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Remembering Those Who Gave All
By State Representative Don Vruwink
Stephen E. Ambrose, one of Wisconsin’s most famous authors, was raised in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, played for the Badger football team for three years, and earned his doctorate at UW in 1963.
While at the University of Wisconsin, Ambrose was a member of the Navy and Army ROTC. His interest in war history was inspired in part by his father, who served as a physician in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
The younger Ambrose was a history professor from 1960 until his retirement in 1995. His early works centered around the American Civil War. He later focused on World War II. His book on President Eisenhower’s war years, “The Supreme Commander,” was published in 1970. He went on to write Band of Brothers, D-Day, Citizen Soldiers, and – breaking from war stories – Undaunted Courage, about the Lewis & Clark expedition.
As this Memorial Day approaches, we remember all of those who gave their lives during our nation’s wars. In the American Revolution, colonial settlers battled the British Army while ill-clothed and undernourished.
The Civil War brought our democracy to its greatest test. Both the North and South believed it would be a short war, but that was not to be. Antietam, with 23,000 casualties and an ambulance train 20 miles long, is still the worst one-day battle in U.S. history. Gettysburg, where President Lincoln would later dedicate the battlefield, is the overall bloodiest battle site, with 50,000 casualties over three days.
The United States entered the first World War to support our British and French allies. It cost 110,000 American lives, with 43,000 deaths coming from what was then called the Spanish Flu.
World War II stands starkly in our history, with 40-50 million worldwide deaths. One out of every 10 Americans was involved in the war, by serving in the military, working in factories, maintaining victory gardens, and other war efforts.
The Greatest Generation saw America attacked at Pearl Harbor, witnessed the Holocaust, survived or died through D-Day, and island-hopped in the Pacific. The world breathed a great sigh of relief at the Japanese surrender.
During the Korean War, fought from 1950-53, more than 36,000 U.S. troops died. The demilitarized zone between North and South Korea is still the most fortified place in the world.
The Vietnam War, fought by my generation, many of them not yet 20 years old, ended with more than 58,000 American casualties. It was a war that divided our nation, with unprecedented protests on streets and college campuses.
Thousands of American troops died in our most recent wars, from Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm to the war in Afghanistan.
Although he died of lung cancer in 2002 at the age of 66, Stephen Ambrose’s delve into American military history lives on in his words and writings. He gave half a million dollars to the University of Wisconsin to assist future military history scholars. His books have been the inspiration for movies and documentaries. I’m sure his work will continue to inspire others.
Thankfully, American troops are not involved in fighting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but let’s remember the Ukrainian soldiers and citizens who have already died in the fight and keep in our prayers those who continue to defend the freedom of their nation.
On Memorial Day and every day, let’s thank those who continue to serve our country, and remember those who gave all.
Thursday night, May 26, the Whitewater Track and Field Team traveled across the state to Prairie Du Chien to compete in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet. The long bus ride didn’t hinder the Whippets on the track, as it was a banner day across the board for Whitewater athletes. With opportunities to qualify for the State Meet on the line, the Whippets supported one another to some incredible finishes.
The meet was kicked off by a stellar State-qualifying performance from Maddie Buehler in the 100-Meter Dash, who cruised to a 3rd place finish in a time of 12.41. That time catapulted her to 2nd place all-time in Whitewater history, as she knocked 3 tenths off her previous personal best. Buehler then teamed up with Olive Coburn, Emma Weigel, and Kindyl Kilar in the 4×100 and 4×200 relays, which both placed second. Those relays sprinted across the finish line in times of 50.95 and 1:47.46 respectively, so they too will be running in La Crosse next weekend. Kindyl Kilar capped off a phenomenal day for the short sprinters, as she blazed to a 2nd place finish in the 200-Meter Dash final in 26.27. Her time of 26.13 in the preliminary round solidified her place as the 3rd fastest in program history. In the field events, Evie Troxel cleared two PR bars in the Pole Vault, earning her a 3rd place finish and a chance to compete in La Crosse next weekend. Evie vaulted over 9’6” with ease, and then on her third attempt made it over a personal best height of 9’9”. Her mark vaulted her to a tie for the 8th highest vault in program history. Other competitors included Grace Villarreal and Calli Grosinske in the 400-Meter Dash, and they finished 14th and 15th in a loaded field. Carley Boudreau capped off an incredible freshman season finishing 15th in the 300-Meter Hurdles. She was one of five freshmen competing in the event. The Girls’ 4×400 Relay of Grosinske, Villarreal, Nola Coburn, and Gwen Truesdale finished in 14th place, although 2 seconds ahead of their Sectional-qualifying seed time, in 4:33.40. Izzy Dieter went up against a loaded field in the Discus Throw, as she finished in 12th place with a toss of 92’11”, but vaulted to a personal best in the Pole Vault, finishing 10th, with a height of 8’6”. Gwen Truesdale also competed in the High Jump, but would have had to clear a personal best bar for opening height.
On the boys’ side, Ethan Dugan ran a gutsy race in the 400-Meter Dash. In the final 100 meters, Ethan kicked past several competitors to cross the finish line in 4th place, marking the boys’ first state qualifier of the evening. His time of 51.93 was a personal best. Jack Hefty competed in the 3200-Meter Run, and stuck with the pack for the first mile and a half. Heading into the final 800 meters, a strong runner from Sugar River started to separate himself from the rest of the field. Jack began his kick with a lap and a half left and never looked back, separating himself from the 3rd and 4th place runners. Hefty, a freshman, crossed the line in 2nd place, and his time of 9:47.92 moved him up to #7 all-time in Whitewater history, while simultaneously securing a spot to run in La Crosse. Other competitors included senior Connor Sharlow in the 400-Meter Dash, whose time of 53.72 placed 12th. The boys’ 4×100 Relay of Traysen Thomason, Quincy Boudreau, Nate Black, and Noah Coleman finished in 13th place. This relay team consists of three sophomores and a freshman, so the team is poised to return faster in 2023. In the Pole Vault, CJ Tomomitsu placed 7th, tying his season’s best of 12’0”. In the throws, Connor Raupp and Jake Kuhlow competed in the Discus. Jake placed 10th with a toss of 122’11, and Connor had a tough time keeping the disc within the sector, and was unable to register a mark. Jake Kuhlow also competed in the Shot Put, and threw a mark of 39’5” to place 15th. Both athletes will return in 2023 after breakout seasons in 2022.
Overall, the Whippets will be taking a total of five girls in three individual events and two relays up to La Crosse, while the boys notched two state qualifying individual events. Those athletes will travel to La Crosse to compete on Friday and Saturday against the best Track & Field athletes in the state of Wisconsin.
Final results: http://milesplit.live/meets/485694
Article Submitted by Matt Green
Whitewater High School Head Track Coach
mgreen@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Coach Green and Bob Mischka
Last Thursday, May 19, Whitewater traveled to Big Foot to play in the final round of the Rock Valley Conference Tournament.
In an exciting game, both teams finished regulation time with three goals. Whitewater’s goals were scored by Caelyn Caputo, Mayte Navejas, and Sophia Garcia.
Each team scored an additional goal during overtime, leading to a penalty kick shootout. Big Foot won the PK shootout with two saves by keeper Maylani Venegas. Whitewater’s goalkeeper Marina Linos made a penalty kick save as well.
Big Foot finishes 5th in the conference and Whitewater finishes 6th.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Brianna Staebler named to Campbellsville University’s Spring 2022 Dean’s List
CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (05/24/2022)– The academic honors’ dean’s list for the Spring 2022 semester has been announced by Dr. Donna Hedgepath, Campbellsville University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The following student has been named to Campbellsville University’s Dean’s List for Spring 2022:
Brianna Staebler, from Whitewater, WI.
The academic honors’ list recognizes students who achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or above for the semester with a course load of at least 12 hours. The Spring 2022 academic honors’ list includes a total of 795 students, with 371 named to the President’s List for achieving a 4.0 grade point average, and 424 named to the Dean’s List for achieving a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,000 students offering over 100 programs of studying including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Wednesday, May 25, in front of a large group of teammates, friends, teachers, and family members, Brock Grosinske held his signing day.
The presentation started with brief speeches from Athletic Director Mr. Justin Crandall and Head Football Coach Jason Bleck. Then Brock thanked his teammates, teachers, family, and coaches for all of their love and support over the years. He then signed his NCAA letter of intent and made it official!
Brock will be attending UW-Whitewater next fall and will be playing football for the Warhawks. We wish you all the best Brock and can’t wait to see you playing on Saturday afternoons!
Article and Photos Submitted by Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org
Tuesday night, May 24, was another HUGE performance for a Whippet Team in the tournament! This time it was the golf team, playing in the WIAA Division 2 Lomira Regional with nine other schools.
The kids played well, shooting their best round of the year at 349. Each player improved from front 9 to back 9, and it showed as they were in 4th place after 9 (St Johns 170, Lomira 178, Lake Country Lutheran 179, Whitewater 180, Columbus 186, Lakeside Lutheran 187) and beat everyone on the back 9 except St Johns (St Johns 167, Whitewater 169, Lake Country Lutheran 172, Columbus 182, Lakeside Lutheran 182, Lomira 199).
Reece Condon finished 5th overall with 82, Camden Frye finished 7th with 85, and Jaden Condon just missed the top 10, placing 11th with 89.
The team now travels to La Crosse for sectionals next week! Good luck, boys!
Article and Photos Submitted by Leif Knudsen
Whitewater High School Head Golf Coach
leifknudsen@sbcglobal.net
Although it was cloudy in Big Foot, the sun was shining on the Whippet Track and Field Program as the team competed in its regional competition Monday, May 23. The top four finishers in each event earned a spot to compete in Thursday’s Sectional competition in Prairie du Chien.
On the girls’ side, a complete team effort allowed the team to earn enough points to finish runner-up in the regional. In the 100M Dash final, Maddie Buehler placed second in 12.86 seconds, and A’Lani Rogers finished 9th with a sub 14 effort of 13.99. In the 200 Prelims, Kindyl Kilar roared to the finish line with a time of 26.14, catapulting herself to the 3rd fastest ever in program history. In the finals, Kindyl took the crown in 26.48. Grace Villarreal and Calli Grosinske torched the track and both earned spots at Sectionals by placing 2nd and 4th in the 400. Carley Boudreau is really coming on strong when it matters most and posted a PR in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 21.01, good enough for 6th. In the 300 Low Hurdles, she ripped a 54.05 to claim 2nd overall and dropped 2.5 seconds from her previous best. The 4×100 and 4×200 relays feature the same four girls and consist of Olive Coburn, Maddie Buehler, Emma Weigel, and Kindyl Kilar. The 4×100 Relay took the crown and ran the 7th fastest time in program history with a 50.78. The 4×2 was just off the top 10 list in program history but still took the tape with a time of 1:47.56. The 4×400 Relay of Callie Grosinske, Gwen Truesdale, Nola Coburn, and Grace Villarreal brought the stick home in 3rd overall with a time of 4:35.56.
The field events also produced many sectional advancers. Gwen Truesdale advanced in the High Jump by having fewer misses against her competitor and took the final spot to sectionals with a jump of 4′ 6″. Evie Troxel and Izzy Dieter advanced with 1st and 4th place finishes in the Pole Vault. Evie is on the cusp of a top ten position in program history by just brushing the bar off 9′ 6″, and advanced with a 9′ 0″ clearing. Izzy cleared 7′ 6″. Izzy got it done in the ring as well by placing 3rd in the Discus with a toss of 95′ 2″.
The boys finished in a very respectable 3rd place behind some stellar performances themselves. The 400 featured Ethan Dugan throwing down on the home stretch to run a lifetime best of 51.99 and Connor Sharlow in 3rd to take two Whippets in that event to Sectionals. Connor’s time was 53.44, which was also a personal best. In the 800, Nate Holden and Miles Nickelsburg ran PRs of 2:15.61 and 2:23.17 and were able to cap their seasons off on a high note. Cooper Hammond gutted out a strong effort in the 1600 to run his second-best time ever with a time of 5:00.04 but finished one spot short of advancing on to Sectionals. Colin Dugan ran his lifetime best in the 1600 with a time of 6:02, very close to his goal of breaking 6:00. The 3200 featured freshman Jack Hefty who ran a comfortable pace before letting his legs stretch out a bit. Jack finished under 10:00 for the first time and claimed the regional title in 9:58.92. The 300 Low Hurdles produced two lifetime bests for Caleb Clapper and Andrew McCullars. They finished 6th and 7th, respectively, with times of 49.21 and 49.34. The relays were thrilling as the Boys’ 4×100 of Traysen Thomason, Quincy Boudreau, Nate Black, and Noah Coleman took third in 46.63. The 4×200 was ever so tight but found themselves just short of 4th to take 5th in 1:40.89. That relay consisted of Traysen Thomason, Caleb Clapper, Adrian Rios, and Nate Black. On the anchor leg, Nate was mowing down the field but just ran out of track. The 4×400 finished off the track events for the evening in a heart pumping finish to take the crown. Connor Sharlow set the table giving Cooper the baton in the lead. Cooper then gave it to Quincy who blazed the home stretch to give it to Ethan in the lead. A strong athlete from Big Foot passed Ethan within the first 150m, and Ethan patiently waited until the time was right to strike; he did so in a convincing fashion to take the crown, and the best time of the year in the relay with a finish time of 3:36.18.
The field events were also very fruitful for Whippets as CJ Tomomitsu cleared 12′ in the Vault to take 2nd. The Discus again was the place to be if you are a Whippet fan as Connor Raupp and Jake Kuhlow advanced by placing 1st and 3rd. Connor’s throw was 129′ 7″ and Jake’s was 123′ 3″. The Shot-Put ring was on fire for Jake Kuhlow as he sent the 12-pound steel ball to a 3′ personal best and placed 3rd with a put of 42′ 4″. Connor was close to advancing in both events but ultimately placed 5th.
Next up is the WIAA Sectional Track and Field meet in Prairie du Chien on Thursday, May 26. Field events start at 3:30, and track events begin at 4:15. GO, WHIPPETS!
Complete Results: https://wayzatatiming.com/track/2022/WIAAD2RegionalBigFoot/Results.htm
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Walworth County Public Works Department.
US 12 westbound towards Elkhorn will be closed overnight on Monday, May 23 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for overhead bridge deck repair at Springfield Road. The closure will be from the WIS 120 interchange in Lake Geneva to the County NN Interchange in Elkhorn.
As always, all operations are weather dependent, and subject to change.
For more information regarding traffic impacts, transportation news and improvement project updates in
Wisconsin’s Southeast region:
· Follow us on Twitter: @WisDOTsoutheast
· Visit the region’s 511 website: https://projects.511wi.gov/region/southeast/
The image on the homepage, “Road Closed” by Moeview is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
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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