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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Governor Evers Visits Lincoln Elementary to Celebrate the Success of Multilingual Learners and Literacy Programming for all
Lincoln Elementary School welcomed Governor Tony Evers on Thursday, February 15. The Governor’s time was limited, so he was only able to visit one of the three elementary schools collectively implementing new literacy programming and practices aligned with the Science of Reading (SOR) and supporting our multilingual students. However, “It was an honor to have Governor Evers visit Lincoln Elementary and witness firsthand the incredible impact the programming and practice aligned with the Science of Reading program is making in our elementary schools,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District. “Our staff have been instrumental in enhancing our student’s literacy skills and providing them with the foundation for lifelong learning. We appreciate the governor stopping by to share in this success.”
Since adopting the SOR program in the fall, all three elementary schools have seen notable advancements in student literacy outcomes. Recent data from the school’s Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment (DIBELS) reveal positive trends in students’ foundational skills, including fluency and comprehension.
The DIBELS assessments, administered to elementary students in September 2023 as part of the transition to the SOR-aligned instructional model, serve as a benchmark for measuring progress in literacy development. Students underwent reassessment in January 2024, four months after the program’s implementation, to monitor the impact of the new SOR-aligned approach.
Members of Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, have been working tirelessly since learning of the 2024 game requirements at the season kickoff event on January 6. On Sunday, February 18, they were able to put their invention on a full field for the first time at the Sussex Week 0 Scrimmage at Sussex Hamilton High School.
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The team’s robot this year measures 26×26 inches and weighs approximately 120 pounds. The drive train is a swerve drive, which allows the robot to go in any direction facing any position at any time. The game piece (an orange foam ring) is picked up from the ground using a 4-bar linkage intake, which is then placed into the shooter. The shooter is on an elevator and arm which allows it to rise up and down and rotate, giving the robot almost full control of the shooting and scoring positions.
In addition to playing practice matches at Sussex, members of Ferradermis were able to attend morning workshops for Dean’s List candidates, Impact presentation preparation, and match scouting ideas. During matches, students not in the pit or on the drive team were in the stands testing the scouting system the team will be using at competition.
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Members of Ferradermis will leave for their first Regional event in Duluth on February 28. Two weeks later, they will be competing in Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Regional, and over Spring Break they will be in Chicago for the Midwest Regional. Each regional hosts 50-60 teams, and the Chicago event will feature teams from 6 countries and 10 states. Four teams from each regional will qualify for Championships in Houston in mid-April.
Are you a supporter of the robotics program in the Whitewater Unified School District? If so, consider joining an organizational meeting for the new WUSD Robotics Booster Club on Tuesday, February 20, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 301 at the high school. Enter through Door #38 for the meeting. The Booster Club’s goals are to find ways to help support FIRST Lego League Challenge programs in 4th and 5th grade, the new FIRST Tech Challenge Team forming at the middle school in the fall, and the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team at the high school. For questions about the Booster Club, reach out to Sue Wildermuth at wilderms@uww.edu.
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Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch and Andrew O’Toole
Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Rich Grosse and Laura Masbruch
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Chancellor Corey King and Provost John Chenoweth invite you to join this year’s UWW Inclusivity Forum. Prominent area alum will share company perspectives in a panel on Thursday, February 22, in the James R. Connor University Center Ballroom. The first forum from 10-11:30 a.m. is open to all, and the second forum scheduled for 1-2 p. m., is a student-focused forum.
The forum will feature panelists from Wisconsin businesses and organizations with focus on inclusivity in Wisconsin’s workplaces. Panelists include:
Steven Brown ’90, ’98, Vice President of Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Talent Acquisition, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Willie Jude II, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation
Jermaine Murry, Chief Diversity Officer, Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Katie Wesner, DEI Program Manager, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Shary Tran ’99, Global Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Generac Power Systems
Questions about the forum or logistics can be directed Diane Bahmann in the Provost’s Office at bahmannd@uww.edu or 262-472-1672.
Monday, February 19 is a federal holiday; consequently there will be no mail delivery. Some banks will also be closed.
From Wikipedia:
Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and was the first U.S. president.[1]
The day is an official state holiday in most states, with names including Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday.[2] The various states use 15 different names. Depending upon the specific law, the state holiday may officially celebrate Washington alone, Washington and Abraham Lincoln, or some other combination of U.S. presidents (such as Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who was born in April).[2]
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (N.S.). Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on this date from 1879 until 1970. To give federal employees a three-day weekend, in 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February.[3] The day soon became known as Presidents(‘) Day[4] (the presence and placement of the apostrophe varies) and provides an occasion to remember all the U.S. presidents, to honor Abraham Lincoln‘s and Washington’s birthdays together, or any single president of choice.[2]
As many states and cities followed suit, some states that had been celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 combined the two into Presidents Day. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, preserved the Union, abolished slavery, bolstered the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
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Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided.
The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Platteville, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team finished third while a pair of Warhawks claimed individual titles at the 2024 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Wrestling Championship hosted by UW-Platteville Saturday.
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Dominik Mallinder defended his 2023 title at 133 pounds by defeating the same opponent he faced a year ago. Ethan Pogorzelski secured the 141-pound crown after battling his teammate in the final. The Warhawks advanced six wrestlers to title bouts Saturday.
Mallinder received a pair of byes to open his day in the semifinal against UW-Eau Claire’s Travis Moelter. He needed just over three minutes (3:18) to register the win by technical fall, 22-3, to punch his ticket to the final. In the championship, Mallinder topped UWEC’s Tyler Fleetwood by 9-3 decision to claim a second consecutive WIAC title at 133 pounds.
Pogorzelski and Justin Fortugno each won their first two matches of the day at 141 pounds to set up an all-Warhawk title bout. Fortugno opened his day with a fall over UW-Stevens Point’s Mohammed Abbosov in 2:46. He defeated Kaiden Schrandt (UW-La Crosse) by 4-1 decision to claim his spot in the final. Pogorzelski went through Bo Niewiadomski (UWEC – 7-4 decision) and Cooper Peterson (UWSP – 6-5 decision) to advance to the final. The pair of Warhawks battled it out taking the bout into extra time with Porgorzelski taking the crown in sudden victory 4-1.
Scott Busse made his way to the championship at 149 pounds. After receiving a first round bye, Busse defeated Riese Thornberry (UWSP) by 7-2 decision. He punched his ticket to the final after Zach Sato of UWEC was disqualified in the semifinal but was forced to forfeit the title bout to finish as the runner-up.
Jermaine Butler, UW-Whitewater’s representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team this season, went 2-1 on the day to finish as the WIAC runner-up at 157 pounds. Following a first round bye, Butler won by major decision over UWL’s Cooper Larson. He topped David Cushman in sudden victory in the semifinal to advance to the championship. In the title bout, Butler fell to undefeated Nolan Hertel of UW-La Crosse by 5-0 decision to claim second.
Ryan Riser added a third runner-up finish for UWW in the 2024 championship. Riser received a first round bye at 174 pounds before taking down Bryce Buchanan (UWSP) by major decision 11-0. In the semifinal, Riser defeated Eddie Simes (UWL) in sudden victory 4-1. Riser fell to UW-Eau Claire’s Jared Stricker by major decision in the title bout.
At 125 pounds, Jalen Dunson advanced to the semifinal before working his way back to a third-place finish. Dunson opened his day with a technical fall (6:47, 22-6) win over Thomas Giere of UWL. He dropped the semifinal bout to Luca Paladino of UWSP by 6-4 decision. Dunson secured his spot in the third-place match with a major decision victory of Platteville’s Chris Karbash, 21-7. He took bronze with a 6-3 decision over UWL’s Quintin Wolbert.
Aden Byal battled back to finish third after dropping his first match of the day at 157 pounds. Byal fell to Colton Sund of UWEC by 4-3 decision in the quarterfinal but worked his way back with a technical fall victory (4:04, 16-1) over Joey Ahern (UWSP) and a major decision (14-3) over UWP’s David Cushman. In the third-place bout, Byal won in sudden victory, 11-8, over UWL’s Cooper Larson.
John Fortugno (133 pounds), Jalin Conner (149 pounds) and Cadin Koeppel (285 pounds) were fourth in their respective weight classes. Warhawks finishing in fifth place included Caden Kirchner (165) and Gavin Kohel (184). Jordan Lewis added sixth-place points to the team total for his finish at 197 pounds.
UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse scored 161.5 to share the WIAC team title with the Warhawks totaling 121 points as a squad. UW-Stevens Point finished fourth (70.5) followed by UW-Platteville (29.5) and UW-Oshkosh (13).
…
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
River Falls, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater came back to defeat UW-River Falls 72-71 Saturday. Kacie Carollo hit a pair of free throws in the final two seconds to seal the win.
Box Score
The Warhawks battled back from a 25-19 deficit after the first quarter, cutting the margin in half by the break. UWW trailed by as much as nine partway through the third quarter but continued to fight. With the Falcons leading 57-48 with 4:32 left in the third, Aleah Grundahl knocked down a jumper to spark an 8-2 run capped by a Katie Hildebrandt triple to pull within three. Hildebrandt connected from deep again to narrow the gap to one, 64-63, by the end of the third.
The fourth quarter was low scoring with the teams trading the lead throughout. Carollo found Grundahl in transition for a fastbreak layup to claim the lead with the first bucket of the fourth, 65-64. After a three-pointer for UWRF, Grundahl dropped in a jumper to knot the game 67-67 before the offenses went cold.
The Falcons ended the nearly four-minute scoring hiatus with a layup to pull ahead 69-67 with 4:26 to go. Another three minutes ticked away before another score as UWRF hit another layup to extend the margin to four, 71-67, with 1:07 remaining.
Carollo picked the pocket of a Falcon player and hit Grundahl for a triple to pull UWW to within one, 71-70. UWRF called timeout immediately to advance the ball with 36 seconds left. The Falcons took their time, but as the shot clock ran down, the Warhawk defense surrounded the ball with Grundahl knocking the ball free and Lunden Alexander claiming possession.
UW-Whitewater took a timeout, but because a dribble had occurred, the Warhawks were unable to advance the ball. UWW had just 6.3 seconds to go the length of the floor with one timeout in bank. Bri McCurdy inbounded to Carollo who sprinted up the floor before being fouled with 2.7 seconds on the clock.
Before the sideline inbounds pass was made, UW-River Falls was whistled for another foul – their next foul would put the Warhawks at the line. McCurdy set to inbound in front of the UWW bench, but once again Carollo was fouled before the ball was inbounded. Carollo stepped to the line and drained both to give the Warhawks the 72-71 lead with 2.7 left.
The Falcons took a timeout to advance the ball to their front court. UWW head coach Keri Carollo saw the inbound set and called the Warhawks’ final timeout. UWRF found a guard on the inbound and was able to get a shot off before the buzzer, but it fell short sealing the UWW win.
Grundahl posted a game-high 23 points on 10-17 from the floor and 2-4 from beyond the arc. Carollo registered a double-double with 16 points bolstered by a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line while adding 14 boards and seven assists. Hildebrandt rounded out the double-digit scorers for UWW with 12 points on 4-8 from long range.
UW-Whitewater secured a first round bye in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament as the number two seed. The Warhawks will host the semifinals Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in Kachel Gym. UWW’s opponent will be the highest remaining seed after the first round games that include UW-River Falls (#6) at UW-Stout (#3) and UW-La Crosse (#5) at UW-Platteville (#4).
The winners of the semifinal games will advance to the WIAC Tournament Championship. The highest remaining seed will host the final Friday at 7 p.m. The WIAC Tournament Champion will receive the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament.
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In the history of Jazz music, there is only one bandleader that has the distinction of having his orchestra still performing sold out concerts all over the world, with members personally chosen by him, for over 30 years after his passing. Pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie was and still is an American institution that personifies the grandeur and excellence of Jazz. The Count Basie Orchestra, today directed by Scotty Barnhart, has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, won 18 Grammy Awards, performed for kings, queens, and other world royalty, appeared in several movies, television shows, at every major jazz festival and major concert hall in the world.
Thursday, February 22, 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater
Tickets are $45 and may be ordered here. There is an additional $2 per ticket fee at the door.
Obituaries
Ernest Walter Regelein, 93, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Wellington Meadows in Fort Atkinson. Ernie was born on March 14, 1931 in Fort Atkinson to Benjamin and Ana (Busche) Regelein. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Ernie married Mary Clark on March 23, 1985. She preceded him in death on June 26, 1987. He was a home builder and worked for 28 years with the United States Post Office. Ernie also owned and operated the Western Aire Supper Club in Oconomowoc. He was a lover … Read more
Read MoreDr. Nomsa Gwalla Ogisi, retired UW-Whitewater Special Education faculty member, passed away in Madison, WI on August 20, 2024.
Read MoreTania Ann Bowden, age 48, Delavan, Wi., passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2024. Born September 16, 1975, to John Bowden and Irene Bowden (Proc) originally from Chicago, IL. Came to Wisconsin from Chicago in 1979. Tania attended Whitewater High School. Tania is survived by her Mom, Irene and James Osgood, Delavan, WI., three daughters Casandra Harris (Casey), Fort Atkinson, WI., Samantha Dohms (Sammy), Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mariah Flynn, Slinger, WI., Laura, Sandy, Bonnie Bowden and many nieces and nephews, Fayetteville TN., and the list goes on. Private visitation and the celebration of life will be held at her Mom’s residence.
Read MoreLee Spencer Murray, 92, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Fairhaven in Whitewater. Lee was born on September 24, 1931 in Princeville, Illinois to Harlow and Grace (Larson) Murray. He graduated from Princeville High School in 1949 and the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with his bachelor’s degree Agriculture-Agronomy in 1957. Lee served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and received a purple heart during his service in the Korean War. He was a proud member of the Whitewater American Legion, Princeville Masonic Lodge, Whitewater Jaycees and Wisconsin Fertilizer Association. Lee is survived by … Read more
Read MoreUpdated 8/23/24 @ 4:40 p.m. to add information regarding the casket. Leo Jorgen Hansen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away in Janesville, Wisconsin, on August 18, 2024, at the age of 98. Leo was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 15, 1925, and spoke Danish before he learned English. He entered the work force at the age of 12, assisting his father, a house painter. When he was 17 years old, the family moved to a 120-acre farm on the southeast edge of Whitewater, Wisconsin. The family initially worked the fields with two teams of workhorses and … Read more
Read MoreWilliam Walton “Bill” WeissMarch 23, 1944 – August 19, 2024MADISON – Bill Weiss went Walking with The King on Aug. 19, 2024. William Walton “Bill” was born on March 23, 1944, to Myrtle (Walton) and William Weiss in Philadelphia, Pa. Bill’s father was serving in World War II when Bill was born. He was 17 months old before he met his father for the first time. Until then, Bill and his mother lived with her parents. His mother and brother died in childbirth when Bill was 2 1/2 years old, and Bill returned to live with his maternal grandparents. Papa … Read more
Read MoreBarbara Lynn (Bressler) Robbins, 62, Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully, August 16, 2024. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant and Rev. Michael Tess as the homilist. A graveside service will follow the same afternoon at 3:00 pm at Maple Ridge Cemetery adjoining the First Lutheran Church of Jordan … Read more
Read MoreJoan Mary Grosinske, 91, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry in Whitewater. Joan was born in Wisconsin Rapids on December 4, 1932 to Edwin and Gertrude (Sauter) Zenisek. She graduated from Neenah High School. While working at AC Sparkplug in Milwaukee, she was introduced to the love of her life Don Grosinske by her sister and brother-In-law. They were married on June 13, 1959 in Neenah, WI. The most important aspect of Joan’s life was her family and being the #1 fan for every event or activity they were involved in. She and … Read more
Read MoreChristine Marie “Chris” Gasperetti, 58, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at Fort Memorial Hospital. Chris was born on June 9, 1966 in Milwaukee to Joseph and Elaine (Sadowski) Socha. She was raised in Whitewater in her childhood home on Whitewater Lake. Chris graduated from Whitewater High School in 1984. Chris met her husband, Tim, while working at Wenninger in Milwaukee in 1988, and the two later married on September 30, 1989. Tim and Chris were married for exactly 34 years and ten months, and together they raised their daughter, Anna. … Read more
Read MoreJanet Irene Heckert, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 in Delavan, Wisconsin. Born on November 1, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Gladys and Henry Jansen. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Heckert and her brothers Sonny and Paul and sister Darlene. Janet was a graduate of Elkhorn High School in 1955. On October 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Heckert, at Elkhorn Baptist Church in their hometown of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Janet worked for many years as a seamstress, but her true passion was as a … Read more
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