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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding Arboretum signage, Discussion and update regarding tree tags, Discussion and possible approval of Territorial Tree Playground ideas, and Presentation and Discussion from Jaime Wiegel regarding the Whitewater Effigy Mounds.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89935976147?pwd=TlVCYlEzOGlJMEp0RjV4WmpHemJYUT09
Meeting ID: 899 3597 6147
Passcode: 214149
Dial by your location
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 899 3597 6147
Passcode: 214149
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: 221.1, Recruitment and Appointment of Administrators and Coordinators; 222.1, Administrator Contracts
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Closed session – 7:00 p.m. – Open Session
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
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6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online – CLOSED SESSION to consider the findings and conclusions of a personnel investigation concerning a specific previous support staff member and to discuss the conduct of a specific certified staff member.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83745425111?pwd=ZjU1Q0JWWUlJekRnbTg0U0g5bW1FQT09
– Passcode: 454314
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 837 4542 5111
– Passcode: 454314
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Open Session
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes 2024-2025 Calendar Approval.
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89008053362?pwd=WS9TTjFVNWUrNjVwejB4dHNHbnBtUT09
– Passcode: 452162
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 890 0805 3362
– Passcode: 452162
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 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 click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/409820237
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 409-820-237
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from The Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Inc.
The Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and expanding the legacy of Lorine Niedecker, a preeminent 20th century Wisconsin poet. Our organization offers access to research archives and educational materials, and publishes The Solitary Plover, a semiannual newsletter, and What Region, a monograph series. More information about this organization can be found at https://lorineniedecker.org/
The Friends of Lorine Niedecker will host a reading by the poets published in the Winter 2024 Solitary Plover on Thursday, February 29 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
We invite you to join us for this virtual reading conducted on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86490079677?pwd=qca05GzRcVegmGK6YarutYSa4VhkeU.1
Meeting ID: 864 9007 9677
Passcode: 520557
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The agenda for the Whitewater Unified School District Legislative Breakfast was as follows:
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
- A. Introduce Wisconsin State Legislators and Whitewater School Board Members – Larry Kachel, School Board President
2. DISTRICT UPDATE
- A. Welcome – Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent
3. SCHOOL DISTRICT PRIORITIES & PROPOSED LEGISLATION
- A. Mental Health Supports & Special Education Funding – Dr. Lanora Heim, Director of Pupil Services
- B. 2023 Senate Bill 973 – Dr. Lanora Heim, Director of Pupil Services
- C. Multilingual Services Funding – Melania Argueta Borchert, Multilingual Services Coordinator
- D. State Funding for Post-Secondary Options for Students – Brent Mansky, High School Principal
- E. ACT 20 Timeframe/Implementation – Terilyn Robles, Director of Teaching and Learning
4. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Jefferson beat Whitewater 33-24 in a WIAA girls’ basketball playoff game Friday night, February 23.
Whitewater led by three at halftime, but both teams struggled to score all night. Jefferson was able to find a way to make a few more baskets and put it away in the end. Mayte Navejas was the leading Whippet scorer with seven points.
Jefferson will play at McFarland Saturday in the regional championship game at 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater’s season has ended with a 14-10 record.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Members of the Whitewater High School FIRST Robotics Competition Team Ferradermis advocated for their program to state officials at the Wisconsin State Capitol in hopes of expanding the team and the opportunities available to students.
Organized by FIRST, a global youth-serving nonprofit organization advancing STEM education in K-12 schools, the event featured several teams and groups with similar interests in promoting science and technology programs to lawmakers.
Seven WHS students led meetings with senators and their representatives at the Capitol Rotunda to discuss the costs of supporting a program like theirs and how large the return on investment is for participants. In an interview, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Ferradermis team captain, told WMTV-15 News that public speaking, community outreach, and building partnerships with sponsors are skills students could only learn and practice through the robotics program.
“We have classes where we need to make presentations, but nothing prepares you for this level of outreach unless you’re actually doing it,” Cosette said.
The program costs approximately $70,000 annually, including the cost of the team’s robot-building supplies and transportation to competitions. This money is largely raised through grants and sponsorships, but by lobbying with lawmakers for more funding, Ferradermis is hoping to expand its team with more female participants. The team also aims to provide access to the program to underrepresented communities in Wisconsin.
“This was such a great experience for the team,” said Laura Masbruch, Ferradermis team advisor and coach. “Our students spoke with actual state senators, some for 45 minutes, about this club that has really transformed for some into a passion. I’m proud of how the team represented WHS and our community, and all the hard work they continue to demonstrate in our program.”
To learn more about Ferradermis or to become a sponsor, please visit www.ferradermis.org.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Department of Theatre and Dance.
Set in the vibrant nightlife of 1940s Chicago, “Pal Joey” follows the captivating journey of Joey Evans, a charismatic yet flawed nightclub performer who is determined to make it big.
With a dream in his heart and a knack for seduction, Joey embarks on a whirlwind adventure, navigating a treacherous web of romance, power struggles, and the pursuit of his own dreams.
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Book by John O’Hara
Directed by Bruce Cohen
“Pal Joey” will be performed by UW-Whitewater’s Department of Theatre and Dance in the Barnett Theatre Feb. 23-25 and Feb. 29-March 2. Friday & Saturday, 2/23-24 @ 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 2/25 @ 2:00 p.m., Thursday & Friday, 2/29 – 3/1, 7:30 p.m., Saturday 3/2, 2:00 p.m.
“Pal Joey,” written in 1940, is one of many Rodgers and Hart musicals to run on Broadway. It tells the story of a young nightclub performer named Joey Evans with an ambitious dream of one day owning his own nightclub, and seemingly no limits to what he will do to achieve this desire. His large goals and manipulative tactics get suddenly entangled with lust and jealousy when he begins deceptively charming women and letting his selfishness blind him.
UW-Whitewater’s 2024 production encapsulates the show’s unique and complex character relationships and gives new life to a beloved 1940s classic.
This play contains themes and theatricalized depictions that some may find troubling. It is intended for adult audiences and mature sensibilities.
Sarah Keller from Whitewater, WI, a Music major, is one of many students involved in the outstanding production of “Pal Joey” at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Keller will play the role of Janet / Understudy Vera Simpson, as a part of the Cast.
“It has been a pleasure to work on the show,” said show director Bruce Cohen, an associate professor of theatre and dance. “It is the most dance-intensive musical that we’ve mounted in the seven years I’ve been here at UW-Whitewater. The students are having a blast.”
Cohen goes on to explain the careful thought that went into the selection process for a show of this nature.
“This show presents a higher degree of triple-threat – singing, dancing, and acting – performance skills than many contemporary shows. This is so important for our students to have experience with.”
Students involved in the show have expressed a strong sense of pride in their strongly-built community.
“I have found that this cast has a lot of theatre majors and non-theatre majors and through that experience, [it] makes the diversity of the cast and perspectives very eye-opening,” said Caitlyn Dickman, who plays the role of Linda English in the production. “Everyone has learned to grow together and become one as a family in bringing this story to life!”
Tickets are available in advance through Ticket Services. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for age 65+, $13 for under age 18. There is a $2 per ticket surcharge when purchased at the door.
UW-Whitewater’s Department of Theatre/Dance produces five shows per academic year. For more information, visit uww.edu/theatre.
It’s Movie Awards Season and Seniors in the Park will be presenting many nominated and winning films over the coming months!
“Maestro”
Tuesday, February 27, 1 p.m.
(Biography/Drama/History/Music/Romance)
2 hours, 9 minutes (2023)
A love story chronicling the lifelong relationship of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife/actress Felicia Cohn. Written, directed, and starring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan.
Many Golden Globe nominations and much Oscar buzz for this film.
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/
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
For the last of our “Gone but not Forgotten” series of images, we present the Territorial Oak, just recently lost to disease. At the foot of the photo is Ruth Engebretsen Dorr, who spearheaded a drive to place a marker for the tree in 1962.
The territorial oak was mentioned specifically in 1836 surveyor’s notes when the Whitewater area was surveyed prior to it being opened for sale from the U. S. Government. A large burr oak tree at the time, it was recognized as a local landmark as early as the 1930s.
Disease and age took its toll on the tree in recent years and it had to be cut down. But, the city will memorialize the tree in Starin Park and it will be truly “Gone but not Forgotten.”
Join us next week for more historic images from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3341P, Whitewater Historical Society)
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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