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Tuesday evening, January 11, was an exciting evening at Whitewater High School. Senior Anderson Waelchli presented a voice recital in the WHS auditorium. Dr. Sarah Read Gehrenbeck served as the collaborative keyboard artist.
Some of the pieces performed included art songs such as Die Forelle and I’ll Sail Upon the Dog Star as well as musical theatre selections “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar and “Sadder but Wiser Girl” from The Music Man. Contemporary pieces included “Just the Two of Us” and the jazz standard, “I Thought About You.”
Waelchli’s performance was presented in partial fulfillment of his Independent Study in Vocal Performance with WHS Music Educator, Karen Tordera. The recital was well-attended and included a reception following the performance.
Article Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Teacher
ktordera@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser
Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
Thursday Evenings 2/3-3/30/23 – 6-7:30 p.m.
Reserve Your Spot Today
The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Marquette Counties are offering the 9-week Stress-
Busting for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia virtual class as developed at the University of
Texas Health Science Center by Sharon Lewis and the WellMed Charitable Foundation on Thursday
evenings beginning February 2nd and running through March 30th, 2023 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Who is SBP for? Anyone caring for someone with a form of dementia will benefit from the program.
What is SBP? The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia is a proven
curriculum developed by Sharon L. Lewis, RN, PhD, FAAN in conjunction with the University of Texas
Health Science Center and the WellMed Charitable Foundation which teaches stress management,
relaxation tools, coping strategies and problem-solving skills with a support group component.
Participants view the program as a source of strength and support for their caregiving role.
“Caregivers of someone with dementia experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Dealing with those issues in a healthy way is vital to a caregiver’s well-being. Consequently, to care for
the person with dementia, the caregiver must first learn how to care for themselves,” said Karen
Tennyson dementia care specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Reserve your spot today for the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
by contacting Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The Banner inquired as to whether enrollment in this program is limited to residents of Rock (and Marquette) counties. Karen told us that she would be happy to speak with residents of other counties.
The gymnastics team had a dual meet against Jefferson/Cambridge on January 10, 2023. Once again, the girls faced some tough competition but held their own and came out of the meet with some great scores and showcased some of their new skills.
Stephanie Walters had her season best score of 5.1 on Floor as well as season best of 4.0 on Uneven Bars where she did a flyaway for the first time in a meet. Grace Coleman had a season high on bars as well with a 4.3. She also had a no fall Beam routine, which is always the goal. Payton Brautigam had a great performance on Floor and earned herself a season high score of 5.3. Alexa Wildenberg improved her score on the Beam with a season best of 4.9. Lexi Kuhnke performed her Floor routine for the first time this season and scored a 5.65. It’s great to see her back at it. The JV team had season high team scores on Floor and on Bars!
Mady Hefty had a strong performance on Floor where she tied her season best of 6.85 and did a back tuck in her routine for the first time this season! Her teammates erupted into loud cheers to show their excitement for her. She then went on to Vault where she had a season best score of 7.85. Nola Coburn did a back tuck in her Floor routine for the first time this year which everyone was super excited to watch. Nola went on to score her best on the Uneven Bars with a 5.15. Makayla Bazeley had a stellar performance on the Uneven Bars where she had a lifetime best score of 7.425 and took 3rd place. Brooke Bazeley had another no fall Beam routine. Brenda Aguilar was very close to her season best on the Vault. Halee Peters improved her score on 3 out of 4 rotations. She had a lifetime best on Vault with an 8.50, took 2nd on bars with a 7.55, had a no fall Beam routine and a season best score of 8.35 and then another lifetime best on the Floor with an 8.9. Halee’s all-around score was the highest she has ever had with a 33.3. The varsity team had their highest bars score of the season.
Many of the girls are working towards more new skills they hope to debut in the upcoming weeks. They all have goals they are working toward and I know they will achieve everything they hope. They will compete again on Monday, January 16th in a triangular vs Janesville Parker and Milton in Janesville. And then will compete again on Saturday, January 21st in the Southwest Invite. Thank you to all that come out and support the girls!
Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
The Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team travelled to Clinton for a conference game on Tuesday, January 10.
This game was a true nail-biter and a great matchup. We were outsized at times but our guards played a very physical game with confidence that their teammates were in help defense. Solid defense and grit from both ends of the court made this game so exciting. We were either up or down by a few points to the very end of the game. Unfortunately, we came up short by one, 56-57.
Danielle DePorter had a break-out game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Mayte Navejas followed with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals (also a season high). Calli Grosinske added 8 points, 4 assists, multiple rebounds, and 5 steals.
The Whippets take on McFarland at home Friday night.
Congratulations to Clinton Cougar, Jayden Nortier, for scoring her 1000th point!
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The WCCCA (Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association) recently held its annual clinic, and awards were picked up for the Fall 2022 season. This piece of paper certifies that Jack Hefty and Nate Holden have been awarded the individual Academic All-State Award for the 2022 season!
The criteria set is that an athlete must participate in the WIAA State Cross Country Meet and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. This is Nate’s first award and Jack’s second.
Congratulations, guys!
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Maddison LaHaie has been chosen by the faculty at Whitewater High School to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha June 9 – 11, 2023. Maddison will participate in team-building activities, hear motivational speakers, and participate in small group discussions designed to develop additional leadership skills in sophomores across the state of Wisconsin. Congratulations, Maddison!
Article and Photo Submitted by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz
Whitewater High School Counselor
psonmorwintz@wwusd.org
City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing For Consideration Of A Conditional Use Permit For A Proposed Event Venue
And Sale Of Alcohol By The Drink Located At 183-187 W Main Street, Parcel ID#/OT 00070
For Stonegate Management LLC (Gregory Aprahamian).
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/115675677
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 115-675-677
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action Regarding The Final Starin Park Water Tower
Structural Analysis Report, and Discussion And Possible Action Regarding UTV/ATV Use On All City Streets In The
City Of Whitewater.
Cravath Conference Room
Municipal Building – 2 Floor
312 W Whitewater St
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda: A. 343.46, Early College Credit Program – Institution of Higher Education (IHE)
B. 177, Cancellation of School Board Meetings – NEW
C. Staff Use of High School Shop
D. Review of 800s Policies: 810, School-Community Relations; 811, District Accountability; 820, Public Information
Program; 821.2, News Releases; 822, News Media Relations; 822.1, News Media Relations; 823, Access to Public
Records; 823 Ex, Notice to the Public Regarding Access to Records; 823.1, Records Retention
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Special Session Meeting Agenda – Wed. @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session interview of detective candidate.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or
smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/977640685
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 977-640-685
It was a very busy day of wrestling at the high school on Saturday, January 7, as the Whippets hosted a 28 team JV tournament with 277 competitors in 16 and 32-person brackets. The top three in each weight class earned a trip to the JV Finals in Wausau in two weeks. Whitewater qualified 5 boys.
- 1st Place: JJ Gonzalez and Jesus Barajas
- 2nd Place: Richi Kalra
- 3rd Place: Curtis Rossmiller and Nate Black
- Just missing out and being designated as alternates are Keenan Sheffield and Christian Minett.
Full results from the JV Challenge Series event are available at this link.
Our girls traveled to their first Women’s tournament today at Kenosha Bradford to participate in a 12-team tournament. They came in 2nd place as a team!
- 2nd Place: Lauren Buehler and Ashley Xochipa
- 3rd Place: Khloe Meyer and Odeling Gonzales
- 4th Place: Athena Soto
Awesome job to both our men’s and women’s programs!
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
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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