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Our Whippet Gymnastics team had a great 1st meet of the season where they placed 3rd overall at the Jefferson Invite on Friday, December 2.
They started on the bars where Makayla Bazeley earned 4th place and Halee Peters earned 2nd place – both taking home hardware!
Next up was beam where Myialynn Cobbs had a no fall beam routine. We also got to cheer on Brenda Aguilar for the first time in a while after taking a year off. We’re so happy to have her back with us.
The third rotation allowed the girls to show off their fun floor routines. Freshman Alexa Wildenberg was able to compete in her first ever gymnastics meet and performed well, while putting on an entertaining routine. Nola Coburn showed us her spunk in her floor routine where she scored close to her personal best.
Last up was vault where all the girls did awesome! Both Makayla Bazeley and Halee Peters had lifetime best scores with a 7.75 and 8.425, respectively. Halee earned herself another medal with a 2nd place finish.
In all-around, Halee Peters took 4th place, Makayla Bazeley took 6th, Nola Coburn took 13th, and Myialynn Cobbs took 14th.
We are so excited to watch the girls progress through the season. What a great start to what will be an amazing season!
Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Wisconsin Makers.
“The Princess Bride” will be featured as Wisconsin Makers debuts Movie Night. The public is invited to attend the free showing of the family-friendly film at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the community makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. Free popcorn will be served. Pizza, soda and water will be available for $1.
Before and after the film, attendees are welcome to tour the makerspace and see what it has to offer.
In addition, they will be able to peruse items in the makerspace’s rummage sale.
Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer said Movie Night is designed to open the makerspace to area residents as it emerges from a two-year hibernation during the coronavirus pandemic. He noted that volunteers have been busy reorganizing the space for educational and recreational use.
“We have installed a 15-foot-wide movie screen and 500-watt surround-sound in our common area, and will be showing films periodically throughout the winter months,” Jewer said. “We want to provide a fun, affordable evening out for people of all ages.” Future Movie Nights are planned this winter; some will offer a double feature, with a Disney film shown first, he said. “We chose ‘The Princess Bride’ for our kickoff Movie Night because it is a classic that is geared to both young and old,” Jewer said.
“The Princess Bride” is a 1987 American fantasy adventure comedy about a farmhand named Westley who, accompanied by companions befriended along the way, must rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from the odious Prince Humperdinck. The film presents the story as a book being read by a grandfather to his sick grandson. Adapted by William Goldman from his 1973 novel of the same name, it is directed and co-produced by Rob Reiner and stars Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, André the Gian, and Christopher Guest.
Located at the corner of Wisconsin and East Clay streets, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more. The building is handicapped accessible, and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities.
For more information about Movie Night or the makerspace, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes Fox Meadows Apartment Building management presentation regarding actions that have
been taken to address concerns relating to their property at 291 N. Fraternity Lane, and Recruitment Process for Economic Development Director
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person).
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86276586407?pwd=cUpLTTdvMEV2RVAwaDRYbG1GSERYd
z09
Passcode: 746391
Or Telephone:
1 305 224 1968
Webinar ID: 862 7658 6407
Passcode: 746391
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes PUBLIC HEARING TO DESIGNATE THE CONVERSE HOUSE (161 FREMONT STREET) AS A
LOCAL LANDMARK
AMENDED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2022 AT 10:00 AM TO ADD A VIRTUAL MEETING OPTION
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/223568885
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 223-568-885
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
Editor’s note: The school district meeting was added on 12/5/22 at 6:30 p.m. A virtual option for the Landmarks meeting was added on 12/6/22 at 10:30 a.m.
According to an article in the Daily Jefferson County Union, “A Fort Atkinson woman who killed her 72-year-old grandmother and set fire to the house containing her body received a life sentence Thursday, December 1, according to court documents.
Elizabeth Durkee, 37, will be eligible for extended supervision after an initial confinement of 22 years, minus the 537 days she has already spent in custody.
Durkee taped her grandmother’s mouth and nose closed with floral print duct tape in 2021 after discussions involving end of life, according to criminal complaints filed at the time. Durkee stayed in the room while her grandmother suffocated, then spent at least two days in the house with the decaying corpse, according to court documents filed at the time.
On the morning of June 11, 2021, Durkee set a fire she originally intended to take her life and the life of her 2-year-old daughter. Officials briefly issued an amber alert after Durkee left with the daughter, but revoked it hours later when Durkee was arrested and her daughter was handed over to family members.”
Residents of the Whitewater Unified School District are encouraged to consider seeking a position on the School Board. The final day for filing is Tuesday, January 3, 2023, by 5:00 p.m.
Any person who is a United States citizen and a qualified elector of the Whitewater Unified School District is legally qualified to become a member of the School Board. In addition, Board candidates should have a genuine interest in and devotion to public education, a willingness to give time and effort to the position, a capacity to understand people, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
The School Board is the District policy-making authority and is responsible to the public for the success of all education services offered by the District. This success is dependent on many individuals, but also upon each Board member’s understanding of the workings of the District-wide operations and each member’s ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process that governs the District.
Three positions will be on the spring ballot. The incumbents are Casey Judd, Thayer Coburn, and Steve Ryan. Incumbents have until Friday, December 23, by 5:00 p.m. to file their Notification of Noncandidacy. Under section 120.06(6)(b)3m of state statutes, the District Clerk will give the public prompt notice if any incumbent files their Notification of Noncandidacy on the School Board Election page of the District website. Editor’s note: Currently none of the incumbents have filed such a notification.
The Board will provide an orientation for Board candidates in order to help them become quickly acquainted with the election process and Board members’ duties and responsibilities. The Superintendent has developed, in consultation with the Board, a candidate orientation program to be presented by District staff and a Board member appointed by the Board President.
The candidate filing documents may be obtained and filed at the office of the School Board Secretary at the Whitewater Unified School District Central Office, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. School Board candidates do not circulate nomination papers, but the School Board Secretary, Jaclyn Tueting, will assist to complete necessary filing documents.
CENTRAL OFFICE HOURS
Through Thursday, December 22…………………………………………………………….M-Th, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m./ F, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 2………………………………………………….……………………………….Central Office Closed
(Friday, December 23 at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline for incumbents to file a Notification of Noncandidacy)
Tuesday, January 3…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….…….7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(5:00 p.m. is the deadline for filing candidacy paperwork)
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team faced East Troy Tuesday night, December 1, at home. The Whippets got off to a slow start offensively, getting outscored 11-24 in the first half. The second half proved to be an even bigger challenge getting into a 20-point deficit with 10 minutes left in the second half. The Whippets fought back, outscoring East Troy 23 -19 to get within 10, but ran out of time, losing 34-44.
Danielle DePorter led the Whippets with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Cali Kopecky followed with 6 points. Calli Grosinske added 5 points and 5 steals. Kindyl Kilar scored 2, ripped down 11 rebounds, and had 1 steal and 5 deflections. Katie Gillette scored 4 with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
The Whippets travel to Beloit Turner Tuesday, December 6, for their next conference game.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka.
WHS Players would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, parents, and the Whitewater community for all their support for our recent production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. We are proud of the outstanding work we accomplished and are grateful for the opportunity to share our talents with all of you.
If you would like to show your support for the WUSD Drama Program by becoming a sponsor or community partner, please contact Jim McCulloch at jmcculloch@wwusd.org for more information. The Spring Play (February 23-26, 2023) will be Agatha Christie’s, “A Murder is Announced.” We hope to see you there!
Article Submitted by Jim McCulloch
Whitewater Unified School District Theater Director
jmcculloch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Today’s image shows a large steam-powered locomotive sitting at the back of the old freight house (Whitewater’s first depot, located in the parking lot next to the current depot) in 1936. By this time, diesel engines were replacing old locomotives on the rail lines, but this image shows that the old locomotives were still in service. Rail transportation was still highly important in Whitewater and would be until after World War II in the 1950s.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(4379P, Whitewater Historical Society)
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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