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Whitewater Girls’ Basketball lost 66-27 Friday night, November 17, to a very talented Elkhorn team.
Although the result was less than desired, there was a huge improvement with ball movement and spacing on offense. In addition, a much more aggressive mentality on defense led to many deflections and steals.
The Whippets return to action on Tuesday, November 21, against Delavan-Darien in the conference opener. The tip is 7:15 at Delavan-Darien High School.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Whitewater, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host Wheaton (IL) in the second round of the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Perkins Stadium. The Banner’s article on the Warhawk’s 42-14 first round win on Saturday, November 18 over Bethel (MN) may be viewed here.
More information will be announced this week including links to purchase tickets and parking in advance.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The city’s curbside leaf pickup ended on Friday, November 17. Some black bags have still been observed at the curbside; as has been previously announced, the city can only pick up biobags or clear bags.
Leaf bags that are left outside for the winter will not be picked up by the city crew in the spring. Residents who still have leaves which they still wish to be composted have the option of bringing their leaves to the city garage, 150 E. Starin Rd., where one or more dumpsters will be provided, Monday through Friday, between November 20 and December 1. The facility will be closed for the holiday on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.
The dumpsters are for leaves and other yard waste only. Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. The only bags that may be placed in the dumpster are the biobags or transparent bags. Black bags must be emptied into the dumpster. Brush is not to be placed in the dumpster.
Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 by 5 a.m. on Tuesday to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
Newville, Penn. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s cross country team finished tenth at the 2023 NCAA Division III Championships Saturday led by a national runner-up performance by Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights). The championships were held in Newville, Pennsylvania on the most difficult course the Warhawks have been on this season.
The Warhawks have now finished among the top 10 as a team at the NCAA championship three consecutive seasons and six times overall in program history. A total of 32 team competed in the national championship meet.
Patzka finished second for the second consecutive season crossing the line in 24:20.7 on the tough course. He is now a two-time All-American after finishing second a year ago and 23rd in 2021.
Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) picked up his third All-America honor with a time of 24:41.5 to finish 11th – his best finish in three career national meets.
The runner-up and eleventh-place finishes are the best for the Warhawks’ top two runners at the championship in program history. The previous best was Jeremy Burks (7th) and Pat Frascone (15th) in 2000.
Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell) finished among the top half of the nearly-300 runner field in the men’s race. His time of 25:34.6 was 78th – his best career finish at nationals. Chris Allen (Downers Grove, Ill./North) posted a time of 25:54.2 for 131st followed by Craig Hundley’s (Grayslake, IL/North) 26:07.4 for 163rd.Justin Krause (Ixonia, Wis./Pewaukee) crossed the line in 26:54.4 with Nick Hardin (Greenfield, Wis./Whitnall) wrapping up the Warhawk contingent with a clocking of 26:42.2. Hardin had a valiant performance running over four miles with just one shoe after his was pulled off early in the race.
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding formation of a Library Expansion Building
Committee and Library Building Project update.
Library Community Room, 431 West Center,
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 webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89517915506?pwd=YjljajBUM2dON0hscVVKWENqKzdQUT09
Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 895 1791 5506
Passcode: 43811038
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing regarding 2024/2025 City of Whitewater Budget, lakes update, Aquatic Center update, immigration roundtable, police staffing 2024, Middle School Parking Update, andVon Briesen & Roper Resumes for three Labor and Employment Specialty attorneys.
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 the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86211599507?pwd=1BNBKU4Z8uPLnc0Wuwuhw4pLr1yNlQ.ecMzgb0Gl0kdc
EuN
Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 862 1159 9507
Passcode: 776051
Best way to jump start the Holiday Season??? Easy answer: Taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School’s red-hot production of “Mean Girls, High School Version.”
Based on the Paramount Pictures film “Mean Girls,” the last performance will be held on Sunday, November 19 at 2 p.m. in the newly named James Stewart Auditorium located in the Whitewater High School.
General Admission seating is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Call the box office at 262-472-8178 for more information.
“Mean Girls, The High School Version” tells the story of Cady Heron, a teenage girl who finds herself in a public high school after years of being home-schooled on the African savanna. Confronted with the animalistic social order of American teenagers, Cady devises a plan to topple the school’s queen bee Regina George and her cohorts: The Plastics.
Under the artistic direction of Jim McCulloch and musical direction of Liz Elliott, the cast and crew have been working very hard preparing for opening night.
Due to mature themes and language a rating of PG-13 is recommended for audiences.
Cast members include Brooke Mason, Alex Sullivan, Ayden Clark, Hayleigh Pond, Haley Keltesch, Lauren Rollette, Cosette Wildermuth-Breizman, Chacha Binag, Ava Van Daele, Alex Clarksen, David Enns, Jocelyn Alcala, Ian Agen, Hailee Ambrose, Deven Bawden, Kaci Beaver, Belle Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Jimmy Kinson, Ameera Lin, Ruth Lopez, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kai Peterson, Lia Ramirez, A’lani Ross, Josie Selby, Taylor Speerbrecher, Willow Vogelzang, Sophia Walenton, and Elora Wildermuth-Breizman.
Putting their talents to work as part of the Production Crew are Kara Long and Gabi Kirley (Stage Managers), Taytum Atkins (Choreography), Kat Dunham (Tech Director), Alexa Casino-Pena (Costumes), Matt Zingheim (Sound), Kerry Ramsden (Scenic Painter), Payton Bunger, Natalia Gallegos, Laken DePorter, Emerson Dunham, Ava Nygren, Lucy Troxel, Joshua Nygren, Rae Breisath, Ace Hudec, Miles Nickelsburg, Taiya Kolb, Payton Peacock, and Cora Schimming.
The Pit Band Members include Sam Averill (Conductor), Liz Elliott, Thayer Coburn, Isabelle Lavertu, Liz Ngabo, Jay Downs, Dante Baker, Justin Kamp, Maddie Blain, Samantha Van Daele, Kayla Mikos, and Adam Drefs.
Before each performance, Tom Ganser’s photos will be displayed from the Whitewater High School Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Footloose” (2021), and “Beauty and the Beast” (2022).
Put “See ‘Mean Girls, High School Version’ on your To Do List.
Mount Vernon, Iowa — The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team fell to Northwestern (MN) in a five-set heartbreaker 25-20, 25-21, 28-30, 26-28, 11-15 Saturday evening in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The Warhawks end the 2023 campaign in the NCAA Regional final with a record of 28-5.
Senior Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) and freshman Aubrie Krzus (Wheaton, Ill./Warrenville South) were named to the All-Tournament Team for their performances over the course of the weekend. Weinfurt hammered down 47 kills averaging 4.27 per set while Krzus dished out 126 assists – an average of 11.45 assists per set.
UW-Whitewater used a 7-2 midset run to grow a 17-12 advantage in set one. The Eagles battled back to within one, 19-18 but the Warhawks scored five of the next seven to secure the win. Payton Kuepers (Madison, Wis./Lakeside Lutheran) pounded down the final point with a kill to give UWW a 1-0 lead in the match.
UWW jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in set two taking advantage of Eagle miscues. UNW worked their way back to make it a one-point set, 6-5 when Krzus tallied back-to-back aces. A few points later Weinfurt added another ace to push the Warhawk advantage back to four, 10-6. Moments later, Ally Warburton (St. Charles, Ill./North) sparked another UWW run with a kill. Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) added a tally in the ace column with Warburton hammering down another as the Warhawks took their largest lead of the set 14-8. UW-Whitewater held a multi-point advantage the rest of the way as Weinfurt capped the set with a kill.
The Warhawks had four aces in the set. Warburton and Weinfurt were efficient on the outside combining for 10 kills in 17 attempts with just a single error.
Weinfurt tallied the first point of set three with a kill and the Warhawks didn’t trail until late in the set although the score was tied 12 times along the way. With the score knotted 22-22, UNW took its first lead on an ace and then followed with a kill for set point. Abbie Dix (Brodhead, Wis./Brodhead) forced a second set point and a bad set by the Eagles re-tied the set 24-24.
Ally Longden’s (Pewaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) serve was too much to handle to give the Warhawks set point before the teeter-totter swung back in favor of UNW. The Eagles had the next two set points before UWW took advantage of a UNW error and Weinfurt followed with a kill to make it 28-27 in favor of the Warhawks but the Eagles were able to tally the next three to extend the match winning 30-28.
Set four was a battle through and through. The score was tied five times and there were four lead changes by the 13-13 mark in the contest. From there, the Warhawks put together a 6-2 run to take a four-point lead, 19-15. UWW ended up leading 24-21 in the set but the Eagles fought through three set points to knot the set 24-24. The teams traded set points once again with a Anderson Kill giving UWW a 26-25 advantage. It was deja vu all over again as the Eagles tallied the next three to force a decisive fifth set.
With all of the momentum from two late-set comebacks, UNW jumped out to a 6-3 lead. The Warhawks battled back late, pulling to within one, 11-10, on back-to-back kills from Weinfurt. The Eagles responded with three straight to force match point. Anderson held it off with a kill but Northwestern converted on the next point to win.
Weinfurt tallied a career-high 26 kills in the match. Her 73 attack attempts is the most in program history in a single match. She added 14 digs and three blocks. Warburton and Anderson joined her in double figures with 12 and 10 kills respectively. Krzus posted 51 assists with three aces, ten digs and five assist blocks in the contest.
Defensively, Anderson turned away 11 attack attempts – a mark that ranks second in the program record book for blocks in a match and one that she has accomplished twice this season. Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) registered 22 digs followed by Longden’s 19.
Despite a tough schedule – over half of the team’s opponents this season are ranked or receiving votes in the latest national poll – the UW-Whitewater registered the most wins (28) since 2016. The Warhawks made their 34th appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament this season. UWW claimed the league’s automatic bid after sweeping No. 2 and then-undefeated UW-Oshkosh on their home court in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship. Four Warhawks were selected First Team All-WIAC including Weinfurt, Anderson, Jensen and Krzus. Weinfurt (Offensive), Jensen (Defensive) and Krzus (Newcomer) were tabbed WIAC Players of the Year. Anderson, Weinfurt and Jensen also earned All-Region recognition from the American Volleyball Coaches Association. All-America Teams have yet to be announced.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 5 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs with a 42-14 win over Bethel University at Perkins Stadium Saturday.
Box Score
The Warhawks advance to face Wheaton (IL) in the second round. That game is slated for Saturday, November 25 at noon. The location is set to be announced Sunday afternoon. The Thunder defeated Mount St. Joseph 41-34 in their first round matchup Saturday.
UW-Whitewater scored early and never looked back. After the Warhawk defense forced a third-and-out, UWW had great field position with Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge) calling for a fair catch at the UWW 48 on the Royals’ punt. Facing a third and seven from the Bethel 49, Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) dropped back, surveyed and found Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) in stride beating his defender down the right sideline for a 49-yard touchdown. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire sent the extra point through the uprights and the Warhawks held a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game.
Following three consecutive punts – two for Bethel and one for the Warhawks – UWW took over at their own 32 with just under five to go in the first quarter. Ogden opened the drive with a 34-yard scamper off the right side of the line. Two plays later, he extended the play and dodging defenders before hitting Nick Wind (Downers Grove, Ill./Montini Catholic) wide open in the end zone from 32 yards out. Another extra point had UW-Whitewater leading 14-0.
The Warhawk defense turned Bethel over on downs at the UWW 34 to bring the offense back on to the field. Ogden took off finding space down the right side once again, this time registering a 47-yard run to open the drive. On the next play, Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) hauled in a great catch in the end zone from 19-yards out for the score and a 21-0 UWW lead.
Bethel capitalized on a Warhawk miscue for their first score of the game. A bad snap on a punt gave the Royals the ball at the UWW four-yard line. Bethel punched it in utilizing the wildcat formation to make it 21-7.
The Warhawks responded with Vasey weaving through traffic on the kickoff for a 39-yard return to set up the UWW offense at their own 42. After a few short gains, Ogden hit Coates on the tunnel screen, and he bolted up the near sideline for a 54-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 28-7.
UW-Whitewater scored on their first possession out of the intermission on Tamir Thomas’ (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) two-yard run. The Royals added to their total with their own two-yard punch in to make it 35-14 in the third. UWW wrapped up the scoring with a single touchdown in the fourth – a 32-yard Thomas run up the middle.
Ogden was 11-15 for 218 yards and four touchdowns. He added 71 yards on the six carries. Hein and Drake Martin (Rhinelander, Wis./Rhinelander) were the top targets with three catches each and a combined 109 yards receiving. Thomas led UWW in the rushing game with 156 yards on 13 carries and a pair of touchdowns.
Defensively, Hawk Heffner (Grafton, Wis./Grafton) paced the Warhawks with nine tackles. Matt Burba (Lake in the Hills, Ill./Huntley) added eight including a tackle for a loss of three yards. In the secondary, Egon Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) was one of the most active breaking up three passes that would have gone for big gains.
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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