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Today is Wednesday, June 17, 2026
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The City Market, having taken a brief break after the conclusion of the outdoor season, started its indoor season on November 8 at Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 9 a.m. to noon. The market typically features a variety of fresh and prepared food, handmade items, etc.
The Whitewater High School Student Council is proud to announce our first-ever Whitewater Cares Community Food Drive! The Whitewater community has a long-standing tradition of coming together to support one another in times of need, and this event embodies that spirit of generosity and care. All event details can be found on the attached flyer, and a link to sign up is also included below. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact cluebke@wwusd.org. We appreciate your support and look forward to making a positive impact together!
Sign-up link
Information provided by Chelsea Luebke
Whitewater High School Student Council Advisor
cluebke@wwusd.org
“The Lost Bus”
Tuesday, November 11, 1 pm
(Drama/History/Thriller)
Rated R (language); 2 hours, 9 minutes (2025).
A wayward school bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated schoolteacher (America Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from a terrifying inferno, the 2018 Camp Fire, in Paradise, CA, that state’s deadliest wildfire in history. A true story.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Updated 11/7/25 @ 8:55 p.m. to add to the editor’s note that the Trump administration has appealed to the Supreme Court the order to release SNAP funds, even though Wisconsin’s members have already received their funds if they were due.
FoodShare: News for Members
November FoodShare benefits update: Full benefits are now available
Full November FoodShare benefits are now available on all QUEST cards. FoodShare members can check their FoodShare balance by calling QUEST Card Services at 877-415-5164.
FoodShare members will get full benefits instead of partial benefits because of lawsuits brought against the federal government by Wisconsin and other states, municipalities, and nonprofits.
Updates about other state programs
- WIC benefits will be available throughout the month of November. You can continue to use your WIC benefits, attend WIC appointments, and do not need to take any action. Contact your local WIC agency with any questions.
- Other state programs like BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, and SeniorCare are not impacted by the shutdown. Members still have coverage to get the care and services they need. For updates, visit the Medicaid News page.
Changes to FoodShare work requirement start to take effect in Wisconsin
When the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ was signed into law in July, it included an expansion of the federal work requirement for some FoodShare members.
- It expanded the age range of members affected from 18-54, to 18-64.
- It added parents whose only children at home are 14 and older.
Your local agency will check if you need to meet the work requirement at your next interview. If you need to meet the work requirement, you will get a letter in the mail after your interview from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
Learn more about meeting the work requirement for FoodShare.
Editor’s note: This announcement is from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. FoodShare is the name for Wisconsin’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP]. Per the PBS Newshour on Friday evening, some states have still not released full SNAP funding to their recipients. According to this news release, Gov. Evers made an executive decision to release the funds on Thursday night. As of Friday evening, the Trump administration has appealed to the Supreme Court the lower court order requiring the release of SNAP funding. The president has indicated that states that issue SNAP funding “prematurely” will not be reimbursed by the federal government. Hopefully individual members could not be subject to having these funds recouped.
The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams wrapped up their season Wednesday evening with a celebration recognizing the athletes, their accomplishments, and the memories shared throughout the year. Team parent Sara Brautigam beautifully decorated the event, helping highlight just how special the sport of cross country truly is.
Major awards were presented to the following athletes:
- Most Valuable Runner: Virginia Nelson, Tyler Carollo
- Most Improved: Melody Smith, Ian Agen
- Heart and Soul: Delaney Hammack, Quinton O’Toole
- Jack Daniels Award: Quinton O’Toole
- Phyllis Sievert Award: Delaney Hammack
Congratulations to all Whippet runners on a great season!
Article and Photos Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
| Gov. Evers Appoints Samuel Berg to the Walworth County Circuit Court |
| Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Samuel Berg to the Walworth County Circuit Court – Branch 4. The appointment will fill the vacancy being created by Judge David M. Reddy’s retirement. Berg will complete a term ending July 31, 2027. “Samuel Berg’s breadth of experience and commitment to the local community are important qualities for any judge, and I look forward to him continuing to serve Walworth County,” said Gov. Evers. Since October 2024, Berg has been a senior associate at Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona in Lake Geneva. He handles a general practice, including civil litigation, criminal defense, probate and guardianship, personal injury, estate planning, real estate, contract review, and employment law. Previously, he spent four years as an assistant district attorney in the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant attorney general in the civil litigation unit of the Wisconsin Department of Justice and as a law clerk for Judge William C. Griesbach of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Green Bay. “Samuel Berg brings to the bench qualities every community hopes for in its judiciary—intelligence, patience, fairness, and an even temperament,” said Walworth County Circuit Court Judge David Reddy. “I am confident he will show respect for everyone who appears before him, and Walworth County will be well served by his leadership.” “Attorney Samuel Berg will serve Walworth County well as judge,” said Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld. “He is smart and has a tremendous work ethic. During his four years of service as an assistant district attorney, he handled a high-volume caseload and helped crime victims navigate the court system.” Berg grew up in Walworth County and lives in Williams Bay with his family. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Marquette University Law School. “I am very grateful to be able to serve as a judge in Walworth County,” said Berg. “As a judge, I will use my experience in federal, state, and local public service, and in private practice, to promote the common good, and I will be committed to justice, impartiality, and the protection of the rights of individuals and of our communities.” |
Editor’s note: This press release was received from the governor’s office.
Steve Watson writes, “Morning sunshine, full moon over Whitewater. The following info is copied from Google. ‘The November 2025 full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is a supermoon occurring on November 5, 2025, reaching peak illumination at 8:19 EST and appearing larger and brighter than usual. This is the closest supermoon of 2025 and is visible the night of the 5th as it rises, looking larger near the horizon due to the moon illusion.'”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for yet another beautiful photo.
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Whitewater Arts Alliance Annual Members’ Show—2025
Celebrate Community Creativity at the Whitewater Arts Alliance Members’ Show
| Exhibition Dates: November 6–December 20 Reception: Saturday, November 15, 1:00–4:00 p.m. Location: Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) invites everyone to its Annual Members’ Show, a celebration of local creativity and community connection. The exhibition runs from November 6 through December 20 at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater and features original artwork by WAA member artists. This annual tradition showcases the diverse talents of artists who support and shape the Alliance’s mission to promote the visual arts in Whitewater and beyond. Visitors will find a wide range of mediums—from painting and photography to fiber and mixed media—reflecting the unique perspectives and styles of each artist. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 1pm-4pm. All are welcome to attend. Guests can enjoy refreshments, meet the artists, and learn more about the stories behind the work. The reception offers a relaxed and welcoming time to connect with the creative community and explore the role of the arts in local life. The Members’ Show is one of the Alliance’s cornerstone events, highlighting the value of artistic collaboration and the importance of sustaining a vibrant arts culture in Whitewater |
| For more information, contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance Phone: 608-201-2151Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.comWebsite: whitewaterarts.org Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running. “20 Years Of Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!” |
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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