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Whippets Qualify Four Swimmers for State Meet

November 6, 2022

The Whippet swimmers had an outstanding day in the pool at Sectionals on Saturday, November 5! The Whippets finished 8th overall as a team, went 15 of 19 best times, broke 2 school records, and qualified for State in 3 individual events and 1 relay!

STATE QUALIFIERS:

🥇Makayla Bazeley: 200 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 400 Freestyle Relay

🥇Grace Foucault: 100 Backstroke, 400 Freestyle Relay

🥇Brooke Bazeley: 400 Freestyle Relay

🥇Emerson Dunham: 400 Freestyle Relay

Top 16 Finishes:

⭐200 Medley: 1:59.59 (6th) – Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley

⭐200 Freestyle: 2:00.05 (4th) – Makayla Bazeley (Makayla now sits 3rd all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!)

⭐200 IM: 2:41.78 (9th) – Josie Treder (Over a 5 second drop!)

⭐200 IM: 2:51.53 (13th) – Charlotte Hajewski

⭐50 Freestyle: 25.41 (8th) – Grace Foucault (Grace now sits 3rd all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List!)

⭐50 Freestyle: 27.19 (13th) – Brooke Bazeley

⭐100 Butterfly: 59.51 (2nd) – Makayla Bazeley (NEW SCHOOL RECORD!)

⭐100 Butterfly: 1:23.53 (15th) – Karime Velazquez

⭐500 Freestyle: 5:54.88 (10th) – Brooke Bazeley

⭐500 Freestyle: 6:02.51 (15th) – Emerson Dunham

⭐200 Freestyle Relay: 2:03.71 (11th) – Ashly Xochipa, Josie Treder, Karime Velazquez, Charlotte Hajewski

⭐100 Backstroke: 1:00.01 (5th) – Grace Foucault (NEW SCHOOL RECORD!)

⭐100 Breaststroke: 1:21.87 (16th) – Emerson Dunham

⭐400 Freestyle Relay: 3:57.21 (5th) – Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Grace Foucault (Makayla’s lead off 100 Freestyle of 55.04 puts her 2nd on the Whippet Top 10 list!)

Come out and watch the Whippets compete at the State Meet on Friday, November 11th, at 5:30 p.m., at Waukesha South High School!

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Fort HealthCare Partners Launch 38th Annual Love Lights Campaign  

November 6, 2022

Editor’s note: The following news release was received from Fort HealthCare.

For 38 years, the response from individuals, organizations, clubs and businesses have made the Fort HealthCare Partners Love Lights Tree project a successful annual event, exemplifying the spirit of giving.

The Love Lights Tree project began in 1985. it is a heartfelt way to acknowledge loved ones and those who have passed away. By charging $2 per light, the Love Light Tree has been raising money to purchase new equipment, educations, and services for the surrounding communities of FortHealthCare.
 
A Love Light is the perfect way to tell someone they are special while helping members of your community. A donation of $2 of more will add a light to one of the trees outside the Fort Memorial Hospital throughout the holiday season. The light will be displayed either as a gift to honor someone (colored light), or as a memorial (white light) for a loved one that has passed away. Special cards are available, upon request, to notify the person or family of someone being remembered that a Love Light has been purchased in their honor.  

Love Lights can be ordered by mail; order forms can be found online at FortHealthCare.com/LoveLights. Online donations are also available on the website. A $5 minimum is required for online donations. honor cards can be emailed to families for online purchases to show that you’ve made a gift in their honor. Donations of $25 or more are recognized as Love Light Tree sponsors. To ensure you are properly recognized in this year’s sponsor and donor listings published in late December, Fort HealthCare Partners must receive your donations by December 12.

Every year Love Lights raises money in ways that will enhance the well-bring of our community. Funds raised during the 2022 Love Lights campaign will be used to help subsidize the cost of the CareLine service for those who cannot afford it. CareLine is a medical personal emergency response service that allows subscribers to get emergency help 24/7 at the press of a button. Fund will also be used to support several healthcare scholarships for students and professionals in the community.

Kari Behling, Fort HealthCare Volunteer Services Manager, states, “We would like to raise funds for our CareLine Program, because there are people in our community who have chronic health conditions who cannot afford this life-saving equipment and service. The funds will allow the Partners CareLine Program to provide FREE or reduced rates to qualifying clients. CareLine also allows individuals to remain in their homes and avoid losing their independence.”

Behling adds, “We also believe that providing scholarships to students and professionals seeking further education in healthcare is important because they are our future. Studies suggest that retiring baby boomers are causing a rise in the demand for jobs, including healthcare. We want to ensure that the people entering the healthcare field have resources available to pay for their education. Your contributions to these worthwhile projects will be greatly appreciated by the partners and the many local people who will benefit.”  

Love Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Love Lights Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m. on the Sherman Avenue lawn in front of Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson.
 
As members of the Fort HealthCare Partners organization, Fort Memorial Hospital volunteers are an invaluable resource to the community. Important roles filled by volunteers add a tremendous amount of value to Fort HealthCare’s services. Call 920-568-5276 or toll-free at 1-800-421-4677 ext. 5276 or visit FortHealthcare.com/volunteer to learn more. More information
 
As members of the Fort HealthCare Partners organization, Fort Memorial Hospital volunteers
are an invaluable resource to the community. Important roles filled by volunteers add a tremendous amount of value to Fort HealthCare’s services. Call 920-568-5276 or toll-free at 1-800-421-4677 ext. 5276 or visit
FortHealthcare.com/volunteer to learn more.

Autumn Art Nights: Designed with Middle Schoolers in Mind, But All Ages Welcome

November 6, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

The Autumn Art Nights will take place at the Community Engagement Center every Tuesday in November from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This event is a free workshop that welcomes all ages, but it was designed with middle schoolers in mind. Also, these weekly sessions have an open studio format, but it is preferred for students to come for the whole session.

This Week’s City & School Meetings

November 6, 2022

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Issues with Recent Immigration into Whitewater, Issues Facing the Unhoused (Homelessness)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/702703413
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 702-703-413

Whitewater Unified School District Board of Canvassers – Friday @ 2:00 p.m.
CANVASS OF REFERENDUM RESULTS
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street

UW-W Football Dominates Ground Game for Road Win

November 5, 2022

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Menomonie, Wis. — UW-Whitewater Football Dominates Ground Game for Road Win

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team dominated in the ground game for a 16-7 win at UW-Stout Saturday. 

The Warhawks posted 253 yards on 55 carries while holding the Blue Devils to just 13 yards in the ground game. Sixteen of UWW’s 24 first downs came on rushing plays while the defense allowed UWS 14 total first downs in the contest. Tamir Thomas and Jaylon Edmonson combined for 168 yards on 32 carries to lead the Warhawks. 

The game opened with three consecutive punts, but the Warhawks changed the score on their second possession of the contest. Thomas opened the drive with a 26-yard scamper up the middle to set up a 38-yard field goal from Jeffery Isotalo-McGuire to give UWW a 3-0 advantage. 

The Blue Devils responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a touchdown near the end of the first quarter to claim the lead 7-3. 

In the Warhawks second drive of the second quarter, quarterback Evan Lewandowski kept it for a 33-yard gain on the first play. Thomas followed with a 24-yard burst to the left. UWW kept pounding the rock until Lewandowski dropped back and four Tommy Coates in the endzone from four yards out to put the Warhawks back in front 10-7. 

The score held through the third quarter and UWW carried the lead the rest of the way. 

Isotalo-McGuire added six cushion points on a pair of field goals in the fourth quarter. He capped a 19-play, 85-yard drive that took nearly 11 minutes off the clock with a 23-yarder and wrapped up the scoring with another 23-yard field goal with just over six minutes remaining. 

Lewandowski was 15-20 for 130 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Hotle hauled in six catches for 42 yards while Coates added 40 yards on four receptions. 

Defensively, Egon Hein led the Warhawks with seven tackles including six solo adding a pass breakup. Luke Nelson picked off the UW-Stout quarterback adding a 10-yard return to bolster the defense. Ryan Liszka, Trey Castella, Reed Farrington and Justin Allen all recorded sacks in the contest. 

The Warhawks return to Perkins Stadium for the regular season finale on November 12. The game has been designated Military Appreciation, Shriner’s and Senior Day. All veterans will receive a free ticket and an additional ticket Saturday (available on day-of purchases at the ticket windows only). Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. 

“Fall Back”: Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday a.m.

November 4, 2022

Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 6th at 2:00 a.m. In March, the U.S. Senate approved a bill known as the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. But the legislation stalled in the House, which has not yet scheduled a debate on the topic.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety reminders to help you prepare for an emergency.
▪ Check household safety items
o Smoke detectors
o Carbon monoxide detectors
o Furnaces
o Wood burning stoves
o Fire extinguishers

Create or update emergency kits for home
and vehicle(s)

o Swap summer items for winter items
o Restock and check expiration dates
• Batteries
• Food
• First aid supplies

For more emergency preparedness tips, visit https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also
follow Ready Wisconsin on Facebook and Twitter.

Very Windy Conditions Expected on Sat.; Potential Risk for Tornadoes

November 4, 2022

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office on November 4 at 3:50 p.m.

Winds will increase overnight, with very windy conditions expected on Saturday.  Wind gusts to 50-55 MPH are expected in some locations (see above map).  Peak wind gusts will occur from late morning through mid afternoon. 

-There is a conditional risk for a few spin-up tornadoes along the cold front between about 7 a.m. and noon tomorrow as it surges through the area.  It is not clear if enough energy will develop ahead of the front for these to develop, however. 

Local Half Marathon and 5k Event Donates $25,000 to Local Charities at Annual Banquet

November 4, 2022
Pictured in Charity Partners DWS Banquet from left to right: Traci Wilson, Jen Kaina, Cheri Zimdars, Molly Fuller, Larry Kachel, and Jenna Singer

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, and W3 Fit Kid Shuffle held its tenth annual race banquet on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022, at Willow Brook Golf Course. Race sponsors, team leaders, volunteers, and five local charities came together for an evening to celebrate the success of the 10th Anniversary DWS race.

“The DWS’s mission is to give back to the community and organizations that dedicate their time to support others around the city,” DWS Executive Director Jefferey Knight says.

During the banquet, DWS presented $5,000 to each of the five charity partners, for a total of $25,000 distributed. These five charities include: Working for Whitewater’s Wellness, Bethel House, Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater LEADS, and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. 

Excluding the DWS donations, an additional $622 was directly donated from anonymous individuals to the charities of their choosing on the DWS website. Over the last ten years, the DWS has raised a total of $254,500 for the local charities of Whitewater. 

“It is always a great experience to witness the hard work local sponsors, volunteers, community members, and race partners put into the DWS,” Course Marshall, Jeff Miller said. “The DWS this year is one to remember; to see the community come together and make the DWS a success is incredible.”

The DWS Team would like to thank everyone who came together to make the 10th Anniversary race a success. Celebrating the hard work and dedication that was put forth by volunteers, races, and sponsors, the 10th Anniversary DWS Banquet was incredibly successful.

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university, and school district to make this a fantastic event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit runwhitewater.com. For general race inquiries, email info@runwhitewater.com

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