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Nature Writing Workshop at the Library

January 28, 2024

Do you love nature and writing? Join a small group of like-minded individuals to read and/or reconnect with, and then discuss, the best environmental literature of all time: representative excerpts from the likes of Thoreau, Burroughs, Muir, Leopold, Beston, Krutch, Eiseley, Carson, Abbey, Lopez, Kimmerer, and others. If participants have interest, we will also do a little nature writing, each of us creating a short personal narrative for group discussion.

The workshop series will be held at the Irvin L. Young Library’s Community Room every Thursday evening in February at 5:30 p.m. and will be led by Jim Nies – a retired educator, author of several children’s nature books, editor of an environmental lit anthology, and founding member of the Arboretum At Starin Park.

There is no cost, but registration is required. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org – events – registration forms or contact Sarah French to register at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater.

Free Concert by National Guard Band at UW-W [Updated: free parking]

January 28, 2024
132D Army Band Wisconsin National Guard 

Updated 1/30/24 @ 4:20 p.m. – Parking in the lot adjacent to the Greenhill Center for the Arts will be free for this event.

Join us for an evening of musical excellence as these talented musicians showcase their skill and dedication. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable musical event. Tues., 1/30,  7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Light Recital Hall (Greenhill Center of the Arts)

The 132D Army Band is made up of 37 Army Musicians hailing from all across the state of Wisconsin and beyond. These Soldiers are music teachers, students, and performers, as well as all manner of professionals in various fields, but they come together one weekend a month and two weeks a year to perform both high quality concerts and military ceremonies wherever the mission takes them. Not only does the unit combine to form large ensembles such as concert, ceremonial, and jazz band, but also brass and woodwind quintet and any other small ensembles the mission dictates or the unit desires. For their 2024 Winter Tour, the 132D will be performing in their newest musical project, Concert+Rock, combining the strengths and sounds of both our amplified and acoustic instrumentation.

WHS Forensics Kicks Off 2024 Season

January 28, 2024

The Whitewater High School Forensics Team kicked off the 2024 season on Saturday at the Polar Plunge Forensics Festival Hosted by Badger High School in Lake Geneva. Five students competed and earned awards across four different categories:

Makayla Bazeley (11) – Prose Reading

Carley Boudreau (11) – Informative/Demonstration Speech

Emilia Houwers (12) – Expository Speech

Marina Linos (12) – Informative/Demonstration Speech

Lauren Rollette (12) – Solo Serious Acting

Lauren Rollette, Marina Linos, Emilia Houwers, Makayla Bazeley, Carley Boudreau

The event was a great warm-up before the team begins competition in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) State Series at their Subdistrict Tournament at Fort Atkinson High School on February 20th. Students earning a certain number of points on their performances there will qualify for the District Tournament at Stoughton High School in March and the State Tournament at UW-Madison in April. Everyone involved had a lot of fun, and is excited to build on our early success!

Article and Photos Submitted by Elizabeth Miller
Whitewater High School Co-Forensics Coach
emiller@wwusd.org

Local Student Recognized by Edgewood College

January 28, 2024

Elizabeth Stanek of Whitewater has earned Semester Honors for the Fall 2023 semester at Edgewood College. Fulltime students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average for the semester are eligible for this honor.

About Edgewood College

Located in Madison, Wis., Edgewood College is a liberal arts Catholic college in the Dominican tradition. We serve approximately 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students. The College offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, and nursing, and doctoral degrees in educational leadership, nursing practice, and business administration.

Freezing Fog Possible Late Sunday Evening thru Early Monday

January 28, 2024

According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, fog and freezing fog is expected to develop late this evening over south central Wisconsin. Temperatures tonight will be colder with overnight lows in the mid to upper 20s.

League Book Club Announces Study of Poverty, by America

January 27, 2024

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will begin its 2024 Book Club with a study of Poverty, by America, by Matthew Desmond, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Do you wonder why the United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy? Desmond draws upon history, research and original reporting to argue that poverty in America persists because the
rest of us benefit from it. Please join us to investigate new ways of imagining solutions to a morally urgent problem and engage in how to usher in an age of shared prosperity.

Books have been reserved at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library for the group’s use during the study. Please ask at the front desk for a copy. Book Club discussions will be held at the library on the following Thursday evenings, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

February 22, Chapters 1 – 3
March 21, Chapters 4 – 6
April 18, Chapters 7 – 9

The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate. Please contact Deb Gamble (262-583-1946 or shebagam@gmail.com) for questions or further information.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Lozano and Huser, FCCU, Earn Financial Counseling Certification

January 27, 2024
Kendra Lozano
Theresa Huser


Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is pleased to announce Kendra Lozano, Member Service Representative, and Theresa Huser, Consumer Loan Officer, have earned their designation of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC).

This certification requires participants to complete the Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) offered by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The program involves self-study, webinars, and rigorous testing with the aim to identify financial challenges and provide effective intervention not typically offered by for-profit financial institutions.

Lozano and Huser join FCCU’s team of Financial Coaches whose mission is to help members identify goals, raise their credit score to qualify for better rates, reduce loan delinquencies, and improve their overall financial wellbeing. Lozano is bilingual and will utilize her Spanish communication skills to assist and advocate for those in the Hispanic community.

“Kendra and Theresa were the perfect candidates for the FiCEP program and are committed to helping members gain control of their financial future,” said Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development at FCCU. “Our entire financial coaching team is dedicated to helping members transform their lives and ensure financial well-being for all.”

Individuals with the CCUFC designation are required to recertify every three years to ensure their financial counseling knowledge is current. Members interested in receiving free financial coaching can request an appointment by emailing financialcoaches@fortcommunity.com

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $339 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

This Week’s City Meetings (Updated)

January 27, 2024

Updated 1/28/24 @ 8:00 p.m. to provide details of the CDA meeting.

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Special Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Closed session, to be followed by open session – discussion regarding the resignation of the Economic Development Director
Whitewater Municipal Building Council Chambers,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83688246954?pwd=LVBI54kl-TrsjidK2Pe4l-Mi5V7AYg.S7kDQ-G5qX-5iPsM
Passcode: 264268
Or Telephone:
Dial: 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 836 8824 6954
Passcode: 264268

City of Whitewater Ethics Committee Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: Closed session Items to be discussed: Consider complaints against elected officials; May re-enter open session at the same place thereafter to act on such matters discussed therein as it deems appropriate.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83773150974?pwd=XQN0MAk3BjZ01oMA9ldLdLvXMFjn8g.zHzIaEt32XxXnXSl
Passcode: 195569
Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 837 7315 0974
Passcode: 195569

Back to calendar

Obituaries

Obituary: Janet Irene Heckert, 87

Janet 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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Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78

Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78 Fred was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on October 23, 1945, son of Chester and Elva (Klug) Traxler. He was born to eternal life at Ascension St. Francis Place in Milwaukee on June 1, 2024. Fred was a 1964 graduate of Whitewater High School. In his younger days Fred enjoyed bowling and polka dancing–and was very good at both. He was very competitive, especially when pitching horseshoes with his Dad, brothers, and cousin Sid. He was always ready for a card game, and was also a big fan of the Packers and Brewers. Fred is preceded … Read more

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Obituary: Harry Oliver Dempsey, 80

Harry Oliver Dempsey passed away peacefully and among family in Elkhorn, WI on July 24, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944 to William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey, Harry grew up on the family farm in Whitewater. In his younger years, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion that he later passed on to his own children. All his life he could often be found in his shop, building or fixing something – from a child’s toy to lawn mowers, cars, and tractors. His passion for self-sufficiency extended to his large garden whose abundance he happily … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement.  As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy.  Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more

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