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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Walworth County.
Walworth County Register of Deeds Michele Jacobs will serve as the new Clerk of Circuit Court, replacing Kristina Secord who announced her resignation on November 14. Jacobs will assume her new role on December 11. [She will be filling Secord’s unexpired term until January, 2027. Secord was just elected to a four year term in November, 2022.]
Per State Statute, the judges of a county appoint a new Clerk of Court if that person leaves the office prior to the
end of their term. Jacobs was appointed to the position on November 21 by Walworth County Judges
David Reddy, Phillip Koss, Kristine Drettwan, and Daniel Johnson.
“I look forward to assuming my new role as Clerk of Circuit Court and continuing to serve Walworth County,”
says Michele Jacobs. “I will greatly miss my wonderful team in the Register of Deeds office. But I know they
will continue to serve Walworth County residents with the utmost professionalism.”
Jacobs was elected as Register of Deeds in 2020. Prior to taking office, she worked in the Clerk of Court’s
office for 14 years and in the office of Walworth County Corporation Counsel.
During her tenure, Jacobs launched a new land notification service to help protect property owners from
property fraud. She also increased efficiencies within the office and prioritized the digital preservation of
historical records, scanning indexes to allow them to be available online in the future.
Per statute, Jacobs has until December 11 to submit her resignation to the Walworth County Sheriff. Upon
receipt, her resignation will be forwarded to the Governor for a decision regarding how to fill the impending
register of deeds vacancy.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will host the Wheaton College Thunder Saturday, November 25 in the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.
GAMEDAY INFO
Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the game. $14 for Adults, $10 Over 65 / Students and youth 5-18, Free kids under 5 (no ticket needed) Click here to buy tickets.
Parking is cashless $10/$15 – it is recommended fans purchase parking in advance. Click here to purchase parking.
IN THE POLLS
UWW: #5 D3football.com (Prev: 5) / #5 American Football Coaches Association (Prev: 6)
WC: #10 / #12
UWW’S PLAYOFF PATH
The Warhawks claimed one of four at-large bids into the 2023 NCAA Division III Playoffs – a 16th appearance in the postseason since 2005. With one of the toughest strengths of schedule in Division III, UWW will face a ranked (includes a team receiving votes) opponent for the eighth time this season on Saturday. UW-Whitewater, a six-time Stagg Bowl winner, is 59-12 in the playoffs in program history.
The Warhawks set the tone early in last week’s 42-14 win over Bethel. UWW needed just three plays in its first drive to get on the scoreboard as Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) hit Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) in stride for a 49-yard touchdown. Two drives later, Ogden found Nick Wind (Downers Grove, Ill./Montini Catholic) for a 32-yard scoring strike. Then, in the first play of the second quarter, Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) hauled in a pass from Ogden for a 19-yard touchdown and a 21-0 UW-Whitewater lead. The Royals were able to get on the board twice, each time the Warhawks had the response scoring three much TDs in the second half.
Ogden was efficient completing 11-of-15 for 218 yards and four passing touchdowns without throwing an interception. He spread the ball around hitting six different receivers. Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) was the leading rusher with 168 yards on 13 carries including a pair of rushing touchdowns. Hawk Heffner (Grafton, Wis./Grafton) led the defense with nine tackles.
HOW WHEATON GOT HERE
The Thunder also received an at-large bid into the playoffs. Wheaton defeated Mount St. Joseph in their first round matchup 41-34 in Wheaton. The Thunder put up 564 yards of total offense – 302 on the ground and 262 over the air.
Giovanni Weeks led the Thunder with four touchdowns in the game. He took 38 of Wheaton’s 58 handoffs running for 256 yards. Defensively, linebackers Caleb McClung, Johnny Eller and Lawson Haigler each registered six tackles.
ON THE AIR
Saturday’s game will air live online on the WIAC Network. The contest can be heard on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.
SERIES
This is the fifth meeting between the Warhawks and Thunder. UW-Whitewater holds a 4-0 record over Wheaton. The last matchup was also a second round playoff game as UWW won 31-17 on November 28, 2015 at McCully Stadium in Wheaton.
Exciting opportunity!
We are hiring a part-time Gallery Manager! If you’re passionate about the arts, organized, and have project management skills, apply by Dec 1.
Requirements:
2 years in admin/project coordination, arts/nonprofit experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Essential skills:
Passion for the arts, strong project management, teamwork, communication, and public speaking.
Preferred skills:
Event planning, exhibition design, familiarity with Wisconsin’s cultural landscape, and basic graphic design.
Responsibilities include:
Admin tasks, volunteer coordination, exhibition planning, event facilitation, and marketing.
Apply with a resume and cover letter to waa.franachen@gmail.com and to learn more visit: https://shorturl.at/astMQ
#WAA | #ArtsOpportunity | #ApplyToday
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Saturday, November 25th, beginning at 10 a.m. – come shop small at Cravath Lakefront Park!
This FREE event will feature more than 40 local, small businesses that you can support on Small Business Saturday. Enjoy food trucks, sweet treats, live music, pictures with Santa and holiday shopping.
Lovers of all things holidays! Enjoy a Small Business Saturday Shop Small Market at Cravath Lakefront Park to help jumpstart your holiday shopping with unique gifts from local vendors and businesses.
Listen to live music, warm up at Blitzen’s Bonfire, let the kiddos write a letter to Santa and do crafts in the Little Elves Workshop & Play Area, eat good food from food trucks, enjoy hot cocoa, mulled wine, or Second Salem beer in the Gumdrop Glögg Garden, and ring in the holiday season with photos with Santa! Get your name on the list for a carriage ride around downtown!
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Vendor Market, Live Music, Little Elves Workshop & Play Area, Food, beer, & wine
11 a.m. – 1p.m.: Meet & Greet and Photos with Santa!
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Carriage rides around downtown
This is a FREE, family-friendly event. Learn more: www.whitewaterchamber.com/shop-small-holiday-market/
Featured Vendors:
“Crafts By Rita”
2 Crafty Grandma’s
BaristaCats Cafe
Boy Scout 264
BTHREE.CO boutique
Clark Family Mushrooms
CrafteNook
Darling Lilly Designs
ElevateYourVibez
Ellie Joe Design Co
Finches Landing
Front Yard Homestead Soap
Good Times Clay Co
Grandma Connie’s/caricatures by bok
H & S Jewelry Co.
Heathers Tailoring and Custom Sewing
Just Add Wine Candle Co.
Kettle Moraine Honey
Kit’s Knits
Koi Vintage
Kristies Creative Kitchen
Lady V’s Fun Snow Cones and Snacks
LevelUpWellness.USANA.com
Lucky21woodworks
Lyn Louise Crafting
Lynette’s – Mary Kay
Magnificent Manis In Minutes (Color Street)
Midwest Nest Handmade
Nordskov Coffee
Old School Farmstead
Owl Be There
PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More )
Restoration Candle Company
Revamp Nutrition
Rockin Roxies Pupcakes & More
Sarah’s Sweet Treats
Scentsy
SJWHandmade
SpoookyNook
Stephani’s Spot
Studio 84
TDS Telecom
The Food Truck
Universal Windows Direct
Yazmine Ordaz
Whitewater Grocery Co.
Best Taste
Participating Businesses Citywide:
Steve-Os
The Book Teller
Dale’s Bootery
Associated Bank
Whitewater Cinemas
First Citizens State Bank
Fort Community Credit Union
Center Street Cafe
More details here: https://facebook.com/events/s/whitewaters-shop-small-holiday/962676494704197/?mibextid=Gg3lNB
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music.
Get into the holiday spirit with UW-Whitewater Department of Music’s Gala Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Young Auditorium. The air is filled with music and excitement as ensembles play throughout the building before the performance, during intermission, and immediately following the large concert. The Gala is an annual tradition that features nearly every student ensemble in the Department of Music. All profits from this event support Department of Music Scholarships. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance at tickets.uww.edu. You can also visit Ticket Services or call 262-472-2222 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ticket Services is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI.
Tickets for the general public are $30; $25 for individuals over 65 and $20 for under 18 years of age. Tickets purchased at the event will include an additional $2.00 surcharge. In addition to ticket sales, we welcome gifts through our Angel donation program. Gifts can be made online at uww.edu/coac/gala-benefit-concert. Alternatively, checks made out to the UW-Whitewater Foundation can be sent to Gala Holiday Concert, 950 W. Main Street, CA2031, Whitewater, WI 53190.
On the night of Dec. 2, small ensembles will begin performing at 6:45 p.m. throughout the Young Auditorium and in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts. The first half of the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include performances by the Brass Ensemble, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. During intermission, various smaller ensembles will perform throughout Young Auditorium. The second half of the concert will feature the Chamber Singers, Percussion Ensemble, Whitewater Symphony Orchestra, Harmonia and Concert Choir. In addition to the festive music, a limited number of commemorative ornaments will be available for purchase as supplies last.
Glenn Hayes, Interim Department Chair for the Department of Music, will be hosting the event. “Our Holiday Gala concert is a joyous event for the entire family! We present a wide array of styles and ensembles. Literally, there is something for everyone! Do not miss the chance for outstanding live music on December 2nd,” said Hayes.
Come get into the holiday spirit and support the UW-Whitewater music students at 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 2. The main concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Young Auditorium located at 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190. Tickets are available at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. All profits benefit the Department of Music student scholarship fund. For more information or to become a Gala Angel by donating to the Department of Music student scholarship fund, visit uww.edu/coac/gala-benefit-concert.
The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers rigorous programs in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts; internships, pre-professional opportunities in journalism, advertising, and applied communication, and innovative interdisciplinary studies. The mission of the College of Arts and Communication is to cultivate and inspire creativity, diversity, expression, inquiry and integrity through embodied education in the fine performing and communicative arts and professions. For more information visit uww.edu/coac.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Join internationally renowned author Erik Larson as he discusses his bestselling book “The Devil in the White City” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Young Auditorium on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. The event is free and open to the public, and a live-streaming option is available.
Larson will be focusing on the leadership needed to create the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair even as evil loomed in the underbelly of the city in the form of H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer. The book won an Edgar Award for best fact-crime writing, and was a finalist for a National Book Award.
The event is presented by the Tommy Thompson Center on Public Leadership and co-sponsored by UW-Whitewater and the Whitewater Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national History Honors Society
As part of his visit to UW-Whitewater, Larson will be the keynote speaker at the 39th annual Creative Writing Festival on campus on Thursday, Nov. 30. The festival allows more than 500 high school students the opportunity to connect with peers and writing professionals and attend workshops, keynote speeches and competitions in a college setting.
Brianna Zimdars from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk women’s swimming and diving team for the 2023-24 season.
The Warhawks finished fourth at last year’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships. UW-Whitewater is coached by Elise Knoche, who enters her sixth season at the helm of the program. The team garnered the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Scholar All-America Award for the 10th straight season in 2022-23.
For the full 2023-24 schedule, visit https://uwwsports.com/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/schedule.
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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