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Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the WIAC website.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater claimed the outright Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s volleyball championship with a 26-24, 25-18, 25-23 victory over UW-Eau Claire at Kris Russell Volleyball Arena on Oct. 28.
The first-place finish is the league-leading 18th in program archives. The Warhawks (23-5 overall, 7-0 WIAC) also secured the No. 1 seed for the WIAC Tournament (presented by Culver’s) – receiving a bye into the semifinals. The six-team event will begin with first round contests on Nov. 1, and will be followed by semifinal matches on Nov. 3. The championship game will be held Nov. 5 with the winner earning the conference’s automatic NCAA bid. All matches will be played at the higher seed.
Against UW-Eau Claire (21-7, 4-3), Jenna Weinfurt and Erin McNeil combined for nine kills in the first set to lead the Warhawks to a 26-24 win.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a quick 8-3 lead in set two. Kirsten Anderson and McNeil teamed up for a towering block that forced an early Blugold timeout. UW-Eau Claire worked their way back into the set pulling to within four, 15-11, forcing a UW-Whitewater timeout. The Warhawks scored five of the next six out of the break to extend the advantage to 20-13 when the Blugolds tried to halt the UW-Whitewater momentum. A fantastic rally on set point led to a UW-Eau Claire attack error to seal the 25-18 set two victory for the Warhawks.
Set three featured small runs by each team with the squads stealing momentum back-and-forth. One of those runs gave the Blugolds a 19-14 advantage. The Warhawks rattled off the next four to pull within one and force a UW-Eau Claire timeout. A McNeil tool of the block out of the break tied it up. From that point, the teams traded points with the Blugolds calling their final timeout of the set with the Warhawks leading 23-22 following a kill from Anderson.
UW-Eau Claire registered the first point out of the timeout but Weinfurt made it match point with a powerful kill. A great set from KellyAnn Sotiros close to the net went out to Weinfurt who went high off the top of the block for the kill sealing the 25-23 win.
Weinfurt hammered down a match-high 14 kills hitting .355 in the contest. Hannah Proctor led the Warhawks at the net defensively with four blocks including one solo. In the backcourt, Morgan Jensen tallied nine digs. Sotiros posted 24 assists in the match.
Arianna Barrett led the Blugolds with 11 kills, while Sheridan Dettmann had 11 digs and Charlie Nelson 32 assists.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As evidenced by the list below, many communities in Southeast Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday, October 30 from 1-4 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls.
How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!
Saturday, Oct. 29
Bay View (Milwaukee): 5 to 8 p.m.
Campbellsport: 2 to 4 p.m.
Cedarburg: 5 to 8 p.m.
Dousman: 4 to 7 p.m.
Elkhart Lake: Track & Treat at Road America: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Elm Grove: 5 to 7:30 pm.
Grafton: 5 to 8 p.m. Participating homes must have their porch light(s) on
Lisbon: 5 to 8 p.m.
Lyons: 3 to 5 p.m.
Merton: 5 to 8 p.m.
Oconomowoc: 6 to 8 p.m.
Pewaukee (city and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Port Washington: 4 to 7 p.m.
Richfield: 3 to 6 p.m.
Sussex: 6 to 8 p.m.
Trenton: 4 to 6 p.m.
Watertown: 4 to 7 p.m.
Waupun: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Allis: 4 to 7 p.m. Leave your porch light on if you are participating
West Bend: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Milwaukee: 4 to 7 p.m. Residents should turn on a porch light if participating
Sunday, Oct. 30
Addison: 3 to 6 p.m.
Bayside: 1 to 4 p.m.
Belgium: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brown Deer: 1 to 4 p.m.
Butler: 4 to 6 p.m.
Cudahy: 5 to 7 p.m.
Fort Atkinson: 1 to 4 p.m.
Fox Lake
Fox Point: 1 to 4 p.m.
Franklin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Glendale: 1 to 4 p.m.
Greendale: 4 to 7 p.m.
Greenfield: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hales Corners: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hartford: 4 to 6 p.m.
Jackson (village): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Lake Geneva: Noon to 5 p.m.
Lannon: 2 to 5 p.m.
Mequon: 4 to 7 p.m.
Milwaukee: 1 to 4 p.m.
Mukwonago (town and village): 4 to 6 p.m.
Neosho: 1 to 4 p.m.
New Berlin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Oak Creek: 4 to 7 p.m.
Pleasant Prairie: 3 to 6 p.m.
Plymouth: 3 to 5 p.m.
Random Lake: 3 to 5 p.m.
Rochester: 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Francis: 5 to 7 p.m.
Saukville: 4 to 7 p.m.
Shorewood: 1 to 4 p.m.
Theresa: 2 to 4 p.m.
Thiensville: 3 to 6 p.m.
Wales: 4 to 6 p.m.
Wauwatosa: 1 to 4 pm. Neighborhood associations may have varying hours
Wheatland: 2 to 5 p.m.
Whitefish Bay: 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31
Big Bend: 6 to 8 p.m.
Bristol: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brookfield (city): 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Burlington (city and town): 6 to 8 p.m.
Caledonia: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Grove: 4 to 6 p.m.
Delafield (city and town): 4 to 7 p.m.
Delavan (city): 4 to 6 p.m.
Dover: 6 to 8 p.m.
East Troy: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Elkhorn: 5 to 7 p.m.
Genoa City: 4 to 7 p.m.
Germantown: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kenosha: 4 to 7 p.m.
Menomonee Falls: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Mount Pleasant: 5 to 7 p.m.
Muskego: 6 to 8 p.m.
Nashotah: 4 to 7 p.m.
North Prairie: 4 to 7 p.m.
Town of Norway: 5 to 7 p.m.
Paddock Lake: 4 to 7 p.m.
Racine: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Randall: 4 to 7 p.m.
Salem Lakes: 4 to 8 p.m.
Sheboygan: 4 to 7 p.m.: People are asked to turn on a light outdoors if they are taking part
Sheboygan Falls: 4 to 7 p.m.
Sturtevant: 5 to 7 p.m.
South Milwaukee: 5:30 to 7;30 p.m.
Somers (town and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Summit: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Twin Lakes: 4 to 7 p.m.
Union Grove: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (town) 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (village) 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waukesha (city): 5 to 7 p.m.
Yorkville: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
UW-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team registered another instant classic win at Perkins Stadium Saturday, defeating UW-River Falls 30-27 on a field goal with no time remaining. The Warhawks picked up the win in front of a stellar crowd in excess of 13,000 at The Perk during the university’s annual Homecoming celebration.
Saturday’s game was a battle of two halves, the first dominated by UWW, the second by UWRF. Still, the Warhawks found a way at the end to come out on top in epic fashion – a 49-yard field goal that hit the crossbar and bounced through the uprights with no time remaining.
The Warhawks were firing on all cylinders from the get-go. UWW’s defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive and the offense put up points in their first opportunity of the game. The seven-play, 38-yard drive was capped by an Evan Lewandowski (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Lake Zurich)–Sam DeLany (Delafield, Wis./Kettle Moraine) connection from four-yards out. Jeffery Isotalo-McGuire (Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle) added the extra point for the early 7-0 lead.
The defense handed the ball right back to the Warhawk offense as Thomas Wojnowski (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek) picked off the Falcon quarterback on the first play of the next drive. Returning it down to the UWRF 23, Wojnowski gave the offense great field position that turned into a 38-yard field goal for Isotalo-McGuire and a 10-0 lead.
Two possessions later, just over a minute into the second quarter, Preston Strasburg (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Fort Atkinson) punched it in from the one-yard line. The point after made it 17-0 UWW.
UW-River Falls responded putting together an 11-play, 89-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass to get on the board. A bad snap on the extra point had the Warhawks barreling down on the holder and forcing an incomplete pass to keep it 17-6.
UW-Whitewater’s next drive stalled ending in a punt, but the defense continued to impress. Kyle Gallagher (Niles, Ill./Notre Dame College Prep) got to UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha for a sack and loss of 11-yards to force third down. Later in the drive, on fourth down, Shane McGrail (Plainfield, Ill./North) sacked Blaha for a loss of 17 to bring the Warhawk offense back out at the Falcon 36.
Six plays later, Isotalo-McGuire added three more, splitting the uprights from 30-yards out for a 20-6 lead with just over two minutes to go.
The defense gave the offense one more opportunity in the first half, forcing a punt with a minute to go. Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) opened the drive with a 24-yard scamper up the middle to midfield. Lewandowski followed with a pair of completions to Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) and Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) to get the offense down to the Falcon 17. On the next play, Lewandowski handed to Thomas who went up the middle for 17-yards and the touchdown. Isotalo-McGuire stayed perfect on the day making it 27-6.
UWRF completed a pass with 29 seconds to go before Reed Farrington (Edgerton, Wis./Edgerton) and Justin Allen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley) teamed up for another Warhawk sack to send UWW into the intermission with all of the momentum.
The third quarter was all UW-River Falls. Scoring on their first drive the Falcons added more points following a Warhawk turnover to pull to within seven, 27-20, with 15 minutes left to play.
Late in the fourth, with UWRF driving, Gallagher exploded off the corner and sacked Blaha once again forcing a 4th-and-13 from the UWW 31. The Warhawks nearly got to Blaha on the next play, but he was able to find a receiver just past the first down marker out of the scramble. UWRF scored a touchdown on the next play and knotted the game at 27-27 with the extra point.
The teams traded punts with UWW regaining possession at their own 43 with about 30 seconds to go. On 3rd and 10, Strasburg went up the middle for a first down to the River Falls 44 with head coach Kevin Bullis signaling for the timeout with 11 seconds to go. Lewandowski hit DeLany to get UWW into field goal range. The Warhawks called timeout with five seconds left. As the field goal crew set up, the Falcons called timeout to try and ice Isotalo-McGuire.
After the brief break, the field goal unit set, a good hold followed a good snap and Isotalo-McGuire put his full boot into the 49-yarder. The kick was dead center, coming down on the top of the crossbar and bouncing through for the field goal with no time remaining.
With wins Saturday, UW-Whitewater and UW-La Crosse are now tied for the top spot in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. UW-Platteville fell to UW-Stout taking them out of a tie for the top spot with two weeks of regular season play remaining.
WHITEWATER HS CLASS OF 1973 – SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 50TH CLASS REUNION
Mark your calendars for Friday & Saturday, September 8 & 9, 2023, when the WHS Class of 1973 will celebrate our 50th Class Reunion!
Get details, update your contact information, connect with friends, register to attend, and watch for reunion information updates through our class website: www.whitewaterhsclassof73.com or on our Whitewater High School Class of 1973 Facebook page. Please share this with other classmates to be sure we get the word out and reach as many as possible.
The JV Whippet Swimmers competed at JV Conference in Elkhorn on Tuesday, October 25. The Whippets showed up to compete as many of our swimmers took home some new hardware including the following:
🏆In the 200 Freestyle Relay – Georgia Esch, Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Michelle Abarca placed 8th overall.
🏆In the 100 Breaststroke, Atreya Wilson placed 5th overall with a best time of 2:55.01.
🏆In the 400 Freestyle, Lucy Davis with a 7th place finish!
🏆In the 400 Freestyle Relay – Lucy Davis, Georgia Esch, Michelle Abarca, and Atreya Wilson placed 7th overall.
We also had some impressive swims and best times including the following:
✔In the 50 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 36.29, Angela Hudec 42.35, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 52.69.
✔In the 100 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 1:25.12, Lucy Troxel 1:28.87, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 1:57.81.
✔In the 100 Backstroke – Georgia Esch 1:40.86 and Angela Hudec 1:44.36.
✔In the 100 Breaststroke – Atreya Wilson 1:40.06 and Lucy Troxel 1:48.88.
We are so proud of our JV Whippet Swimmers! What an awesome way to end the season; we are so excited to see what is in store for these swimmers next season!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Wisconsin Badger Bench built by Rod Berg
Two items added to the ONLINE Silent Auction! A “Heart Prairie” cedar chest and a Wisconsin Badger bench – both built by the late Rod Berg – the last custom pieces built by Mr. Berg specifically for First English Lutheran Church.
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
About Our Auction
The Women of the ELCA at First English Lutheran Church (Whitewater, Wisconsin) conduct an annual Christkindlmarket. This year, the fundraiser will take place inside the church as well as out in the parking lot on November 5th, 2022. The ONLINE Silent Auction, that takes place earlier from October 10th – 31st, is part of this fundraiser.
Monies raised assist charities in the local area as well as in the larger world.
They include:
-Bethel House
-Lutheran Social Services
-ELCA World Hunger Appeal
-Whitewater Food Pantry
-Lutheran World Relief (shipping fund)
-Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless
-Lutherdale Bible Camp
-Lutherdale camper scholarships
-Campus & Community spaghetti suppers
-Women of the ELCA
-Seminary scholarships
About WELCA’s Christkindlmarket
A Christkindlmarkt is a European street market held during advent with a history that goes back to medieval times. At these markets, farmers came to town to shop and to offer their wares.
Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas decorations and traditional handicrafts, such as hand carved nutcrackers and straw ornaments. Linens were also sold at Christkindlmarkets.
From open-air stalls, food and drink were served. The early markets were usually held in front of churches and were looked at as part of a church visit.
The name, Christkindlmarket, can even be attributed to Martin Luther. He suggested that children exchange gifts because of das Christkind, the Christ Child
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or
bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some
women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take
control of their life.
A class can help. Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder
is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control
of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides information, group activities,
and simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three,
2-hour sessions over the course of a month. Dedication to the series of three classes is
required.
This is a workshop for females, taught by a female. It has been our most popular class in the last 15 months and has helped many, many women.
The ADRC of Rock County-Aging Unit and Mercy Health Systems are partnering to offer a
Mind Over Matter workshop this fall at the Hedberg Public Library in Janesville. The
workshop series will be on three Wednesday mornings (every other week) from 10 a.m. – 12
p.m. on November 16, 30 and December 14, 2022. Space is limited, please call ASAP if
interested.
To learn more, or to pre-register for the workshop by November 3rd, contact Lisa
Messer at the ADRC of Rock County/Aging Unit at: 608-757-5309.
Congratulations to Whitewater High School Senior Anderson Waelchli on his selection into the 2022 Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School State Honors Mixed Choir! This year, more than 1,100 students auditioned for 429 positions in five ensembles.
Anderson will be performing at the Overture Center in Madison on October 27th, at 8:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School will be honoring Anderson with the new Whippet Walk tradition on Wednesday, October 26th.
Congratulations, Anderson!
Article and Photo Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org
Obituaries
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
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
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