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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The 1951 Class of Whitewater High School held its 72nd class reunion at The Real McCoys in Cold Spring on September 23. Seven classmates and two spouses enjoyed their get-together.
Editor’s note: This report and photo were submitted by Mary Warner Peiffer.
The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, in partnership with the Whitewater Police Department, and City of Delavan Police Department conducted an investigation that involved the sale of cocaine in the City of Whitewater. The investigation included surveillance and controlled buys, culminating in the arrest of two subjects.
On September 4th, 2023, the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit located one of the subjects, identified as Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ (19, from 137 N. George St., Whitewater), in the City of Whitewater. Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ was subsequently arrested for (1) count of Delivery of Cocaine (5-15 grams).
On September 19th, 2023, the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit located the other subject, identified as Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ (38, from 353 N. Cherry St., Whitewater), in the City of Elkhorn. Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ was subsequently arrested for (2) counts of Delivery of Cocaine (15- 40 grams) and (1) count of Delivery of Cocaine (5-15 grams) – Party to a Crime.
Both Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ and Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ were arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.
Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ is currently facing the following charges:
961.41(1)(cm) Delivery of Cocaine (3 counts)
Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ is currently facing the following charges:
961.41(1)(cm) Delivery of Cocaine (1 count)
Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Adjourn to closed session, to reconvene in open session, pursuant to Chapter 19.86 notice of collective bargaining negations Item to be discussed: Discuss Bargaining and Negotiation strategy related to the contract with the Police Union
Open session: update on limiting discount stores, Housing Summit update, ordinance establishing lake advisory committee, Discussion and possible action regarding deferred assessments for Wisconsin Street sanitary sewer and water main
Additional closed session agenda to reconvene: Items to be discussed: 1) Review and Discuss A1 Packaging development agreement 2) Review and discuss possible options for resolution of the Walton excessive real estate tax assessment claim
Please click the link below to join the webinar: (First session)
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Webinar ID: 826 8407 5727
Passcode: 448644
Please click the link below to join the webinar (After second closed session)
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Webinar ID: 873 2266 8116
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City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda not yet available.
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Webinar ID: 873 2266 8116
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- Update on limiting discount stores – City Attorney
- 14.Housing Summit update
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Or Telephone:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 826 8407 5727
Passcode: 448644
By Angela Kelm
UW-W Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
Oshkosh, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team opened its Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference slate with a big 37-21 win at UW-Oshkosh Saturday afternoon. The Warhawks are ranked third in the latest American Football Coaches Association poll and fourth according to D3football.com. UW-Oshkosh is ranked 21st and 20th in the two polls respectively.
The Warhawks scored early and often to take a 23-0 lead into the break. UWW had an opportunity to put up points in the first drive of the game as Jeff Isotalo-McGuire attempted a 47-yard field goal, just two yards shy of his career best but the kick was no good. The Warhawk defense forced a three-and-out to bring the offense back on to the field.
UW-Whitewater drove 60 yards in 14 plays in their second drive of the day. To cap the over seven-minute drive, Alec Ogden hit a wide-open Tommy Coates cutting across the end zone from three yards out for the score. A failed extra point made it 6-0 UWW. The Warhawk defense got off the field just five plays later after forcing a punt and the offense took care of business once again.
Late in the drive Coates hauled in another pass from Ogden for 15 yards to put the Warhawks on Oshkosh’s 12. Alijah Maher-Parr took the handoff and turned the corner off the left side of the line for a touchdown run. The extra point from Isotalo-McGuire split the uprights to give UWW a 13-0 advantage.
The next two drives were deja vu — a five-play Titan drive ending in a punt followed by a long UWW drive capped with a touchdown. In the longest drive of the game, the 17-play, 77-yard scoring drive was capped on a scoring run by Ogden. The quarterback scampered out of the pocket to his left, surveyed and tucked the ball bolting for the goal line. He took a hit as the Titan defender wrapped him up, but Ogden reached for the line, with the ball just crossing for the score. Another extra point had UWW enjoying a 20-0 advantage.
With time ticking down in the first half, the Warhawk defense came up with a huge turnover. Carter Sessa snagged a pass intended for a UWO receiver and returned it seven yards to the Titans’ 30. Just 14 seconds remained before the intermission and that was all UWW would need as Isotalo-McGuire hit from 38-yards out as time expired to send the Warhawks into the locker room with a 23-0 lead.
The host team got on the board in the third quarter capping an 11-play drive with a short touchdown pass. The Titans opted to go for a two-point conversion, but the attempt failed.
The Warhawks responded with another touchdown drive. This time it took just nine plays with Tamir Thomas entering the scoring column on a 17-yard run. Isotalo-McGuire’s kick made it 30-6.
UW-Whitewater’s stifling defense continued to frustrate the Titans. Joey Antonietti jumped a passing lane and hauled in the interception with open space ahead of him securing the 45-yard pick-6. With the extra point, the Warhawks took a 37-6 lead.
UW-Oshkosh registered the longest play of the day, a 71-yard touchdown pass in their next drive to make it 37-13 in the fourth. An interception for the Titan defense led to more points for UWO as they narrowed the gap to 37-21.
The Warhawk defense responded in kind two drives later as Kamrin Hutt picked off the UWO quarterback with less than three minutes to go. A couple of big runs for Thomas gave the Warhawks the first downs they would need before the team could kneel out the clock to secure the win.
UW-Whitewater put up nearly 500 yards of total offense while the defense held the Titans to under 300 on their home turf. Ogden was 18-28 for 262-yards, two touchdowns – one passing and one rushing – and an interception in his first game back from an injury. Coates was Ogden’s favorite target on the day, hauling in six catches, including a touchdown reception, for 86 yards.
The Warhawks’ back field tandem of Thomas and Maher-Parr combined for 207 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.
UWW’s defense was phenomenal with three interceptions, two sacks, three tackles for a loss and numerous pass breakups. Roy Panthier and Ethan Gallagher tallied five tackles each. Braeden Barrett and Caden Naselli got to the UWO quarterback for sacks and Kyle Koelblinger added a tackle for a loss in the game.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
UW-W
UW-Whitewater Football Returns to Action with WIAC Opener at Oshkosh Saturday | Game Notes (PDF)
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team is back in action Saturday for the 2023 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener at UW-Oshkosh. Kickoff at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium is slated for 1:05 p.m.
Coming off of the bye week, the Warhawks moved up one spot to third in the latest release of the American Football Coaches Association poll while remaining fourth in the D3football.com Top 25. UW-Oshkosh moved up two spots to 21st according to the AFCA and two spots to 20th in the D3 poll.
Both squads should be well rested for the WIAC opener after the bye week last week. Saturday’s matchup will pit two of the top four rushing offenses against two of the top four total defenses. UW-Whitewater leads the league with 224.7 yards per game while UW-Oshkosh is ranked fourth in the WIAC at 164.7 yards per contest. So far this season, both teams have been phenomenal at extending drives. The Warhawks are ranked 10th in 3rd down conversion percentage (56.4%) while the Titans convert nearly 60% of the time, ranked fifth nationally. Defensively, UWO is third in the conference allowing 291.0 yards per game while UWW is fourth at 314.3 per outing.
During the three-game non-conference campaign, the Warhawks averaged 33.3 points, 224.7 rushing yards, 202.3 passing yards and over 400 total yards per game. UW-Oshkosh averages 43 in scoring, 164.7 on the ground, 277.7 through the air and over 440 total yards per game.
ON THE AIR
Football fans can watch the game live on the WIAC Network or tune into Josh Golberg and Bill O’Leary on 105.9 The Hog for the call.
SERIES
This is the 112th meeting between these two WIAC powerhouses. The Warhawks own the series 78 wins dating back to the first game in 1897. Since 2005, the Warhawks are 6-3 against UWO in games played at Titan Stadium. In that span, just two WIAC openers have been hosted by UWO — the Titans won in 2017 37-20 while the Warhawks took the 2006 matchup 17-3. In the nine games played at Titan Stadium since 2005, UW-Whitewater has averaged 25 points per game and held the host team to just over 16.
Congratulations to the Girls’ Tennis Team for taking home 3rd place in the 7 team Conference Tournament on Thursday, September 28. The final standings of the tournament were: East Troy 38, Delavan 21, Whitewater 19, Monroe 12.5, Jefferson 11, Big Foot 10, Edgerton 10.
During the event, Emilia Houwers was crowned the conference champion at 1-singles, defeating Jefferson 6-1, 6-3 in the finals.
At 2-singles, Jackie Franco battled back after losing a close match in the first round to take 5th place.
Liz Servin won 2 out of her 3 matches at 3-singles to take home 3rd.
And Vicki Ramirez, in her first year playing tennis, came up just short in the 4-singles consolation bracket losing in a 3rd set tiebreak and finished in 4th place.
The 1-doubles team of Stephanie Wence and Maritza Vidales lost a close first round match, but won in the second round to place 5th.
Leah Newmann and Vanesa Wence at 2-doubles won 2 out of their 3 matches to get 3rd.
In the final match of the night, Isabel Aranda and Aimee Servin couldn’t hold on to a first set lead and finished the tournament in 4th for 3-doubles.
All conference honors were given to Emilia Houwers for First Team Singles, and she was named Conference Player of the Year. Stephanie Wence and Maritza Vidales were named to Second Team Doubles. Leah Newmann and Vanesa Wence received Honorable Mention Doubles.
Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Renea Boydston.
The Daughters of the Nile support Shriners’ kids by creating hospital tray favors, sending toys, games, and financial donations to the Chicago Shriners Hospital. We have a fundraiser to benefit our general fund. We will receive money by the pound for gently used donated shoes of any type and size, except skates. You can make a huge impact by simply donating shoes you never wear. The donated shoes stay out of landfills, and are shipped to small businesses in poor communities that can repurpose them and sell. Instead of a handout it’s a hand up! October is our final month for collection.
Dale’s Bootery is a generous donor and collection site: 155 West Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. The Shoe Box has also graciously agreed to be a collection site. There is a donation box outside by their pop machines. Address: 1314 Canal St.(Hwy 14), Black Earth, Wisconsin 53515.
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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