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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Yovani Ramirez Mendoza, 28, of 600 E. North Street, was charged with three counts of manufacture/deliver cocaine (15-40g) and three counts of bail jumping. All were charged as felonies.
Anner Amilkar Bustamante Talavera, 30, of 645 E. North Street, was charged with Manufacture/Deliver cocaine (1-5g) with a modifier as a party to a crime, Manufacture/Deliver cocaine (5-15g) with a modifier as a party to a crime, two counts of forgery/uttering, and Maintain a Drug Trafficking Place. All were charged as felonies.
Editor’s notes: The above information is taken from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website.
It is a cardinal principle of our system of justice that every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent unless and until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Whippets swam well at the Southern Lakes Conference Championship Meet on Saturday, November 11th at Beloit Memorial! The girls placed 7th overall as a team, picking up several PRs and Top 16 finishes!
The first half of the meet didn’t start quite the way the ladies had hoped, but after the nerves settled, they came back with confidence and energy — finishing the second half of the meet strong and having a lot of fun along the way!
Meet Highlights – Top 16 Finishes:
- 200 Medley Relay A – 12th place, 2:25.06
Grace Coleman, Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Emma Maas (Grace led off with a strong 39.14 backstroke split!) - 200 Medley Relay B – 14th place, 2:39.15
Georgia Esch, Maya Davis, Jalayne Hanson, and Laken DePorter (Georgia posted a great 41.87 backstroke split!) - 200 IM – 10th place, 2:46.76 – Maggie Maas
- 100 Freestyle – 16th place, 1:08.37 – Grace Smith
- 500 Freestyle – 15th place, 6:49.20 (PR) – Lucy Davis
- 200 Freestyle Relay A – 10th place, 2:01.74
Maggie Maas, Grace Coleman, Emma Maas, and Grace Smith
(Maggie led with a 29.49; Grace Smith closed with a 30.13) - 200 Freestyle Relay B – 16th place, 2:20.90
Storm DePorter, Maya Davis, Caitlin Alford, and Laken DePorter
(Caitlin clocked her best relay split – 37.28!) - 100 Backstroke – 11th place, 1:14.63 – Maggie Maas
- 100 Breaststroke – 13th place, 1:27.86 (PR) – Atreya Wilson
- 400 Freestyle Relay A – 8th place, 4:30.83
Grace Smith, Lucy Davis, Atreya Wilson, and Maggie Maas
(Lucy 1:08.41 split; Maggie anchored fast with a 1:03.42!) - 400 Freestyle Relay B – 13th place, 5:15.54
Storm DePorter, Laken DePorter, Paige Kollwelter, and Georgia Esch
Individual Highlights & Personal Records:
- Grace Coleman – Best time in the 200 Freestyle (2:37.43) and 4-second drop in the 100 Backstroke (1:25.09)
- Georgia Esch – Best times in both the 200 Freestyle (2:53.21) and 100 Backstroke (1:34.14)
- Atreya Wilson – Dropped 3 seconds in the 100 Freestyle (1:09.61) and set a PR in the 100 Breast (1:27.86)
- Storm DePorter – Dropped 3 seconds in the 100 Freestyle (1:13.65)
- Paige Kollwelter – Dropped time in the 100 Freestyle (1:20.93)
- Lucy Davis – Lifetime best in the 500 Freestyle (6:49.20)
- Maya Davis – Time drop in the 100 Breaststroke (1:33.93)
- Maggie Maas – Top-10 finish in the 200 IM and strong 100 Back time (1:14.63)
Next up —WIAA Sectionals! The Whippets will be back in action on Saturday, November 15th at Sauk Prairie. Swimming starts at 1 pm. Let’s keep the momentum going — Go Whippets! 
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 a.m. In 2022 the U.S. Senate approved a bill known as the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. But the legislation stalled in the House, as there was debate about whether to make standard or daylight time permanent. The bipartisan bill continues to be promoted, but it still hasn’t been passed. Even this past week an effort, endorsed by President Trump, was made to pass such a bill by unanimous consent in the Senate, but Tom Cotton of Arkansas blocked the bill. Cotton stated “If permanent Daylight Savings Time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans…For many Arkansans, permanent daylight savings time would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 8:00 or even 8:30 am during the dead of winter,” Cotton continued. “The darkness of permanent savings time would be especially harmful for school children and working Americans.”
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety reminders to help you prepare for an emergency.
Check household safety items
o Smoke detectors
o Carbon monoxide detectors
o Furnaces
o Wood burning stoves
o Fire extinguishers
Create or update emergency kits for home
and vehicle(s)
o Swap summer items for winter items
o Restock and check expiration dates
• Batteries
• Food
• First aid supplies
For more emergency preparedness tips, visit https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also
follow Ready Wisconsin on Facebook and Twitter.
UW-Whitewater is joining a national celebration of first-generation students in higher education to highlight the more than 4,300 students on its Whitewater and Rock County campuses who are the first in their families to earn a university degree.
National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, 2025, shines a light on the unique strengths and needs of these students — who often lack the knowledge, support, and financial resources that students whose parents earned a degree can tap into — and the many faculty and staff who support them in their quest to be first-gen bold.
At UW-Whitewater, where 35% of the students on the Whitewater campus and 58% on the Rock County campus are first-generation, faculty and staff understand those challenges and celebrate those students — because many were first-gen themselves.
First-Gen Celebration Reception
All are welcome to join us at noon outside of Roberta’s Art Gallery in the University Center on Monday, Nov. 3, as we kick off National First-Generation College Celebration week with a reception, exhibit, and remarks.
Listen to a brief program that includes Chancellor Corey A. King and other first-gen Warhawks from 12-12:30, and enjoy light refreshments and the exhibit, which showcases portraits of first-gen students, faculty, staff, and alumni taken by photographer Craig Schreiner.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is hosting this community hearing which will be led by the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition. Registration is appreciated; scan the above QR code or click here and choose “Take Action” and “Fair Maps Community Hearings.”
A workshop on both needle and wet felting will take place Monday, Nov. 3, in Whitewater. It is set for 5 to 8 p.m. at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St.
The fee is $20, materials included. Payment may be made at the class. Register by calling instructor Leani Schoor at (608) 421-4078 or emailing her at leanischoor@gmail.com. Having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Schoor taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years.
The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, she teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting. Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace or community workshop. For more
information, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.
The City of Whitewater would like to remind everyone that winter parking hours go into effect on November 1, 2025. [That means it goes into effect on Saturday at 2 a.m.]
Effective Dates: November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Key Rule:
🚫 No parking allowed on any City of Whitewater street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Exceptions:
🚑 Physicians/surgeons on emergency call
🅿️ Downtown parking is allowed after 5:00 a.m.
✅ Special permission may be granted in advance by the Public Works Director
Penalties:
Violators will be subject to fines and enforcement under Municipal Code Sections
11.56.010(4) & (5).
Roy Quickel writes, “My name is Roy “Flexxington” Quickel, I’m a Whitewater local, and I wanted to share something special I created this Halloween — a modern video reimagining of Monster Mash, made entirely as a passion project.
Ever since I was a kid, Monster Mash was the song that meant Halloween in our house. It played every October, and it stuck with me all these years. When I looked online recently, I couldn’t find any video that captured the spirit, or really any besides an old cartoon video released by the creator Bobby Pickett — so I decided to make my own.
Every monster and singer in this video is actually me performing behind the scenes — I used AI overlays to transform my own movements into each character, blending classic nostalgia with new creative tech. It’s not monetized, just something made from the heart to celebrate Halloween and the creativity it inspires. It’s a fun example of how local creators are using new tools to bring timeless classics to life again.
You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/HbqG2irUC2g
Our thanks to Roy “Flexxington” Quickel for sharing this fun video for Halloween.
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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