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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday on Christmas Day with the Whitewater Historical Society.
The Whitewater Historical Society would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas with this early 1900’s post card from our holiday post card collection. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday!
The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2025 fall semester.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michelle Abarca
Whitewater, WI 53190: Salaar Akbar
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore
Whitewater, WI 53190: Grace Baker
Whitewater, WI 53190: Thomas Barton
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jace Bezzo
Whitewater, WI 53190: Landen Bley
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Boose
Whitewater, WI 53190: Briana Brandt
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alyssa Brazouski
Whitewater, WI 53190: Liam Brown
Whitewater, WI 53190: Canyon Caputo
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas Castro-Huempfner
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joseph Ciesla
Whitewater, WI 53190: Christopher Cortes
Whitewater, WI 53190: Makenna D’Amico
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cypress Dempsey
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos
Whitewater, WI 53190: Justice Durham
Whitewater, WI 53190: Charlie Eckert
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashton Ford
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrea Gentry
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashton Gillespie
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sirena Gomez
Whitewater, WI 53190: Matthew Gumenyuk
Whitewater, WI 53190: Blake Haggerty
Whitewater, WI 53190: Stephanie Hensel
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Hintz
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brooklyn Hoey
Whitewater, WI 53190: Omarian Hughes
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cameron Huntley
Whitewater, WI 53190: Bryce Joel
Whitewater, WI 53190: Misynn Jones
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Jordan
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ayo Kaeding
Whitewater, WI 53190: Devin Kelly
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kassie Knueppel
Whitewater, WI 53190: Taylor Koehler
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cali Kopecky
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrea Kuhl
Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Lamendola
Whitewater, WI 53190: Allison Lavin
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Lawson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hunter Lochner
Whitewater, WI 53190: Payton Lowe
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cayden Maag
Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Macy
Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Manthey
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isai Mata
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jordan Meinen
Whitewater, WI 53190: Daniela Melero
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jordan Miller
Whitewater, WI 53190: Morgan Miller
Whitewater, WI 53190: Adrian Mora
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sam Morton
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kylee Mueller
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Nanni
Whitewater, WI 53190: Rori Nikole
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emily O’Donnell
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brittany Ogden
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joey Ophime
Whitewater, WI 53190: Layla Owens
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jonah Panning
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emilie Parranto
Whitewater, WI 53190: Johan Perez
Whitewater, WI 53190: Charlotte Pham
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tj Piper
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hugo Portales
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mel Prince
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kyle Puchalski
Whitewater, WI 53190: Zoheb Rakhangi
Whitewater, WI 53190: Colin Reynolds
Whitewater, WI 53190: Renee Rittmeyer
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yovanni Rojas-Reyes
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Rupke
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Satterfield
Whitewater, WI 53190: Whitney Scherr
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sabrina Schmidt
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Schneider
Whitewater, WI 53190: Marcus Seaver
Whitewater, WI 53190: Holly Shannon
Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Sharlow
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jazmin Soto
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrew Swartz
Whitewater, WI 53190: C.J. Tomomitsu
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tristin Trevino
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dejaney Valles
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dakota Veium
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tania Verduzco
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Wade
Whitewater, WI 53190: Molly Wade
Whitewater, WI 53190: Miranda Ward
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Westerman
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayleigh Williams
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitee Witke
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nick Yellick
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cameron Zehr
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kelsy Zingsheim
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“We are incredibly proud of the students who earned a place on the Dean’s List,” said Robin Fox, UW-Whitewater’s interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This distinction reflects exceptional academic achievement and the dedication our students bring to their studies every day. Their success strengthens our university, and we celebrate all they have accomplished.”
The university’s Registrar’s Office reports 4,107 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the fall semester. More than 12,000 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by UW-Whitewater. It is evident that many of these students who were recognized on the Dean’s List are not long-term Whitewater residents. Students are listed by the community that they have indicated as being their residence.
Alexander Clarksen participated in the 151st Christmas Festival at Carthage College in the magnificent A. F. Siebert Chapel in Kenosha, Wis. Clarksen, from Whitewater, is a member of Carthage Choir and Lincoln Singers.
The Carthage Christmas Festival is one of the largest and most beloved events on campus, bringing together over 3,500 people throughout the festival weekend. The Christmas Festival artistic staff includes Professors Margaret Burk as Artistic Director and Matthew Hougland as Production Director.
Wind Orchestra conducted by James Ripley
Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by E. Edward Kawakami
Vox Ignis, Carthage Choir, and Lincoln Chamber Singers conducted by Margaret Burk
Voces Aquae and Carthage Treble Choir conducted by Polly Amborn
Accompanists: Melissa Cardamone and Gregory Berg
About Carthage
Carthage College is breaking records with its largest enrollment ever. Founded in 1847, Carthage blends the best liberal arts traditions with innovative programs that shape careers, hands-on learning that fuels discovery, and faculty mentorship that drives student success – all on a stunning Lake Michigan campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Grow with us: www.carthage.edu
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Carthage College.
John’s Disposal will be closed on:
Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Collection will be delayed by one day.
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Collection will be delayed by one day.
Residents may contact John’s Disposal directly by calling (262) 473-4700 or by emailing
office@johnsdisposal.com. You may also view their website at https://www.johnsdisposal.com.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
Current Whitewater Common Councilmember for Aldermanic District 4 and Council President Pro-Tem Brian Schanen formally submitted papers to run for re-election in the upcoming April 7th election, and has released the following statement.
During my first term I have focused on listening first and foremost. I have had many conversations across the community about issues large and small, good and bad. Open communication, and pragmatic decision making, is at the center of my approach as a council member, and it will continue. Serving the community is an honor, and one of the best parts is the listening and learning that the position requires.
I have focused on economic development of all types including progress in the industrial park, including identifying challenges to industrial development, creation of the house rehabilitation program, and supporting owner occupied housing. I also support recent, budget-aware initiatives from the Parks and Recreation Department that have expanded programming for residents of all ages—outdoors, indoors, and at the Whitewater Aquatic Center.
As a council, we have prioritized ensuring that our city’s emergency and safety services have the resources they need, while being fiscally responsible. Council worked to cover the addition of a detective and an additional firefighter by restructuring budgets, and not including those two positions in the referendum.
Over the past two years, I have worked to increase transparency throughout city operations. Examples include reducing the use of closed sessions and presenting a new template for improving how the city communicates the financial details and reasoning behind Tax Increment conversations. This effort ensures that both the council and residents have clear, complete information when making critical decisions.
Strong partnerships between the city, school district and university are vital to Whitewater’s success. This past summer, I worked with fellow council members, the school board, the Whitewater Police Department, and the Superintendent on the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. Since implementing the agreement in late July, communication between the district and city government has improved significantly, leading to greater transparency, better feedback, and stronger collaboration.
If re-elected, I will first and foremost continue listening, learning, and reviewing topics from all angles. I will continue to work to build strong partnerships, and enforce ethical, transparent governance. Additionally, I will be working to find ways to balance budgets without putting additional strain on our residents. With many residents on fixed incomes, in low income situations and other challenges, it is past due we take a hard look at spending. I have already begun these conversations, and they are already producing productive conversations and ideas.
In the months ahead, I look forward to knocking on doors, and talking to residents. Continuing to listen for ideas, concerns, and celebrations for moving our city forward.
Brian was elected to council in 2023, and has served on numerous boards including Planning & Architectural Review, Finance, Alcohol Licensing, and the Community Development Authority. Brian and his wife Heather live on the west side of Whitewater. They are involved in a number of community organizations including the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis and the Whitewater GroCo. They are avid supporters of local businesses.
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s Beta Gamma chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Fall Conference hosted by Kent State University, earning top finishes across every major competition category. Months of preparation, teamwork, and leadership paid off as UW-Whitewater students showcased exceptional professionalism and competitive excellence.
Interview Competition
The Interview Competition is designed to help students strengthen real-world interviewing skills by practicing with live judges, receiving feedback, and engaging directly with potential employers. Out of 60 total competitors, and with only 12 advancing to the on-site finals, UW-Whitewater PSE demonstrated remarkable depth and preparation:
● 2nd Place: Jonah Panning
● Finalists: Lillian Fager and Noah Verhasselt
Speakers Competition
The Speakers Competition highlights the top public speaking talent within Pi Sigma Epsilon. It recognizes students who excel in self-presentation and verbal communication by delivering prepared speeches in a competitive setting. Among 40 entries, only four finalists were selected:
● Winner: Bailey Quinn
● Finalists: Lillian Fager and Noah Verhasselt
(Three of the four finalists represented UW-Whitewater.)
Pro-Am Sell-A-Thon
This competition was founded in 1992 to help students build lifelong professional communication and selling skills while connecting them with top employers. The competition is held at both PSE Fall Conferences and the National Convention, featuring a 12-minute video-based role-play that simulates real business scenarios. With 125 competitors in this year’s event, the competition named 12 finalists and 12 honorable mentions. UW-Whitewater, with 24 competitors, delivered one of the strongest performances of the entire conference:
● 1st Place: Bailey Quinn
● 3rd Place: Noah Verhasselt
● Finalists: Kyle Bowman, Alyssa Eggert, Alexander Ferguson, and Devin Shircel
(Half of all finalists were from UW-Whitewater—more than any other chapter.)
● Honorable Mentions: Lillian Fager, Abby Keeny, Victoria Slama, and Jared Tews
(UW-Whitewater also earned more Honorable Mentions than any other chapter.)
Marketing Challenge
Congratulations to Ava Hennig and Jack Payant, whose cross-chapter team took 1st place among 10 total teams in the conference-wide Marketing Challenge.
A Round of Applause
Chapter faculty advisor Rob Boostrom, Professor of Marketing at UW-Whitewater, expressed deep pride in the chapter’s accomplishments and the commitment demonstrated by every student competitor. “I’m extremely excited about what all of these students have accomplished,” Dr. Boostrom shared. “To the parents and relatives,
please know that your student is doing exceptional work.” Boostrom also extended thanks to Dennis Kopf and Karen Whalen for their support throughout the event, and to student Emily Wiitanen for ensuring the chapter captured and celebrated each achievement.
About UW-Whitewater PSE
UW-Whitewater’s Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) chapter is a co-ed professional fraternity dedicated to marketing, sales, and management. Guided by the motto “Runs like a business, feels like a family,” PSE provides members with high-impact professional development, experiential learning opportunities, and an active community focused on building lifelong relationships.
About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit www.uww.edu/cobe or email
Editor’s note:
This press release was provided by Gracie Weston, Communications Specialist, UW-Whitewater College of Business & Economics.
All are welcome for our Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, December 24 at 4, 7 and 10 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater
UW-Whitewater Veterans Day event took place on November 11, 2025. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Obituaries
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
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
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