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Jarod Schut joins First Citizens State Bank

October 5, 2025
Jarod Schut


Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Jarod Schut, CFP®, CTFA has joined the Bank as Vice President – Trust & Investment officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Jarod has more than 10 years of experience in financial advising including 8 years specializing in Trust Administration, Financial and Estate Planning, and Fiduciary Investment Management. He graduated from UW-Whitewater with a BBA majoring in both Finance and Economics, and later an MBA with a Finance emphasis. He also received his Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) professional certification from the American Bankers Association (ABA) and holds the Series 7, 63, and 65 along with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP ® ) certification.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “Jarod’s commitment to craft solutions to our customers’ specific needs aligns perfectly with our mission to provide personalized service with professional recommendations. We are thrilled to have him on board heading up our Trust Department.”

Jarod enjoys going on family trips with his wife and two sons, having playground picnics, and playing pickleball. He is also a certified SCUBA diver.

Jarod commented, “I’m excited to bring my passion for helping clients understand their estate plan and investments, developing financial plans, and helping them achieve their future goals to such a historic institution with a focus on community. I enjoy getting to know clients and their families through listening and cultivating relationships.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

CC Runs Under the Lights at Nightfall Classic

October 5, 2025

The Whitewater Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Teams raced under the Friday night lights on October 3 at the Nightfall Classic in Green Lake, an event known for its unique atmosphere and large, competitive field. With strong Division 2 schools from across the state toeing the line, the meet provided both stiff competition and memorable racing opportunities.

Boys’ Varsity

Whitewater placed 11th overall with 281 points, led by freshman Tyler Carollo, who crossed the line in 18:58.9 for 31st place. He was followed by Wyatt Esch (55th, 20:09.9), Quinton O’Toole (63rd, 20:27.6), Marcus Roselle (65th, 20:34.2), and Isaiah Mendez (67th, 20:36.9) to complete the scoring five. Depth came from Angel Kilar (77th, 22:11.0), Carson Miller (87th, 23:54.5), Sam Nickelsburg (88th, 23:58.1), and Jameson Rothwell (131st, 25:07.0).

Head coach Chad Carstens was pleased with his team’s effort in the electric environment. “It’s always fun to run under the lights, and the kids really fed off the atmosphere tonight,” Carstens said. “Tyler continues to impress as a freshman, and our pack is showing signs of tightening up, which will be critical heading into the conference meet.”

Girls’ Varsity

Whitewater finished 12th with 307 points, led by sophomore Virginia Nelson, who ran a composed race to place 35th in 22:25.6. Teammate Delaney Hammack followed in 56th (24:05.9), with Ema Aranda (62nd, 24:24), Melody Smith (74th, 25:38.2), and Payton Brautigam (80th, 27:18.7) rounding out the scoring. Additional depth came from Noelia Villegas-Korbel (81st, 27:31.2) and Madelyn Taylor (82nd, 27:32.1).

Carstens highlighted the girls’ steady development. “Virginia set the tone for us again, and it was great to see Melody getting back to form after missing some meets due to injury,” he said.

The Nightfall Classic served as a valuable tune-up for Whitewater as they approach the postseason. With the Rock Valley Conference Championships on the 16th, the Whippets are focused on being the best they can be in the championship phase of their season.

Full results: https://my.raceresult.com/364682/results

Article and Photos Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

No. 9 UW-W Football Falls to No. 5 UW-La Crosse in Double Overtime; 2nd highest attendance ever on a D-III campus

October 4, 2025
A crowd of over 20,167 visited Perkins Stadium for Family Fest Saturday. (Dane Sheehan)

In front of another huge crowd at Perkins Stadium, the No. 9 Warhawk football team fell to No. 5 UW-La Crosse 23-20 in a double overtime thriller. The 2025 Family Fest attendance number announced in the third quarter — 20,167 — the second-highest attendance for a game played on a Division III campus in history. The Warhawks hold that record from Family Fest a season ago.

The game was a tale of two halves … UWW dominant in the first half and UWL dominant in the second. The Warhawks tallied 17 unanswered in through the first 30 minutes. The Eagles responded after the break in kind sending the battle between two titans into overtime. 

The stifling Warhawk defense set the tone early forcing a three-and-out in UWL’s first two possessions. The UWW offense opened the scoring in their second drive of the day. Noah Battle put the Warhawks on the board with a three-yard rush into the endzone to cap an 11-play, 64-yard drive that took over six minutes off the clock. Seth Adams hit the extra point for the 7-0 Warhawk lead. 

Both teams tallied takeaways in the second, but it was Ethan Gallagher’s interception that led to points for UWW. The Warhawks needed just two plays to find the endzone after the pick as Justin Klinkner took it up the middle for a six-yard TD run. Adams drilled the point after to extend the advantage to 14-0. 

The defense came up big again with another three-and-out to bring the UW-Whitewater offense back out with less than three minutes left before halftime. A nine-play, 37-yard drive ended in an Adams’ 45-yard field goal as UWW took the 17-0 lead into the intermission. 

In the third quarter, the Eagles capitalized on special teams. A low snap on a Warhawk punt was bobbled back into the endzone where a UW-La Crosse player recovered for the special team’s score. The point after sailed through the uprights to make it 17-7. 

UW-La Crosse pulled to within a touchdown with a field goal early in the fourth. The Eagles kicker hit from 43-yards out to make it a one-score game, 17-10, with just over 12 minutes remaining. 

Later in the fourth, on 2nd-and-4 near midfield, the Eagles’ quarterback rolled to the right and found a receiver at the 25. The wide out broke a tackle and headed for the endzone. The point after knotted the game 17-17 with less than three to play. 

Both defenses held, forcing punts and the Warhawks opted to kneel out the clock and send the game into overtime. 

UW-La Crosse had the first opportunity in overtime. The UWW defense held with a big play by Karsten Libby on 3rd-and-6. His quarterback hurry forced an incomplete pass. The Eagles’ kicking unit took the field and Michael Stack split the uprights from 38-yards out to give UWL a 20-17 advantage. 

On 3rd-and-9 in the Warhawks’ drive, Brian Stanton hauled in a pass but lost the ball after the catch. The ball rolled out of bounds and Adams came on for the kick. He hit from 37 to send the game into the second OT period. 

UW-Whitewater had the first opportunity in the second overtime. On 3rd-and-9, the Eagles got into the backfield for a strip sack and recovered the fumble to put the pressure on UWW’s defense. 

The Eagles gained seven yards on three straight runs to force 3rd-and-4 at the UWW19. Stack set and the kick sailed through the uprights for the win. 

Klinkner was 16-27 for 79 yards in the game. Stanton and Klinkner combined for 88 yards on the ground. Tyler Vasey was Klinkner’s top target with 52 yards on nine receptions. 

Defensively, Efrein Ramirez and Gallagher paced the UWW defense. Ramirez tallied 15 tackles while Gallagher registered 11 adding a tackle for a loss and an interception. Libby found his way into the backfield four times, hurrying the Eagles quarterback each time. 

UW-Whitewater heads to UW-Stevens Point next week. Kickoff at Community Stadium at Goerke Park is slated for 1 PM.

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Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of DNR Forester

October 4, 2025
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of DNR Forester Adam Zirbel 
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #276, ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 4, 2025, in honor of Adam Zirbel, who unexpectedly passed away in the course of his work as a forester at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, on Mon. Sept., 22, 2025, at the age of 48.

“Adam committed his life to preserving and protecting Wisconsin’s forestlands, and his sudden passing leaves behind a void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing, loving, and working alongside him,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I share our deepest condolences with Adam’s wife and kids, as well as his many loved ones, friends, and colleagues, as we join in paying our respects to Adam for his many years of dedicated service to the state.”

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Adam Zirbel earned his undergraduate degree in forest management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and proudly served as a forester and wildland firefighter for 24 years. Most recently, Zirbel served as senior forester at Kettle Moraine State Forest’s Northern Unit, one of the state’s stewardship demonstration forests, where he worked diligently to maintain the forest grounds and educate students, private landowners, and professional foresters on sustainable forest management and responsible stewardship. Zirbel helped plant millions of trees on the Northern Unit and was responsible for setting up timber sales to address forest health, storm damage, and hazard trees, and to promote forests into the future. An advocate for protecting and conserving Wisconsin’s natural resources, Zirbel was a member of various state incident management teams, responding to significant weather events such as large wildfires, floods, windstorms, and tornadoes. He also taught many DNR courses throughout his tenure with the agency and was instrumental in the development of many aspiring foresters, taking them on as part-time employees and providing them the mentorship, skills, and knowledge needed to be successful.  

Services for DNR Forester Zirbel will be held on Sat., Oct. 4, 2025, in DeForest and Middleton.

Editor’s note: Per MSN, Zirbel died from a lightning strike while working in the New Fane Trail area on September 22, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Library’s Building Project Heads into Final Stretch: December 8 Reopening Expected

October 3, 2025

New entrance from the parking lot [Binnie photos]

View of the new entry hallway, still being used for storage while construction proceeds
Irvin L. Young Memorial Wing nearing completion

The Whitewater Public Library’s Expansion & Renovation Project, which broke ground in October 2024, is heading into its final stretch. The updated timeline is as follows:

October 27-November 8: The library will be closed in order to move back into the renovated space.

November 10-December 6: Curbside pickup services, printing, and assistance via phone and email will be available as construction wraps up.

December 8: Projected reopening of the library building.

The expanded and renovated library adds an additional 4,400 square feet to the library’s space, including an expanded early learning area, a teen area, an expanded Makerspace, additional social seating areas, three additional study rooms, larger meeting rooms equipped with AV and a full kitchen, upgraded and accessible facilities, outdoor seating with expanded Wi-Fi, and more.

The library continues to offer events and programs off-site during construction. View the library’s calendar at whitewaterlibrary.org/events.

The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street. More information about the library can be found at whitewaterlibrary.org. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Public Library.

Culver’s Fundraiser Night Towards New Bus for Fairhaven Residents – Tuesday

October 3, 2025

Seniors in the Park Presents “Superman”

October 3, 2025

“Superman”

Tuesday, October 7, 1 pm

(Action/Adventure)

Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 9 minutes (2025).

The never-ending battle for truth, justice and the human way. Superman faces innumerable challenges including arch nemesis Lex Luthor, Kaiju, pocket universes, Kryptonite and a totalitarian dictator. All in a superhero’s day’s work! 

Mark Dorn will have “Super” treats for all.

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/

Clean Sweep Recycling Event Saturday

October 3, 2025

Time & Location for Walworth, Waukesha and Jefferson County Residents Only

Walworth County will host residential Clean Sweep household hazardous waste and electronics recycling events on October 4, 2025, at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn. No registration is required. 

On Saturday, October 4, from 8 a.m. to noon, residents may dispose of household hazardous waste [see guidelines below] plus electronics, TVs, and appliances. View a detailed list of acceptable electronics and appliances

Location: Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn

Fees

Household hazardous waste is free. Most electronics are free. 

The following items can be recycled for a fee (cash only):

  • TVs: $10 each 
  • Computer monitors: $5 each 
  • Mini fridges, small AC units, and dehumidifiers: $5 each 
  • Refrigerators and freezers: $10 each; all other appliances are free

 Reminders

  • All gas and oil must be removed from any appliance or equipment prior to drop off.
  • Bring cash for any items that require fees.
  • No broken glass or disassembled items will be accepted. 
  • No items containing wood (old speakers, for example).
  • No tires

Accepted Items and Fees

  • All TVs $10 each – cash only
  • Monitors: $5 each – cash only
  • All below electronics accepted free of charge. 
  • All of the following: Amplifiers, Appliances (Including microwaves, copy machines, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers), Bread Makers, Cables, Calculators, Camera Equipment, Car Batteries, CD Players, Cell Phones, Coffee   Makers, Computer Mice, Computer Towers, Controllers, Copiers (desktop), Cordless Phones, Curling  Irons, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, DVRs, Eight-Track Tape Players, Electronic Toys, Exercise Equipment, Fax Machines, Film Cameras, Flat Irons, Food Processors, Game Systems, Grills, GPS Devices, Hair Dryers, Hand-Held Devices, Headsets, Keyboards, Lab Equipment, Telephones (all types), Laptops, Lawn and Garden Equipment (all gas and oil must be removed from lawn mowers, etc., prior to drop off), Machinery, Medical Equipment, Microphones, Mixers, Modems, MP3 Players, Netbooks, Paper Shredders, Phone Systems, Power Cords, Power Tools, Printers (desktop), Rack Equipment, Record Player, Robotic Equipment, Rotary Phones, Routers, Satellite Phones, Satellite Receivers, Saws, Scanners (desktop), Servers, Sewing Machines, Shredders, Speakers, Tablets, Toasters, Treadmills, Turntables, Vacuum Cleaners.
  • Household hazardous waste 

      All gas and oil must be removed from any appliance or equipment prior to drop off.

  • Items containing Freon will be accepted at the rates listed below:  

               Mini Fridges/ Small AC Units/ Dehumidifiers: $5.00 cash only

               Refrigerators / Freezers: $10.00 cash only

What won’t be accepted?

  • No broken glass or disassembled items will be accepted. 
  • No items containing wood (old speakers, for example).
  • No tires

*Vendor reserves the right to refuse any items not listed above. 

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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