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(Whitewater Leads press release) Whitewater Leads, Inc., a nonprofit organization which supports and promotes literacy in the Whitewater area, welcomes community members to its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
Whitewater Leads’ partnership with Dolly Parton Imagination Library means that every child from birth to the fifth birthday in the Whitewater School District area is eligible to receive a free age-appropriate book every month. Over 250 children currently receive their monthly books.
During the past year, Whitewater Leads has supported the elementary schools by purchasing books and literacy supplies for children in 2020 when schools were not doing in-person instruction and during the summer. In a joint project with the Irvin L. Young Public Library, a series of Virtual Read Alouds for young children and their parents was recently held.
People interested in learning more about the work of Whitewater Leads or volunteering are encouraged to come to the Annual Meeting. If you come, please wear a mask to comply with the Library’s policy. For more information on Whitewater Leads, email whitewaterleads@gmail.com.
If you are interested in registering your child today for the free monthly books, you can do so at https://whitewater-leads.org/register,
Saturday, May 1, 2021
The No. 8 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team maintained its first-place standing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings Saturday with a pair of conference victories at UW-Stout.
The Warhawks (25-4 overall, 17-3 WIAC) defeated the Blue Devils 12-1 in seven innings in the first game before tallying 11 unanswered runs for an 11-5 triumph in the nightcap.
In Game 1, UW-Whitewater broke open a 0-0 game with eight runs in the top of the fourth inning, and Warhawk pitchers combined to strand nine UW-Stout runners.
Left fielder Matt Korman drove home three runs to lead the offense and socked a two-run homer in UW-W’s big fourth inning.
Right fielder Jacob DeMeyer, catcher Ryan Norton and shortstop Nick Santoro each tallied two runs batted in. DeMeyer reached base three times with two hits and one walk and scored two runs, while Norton posted two hits and one run scored. Santoro knocked a two-run double in the fourth and scored one run.
Second baseman Sam Vomhof totaled three hits, one run scored and one RBI, first baseman Ben Wilkins reached base three times with two walks and one hit while adding two runs scored, and designated hitter Taylor White registered one hit, one walk, one run scored and one RBI.
Pitcher Donovan Brandl recorded the win to improve to 4-1 on the year. He scattered five hits over six innings and struck out four in the outing. Trey Bretl pitched the seventh.
In Game 2, the Warhawks trailed 5-0 through three frames before plating two in the fourth, four in the fifth and five in the seventh. Santoro mashed a two-run homer to left to put UW-W ahead for good in the fifth. He finished with three RBIs.
Norton finished 2-for-4 with one walk, one run scored and three RBIs, and Vomhof collected two hits, one walk, one run scored and two RBIs.
White reached base four times with three walks and one hit while scoring two runs, and Wilkins and Korman each tallied two hits and one run scored.
Pitcher Connor Spear improved to 3-0 with the victory, allowing only one hit and one walk over 3 1/3 innings of relief. Kade Lancour and Connor Moroder tossed scoreless relief outings of two innings and one inning, respectively.
UW-Whitewater hosts Finlandia (Mich.) for a WIAC doubleheader Friday at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.
Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
director@downtownwhitewater.com
We are proud to announce the season kickoff for both the Whitewater Farmers Market and the Whitewater City Market. The Whitewater Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 8 to noon May through October at 301 W Whitewater St in the municipal parking lot. The Whitewater Farmers Market will be going into its 30th season and features an assortment of local farmers and producers.
The Whitewater City Market operates Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. May through October at 301 W Whitewater St around the historic train depot. The Whitewater City Market will be going into its 6th season and features local farmers, producers, artisans and food trucks. As the season builds towards summer you’ll also once again be able to enjoy live music and craft beer at the market. Stop by to enjoy the local goodies and relaxed community vibe.
Farmers markets are an important part of the farm to the community linkage and have continued to rise in popularity around the state and nation. This is due to the growing demand for fresh local products directly from nearby farms. Both the Whitewater City Market and Whitewater Famers Market provide our community access to locally grown/produced products. And to be honest, local just tastes better. See you at the markets!
Both markets host vendors who accept WIC and Senior FMNP.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
University of Kansas (KU) announced today that it has hired Lance Leipold as the head football coach for the Jayhawks, with a six year contract. Leipold, age 56, has served as the head football coach at the University of Buffalo since 2015, and at University of Wisconsin – Whitewater from 2007 to 2014. Per Wikipedia, “during his tenure at UW-W, the Warhawks won the NCAA Division III Football Championship in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. During his time at Whitewater, Leipold led the Warhawks to five undefeated seasons. Leipold reached 100 victories faster than any coach in NCAA history, doing so in his 106th game on October 18, 2014.”
Leipold, a Jefferson native and former UW-W Hall of Fame quarterback, finished his eight seasons with the Warhawks with a 109-6 record, and with his hiring at Buffalo jumped from Division III to Division I, a rare accomplishment. He was 37-33 at Buffalo with two division championships and three consecutive bowl appearances, going 24-10 since 2018. In recent times he had been speculated to be under consideration for a number of other college programs.
“I can’t thank Lance enough for everything he has done for our football program,” Buffalo Athletic Director Mark Alnutt said. “His vision and leadership helped elevate the UB football brand. We are grateful for what Lance has done here and we wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new journey.
“Since entering the FBS ranks in 1999, the UB football program continues to rise to unprecedented heights. From bowl victories to top NFL Draft picks, UB has established itself as one of the top programs in not only the Mid-American Conference, but the entire Group of Five. With our success on the field as well as facilities rivaling some of the best in the country, we know we are an attractive coaching destination and look forward to selecting the next leader of our football program,” concluded Alnutt.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Coach Leipold, Kelly, Lindsey and Landon to the Jayhawk Family,” KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “He is a man of integrity, a developer of young men, a program builder and a winner. His track record of sustained excellence is exactly what we were looking for in our next leader, and is what the University of Kansas and our fans deserve.”
“It is an exciting and humbling opportunity, and this is a day I will never forget,” Leipold said in a release. “We are going to build this program through developing players, discipline and determination. The philosophies ingrained in our programs along the way will be key as we turn this around. This is a program that has a lot of young talent on the roster and has the infrastructure in place to succeed. The best days for this program are ahead, and my family and I are ecstatic to be a part of it.”
Some media stories are linked below:
Kansas hires Buffalo’s Lance Leipold as football coach – espn.com – “Kansas is 18-90 since 2011 and last had a winning season under Mark Mangino in 2008. Leipold will be the team’s sixth head coach since that last winning campaign.”
Kansas Football can make considerable growth under Lance Leipold – throughthephog.com
Kansas Hires Buffalo’s Lance Leipold as Football Coach – usnews.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Box Score, Game 1: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/softball/2021/sb27.htm
Box Score, Game 2: https://static.uwwsports.com/custompages/softball/2021/sb28.htm
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team extended its win streak to four games and improved to 9-1 over its last 10 contests Wednesday with back-to-back victories over UW-Oshkosh in a non-conference doubleheader at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
The Warhawks (20-8 overall) defeated the Titans 7-2 in the first game before capping the day with a 10-4 triumph in Game 2.
In the opener, UW-Whitewater trailed 2-1 before plating six unanswered runs, including three in the bottom of the fourth and three in the fifth.
Catcher Nikki Mikosz put the Warhawks on the board first with a run-scoring single to center in the bottom of the first.
After UW-Oshkosh (15-9) tied the game in the top of the second and took the lead in the top of the fourth, UW-W took the lead for good with three runs in the bottom of the inning on a three-run homer by right fielder Taylor Briehl, her second of the year.
In the fifth, second baseman Delaney Becker delivered the big hit with a two-run base hit up the middle. Later in the frame, left fielder Krista Sbarra extended the lead with a two-out, RBI single to right center.
Kate Cleveland earned the win in relief of starter Rhiann Dick, tossing four shutout innings to improve to 7-3 on the year. Dick allowed two runs (one earned) over the first three frames.
Briehl finished 3-for-3 at the plate, while Mikosz and Becker each contributed two hits.
In the second game, UW-Whitewater turned a 4-3 deficit into a four-run lead with five in the bottom of the fifth inning, including a two-run homer by Mikosz, a two-run single by Briehl and an RBI single by centerfielder Vera Pflugradt.
Mikosz recorded there hits and three RBIs, while third baseman Meg Cohrs homered and finished with two hits and two RBIs. Shortstop Meghan Dunning tallied two hits, two runs scored and one RBI, Becker finished with two hits and one RBI, and first baseman Kaleigh O’Brien collected two hits and two runs scored.
Starting pitcher Mallory Hollatz struck out seven over four innings, scattering seven hits and allowing one run. Marissa Adams, who improved to 3-1 with the win, pitched the fifth inning, and Kate Cleveland tossed two shutout innings to close out the game.
The Warhawks host UW-Eau Claire on Senior Day at van Steenderen Softball Complex this Saturday. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 2 p.m.
Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing these photos from Saturday, April 24.
Monday, April 26, 2021
UW-Whitewater Softball Earns Non-Conference Sweep
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team extended its win streak in true road games to six on Monday afternoon with consecutive victories at UW-La Crosse in a non-conference doubleheader.
The Warhawks (18-8 overall) plated the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning for a 3-2 triumph in the opener in extra innings. In the second game, UW-Whitewater broke open a close game with six runs in the top of the seventh in an 11-5 win.
In Game 1, the Warhawks plated a run in the top of the seventh on a two-out, solo homer to left center by catcher Nikki Mikosz to force extra innings. UW-W loaded the bases but came away empty in the eighth before first baseman Kaleigh O’Brien came through in the ninth with a run-scoring single up the middle.
Pitcher Marissa Adams, who entered the game with two outs in the sixth inning, improved to 2-1 with the win. She allowed two hits over 3 1/3 innings. Kate Cleveland started the game and pitched 5 2/3 frames, surrendering two unearned runs on five hits.
O’Brien tallied four hits to lead UW-W, which out-hit the Eagles by a 14-7 margin, but left 14 runners on base in the contest. Mikosz and third baseman Meg Cohrs posted three hits apiece, and centerfielder Vera Pflugradt reached base twice with one hit and one walk.
In the nightcap, UW-Whitewater took advantage of five errors by UW-La Crosse (9-10), including four in the seventh inning, and totaled 11 hits.
After the Eagles took a 2-0 lead with two in the bottom of the first, the Warhawks responded in the top of the second as O’Brien and shortstop Meghan Dunning hit back-to-back homers.
Pflugradt hit a two-run triple to left in the fourth to give UW-Whitewater a 4-3 advantage, and after UW-La Crosse tied the game at 4-4, second baseman Delaney Becker put the Warhawks ahead for good with an RBI groundout.
Becker, Pflugradt, Mikosz and right fielder Taylor Briehl were each credited with RBIs during UW-W’s big seventh inning.
Pflugradt finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while Becker recorded two hits and two RBIs. Dunning collected three hits, three runs scored and one RBI, and O’Brien posted two hits, one run scored and one RBI.
Annie Morelli picked up her second win of the year, tossing one inning of relief. Rhiann Dick tossed the final three innings for her first career save, striking out four during her outing.
Morelli, Dick and starter Kathryn Kinsella combined to strand 11 Eagle runners on the base paths.
UW-Whitewater hosts UW-Oshkosh for another non-conference doubleheader Wednesday starting at 2 p.m. at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Warhawk Women’s Tennis Secures 14th Straight WIAC Title
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s tennis team claimed its 14th consecutive Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship Sunday by defeating UW-La Crosse 5-1 in the final of the conference tournament presented by Culver’s.
The Warhawks (12-5 overall) earned their 21st conference championship in program history and clinch the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. UW-W also extended its active winning streak against WIAC opponents in dual matches to 110.
UW-Whitewater started the dual with two doubles victories. Paige Nierman and Olivia Kraft topped Hannah Reigle and Kaitlyn Kalinka by an 8-4 score at the second position, and Molly Rueth and Courtney Day combined for an 8-4 triumph at the third position.
The Eagles (10-5) broke a 6-6 tie at No. 1 doubles by taking the last two games to draw within 2-1 heading into singles play.
The Warhawks struck first in singles as Sabrina Palavra posted a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 4. Nierman made it a 4-1 UW-W lead with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 2.
Rueth clinched the dual and the championship with a 6-4, 6-4 triumph at No. 5.
Kraft and Jessica Minkov led their matches at Nos. 3 and 6, respectively, when play was halted.
The NCAA Regionals are set for May 14-16 at sites around the country. The full NCAA Tournament field will be announced May 10 via press release on NCAA.com.
Obituaries
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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Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist … Read more
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Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” GorbyDecember 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025 Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas … Read more
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Mary Karen Erikson, 83, of Eagle, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at her home. Karen was born on February 10, 1942 in Lafayette, Indiana the daughter of Richard and Neta (McGuire) Stockholm. She moved to Wisconsin with her family and graduated from Whitewater High School. Karen continued her schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where she obtained a degree in Education. After undergraduate school, Karen obtained her Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Karen worked at Mukwonago High School for over 30 years as a math teacher, retiring in 1998. … Read more
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Janice Kay Brokmeier of Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek. Jan was born on June 7, 1942, in Stanford, Illinois to James Lloyd Smith and Eithel Amelia Ingram Smith. Jan moved to Wisconsin in December of 1955 with her parents and three of her brothers. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1960. Jan met Robert Joseph Brokmeier on March 13, 1958. Shortly after they met, they were married on August 26, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. They had three children and resided … Read more
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Dean Chris Dunne, 69, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI. Dean was born on May 4, 1955 in Chicago, IL to Chris and Ann (Wagner) Dunne. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1973. Dean enjoyed fishing, camping and was a good water-skier in the day. He and his family moved to Las Vegas in 1980. Dean worked in property maintenance in Las Vegas for over 20 years. He is survived by his children Nicholas (Amber) Dunne, Fort Atkinson, Linsey (Scott) Angione, Las Vegas, Chris (Kristyn) Dunne, Las … Read more
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Kenneth Dale Semrau, 74, of Whitewater, passed away April 26, 2025, in Winterhaven, Fl. Kenneth was born to Donna and Garhart Semrau on February 6th, 1951, in Marinette, WI. Kenneth married Kristy Pfeifer on May 6, 1972. They had two beautiful children Chad and Nicole and five wonderful grandchildren and lots of fur-babies. That made his world complete. Ken retired from Nestle in 2012 and enjoyed retirement by spending his summers at Riverbend Resort in Watertown, WI and the winter in Winterhaven, FL. “Kenny G.” was known for his loving and playful personality. His family was always first and foremost. … Read more
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Bruce E. LaBansky, 75, Whitewater died on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI. Bruce was born on November 28, 1949 in Sauk County, WI to Clarence and Velma (Nelson) LaBansky. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School and received his bachelor’s degree from UW Stevens Point. Faith, family and friends were very important to him. Bruce moved to Whitewater in 1980 where he raised his 3 sons Nelsen, Nathanial, and Nicholas. Bruce was an avid golfer, an outdoorsman with an impressive knowledge of all things nature, a sports fan (particularly the Bucks, Brewers and Packers). Family … Read more
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Dr. Holly J. Humphrey November 28, 1956 – April 17, 2025 Holly J. Humphrey, MD, MACP, led the Pritzker School of Medicine through a period of transformative growth that saw the school rise to a place among the nation’s elite institutions of medical education, emerge as a powerhouse of scholarship and discovery, and become a pioneer in efforts to diversify the field of medicine. One of the nation’s most prominent and innovative leaders in medical education, her voice and influence made an immeasurable impact on the field and countless mentees throughout her career. Dr. Humphrey, who served for 15 years as Pritzker’s … Read more
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