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Volleyball Sweeps Beloit Turner

September 15, 2021

The Whitewater Whippets traveled to Beloit Turner on Tuesday night, September 14, and came away with an all level sweep for the second time in a row. The JV2, JV, and varsity all defeated the Trojans in an exciting night of volleyball.

Cali Kopecky started the varsity off by rattling off 9 straight points. The Whippets went on to win 25-7. The Trojans had a lot of fight in them and ended up winning the next two sets 25-23 & 22-25. Whitewater dug in in the fourth set and went on to win decisively again 25-13. In the last set, Cali Kopecky once again went back to the service line and helped the team string together a 6-point run. Turner sided the Whippets out but were not able to gain any momentum. Whitewater went on to win 15-6!

Thursday night the Whippets travel to Clinton for their third conference match of the year. Whitewater is currently 2-0 in the Rock Valley and 8-6 overall.

Article Submitted by Kathy Bullis
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
kbullis@wwusd.org

Many Whippet CC Runners Set Lifetime Bests at Invitational

September 15, 2021

The Whippet CC teams were in Cottage Grove for the Dana Waddell Invitational hosted by Marshall High School on Tuesday, September 14. Fans who were in attendance were treated to a special performance, as the team saw significant improvement over their last meet with many runners throwing down lifetime best race times.

The boys started things off first with a strong showing in the top three runners of Jack Hefty (5th), Cooper Hammond (17th), and CJ Tomomitsu (18th). All of these boys earned a medal by being in the top 20 and looked really strong in their efforts. Miles Nickelsburg and Ben McCulloch rounded out the top five by placing 64th and 67th, respectively. The varsity team placed 9th out of 12 teams. 

Pictured are the three medalists, L-R Jack Hefty, Cooper Hammond, and CJ Tomomitsu.

In the JV race, Onyx Thompson did the heavy lifting and was the team’s top runner by placing 24th. Payton Lyon got his first taste of the finish line by crossing in 48th. The JV team finished 5th out of 12 teams at this invite.

The girls followed after with some fun racing by the top three runners as well. Seniors Gwen Truesdale and Sophie Walton are very steady and consistent in the early stages of the race and did so again today. Caelyn Caputo has shown some great improvement lately and pursued them late in the race, and was nearly the team’s top runner. Gwen finished in 39th, Caelyn 40th, and Sophie in 43rd. Fourth and fifth runners Emma Weigel and Isabella Aranda finished 47th and 53rd, respectively. The varsity team finished in 8th out of 12 teams at the invite.

The JV race featured Lucy Troxel and Sami Van Daele in 22nd and 23rd as the team’s top runners. Both ran season bests on this day. Taiya Kolb completed her first race by placing 44th in this field. The girl’s JV team finished in 4th out of 12 teams.

It was a great day for many of these Whippets as they now turn their attention to the Racine St. Cats Invitational at UW-Parkside on Saturday. The first race is set to go off at 8:40. #OneTeamOneFamily

Full Results: https://wi.milesplit.com/meets/440943-2021-dana-waddell-invitational-2021/results/762713/formatted#.YUHkn51KjIU

Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Swimmers Compete at Edgerton/Evansville; Welcoming Donations in Memory of Teammate

September 15, 2021

The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed against Edgerton/Evansville Tuesday night, September 14.

Winning their heats were: 
200 Medley Relay – Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley and Brooke Bazeley with a time of 2:06.07
200 IM – Makayla Bazeley with a time of 2:25.82
50 Freestyle – Brooke Bazeley with a time of 28.76 
100 Fly – Grace Foucault with a time of 1:06.29 
100 Freestyle – Makayla Bazeley with a time of 58.99 
500 Freestyle – Brooke Bazeley with a time of 6:14.19 

We had a handful of swimmers compete in new events for the first time, including Michelle Abarca in the 100 Freestyle, Skylar Staebler in the 100 Fly, and Josie Treder in the 200 IM. 

The best split of the night came from Makayla Bazeley in the 400 Freestyle Relay swimming a 100 freestyle in 56.28! 

We are so very proud of our Whippets!

The team sends a huge thank you to members of the Edgerton/Evansville Team for their donations to help honor Trinity Nickels. Trinity Nickels was always passionate about animals. In her memory, the Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team will be accepting donations to the Lakeland Animal Shelter at their first home meet on September 21st, at 5:30 P.M. We hope this will be the first of many successful donation ventures in Trinity’s honor.

If you donate any of the following products you will receive free admission into the meet
· Bleach
· Liquid Detergent
· Dawn Dish Soap
· Dog or Cat Toys
· Used or New Stuffed Animals
· Used or New Towels, Blankets, or Washcloths
· Cat Litter
· Cat/Kitten Dry or Wet Food

If you are unable to attend the meet but would still like to donate, please contact us at whippetswim@gmail.com. Donations may also be brought to the Whitewater High School main office prior to September 21, 2021.

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

Annual State of the City and Schools Addresses Hosted by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area, Thurs., 9/23

September 14, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area.

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area is excited to again be hosting the annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. 

This year we are fortunate to once again have Whitewater City Manager, Cameron Clapper, who will be speaking on a variety of topics including city budgeting, an update on the Cravath Lake project and COVID-19. Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, will be joined by Business Manager Benjamin Prather as they celebrate both the student and staffs’ accomplishments, as well as looking forward to the year ahead.

This event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using the URL: bit.ly/lwv-ww_stateofcityandschools Passcode: 817513. Or, join us by telephone: Dial (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 899 2723 8868, Passcode: 817513. The event will also be livestreamed on the LWV-WW Facebook page (facebook.com/lwvwhitewater.org), as well as recorded for future broadcast on the City of Whitewater local access channel, Channel 990.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Swimmers Set Personal Bests at Elkhorn Invite

September 14, 2021

The Girls’ Swim Team competed in the Elkhorn Invite over the weekend and had a great day! The girls took 6th place overall out of 10 teams, which included some Division 1 teams. 

Out of 17 individual races, 15 were personal best times! 

The top 8 in each event take home a medal. On Saturday, we were able to take home 9 medals which included:

200 Medley Relay (Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, and Brooke Bazeley) – 2nd place 2:17.72

200 IM (Emerson) – 7th place 2:57.50

50 Freestyle (Grace and Brooke) 1st place 28.80 and 7th place 31.22

100 Fly (Makayla) – 2nd place 1:10.09

400 Freestyle (Makayla and Brooke) 2nd place 5:05.12 and 6th place 5:26.42 

200 Freestyle Relay (Grace, Emerson, Brooke, and Makayla) – 4th place 2:04.92

100 Backstroke (Grace) – 2nd place 1:09.13

The girls swim next at Edgerton on Tuesday, September 14.

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

Whippet Tennis Players Wrapping up Conference Season

September 14, 2021

The Whitewater Girls’ Tennis Team visited Edgerton on Saturday for a Quad against Portage, Lake Mills, and Edgerton. As a team, Whitewater placed third but it was a successful day for several athletes.

Whitewater High School Girls’ Tennis Team

Emilia Houwers, Whitewater’s 1 singles player, won 2 out of 3 matches with wins against Portage 6-2, 6-0 and Edgerton 6-3, 6-1, and lost in a competitive last match to Lake Mills 6-3, 6-3.

Anisa Dauti, Whitewater’s 2 singles player, went 1 for 3 on the day. Winning 6-4, 7-4 against Edgerton, losing 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 in a tiebreak against Portage, and losing 6-3, 7-5 in a close match against Lake Mills.

Brennan Fox-Simes, Whitewater’s 3 singles player, won 2 out of 3 matches, winning 7-5, 6-3 against Lake Mills, 6-2, 6-2 against Portage, and losing 6-3, 7-6 against Edgerton.

This week, Whitewater took on McFarland in a dual match where the Whippets fell 6 matches to 1, with Whitewater’s win coming in the 1 singles spot from Emilia Houwers. Emilia won her first set handily 6-1 and was able to battle back down in the second set and won 6-4. Emilia has now won 4 out of her last 5 matches.

On Wednesday, the Whitewater team travels to Janesville Craig and then finishes up Conference play back at home on Thursday for senior and parent night against Edgerton starting at 4:15.

Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org

Brantmeier Reaches Girls’ Doubles Final at US Open

September 14, 2021

During the 2021 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, many people identified Whitewater’s very own Reese Brantmeier as the youngest player in the main draw at the U.S. Open. So, we followed Reese in this tournament, and on Friday night, Reese and her doubles partner Elvina Kalieva of Staten Island, New York, won a thrilling three-set match to advance to the U.S. Open Girls’ Doubles Final on Saturday.


The eighth-seeded doubles team of Brantmeier/Kalieva were to take on the third-seeded doubles team of Robin Montgomery of Washington D.C. and Ashlyn Krueger of Highland Village, Texas. Thus, the match would be an All-American final featuring the top junior players in the country on the same court.

The three-set match went back and forth with some excellent rallies for both teams. Eventually, the doubles team of Montgomery and Kreuger defeated Brantmeier and Kalieva 5-7, 6-4, (10-4). The final set featured a championship tiebreaker to determine the match.

Congratulations, Reese, on a job well done! We are so very proud of you!

Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart

UW-W cybersecurity program validated by the U.S. National Security Agency

September 13, 2021

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has received the Program of Study Validation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. This recognition extends to the Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology with a Networking and Security emphasis offered by the College of Business and Economics.

“It is an honor to earn this designation from the National Security Agency,” said Roger Yin, professor of information technology and co-director of the Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater. “This is one of the most difficult designations to receive, as the university is assessed on its research, program offerings, multidisciplinary approach, performance in cyber competitions and other factors.”

“Our IT major with an emphasis in Networking and Security delivers hands-on, practical instruction with heavy engagement and involvement with community and corporate partners,” said Andy Ciganek, department chair of information technology and supply chain management. “The NSA designation validates the high-quality instruction delivered by our professors and establishes UW-Whitewater as a first-choice destination and leader in cybersecurity education in the Midwest.”

Students graduating from the program can receive a certificate to show that they have completed the requirements of a  CAE Program of Study. Though graduates will be entering a high-demand field, the credential will further enhance their professional prospects.

Government officials and industry leaders have raised the urgency of their cybersecurity efforts in the wake of attacks against critical infrastructure and businesses. However, the demand for trained workers is reaching a crisis level, and the current talent shortfall was estimated at 500,000 workers in a recent presentation to a congressional subcommittee. In an effort to close the skills gap, the CAE-CD program sets standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence and encourages integration across academic disciplines.

The CAE-CD program also prioritizes community outreach and leadership. Collaboration with a business center that provides community services and business outreach is integral to a successful application. The Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater is hosted by the College of Business and Economics. The CCB provides cybersecurity education and training for businesses, local governments, and educational institutions throughout Wisconsin and portions of Illinois.

“Our application received high marks, along with praise for the Cybersecurity Center for Business,” said Yin. “The reviewers stated that the university and the CCB set a new standard for other aspiring institutions to emulate.”

“I applaud the effort and persistence by our staff in the information technology and supply chain management department,” said Paul Ambrose, interim dean of the College of Business and Economics. “This achievement helps highlight the college’s commitment to meeting the ever-evolving needs of Wisconsin’s businesses and workforce through relevant, innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art resources.”

Students graduating as early as December 2021 can obtain the certificate for completing a CAE-CD Program of Study. The program validation will be effective through August 2026 and can be renewed upon review.

For more information, contact Roger Yin at 262-472-5473 or yinl@uww.edu.

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.  He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck).  She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more