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Upcoming City & Community Meetings: Week of November 25 – December 1

November 24, 2019
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Committee - Monday at 4:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
 Whitewater School Board - Monday at 6:30 PM
Central Office of Whitewater Unified School District - More Information
City of Whitewater Community Involvement & Cable TV Commission  - Tuesday at 5:00 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
City of Whitewater Finance Committee - Tuesday at 5:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information

WHS Players Present “The Little Mermaid,” Thurs. through Sunday

November 21, 2019

Need a break – already? – from the quick return of bone-chilling winter weather? The perfect solution is taking in a performance (or two) of the Whitewater High School Players production of “The Little Mermaid” at the WHS auditorium on Nov. 21-23 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 24.

Your time in a tropical blue lagoon with Ariel the mermaid and her colorful friends Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab will soon bring back your memories of perfect summer days in June and July.

Consider treating the youngins in your neighborhood to see this show.

Reserved seat tickets for the performance are $9 for adults and $5 for students, available one hour before the performance or by calling the WHS Box Office at 262-472-8178.

More than 60 cast, technical crew, and pit band members will take to the stage for this Disney classic based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories.

“The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story never out of date and will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”

The memorable cast includes Gio Anello, Gracia Boley, Henry Bresser, Keith Cameron, Jazmin Cederberg, Emma Clarksen, Olive Coburn, Sarah Felland, Sierra Gonzales, Jullian Harkness, Lauren Harkness, Maggie Jay, Josh Kirley, Ilana Lothes, Audrey Mayer, Sophie Mayer, Ben McCulloch, Stephanie Ordaz, Betzy Palomec, Chris Porcaro, Aldo Rodriguez, Lucas Scherer, Arianna Schroeder, Skylar Staebler, Haley Street, Madison Strickler, Evie Troxel, Anderson Waelchli, Carter Waelchli, Marco Wence, Ella Willman, and Matt Zingheim.

Putting their technical skills to the test are backstage crew members Payton Bunger, Emerson Dunham, Josie Hintz, Bailee Korf, Jordan Korf, Hailey Long, Abby Olson, Cole Schlicher, Lucy Troxel, Emma VanDaele, Sami VanDaele, and Emma Weigel.

Adding to the fun of a LIVE production are pit band musicians including Maddy Blain, Colin Chenoweth, Anne Coburn, Caroline Crowley, Colin Dugan, Liz Elliott, David Flemming, Zuri Goldsmith, Justin Kamp, Jimmy Karolek, Alex Martin, Jack Mayer, Sophie Mayer, Sophie Walton, and Caryl Whiteman.

Jim McCulloch directs this production, with musical direction by Liz Elliott, choreography by Lynn Lema, set design by Kat Dunham, sound design by Tony Hansen, and costume design by Karen McCulloch. Frankie Heurtz serves as conductor for the pit band.

Jim Shaw, Whitewater Unified School District Administrator, said, “Thanks to Whitewater High School’s staff and students for their wonderful production of ‘The Little Mermaid.’ The arts are a critical part of our students’ education. More than 80% of WHS students are engaged in the arts, music, athletics, or other extracurricular activities.”

“I am proud to be part of school district and community that values and encourages the arts and student engagement,” Shaw added. “Congratulations to students and staff for another great production.”Share This

Upcoming City & Community Meetings: Week of November 18 – 26

November 17, 2019
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees - Monday at 6:30 PM
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library - More Information
Whitewater School Board - Monday at 6:30 PM
Special meeting to discuss Palmyra-Eagle Area School District dissolution
Central Office of Whitewater Unified School District - More Information
City of Whitewater Common Council - Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority - Thursday at 5:30 PM
Whitewater Municipal Building - More information

WHS Students Attend Singing in WI November 9, 2019

November 17, 2019

Five students from Whitewater High School performed at Singing in Wisconsin, an event sponsored by the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association. The event was held on November 9th at Carroll University.

The WHS students performed along with other students from southeastern Wisconsin under the direction of Dr. Stephen Sieck, director of choirs at Lawrence University. The students rehearsed throughout the day and performed in a concert in the late afternoon. Students attending were Olivia Amundson, Lliam Stauss, Anisa Dauti, Haley Street, and Skylar Staebler.

From the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association website:
Singing in Wisconsin is a perfect place for those students who just love to sing regardless of ability. This event, which takes place at four sites throughout Wisconsin on the same day, is for any choir student who loves to sing and wants to be a part of this day. For some students it is the one time a year where they can sing with a large group of students and truly feel the power of singing with many voices. For other students it is a day to connect with new friends and work together to create a significant musical moment.

Whitewater High School International Student Exchange Weekend November 8 – 10, 2019

November 16, 2019

The National Honor Society hosted the 8th Annual International Student Exchange Weekend at Whitewater High School November 8 – 10! The festivities began with introductions, pizza party & pictures on Friday night, baking, shopping, movies, supper & Cosmic bowling in Fort Atkinson Saturday night, and a trip to Madison Sunday morning before the students had to leave Sunday afternoon. This year, the international students were from Peru, Brazil, Japan, Hungary, Sweden, Croatia, Ecuador, Thailand & Turkey. Thank you to Jim & Julie Caldwell (Jenna), John & Shannon Frye (Broderick), Alex & Holly Crowley (Caroline) and Brad & Patty Ceranske (Allison) for hosting the students in their homes! Another special thank you to Jim & Julie Caldwell for sponsoring supper on Saturday night, to the Whitewater Rotary Club for sponsoring the pizza party & bowling activities, and to Ron Binning for being the guest speaker when the students arrived!

Participating National Honor Society members were Broderick Frye, Caroline Crowley, Allison Ceranske, Jenna Caldwell, Abby Grosinske, Gwynne Sahyun, Madalynn Arnett, Colin Chenoweth, Jenna Lee, Hailey Murphy, Alyssa Schumacher, Mina Truesdale, Andy Vo, Cooper Pease and Bryce Hibbs.

The international students shared the following reflections about the weekend:

Laura Samardzija from Croatia said, “This was the best weekend yet. I saw more things in three days here than three months in Racine. Met people that I feel like they’re my best friends. Had an awesome time!”

Lisa Gornert from Sweden shared, “I had an awesome weekend with Maddie, Caroline, Abby & Alyssa. Thank you for taking us everywhere and thank you for being so welcoming!”

Alejandra Quecedo Cepeda from Ecuador said, “It was a good experience. The best part of the weekend was that I met wonderful people, especially Allison.”

Flora Banki from Hungary reflected, “Jenna & Caroline are definitely the best people I’ve ever met. Of course with everyone else from their school, including Ms. Sonmor-Wintz, the National Honor Society Advisor, who did an amazing job to organize this weekend for us. We participated in fun programs like bowling together, and I felt like I met new friends forever! Thank you so much for everything!”

Bartu Karabulut from Turkey shared, “This weekend was really fun. Everybody was nice to us. We had really good time on both Friday & Saturday. The pizza party was really good. We had the chance to meet everybody. After that we had really good time playing bowling.”

Pun Workakulpisut from Thailand said, “Thank you for making this an awesome weekend! I really enjoyed spending time with all the students from WHS. They are all nice & friendly.”

Fuka Sunagawa from Japan shared, “I had a good time! Thank you so much!”

Natalia Salinas from Peru said, “Thank you for spending your weekend with us. We had fun sharing our cultures and laughing!”

Marina Rangel from Brazil shared, “Thank you for this awesome weekend! It was really nice to meet new people and learn more about America’s culture. P.S. I had no idea I was good at bowling!”

NHS members shared the following reflections about the weekend:

Jenna Caldwell said, “Meeting & talking with all of the Foreign-Exchange students was a truly unforgettable experience. Combining all of our cultures together made for a great time. Through our conversations, I learned so much about the different countries that the students were from. This instilled so much knowledge into myself and my peers. I cannot wait for next year’s exchange and everything it has to hold.”

Broderick Frye shared, “It was great to get to know the people from Turkey & Thailand. Hearing about their culture back in their home country was interesting. Even just hearing about the place they are staying here in the United States was incredible too. Some people have stereotypes about people from different cultures and I believe the only way to diminish that is to get to know the people. I was able to get to know them and it was a great experience.”

Madalynn Arnett shared, “It was fun to show the two girls different parts of Wisconsin. They enjoyed shopping, going to Culver’s to eat cheese curds, and even stopping at Dunkin’ Donuts twice. Instantly on Friday night, all of our personalities clicked and saying goodbye on Sunday was very hard. We all are already planning on when to meet next and are so grateful that this weekend brought us all two new best friends.”

Abby Grosinske said, “I loved this past weekend and everything we did. From meeting everyone on Friday night to watching the sectional meet with our students Saturday, it was truly a great time. I made life-long friends with the two girls I spent the weekend with and I hope more students are encouraged to participate in this weekend next year. All the students were so respectful when they met new people and loved sharing some of their favorite things from the exchange so far!”

Alyssa Schumacher reflected, “I absolutely loved getting to know all of the foreign exchange students. They were very talkative and were willing to answer all of our questions about their home countries. It was really cool to be able to learn about their cultures and the biggest differences between here and there. I have definitely made some great new friendships and will have some great travel buddies when I travel to different countries!!!”

Submitted by:
Pamela Sonmor-Wintz, School Counselor (M-Z)
Coordinator of School Counseling Services/National Honor Society Advisor/International Student Exchange Advisor/Scholarship Coordinator

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club Celebrates Youth Appreciation Week 2019

November 8, 2019

The UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club will be hosting a series of fun-filled events for Youth Appreciation Week. Wednesday, November 13 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. there will be free bowling at Hawk Bowl, sponsored by Hawk Bowl. Saturday, November 16 the club will host a free screening of the movie Secret Life of Pets 2 at Whitewater Cinemas starting at 10:30 a.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at both events.

The UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club has been committed to serving the youth of the Whitewater community since 1981. On December 7, 2019 the Optimist Club will be hosting its annual Breakfast With Santa.

If you are interested in joining the UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club, please visit our blog (http://blogs.uww.edu/uwwcommunityoptimist/) for more information.

Memory Cafe November 11, 2019

November 4, 2019

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, is hosting a monthly Memory Café for individuals who are living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), early-stage Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and their care partners. This free social event is held on the second Monday of every month in the Library Community Room at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater, at 10:30 am.

The next meeting will be November 11th. The theme will be Gratitude.

The Memory Café offers participants a safe and fun way to share their stories and socialize with others who have similar experiences. Learn how staying physically, socially and mentally active is good for the brain.

If you are attending for the first time please call 800-272-3900.

Leaf Collection Begins This Mon., 11/4; Continues Through Week of 11/15

November 2, 2019

LEAF AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION:

The City of Whitewater Department of Public Works will conduct a leaf and yard waste collection the:

  • Week of November 4 – November 8
  • Week of November 11 – November 15

Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, small branches, and yard and garden debris.  Yard waste must be bagged in clear, transparent, or biodegradable bags only.  The City offers Bio-Bags in the fall at the Finance Department free of charge while supplies last.  Yard waste will not be collected if not properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags.

The compost site is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.  The compost site will close for the season at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2019. 

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.

Obituaries

Obituary: Martin Jack Martinelli, 64

Martin Jack Martinelli – a devoted man of God and a beacon of love for his family, affectionately known for his kind, tender, and rock n’ roll personality – joined his family in Heaven on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in the arms of his devoted bride, Clarissa. Compassionate and humble, with a contagious smile and infectious laugh, Martin was a good, gentle man, who turned heads every time he talked. Martin’s legacy of kindness and spiritual strength will forever inspire us, and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Born on September 13, 1960, in … Read more

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Obituary: Dorothy Diane Saylor, 84, of Texas

December 28, 1939 – September 16, 2024 Dorothy Diane Duffin Saylor, “Duffy,” passed away on the evening of September 16, 2024, in Shavano Park, Texas. She was 84. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for the last several years. Duffy was born in December 1939, in Whitewater, Wisconsin to a farmer and his wife, Laurel and Winifred Duffin. She was their fourth child and the only girl in a family with four brothers. Tommy died in childhood, and the other three, John, David, and Doug, preceded her in death. Duffy graduated from Whitewater High School in 1957 and attended the … Read more

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Obituary: Patricia Sue Cruse, 74

Patricia Sue Cruse, 74, Whitewater, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024. Pat was born on June 11, 1950 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Mary (Ziliak) Foote. She graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL and from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. She started her career as a teacher and elementary counselor in the Mukwonago school district. Pat met Randy Cruse at a fraternity party and quickly knew they would spend their lives together. They married on January 23, 1971. Six months later, together, they took a risk and opened … Read more

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Obituary: Mrs. Susan Mary Gebhardt-Schweitzer, 88

Mrs. Susan Mary Gebhardt-Schweitzer, 88, Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Fairhaven Residential Facility. Susan was born on August 22, 1936 in Racine, Wisconsin to the parents F. Don & Georgia Gebhardt. Susan attended William Horlick High School and graduated in 1955. Susan married Thomas J. Larsen in Racine on June 29, 1957 before moving to Cicero, Illinois and having 3 children, Thomas, Steven, and Linda. During her time in Illinois, Susan became an EMT working in the emergency room at Alexian Brothers Medical Center. Later in life, Susan met Edward Joseph Schweitzer and they … Read more

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Obituary: Richard H. Grandt, 88, of Amery, WI

RICHARD H. GRANDT, age 88, of Amery, WI died Saturday, September 21, 2024, at RegionsHospital in St. Paul surrounded by his loving family. He suffered a fall at home on Tuesday resulting in a severely broken back with extended health complications. He was born June 2, 1936, in Will County, Illinois the son of the late George H. and Elsie (Rowoldt) Grandt. Rich married Rose M. Dempsey on June 15, 1957, and they raised 3 children in the Whitewater, WI area. He graduated from Whitewater College High School in 1955 where he excelled in athletics, lettering in four sports. In … Read more

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Obituary: Barbara Saladin, 87, of Dousman

Barbara L. Saladin, 87, of Dousman passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Angels Grace in Oconomowoc surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on August 24, 1937 to Edith Doxtator.  She married Richard Laing and together they had two daughters.  They were wed until his passing in 1987.  Barbara retired from the Crestwood Bakery in West Allis.  After retirement, Barbara continued to decorate cakes for bakeries.  Barbara remarried to Joe Saladin until his passing in 2015. She was a singer with the Oneida Singers. Barbara enjoyed singing especially Oneida songs, baking Christmas cookies, and most of all … Read more

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Obituary: Rosemary “Rose” Ann Schuenke (Hansen), 73

Rosemary “Rose” Ann Schuenke (Hansen), age 73, of Whitewater passed away on September 14, 2024 at her residence. Rosemary was born on May 14, 1951 in Milwaukee to Eugene and Shirley (nee Unke) Hansen. Rose married Richard R. Schuenke on August 23, 1969 in Milwaukee. Rose spent the majority of her life working in assisted living or food service jobs with her favorite job being George Webb. Rose enjoyed going to local diners on a regular basis and chatting with the waitresses making new friends. She looked forward to the yearly family gathering where she got to see all her … Read more

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Obituary: Richard Lee “Dick” Moyse, 81

Richard Lee “Dick” Moyse, 81, of Whitewater passed away on September 14, 2024. Richard was the first-born son of Earle J.H. and Alice Fern (Talbert) Moyse. He grew up on the family farm in Cold Spring. Dick graduated from Whitewater High School in 1961 and WSU Whitewater in 1969. His college education was paused by his service in the United States Navy. He met Bonnie Albers, a fellow WSU Whitewater student in the fall of 1969. They married on November 28, 1970. Dick combined mechanical/electrical skills learned from Pop on the farm with a degree in Physics. He held several … Read more

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Obituary: Jessica L. “Jessie” Kowalski, 42, of Milwaukee

Jessica L. “Jessie” Kowalski, 42 of Milwaukee passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Jessie was born on September 13, 1981 to Edwin and Ruth (Mach) Kowalski. She grew up and lived in the Whitewater area most of her life and attended Whitewater schools. Jessie furthered her education through MATC where she earned her CNA and she enjoyed working with her clients through assisted living centers. She enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers, doings arts and crafts, and had fun learning science. Jess had a collection and passion for big hoop earrings, oversized sunglasses, and most … Read more

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Obituary: Doris Jean (Greene) McQuillin, 87

Doris Jean (Greene) McQuillin, age 87, died Sept 11, 2024 in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  She was born June 11,1937 in Hayward Wisconsin, the daughter of Melvin and Anna Greene. Doris graduated from Hayward High School in 1955. Doris was awarded a full scholarship to UW Whitewater, where she pursued a BS degree in education, graduated in 1959 and eventually earned a master’s degree in education. Doris began her teaching career in Roscoe, Illinois, eventually teaching for 42 years in the Whitewater Unified School District. Doris had a passion for the education profession and enjoyed working with young children. She taught second grade at … Read more

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