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UW-W Wins NCAA Men’s Cross Country North Regional; Patzka Claims Individual Title

November 12, 2022

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the WIAC website.

NORTHFIELD, Minn.–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater won the NCAA Division III Men’s Cross Country North Regional at the St. Olaf College (Minn.) Cross Country Course on Nov. 12.
 
The regional title is the second straight for UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks posted 74 points to slip past the second-place total of 82 points by UW-La Crosse. UW-Whitewater earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship that will be conducted Nov. 19, in Lansing, Mich.
 
St. Olaf finished third with 108 points, while UW-Stout was fourth with 117 and UW-Eau Claire fifth with 133.
 
Additional Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) team finishes included: UW-Oshkosh sixth with 176 points; UW-Stevens Point 10th with 267; and UW-Platteville 12th with 363. A total of 29 teams competed in the race.
 
UW-Whitewater’s Christian Patzka claimed the individual title after completing the 8,000-meter course in 224:09.15. A total of 120 runners completed the race. UW-La Crosse’s Ethan Gregg was second in 24:18.59, UW-Whitewater’s Gunner Schlender third in 24:22.69 and UW-La Crosse’s Isaac Wegner fourth in 24:29.65.
 
Additional WIAC runners securing All-North Region recognition for placing in the top 35 included: UW-Stout’s Spencer Schultz (eighth in 24:48.69); UW-Stout’s Matthew Ryan (ninth in 24:51.33); UW-Oshkosh’s Steven Potter (12th in 24:55.88); UW-Whitewater’s Justin Krause (13th in 24:57.73); UW-La Crosse’s Corey Fairchild (14th in 24:59.01); UW-Stout’s Ian Williams (17th in 25:03.56); UW-Eau Claire’s Mason Shea (18th in 25:07.05); UW-Oshkosh’s Joseph Kehoe (21th in 25:21.00); UW-Oshkosh’s Jake Krause (23rd in 25:22.60); UW-Platteville’s Logan Bell (24th in 25:22.72); UW-Eau Claire’s Zach Yengo (25th in 25:23.13); UW-La Crosse’s Parker Huhn (26th in 25:24.38); UW-Whitewater’s Dan Anderson (27th in 25:26.09); UW-Eau Claire’s Sam Verkerke (28th in 25:26.20); UW-Eau Claire’s Tyler Osen (29th in 25:26.30); UW-Whitewater’s Chris Allen (30th in 25:26.50); and UW-Eau Claire’s Jake Hesse-Withbroe (33rd in 25:30.63).

UW-W Football: Warhawks Claim Share of 39th WIAC Title on Record Day at The Perk

November 12, 2022

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

No. 10 Warhawk Football Claims Share of WIAC Title on Record Day, Punches Ticket to NCAA Playoffs Box Score

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater trounced UW-Stevens Point 79-10 to secure a share of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title for the 39th time in program history. The Warhawks set a number of program records in the win including points in a game surpassing the previous record of 75 that had stood since 2006. 

The Warhawks hold a share of the league title with UW-La Crosse but earn the conference’s automatic bid into NCAA Division III playoffs with a victory over the Eagles this season.

UW-Whitewater dominated in the first half behind a record performance on the ground for Jaylon Edmonson. His four touchdowns tie the program record for rushing TDs in a game. In addition to the points record, UWW also broke team records for rushing touchdowns (10), touchdowns (11), points after touchdowns (11). The Warhawks 523 yards rushing is just 46 shy of the program record set in 1987. 

The Pointers took the opening kick, drove down and hit a 30-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead. After that, it was all UWW.
On the Warhawks’ second play from scrimmage, Edmonson went up the gut for 66 yards and his first touchdown. He scored again on his next carry, a 19-yard scamper up the middle to make it 14-3 on UWW’s next possession.

A fumble on UWSP’s punt was downed at the Pointers’ nine. Tamir Thomas was tapped for the carry and he followed Edmonson’s lead, going up the middle for a touchdown. The next drive featured a 44-yard Thomas rush to the one followed by an Edmonson punch in for his third rushing TD of the contest.

The Warhawks’ next score came through the air as Evan Lewandowski hit Tyler Holte for a 51-yard touchdown strike. The final score of the quarter came on a bad snap on a Pointer punt that went through the back of the endzone for a safety and a 37-3 UWW lead.

By halftime, the UW-Whitewater lead ballooned to 65-3. 

UW-Stevens Point scored on a 33-yard pass play in the third. Preston Strasburg registered his second touchdown of the day on a 38-yard run and Alijah Maher-Parr wrapped up the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run to close out the scoring. 

The Warhawks registered 644 yards of offense in the game. Makaio Harn had a phenomenal second half with 122 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Edmonson tallied the program record four TD carries with 112 yards on five rushes. Strasburg added 107 yards on the ground and a pair of rushing touchdowns. 

Lewandowski was 5-5 for 106 yards and the one passing TD. Jason Ceniti and Jackson Chryst captained the offense in the second half. Holte led the Warhawks with 84 yards on three receptions. 

Defensively, Ethan Gallagher tallied eight tackles including a tackle for a loss of two yards and a quarterback hurry. Joey Antoniette posted seven tackles while Reed Farrington and Kyle Gallagher each posted sacks in the contest. 

The Warhawks will find out where and who they’ll open the 2022 NCAA Division III playoffs with during the selection show Sunday evening. The first round of playoffs is scheduled for Saturday, November 19. 

WHS Players Present Beauty & the Beast

November 11, 2022

By Tom Ganser

There’s no better way to start the holiday season than by taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School Players production of the beloved Disney classic, “Beauty and the Beast,” that showcases the talents of nearly 70 actors, stage crew members, and musicians. 

Jim McCulloch and Liz Elliot serve as Directors, Kat Dunham is the Scenery Construction Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Theatre major Taytum Adkins is the Choreographer, and Justin Kamp is Conductor of the pit band.

Performances in the Whitewater High School Auditorium will be Nov. 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 19 and 20 at 2:00 p.m.

General admission tickets ($7 for students and $10 for adults) can be reserved by calling 262-472-8178 or in person at the Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.  Tickets also are available an hour before the performances.

“Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of a “beast” who captures a young woman, Belle, in an attempt to gain her love, so he can shed his monstrous form. It’s filled with lovable characters and singalong songs.

“Beauty and the Beast” (“La Belle et la Bête”) was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in “La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins” (“The Young American and Marine Tales”).  It has been prominent in books, on the stage, and in movies ever since.

About thirty minutes before the curtain rises, there will be a “pre-show” of Tom Ganser’s photos from WHS Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Summer Shorts” (2021), and “Footloose” (2021).

In addition to the regular performances, there will be a special “Be Our Guest” Tea Party on November 19th at 12:30 p.m.  Come dressed as your favorite Disney character, enjoy some sweets and treats in the enchanted castle, get your picture taken with some of the cast, and take home a souvenir teacup. Tickets are $10 per child. Adult chaperones are free. Seating is limited and reservations for this event are required by calling 262-472-8178.

This production of “Beauty and the Beast” will participate in the Madison Overture Center’s Jerry Awards program that encourages, recognizes, and honors excellence in high school musical theater.

Hayleigh Pond is an 8th grader at Whitewater Middle School and takes to the stage as a villager and as a piece of silverware in “Be Our Guest.”  She said, “Even a spoon is important, so that means even if you are not popular or known, you are still a big part of life.”

Skylar Staebler, a senior at WHS, has been in many productions throughout her years in Whitewater.  In “Beauty and the Beast,” she takes on one of the leading roles as Belle.

“I love the resilience and strong, independent nature of Belle. I am a very independent person and think that I can connect well to Belle’s standards. I am not as proper or ‘princess’ like Belle, but I think my hard work and love of stories make up for it. I often find myself daydreaming and living in the world of music like Belle’s love of books.”

Staebler concludes, “I’ve truly loved bringing the world of Belle to life and can’t wait for an audience to see all the hard work the cast and crew have done.”

Joshua Kirley, also a WHS senior who has been in many theatrical productions, is cast in a leading role as the Beast.  He shared that a challenge for him as the Beast is “portraying my emotions in the songs I sing.”

Asked to compare the Beast to a flavor of ice cream, Kirley said, “I think that Rocky Road suits the Beast, because he’s mean at first but as soon as you get to know him you’ll learn to love him.”

Delta Kappa Gamma Installs New Little Library

November 11, 2022

The Whitewater Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional Women’s Educators Organization, has had a new Little Library built and donated by Jim Schumacher installed at Starin Park with help of the city crew. This is one of three Little Libraries provided by DKG. We’d like to thank everyone involved and the community for their support and use of the libraries.

Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted for Delta Kappa Gamma by Lori Heidenreich.

Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Local Business’s Growth

November 11, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Council.

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce recently helped one of Whitewater’s longest standing Edward Jones offices celebrate their expansion and move to a larger office location.

Michael Harenza, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, has been serving the Whitewater community’s investment needs for almost 30 years. He recently moved his offices to 1204 E Bluff Rd in Whitewater giving him the opportunity to invite additional financial advisors to join him in helping Whitewater residents and businesses navigate their investment journeys. The new offices offer a beautiful and flexible space to host clients and provide financial services beyond the normal suite of offerings. Joining Michael in the new offices are financial advisors Josh Peterson and Heather Stelzer and Client Account Administrators Amy Scherrer and Theresa Thompson. This dynamic team is ready to guide their current and new clients through the landscape of financial security and freedom.

The Chamber and its ambassadors celebrated this move and expansion with an official ribbon cutting on November 1st. The sunny and warm fall morning provided a great opportunity to congratulate them on this momentous occasion and tour their wonderful new facility! The Chamber encourages anyone looking for someone to guide them on their investment needs to stop in and meet this amazing group. The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have partners like Edward Jones on our team!

Picture Edward Jones Ribbon Cutting;
Left to right, Amy Oeding-Chamber Board member with UW-Whitewater, Josh Peterson-Edward Jones, Kathy Weiss-Edward Jones, Amy Scherrer-Edward Jones, Michael Harenza-Edward Jones, Theresa Thompson-Edward Jones, Heather Stelzer-Edward Jones, Lisa Dawsey-Chamber Board member with Downtown Whitewater, Inc., Kellie Carper-Chamber Exec. Director, Krystal Walsh-Chamber Board member with Premier Bank , Amy Fox-Chamber Board member with NextHome Success, Steve Fairchild-Chamber Ambassador with SteveO’s, Denise Maple-Chamber Ambassador with Live Life Spiritual Direction, LLC

For information about Chamber membership and the benefits of becoming a partner in Whitewater please contact Executive Director, Kellie Carper at (262) 473-4005 or by email at info@whitewaterchamber.com.

UW-W’s Tanya Y. Kam Honored as an Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award Recipient

November 11, 2022

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the University of Wisconsin System.

UW System honors Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award recipients for 2022

The University of Wisconsin System has announced the 13 recipients of the 2022 Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award, an annual honor given to faculty, staff, students, or community members to recognize their achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the UW System as well as communities across the state.

This year is the 27th anniversary of the award through which more than 400 women of color have been recognized for their transformational work.

“The UW System has a longstanding commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at our universities,” said UW System President Jay Rothman. “We are proud to honor these women of color whose achievements in advocacy and scholarship have transformed our campuses and communities to be more equitable and inclusive.”

Recipients will be formally recognized on November 10, 2022, in Madison at an awards ceremony and reception hosted by UW System. The ceremony and reception will be held in conjunction with UW System’s presentation of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Awards for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People.

The 2022 Outstanding Women of Color in Education honorees are:

  • Stacey M. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University Counseling Center Clinician, UW-Eau Claire
  • Robyn Davis, President and CEO, Brown County United Way, Green Bay, Wis., selected by UW-Green Bay
  • Jazzma Holland, Interim Assistant Director, Multicultural Student Services,UW-La Crosse
  • Carolina S. Sarmiento, Assistant Professor, School of Human Ecology; Affiliate, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, UW-Madison
  • Wilkistar Otieno, AssociateProfessor, Chair, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, UW-Milwaukee
  • Heidi J. Nicholls, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, UW Oshkosh
  • Trina D. Patterson, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, UW-Parkside
  • Brittany Sherman, Multicultural Advisor, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, UW-Platteville
  • Dionna Berzat, Student, Elementary Education Major, Communication Studies Minor, UW-River Falls
  • Guresi Mena, Assistant Coach, Women’s Volleyball, UW-Stevens Point
  • Masako Onodera, Professor, Department of Art and Art History, UW-Stout
  • Cherie Dakota, Assistant Professor, Social Work, UW-Superior
  • Tanya Y. Kam, Professor, Department of Literature and Languages, UW-Whitewater

Each UW System university was invited to select one woman to receive the award, which highlights each recipient’s contributions to improving the status and climate for women and people of color and to advancing the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served – No Mail

November 10, 2022

[From Wikipedia]

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces (who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).[1][2] It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.[3] Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major US veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.[4]

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a US public holiday in May. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all US military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.[5] Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the US military. Additionally, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number of US states that specifically honor women who have served in the US military.

Editor’s note: The image on the homepage, “Veterans Day” by The U.S. Army is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Community Space Reopening Food Pantry Only Tues.; Donations Welcome During Open Hours

November 10, 2022

The Community Space has gotten to a point where we’re willing to reopen beginning Tuesday, November 15. We will be providing our visitors with food pantry services only, during regular hours of operation.

Tuesday 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Wednesday 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m. until noon

At this point we are working together design a way to deal with the rest of The Community Space. One thing we’re sure of is that we need more dedicated volunteers to get us back in action. Takes a village!!! We need help.

We will also begin to take donations again! This will only be during our open hours and by appointment!

There should be NO donations dropped off when we are closed!


The Community Space 
(262) 379-0187

Obituaries

Obituary: Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac

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

Celebration of Life: William Kincaid

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!

Obituary: Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, 89, of Milwaukee

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

Obituary: Nancy “Nan” Rowley, 90

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

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

Obituary: Ruth I. (Phelps) Justis, 88, of MO

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

Obituary: Dorothy C. Kau, 101, of Eagle

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

Obituary: Dorothy E. [nee Meyer] Wafle McCracken, 95, of Florida

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

Obituary: Carol Ann Seebruch, 88

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

Obituary: Donna Lyons, 65

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