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Today is Wednesday, June 17, 2026
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The Walworth County Veterans Service Office is pleased to announce the launch of an interactive online database dedicated to honoring and preserving the history of veterans laid to rest in Walworth County. The database will go live on Veterans Day 2025 – Tuesday, November 11.
This dynamic tool offers a comprehensive platform for users to explore and connect with the past, providing an engaging way to pay tribute to over 6,500 military veterans. This user-friendly database is rich with features designed to enhance your exploration and understanding of these individuals’ contributions:
- Comprehensive search options: Easily locate veterans by filtering individual cemeteries or by war era and branch of service. This makes it simple for users to find specific veterans or discover new stories within the community.
- Visual connection: View detailed, close-up images of headstones and grave markers, offering a personal glimpse into the lives and legacies of our veterans.
- Inclusive access: With more than 6,500 veterans’ records, the database promises a complete and inclusive historical perspective, ensuring no story is left untold.
This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving the memory and honoring the service of the men and women who have served our country. It’s a heartfelt invitation to the community and beyond to engage with history in a meaningful way.
You can start your exploration on Veterans Day 2025 at www.co.walworth.wi.us/210/Veterans-Service-Office. Use the search filters to find specific veterans or explore different eras and branches. Please share your discoveries with family and friends to spread awareness and honor the legacy of these men and women who served our nation.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, educator, family member, or simply curious, this resource is designed to explore the rich tapestry of our nation’s history through the lens of those who served.
At approximately 6:38 AM on November 9th, 2025, Whitewater Fire/EMS was dispatched to a reported shed fire at N8434 Converse Road in the Town of Whitewater. Upon arrival, Engine 121 found the structure fully involved with fire and showing partial structural collapse. Crews initiated a defensive fire attack, containing the fire to the building of origin and protecting nearby exposures. The fire was brought under control without further incident. The shed was a total loss.
The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature and is not considered suspicious. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
Whitewater Fire/EMS was assisted on scene by the following agencies:
Lauderdale-LaGrange Engine
LaGrange Chief
Darien Tender
Walworth County Sheriff’s Department
Walton Enterprise Excavator
___________________________________________________________________________________________
At approximately 10:47 AM on November 6th, 2025, Whitewater Fire/EMS was dispatched to a reported barn fire located at 7248 Sturtevant Road in the Town of Lima. Battalion 12 and Engine 121 arrived on scene to find smoke and flames visible from the roof of a non-operational barn. Crews initiated a defensive fire attack, successfully limiting the fire to the roof area and preventing further spread throughout the structure. The fire was brought under control without incident.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an ember that ignited from an adjacent burn pile. The loss was limited to the roof area of the barn. The cause is not considered suspicious. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
Whitewater Fire/EMS was assisted on scene by the following agencies:
Lauderdale-LaGrange and Fort Atkinson Engine Companies
Jefferson Truck Company
Delavan, Elkhorn, and Lakeside Squad Companies
Janesville and Lake Geneva Ambulances
Chiefs from LaGrange, Jefferson, and Fort Atkinson
Rome and Sullivan Tender Companies
– Rock County Sheriff’s Department
Editor’s note: The above press releases were provided by the Whitewater Fire Department.
Catherine Crossman was a beloved teacher at UW-Whitewater and community member. The first art gallery on campus, located in Old Main, opened in 1967 and was named in her honor. After the Old Main Fire of 1970, the Crossman Art Gallery reopened in 1971 in the new Center of the Arts, a fitting location as she helped to design the building. The Crossman Gallery provides a space for students to display their work, in particular, the senior art students’ portfolios.
I am working with the curator of the gallery, looking for former colleagues or students who knew Catherine, or those who own her artwork including her weaving. The information and pictures I collect will become a part of materials that will be organized and donated to UWW for greater visibility of her accomplishments and legacy. Please don’t delay, call me, Ann Engelman 920-563-0416. I hope to speak to you or please leave a message.
On behalf of Catherine, thank you.
Community members are invited to a free Somatic Release program with local writer Katy Daixon Wimer on Thursday, November 13 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Through breathwork, movement, and journaling practices, reconnect with your body and the juicy, messy, radiant, challenging truth it might reveal so you can embrace the YOU underneath who the world told you to be.
This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. The program is free, but please register in advance at whitewaterlibrary.org/events as space is limited. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
This event is sponsored by the Whitewater Public Library. Note that due to library construction, this will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center at 341 S. Fremont St.
The Whitewater Public Library has resumed curbside pickup and printing services. The library’s parking lot is now open, including a pickup/drop off lane. Patrons may use this lane to pick up library holds or return materials.
Library patrons may place holds on books, movies, and other materials and pick them up at the library. Print jobs may be sent to the library’s printing email at library-printing@whitewater-wi.gov. When holds or print jobs become available, patrons must call or email the library in advance to schedule a time to pick up their items. Community members may also register for a library card anytime during curbside hours.
Hours for Curbside Services
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m-1:00 p.m.
The library building will be fully reopen on Monday, December 8.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Complete details, updates, online services, and the library events calendar can be found at whitewaterlibrary.org. Call the library at 262-473-0530 or email library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Whitewater Public Library.
Photos and story courtesy of Tom Ganser
A boatload of outstanding Whitewater High School Players, an amazing stage crew, and a talented band are preparing for an exciting voyage on the S. S. American during their production of the American musical “Anything Goes” in the James Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School on Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
About 30 minutes before the curtain opens photos from the three previous WHS musicals will be shown, including “Beauty & the Beast,” “Mean Girls,” and “White Christmas.”
“Anything Goes” is a classic musical by Cole Porter that debuted on Broadway in 1934, featuring a mix of romance, comedy, and memorable songs aboard an ocean liner. “Anything Goes” continues to be celebrated for its lively score and engaging story, making it a timeless piece in the musical theater repertoire. Its history reflects the evolution of American musicals and the enduring appeal of Cole Porter’s work.”
Don’t just pencil seeing a performance of “Anything Goes” on your “must do” calendar for November. Use INK!
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Kim Apel and Jessica Stein from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to present on utilizing Handshake to connect students and local businesses for job opportunities.
This event will take place on Thursday, November 13th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Kim Apel works in Career Services as the Technology & Employer Relations Coordinator and has worked at UW-Whitewater for 17 years. Kim coordinates the Warhawk Internship & Career Fair, manages Handshake and other technology platforms, supervises student employees, and oversees departmental marketing. She is dedicated to connecting students with employers so they can find meaningful on and off-campus jobs, internships, and jobs after graduation.
Jessica Stein is the Interim Director of Career Services at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she has worked for the past eight years. Throughout her career in higher education, Jessica has held a variety of roles in academic advising, admissions, orientation programming, and student retention at UW–Whitewater, UW–Milwaukee, the University of Maryland, and Florida State University. She is passionate about supporting students as they define their own vision of success and take meaningful steps toward achieving their goals.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 13th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about Handshake. 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, November 12th.
“We are ecstatic to have Kim and Jessica present on Handshake,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “The GWC is composed of many local business owners, so we hope to use the information presented as a chance to engage with students and create potential job opportunities.”
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
Roberta’s Art Gallery in partnership with UW Veterans Services is excited to invite you to “Fur, Feathers, and Fidelity: Military Mascots!”
“Fur, Feathers, and Fidelity: Military Mascots,” a traveling exhibit loaned from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and in partnership with UW-Whitewater Veteran Services honors the animals that have stood faithfully beside service members throughout history. From lions and monkeys to loyal dogs, military mascots have long served as symbols of pride, unity, and morale for troops across the world. This engaging exhibit explores the history of these remarkable companions, featuring mascots dating back to the Civil War and highlighting the deep connection between humans and animals in times of service and sacrifice. The exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 10 to Dec. 5.
A special reception will be held on Nov. 11 at 9:45 a.m. at Roberta’s Art Gallery., followed by UW-Whitewater’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Hamilton Room of the University Center. Light refreshments will be served at both events. Complimentary parking will be available for the events on the 11th and if you have any questions, call the gallery at (262)472-3193 or email ucart@uww.edu.
Visitors to the gallery on days other than November 11 would need to pay for parking. A permit is required to park in university lots during events that take place Monday – Thursday. The closest lots are 12 and 12A.
To purchase a permit, visit uww.aimsparking.com and follow these steps:
1. Select: Purchase UW-W Special Event Permits
2. Agree to Terms of Service
3. Select Event Type: CENTER OF THE ARTS
4. Select the event you are attending
5. Select Permit Type: EVENT GUEST
6. Dates will automatically fill in
7. Click Add Vehicle
8. Enter license plate, make, model and color vehicle; Click ADD
9. Follow the remaining prompts to complete registration process
NOTE: Your license plate is your permit; be sure to enter plate correctly to avoid tickets. Plates not entered correctly are subject to $5 tickets. Do not park in stalls with any type of sign. If you need to change your plate, call 262-472-1011 during business hours Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Obituaries
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
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
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