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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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The Girls’ Tennis Team had a tough battle against Monroe on Thursday, September 7, but managed to come out on top, winning the meet 4-3. The Whippets are now 3-0 halfway through the conference season.
Singles:
- No. 1 – Emilia Houwers def. Lindsay Leuzinger 6-2, 6-2
- No. 2 – Kate Kundert def. Jackie Franco 6-0, 6-4
- No. 3 – Liz Servin def. Adeline Eckerman 6-2, 6-1
- No. 4 – Ryann Dahlman def. Vicki Ramirez 6-2, 6-1
Doubles:
- No. 1 – Maritza Vidales & Stephanie Wence def. Emma Tran & Brooke Hanson 6-4, 6-0
- No. 2 – Delaney Fortney & Sydney Wunschel def. Vanesa Wence & Leah Newmann 6-4, 7-5
- No. 3 – Isabel Aranda & Aimee Servin def. Layla Pallesen & Chyler Blackburn 4-6, 6-4, 10-4
Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Volleyball team fell to visiting Delavan-Darien (14-25, 16-25, 25-23, 21-25) on Thursday, September 7. “This was a disappointing loss. We prepared well with film; we just didn’t play our game tonight. We failed to control the ball on serve receive, passing only a 1.6, and saw ourselves out of system way too many times. Our communication broke down, and we played most of the night tight. We had some great rallies, but costly errors at unfortunate times saw us playing from behind most of the night. We didn’t capitalize on our game plan, and that cost us. However, it really is early in the season, and we will continue to put the work in to get better every single day. It truly will be a matter of staying focused and positive so we can peak at the right time.”
“This team works hard, they put in the time and effort every day at practice. We won’t shy away from that, and we will continue to put in the work to get stronger and better each day. I have confidence in this group; I just want them to play with that same confidence!”
Calli Grosinske put up another double-double on the night with 12 kills and 21 digs. Marina Linos led us in assists with 14. Ella Spear had 3 aces, and Meg Roselle and Zoe Kohl posted two blocks apiece.
Next up, the Whippets travel to Dodgeland for a tournament on Saturday, September 9. Then they play two away matches at Monroe and Jefferson next week.
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Whitewater Fire & EMS Pancake Breakfast/Open House
Mark your calendars for this Sunday, September 10th, 7 AM to Noon! Come hungry and curious to our Pancake Breakfast/Open House event.
Feast on a delicious breakfast while discovering the exciting transformations at Whitewater Fire & EMS since the passing of our staffing referendum, and our recent transition to a paramedic service.
No fixed cost for the breakfast – just a heartfelt donation of your choice. Your support means the world to us!
On the menu: Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage Links, Milk, OJ & Coffee – yum!
This year’s fundraiser aims to equip our first responders with cutting-edge multi-gas meters. These devices detect various gases, from oxygen to carbon monoxide, ensuring top-notch safety for our community.
Join us for an educational experience too! Explore our Fire Truck Display, Ambulance Display, and even hop on The Orv for some Fire Extinguisher Training. Plus, don’t miss the thrilling Fire Truck Rides!
A big THANK YOU to the amazing citizens of Whitewater and surrounding towns. Your unwavering support has fueled our progress this past year. We can’t wait to continue serving you with pride!
Editor’s Note: The following was prided by Whitewater Pride.
The third annual Whitewater Pride Rally will be held Saturday, Oct. 21 at Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater. This free event, which will include music, entertainers, speakers and family-friendly activities, will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. rain or shine.
Lakefront Park provides space for additional activities and vendor booths. The organizing committee, composed of representatives from the community, Whitewater Pride, Whitewater Unites Lives, UW-Whitewater’s PB Poorman Pride Center, and Whitewater High School’s Gay Straight Alliance, encourages those who wish to show their support of all members of our community and especially our LGBTQ+ neighbors, to participate. Organizations will be able to share information about their groups, and businesses, restaurants and others will have an opportunity to sell their products.
A vendor agreement (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesC-PMV8ziic8ymv4M05Vd16apxFWe70Jn5BFROoz1C9GhQA/viewform) is available to those who wish to support Pride in the Whitewater community. The submissions are due on Sept. 30. The form can also be found at www.whitewaterpride.org
Proceeds from the Pride Rally will be used to help keep this event free for all attendees and will be used to support LGBTQ+ youth in our community through the Whitewater High School Gay Straight Alliance and UW-Whitewater’s PB Poorman Pride Center. For more information, contact Camden Harlan at charlan@whitewaterpride.org or Robin Fox at robinkfox@gmail.com
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
School started this week, so it’s time for a vintage school photo. This image was taken of 4th graders in the Esterly School, probably around 1900. Notice the fine marble fireplace in the schoolroom. That is because the Esterly School was located in the old Esterly mansion on the site of the old Franklin Junior High School at the end of Center Street. The Esterly School opened in 1894 and operated until 1927, when the site was used for the new Whitewater High School that included classrooms for grade schoolers. The grade schoolers were in the old High School building until the 1950s, when the Lincoln School was built.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#5515PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Whippet Swimmers hosted their first home meet on Thursday, September 7, against Edgerton/Evansville. Charlotte Hajewski started off the meet with the National Anthem. What a beautiful voice she has!
The Whippets had some impressive top 3 finishes which included:
- 200 Medley Relay – Maggie Mass, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Charlotte Hajewski (1st)
- 200 Freestyle – Maggie Mass (2nd)
- 200 IM – Makayla Bazeley (1st)
- 50 Freestyle – Charlotte Hajewski (3rd)
- 100 Fly – Makayla Bazeley (1st)
- 100 Freestyle – Emerson Dunham (1st)
- 500 Freestyle – Charlotte Hajewski (3rd)
- 200 Freestyle Relay – Adalynn Frye, Payton Peacock, Atreya Wilson, and Lucy Davis (3rd)
- 100 Backstroke – Maggie Mass (2nd)
- 100 Breaststroke – Emerson Dunham (2nd)
- 400 Freestyle – Charlotte Hajewski, Maggie Mass, Emerson Dunham, and Makayla Bazeley (2nd)
Some best times include:
- Georgia Esch in the 200 Freestyle
- Sanibel Fox-Simes in the 50 Freestyle (dropped 3 seconds)
- Charlotte Hajewski in the 50 Freestyle
- Emerson Dunham in the 100 Freestyle
- Adalynn Frye in the 100 Freestyle
- Marijose Verduzco had a quick split in the 200 Freestyle Relay
Shout out to a few of the girls for trying some new events. Lucy Davis tried two new races including the 200 IM and the 100 Fly. These are some pretty tough races and she did both in one night! Zoe Zei tried the 200 Freestyle, and she ended up loving it. And lastly, the birthday girl, Atreya Wilson, tried the 500 Freestyle. We are looking forward to seeing these girls try a few more new events this season!
The Whippets are in Elkhorn for the Elkhorn Invite on Saturday September 9. We hope to see you all there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
When Division 2 team Racine Park came to Whitewater, we knew that we were in for a defensive battle, but your Whippets put on a clinic on how to defend as a unit.
The first half saw 40 minutes of soccer that was dominated by an attacking Racine Park. WHS’s defense held strong, and keeper Phoenix Jones made some crucial saves.
The second half was much more evenly matched with Whitewater still playing primarily a defensive role. With 10 minutes left in the game, Park was exhausted and the Whippets were able to put them under sustained pressure. The high pressure eventually led to a defensive mistake that allowed Ethan Dugan to play a dangerous ball into the box that was put into the back of the net by a Racine Park defender.
Please join us Thursday night (tonight) for a rivalry game that promises to be an engaging match vs Delavan-Darien. JV1 game @ 4:45 p.m., Varsity @ 6:45 p.m.
Whitewater:
- 79’ Goal by Ethan Dugan
- Phoenix Jones 9 saves
- Casey Schlicher 3 saves
Racine Park:
- Jonny Babrba-Lopez 5 saves
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Annual State of the City and Schools Addresses
Hosted by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is excited to host its annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 21st, 6:30- 8 PM, at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S Fremont St, Whitewater.
Presenters include Whitewater City Manager John Weidl, WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, and UW Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask the speakers questions following their presentations.
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!
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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