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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is another in our winter series featuring the downtown. It is taken from the corner of Main and First Streets, probably around 1900. Besides the massive snowbank it shows is the three-story Bower’s New Metropolitan Block, a five-storefront block built in 1870 when Joseph Bower’s old Metropolitan Block burned. The building lost its third story in the early 20th century, but the rest of the building is still standing today.
Join us next week for another winter view of downtown Whitewater.
(3162PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Troy University for the Fall Semester/Term 2 of the 2023-2024 academic year.
The Chancellor’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.
About Troy University
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
On Saturday, January 6th, the Whippet Girls’ Wrestling Team traveled to Kenosha Bradford High School for a scramble format tournament. The wrestling tournament was made up of 19 different schools. This girls’ tournament doubled in participants from the year before. Our Whitewater Whippets returned to this tournament having placed third last year, and set a goal to finish in the top again this year. With the tournament doubling in size, that was a great goal. Our twelve girls scored a total of 86 team points, which placed them in third at the end of the tournament.
As a team, the girls wrestled really well. Out of the twelve athletes, five placed in the top three for their respective weight classes. Leading the way was Marianna Kubicz, as champion at 185 pounds. Marianna pinned her way through the tournament.
Myia Cobb placed 2nd at 138 pounds, also pinning her way to the finals. Myia dropped her first loss of the day to a girl from Burlington.
A’lani Ross also placed 2nd at 126 pounds. A’Lani wrestled really well throughout the tournament, losing her last match in the final to a girl from Milton High School who took 2nd in the state last season.
Ema Aranda, wrestling at 100 pounds, and Lauren Buehler, wrestling at 120 pounds, both placed 3rd in their weight classes.
Overall, the Whitewater girls improved on Saturday, with some picking up their first win. The team taking third place was a team effort, and everyone who wrestled on Saturday helped solidify that team score. All our girls helped pick each other up and supported each other throughout the day. As a coach, it is nice to see teammates help each other the way these athletes did. This tournament will help them prepare for one of the biggest girls’ wrestling tournaments in the state, in Wausau, on January 20th.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Johnny Gomez
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team jumped out to an early 12-2 lead on Wednesday, January 10, but Big Foot battled to be within three at halftime. The game was close throughout with Whitewater up four with about four minutes to play. The Whippets eventually secured a 45-38 victory.
Even without shooting the ball well, Whitewater’s defense was able to keep them in the lead for most of the night. Whitewater was able to push it double digits with about three to play, but credit Big Foot’s shooting for keeping them in the game all night.
Calli Grosinske led the Whippets with 24 points, and Leah Paulsen put in 25 for Big Foot.
Whitewater is scheduled to host Edgerton on Friday, January 12 [presumably this game is canceled] and then travels to Evansville next Thursday, January 18.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Diane Jaroch, interim director of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, indicates that the library will be closed on Friday and Saturday due to inclement weather. The library will also be closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The library is open today, Thursday, until 8:30 p.m. Online services may be accessed through whitewaterlibrary.org
The City of Whitewater Municipal Building will also be closed Friday through Monday. Citizens who need police assistance may use the after hours call button in the Municipal Building Whitewater Street vestibule, or may call the non-emergency phone number at 262-473-0555 option 4. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Whitewater Unified School District will be closed on Friday.
With the expected snow forecasted throughout the day on Friday, January 12th, Walworth County’s Senior Nutrition Program will be closed. Meals on Wheels deliveries are canceled and all dining centers will be closed including Brookdale Manor in Whitewater as we continue our efforts to keep all participants and volunteers safe. Please remember to have someone clear your driveway and sidewalks of snow and ice to ensure meals can be delivered next week. We are expecting much colder temperatures but are hopeful to stay open next week. Thank you for understanding and stay safe.
The Community Space will be closed on Saturday.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior outside hitter Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) has been named a Third Team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators.
Weinfurt holds a 3.88 grade point average with a major in digital marketing. The 2023 CSC Academic All-America Teams for volleyball feature 83 student-athletes across three divisions of the NCAA and NAIA including 24 that compete in Division III.
The 2023 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Weinfurt also garnered Second Team All-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She ranked among the top 30 nationally in kills per set (4.03) and total kills (463) this season. The senior reached the 1,000 career kill milestone this season and currently ranks 14th in the program record book with 1,150 kills.
Academic All-America Teams are voted on and selected by CSC members. Student-athletes must earn All-District honors to be considered for All-America recognition. To be eligible for Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must be of at least sophomore status, hold a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 and have competed in 90-percent or started in 66-percent of sets played this season.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team defeated UW-Stevens Point 53-44 Wednesday night in Kachel Gym. With the win, the Warhawks match the best start in program history (2007-08) with a 14-0 mark.
Box Score
UWW built a 19-11 lead after the first 10 minutes of play. The Warhawks shot well in the first quarter hitting 57-percent from the floor and 3-4 of their three-point tries. Kacie Carollo was 4-6 from the field and 2-2 from long range for 10 points in the first 10 minutes.
UW-Whitewater’s offense cooled off shooting 33-percent in the second and just 17-percent in the third as the Pointers pulled to within six, 41-35, with one quarter remaining.
The Warhawks sealed the game from the free throw line with eight of the team’s 12 points in the fourth coming from the charity stripe. UWW was 8-10 from the line down the stretch leading to the final.
Carollo tallied a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. She is now just one rebound away from 500 career boards. She added three assists and a block. Aleah Grundahl posted 15 points on 6-12 from the floor with seven rebounds.
| Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the office of the governor. Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin Reached Highest Enrollment Ever on HealthCare.gov |
| For a limited time, Wisconsinites can still sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance on the federal marketplace through Jan. 16, 2024 |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that, according to new enrollment data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as of Dec. 23, 2023, 254,482 Wisconsinites have signed up for health insurance on the individual marketplace. This marks the highest enrollment Wisconsin has ever reached. The previous record was attained during the 2017 Open Enrollment Period when 242,863 Wisconsinites signed up for coverage. “Every Wisconsinite should have access to quality, affordable healthcare, and having a record number of Wisconsinites signed up to access affordable healthcare coverage is a critical achievement in our administration’s efforts to make sure folks and families can access the healthcare they need when they need it,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “This is great news for our state, and we will continue working to ensure Wisconsinites can get covered by encouraging folks to take advantage of the ongoing Open Enrollment period between now and January 16th.” Through January 16, Wisconsinites are still eligible to sign up for one of the dozens of health plans available on the federal marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans. “By getting insured, you are investing in your health and the health of those around you,” said Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek. “Connect with a licensed health insurance agent, broker, or navigator today to understand your options and find the right HealthCare.gov plan for you and your family.” “We are thankful for OCI and our partners who spread the word about open enrollment to ensure people have health insurance coverage,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary Kirsten Johnson. “Health insurance allows people to stay healthy and active in their communities. Access to coverage, whether through Medicaid, HealthCare.gov, or an employer, is how we keep Wisconsin a great place to live, work and play.” In 2020, Gov. Tony Evers’ OCI DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers. By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 2-1-1, people can get connected with free, expert help. These experts help Wisconsinites understand their coverage options and determine if they qualify for subsidized health insurance premiums through the marketplace or free coverage through BadgerCare Plus. The individual health insurance market has expanded substantially statewide, growing eight percent from 2019 to 2021. During the Open Enrollment Period last year, 221,128 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance. Much of the enrollment increase is tied to the subsidies enhanced by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. Last year, 89 percent of Wisconsinites who enrolled on HealthCare.gov qualified for these cost savings. Additionally, the successful Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP) has held down rates on the individual marketplace. Without WIHSP, rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 18.2 percent for the 2024 plan year, based on a weighted average. Wisconsin’s individual health insurance market also has the second-most insurers in the nation. Wisconsinites in all 72 counties can choose from at least three different health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here. |
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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