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The FIRST Robotics Seven Rivers Wisconsin District Event took place at the La Crosse Center from Thursday, April 2 – Saturday, April 4, featuring 33 high school teams from Wisconsin as well as a visiting team from Indiana. Ferradermis competed hard, going 9-2 in qualification matches and ranking 5th at the end of qualifications. The team played 12 total qualification matches but only earned ranking points for 11 of them because of a red card disqualification when our robot accidentally knocked over another robot during a match.
During alliance selections, Ferradermis moved up to become the captain of the #4 seeded alliance and invited Team 171 The Cheese Curd Herd from Platteville and Team 8782 TroBotics from New Auburn to join them for the playoffs. After victories over the #5 seed and #1 seed, Ferradermis was bumped to the lower portion of the double-elimination bracket by the #3 seed. They then lost their rematch with the #1 seeded alliance, the eventual champions, to end their weekend in third place overall.
Points earned from this competition combined with the previous competition at Lakeland College qualified the team to compete in the State Championship Event at Brookfield East High School from April 17-19. It is at the end of this event, that it will be determined which Wisconsin teams will represent the state in Houston for the World Championships.
Team members traveling to La Crosse included Chacha Binagi, Rae Breisath, Emilie Bruns, Asher Downs, Erison Dreksler, Georgia Esch, Alex Fletcher, Mason Genung, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Cooper Housel, Ace Hudec, Jayden Kehrer, Colby Long, Carson Miller, Preston Miller, Al Nelson, Sam Raupp, Julian Rennells, Johan Servin, Owen Taylor, Letty Trautman, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Paxton Wilson, and Mily Zeferino-Hernandez.
In addition to competing on the field, several members volunteered to take shifts at the safety glass station, and seven students joined the team choir to perform the national anthem during opening ceremonies. Eight members served as team ambassadors, giving tours to VIPs. Students also rotated through scouting shifts, and the Impact Team presented for the judges. Team members staffed the team pit throughout the event, working on the robot between matches, talking with judges, and selecting the recipients of their pit awards. Safety Captain Nina Heim received the Safety All-Star Award based on nominations from other teams.
On the way to the event, students experienced a UW La Crosse campus tour, visited the Mississippi Valley Archeology Center as a tribute to this season’s archeology theme, stopped at the Dahl Auto Museum, and spent a couple of hours bowling, a team tradition.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The following press release was issued by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on April 7.
MADISON, Wis.—The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System has unanimously voted to make a change in leadership of the system, with current President Jay Rothman’s tenure ending immediately.
The Board is grateful for President Rothman’s service and recognizes the meaningful work undertaken during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Universities of Wisconsin took important and often difficult steps to address longstanding structural deficits, putting individual universities on sounder financial footing for the future. He worked hard to bring the best to the campuses, students, faculty, and staff. Those efforts and that dedication are acknowledged and appreciated. However, despite these accomplishments, based on the annual performance review and subsequent discussions, the Board has lost confidence in President Rothman’s ability to lead the UWs moving forward. View a copy of yesterday’s statement providing additional details. [See below.]
Universities of Wisconsin Vice President for University Relations Chris Patton will serve as Acting Executive-in-Charge Prior to Appointment of Interim President.
The Board has immediately moved forward in its work to identify the successor. Further details regarding that process will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Universities of Wisconsin have incredible students, faculty, and staff and serve as an economic engine for the state of Wisconsin. The UWs work will continue unabated during this transition, and the remarkable accomplishments and work of the 13 universities will continue.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT
Universities of Wisconsin Regents President Amy B. Bogost
April 6, 2024
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents takes its fiduciary responsibility seriously
and acts in the best interests of our students, faculty, staff, and the people of Wisconsin.
Under Board policy, the Board President is tasked to conduct an annual performance
review of the System President. The Board President met with a wide variety of individuals
and stakeholders including, Regents, Chancellors and other members of the Universities
of Wisconsin communities. Regent leadership then shared the results of that review with
President Rothman. This process consisted of multiple meetings with the full Board of
Regents, including direct conversations and clear feedback regarding leadership
expectations.
President Rothman was not without notice, nor was this process sudden. The Board has
engaged with President Rothman in good-faith discussions over the past several months.
This does not diminish the President’s many contributions, which we acknowledge and
greatly appreciate. As an at-will employee of the Board of Regents, the System President
serves at the pleasure of the Board, which bears the responsibility of determining whether
its chosen leader continues to hold its confidence. This governance structure is standard
practice, and it exists to ensure that we remain accountable to the public we are honored
to serve.
At a time of profound change in higher education, this decision is about the future. The
Universities of Wisconsin must be led with a clear vision that both protects and
strengthens our flagship, supports our comprehensive universities, and ensures we are
meeting the evolving needs of our students, workforce, and communities across all 72
counties.
The Board will meet on April 7, 2026, at 5:00pm to consider next steps with that
responsibility firmly in mind.
Polls will be open on Tuesday, April 7 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A photo ID is required. Same-day registration is available. Proof of residence is required for registration, and the voter must have lived in the residence for at least the previous 28 days.
Anyone may enter their address at this website to confirm the races on their ballot and their polling place. The city will have two polling places, the Downtown Armory and the University Center on the UW-Whitewater campus. There will be no charge for parking at the university in lots 12 or 12A.
All city residents will have the following contested races on their ballot:
Justice of the Supreme Court
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Members (four candidates for three seats)
City of Whitewater Council Member At Large
City residents in Districts 2 and 4 also have a contested race for Common Council member.
Absentee ballots must be received by Tuesday at 8 p.m. Voters wishing to deliver an absentee ballot on Tuesday must bring it to the Community Room on the first floor of the Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater St.
This Easter, we’re seeing what happens when a community begins to come together around something meaningful.
Across Walworth County, real progress is underway.
Whitewater: A Strong Start
Excavation began this past week at 214 E. Main Street in Whitewater [shown above], marking the first visible step toward two new workforce homes for local families. To recognize this moment, we invite you to join us for a ground blessing: Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. 214 E. Main Street, Whitewater. If you’d like to attend, RSVP here.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Habitat for Humanity Walworth County.
| On May 1st you can give a little bit of joy to someone special. The Whitewater Lions Club is hosting their annual May Day Basket fundraiser. For $5 your recipient will receive a paper basket containing a paper flower and assorted candy. The order form is in Google Docs, address below; please fill out one form per delivery address. Orders due by 4/25, and are limited to addresses in the Whitewater School District. Orders will be delivered on Friday May 1 approximately between 7-8 am. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclIWXHrn8bk676ZwPx9m_IvA_h7X1EFFxigH88pl7HBwPJfg/viewform?usp=dialog |
Earlier this year, students enrolled in automotive courses completed a series of ASE certification exams, marking an important milestone in their technical education.
In the Auto Service Fundamentals course, students had the opportunity to take the ASE A5 Brakes exam. Those who successfully passed earned their first ASE credential—Entry-Level ASE Certification—a nationally recognized industry qualification. Meanwhile, Auto II students completed the Manual Transmission certification exam, further advancing their technical expertise.
Preparation for these assessments involved a comprehensive blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Students engaged with ASE-aligned curriculum, exploring key concepts in brake systems and manual transmissions. Lessons covered topics such as identifying signs of brake failure, measuring and diagnosing brake pad wear, flaring brake lines, and repairing both disc and drum brake systems. Students also learned to recognize and address issues such as air in brake lines.
Throughout the unit, emphasis was placed on building technical vocabulary and reinforcing theoretical knowledge. Students then applied these concepts in the shop through practical lab work designed to develop real-world skills.
To further support exam readiness, students participated in daily review exercises using ASE-style questions. These “bell ringer” activities encouraged critical thinking, as each question was carefully analyzed to help students understand its intent and evaluate possible answers. Through guided discussion and deductive reasoning, students developed the test-taking strategies necessary for success on industry certification exams.
Autos instructor Justin Buntrock had the highest number of students pass and highest percentage of success so far in his nine years of teaching! He is very excited for these students and proud of what they achieved. Even the large majority of students who didn’t pass only missed it by 1 or 2 questions, which is very impressive!
Auto 1 students earning their certification: Nolvin Alvarez, Cristian Juan Aranda, Micah Dvorak, Aubrey Fuoco, Lucas Klein, Carter Lien, Quinton O’Toole, Fransisco Alcala, Rae Breisath, Emmanual Cansino-Pena, Mason Dvorak, Aaron Garcia, Preston Miller, Cooper O’Neal.
Auto II students earning their certification: Westley Carlson, Logan Duesterbeck, Jhonny Escobar, Jimmy Kinson, Dayne Lohmeier.
Advanced Auto Student earning his certification: Aaron Aranda Porras.
Article and Photo Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Automotive Teacher
jbuntrock@wwusd.org
Friday, April 10, 2026, 6 pm-9 pm
The Whitewater Arts Alliance invites the community to an evening of food, fun, and friendly competition at BINGO a la Mostaccioli on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 6 pm-9 pm, with doors opening at 5 pm. The event will be held at Berry Hall (which is accessible and has an elevator) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main Street in Whitewater.
Guests will enjoy a delicious homemade dinner featuring their choice of meat or vegetarian mostaccioli, along with garlic bread, salads, desserts, and refreshments—all included with the price of admission. Specialty mocktails and additional refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Admission is $20 per person and includes one BINGO sheet for each of the 10 rounds, one cash raffle ticket, dinner, and refreshments. Cash is preferred and checks as well as Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Whitewater Arts Alliance, supporting local arts programming and cultural events in the community. The Alliance extends its sincere thanks to the generous sponsors who are helping make this event possible, including The Blue Opal • Countryside Jeweler • Culver’s • Edward Jones • First English Lutheran Church • The Dentist • The Duck Inn •Fanatico • JM Carpets • Dawn Aiello Klocek • McCullough’s LTC Pharmacy • Pet Supplies Plus • Revamp Nutrition • Rock County Honda • Rosa’s Pizza • Superior Plumbing.
Community members are encouraged to gather friends and join in the fun for a lively evening of BINGO, great prizes, and wonderful food—all while supporting the arts in Whitewater.
For more information, contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director,
Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King recently announced that three finalists have been chosen for the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The position is currently held on an interim basis by Robin Fox.
The candidates are as follows. To view further information on the candidates and the open forums that will take place beginning on Tuesday both in-person and online, click here.
Andrae Marak, Ph.D.
Professor of History and Political Science, Roosevelt University
Andrae Marak Curriculum Vitae
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Open Forum: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Hyland Hall Timmerman Auditorium or Webex
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Kathryn Zuckweiler, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Dean of the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Kathryn Zuckweiler Curriculum Vitae
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Open Forum: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Hyland Hall Timmerman Auditorium or Webex
-_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pieter deHart, Ph.D.
Associate Provost for Research, Dean of Graduate Studies, Minnesota State University-Mankato
Pieter deHart Curriculum Vitae
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Open Forum: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Hyland Hall Timmerman Auditorium or Webex
Obituaries
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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