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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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Editor’s note: This information from a Facebook post was submitted by Rhonda Kolander. The Banner regrets that we were unable to obtain clearer images.
New artist at the Tealux Cafe, 129 W. Center Street – James Thelen. Go check out his work!
Whitewater High School is the only school in Walworth County and the Rock Valley Athletic Conference with a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team. Ferradermis, FRC Team #6574, is seeking to build a sustainable and long-term funding solution and is reaching out to the community for assistance. The mission of Ferradermis is to prepare members for STEM and business careers, while challenging and inspiring them as students. Ferradermis also aims to build leadership skills, communication skills, and professionalism. The team has found a great deal of success in competition over the years, ranking statistically in the top 17% of 3,323 teams in the world for the 2023 season. However, the cost-intensive nature of robotics necessitates external funding beyond existing support.
Budgeting for Robotics
The team’s annual budget target is $64,000, which covers essential expenses and allows for participation in local and regional competitions. If the team qualifies for world championships as demonstrated in 2018 and 2019, the team needs to collect an additional $25,000 in as little as two weeks. While these numbers are high, the team has worked hard every year to collect donations and build long term relationships with sponsors.
The Whitewater Unified School District recently began contributing $14,000 yearly, a funding level similar to that of an athletic team. Unfortunately, other funding sources vary every year and are not guaranteed. Typically, students author and apply for competitive grants that account for about $12,000. An additional $24,000 is sourced from businesses, individuals, and organizations. Students, families, and mentors contribute another $10,000, while fundraising events raise an extra $4,000.
Where do the Funds Go?
Ferradermis’s annual expenses primarily center on competition-related costs, including travel, accommodations, registration fees, and materials for building a new robot each year. The team is committed to ensuring that no student is barred from participation due to financial constraints, offering scholarships to those in need. However, this has led to an increasing fundraising burden as more students and families require support each year.
In addition to the high school program, in 2018 Ferradermis member Bennett Miles initiated the first FIRST Lego League (FLL) team at Lincoln Elementary School. FLL has since expanded across all district elementary schools and the middle school, guided by Val Troxel, Chris Nate, Sara Brautigam, Lisa Kaminski, and Kerry Ramsden. Ferradermis remains involved by providing student mentors, raising funds for LEGO Spike Prime robots, and chartering buses for FLL members to observe the high school team’s Wisconsin Regional competition in Milwaukee.
The Ferradermis Fund
Recognizing the need for a more sustainable funding solution, Ferradermis has been collaborating with alumni Michael Borglin (WHS class of 2008) and Tim Walsh (WHS class of 2006). Both are computer science graduates and former students of Ferradermis Advisor Laura Masbruch at Whitewater High School. Now residing in California and working in technology, the two are using their unique skill sets to support Ferradermis. Borglin established the Borglin Family Foundation in 2021 and launched the Ferradermis Fund under the Whitewater Community Foundation soon after. The aim is to establish a $500,000 endowment (Ferradermis Fund), enabling the team to draw up to $25,000 annually from the fund’s interest indefinitely. Achieving this ambitious target requires involvement from the community and other alumni. The Borglin Family Foundation has pledged $70,000 over five years and has been matched by another anonymous alumni (WHS class of 2006). Borglin stated, “I always felt that learning by doing was the best way to learn, and that is why I support the Ferradermis team.”
Community Partnerships
In addition to hosting the Ferradermis Fund, the Whitewater Community Foundation has given Ferradermis access to manage its Google Ad Grant. This grant, available to nonprofits, provides $10,000 in ad credits each month that groups can use to draw attention to their programs. Walsh’s expertise in Google marketing guides the grant’s utilization. Additionally, a partnership with the Whitewater Advertising Association at UW-Whitewater is providing an advertising internship opportunity, contributing to the team’s growth and visibility while deepening community ties.
Why Ferradermis is Important to Whitewater and the Students
Ferradermis functions as a student operated small business. The overall team is divided into sub teams, half of which focus on business and outreach, while the other half focus on designing and building a robot. All students work under the guidance of a wide variety of volunteer adult mentors – programmers, metal workers, engineers, businesspeople, and more – building a network of professional contacts. These professional contacts support students in their future education and beyond to their careers.
Each year, The FRC game is revealed in January. At that point, the team must start from scratch to plan, design, build, wire, program, and test a brand-new robot in eight weeks before taking the competition field. This tight timeframe helps students develop time management skills.
FIRST focuses heavily on the concept of Gracious Professionalism, encouraging all teams to work together to make each other the best that they can be. Students develop many soft skills through FIRST as they interact, communicate, and build relationships with other teams from around the world as well as with their sponsors. Team members regularly practice public speaking for sponsors, judges, and community groups.
Outreach and the promotion of STEM education are valued heavily by FIRST. You will often find Ferradermis at other schools, the public library, and community events demonstrating the robot and giving younger students a chance at the controls. Ferradermis also values its relationship with the technology and engineering program at Whitewater High School, working with staff members to purchase new equipment and arrange the donation of used equipment, all in an effort to improve the shop for both WHS students in tech ed courses and the team.
Ferradermis is active and still growing. Thirty-two WHS graduates from the classes of 2021 and 2022 participated on the team for at least one season. Of these students, 68% are pursuing STEM fields with 38% studying engineering. Two from this group have already returned as mentors.
How to Donate
To support Ferradermis, donations can be made to the Ferradermis Fund through the Whitewater Community Foundation’s website or by contacting Bonnie Miller at info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org. Those interested in learning more about Ferradermis or robotics within the Whitewater Unified School District can contact ferradermis@gmail.com, visit www.ferradermis.org, or call 262-472-8159.
Article Submitted by Michael Borglin and Laura Masbruch
Photos Courtesy of Laura Masbruch and Rich Grosse
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Update: Clarification made that the board agenda for the July 13 meeting did not allow for voting by that body, although the council’s agenda did.
The City of Whitewater Common Council (“council”) and the Whitewater Unified School District School Board (“board”) will meet tonight at 6 p.m. with the hope of concluding a nearly six month effort to reach a new agreement for the operation of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center (“WAFC”). The bodies last met on July 13, and by the conclusion of the nearly 100 minute meeting there seemed to be growing consensus, but there were substantial frustrations expressed along the way by both officials and the public.
Representatives of the council and board have been meeting, whether as full bodies or in a subcommittee, since March 2. From the beginning of the July meeting it was evident that the groups had different ideas regarding the purpose of the session. The council’s agenda allowed for discussion and possible action on the proposals offered by the city and the district, and Council President James Allen indicated that everyone was prepared to stay as long as necessary to hopefully conclude negotiations. Board President Larry Kachel, however, soon made clear that the board would not be taking any votes. In fact the board’s agenda did not allow for action on the proposals.
Although there were several points of contention, the primary potential deal breaker was the district’s plan to reduce its annual contribution towards operating expenses to $78,000 versus the city’s request for $178,000. The city planned to contribute $250,000 annually in addition to covering any operating deficits. The district offered to take full responsibility for capital expenses on the building after $100,000 annual contributions from the city and the district. All contributions would be subject to a 3% annual escalation factor. The city continued to maintain that it would be unable to operate the facility without the full district operating expense payment.
The public comment period at mid-meeting allowed Jeff Knight and Steve Ryan, among others, to express their disappointment that they were unable to congratulate the representatives on completing their months-long work, as they had planned to do.
A restroom break seemed to clear the air, and ultimately the suggestion was made that the city might be willing to increase its annual capital improvement payment to $200,000 in exchange for the district meeting the $178,000 annual operating expense request. The council voted unanimously to request staff to provide a new financial analysis based on that proposal, and though the board took no vote, members appeared to be willing to consider the proposal at their next meeting on August 14.
It may be anticipated that tonight’s audience will likely include some citizens hoping to provide their representatives with postponed appreciation and congratulations on achieving a new agreement that will keep “Whitewater’s jewel” open for recreation, education, and fitness for the next six years.
The Whitewater Cross Country teams are conducting their annual water softener salt fundraiser and would like you to be a buyer! The CC athletes will stack your order wherever you see fit, including your basement provided you are home during our delivery window and request that level of service.
There is a two bag minimum order required and orders are due on Wednesday, August 30th. All orders must be prepaid. Delivery will take place on Friday, September 8th from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Use this link to access the flyer.
Thank you to Dalee Water Conditioning for supplying the salt for this year’s fundraiser!
Place an order with any member of the CC team or email Coach Chad Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for a number of counties, including Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth, for Sunday. On Saturday the advisory was set for 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., but this morning it was moved back to 11 a.m. Whitewater’s heat index is predicted to reach 99 degrees F.
WHITEWATER, WI (08/16/2023)– The following students conducted research at UW-Whitewater during the 2022-2023 school year.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Alex Abplanalp who is majoring in Psychology, presented “Research Compliance Administrator” while mentored and supervised by Donna Kempf while participating in the following program(s): Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Elbee-Fae Ascherl who is majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies – Bachelor of Arts, presented “Trans-forming Healthcare: Developing Inclusive Healthcare Environments” while mentored and supervised by Stephanie Selvick while participating in the following program(s): Spring Undergraduate Research Day, National Conference on Undergraduate Research, and Fall Undergraduate Research Day. Ascherl won the Research in the Rotunda 2023 award for this project.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Danielle Klais who is majoring in Environmental Science – Bachelor of Arts, presented “Evaluating methods for determining thermokarst lake extent changes over the period 2001 – 2020” while mentored and supervised by Rocio Duchesne while participating in the following program(s): Spring Undergraduate Research Day, Fall Undergraduate Research Grant, and Spring Undergraduate Research Grant.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Michaela Nitka who is majoring in Geography, presented “Paleontology of Faunas from Initial Transgression to Deep Marine, Cretaceous (Albian) of Central Texas” while mentored and supervised by Rex Hanger while participating in the following program(s): Spring Undergraduate Research Day and Spring Undergraduate Research Grant.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Connor Rohde who is majoring in Chemistry – Bachelor of Science, presented “Carbon Capture by Icelandic Basalts: A Potential Way to Address Global Climate Change” while mentored and supervised by Pajukti Bhattacharyya while participating in the following program(s): Spring Undergraduate Research Day.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Evan Schepp who is majoring in Environmental Science, presented “The Mesoscale Conditions that Contributed to the development of the Morton, Texas Tornado on 23 May 2022” while mentored and supervised by John Frye while participating in the following program(s): Spring Undergraduate Research Day, Fall Undergraduate Research Grant, and Fall Undergraduate Research Day.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Carter Waelchli who is majoring in Theatre Education, presented “It’s not like a Video Game:” Grounded and the influences of its Sound Design.” while mentored and supervised by Ruth Conrad-Proulx while participating in the following program(s): Spring Undergraduate Research Day and Group Grant.
- 53190 Whitewater, WI: Jon Zheng who is majoring in Biology – Bachelor of Science, presented “Phylogenetic Diversification of Mpox and Related Poxviridae” while mentored and supervised by Robert Kuzoff while participating in the following program(s): Spring Undergraduate Research Day, National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Fall Undergraduate Research Grant, and Fall Undergraduate Research Day. Zheng won the Birch and Aspen award for this project.
The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) offers a variety of programs aimed to connect students with faculty mentors and provide them with enriching research opportunities. This can be in the form of working alongside a mentor as a student researcher, or creating independent, student-led projects with a mentor’s help.
Undergraduate students from all majors are able to apply and participate in the various programs, grants, and opportunities that the URP offers, and many take part in undergraduate research every year. URP supports inquiry-driven research scholarship and creative activity, and provides grants, research fellowships, and travel support to undergraduate students and faculty mentors.
“The Undergraduate Research Program is a high-impact practice that gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom and dive deeper into their field of interest,” said Ana Caballero Mengibar, director of the Undergraduate Research Program. “It stimulates critical thinking, helps to improve communication and problem solving skills, and advances both individual and collective knowledge. Students participating in the Undergraduate Research Program have higher levels of acceptance rates to graduate school, increased graduation rates, and they are more likely to find jobs upon graduation.”
To find information about the Undergraduate Research Program, visit https://www.uww.edu/urp.
Updated at 10:50 a.m. on 8/21 to confirm time of the library meeting.
Updated at 7:50 p.m. on 8/21 to add City Community Lakes meeting on Saturday.
Joint Meeting with City of Whitewater Common Council and Whitewater Unified School District – Monday @ 6 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 West Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us 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/84831526958?pwd=Q1FsNG43TjhtWW1hUHNOY0RZZGVYdz09
Passcode: 280540
Or dial
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 848 3152 6958
Passcode: 280540
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89929656951?pwd=dmd4QkppL2FDMXA5WURjcy8rZ0dHdz09
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: EzXQ7vJz
Or dial
1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: 50657151
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session interview of EMS Lieutenant candidate followed by open session.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/195294189
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 195-294-189
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes WAFC Membership Fee Discussion/Approval and Starin Park’s Treyton’s Field Of Dreams Deck Expansions Discussion And Approval.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Room- 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
or Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86135525968?pwd=ZXZ4ZDk1NC8rZDFMd2R6K1J6NkZyZz09
Meeting ID: 861 3552 5968
Passcode: 839644
Or dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 861 3552 5968
Passcode: 839644
- +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 861 3552 5968
Passcode: 839644
City of Whitewater Community Lakes Meeting – Saturday @ 11:00 a.m.
Guest: Heidi Bunk, Lakes Biologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
WHERE: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Common Council Chambers Room, 312 W. Whitewater St. Councilmembers and DNR
will walk over to Cravath Lake to continue the meeting.
A quorum of the Common Council will be present. This notice is given to inform the public that no formal action will be taken at this meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
to the public.
The Rock County Communications Center is announcing Text-to-911 Services in Rock County are fully operational again.
Text-to-911 services have been available in Rock County since 2015. Text-to-911 is not intended to replace voice calls to 911; however, if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or in a dangerous situation where it is unsafe to make a voice call, text-to-911 is another way to reach emergency assistance in Rock County.
More information on text-to-911 can be found on the Rock County Communications website under the Public Education section.
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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