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Today is Sunday, May 18, 2025
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A total of 17 students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater combined to earn 10 Best of the Midwest Media awards for UWW-TV from the Wisconsin Community Media for the 2024-25 academic year.
Carter Waelchli, a Communication major from Whitewater, earned the following award: second place, Warhawk Volleyball vs. UW-Platteville 2024 .
Award winners were recognized at the Midwest Media Fest Conference and Banquet on Thursday, May 1. Attendees had the opportunity to network and celebrate during the exhibitors reception and banquet.
The 2025 Midwest Media Fest Conference and Banquet celebrates local Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access programming and Low-Power Community Radio programming. The event recognizes local programming produced by both professionals and amateurs and provides producers with feedback on their work from a slate of four judges.
The nine-state Alliance for Community Media Midwest Region includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
UWW-TV provides students with hands-on experience in producing high-quality content both behind the scenes and on camera. To learn more about UWW-TV, visit uwwtv.org
Theme: Artistic works that capture the essence and aesthetics of life in Wisconsin.
Jurors for the 1st Annual Paint Wisconsin Exhibition:
Frank Juárez is an award-winning art educator, curator, and arts advocate based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Known for his commitment to elevating contemporary art and supporting Wisconsin artists, Juárez has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the Midwest Artist Studios Project and the 365 Artists 365 Days Project. In addition to his roles as publisher of Artdose magazine and editor-in-chief of SchoolArts magazine, Juárez has curated exhibitions and juried art shows throughout the Midwest. His dedication to art education and advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, making him a pivotal figure in Wisconsin’s art community.
Graeme Reid serves as the Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) in West Bend. Originally from Scotland, Reid has curated over 100 exhibitions that celebrate Wisconsin’s artistic talent and cultural heritage. With a background in art history and education, he is also a respected writer, public speaker, and instructor. Reid’s extensive experience and dedication to the arts have established him as a leader in supporting and preserving Wisconsin’s rich artistic legacy.
Thomas Jewell is a renowned representational artist known for his vibrant landscapes, wildlife paintings ,and commissioned portraits. With decades of artistic experience, Jewell’s work has been featured in galleries, museums, and corporate collections across the United States. He is also a seasoned art educator, judge, and illustrator, having led workshops in drawing, watercolor, and acrylic painting. Jewell’s dedication to capturing nature and inspiring others through his art underscores his passion for creativity and community.
Visit Whitewater Arts Alliance for guidelines and online registration.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.
Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.
As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, during the weekend of May 17 Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate graduation and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until Sunday, June 8. The response to this effort by the community has been really positive!
In a time of real division and polarization, we are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them.
If you would like to request a yard sign, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/ZqM 5uj ECnCR juNe 9 (There are limited quantities available).
Whitewater YES is happy to accept donations for the cost of the signs. If you would like to support that effort, simply send a check made out to Whitewater YES via Sharon McCullough, 1262 W. Melrose Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Scolan Goes for Cycle; Warhawks to Face Titans in WIAC Title Bout
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team were victorious in the rematch against UW-Platteville in the elimination game of the 2025 WIAC Tournament.
The Warhawks’ Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) added a new accolade on his already storied career. Scolan went 4-for-4 from the plate, completing the cycle, the fourth time in Warhawk history. Scolan joins Daytona Bryden (2016 & 2018) and Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) (2023) in the Warhawk record books.
Scolan recorded his single in inning number one but was stranded after the Warhawks two-lead off singles to start the game.
UWW offense got clicking quickly though, spotting three runs in the bottom of the second. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) hit a two-RBI double to clean up Daryl Jackson and Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine), as Scolan tallied his double to score Holland.
The Warhawk defense was also clicking, not allowing their first base runner until the third inning. The Pioneers went 4.1 innings without a hit as Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) continued to deal on the mound.
Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) added another run to the lead with a solo home run in the bottom of three, his second of the day. UW-Platteville was able to get out of the inning without any more damage and held the Warhawks without a run in the fourth.
Scolan led off the bottom of the fifth with a triple to left center. Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) sent one to left field to give the Warhawks a 6-0 lead. However, the inning wasn’t over, with Dany Hopper hitting an RBI single, followed by Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) 2-run homer to push the lead up to nine.
Holland had a productive at bat to score another, with Scolan achieving the cycle with a no-doubter over the right field scoreboard in the bottom of the 5th.
In the bottom of the 6th, Paden pushed in Cootway on a fielder’s choice. The Pioneers had two singles to lead off the 7th, but a 643 double play and Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) strikeout gave the Warhawks the 13-0 win.
Hansen only allowed five hits while fanning five in his complete game win.
UWW baseball will take on UW-Oshkosh in the WIAC Championship Saturday morning, May 10. The game is set for 11 am. The Warhawks will need to win the first game in order to force a decisive second game for the WIAC Tournament Title.
Tournament Schedule
Thursday, May 8
Game 1–UW-Platteville (#4) 6, UW-Whitewater (#1) 3 (Box Score)
Game 2–UW-Oshkosh (#3) 15, UW-La Crosse (#2) 4 (8 inn.) (Box Score)
Friday, May 9
Game 3–UW-Whitewater 6, UW-La Crosse 5 (Box Score) (UW-La Crosse eliminated)
Game 4–UW-Oshkosh 15, UW-Platteville 5 (7 inn.) (Box Score)
Game 5–UW-Whitewater 13, UW-Platteville 0 (7 inn.) (Box Score) (UW-Platteville eliminated)
Saturday, May 10
Game 6–UW-Oshkosh at UW-Whitewater, 11:00 AM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Game 7 (if necessary)–Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 2:00 PM
| Hosted by UW-Whitewater at Prucha Field at Jim Miller Stadium |
| Dogs, cats and other pets (with the exception of licensed service animals) are prohibited on the site of all WIAC championships and postseason tournaments (regardless of whether the event is conducted on- or off-campus) |
Softball Tournament at van Steenderen Complex
Tournament Schedule
Friday, May 9
Game 1–UW-Platteville (#5) 9, UW-La Crosse (#4) 0 (6 inn.) (Box Score) (UW-La Crosse eliminated)
Game 2–UW-Stevens Point (#6) 9, UW-Eau Claire (#3) 4 (Box Score) (UW-Eau Claire eliminated)
Saturday, May 10
Game 3–UW-Platteville at UW-Whitewater (#1), 11:00 AM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Game 4–UW-Stevens Point vs. UW-Oshkosh (#2), 1:30 PM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Game 5–Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 4:00 PM (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Sunday, May 11
Inclement weather date
In May, Seniors in the Park resumes its monthly, Summer Wednesday matinees of independent and foreign art films, including a documentary and an award-winning animated film in the mix.
“Sing Sing”
Tuesday, May 13, 1 pm
(Docudrama/Prison drama)
Rated R (language); 1 hour, 47 minutes (2023).
Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he did not commit, finds purpose by acting in a theater group with other incarcerated men and an unforgettable ensemble cast of actual, formerly incarcerated actors. Nominated for three Oscars, including Best Actor, Song, and Screenplay.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
For more than 30 years the National Association of Letter Carriers has sponsored the largest volunteer one day food collection effort to “Stamp Out Hunger.” Residents will be receiving postcards and/or plastic bags in the mail as a reminder of the food drive. This food drive is to help relieve shortages that food pantries experience in the spring and summer after holiday donations have been depleted. Food pantries need our help. One in eight children in the United States-approximately 13 million- are, or may, experience food insecurity. When USPS employees join with people in their neighborhoods to support local pantries, it helps hard-hit families put food on the table. Just put your nonperishable contribution in or near your mailbox on Saturday, May 10th, and your mail carrier will take the food to the Whitewater Food Pantry.
The Whitewater Community Food Pantry serves over 225 families. Generous donations and support from everyone make it possible for the food pantry to take care and provide for these families. Last year, the USPS food drive helped collect over 5200 pounds of food for the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Suggested donations include peanut butter, jelly, individual packets of oatmeal, canned tuna, dried cereal, pasta sauce, soups, hygiene products, canned fruits and canned vegetables.
Our local sponsors include: Whitewater 4-H, Whitewater FFA, Richmond 4-H, LaGrange 4-H, PremierBank, Kwik Trip, Casey’s General Store, Festival Foods, Linda Giorno & Ben Bradley, Ralph & Laurie Giorno, The Whitewater Community Food Pantry, and The Whitewater Post Office.
For more information about Whitewater Community Food Pantry, visit facebook.com/WhitewaterFoodPantry/
Questions? Laurie Giorno, lead volunteer in Whitewater, can be reached at 262-903-9416.
UW-W Baseball & Softball Earn Conference Regular Season Titles; Hosting WIAC Tournament Today & Sat.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship for the 23rd time in the program’s history and the seventh time in the last eight seasons.
UW-Whitewater clinched the title outright – its second straight – on May 3 with a 19-4 victory against UW-Platteville.
The Warhawks are hosting the WIAC Tournament this weekend. The team dropped its opening game by 6-3 in the tournament against UW-Platteville and takes on UW-La Crosse in an elimination game today – Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m.
The NCAA Tournament begins with regional tournaments next week. UW-Whitewater was ranked No. 2 in the nation in the latest D3baseball.com National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Top 25. D3baseball.com/National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Top 25.
Softball also clinched WIAC title; Also hosting WIAC tournament this weekend
The 2025 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team, clinched its 16th Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship with a 12-2 league record.
The Warhawks, who’ve won six of the last eight league regular season titles and eight of the last 11, will host the WIAC Tournament starting Friday, May 9. As the top seed, the team has a first-round bye and plays its first game Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
The NCAA Tournament begins next week with regional tournaments. UW-Whitewater was ranked 15th in the nation in the most recent National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll.
On May 10th from 10 am-2 pm at the gymnasium area of Whitewater High School, the Whitewater Unified School District’s Robotics booster club will be hosting the 2nd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Faire to celebrate and support robotics programs across our community.
Organizations from all over the city and state will be there hosting interactive art, science, and technology activities for kids and adults. As just a few examples, at the WOOSH Rocketry booth you can design, build, and launch your own compressed air-powered model rocket. At the US Air Force booth, you can learn about drones in combat and try your hand at flying in a flight simulator. At the UW-Whitewater’s Media Arts and Game Development booth you can beta test video games and experience virtual reality. With dozens of exciting exhibitors, you can freeze dry candy, make your own jewelry, carve a walking stick, drive a robot, frost cookies, 3D print a fidget, make your own ice cream, pet a real axolotl, and so much more! The fair is a fun filled, all ages family event- with face painting, a bounce house, a giant obstacle course, and free books and puzzles to take home. Kids and adults from age 2 to 102 will all have a great time! The event is free with a donation for the Lakeland Animal Shelter (shelter staff will be at the faire with adoptable puppies and kittens to cuddle).
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An exciting addition to this year’s event is the LEGO build competition for children in K-12 grade sponsored by Lake Home Info, LLC. Children can build their own LEGO creations, exhibit their work at the faire, and receive amazing LEGO kit prizes for their designs. To learn more please visit: https://forms.gle/jpMyfqvJYZ89geg4A.
Robotics is a wonderful opportunity for children in our district, but it is a very costly sport.
The booster club works to offset costs for all the teams and to ensure that every interested student can participate regardless of family income level. We are proud to share that in 2025 the booster club will be funding a scholarship for a graduating high school senior.
We look forward to seeing you at the fair. We are thrilled to have the following exhibitors joining us this year!
Lakeland Animal Shelter
Whitewater Axolotls
Whitewater Pride
Wisconsin Makers
WOOSH Rocketry
Whitewater Police Department
Studio 84
RC Flying Club
Radio Club
Pet Supplies Plus
Makers Mashup
MAGD
Lima Center 4H
Lakeland Treats
Lego League and Iron Dragons Robotics
Ice Age Trail
Ghostbusters
Gateway Technical College
Fort HealthCare
First Citizens State Bank
Ferradermis
Community Space
Be Kind Whitewater
Whitewater Historical Society
Air National Guard
Applied Material Solutions
Generac
Obituaries
Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting. He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke … Read more
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Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist … Read more
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Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” GorbyDecember 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025 Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas … Read more
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Mary Karen Erikson, 83, of Eagle, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at her home. Karen was born on February 10, 1942 in Lafayette, Indiana the daughter of Richard and Neta (McGuire) Stockholm. She moved to Wisconsin with her family and graduated from Whitewater High School. Karen continued her schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where she obtained a degree in Education. After undergraduate school, Karen obtained her Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Karen worked at Mukwonago High School for over 30 years as a math teacher, retiring in 1998. … Read more
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Janice Kay Brokmeier of Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek. Jan was born on June 7, 1942, in Stanford, Illinois to James Lloyd Smith and Eithel Amelia Ingram Smith. Jan moved to Wisconsin in December of 1955 with her parents and three of her brothers. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1960. Jan met Robert Joseph Brokmeier on March 13, 1958. Shortly after they met, they were married on August 26, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. They had three children and resided … Read more
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Dean Chris Dunne, 69, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI. Dean was born on May 4, 1955 in Chicago, IL to Chris and Ann (Wagner) Dunne. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1973. Dean enjoyed fishing, camping and was a good water-skier in the day. He and his family moved to Las Vegas in 1980. Dean worked in property maintenance in Las Vegas for over 20 years. He is survived by his children Nicholas (Amber) Dunne, Fort Atkinson, Linsey (Scott) Angione, Las Vegas, Chris (Kristyn) Dunne, Las … Read more
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Kenneth Dale Semrau, 74, of Whitewater, passed away April 26, 2025, in Winterhaven, Fl. Kenneth was born to Donna and Garhart Semrau on February 6th, 1951, in Marinette, WI. Kenneth married Kristy Pfeifer on May 6, 1972. They had two beautiful children Chad and Nicole and five wonderful grandchildren and lots of fur-babies. That made his world complete. Ken retired from Nestle in 2012 and enjoyed retirement by spending his summers at Riverbend Resort in Watertown, WI and the winter in Winterhaven, FL. “Kenny G.” was known for his loving and playful personality. His family was always first and foremost. … Read more
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Bruce E. LaBansky, 75, Whitewater died on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI. Bruce was born on November 28, 1949 in Sauk County, WI to Clarence and Velma (Nelson) LaBansky. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School and received his bachelor’s degree from UW Stevens Point. Faith, family and friends were very important to him. Bruce moved to Whitewater in 1980 where he raised his 3 sons Nelsen, Nathanial, and Nicholas. Bruce was an avid golfer, an outdoorsman with an impressive knowledge of all things nature, a sports fan (particularly the Bucks, Brewers and Packers). Family … Read more
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Dr. Holly J. Humphrey November 28, 1956 – April 17, 2025 Holly J. Humphrey, MD, MACP, led the Pritzker School of Medicine through a period of transformative growth that saw the school rise to a place among the nation’s elite institutions of medical education, emerge as a powerhouse of scholarship and discovery, and become a pioneer in efforts to diversify the field of medicine. One of the nation’s most prominent and innovative leaders in medical education, her voice and influence made an immeasurable impact on the field and countless mentees throughout her career. Dr. Humphrey, who served for 15 years as Pritzker’s … Read more
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John Rivers, 61, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home after a short battle with cancer, with his wife by his side. Born on March 10, 1964, in Milwaukee, WI, to Bernie and MaryAnne (Sommers) Rivers Jr., John lived a life defined by perseverance and purpose. A 1982 graduate of East Troy High School, John spent more than 30 years as a dedicated truck driver. One of his proudest accomplishments came later in life when, at the age of 50, he returned to school and earned his bachelor’s degree while continuing to work full … Read more
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