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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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Cooper Hammond of Whitewater was placed on the spring semester Dean’s List at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
Editor’s note: “R1 research university” is a designation made by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education (Carnegie), signifying very high research activity. R1 universities are at the forefront of research and innovation, and they receive federal and/or private funding specifically for their academic research. Carnegie has classified approximately 146 U.S. institutions as having R1 status.
The University of Wisconsin System announced on July 14 the selection of the 2023–2024 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars.
This year’s program participants come from the System’s 11 comprehensive universities and UW-Milwaukee. Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars must demonstrate excellent teaching skills and have a curiosity about student learning to be nominated by Provosts. The yearlong program begins in mid-June and will culminate with a research presentation at the annual Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning in Madison.
The program provides UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the UW System and from various disciplines. In addition to discussing influential literature, participants are guided through systematic research focused on improving student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project, the 23rd year of using this format.
The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars is one of three signature programs offered by the UW System’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID). OPID supports UW System’s 13 Centers for Teaching and Learning in fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence in Wisconsin. Together they offer professional development programs that ensure student learning in face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments. Fay Akindes is OPID Director.
The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program is directed by two faculty leaders, Valerie Barske, a history professor at UW-Stevens Point, and Heather Pelzel, a biology professor at UW-Whitewater.
The 2023–2024 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars are:
- Anna Cook, UW-Eau Claire, Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Damar Kovačević, UW-Eau Claire, Political Science
- Kimberley Reilly, UW-Green Bay, History
- Cord Brundage, UW-La Crosse, Comparative Animal Physiology
- Kate Evans, UW-La Crosse, Recreation Management
- Eugenia Turov, UW-La Crosse, Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Megan Orcholski, UW-Milwaukee, Communication
- Hilary Snow, UW-Milwaukee, Honors College (Art History and Asian Studies)
- Lisa Shreibersdorf, UW Oshkosh, Literature
- Maria Franshaw, UW-Parkside, Teacher Education – Mathematics
- Hilary Rasmussen, UW-Parkside, Communication
- Ganapathy Natarajan, UW-Platteville, Industrial Engineering
- Sarah Strange, UW-Platteville, Theatre
- Chris Holtkamp, UW-River Falls, Plant and Earth Sciences
- Erik Kline, UW-River Falls, English
- Lauren Gantz, UW-Stevens Point, Multiethnic Literature, Postcolonial Literature, and Women’s and Gender Studies
- Sarah Ross, UW-Stevens Point, Theatre Design and Technology
- Erica Ringelspaugh, UW-Stevens Point, English
- Kenneth Mullins, UW-Stout, Business
- Vivek Singhal, UW-Stout, Engineering
- Joshua Stangle, UW-Superior, Mathematics
- Jennifer Vogler, UW-Superior, Educational Administration
- Rashiqa Kamal, UW-Whitewater, Finance
- Courtney Wilt, UW-Whitewater, Special Education
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes update on capital campaign.
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89929656951?pwd=dmd4QkppL2FDMXA5WURjcy8rZ0dHdz09
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: EzXQ7vJz
Dial by your location or 312-626-6799
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdOOtERhEl
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: 50657151
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Spectrum TV station update, action plan Aquatic Center, ordinance amending Chapter 5.36 mobile homes and mobile home parks, discussion regarding Twin Oaks annual mobile home permit, discussion regarding Affordable Housing Incentive Policy, and purchase of Badger Books for voting. Also, closed session: Items to be
discussed: 1) Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District 2) Aldi Development Agreement and 3) Bargaining Negotiation with Police Union.
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/87364601150?pwd=cG1SV3JxeHh1UjN1c080Vy9DVldzQT09
Passcode: 716379
Or dial 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 873 6460 1150
Passcode: 716379
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Updates to Commercial Façade Loan Program Manual, Status of Vacant Land listing Contract for sale of City‐owned properties, Status of Recruitment for Economic Development Director Position. Also closed session, followed by open session: ALDI’s development agreement.
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84275444343?pwd=aTZGSnpuZmhpNCtzQ1FrNUZuWVh4Zz09
Passcode: 947960
Or join by phone: 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 842 7544 4343
Passcode: 947960
The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 13, 2023.
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Asobo Afah graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Ault graduated with the following degree: Accounting – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Eric Barber graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Doctor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Bezzo graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madeline Born graduated with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alex Bretl graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Brodel graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Master of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jake Burford graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Occupational Safety – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Burger graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ariana Christianson graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Michael Coates graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ivan Cortez graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Justin Cox graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Dylan DuClos graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Esparza graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Sophia Fenger graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elizabeth Gomez graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ralph Hahn graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madison Hawkins graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Margaret Helbig graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Public Policy and Administration – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tyler Hentrich graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elbee-Fae Ascherl graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Danielle Klais graduated with the following degree: Environmental Science – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Felicity Knabenbauer graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Abigail Much graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jackie Lin graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Amy Moore graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Applied Arts and Sciences – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Miriam Navejas graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Nobles graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Norton graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Meaghan O’Hara graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Malayna Oswald graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zachary Paneitz graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bryce Parrish graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Montana Petersen graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Corey Puttkamer graduated with the following degree: Information Technology – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zach Reimann graduated with the following degree: General Business – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Rickgauer graduated with the following degree: Sociology – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alyssa Riley graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Connor Rohde graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Chemistry – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Sackett graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jacob Sadler graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alexsia Saldaris graduated with the following degree: Business Education – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Lukas Schreiber graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Juan Schultz graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Schwieger graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bridget Thompson graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, Wis. : Salmai Valadez graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Vedner graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ashley Vorndran graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Wade graduated with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tayler Walter graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies Without a Minor – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : LuAnnabelle Wieseman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Catherine Yang graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jon Zheng graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – Bachelor of Science
More than 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
Included in the graduates are 98 students who are veterans, 9 international students and 180 nontraditional undergraduate students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 167 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees. Eight graduates of the university’s LIFE Program, which provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability, earned an advanced certificate.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Samuel Schulz will be ordained into the Christian ministry and installed as the new pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Whitewater in a special service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. Schulz graduated in May of this year with a M. Div. degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. He will serve the congregation and conduct its campus ministry.
Pastor Schulz was born in Baraboo and later grew up in the Madison area. He attended Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills and Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota prior to his seminary training.
Mrs. Schulz is Maddie and they have an infant daughter Dot. They have moved into the congregation’s parsonage and look forward to getting to know the residents of the community.
St. John’s has served the Whitewater area since 1865. It is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church is located at 116 South Church Street.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The following students, who are shown as being from Whitewater, were recognized by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Chancellor’s Scholar-Athletes.
Margaret Helbig who is studying Public Policy and Administration, and is on the Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field team.
Kyle Gallagher who is studying Finance, and is on the Football team.
Meg McGinley who is studying Elementary Education, and is on the Gymnastics team.
Jake Burford who is studying Occupational Safety, and is on the Wrestling team.
Ryan Vedner who is studying History Education, and is on the Wrestling team.
In partnership with the athletic department, Chancellor Corey King recognized 51 Warhawks for the honor this year.
To be recognized as Scholar-Athletes, students must have maintained a 3.25 cumulative grade point average or above through the end of the 2022 fall semester. Honorees must have participated in a varsity sport for two years, must be of senior academic status and must have accumulated at least 90 degree credits.
Each Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete was recognized during a banquet at the James R. Connor University Center by Director of Athletics Ryan Callahan and Chancellor King and was given a commemorative gift.
It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the second in our series of summer photos of Whitewater streets. This view is another rare postcard showing Fremont Street. By the vintage of the car in the image, it must have been taken around 1900. Or, the car was put into the photo by the postcard company to give the scene more ambience. In any event, its a great view!
Join us next week for another historic street scene from the Whitewater Historical Society.
#2333PC, Whitewater Historical Society
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Seniors in the Park.
Obituaries
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
Entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, April 3, 2026, age 65. Donna is survived by her cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Lois (Michels) Lyons. Donna was raised in the Church of Nazarene, with her father being the assistant pastor. Religion was very important to Donna. Donna enjoyed working with the students of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she resided. Donna also loved to travel, visiting France, Italy, and all around the United States. She also loved to paint, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. She also loved collecting recipes and trying … Read more
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