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Members of Whitewater High School Ferradermis FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition Team #6574 will be heading to Houston, Texas for the April 17-20 FIRST Championship, a culminating, international event for the youth robotics competition season and a celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year’s championship will include slightly over 600 teams, including 9 teams from Wisconsin. Last year’s Championship included teams from 50 countries. The full list of qualifying teams can be found at https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2024/CMPTX.
The teams will play on 8 fields in Houston, each named after a famous scientist; Ferradermis will play on the Hopper Field, named for computer science pioneer Grace Hopper. The 75 teams assigned to Hopper hail from 28 states and 7 other countries including Australia, China, the Netherlands, Canada, Israel, Turkey, and Mexico. Once qualification and playoff matches are complete on each field, the winning alliance from each field will come together on the Einstein field for a new set of playoffs to determine the world champion.
Ferradermis’ current membership includes 28 students and about 20 adult mentors. Twenty-one students and 9 adults will be making the trip to Houston.
The Ferradermis ticket to the FIRST Championship was punched at Northern Lights Regional Competition in Duluth when it was the Impact Award Winner from among 55 teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. The Impact Team will present again in Houston for the chance to become a member of the FIRST Hall of Fame.
This season, the robots have been put to the test in a music-themed challenge that requires retrieving round, orange “notes” from the floor, depositing them in an “amplifier” or launching them into a “speaker” while running on a prepared program or under the control of a student “driver.” The Ferradermis robot is named “Chief Lee the Tangerine,” inspired by the prominence of orange in his components.
The qualification matches for the competition will be livestreamed on Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19, from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm at https://www.twitch.tv/firstinspires_hopper. Playoff matches will take place beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday, April 20. You can also follow the team’s journey to Texas on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ferradermis/.
Ferradermis would like to thank the nearly 75 sponsors who stepped forward in the last 6 weeks to help the team fund their trip to the FIRST Championships. Every donation, whether it was $15 or $15,000, helped the team make this journey possible. Thank you, Whitewater!
Go Team, go!
Article and Photos by Tom Ganser, Supplemented by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
APPLETON, Wis. — Four Lawrence University volleyball players were chosen for the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team.
Taylor Hughes (Wausau, Wis./West), Cora Linos (Janesville, Wis./Whitewater), Hilirie McLaughlin (Mosinee, Wis./SPASH) and Bailey Nez (Pinehill, N.M./Pine Hill) were all selected for the team.
McLaughlin, a junior outside hitter, was chosen for the second consecutive season. McLaughlin has a 3.65 grade point average and is majoring in physics with a pre-medicine track. Nez has a 3.97 grade point average and is a sophomore outside hitter. She is an environmental science major.
A junior setter, Linos has a 3.91 grade point average and is a government major. A junior defensive specialist, Hughes has a 3.84 grade point average and is a creative writing major.
To be eligible for the team, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore and have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average. The student-athlete must also meet the playing time requirements.
PLAYERS MENTIONED
#4 Hilirie McLaughlin
OH/MB 6′ 0″ Junior
#2 Taylor Hughes
DS/L 5′ 3″ Junior
#8 Bailey Nez
OH/RS 5′ 7″ Sophomore
#17 Cora Linos
S/RS 6′ 2″ Junior
Whitewater Track and Field is not only proud of its long history but also of the incredible meets that have been hosted on the campus of Whitewater High School. Numerous WIAA tournament events were also hosted which provided track and field fans with some amazing memories. Those memories are now on display in the form of facility records alongside the impressive WHS school records.
Through the generous financial support of the Whippet Booster Club, the school and facility record board has come to life for all who visit in the years to come. A special thank you to district employee Josh Enerson who built the frame and put the final touches on mounting it this week.
Come check it out at the two home meets remaining on the team’s schedule. On April 22nd WHS will host Monroe and East Troy. On May 10th, the team will host the Rock Valley Conference Meet. Go, Whippets!
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Updated 4/14 @ 3:20 p.m.: CDA meeting details added.
Updated 4/16 @ 2:40 p.m.: Webinar ID added to CDA Zoom signin.
Updated 4/17 @ 12:20 p.m.: Parks & Recreation Board details added.
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building Project update: approve building schematics and color finishes and guest presenter Eric Robinson
Library Community Room 431 West Center
*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 meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84130965938?pwd=SmhrM2FmRVJQa0hxbmNBUnBiMjlqdz09
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 841 3096 5938
Passcode: SzGnVr9h
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes election of Council President, Update on MOU with UWW regarding elections, Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Resignation of Municipal Judge Patrick Taylor, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Changing City Class, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Ayres Old Stone Mill Dam Proposal for Engineering Services for Downstream Wall Repairs
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82620567128?pwd=yNQKWe39zrX_cTmWXImujvrzu0_a-Q.I4HX6aLGTu3eUVWS
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 826 2056 7128
Passcode: 065668
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*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 note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85428039940?pwd=SWRsRDJrenludFhhUlRuTDRVbkZjdz09
Meeting ID: 854 2803 9940
Passcode: 355760
Dial by your location
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 854 2803 9940
Passcode: 355760
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding Memorandum of Understanding – Whitewater Innovation Center (Joe Kromholz), including discussion regarding FERC’s Assessment of the Innovation Center (Russ Kashian), Discussion and possible action regarding transfer of funds from Action Fund Account to Facade Loan Fund Account, Discussion and possible action with regard to Request for Proposal for legal counsel to represent the interests of the CDA, Discussion and possible action regarding selection of a judge for the WindUp competition.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j89062950482?pwd=3iDD6qyXEEJC0AusurYHpg8SeDBX4A.-6UJSDDvtIShk9CA
Webinar ID: 890 6295 0482
Passcode: 328531
Phone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 890 6295 0482
Passcode: 328531
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our second and final 2024 Boater Safety Education Course on April 30, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and May 11, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County
Fairgrounds – Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Students will need to attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a Boater Safety Education Course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn
12 shortly after the class.
Session 1: April 30, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Session 2: May 11, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/boater-education
Class size is limited to 30 students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
Update 4/15 @ 9:15 a.m.: In a press release on this date the Whitewater Fire/EMS Department included the following statement: “Whitewater Fire and EMS would like to extend a thank you to the numerous bystanders and witnesses that offered assistance and first aid during the initial moments of this mass casualty event.”
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Department.
On 4/13/2024 at approximately 1204 hours Rock County Deputies, Jefferson County Deputies, Whitewater Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol along with several fire/EMS agencies responded to a three-vehicle crash at HWY 12 and E County Line Rd in Lima Township, Rock County. [City residents may know this intersection as HWY 12 and Business HWY 12/Main St.] Through investigation this is believed to be what occurred:
A passenger van was eastbound on E County Line Rd approaching HWY 12. The driver of the passenger van did not adhere to the stop sign entering the intersection. There was a passenger SUV, with the right of way, southbound on HWY 12. The front of the SUV collided with the driver side of the van in the intersection. As they collided a truck pulling a fifth wheel trailer hauling hay was northbound on HWY 12. The driver side of the trailer collided with the front of the van. During the crash two adult females and one adult male were ejected from the van. Those three subjects were later declared deceased on scene.
The female adult driver of the van sustained non-life-threatening injuries as did the adult male driver of the SUV. The driver of the truck was uninjured. There were four additional passengers from the van that were transported to nearby hospitals. One of them, an adult female, was transported via Med Flight with life threatening injuries. The other three, two adult males and an adult female, have severe but non-life-threatening injuries.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office will be the primary investigating agency for the crash. At this time no criminal charges have been filed as a result of the crash and the investigation is ongoing. The names of the deceased will be later released by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area invites the public to attend an illuminating program by Michael Wagner, UW-Madison Professor of Journalism & Mass Communication, on The Impact of Misinformation, Disinformation, & Conspiracy Theories on Voting, to be held on Thursday evening, April 18th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 West Center Street in Whitewater.
This is a special election year program in which Professor Wagner will discuss the influence of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories on voting and their relationship to political intimidation and violence. Michael spoke about this topic in November 2022, on the PBS Program, Here & Now, hosted by Frederica Freyberg. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and completed his Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University. Professor Wagner centers his research, teaching, and service on the question, “How well does democracy work?”
_______________________________
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
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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