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| Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the state treasurer. |
| State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski visited Lakeview Elementary School on April 12 to present the Whitewater Unified School District’s (WUSD) record-breaking annual distribution of over $80,000 from the Common School Fund. Treasurer Godlewski was joined by Senator Janis Ringhand, Representative Don Vruwink, State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, and WUSD and community leaders for the event. This visit comes after State Treasurer Godlewski, who serves as Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) and oversees the $1.3 billion Common School Fund, announced that the BCPL’s effective management of the fund has resulted in another record-high distribution of $40.6 million for public schools in every corner of the state. Whitewater Unified School District will receive $81,186 to focus on funding books and technology. “Our kids are our future, and I am proud that the diversified investment strategy of the BCPL has provided this record-breaking distribution to make sure they have what they need to thrive in our public schools. Despite the economic challenges of the past few years, the BCPL has been able to invest wisely to provide these critical resources for our K-12 public school libraries. Whether it’s addressing the digital divide or building literacy skills, it’s great to see how these funds are making a difference,” said Godlewski. The Common School Fund is a crucial source of revenue for school libraries, and this distribution provides the sole source of funding for over 90% of public school libraries. Earnings from the BCPL’s investment portfolio are distributed annually to every public school district in Wisconsin to enhance students’ educational experience and to help them gain access to books and technology, which are key to their success. “Ensuring our students have access to the books and technology they need is essential to helping them reach their full academic potential,” said Assistant State Superintendent for the Division for Libraries and Technology and State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt. “The Department of Public Instruction is grateful for the BCPL’s wise stewardship of the Common School Fund, which provides these essential dollars to public school libraries across Wisconsin.” On her Facebook page, Godlewski added, “I also want to give a special shout out to Lakeview’s Library Leaders, who dressed as their favorite book characters and were excellent hosts!” “Whitewater Unified School District is excited for the opportunities that this $81,186 in literacy-focused funding from the Common School Fund and State Treasurer Godlewski will bring. This funding will support and cultivate students’ love of reading, and support increasing the use of technology in our District’s libraries. New digital platforms along with multimodal learning are daily occurrences in our libraries engaging our wide variety of learners. Our community is ever-changing and it is our role as educators to meet those changes head-on and provide for our families. The Common School Funds provided by the State of Wisconsin help us provide these new and improved opportunities for all of our students,” said Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), chaired by State Treasurer Godlewski, oversees $1.3 billion in state trust funds. This includes the Common School Fund, which makes annual distributions that fund books and technology for every school district in the state. As part of her role as board chair, the State Treasurer has prioritized Wisconsin investments and has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into the investment strategy. One of her first actions as board chair was to roll back a climate change gag rule which prevented staff from discussing climate change and how it impacted investments. In today’s low-interest-rate environment and with the uncertainty of the financial market, this level of distribution would not be possible if the Trust Fund remained invested solely in loans and bonds, as required under statute from 1848 through 2015. The updated investment strategy has led to the diversification of the Common School Fund that added millions to future distributions and will continue to pay dividends to Wisconsin schoolchildren for generations to come. In the last biennium, the BCPL has made $570 million in new portfolio investments, which includes $165 million for financing essential economic development, infrastructure, and other community projects and purchases in Wisconsin. |
Whitewater traveled to Janesville Parker to play a non-conference match on Tuesday, April 12.
The Whippets won over the Vikings by a score of 7-2.
Whitewater goals came from Natalia Sortino (2’), Teona Krivykh (32’), Vivi Hauck (40’), Mayte Navejas (42’, 55’), Adriana Dixon (57’ – PK), and Caelyn Caputo (71’). Parker’s goals were scored by Emma Dyer and Jaylynn Basic.
Whippet goalkeeper Marina Linos had three saves for Whitewater. Jeanne Pitteloud played in goal for Janesville.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced they are hosting a free online student loan debt relief workshop on April 21. The workshop will help student loan borrowers prepare for the end of the federal student loan payment pause, which the Biden administration recently extended from May 1 through August 31.
“With student loan payments resuming in September, it is more important than ever for borrowers to explore their student loan repayment options and make a plan for repayment today,” said DFI Secretary-designee Cheryll Olson-Collins. “Borrowers should take time now while payments are still paused to look into repayment options such as income-driven repayment plans, which may lower monthly payments, and check their eligibility for student loan forgiveness. Not waiting until the last minute to make a plan is important and will help ensure a smooth return to repayment.”
“As student loan payments resume, borrowers should watch for dishonest offers of loan forgiveness or savings from consolidation from debt relief scammers,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Borrowers with questions should attend this informational workshop to learn more about the many resources consumers can access without paying any fees.”
Join the “Student Loan Debt Relief Workshop: How to Avoid Scams, Use Free Repayment Tools and Save Money” on April 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. by registering for free here.
During this workshop, student loan borrowers will learn about current student loan debt relief scams to avoid and how to use the free Wisconsin Student Loan Repayment Tool, created by Savi. Savi’s student loan experts will answer questions about student loan repayment and explain how their tool can help borrowers navigate the complexities of federal student loan repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and lowering student loan payments. Using Savi’s tool may help borrowers reduce their monthly payments and optimize their repayment plans. On average, users of this tool save $156 each month and have a lifetime savings of $28,308. Student loan borrowers can find additional free repayment resources on DFI’s LookForwardWI.gov website.
DFI and DATCP encourage student loan borrowers to create a repayment plan now to help ensure a smooth return to repayment and to beware of fraudsters taking advantage of this transition period. Borrowers with questions are encouraged to call the Wisconsin Student Loan Help Hotline at (833) 589-0750 or contact Federal Student Aid. Student loan borrowers who have been the victim of a scam should report it by filing a complaint online, emailing datcphotline@wisconsin.gov, or calling DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128.
The Whippets played host to Evansville in a conference game this past Saturday, April 9, and came out on top 15-9 for their first win of the season.
The game went back and forth as Whitewater took a 3-run lead in the first inning, only to see Evansville tie it up in the second inning. Evansville went up 5-3 in the top of the third, but the Whippets plated two runs to tie it at 5-5. Whitewater scored 3 runs in the 4th inning to go up 8-5, but Evansville scored 3 runs in the fifth to tie it at 8-8. Evansville took a 9-8 lead in the 6th, but Whitewater blew the game open by scoring seven runs in the bottom of the 6th to complete the scoring.
Jenna Pope, Falyn Krahn, and Lexi Juoni led the way with three hits each. Shyan Lesperance and Cali Kopecky contributed two hits each. Krahn drove in four runs while Gaby Kubicz drove in three runs.
Jenna Pope pitched 4 1/3 strong innings, while Gaby Kubicz went the final 2 2/3 innings to get the win.
The Whippets play a conference game at home against Big Foot on Tuesday, April 12th. Game time is 5:00.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Whitewater hosted Janesville Craig in a chilly Girls’ Soccer game on Tuesday, April 5. Despite holding off the Craig Cougars for nearly 80 minutes, several late goals caused the Whippets to lose 6-0.
On Friday, April 8, the Whippets hosted Watertown Luther Prep in a very snowy game. The game ended in a tie, 1-1, with the Whitewater goal scored by sophomore Mayte Navejas on a penalty kick.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
| As an extension to their A Long Walk to Water novel unit, sixth graders at Whitewater Middle School have completed the Iron Giraffe Challenge for the third year in a row. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park tells the true story of Salva Dut, a man who was driven away from his home in Sudan as a young boy due to the ongoing civil war between northern and southern Sudan. As students read this story, they learned how Salva, despite personal and societal conflicts, was able to survive the harsh environment of Sudan and eventually be granted US citizenship. After gaining US citizenship, Salva Dut started Water for South Sudan, an organization that works to provide clean and sustainable drinking water to areas of South Sudan that are in need. Each year, Water for South Sudan invites schools to participate in the Iron Giraffe Challenge which asks schools to raise $1,000 for their organization. WFSS uses this money to build and rehabilitate water wells in Africa; the foundation also uses this money to provide hygiene trainings for villages in South Sudan which teach villagers to bathe, clean, and wash properly with their newly accessible water source. Each of the past three years, Whitewater Middle School has participated in and completed the Iron Giraffe Challenge, raising a total of $3,435 in their fundraising efforts. On Friday, April 8, Whitewater Middle School will be one of less than 100 schools in the world in a drawing to win a number of prizes including a school visit from Salva Dut himself. Other prizes include Zoom calls from Salva and Linda Sue Park. Please join in the community excitement by tuning in to Water for South Sudan’s live drawing which will stream worldwide on Facebook on Friday, April 8th at 11:00 CDT. |
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The Whippet Softball Team played their first game of the year Monday night, April 4, and lost to a tough Jefferson team 14-1. Whitewater trailed 6-1 after four innings as Jenna Pope did a nice job pitching and keeping the game close. Jefferson erupted for eight runs in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach.
Jenna Pope, Shyan Lesperance and Nataly Benes each had a hit, while Samantha McKelvey scored the lone Whippet run.
Whitewater plays Clinton at home tonight (Tuesday, April 5) and then travels to Beloit Turner on Wednesday, April 6. Games start at 5:00 p.m.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Whitewater’s Johnny Gomez has been voted by his peers as the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association District 6 Assistant Coach of the Year. This is an outstanding honor for Coach Gomez and an honor that is very well deserved.
Coach Gomez plays an integral role in the success of the entire wrestling program, just recently finishing up his 16th year as a coach for Whitewater Wrestling. In this time, the Whitewater program has consistently had good numbers which has helped lead to the success year in and year out. Coach has helped lead the team to many team championships including two regional championships. Coach Gomez does a wonderful job keeping up with the best technique for each individual student-athlete, aiding in their success.
Outside of the high school program Coach Gomez is a huge piece of the puzzle for the Mighty Whippets as well as the rest of the Whitewater Wrestling Club. He makes the sport of wrestling extremely fun for the young Whippets with the hope they will one day be putting their names on the Wall of Champions in the high school wrestling room.
Congratulations to Coach Gomez on a very well-deserved recognition.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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