burkina Faso in the town of Dedougou and graduated high school from Bobo Diolasso, a privilege reserved for only the top 5% of students from his home town. Because he was at the very top of his class, Hassimi was chosen to receive support offered by a generous Canadian family. When he graduated from high school, he received a government scholarship to attend Burkina Faso’s Math and Science Institute, where he earned a baccalaureate and then master’s degree in math and chemistry.
While earning his degrees, Hassimi also worked for the Peace Corps, where he made lasting friendships with African and American colleagues. These colleagues encouraged Hassimi to apply for graduate programs in the United States, and he was accepted to every program to which he applied. Because one African friend, a Peace Corps colleague, was attending graduate school in Iowa City, Iowa, Hassimi chose to attend the state university there. He used the money he’d earned working for the Peace Corps to buy his plane ticket. It was a long journey for a young man with limited resources. He arrived in New York City with only a couple of hundred dollars in his pocket. Part of that was spent on a gouging taxi cab ride, and most of the rest went to a bus ticket to Iowa City.
The challenges of life in Iowa City were multiple. It was cold, and his winter coat didn’t cover his forearms, so he cut off the tops of a pair of socks to keep his arms warm. His English was “really rough,” too, so he found two old televisions on the side of the road to help him learn. One had picture but no sound and the other had sound but no picture. He stacked the two televisions on top of each other. In Africa, he hadn’t experienced racism, either, and it was difficult for him when he realized that others couldn’t recognize his skills in math and science because of his race or when he was harassed by racists.
Mostly, he says, people in Iowa “were wonderful” to him, and despite challenges, Hassimi graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1995. He got a job teaching Chemistry at UW-Whitewater after that, where he has been teaching for 29 years. During this time, he has helped many students who face their own challenges. He has helped African students who have had difficulty transitioning to Wisconsin as well as students who struggle with difficult academic subjects. He has also family back home who need help with tuition or medical care, and he frequently provides financial assistance to them.
He has raised the money to buy and send home four different ambulances with the help of many community members. He said he felt “I am home” after all of the contributions from so many who care.
“People talk about ‘illegal’ or ‘legal’ immigrants but I don’t use those terms. To blame everything on immigrants is not fair. Immigrants contribute so much to the economy and culture in our cities, states and country,” said Hassimi.
Hassimi recently earned his Master’s Degree in Peace Building from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and his goal after retiring is to help nonprofits foster peace. Even in retirement, he will continue to care for his homes, both in Whitewater and abroad.
The Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative would like to publicly thank Randy Cruse for his advocacy work in Washington (recently reported on whitewaterbanner.com) on behalf of persons with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Thank you, Randy, for your efforts to improve health care, financial support and community understanding for persons with dementia.
Persons with cognitive decline report being misunderstood by friends, family and providers because of myths and misconceptions about their disease. Often patients themselves misunderstand, especially when the only advice they get from their doctors is to get their affairs in order and come back in six months for a checkup.
But there is good news: the health care community is getting educated. There is even a trend to recruit patients to serve on boards and committees to help bring their perspective for proper treatment and planning.
Stigma is the use of negative labels to identify a person with a disability or illness. It prevents patients and caregivers from taking the positive steps that can be helpful. Like any disease, cognitive decline benefits from good habits of nutrition, sleep, exercise and health care. Make sure hearing or vision loss is properly treated. Seek out and share accurate information. Maintain relationships with friends and family. Have fun with music, games and laughter. Developing these good habits early on can slow and ease this progressive disease.
An individual living with this disease has the most powerful voice to help raise awareness, end stigma, and advocate for more support and research. We can learn a lot from them. For more ideas visit https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/overcoming-stigma
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.
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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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