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By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s phenomenal season came to a close in the Elite 8 Saturday following a 62-48 loss to undefeated Transylvania University.
The Warhawk faithful showed up in droves and provided a fantastic atmosphere in Kachel Gymnasium for the game Saturday night. As the contest got underway, it was clear the first half was going to be a defensive battle from the opening tip. The stifling defenses on both sides limited scoring through the first two quarters and kept the game close.
Late in the first, Lunden Alexander knocked down a triple that gave UWW a 12-9 advantage with 3:29 left. The Pioneers hit a layup at the 1:54 mark for the last bucket of the period.
The second quarter went back-and-forth until TU went on a 7-2 run to open up a six-point lead, 22-16, halfway through the period. The Warhawks responded on both sides – the offense put up seven points including four from Aleah Grundahl and another three from Alexander, while the defense blanked the Pioneers for the final 5:46 of the quarter. That 7-0 run gave UW-Whitewater all the momentum heading into the break despite the one-point difference, 23-22.
A big third quarter run for Transylvania saw the Pioneers build a double figure margin by the midway point. The Warhawks refused to fold and went on a tear late in the quarter. With the score 42-29 in favor of TU, Kacie Carollo fed Grundahl on a beautiful pass for the layin. A quick Pioneer turnover gave the Warhawks the ball under their own basket and Carollo capitalized drilling a three-pointer in the corner in front of the UWW bench. The play was a perfect catch and shoot off the inbounds pass from Renee Rittmeyer and the crowd erupted.
Less than 30 seconds later, Carollo struck again from long range to cut the margin to five. On the other end, Carollo hauled in a defensive board, one of her nine on the night, and pushed the pace up the court. The ball found its way into Katie Hildebrandt’s hands, and she knocked down a jumper to send Kachel into pandemonium as the UWW had cut the lead to three, 42-39, with less than 30 seconds remaining in the quarter. With all of the momentum going the Warhawks’ way, Transylvania called a timeout. Following the break in action, the Pioneers got off a last second shot to push the lead back to five, 44-39, by the end of the third.
The margin was still at five at the 6:17 mark in the fourth before Transylvania hit a couple of big shots and the Warhawk offense went cold. TU hit a three and a layup while UWW had multiple shots circle the rim and pop out. The swing had Pioneer advantage back into double digits with less than four to play. The Warhawks were forced to foul, but TU hit their free throws down the stretch for the final.
Grundahl led UWW with 17 points on 6-12 from the floor. She added six rebounds and tallied three blocks. Hildebrandt posted 10 points while Carollo went 9-9-7 in scoring, rebounds and assists respectively.
The Warhawks closed the 2023-24 campaign with a 25-5 mark after making the team’s 22nd appearance in the NCAA tournament and fifth trip to the Elite 8.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the second image of the band in the mid-20th century parade that was photographed coming down Main Street. This view shows the north side of Main Street very well, with the Strand Theater, the College Grill, and other businesses visible on this side of the street.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
3830P, Whitewater Historical Society
Warhawks celebrate late in the game against Hope Friday. (Michael Gouvion)
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team defeated Hope College 72-61 in Kachel Gym to advance to the Elite 8 for the fifth time under Head Coach Keri Carollo. The Warhawks will host unbeaten Transylvania University Saturday, March 9 with tipoff slated for 7 p.m. and a ticket to the Final Four on the line.
Doors to Kachel Gym will open at 6 p.m. Tickets (cash only) can be purchased at the ticket window in the Williams Center near the gym entrance. No presale tickets will be available. Parking is free in the Williams Center or Perkins Stadium parking lots.
- $15 for adults
- $10 for students with a valid college ID, seniors and youth
- Free for children 3 years old and under
UWW got off to a good start for the third NCAA postseason game in a row. Late in the first, Aleah Grundahl converted on an offensive board and followed up the bucket with a steal that turned into a Katie Hildebrandt layup to give the Warhawks a 20-11 advantage. Hope made the final basket of the first quarter to cut the margin to seven.
UW-Whitewater dominated the second quarter shooting 62-percent (8-13) from the floor and 63-percent (5-8) from three-point range to widen the gap to 18, 41-23, by the intermission. Bri McCurdy and Kacie Carollo paced UWW with six points each – both knocked down a pair of threes in the period.
After an even third quarter, Hope put together a run in the fourth, but the Warhawks held them off. A 7-0 spurt early for HC narrowed the gap to 11, 61-50, with seven minutes left. UWW responded with a 9-2 run bolstered by seven points from Carollo to push the lead back to 19 with four left to play.
The margin fell to 10 with under a minute to go but Carollo sealed the game from the free throw line for the final.
A major advantage for UW-Whitewater Friday came on the glass as the Warhawks enjoyed a 41-27 sway in the rebound column.
Grundahl led the way with 25 points on 12-20 from the floor. She was a single rebound shy of a double-double while adding three assists and three steals. Carollo dropped in 19 with four assists in the game. Lunden Alexander knocked down three clutch triples to get the crowd going. She had 13 points off the bench for UWW.
Saturday’s Elite 8 matchup with Transylvania will be the first time the two teams meet. The Pioneers (30-0) hold the longest active win streak across all sports in NCAA competition with their 63rd consecutive win earlier Friday – a 63-58 victory over UW-Stout.
“Signs of Community” Art Exhibition Featuring Industrial Photography by Lance Thomas at Whitewater Cultural Arts Center Gallery
Whitewater Arts Alliance announces its current art exhibition, “Signs of Community,” showcasing the industrial photography of Lance Thomas. The exhibition will run from March 1-30, 2024, at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center Gallery located at 402 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI, 53190.
Lance Thomas
Lance Thomas, a talented photographer with a passion for aging architecture and community narratives, brings his unique
perspective to life through his industrial artwork. Thomas embarked on his project journey in 2012, exploring the city of Milwaukee and capturing the essence of its urban landscapes. What started as a simple stroll evolved into a profound artistic exploration, where Thomas discovered that the beauty of a community lies in its simplest elements. “I set out to capture the essence of aging architecture and community bonds through my lens,” says Lance Thomas. “Incorporating salvaged and
reclaimed materials to frame my work adds depth and resonance to each piece, creating a powerful presentation that invites viewers to delve into the heart of each image.”
In 2019, Thomas expanded his project to include iconic buildings and signs in Whitewater, as he prepared for an exhibition at Roberta’s Art Gallery, located in the UW-W University Center, and participated in a collaborative art project installed at the University Center.
Returning to Whitewater for the “Signs of Community” exhibition at the Cultural Arts Center, Thomas is excited to share his latest works with the community. The Whitewater Arts Alliance, will hold an artist’s reception on Thursday, March 21, from 4-6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Lance Thomas and engage with his thought-provoking artwork.
Please see this Banner post for information regarding the months-long art and rummage sale. Additionally, on March 21, from 12-6 p.m., the Whitewater Arts Alliance will offer special deals during their art and rummage sale, offering bargains on local artwork and unique treasures from their storage. Many Whitewater Arts Alliance artists have donated their work for the sale.
Kim Adams, Gallery Director for Whitewater Arts Alliance, invites art enthusiasts and community members to celebrate the arts and foster connections within the community. “Join us in exploring Lance Thomas’s remarkable industrial photography, as we come together to celebrate the arts and create a sense of community,” says Adams. Adams is hopeful that the rt sale will be a successful fundraiser for the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
For more information about the “Signs of Community” art exhibition and the upcoming art/rummage sale, please contact Kim Adams at 608-201-2151 or visit www.whitewaterarts.org.
It’s movie awards season and Seniors in the Park will be presenting many nominated and winning films over the coming months!
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
Tuesday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.
(Earlier starting time due to film’s length; 15 minute intermission midway).
(Drama/History) Rated R (profanity, violence)
3 hours, 26 minutes (2023).
When oil is discovered in 1920’s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Native American Osage people are mysteriously murdered one-by-one until the newly formed FBI steps in to unravel the mystery. Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director (Martin Scorsese), Actress (Lily Gladstone) and Actor (Robert DeNiro).
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Reminiscing about the past can be a powerful way to connect, offering comfort and joy for both persons with dementia and caregivers. Reminiscing is less about facts, names and dates than it is about re-experiencing feelings of happiness, comfort, and love. Here are some tips on how to reminisce effectively and sensitively.
Choose the Right Time: Pick a moment when your loved one seems most alert and open. Mornings are often a good time, but every individual is different.
Use Props to Spark Memories: Photos, music, familiar objects, or scents can act as powerful triggers for recalling memories. They can serve as a gentle prompt that encourages your loved one to share their stories. The aroma of baking cookies or cake can bring on pleasant memories, so don’t miss a chance to appreciate that moment together.
Be Patient and Receptive: Show genuine interest in their stories, even if they repeat themselves. Don’t insist they recall a name or date. Your attentiveness, patience and affection are much more important.
Follow Their Lead: Let them guide the conversation. If they steer towards a particular topic or era, follow their lead.
Avoid Correcting Errors: The goal is to enjoy the moment together, not to challenge inaccuracies. Remember, the emotional pleasure you both experience is more important than factual details.
Encourage Sensory Memories: Sometimes, talking about how things tasted, smelled, sounded, or felt can be easier than recalling specific events.
Use Open-Ended Questions: Phrases like “Tell me about…” or “What was it like when…” can encourage more detailed responses than yes/no questions.
Remember the goal of your time together is to create emotions of warmth, kindness and comfort. You may hear statements that are incorrect – one moment she has a daughter, the next she never had a daughter – but there is no need to correct the statement. Nobody likes to be corrected and you may inadvertently cause feelings of shame. Keep your goal in mind.
For more information on reminiscence benefits, click
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 jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
Erika Svanoe
A WHS alum, who is a nationally known and respected composer, is returning to Whitewater for a performance of her recent symphony. The UW-Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble will be performing Dr. Erika Svanoe’s Symphony in Blue and Gold on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m. in the Irvin L. Young Auditorium. Tickets are available online at https://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/ticket-services/all-events or at the door. Adults are $7, those age 65+ or under age 18 are $4. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door.
Svanoe is a composer/conductor in the greater Twin Cities area. She has held academic appointments at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Bemidji State University, and the University of New Hampshire. She is an active freelance composer, conductor, and clinician. She is also the creator of Marrying Mr. Darcy, the Pride & Prejudice card game.
Dr. Erika Svanoe (b. 1976) is a conductor and composer for wind band, known for her lyrical melodies, nods to classic literature, musical deconstruction, humor, and pastiche. Her works have been performed by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the United States Navy Band, and the National Concert Band of America, at venues such as the Midwest Clinic, the American Bandmasters Association National Conference, and the Boston New Music Festival. Her music has been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, in Bandworld’s Top 100, and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. Her first major work, The Haunted Carousel, won the 2014 NBA Young Band Composition Contest. Her first album, “The Music of Erika Svanoe,” was recorded by Andrew Boysen, Jr. and the University of New Hampshire Wind Symphony, and released in 2022.
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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