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Hearthstone Garden Project Culver’s Night Out Event

May 12, 2024


Tuesday, May 14th from 4:00-7:00 pm here at the Whitewater Culver’s, 10% of sales will be donated to Hearthstone for their Garden Project.  Please help us share this flyer with as many as you can, and we hope that you will be able to stop by for some food and see some of the management staff running orders. 

Third Annual International Children’s Day a Success

May 12, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Lincoln Elementary School was full of families and fun when Whitewater hosted its third, free International Children’s Day for all children on April 27.  Organizers estimate that more than 350 people attended. 

Photo by Capturing Photography
Photo by Tom Ganser

All families were welcome at the Lincoln School and grounds.  Events included face-painting, arts and crafts, Culver’s custard, balloon art, chalk art and more.  A variety of international food offerings were available for sale, and students performed music. 

Photo by Tom Ganser

“It was wonderful to see the smiles on all of the children’s faces and to celebrate our diverse student population,” said Miguel Aranda, chair of the International Children’s Day committee.

Photo by Tom Ganser

Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Photo by Capturing Photography.

Oil Lamp Service at Historic Church

May 12, 2024

An Oil Lamp Service will be held at the historic Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 19th at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at the East Richmond Cemetery, N7372 County Rd P, south of Whitewater, WI. Refreshments will be served prior to the service. Rev. Minyoung Han, minister at Bethel and Richmond United Methodist Churches, will officiate. Others participating are Rev. Larry Froemming, organist; Caitlyn Karbash, violinist; and Lisa Bauer, flutist. This will be the first oil lamp service at the church in more than 125 years. In March 2023, the recently restored church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There is limited parking and seating. For more information email gkestol@yahoo.com.

Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Georgia Kestol.

This Week’s City & School District Meetings (Update: School Board special meeting)

May 11, 2024

Whitewater Unified School District Employee Handbook Committee – Monday @ 3:45 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.)

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry CommissionMonday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of the landscape plan for the Irvin L Young Library.
*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 the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82908100883?pwd=WWdyUjc0VFRqd096V1MwMit2cWVCUT09
Meeting ID: 829 0810 0883
Passcode: 123382
Dial 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 829 0810 0883
Passcode: 123382

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Discussion about where the Plan Commission would like to see Dog Daycare & Boarding
Facilities be placed with a conditional use in our zoning districts, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for sale of alcohol by the drink located at 210 W Whitewater St. for Daniel Rodriguez d/b/a as Lloyd’s formerly known as The Black Sheep, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Dog Daycare Facility located on vacant land on Bluff Road Tax Parcel # /A323600002 for Daniel and Jhienelle Kistle d/b/a The Royal Hounds of Whitewater, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommunication Facility and Free Standing Tower to be located at 312 Elkhorn Road.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/385524925
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 385-524-925
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Unified School Board – Special Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: to discuss and consider individual 2024-2025 salary contract adjustments and to discuss and consider the post-employment benefit for a specific support staff employee and discuss specific employees whose employment was previously interrupted by a District resignation.

CLOSED SESSION via Zoom Online

– Passcode: 168369

  • Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
  • Webinar ID: 844 3687 1056
  • – Passcode: 168369

OPEN SESSION Zoom Online
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner): Discuss any items from closed session, plus Health Insurance Renewal Approval and Ratification of the Whitewater Education Association (WEA) 2024-25 Collective Bargaining Agreement

– Passcode: 818870

  • Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
  • Webinar ID: 854 0554 3594
  • – Passcode: 818870

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes update on downtown flowers and Discussion and possible action regarding Facility Rental and Reservation Policy updates.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237035777?pwd=dUNLRUhRR3QvMXpHUmU5RFVreUhMUT09
Meeting ID: 822 3703 577
Passcode: 874133
Dial 1 312 626 6799

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 pm.
Agenda is not posted as of 5/11/24.

Back to calendar

UW-W Softball Wins WIAC Tournament Title, Secures Automatic Bid

May 11, 2024
Warhawks pose with trophy and banner (credit: Steve Frommell)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Oshkosh, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team topped UW-Oshkosh 2-1 to claim the 2024 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title and secure the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament. The tournament title is the program’s eleventh overall and first since 2018. 

Box Score

UWW will find out where they are headed for next week for regional action in Monday’s selection show on ncaa.com at 10 a.m. 

UW-Whitewater’s lucky numbers were one and two this week. The Warhawks won all four games of the WIAC Tournament by a score of 2-1. Coming in as the number four seed, two of UWW’s wins were against the number one seed, UW-Oshkosh, and a third came against number two seeded UW-Stevens Point. Warhawk pitcher Brooke Hock, who wears number 12, picked up a save in the first three of UWW’s games in the tournament and registered the win in the championship game Saturday. The theme would continue on the offensive end in the title game. 

In the bottom of the second, Grace Wickman – sporting jersey number one – led off the frame with an absolute smash to left center. The second Wickman connected on the pitch, there was no doubt the ball was leaving the park. The Warhawks sprinted out of the dugout to meet Wickman at home celebrating the 1-0 lead. 

With all of the momentum in Whitewater’s corner, Maggie Ward continued the frame reaching via catcher’s interference with one out. Kiera Jarrett singled up the middle and JJ Jakosalem took one for the team to load the bases with one out. The Titans opted to get the out at home on a fielder’s choice for out number two, but the bases remained loaded. Kaitlyn Weidemann – who wears number two – drew a walk to score Jarrett and give UWW a 2-0 lead. 

UW-Oshkosh cut the lead in half in the top of the third using three hits to plate a single run in the frame. 

After a fantastic start by Rhiann Dick, the senior passed the ball to Hock for the final four frames. Hock entered with one on base and zero outs but retired three consecutive Titans. After a leadoff walk in the fifth, Hock got the next three on a pair of groundouts and a fly out that Bella Eggert hauled in in center field. 

UW-Whitewater thwarted another UWO opportunity in the sixth after the leadoff batter reached on a walk. With a full count on the next batter, the Titan runner at first bolted early on the pitch. Hock threw it by the UWO hitter for the strikeout as the first base umpire signaled indicating the runner left early and was out for a different version of a double play. Eggert tracked down a fly ball in center for the final out of the top of the sixth. 

The top of the seventh went 1-2-3. Eggert captured the first out on a fly ball. Wickman fielded a grounder and threw a dart to Taylor Koehler at first for the second out. Ward secured the title by catching a deep fly ball in left field as the Warhawks streamed out of the dugout in celebration. 

Each pitching staff allowed three hits in the game, all by different batters. Dick scattered three hits across three innings of work while striking out two. Hock no-hit the Titans the rest of the way fanning two to improve to 6-1 on the season. 

Local Student Honored for Media Work at UW-W

May 11, 2024

Brandye Carter, a Journalism major from Whitewater, WI, at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is one of 17 Warhawks to claim a Wisconsin Community Media Best of the Midwest award for their work on UWW-TV during the 2023-24 academic year.

Carter earned the following awards: third place, UWW-TV News – “The Code of Conduct that Shocked the World”; third place, UWW-TV News – “Miss Black and Gold 2023”

Award winners will be recognized at the Best of the Midwest Media Fest banquet and show on May 16 at the Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and celebrate during the exhibitors reception and banquet.

The 2024 Best of the Midwest Media Fest celebrates local Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access programming and Low-Power Community Radio programming. The event recognizes local programming produced by both professionals and amateurs and provides producers with feedback on their work from a slate of four judges.

The nine-state Alliance for Community Media Midwest Region includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

UWW-TV is housed in UW-Whitewater’s College of Arts and Communication. The station provides students with hands-on experience in producing high-quality content both behind the scenes and on camera. To learn more about UWW-TV, visit uwwtv.org.

City Announces Request for Proposal for Property at 216 E Main

May 10, 2024


The City of Whitewater and the Community Development Authority (CDA) is announcing a Request For Proposal (RFP) regarding the property located at 216 E. Main Street. Specifically the City and the CDA is seeking proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of a prime property situated a few blocks from historic downtown. This initiative supports the City’s steadfast commitment to revitalizing its downtown core and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The selected proposal will be instrumental in driving the City’s redevelopment agenda, with a focus on elevating the vibrancy of the area and expanding the municipal property tax base. Positioned within the B-2 district, this property offers a unique opportunity to reimagine a space that seamlessly integrates retail, service, office spaces, table-service establishments, and residential units. Participation in this development presents an opportunity to indirectly contribute to the positive transformation of our community.

Prospective developers are invited to submit their proposals by June 28, 2024. Each proposal will undergo thorough evaluation based on its alignment with the City’s redevelopment goals, its capacity to enhance residents’ quality of life, and its contribution to the broader revitalization objectives. 

For inquiries or assistance regarding the proposal process, developers are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Director, Taylor Zeinert, at 262-473-0148.

Fort HealthCare Receives Three Top Workplace Awards

May 10, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare is extremely honored to accept three Top Workplace Awards this Spring including the 2024 Top Workplaces Award and 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for Purpose & Values by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award by USA Today.

“This is the 10th year in a row that we are being honored by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel!  Receiving multiple Top Workplace Awards is a true testament to the culture we have developed over many years.  Fort HealthCare is an exemplary place to work.  We are very proud of our staff at Fort HealthCare.  They are responsible for creating such a sustained, supportive environment in the workplace,” states Michael Anderson, MD, Fort HealthCare President & CEO.

The Top Workplaces program has a 17-year history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 60 regional markets. These awards are based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute, to name a few.

The 2024 Top Workplaces USA program celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey.  Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“Earning a Top Workplaces Award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

About Fort HealthCare

Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.

About Energage

Making the world a better place to work together.TM

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations,  Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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

Obituary: Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

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

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

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!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

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

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

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

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

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

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

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

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