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The Whippet Baseball Team competed against Evansville and unfortunately came out on the losing end by a score of 6-3. The Whippets took the lead 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning and held the lead until the 4th inning. The Whippets cut the deficit to two runs in the bottom of the 6th inning.
Leading the offense was Wyatt Nickels who had two hits on the night.
Marcos Sagrero handled the starting pitching duties and went 3 ⅓ innings. Wyatt Nickels and Marc Jones each pitched in relief.
The Whippets will be in action again on Thursday, April 21st, when they travel to Evansville for a 4:45 p.m. start time.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Whippet Girls’ Soccer Team hosted Milwaukee High School of the Arts on Tuesday, April 19.
The Whippets won by a score of 12-0, with goals from Sophia Garcia (1’, 6’), Mayte Navejas (4’, 40’), Teona Krivykh (9’), Andrea Alcala (13’), Adriana Dixon (14’), Belle Peterson (16’), Isabella Aranda (18’), Michelle Abarca (22’), Vivi Hauck (29’), and Caelyn Caputo (30’).
Marina Linos played in goal for the Whippets.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
On Friday, April 15th, the Whippet Baseball Team hosted Big Foot for a doubleheader.
The first game saw the Whippets fall 3-0. Marcus DePorter pitched six strong innings. The Whippets could only manage to record two hits against a very tough lefty for Big Foot.
The second game saw the Whippets get their first win on the year with a 7-5 victory. Wyatt Nickels pitched a phenomenal game with Marc Jones coming in and closing the game out on the mound. Offensively, the Whippets broke out with 10 hits while only striking out five times.
The Whippets will be in action again on Tuesday, April 19th, when they host the Evansville Blue Devils. Come on out for a 4:45 p.m. start time, and cheer on your Whippets.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippet softball team lost to East Troy 11-10, on April 14, in a game played in the cold, windy weather. Both teams fought through the elements and put on a good show for everyone in attendance.
Whitewater scored five runs in the top of the first inning to take an early lead. East Troy scored three runs in the bottom of the first and four more in the third inning to take a 7-6 lead. Going into the seventh inning down 10-7, the Whippets rallied for three runs to tie the score. In the bottom of the seventh, the first batter for East Troy got hit by a pitch. That runner then went to second on a wild pitch and then got to third on a groundout. With one out, Jenna Pope snagged a hard groundball at first, touched the base and threw home. On a close play at home, East Troy’s runner slid under the tag for the winning run.
Falyn Krahn led the Whippets with 3 hits and 3 runs. Makaylyn Benes added 2 hits, including a double and a run batted in.
Jenna Pope pitched the first four innings for Whitewater, while Gaby Kubicz came in to finish the game.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
| Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the state treasurer. |
| State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski visited Lakeview Elementary School on April 12 to present the Whitewater Unified School District’s (WUSD) record-breaking annual distribution of over $80,000 from the Common School Fund. Treasurer Godlewski was joined by Senator Janis Ringhand, Representative Don Vruwink, State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, and WUSD and community leaders for the event. This visit comes after State Treasurer Godlewski, who serves as Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) and oversees the $1.3 billion Common School Fund, announced that the BCPL’s effective management of the fund has resulted in another record-high distribution of $40.6 million for public schools in every corner of the state. Whitewater Unified School District will receive $81,186 to focus on funding books and technology. “Our kids are our future, and I am proud that the diversified investment strategy of the BCPL has provided this record-breaking distribution to make sure they have what they need to thrive in our public schools. Despite the economic challenges of the past few years, the BCPL has been able to invest wisely to provide these critical resources for our K-12 public school libraries. Whether it’s addressing the digital divide or building literacy skills, it’s great to see how these funds are making a difference,” said Godlewski. The Common School Fund is a crucial source of revenue for school libraries, and this distribution provides the sole source of funding for over 90% of public school libraries. Earnings from the BCPL’s investment portfolio are distributed annually to every public school district in Wisconsin to enhance students’ educational experience and to help them gain access to books and technology, which are key to their success. “Ensuring our students have access to the books and technology they need is essential to helping them reach their full academic potential,” said Assistant State Superintendent for the Division for Libraries and Technology and State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt. “The Department of Public Instruction is grateful for the BCPL’s wise stewardship of the Common School Fund, which provides these essential dollars to public school libraries across Wisconsin.” On her Facebook page, Godlewski added, “I also want to give a special shout out to Lakeview’s Library Leaders, who dressed as their favorite book characters and were excellent hosts!” “Whitewater Unified School District is excited for the opportunities that this $81,186 in literacy-focused funding from the Common School Fund and State Treasurer Godlewski will bring. This funding will support and cultivate students’ love of reading, and support increasing the use of technology in our District’s libraries. New digital platforms along with multimodal learning are daily occurrences in our libraries engaging our wide variety of learners. Our community is ever-changing and it is our role as educators to meet those changes head-on and provide for our families. The Common School Funds provided by the State of Wisconsin help us provide these new and improved opportunities for all of our students,” said Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), chaired by State Treasurer Godlewski, oversees $1.3 billion in state trust funds. This includes the Common School Fund, which makes annual distributions that fund books and technology for every school district in the state. As part of her role as board chair, the State Treasurer has prioritized Wisconsin investments and has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into the investment strategy. One of her first actions as board chair was to roll back a climate change gag rule which prevented staff from discussing climate change and how it impacted investments. In today’s low-interest-rate environment and with the uncertainty of the financial market, this level of distribution would not be possible if the Trust Fund remained invested solely in loans and bonds, as required under statute from 1848 through 2015. The updated investment strategy has led to the diversification of the Common School Fund that added millions to future distributions and will continue to pay dividends to Wisconsin schoolchildren for generations to come. In the last biennium, the BCPL has made $570 million in new portfolio investments, which includes $165 million for financing essential economic development, infrastructure, and other community projects and purchases in Wisconsin. |
Whitewater traveled to Janesville Parker to play a non-conference match on Tuesday, April 12.
The Whippets won over the Vikings by a score of 7-2.
Whitewater goals came from Natalia Sortino (2’), Teona Krivykh (32’), Vivi Hauck (40’), Mayte Navejas (42’, 55’), Adriana Dixon (57’ – PK), and Caelyn Caputo (71’). Parker’s goals were scored by Emma Dyer and Jaylynn Basic.
Whippet goalkeeper Marina Linos had three saves for Whitewater. Jeanne Pitteloud played in goal for Janesville.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced they are hosting a free online student loan debt relief workshop on April 21. The workshop will help student loan borrowers prepare for the end of the federal student loan payment pause, which the Biden administration recently extended from May 1 through August 31.
“With student loan payments resuming in September, it is more important than ever for borrowers to explore their student loan repayment options and make a plan for repayment today,” said DFI Secretary-designee Cheryll Olson-Collins. “Borrowers should take time now while payments are still paused to look into repayment options such as income-driven repayment plans, which may lower monthly payments, and check their eligibility for student loan forgiveness. Not waiting until the last minute to make a plan is important and will help ensure a smooth return to repayment.”
“As student loan payments resume, borrowers should watch for dishonest offers of loan forgiveness or savings from consolidation from debt relief scammers,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Borrowers with questions should attend this informational workshop to learn more about the many resources consumers can access without paying any fees.”
Join the “Student Loan Debt Relief Workshop: How to Avoid Scams, Use Free Repayment Tools and Save Money” on April 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. by registering for free here.
During this workshop, student loan borrowers will learn about current student loan debt relief scams to avoid and how to use the free Wisconsin Student Loan Repayment Tool, created by Savi. Savi’s student loan experts will answer questions about student loan repayment and explain how their tool can help borrowers navigate the complexities of federal student loan repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and lowering student loan payments. Using Savi’s tool may help borrowers reduce their monthly payments and optimize their repayment plans. On average, users of this tool save $156 each month and have a lifetime savings of $28,308. Student loan borrowers can find additional free repayment resources on DFI’s LookForwardWI.gov website.
DFI and DATCP encourage student loan borrowers to create a repayment plan now to help ensure a smooth return to repayment and to beware of fraudsters taking advantage of this transition period. Borrowers with questions are encouraged to call the Wisconsin Student Loan Help Hotline at (833) 589-0750 or contact Federal Student Aid. Student loan borrowers who have been the victim of a scam should report it by filing a complaint online, emailing datcphotline@wisconsin.gov, or calling DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128.
The Whippets played host to Evansville in a conference game this past Saturday, April 9, and came out on top 15-9 for their first win of the season.
The game went back and forth as Whitewater took a 3-run lead in the first inning, only to see Evansville tie it up in the second inning. Evansville went up 5-3 in the top of the third, but the Whippets plated two runs to tie it at 5-5. Whitewater scored 3 runs in the 4th inning to go up 8-5, but Evansville scored 3 runs in the fifth to tie it at 8-8. Evansville took a 9-8 lead in the 6th, but Whitewater blew the game open by scoring seven runs in the bottom of the 6th to complete the scoring.
Jenna Pope, Falyn Krahn, and Lexi Juoni led the way with three hits each. Shyan Lesperance and Cali Kopecky contributed two hits each. Krahn drove in four runs while Gaby Kubicz drove in three runs.
Jenna Pope pitched 4 1/3 strong innings, while Gaby Kubicz went the final 2 2/3 innings to get the win.
The Whippets play a conference game at home against Big Foot on Tuesday, April 12th. Game time is 5:00.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Obituaries
Editor’s note: Lt. Col. Morris taught ROTC at UW-Whitewater from 1969-1972. Funeral service for Lieutenant Colonel (US Army Retired) Charles “Tom” Morris 84, of Anniston, will be held at First Baptist Church of Saks where he and Carolyn have been members for nearly 40 years, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 4:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Burial will take place in Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Our family would like to announce to our friends and loved ones the passing of a beloved father, husband, and grandaddy. Tom passed away peacefully in … Read more
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A Celebration of Life for Dick Enstad will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 9:30-11:30 AM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First English Lutheran Church or an organization of your choice. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” ~Abraham Lincoln
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Clarence Everett Hansen, Jr. (Bud), 87, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his family home in LaGrange, WI at 1:30 PM. Bud was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 6, 1937, to Clarence Hansen Sr. and Ruth (Dalson) Hansen and was baptized at Bethlehem Church in Milwaukee. Bud graduated from Lutheran High School in Milwaukee on June 9, 1955. Following high school, Bud enlisted in the US Army and was a light weapons specialist and sharpshooter. He was stationed in Germany and upon honorable discharge, served in the Army Reserves until 1962. Bud married his wife, of 63 … Read more
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Edward (Ed) Geske passed away to the Great Workshop in the Sky on May 25, 2025, due to years of severe infections of the urinary tract. Edward E. Geske was born on Thanksgiving Day to Elmer and Alice McMillan Geske on November 25, 1943 at the family home in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was accompanied by his twin sister, Marjorie, on this momentous occasion. Edward’s siblings are: Nancy(Tom) Trewyn, Arlene (Richard) Trewyn, Marjorie Petska, Susan (Gordy) Gimiski, Ray (Patti) Geske, and Mary (Gale) Smith. Ed grew up and attended elementary school in Lima Center, WI, later graduating from Whitewater High School. … Read more
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Irv A. Madsen, 86, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 02, 2025. He was born in Askov, MN on May 20, 1938, to Ludvig and Augusta Madsen. Irv graduated from Amery High School in 1956 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater in 1960 and his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison in 1965. He began his career teaching Business Education at Milton High School and then moved to UW-Whitewater to become the Director of Admissions for 42 years. During his time at UW-Whitewater he coached Women’s Softball, announced Football games for 50 years and was “the voice of … Read more
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Faith Ann Hansen, 83, passed away on the evening of Monday, May 19th at Alden Estates in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She was born on April 20th, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald Hansen and Doris (Ceel) Hansen. Faith graduated from Brookfield Central High School. Following high school she married Clarence (Bud) Hansen, Jr. and owned and ran the Twin Oaks Inn bar in Little Prairie, WI. Faith then worked at the Lakeland Nursing Home for over 30 years, while there earning her nursing degree from MATC in 1992. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater … Read more
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Ann S. Eckert, 85, of Port Charlotte, FL, died on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL. She was born in Madison, WI, on October 16, 1939. Ann was the only child of Clifford and Virginia Peterson. Ann was married for 65 years to Rev. Jerry Eckert. They had two children, David and Karen. Ann was a 1957 graduate of New London High School and earned her BS degree at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX, in 1961 with a major in home economics education. She taught a year in Seagoville, TX, and a part of … Read more
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Robert (Bob) John O’Hara, a cherished member of our family and friends, passed away May 19, 2025. Bob was born September 14, 1956, to Charlotte Anna (Wallack) Lewers and Robert James O’Hara. Bob grew up in Elk Grove Village, IL and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1974. He relocated to Whitewater, WI in 1986 and worked various warehouse distribution positions and ended his career as a manager. A significant life event occurred in 1998 when his precious daughter, Kelly Lynd O’Hara, was born. Kelly was an important focus of his life and he enjoyed watching her grow … Read more
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BRADLEY TERESA ANN Teresa Ann Bradley, age 84, of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Memorial service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Fr. Thi Pham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Teresa Ann was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 23,1940, to Paul and Hildegard (Weinandt) Bradley. She lived on a 5-acre farm in what is … Read more
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Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting. He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke … Read more
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