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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area.
On Thursday evening, September 28, 6-8PM, at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library in Whitewater, the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will host the first of 3 Book Club discussions on Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia. Sissy is a complex, moving and enlightening memoir written by a non gender conforming young man. Tobia inspires readers to open their minds and experience his fascinating journey of gender positivity.
Books are reserved at the Whitewater Public Library and the first discussion will cover the Introduction and Part I (read thru page 97). You do not need to be a League member to attend this event! The League welcomes all who are interested in deepening their understanding of this important topic. If you have any questions, please contact Dwight C. Watson at dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com or call 920-542-8601.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
In warm and sunny conditions, the Whitewater Whippets competed with everything they had and came away with the best team finishes in recent memory at the massive Janesville Midwest Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, September 23. This event boasts over 50 teams from Wisconsin and surrounding states and showcases numerous teams and athletes that will be competing at their respective state meets in about five weeks.
The boys’ varsity team kicked things off first with a bang as the team secured a solid 25th-place finish overall led by Jack Hefty. Jack crossed the line in 16th out of 325 finishers with a new lifetime best of 16:11 for 5000 meters. His place afforded him a medal at this prestigious event. Also running particularly well on this day for varsity was Nate Holden who placed 49th with a new lifetime best of 16:52. Xavier Zei also ran a new lifetime best with a time of 17:51, strong enough for 141st overall.
The JV athletes all competed in the “white race” and were led by Isaiah Mendez who had a massive time drop and ran his new lifetime best of 21:36. Isaiah placed 43rd in this strong field. Also having a particularly strong day was Alex Clarksen who was not far off his lifetime best he set earlier this season and ran 25:35. Angel Kilar was even closer to his lifetime best by a mere 3 seconds and placed 365th. Collectively as a JV squad, the team placed 15th out of 33 complete teams.
The girls’ varsity was led by Mady Hefty who led the team to a 29th-place finish overall. She placed 83rd with a time of 20:44. Athena Soto placed 117th in 21:33. Carley Boudreau was just a few seconds off her lifetime best and ran 22:15, placing 164th. Ema Aranda debuted on varsity for the first time and was the team’s 5th runner with a new lifetime best of 24:27, strong enough for 231st place.
The JV athletes were led by Lucy Troxel who ran a new lifetime best of 25:55 and did so in tremendous fashion by placing 24th, which earned her a medal. Not far behind was Sami Van Daele who also just squeaked inside the medals by placing 29th in 26:11. The JV team placed 20th overall.
Next up for the team will be a race in Platteville on Saturday, September 30th. The first race is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hefty
“It Ain’t Over”
Tuesday, September 26, 1 p.m.
(Sports/Documentary)
Rated PG. 1 hour, 39 minutes. (2022)
An intimate portrait, and emotional and uplifting documentary, that takes us beyond the caricature and “Yogi-isms,” and into the heart and personality of one of baseball’s most beloved legends, on and off the field: Yogi Berra.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Monday, September 25, 2023
Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
– Passcode: 231234
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 810 0241 0083
– Passcode: 231234
Closed Session
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– Passcode: 214996
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 862 6040 3948
– Passcode: 214996
PUBLIC NOTICE: The meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those Board members and individuals
unable to attend in-person. If you require special accommodations to fully participate, please notify the
School Board Secretary by phone (262) 472-8702 or in writing at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time.
The time estimates noted for agenda items are for informational purposes only and may not be
reflective of actual discussion during the meeting.
- CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL (6:30 PM)
- ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
A. Adjourn into closed session, pursuant to the provisions of 19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats., considering employment, promotion,
compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or
exercises responsibility; specifically, to review the Superintendent evaluation. (Action Item) - OPEN SESSION (7:00 PM)
A. Reconvene into open session, pursuant to §19.85(2), Wis. Stats., for possible action on any matter discussed in closed
session. (Action Item) - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Action Item)
- ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS – 5 MINUTES
A. Wisconsin School Board Week Proclamation – October 1-7, 2023 - STUDENT REPORTS – 5 MINUTES
A. Whitewater Student Council Report – Andrea Alcala and Emilia Houwers, Whitewater High School - PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Citizens may speak regarding items not on the agenda under Public Comments, but no School
Board action will be taken. Issues raised may become a part of a future agenda. AGENDA ITEMS: Citizens may speak
regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. Participants are allotted a three minute
speaking period. - SPECIAL REPORTS AND/OR ACTION
A. Annual Multilingual Services Programming Update – Melania Argueta Borchert, Multilingual Services Coordinator – 15
MINUTES
B. Phone Purchase – John Houwers, Director of Technology (Action Item) – 15 MINUTES - PERSONNEL REPORT (Action Items) – 5 MINUTES
A. Resignation – CERTIFIED – Science Teacher, High School
B. Transfer – SUPPORT TO CERTIFIED – Science Teacher, High School - SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS – None
- BUSINESS OFFICE REPORTS – 10 MINUTES
A. Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment - CONSENT AGENDA (Action Item) – 5 MINUTES
A. Minutes Approval of Regular Meeting – August 28, 2023
B. Minutes Approval of Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Negotiations Joint Meeting with the City of Whitewater Common
Council – September 11, 2023
C. 2nd Reading of Policies: 251, Job Descriptions; 445, Student Interviews with Outside Agency Personnel; NEW – 445-Rule,
Student Interview with Outside Agency Personnel Procedures; 521.1, Board-Staff Communications; 751.1-Rule (2), Unusual
Hazards Transportation Plan; 870, Public Complaints; 870-Rule, Public Complaint Procedures
D. Voucher Approval – August 2023 - UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None
- NEW BUSINESS (Action Items) – 10 MINUTES
A. Donation of $1,000 from Schenck Process LLC for Ferradermis
B. Donation of $1,500 from Walmart for Ferradermis
C. Donation of $2,000 from the UW-Whitewater Community Optimist Club for the Family Emergency Fund
D. Donation of $2,500 from MicroPrecision for Ferradermis - BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
A. Board Engagement Opportunities - ADJOURN
The Whippet Volleyball Team honored our seniors at the home match against East Troy on Thursday, September 21. Meg Roselle, Emmanuella Mbifi, Marina Linos, and Aidyn Amundson were honored for their 4 years of volleyball dedication to the program. Giulia Ristagno is also a senior foreign exchange student from Italy.
Each one of the seniors were honored by a speech from their fellow teammates and a personal message from their coach. We wanted to honor them by sharing how much they will be missed:
Aidyn,
Your drive to be the best teammate you can be, even when faced with adversity and injury is inspiring. You lead by example, a true attribute of leadership. You have supported your team to achieve all they can, and given perspective about not taking this great opportunity of playing volleyball for granted. You will be so missed, but we know you are off to do BIG things!
Manny,
You are such a student of the game! You soak in every ounce of information and put it into practice. You give 100%, and lead by your work ethic. You are kind, encouraging, and the best example of a positive teammate. You will be missed!
Marina,
You want more for your team to do well than anything else- the true definition of selfless leader! To watch you encourage your teammates, and push yourself to be better for them, is such an inspiring example for our program. You have stepped up, and led with poise. You should be so proud of all you have accomplished, you will be so missed!
Meg,
Your energy, honesty, and leadership will be so missed! You know what our team needs to be focused, get better, and be there for one another. You set this example every day in team meetings and at practice. You strive to make yourself and those around you better both on and off the court! You will be so missed!
Giulia.
Your smile lights up a room! Our time together has been short, but we are so glad you chose to play volleyball! It still makes me smile when I think of your first time going in the game- Coach looked at you and said you would be going in and you smiled, and then shook your head NO! But, you overcame your fear and went in the game and passed perfectly! Never doubt your abilities!
While we couldn’t pull out a win on Senior Night, that doesn’t diminish how proud we are of each of these seniors. We wish them the best of luck in all they do!
Article and Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed at home against Platteville/Lancaster and Badger on Tuesday, September 19. Our athletes showed up to compete as many obtained personal best times for the season. We also want to note that a majority of the team took on new and challenging events.
Like her fellow teammates, Makayla Bazeley shows up to compete. In the 200 Freestyle, Makayla placed 1st by over 8 seconds with a time of 2:02.52. And in the 100 Butterfly, she placed 1st with a time of 1:00.17.
Lucy Davis went 3 of 4 best times in her events. In the 100 Backstroke, Lucy dropped 15 seconds off her time from last year. She continues to get stronger in the 200 IM despite it being one of her least favorite events.
Emerson Dunham beat out the Platteville/Lancaster swimmer in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:24.56. She had an impressive split in the 400 Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:05.24.
Georgia Esch competed in the 100 Butterfly for the first time in her swim career. Not only is this a difficult race, but Georgia completed it with an impressive time of 1:47.35.
Sanibel Fox-Simes earned herself a best time in the 100 Freestyle. She continues to gets faster and faster every week in the 100 Freestyle. We are looking forward to what next week has in store for her!
Charlotte Hajewski sang her heart out in the National Anthem and it was beautiful! She competed in the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. Charlotte earned herself a best time in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:24.08.
Maggie Maas went a best time in the 50 (30.01) and 500 (6:41.05) Freestyle. Maggie is very close to earning herself a spot on the Under 30 Club for the 50 Freestyle. We are excited to see her make the list this season!
Marijose Verduzco continues to take on new and challenging events. She completed in the 500 Freestyle where she earned herself an impressive time of 8:56.04. Marijose had a best time in the 50 Freestyle as well.
Atreya Wilson competed in the 100 Freestyle where she dropped 11 seconds. She is now the proud owner of a new time of 1:19.08. She continues to swim a strong 100 Breaststroke.
Zoe Zei willingly took on the 500 Freestyle for the second time this season. Within a week, Zoe dropped 15 seconds in this event. This is impressive to say the least!
The Swim Team is back in Whippet territory on Tuesday, September 26 against Jefferson/Cambridge. We hope to see you all there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is honored to host “The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” by Iva Sidash, which features photos of buildings now scarred by full-scale war in Ukraine. In each image lies memories of the past, bringing awareness of the families, friends, and stories of what these now destroyed walls once held. Sidash’s work has been part of group exhibits in Kyiv, Paris, Berlin, and elsewhere, but this will be her first solo exhibit.
The exhibit opens on Sept. 25 and will be on display until Oct. 20. There will be an artist reception on Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., which includes an artist talk with Sidash, an audience Q&A, and an open house with refreshments.
“The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” is a collection of photographs taken in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. These photographs depict burned homes and fragments of walls. This exhibit invites the audience to reflect on these scorched remnants and what they once represented. Sidash’s photographs are symbolic of what has been done to the people who lived within the walls. Sidash says, “Now all Ukrainians are like those walls, burned by war, covered with scars, and forever changed.”
Sidash is a Ukrainian documentary photographer based in Lviv who has been covering the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine since its beginning in 2022. Before the invasion, Sidash was a finalist in the International Fujifilm Moment Street Photo Awards, and her work has been exhibited in France, Germany, and Spain. Sidash uses her own visual language to connect viewers with the trauma of war in Ukraine. Sidash says, “I found this language in a series of artistic photographs. I believe it is necessary to talk about the war in all possible languages.”
Sidash will participate in a UW-Whitewater History Department public event on Monday, Sept. 25, with visiting photography scholar Abigail Lewis of the University of Notre Dame at 7 p.m. in Summers Auditorium in the University Center. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Lewis will introduce Sidash at the exhibit reception at Roberta’s Art Gallery.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. During the academic year, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries and follow our Instagram at uww_rag.
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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