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Updated 2/21/14 @ 5:15 p.m. to add School Board special meeting on 2/22 and to add the agenda for the Parks & Recreation Board on 2/21.
Whitewater Unified School District Legislative Breakfast – Monday @ 8:00 a.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes meeting with state legislators to discuss Mental Health Supports & Special Education Funding, 2023 Senate Bill 973, Multilingual Services Funding, State Funding for Post-Secondary Options for Students, ACT 20 Timeframe/Implementation.
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes library building project update.
Library Community Room, 431 West Center 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 meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87682878385?pwd=ckcrZXdDNzlCZmk4aWVqSmh1V3hNQT09
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 876 8287 8385
Passcode: 02376455
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session to discuss Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School
District to be followed by open session, Discussion and possible action regarding staffing study proposals received by Police Dept
for RFP, Discussion and possible action to go out to RFP for building inspection services, Discussion and possible action regarding awarding contracts for Ann Street and Fremont Street reconstruction, Forest Avenue reconstruction, North Fremont Street reconstruction, and Vanderlip pumping station and force main construction.
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/81424094861?pwd=LGrzlYy6fqnIXD7F0dXIKfrOEbqv9g.6H62QjUP9dfbPsiz
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 814 2409 4861
Passcode: 840852
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding renaming East Gate Park and Discussion and possible action regarding long term rental of Starin Park Building to Immanuel Anglican Church.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84598753795?pwd=YnRGcW92N3hQY21Hek1aYjhIaUZTdz09
Meeting ID: 845 9875 3795
Passcode: 931339
Dial by your location
• +1 312 626 6799
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Special Meeting – Thursday @ 7:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School
534 South Elizabeth Street
Open session: High School Library
Closed session: Room 267
Agenda is to adjourn to closed session to discuss Board member’s allegations that district employees failed to adhere to District policies and conduct by a certain school board member, to be followed by open session for possible action on any matters discussed in closed session.
On Saturday, February 17, the Whitewater Wrestling Team traveled to Campbellsport with 9 individuals hoping to wrestle their way into the top 3 in their weight class and punch their ticket to the WIAA Individual State Wrestling tournament. I was a very busy day for the Whippets as there were also 8 girls competing vying for the championship and to also qualify. (Girls’ information is in a separate article.)
The end of the day showed the best performance the coaching staff has ever been a part of at the sectional wrestling tournament. At the end of the day, the Whippets found themselves in 2nd place as a team with the unofficial WIAA scores. Five of the nine wrestlers found themselves still competing in the last round, with four of the five securing victories and punching their ticket to the state tournament taking place at the Kohl Center in Madison.
Leading the way of Qualifiers was Jarvis Porcaro (120). Jarvis had a very tough opponent in the semi-finals but battled his way back in the wrestle-backs, defeating an opponent for the 4th time this season, which over the years has proven to be a difficult task. Jarvis then followed with a first period pin in the 3rd place match to secure his place in state. The crowd then got to witness Jarvis running into an unexpected Coach Sedano’s arms knocking him over!
Up next, Connor Friend was defeated by a big time throw in the semi-finals and had to wrestle his way back to 3rd place. Connor pinned his first opponent in quick fashion and then had to face a familiar foe whom he too defeated 3 times previously. This opponent is very strong and quick, so there was much nervousness for Coach Schimming. Connor was not going to be denied and pinned him in the second period. Connor finished the day 3-1 with three pins.
Odair Porras (150) had a very good day with only one hiccup in the semi-finals. Odair came out in the first match with lots of intensity, building a big lead in takedowns before securing a pin. In the wrestle-backs he also had a familiar foe but made quick work, pinning him in the second period. In the 3rd place match, Odair wrestled a young man who was very tough in the top position. Odair made sure to not stay on the bottom by getting three takedowns in the first period and piled on more in the 2nd period when he started to chip away at his opponent’s will and pinned him in the 3rd period. Because Odair did not wrestle the opponent who took 2nd he got a true second wrestle-back and continued wrestling well, winning 9-4 and securing a runner-up finish.
Rounding out the qualifiers was Sebastian Cuellar (165). Sebastian had a quick pin in the first round and in the semi-finals wrestled a familiar foe who we knew was extremely flexible and difficult to pin. Sebastian wrestled very smart and was able to secure a technical fall 18-3 for the win. Sebastian fell in the championship match to a solid student from Kewaskum. He did have to wrestle back to hold onto his second-place finish and did very well again, wrestling very intelligently both on his feet and on the mat. He held his position as a runner-up with an 11-3 victory.
Coming up just short was Payton Lyon (190) who pinned his first opponent in the first round. In the semi-finals he lost to the number 2 ranked student in the state, and he definitely showed us why this is his ranking! Payton was able to come back with a pin to go into the 3rd place match. Unfortunately, Payton came up just short of his state tournament berth, which was his goal coming into the season. Payton has nothing to be disappointed in. He had 33 wins on the year and has Conference Champion to his name. The coaches feel he is not done on the mat as he does have aspirations at the next level.
Also competing for the Whippets were Jasen Porras, Brady Friend, and Traysen Thomason. All three of these gentlemen wrestled their hearts out but were unable to extend their season. They have no reason to hang their heads as they all had a great season and all three will return next year to continue with or re-establish their goals.
All four wrestlers will compete at the Kohl Center on Thursday night, February 22, at 7:00.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Kenzie Schimming
Editor’s note: The following press release was received on February 19 from Larry Kachel, who currently serves as president of the Whitewater Unified School District School Board.
“Today I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election for a position on the Whitewater Unified School Board. I apologize for the short notice, but as of early January I have been presented with a great opportunity to merge my Brookfield-based investment practice with another group, starting in 2025. Although I am not retiring for several years, the amount of work involved in a merger during 2024 and 2025 will be immense. I simply will not have time, nor can I honor a commitment, for three more years of service on the Board.
I will remain on the Board until my term expires in April of this year. Unfortunately, my name will still appear on the ballot. There are two seats up and two quality candidates are still running, so please give your support to incumbent Maryann Zimmerman and to Jeff Tortomasi.
I am proud to have had a small role in approving much needed math and reading curriculum changes to our district, among other things. The early results are quite positive. I have enjoyed the broad diversity of opinions held by all of our current board members and have especially enjoyed sitting in classrooms from time to time, watching our great teachers and staff work with our students.
It has been my pleasure serving the District the past three years.”
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Governor Evers Visits Lincoln Elementary to Celebrate the Success of Multilingual Learners and Literacy Programming for all
Lincoln Elementary School welcomed Governor Tony Evers on Thursday, February 15. The Governor’s time was limited, so he was only able to visit one of the three elementary schools collectively implementing new literacy programming and practices aligned with the Science of Reading (SOR) and supporting our multilingual students. However, “It was an honor to have Governor Evers visit Lincoln Elementary and witness firsthand the incredible impact the programming and practice aligned with the Science of Reading program is making in our elementary schools,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District. “Our staff have been instrumental in enhancing our student’s literacy skills and providing them with the foundation for lifelong learning. We appreciate the governor stopping by to share in this success.”
Since adopting the SOR program in the fall, all three elementary schools have seen notable advancements in student literacy outcomes. Recent data from the school’s Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment (DIBELS) reveal positive trends in students’ foundational skills, including fluency and comprehension.
The DIBELS assessments, administered to elementary students in September 2023 as part of the transition to the SOR-aligned instructional model, serve as a benchmark for measuring progress in literacy development. Students underwent reassessment in January 2024, four months after the program’s implementation, to monitor the impact of the new SOR-aligned approach.
Members of Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, have been working tirelessly since learning of the 2024 game requirements at the season kickoff event on January 6. On Sunday, February 18, they were able to put their invention on a full field for the first time at the Sussex Week 0 Scrimmage at Sussex Hamilton High School.
The team’s robot this year measures 26×26 inches and weighs approximately 120 pounds. The drive train is a swerve drive, which allows the robot to go in any direction facing any position at any time. The game piece (an orange foam ring) is picked up from the ground using a 4-bar linkage intake, which is then placed into the shooter. The shooter is on an elevator and arm which allows it to rise up and down and rotate, giving the robot almost full control of the shooting and scoring positions.
In addition to playing practice matches at Sussex, members of Ferradermis were able to attend morning workshops for Dean’s List candidates, Impact presentation preparation, and match scouting ideas. During matches, students not in the pit or on the drive team were in the stands testing the scouting system the team will be using at competition.
Members of Ferradermis will leave for their first Regional event in Duluth on February 28. Two weeks later, they will be competing in Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Regional, and over Spring Break they will be in Chicago for the Midwest Regional. Each regional hosts 50-60 teams, and the Chicago event will feature teams from 6 countries and 10 states. Four teams from each regional will qualify for Championships in Houston in mid-April.
Are you a supporter of the robotics program in the Whitewater Unified School District? If so, consider joining an organizational meeting for the new WUSD Robotics Booster Club on Tuesday, February 20, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 301 at the high school. Enter through Door #38 for the meeting. The Booster Club’s goals are to find ways to help support FIRST Lego League Challenge programs in 4th and 5th grade, the new FIRST Tech Challenge Team forming at the middle school in the fall, and the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team at the high school. For questions about the Booster Club, reach out to Sue Wildermuth at wilderms@uww.edu.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch and Andrew O’Toole
Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Rich Grosse and Laura Masbruch
Chancellor Corey King and Provost John Chenoweth invite you to join this year’s UWW Inclusivity Forum. Prominent area alum will share company perspectives in a panel on Thursday, February 22, in the James R. Connor University Center Ballroom. The first forum from 10-11:30 a.m. is open to all, and the second forum scheduled for 1-2 p. m., is a student-focused forum.
The forum will feature panelists from Wisconsin businesses and organizations with focus on inclusivity in Wisconsin’s workplaces. Panelists include:
Steven Brown ’90, ’98, Vice President of Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Talent Acquisition, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Willie Jude II, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation
Jermaine Murry, Chief Diversity Officer, Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Katie Wesner, DEI Program Manager, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Shary Tran ’99, Global Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Generac Power Systems
Questions about the forum or logistics can be directed Diane Bahmann in the Provost’s Office at bahmannd@uww.edu or 262-472-1672.
Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided.
The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Platteville, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team finished third while a pair of Warhawks claimed individual titles at the 2024 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Wrestling Championship hosted by UW-Platteville Saturday.
Dominik Mallinder defended his 2023 title at 133 pounds by defeating the same opponent he faced a year ago. Ethan Pogorzelski secured the 141-pound crown after battling his teammate in the final. The Warhawks advanced six wrestlers to title bouts Saturday.
Mallinder received a pair of byes to open his day in the semifinal against UW-Eau Claire’s Travis Moelter. He needed just over three minutes (3:18) to register the win by technical fall, 22-3, to punch his ticket to the final. In the championship, Mallinder topped UWEC’s Tyler Fleetwood by 9-3 decision to claim a second consecutive WIAC title at 133 pounds.
Pogorzelski and Justin Fortugno each won their first two matches of the day at 141 pounds to set up an all-Warhawk title bout. Fortugno opened his day with a fall over UW-Stevens Point’s Mohammed Abbosov in 2:46. He defeated Kaiden Schrandt (UW-La Crosse) by 4-1 decision to claim his spot in the final. Pogorzelski went through Bo Niewiadomski (UWEC – 7-4 decision) and Cooper Peterson (UWSP – 6-5 decision) to advance to the final. The pair of Warhawks battled it out taking the bout into extra time with Porgorzelski taking the crown in sudden victory 4-1.
Scott Busse made his way to the championship at 149 pounds. After receiving a first round bye, Busse defeated Riese Thornberry (UWSP) by 7-2 decision. He punched his ticket to the final after Zach Sato of UWEC was disqualified in the semifinal but was forced to forfeit the title bout to finish as the runner-up.
Jermaine Butler, UW-Whitewater’s representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team this season, went 2-1 on the day to finish as the WIAC runner-up at 157 pounds. Following a first round bye, Butler won by major decision over UWL’s Cooper Larson. He topped David Cushman in sudden victory in the semifinal to advance to the championship. In the title bout, Butler fell to undefeated Nolan Hertel of UW-La Crosse by 5-0 decision to claim second.
Ryan Riser added a third runner-up finish for UWW in the 2024 championship. Riser received a first round bye at 174 pounds before taking down Bryce Buchanan (UWSP) by major decision 11-0. In the semifinal, Riser defeated Eddie Simes (UWL) in sudden victory 4-1. Riser fell to UW-Eau Claire’s Jared Stricker by major decision in the title bout.
At 125 pounds, Jalen Dunson advanced to the semifinal before working his way back to a third-place finish. Dunson opened his day with a technical fall (6:47, 22-6) win over Thomas Giere of UWL. He dropped the semifinal bout to Luca Paladino of UWSP by 6-4 decision. Dunson secured his spot in the third-place match with a major decision victory of Platteville’s Chris Karbash, 21-7. He took bronze with a 6-3 decision over UWL’s Quintin Wolbert.
Aden Byal battled back to finish third after dropping his first match of the day at 157 pounds. Byal fell to Colton Sund of UWEC by 4-3 decision in the quarterfinal but worked his way back with a technical fall victory (4:04, 16-1) over Joey Ahern (UWSP) and a major decision (14-3) over UWP’s David Cushman. In the third-place bout, Byal won in sudden victory, 11-8, over UWL’s Cooper Larson.
John Fortugno (133 pounds), Jalin Conner (149 pounds) and Cadin Koeppel (285 pounds) were fourth in their respective weight classes. Warhawks finishing in fifth place included Caden Kirchner (165) and Gavin Kohel (184). Jordan Lewis added sixth-place points to the team total for his finish at 197 pounds.
UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse scored 161.5 to share the WIAC team title with the Warhawks totaling 121 points as a squad. UW-Stevens Point finished fourth (70.5) followed by UW-Platteville (29.5) and UW-Oshkosh (13).
…
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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