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Written by Lynn Binnie
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The fulfillment of Reese Brantmeier’s dream of renovating and reopening the tennis courts located on the edge of the Washington Elementary School grounds was celebrated in a grand opening on July 12. Approximately 100 people were in attendance at the dedication, including three of her tennis coaches from North Carolina. One of the coaches remarked that he could see the courts from almost a mile away, as they are painted in “Carolina blue!”
Brantmeier remarked on how the tennis courts at Washington were the initial impetus for her love of tennis. She already competed in the U.S. Open in her junior year of high school. Her hope in rejuvenating the Washington courts was that other children will come to love the sport. She had indicated on the project’s website: “These courts and subsequent programming will introduce local children and families of all skill levels, ages, and identities to the joys and opportunities of this life-long sport. These courts would directly increase physical activity rates, cardiovascular fitness, and overall long-term health by promoting non-sedentary habits.” The library now has racquets and balls available to check out.
Additional donations still needed
Brantmeier’s project is partnered with the Patrick W. Ryan Memorial Tennis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to promoting tennis in Southeastern Wisconsin. Her fundraising efforts were successful in garnering donations not only from the Whitewater area, but from North Carolina and other parts of the U.S., not to mention international contributions including from New Zealand. The total as of the grand opening was nearly $160,000.
According to the project website, the goal is still $200,000 with $161,768.98 having been raised. That leaves the hope of receiving an additional $37,604.02, or $17,604.02 if no lighting is installed. The remainder is needed to establish an endowment that will ensure that the courts are properly maintained for the foreseeable future. Contributions may be made online through the Patrick W. Ryan Memorial Tennis Foundation or by mail c/o Ryan Incorporated Central, 2700 E. Racine Street, Janesville, WI 53545 with a check made out to the foundation and designated for the Brantmeier project.
US Open Results
The University of North Carolina’s Reese Brantmeier and Alanis Hamilton won their U.S. Open debut doubles match together last week in an afternoon match on Thursday, topping fellow Americans Thea Frodin and Kristina Penickova, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(8), in the first round of the women’s doubles competition at the US Open. With the win, Brantmeier and Hamilton advanced to the second round, and the two won $30,000 in prize money for the first round win. (Prize money for each round posted on the U.S. Open site.)
In the second round, Brantmeier and Hamilton faced off against the fourth-seeded Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens last Saturday. The pair defeated the UNC’s Brantmeier and Hamilton 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday afternoon in the second round of the 2025 US Open.
Against Kudermetova and Mertens (this year’s 2025 Wimbledon Women’s Doubles Champion), the UNC duo put up a tough fight in the early going of the first set, tying the score at 2-2 after four games. The fourth-seeded pros eventually put away Brantmeier and Hamilton, 6-3 in the first frame. Kudermetova and Mertens led, 5-0, in the second set before winning, 6-1, to take the match.
The 4th-seeded doubles team that defeated Brantmeier and Hamilton advanced all the way to the US Open women’s semifinal at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds in New York City.
Editor’s note: Our thanks to Greg Stewart for the US Open results.
Whitewater’s 5th Annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater on October 4.
“Celebrating five years of our local Whitewater Pride reminds us that when we come together in unity, we create a community rooted in joy, strengthened by pride, and committed to justice. As we honor this milestone, we also send love and support to LGBTQ+ people everywhere – especially our youth – reminding them they are seen, valued, and never alone,” Kim Simes said. Simes is the Executive Vice President of External Affairs for Family Equality and a founding committee member of Whitewater Pride.
Whitewater Pride is dedicated to bringing the LGBTQ+ community and Allies together. Their mission is to foster diversity, inclusion, and pride in the Whitewater community. Their vision is to create an open, affirmative, and accepting environment for all people, with a focus on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, said, “In the military, in the classroom, and in City Hall, I’ve seen that strength comes from unity and from embracing our differences. That’s why my wife and I are proud to call ourselves a Warhawk student and alum, and why I’m proud to stand with Whitewater Pride on this joyous day.”
The event this year includes the UWW Marching Band, community and statewide speakers, engaging performances, live music, interactive dancing, an open mic, 30+ inclusive vendors, and multiple food trucks, including Sampa’s Tacos and Rocky Rococo’s. Speakers, including Wisconsin State Senator Mark Spreitzer, Wisconsin State Representative Brienne Brown, UWW Chancellor Corey King, and WUSD Superintendent Sam Karns will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement and support locally and nationally. A children’s area includes a bounce house, face painting, activities, and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books. Leashed pets are also invited to attend and participate in a Pride Pet Costume Contest.
State Senator Mark Spreitzer said, “I am excited to join Whitewater Pride and help foster an atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance, and celebration throughout the City. I look forward to gathering with the community to celebrate all we have accomplished and loudly proclaim that we’re here, we’re proud to be here, and we’re going to celebrate Pride all year long.”
Please note that drone footage will be taken around 12 Noon on the day of the event for marketing purposes. Multiple announcements will be made prior to the drone flying, pointing out several areas to seek cover if attendees do not want to be filmed.
This year’s Pride Rally sponsors include: Whitewater Unites Lives, Zumidy Media, Coburn Company, Madison Technical College, First English Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rodriguez Rentalz, Fort HealthCare, First Weber Real Estate, Fort Community Credit Union, Stellar Vintage, Sampa’s Tacos, LGBTQ+ Walworth County, the UWW PB Poorman Pride Center, and Pet Supplies Plus of Whitewater.
For more information or to support Whitewater Pride as Sponsor or Donor, visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Whitewater Pride.
The Unity Project to host 8th Annual Fort Atkinson Fall Fiesta (Fiesta De Otoño)
The Unity Project of Fort Atkinson will be hosting the eighth annual Fort Fall Fiesta on Saturday, September 13th from 12-4 pm at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.
The fiesta brings together English and Spanish speakers within our community for an afternoon of food, music, dancing, games and children’s activities. Authentic food will be available from La Morenita taco truck and the Hispanic congregation of First United Methodist Church. Delicious churro cheesecake, chocoflan and street corn from La Chucheria and sweet treats from Lulu’s Cravings. A local DJ will play a mix of music that will have you dancing and learning bachata and salsa. The Cub Scouts, Jefferson County Humane Society, Fort Healthcare and BASE will have fun activities for the whole family. There’ll be free face painting, balloon animals and giveaways. Also returning this year is the quinceañera fashion show co-hosted by the Fort Atkinson Club at 1:00 pm. Community members are invited to enter the domino tournament for a chance to win tickets to the Milwaukee Brewers. The event will also feature over twenty exhibitors who offer products, services, or opportunities to attendees.
This year’s event sponsors include Fort Community Credit Union, Fort HealthCare, Madison College and Molina HealthCare. Concessions are sponsored by Kwik Trip, Terra Staffing and 201 Waterfront Dental.
Special thanks go out to Mandy Bastien and the Fort Atkinson Generals, Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation Department and City of Fort Atkinson for their support.
“The Unity Project’s mission is to promote a sense of acceptance and belonging among all members of the community. The Fiesta is an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate, and create bonds that strengthen our community,” said Whitney Townsend,
event organizer.
Life has many seasons, and each one brings challenges and joys. Whether you’re coping with stress, changes in your family or personal struggles, it can help to have someone to talk to. During the academic year, Winther Counseling Services offers free individual and group counseling services to members of the Whitewater Community. Staffed by UW-Whitewater’s counseling master’s students, we offer you a respectful and inclusive environment to listen to your concerns. To set up an appointment or for more information please call us or email us at: 262-472-2842, counselinglab@uww.edu We look forward to hearing from you!
Editor’s note: Further information is available on the service’s website. It mentions that the service is offered to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in the community.
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La vida tiene muchas etapas, y cada una de ellas trae consigo retos y alegrías. Ya sea que estés lidiando con el esrés, cambios en tu familia o dificultades personales, puede ser útil tener a alguien con quien hablar.
Durante el año escolar, los Servicios de Consejería en Winther ofrece consejería individual y grupal gratuitos a los miembros de la comunidad de Whitewater. Con un equipo formado por estudiantes haciendo su maestría en consejería de la de Whitewater, te ofrecemos un espacio respetuoso e inclusivo para escuchar tus preocupaciones. Para agendar una cita u obtener más información, llámanos al: 262-472-2842 o puede enviar un correo electrónico a counselinglab@uww.edu. ¡Esperamos tener noticias suyas!
Nota del editor: Se encuentra más información en el sitio web del servicio. Se menciona que el servicio se ofrece a niños, adolescentes, adultos, parejas y familias en la comunidad.
Written by Kristine Zaballos | Photo by Craig Schreiner
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County has launched a program that allows professionals with a Foundations of Teacher Education (FOTE) degree from a Wisconsin technical college the opportunity to earn a Wisconsin elementary and middle school educator license while they continue working.
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in FOTE to K-9 was developed to address an ongoing teacher shortage in the State of Wisconsin by providing an affordable online pathway to licensure. According to a 2025 report by the State Department of Public Instruction based on data gathered in 2023, Wisconsin continues to see shortages created by the numbers of licensed teachers leaving the profession. An untapped resource in many schools is paraprofessionals — individuals working with students under the supervision of a licensed educator who may not have earned a bachelor’s degree. The BAAS in FOTE to K-9 provides the education and training that paraprofessionals and other aspiring educators not currently employed in a school setting need to attain licensure as they remain in their jobs.
“The curriculum is designed to build on the practical knowledge gained through the FOTE program at our technical colleges in Wisconsin,” said Kelli Danielski, assistant dean of student success in the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater. “The goal is to get prepared teachers into the classrooms as soon as possible. The program’s flexibility allows students to start coursework in a fall, spring, or summer semester as they work in their paraprofessional roles in local pre-K-12 districts.”
The program, which is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers classes year-round to provide as many opportunities as possible for future teachers to complete their degrees.
“The degree emphasizes universal skills such as writing, communication, critical thinking and adaptability,” said Kim Kostka, an associate dean on the Rock County campus who helped to support faculty in the development of the coursework. “It offers a flexible option to attain K-9 general licensure, and students are eligible to continue directly into a master’s degree upon completion of the BAAS.”
The Education (FOTE to K-9) emphasis is one of the emphasis areas available with online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS), specifically designed for working adults to offer them a flexible degree-completion pathway. Other emphases include criminology, digital marketing, human services, leadership, occupational safety, operations and supply chain management and professional selling. A personalized emphasis is also available.
For more about the online BAAS degree, visit the online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS). For questions about the new FOTE to K-9 emphasis, contact Kelli Danielski, assistant dean of student success, at danielsk@uww.edu or 262-472-1614.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater is pleased to announce that an initial concept review for the new Hale Farm Subdivision will be presented at the Planning & Architectural Review Commission (PARC) on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
The development, led by Bielinski Homes, proposes up to 99 single-family homes on the city’s west side. Bielinski Homes has a decades-long record of building thriving neighborhoods across Wisconsin, and their partnership with Whitewater reflects a shared commitment to expanding housing options for working families, young professionals, and long-time residents.
City Manager John Weidl underscored the project’s significance: “Housing is the foundation of community growth. Our goal is to make it easier for people who work here to live here, for families to stay and grow here, and for young professionals to put down
roots right here in Whitewater.”
Mason Becker, the City’s newly appointed Economic Development Director, noted that projects like Hale Farm directly support Whitewater’s strategic priorities: “This subdivision expands opportunities for homeownership at a time when housing supply is limited across Jefferson and Walworth counties. Developments like this help us strengthen the local workforce, support our schools, and create neighborhoods where people want to invest in the future.”
The PARC concept review marks the first public step in moving this subdivision forward. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the project.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. The parcel is approximately 33.5 acres, much of it currently being farmed. It is adjacent to the north and east sides of The Chapel property. Access to the subdivision from US Business Hwy 12 is proposed to be through Breidsan Drive and Warner Road.
The proposal is coming to the PARC as a conceptual review which allows the commission an opportunity to provide comments and feedback on the proposed use. The developer would need to formally apply for a rezone, preliminary plat, and final plat in order to proceed. The proposal complies with the city zoning ordinance for “small lots,” with the minimum 6000 square feet, which is approximately .138 of an acre. The minimum lot size in the original “R-1” one-family residence district is 10,000 square feet, or about .23 of an acre. The small lot district zoning was adopted in 2022 in an effort to increase housing diversity and affordability.
Shown below is the proposed site plan.
Shown below is the public access information for the PARC meeting.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Conceptual Plan Review of possible subdivision to be located on Hale/Pearson Farm on Warner Road for Belinski Homes.
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 join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/875408261
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 875-408-261
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
The Warhawks were picked to finish fourth in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) by the league’s coaches and sports information directors. They enter the season ranked 22nd by the American Football Coaches Association and 24th according to D3football.com.
Individually, the Warhawks return seven All-WIAC honorees to the 2025 squad. Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge), a 2024 All-American, 2025 Preseason All-American and reigning WIAC Special Teams Player of the Year is one of the top returners in Division III and also returns to the offense as a wide receiver. Two-time all-conference honoree Ethan Gallagher (Homer Glen, Ill./Lockport Township) is back to lead the linebacker unit. On the offensive line, Alex Pethan (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek), a two-time all-league selection, and Evan Oberg (DeForest, Wis./DeForest), a 2024 all-conference pick, are back. Also receiving All-WIAC recognition a season ago and returning to the defense this season are Noah Moris (Union Grove, Wis./Union Grove) (defensive line), Paul Kim (Janesville, Wis./Parker) (defensive back) and Karsten Libby (Wheaton, Ill./North) (linebacker).
UWW will head to Saint Xavier University (Ill.) for a 1 p.m. kick at Deaton Field on September 13 before wrapping up the non-conference slate with an 11 a.m. kickoff against #8/8 Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas on September 20.
Following the bye week, UWW returns to Perkins for the WIAC opener against #10/11 UW-La Crosse on October 4 (1 p.m.). The game is designated the Warhawks’ annual Family Fest, Alumni Day and Shriners Day. UW-Whitewater heads to UW-Stevens Point on October 11 (1 p.m.) before returning to Whitewater to host UW-Stout for Friday Night Lights on October 17. The game, presented by Mercyhealth, is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Warhawks will host #14/15 UW-Platteville for the annual Homecoming, Hall of Fame and George Chryst Memorial Bowl sponsored by PremierBank on October 25 a 1 p.m. Saturday, November 1 will have UWW heading to #19/19 UW-River Falls for a showdown with the Falcons at 1 p.m.
UW-Whitewater will recognize its 2025 seniors at the final home game of the regular season on November 8 against UW-Eau Claire. The game, set for a 1 p.m. kick, is also designated the annual Military Appreciation Day presented by Wisconsin Army National Guard.
The Warhawks will wrap up the regular season slate at UW-Oshkosh on November 15.
All UW-Whitewater home games will be broadcast on the WIAC Network courtesy of UWWTV. All conference games will be streamed on the WIAC Network. Fans can listen to every game courtesy of 105.9 The Hog online or on the radio. Visit the UWW football schedule page for all live coverage links.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater Athletics.
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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