Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Over $10,000 has been awarded to the following local organizations through the Whitewater Community Foundation’s (WCF) Community Action Grant program: Fairhaven Senior Services, Impact Team Trinity, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Children’s Center, Whitewater Makers Inc., and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.
“We were thrilled to distribute more than $10,000 to several organizations doing work to benefit the Whitewater community. Making a difference in the lives of our residents is our key purpose,” said Virginia Coburn, Chair of the Community Action Grant committee for the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Following is more information about each grant:
Fairhaven Senior Services was granted $2,500 for batteries to recharge Cycling Without Age Trishaw Rides. Each summer, volunteers spend hours bicycling around town with residents of Fairhaven enjoying the ride.
Front: Kat Mawhinney (WCF Co-president), Therese Kennedy (WCF Co-president), Brian Robinson (Fairhaven) Rear: Virginia Coburn (WCF CAG Committee Chair), Geoff Hale (WCF Board)
Impact Team Trinity (formerly W3) was granted $368.49 to purchase youth mental health books for each school library and the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.
Geoff Hale (WCF Board), Virginia Coburn (WCF CAG Committee Chair), Therese Kennedy (WCF Co-president), Beth Nickels (Impact Team Trinity), Kat Mawhinney (WCF Co-president)
Irvin L Young Memorial Library was granted $4,500 for a computer to help young library visitors and their parents with the AWE literacy and reading readiness program in English and Spanish.
Virginia Coburn (WCF CAG Committee Chair), Kat Mawhinney (WCF Co-president), Therese Kennedy (WCF Co-president), Diane Jaroch (ILY Library), Geoff Hale (WCF Board)
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Children’s Center was granted $1,000 to purchase Born Learning Trail Signs for a city park. The Born Learning Campaign provides caregivers and children with fun, free, bi-lingual, interactive activities to promote literacy and math in an outdoor setting.
Geoff Hale (WCF Board), Chelsea Newman (UWW Children’s Center), Virginia Coburn (WCF CAG Committee Chair), Jennalee Johnson (UWW Children’s Center)
Whitewater Makers Inc. was granted $500 to purchase supplies and to repair their printer and laser cutter/engraver.
Geoff Hale (WCF Board), Therese Kennedy (WCF Co-president), Al Jewer (WI Makers), Virginia Coburn (WCF CAG Committee Chair)
Whitewater Youth Soccer Club was granted $1,500 to purchase soccer goals for the players who are under 8 years old.
Kat Mawhinney (WCF Co-president), Tony Aranda (Whitewater Youth Soccer), Virginia Coburn (WCF CAG Committee Chair)
Twice a year, the WCF offers Community Action Grants for projects that the community and board of directors believe are worthwhile and beneficial to various segments of the population. Grant proposals are due on April 30th and October 31st of each year.
“The Foundation remains committed to funding projects that foster community engagement. We encourage more local organizations to apply for our upcoming grants and continue making a positive impact,” said Coburn.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”
Classic cars on display at Lakeland Health Care Center’s 2024 Lugnuts and Donuts Car Show
Revving Up Joy: Lakeland Health Care Center Hosts4th Annual Lugnuts & Donuts Classic Car Show
Lakeland Health Care Center (LHCC), a skilled nursing facility operated by Walworth County, will host its Fourth-Annual Lugnuts & Donuts classic car show on Wednesday, June 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.
“Providing engaging community activities is essential to our residents’ morale and well-being,” says Lakeland Health Care Center Administrator Denise Johnson. “For many, classic cars evoke fond memories of their youth and spark a deep sense of joy.”
Local gearheads will show off their classic rides and sports cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other motorized vehicles in LHCC’s front driveway. Donuts are provided. The residents will choose a first-place prize. The rain date is Wednesday, June 25.
Anyone interested in entering their classic ride in the show should contact the Lakeland Health Care Center Recreation Department at (262) 741-3677.
Lakeland Health Care Center is located at 1922 County Road NN, Elkhorn. Learn more about Lakeland Health Care Center at www.co.walworth.wi.us/260/Lakeland-Health-Care-Center.4th Annual Lugnuts & Donuts Classic Car Show
Beto Patino Luna, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was recently announced as one of 441 recipients nationwide of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences and engineering.
“It’s the most prestigious scholarship for undergraduates nationwide,” said Juk Bhattacharyya, a professor of geography, geology, and environmental science at UW-Whitewater and one of Patino Luna’s faculty mentors for the scholarship. “There are three people from Yale, three people from UW-Madison … and one from UW-Whitewater.
“Warhawks are the best people they can be, and Beto is a good example of that.”
One of eight students from Wisconsin to collect the scholarship, Patino Luna intends to pursue a Ph.D. in geophysics focused on rock rheology — the study of the deformation and flow of matter — and conduct research at a national laboratory, advancing numerical models to forecast volcanic hazards including eruptions and flank collapse.
Patino Luna, who is highly engaged in undergraduate research at UW-Whitewater, was encouraged to apply for the award by Bhattacharyya. He worked through the application process during the summer and submitted his application in January.
Patino Luna said completing the application helped him refine his knowledge of the research he is conducting and think more deeply about what he wants to do for his career.
“I was excited. Even just going through the application was a great joy,” he said. “Receiving that notification (of selection) was the cherry on top.”
Beto Patino Luna, a geography and physics major from Janesville, presents his research poster for a video team. UW-Whitewater students from the Whitewater and Janesville campuses presented their undergraduate research projects at the Universities of Wisconsin Research in the Rotunda at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
A first-generation college student, Patino Luna worked as a welder in high school before deciding to attend college to find his passion. He visited campus in June 2022 and decided to enroll that fall.
Patino Luna was a part of the King/Chávez Scholars Program during his first year on campus. He contacted Bhattacharyya about being a part of her research when she presented to the group in the week leading up to the first day of classes and joined her lab that same week.
He immediately found success in research, presenting “Physical modeling with sand and water to simulate landslide conditions using Raspberry Pi to predict slope failure” at Undergraduate Research Day that spring. He earned the Outstanding Poster in Physical Science award for the project.
“Beto is like a sponge,” Bhattacharyya said. “When knowledge is involved, he soaks up anything people can throw at him, and he wants more.”
Beto Patino Luna, a geography and physics major from Janesville, presents his research on sensors to an audience in a three-minute pitch during the WiSys Quick Pitch Competition at the University Center on Thursday, March 21, 2024, as part of Spring Undergraduate Research Day. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
In 2023-24, Patino Luna continued with research in landslide detection and slope failure, presenting at the WiSys Quick Pitch competition. Later that spring, he earned the Travel Study Award scholarship from the University Honors Program, setting up his participation in an eight-day travel study course in Iceland with Bhattacharyya and Ozgur Yavuzcetin, professor of physics and also a faculty mentor for the Goldwater Scholarship.
“It’s a completely different culture, so it really broadens your perspective,” Patino Luna said. “I think that was really important, and it helped me become certain that I wanted to pursue a career in research.”
Patino Luna was one of 10 recipients nationwide of the 2024 American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) Undergraduate Scholarship. Last summer, he worked with Tushar Mittal, Raphael Affinito, and Christelle Wauthier of Penn State University’s Department of Geosciences on rock deformation, using his skills in physics and mathematics to conduct research. Mittal authored one of Patino Luna’s letters of recommendation.
In the fall, Patino Luna was part of a visit by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to Upham Hall’s STEM lab. He is also a McNair Scholar for his work in undergraduate research.
Ozgur Yavuzcetin, professor of physics, Governor Tony Evers and State Senator Mark Spreitzer check out the STEM lab in Upham Hall. Beto Patino Luna, far right in purple, talks with the group. Gov. Evers visited the UW-Whitewater campus on Sept. 18, 2024. (UW-Whitewater Photo/Kyle Winter)
“Beto is a go-getter,” Yavuzcetin said. “If he wants to do something, he’ll do it. There’s nothing difficult for him.”
Patino Luna’s friendly demeanor and positive attitude match his hunger to learn.
“He’s always smiling,” Yavuzcetin said. “When he’s working or learning something, he’s always trying to talk to his professors, trying to learn something new and asking them questions. He has lots of interests … he’s like a kid in a candy store.”
This summer, Patino Luna will be working at the University of California, Santa Barbara through the U.S. National Sciences Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates, which includes numerous opportunities available to college students. He’ll work with devices consisting of stacked single atomic layers from synthetically grown materials — think small Legos stacked on top of each other — that allow for the study of quantum phenomena that can be implemented in new technologies.
Friends and student honorees at Founders Day are Beto Patino Luna, left, and Brian Michael. Beto is double-majoring in geography and physics. Brian will graduate next month with a degree in media arts and game development. Alumni and current student honorees were the focus of the annual Founders Day celebration in the Hamilton Room on Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
He values the relationships he’s built in his coursework, through undergraduate research, and through all his opportunities at UW-Whitewater.
“I am who I am because of my mentors and my peers — both of them are really important to my development,” said Patino Luna, who is slated to graduate in May 2027. “They are really hard workers who motivate me to keep working and keep pushing.”
The Goldwater Scholarship honors former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater and was designed to identify, encourage, and financially support outstanding undergraduate students interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state. Donations are especially appreciated during the summer, when the blood supply is often low.
Donors will be offered four free Mt. Olympus passes while supplies last. We are seeking clarification on the details, but last time the pass was for the water park, with $6 additional for entering the theme park. Also, the passes were only good through July 1. We’ll update this announcement if further details are available.
Appointments are greatly appreciated, though walk-ins are welcome as time permits. Reserve your spot at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Irvin L. Young Library.
The Library Board will consider a proposal to change the name of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library to Whitewater Public Library in its monthly meeting on June 16.
Jim Winship, who had been a longtime Library Board member and served as Chair of the library’s successful Capital Campaign, is making this proposal. He states: “Thanks to the City of Whitewater and the generosity of a large number of Whitewater area residents, we are completing a building project which increases the library size by 4400 sq. ft. and transforms the building. When the construction and renovation is complete, the library will have an expanded early learning wing, a new teen area, a larger Makerspace, additional collaboration spaces, outdoor event space, and greater accessibility. The name Whitewater Public Library, which is the way many people now refer to the library, best suits our library.”
The Library Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on June 16 in the Cravath Lakefront Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the City of Whitewater’s Municipal Building, located at 312 W. Whitewater Street. Individuals wishing to speak to the proposal are welcome to attend the meeting.
Editor’s note: Irvin L. Young was born in 1897 in Milwaukee. He was an alumnus of Lake Forest College of Lake Forest, IL and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. In 1940 he started the Snow Valley plant of Young Engineering in Palmyra. In 1954 he married Fern Drummond Jones of Chicago and established a home in his farm in the Palmyra area as well as retaining the Chicago home. Per his obituary, “He dedicated his life and income to the Irvin L. Young Foundation, a charitable foundation concerned mainly with the support of medical missionary work in Africa working through the board of 15 different denominations….Untold thousands of lives have been affected by the life and work of this one man.” Fern Young died in 2002. The Irvin L. Young Foundation made donations from its remaining assets of approximately $670,000 in 2019 and it was dissolved effective November 1, 2020.
The Whitewater Banner asked Library Director Diane Jaroch if she knew whether there were any stipulations connected to the foundation’s donation specifying how long the library was required to be named after Young. Jaroch replied, “I did do research before this idea was proposed, and there is nothing in the paperwork stating that we cannot change the name of the library. I also consulted with Stacey Lunsford, the former Director. I plan to present the board with information on the history of the naming rights in their June board packet, so they will have all of the pertinent information they need before the June 16 board meeting.”
Local historian Carol Cartwright indicated that newspaper articles from 1987 and 1989 reported that the Young foundation gave $500,000 toward the library with the stipulation that it be named after Irvin Young. She stated that nothing was said about the duration of the naming. Taking inflation into account, today’s value of that donation would be approximately $1,300,000. The library opened in 1991, so it has carried the Young name for 34 years. The Young Auditorium, which opened on the UW-Whitewater campus in 1993, was also constructed with donations that included significant assistance from the Young foundation.
The approximate $6 million addition and renovation currently underway is being funded by over $2,300,000 in donations, library reserves of $840,000 and a $3,000,000 commitment from the city.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is a member of the Bridges Library system of Jefferson and Waukesha Counties. The other libraries in the system are named as follows:
Discover, taste and support Wisconsin’s signature industry at the 48th Annual Walworth County Farm Bureau Dairy Breakfast on Saturday, June 14 from 7 to 11 am at JC-Kow Farms in Whitewater. JC-Kow Farms – owned and operated by the Kollwelter family – is located at W7522 Bluff Road, Whitewater. Whether you’re a lifelong dairy lover or new to farm-fresh experiences, the Kollwelter family invites you to come learn more about the people, products and passion that fuel the state’s $52.8 billion dairy industry.
Breakfast will include scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, cheese, milk and ice cream. The Walworth County Dairy Promotion Committee will also be selling charcuterie cups featuring local cheese, meat and strawberries. There will be farm tours, animal displays, a scavenger hunt and other activities for families to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased at the event – $10 for adults, $5 for children, under 5 eat for free. Parking will be located east of the farm with shuttles running to and from the farm. Parking for those with disabilities will be available on the farm. The event will be held rain or shine.
TROY, AL– Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI, graduated from Troy University during the Spring Semester/Term 4 of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Grosinske graduated with a Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science – Pre-Health Prof.
About Troy University
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host Walworth County Historical Society board of directors’ member and Whitewater Landmarks Commission Chairman, Pat Blackmer, as a guest speaker at the upcoming June GWC meeting.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Walworth County Historical Society board of directors’ member and Whitewater Landmarks Commission Chairman, Pat Blackmer, at the upcoming June meeting. Pat Blackmer will be presenting on the Historic Water Tower in Starin Park.
This event will take place on Thursday, June 12th at 7:00 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 W Main St, Room 128, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Pat Blackmer is a fifth-generation resident of Walworth County who was born in the city of Whitewater. She completed college with a degree in education from UW-Whitewater and an M.S. degree from Illinois State University. Her teaching career included UW-Whitewater and the Wisconsin School for the Deaf.
Blackmer is active in several lineal and historical societies and is a weekly volunteer at the Walworth County Historical Society and a member of the board of directors. She has been an active preservationist all of her life with memberships in the National Historic Preservation Trust, Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation, and the Whitewater Landmarks Commission of which she is the current chairman. She was honored in 2024 when she received the first City of Whitewater Historic Preservation Award.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 12th at 7 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 W Main St, Room 128, The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about the Walworth County Historical Society. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, June 11th.
“We are very thrilled to have Pat Blackmer present at this upcoming meeting,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We look forward to hearing updates about the Historic Water Tower in Starin Park.”
Saturday marked the final time that Traysen Thomason and Jack Hefty would don the Whippet jersey in high school competition. Both seniors have already achieved remarkable accomplishments in their careers, but they arrived at the state meet with unfinished business—and they delivered in dramatic fashion.
L-R Head Coach Tori Miller, Jack Hefty, Coach Carstens, Coach Green, Traysen Thomason, and Coach Wilson
Traysen Thomason – A Sprinter’s Dream Realized
Traysen was first up, with the 100-meter dash—arguably the most electrifying event in track and field—scheduled early in the day. With nearly 10,000 spectators packed in and the atmosphere electric, a rare hush fell over the crowd as the Division 2 finalists settled into their blocks. Traysen, reflecting on his mindset beforehand, said, “I simply wanted to put all the pieces together into this 100m final. All the things I’ve learned in my journey, and apply them here and now.”
He did exactly that. Launching from the blocks like a cannon, Traysen surged to an early lead, powering down the straightaway. His biggest threat came from a familiar foe—Ryan Walther of Delavan-Darien. As they barreled toward the finish, it came down to a lean at the line. The stadium collectively held its breath.
And then—it happened. Traysen Thomason’s name flashed first on the scoreboard.
With a scream of triumph and every muscle fiber bursting with adrenaline, Traysen celebrated becoming the first 100m state champion in Whitewater High School history. His winning time of 10.82 seconds edged out Walther by just two hundredths of a second.
Later that afternoon, Traysen returned for the 200-meter final, motivated by two goals: to reach the podium and break the school record he shared with Larry Gnatzig. With one final burst of brilliance down the home stretch, he achieved both. Traysen finished in third place with a new personal best and school record time of 21.97 seconds. An electrifying meet for Traysen.
He closed his high school career with three state podium finishes—including a state title in the 100m, a 4th-place finish in 2024, and now a bronze in the 200m. He holds school records in both sprint events and will continue his running career at UW-Whitewater this fall.
As is tradition, at 10:30 PM on Saturday in the auxiliary gym of Whitewater High School, Traysen was able to participate in the ceremonial ‘record-breaking ceremony’ as he now owns that mark.
Jack Hefty – Capping Off a Storied Career
Soon after Traysen’s 200, Jack Hefty laced up for the final race of his high school career—the 3200 meters. With a loaded field and a fast early pace set by Declan Gregg (Aquinas) and Isaac Ewing (McFarland), Jack played it smart. He bided his time in eighth through the opening 400m, then steadily climbed the field.
By the 1600m mark, he had moved into third, only 1.5 seconds off the lead. Though the front-runners surged again with 800 to go, Jack fought to stay in contact and dig deep one final time. As the bell lap sounded, he battled not just for position—but for pride—and held on for a 6th-place finish in 9:22.09, the second-fastest 3200 of his career.
This race capped an incredible legacy. Jack leaves Whitewater High School with five state podium finishes over four years:
Freshman Year: 7th in the 3200m
Sophomore Year: State Champion in the 1600m
Junior Year: Repeat Champion in the 1600m, 3rd in the 4x400m relay
Senior Year: Three-peat in the 1600m, and a podium finish in the 3200m
He holds school records in both the 1600m and 3200m, with the third-fastest 4×400 team and second-fastest 800 time in school history. This fall, Jack will take his talents to the United States Naval Academy in Maryland, where he will compete for both the cross country and track & field teams.
Collectively, they scored 29 points, placing 4th overall as a team.
As Traysen and Jack sprinted and surged through their final races in Whippet uniforms, they weren’t just chasing medals—they were etching their names into Whitewater history. Their drive, talent, and leadership will be felt for years to come. From school records to state titles, from roar-of-the-crowd finishes to quiet moments of reflection, these two athletes have shown what it means to represent their school with excellence. The next chapter awaits—but their legacy is already set in stone.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Chad Carstens Whitewater High School Assistant Track and Field Coach ccarstens@wwusd.org
Local Student Named to Westminster College’s Spring 2025 Dean’s List
NEW WILMINGTON, PA – Amber Krebs of Whitewater, Wis., was among 364 students named to the Westminster College’s Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester.
Krebs, majoring in psychology, is a graduate of Whitewater High School. The student also graduated from Westminster College in May.
The Westminster College Dean’s List recognizes full-time undergraduate students who achieved a 3.6 grade point average or higher in a minimum of 12 semester hours during the spring semester.
About Westminster College: Westminster College is nationally known for its collaborative environment, outstanding experiential learning programs, focus on student success, and the effort invested in making higher education affordable and attainable to all students. Established in 1852, Westminster is proud to be the first college in the country open to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex or religion from its founding charter by the Presbyterian Church (USA).
