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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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March Madness is right around the corner! To kick off this exciting month the Whitewater FFA is hosting a Donkey Basketball “tournament” at the Whitewater High School Main gym, on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, at 7 p.m. There will be four teams: Whitewater FFA, Whitewater School Staff, East Troy FFA, and Milton FFA. During intermission, kids will be able to interact and ride the donkeys with assistance from one or more FFA members. Community members of all ages will also get the chance to interact and see the donkeys in an exciting, safe environment.
Tickets are $10 at the door or $7 if bought in advance; kids preschool age and younger get in free. Tickets can be purchased from Banco Insurance Company [located in First Citizens State Bank] in Whitewater, and by local FFA members.
Please come out for some thrilling action and excitement for the whole family. Root for your favorite teams and donkeys. Bring your family and friends. BE LOUD!!
Submitted by Katie Gillette
Whitewater FFA Reporter
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
YOU HAVE PICTURES IN YOUR PHONE – NOW WHAT?
It’s a camera, it’s a photo album, it’s a television – it’s your phone. Learn about apps, tips, tricks and limitations for pictures and video from iPhone and Android smartphones and tablets. This class will cover your device’s camera, home and Cloud storage options, printing and more. Join us at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library on Thursday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. There is no cost or registration to attend.
The Irvin L Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782 with questions.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Kacie Carollo hits a three-pointer in the first half against Minnesota Morris (Olivia Zinanni)
Updated 3/2/24 @ 4:30 p.m. to add ticket prices. (See end of article.)
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team opened the 2024 NCAA Division III Tournament with an 86-47 win over Minnesota Morris Friday night in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center.
The Warhawks came out on fire hitting 9-11 to open up a 19-8 advantage by the first media timeout. By the end of the quarter, UWW led 26-14 bolstered by 10 points from Aleah Grundahl. UWW continued to cruise through the first half building a 36-point lead by halftime, 58-22. UW-Whitewater shot well nearly 70-percent (13-19) in the first 20 minutes while forcing 16 turnovers on the defensive end.
UWW played all 15 active players* with 10 entering the scoring column in the game. Grundahl led the way with 20 points on 9-16 from the floor. She added four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kacie Carollo posted 11 points and led the Warhawks with six boards and six assists. Katie Hildebrandt hit 5-7 from the floor for 10 points in the game.
The pace and ball movement favored the Warhawk offense as UWW held a 46-20 advantage in points in the paint.
UW-Whitewater advances to face Millikin in the second round. The game against the Big Blue is slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center. Millikin topped Willamette 91-83 in their first round matchup Friday.
The Warhawks are 4-2 against Millikin all-time and most recently defeated the Big Blue 79-69 in a game played in Kachel Gym last season. The winner punches their ticket to the Round of 16.
Tickets – available at the door 60 minutes prior to tip-off:
- $15 for adults
- $10 for students with a valid college ID, seniors and youth
- Free for children 3 years old and under
*NCAA rules only allow for 15 active players in postseason games
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from First Citizens State Bank.
Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce four promotions, including three newly named officers, at First Citizens State Bank’s Main Office, located at 207 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wisconsin. The promotions are as follows:
Katie Lehman has been promoted from Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer to Vice President and Loan Officer. She is responsible for working with customers on all loan types including mortgages, commercial, consumer and agricultural. Since joining First Citizens State Bank in 2001 filing in the Real Estate Department, Katie transitioned to Commercial and Consumer loan processing, then to Credit Analyst, and in 2015 moved to a Lender role becoming Assistant Vice President in 2021. She is a local graduate of Whitewater High School and UW-Whitewater.
Michelle “Shelly” Bucholtz has been promoted from Loan Operations Supervisor to Loan Operations Officer. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Loan Processing and Servicing. Since joining First Citizens State Bank in 1993 as a part-time filer in the Real Estate Department, Shelly moved to a Loan Processor in 1995 and Loan Operations Supervisor in 2021. She received her Bachelor’s in finance from UW-Whitewater and has completed numerous trainings through the WBA.
Kelsey Herold has been promoted from Internal Auditor to Compliance Operations Officer & Internal Auditor. She is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of the bank’s internal controls and compliance with regulations and bank policies. Since joining First Citizens State Bank in 2018 as a part-time teller, Kelsey participated in an internship with multiple departments and became the Internal Auditor in 2021. She is also a local graduate from Whitewater High School and graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration General Management. She is also a certified Community Bank Internal Auditor (CCBIA) by the ICBA.
Evan Calhoun has been promoted from IT Manager to IT Officer and Assistant Information Security Officer. He is responsible for the bank’s technological infrastructure and support as well as data security and strategic planning. Evan joined First Citizens State Bank in 2006 as the Network Administrator. He received a BBA in Information Technology Infrastructure from UW-Whitewater.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “I am excited to announce these well-deserved promotions of our dedicated staff, whose commitment and leadership has played a pivotal role in the success of First Citizens State Bank. I look forward to watching these employees thrive in their elevated roles. ”
First Citizens State Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in South Eastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has full service offices in Whitewater, East Troy, and Palmyra. Member FDIC.
UW-MADISON ANNOUNCES 2023 WINTER GRADUATES
A total of 1,966 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Dec. 17, 2023, including a student from the Whitewater area.
Just more than 1,300 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center. The ceremony was livestreamed so that friends and family from around the world could watch. UW issued 1,459 bachelor’s degrees, 387 master’s degrees, and 120 doctoral degrees.
The keynote speaker was Michael Finley, a Badger basketball legend, NBA All-Star and assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks.
“The fast track isn’t always the best track,” Finley told the graduates. “You can miss something valuable that way. I learned about patience and humility – that growth doesn’t come when everyone is watching but by how hard you work when nobody is.”
In her remarks, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said that while every graduating class is special, the Class of 2023 had the distinction of earning degrees on UW-Madison’s 175th anniversary.
“Some will tell you that the problems facing our world and our planet are impossible to solve,” Mnookin said. “So my message to you today is simple: Don’t believe it. Do not be deterred by what others have labeled impossible.”
For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu.
Here is the degree recipient from Whitewater:
Jan Maroske, College of Engineering, Master of Science-Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. For the next several weeks, we will be featuring what looks to be photos from the same parade, sometime in the mid-20th century in downtown Whitewater. This view shows the south side of Main Street very well. Note also the pavers that are still down on the street. Some of you may remember the downtown businesses on that side of the street, as well as the “Strand” theater on the right hand side.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
3831P, Whitewater Historical Society
Through the culvert dividing our lakes
Downtown through the culvert
Our thanks to Paul Jhona for more beautiful photos from his drone.
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Whitewater Is Home to 2024’s Longest Married Couple
Richard and Beverly Grosskreutz, who recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on January 28, have just been named 2024’s Longest Married Couple by the Wisconsin Family Council. Each year, the Wisconsin Family Council accepts applications for any living married couple living in the state of Wisconsin who has been married for 60 or more years. This year, they and 22 other couples were inducted into the Council’s Marriage Hall of Fame, but none of the other couples had been married as long as the Grosskreutzes. Each couple will receive a framed certificate recognizing their induction.
More on the Grosskreutzes and on the Marriage Hall of Fame can be found at https://wifamilycouncil.org/topical-resources/marriage-hall-of-fame/.
Congratulations once again to Dick and Bev Grosskreutz. Don’t forget – the first hundred are the hardest!
Submitted by the Grosskreutz Family
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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