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Local Student Named to UW-W Women’s Swimming & Diving Team

October 20, 2023

Brianna Zimdars from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk women’s swimming and diving team for the 2023-24 season.

The Warhawks finished fourth at last year’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships. UW-Whitewater is coached by Elise Knoche, who enters her sixth season at the helm of the program. The team garnered the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Scholar All-America Award for the 10th straight season in 2022-23.

For the full 2023-24 schedule, visit https://uwwsports.com/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/schedule.

Seniors in the Park Presents Hocus Pocus [Updated]

October 20, 2023

We are in the Halloween Spirit for two Tuesdays in a Row, October 24 and 31!  Free Halloween Treats, too!!

“Hocus Pocus”
Tuesday, October 24, 1 p.m.
(Comedy/Family/Fantasy)
Rated PG. 1 hour, 36 minutes. (1993).

A teenage boy and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in, before awakening a trio of diabolical witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimi) that were executed in the 17th century. Now, the witches wish to suck the life out of the little children in order to stay alive…Yes, it IS played for laughs.

Update 10/21 @ 4:30 p.m.: Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. There is no admission charge. Regular participants in Seniors in the Park programming are requested to pay an annual fee: for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District, $10, and non-residents, $15. A fund is available for those who may not be able to pay the fee.

Rep. Schutt Announces Blue Book Signing

October 20, 2023

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Rep. Ellen Schutt.

Representative Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton) is pleased to announce an upcoming event at which she will offer official Wisconsin Blue Books. This is an opportunity for constituents to discuss state related issues and learn what Representative Schutt has been working on in Madison.

Monday, October 23, 2023
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
431 W Center St, Whitewater

Editor’s note: According to the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, this book, which contains 777 pages, “published biennially, ….is a valuable source for information about the State of Wisconsin. First published in 1853 as a manual for legislators, the Blue Book has evolved into a useful tool for the state’s residents, as well as a historical record of Wisconsin state government. The Blue Book’s mission is to furnish the legislature and the public with information on state officers and governmental organization, along with statistical information and articles of general interest.”

Although often distributed at no charge by legislators, the book is also available on this site for $14.60; it is not known what the shipping cost may be. The book is also available at no charge online.

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Soldier Who Lost His Life in Korean War

October 20, 2023
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #214 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 21, 2023, in honor of U.S. Army Private First Class Charles A. Dickman, who lost his life in the Korean War and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial.

“We are grateful Private First Class Dickman is returning home so he can be laid to rest in peace,” said Gov. Evers. “Private First Class Dickman gave his life fighting for the values and freedoms we hold dear, and today we recognize and honor his courageous service and sacrifice.”

Private First Class Dickman was a member of M Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action after his unit engaged in defensive actions near Chochiwon, South Korea, now modern day Jochiwon, on July 12, 1950. After regaining control of Chochiwon in the fall of 1950, the Army began recovering remains from the area, which were temporarily interred at the United Nations Military Cemetery Taejon before being buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. On June 20, 2023, Private First Class Dickman’s remains were positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s Korean War Disinterment Project.

Private First Class Dickman will be buried with full military honors on Sat., Oct. 21, 2023, in Cashton.

Classical Masterworks Featured in Young Auditorium Concert Tonight

October 19, 2023

Experience the brilliance of the esteemed Whitewater Symphony Orchestra. 

Immerse yourself in a captivating symphonic journey as the orchestra’s harmonious blend of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings come together to bring classical masterworks and modern-day compositions to life. This concert features several of UW-Whitewater’s top-performing groups, faculty artists, and talented guest musicians from local high schools. With their unrivaled talent and dedication to musical excellence, the WSO promises an unforgettable performance that will leave you awe-inspired.

The concert will open with selections from Mozart’s famed Requiem, including the Dies irae and Lacrimosa movements often heard today in video games. Joining the UWW Chamber Orchestra will be the Mukwonago High School Concert Orchestra and choirs from Elkhorn and East Troy high schools, along with the UWW Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. UWW conducting faculty Robert Gehrenbeck and Christopher Ramaekers will share the podium, with a quartet of talented UWW voice majors serving as vocal soloists.

UWW violin and cello faculty, Leanne Kelso and Benjamin Whitcomb, will join the full Whitewater Symphony Orchestra for Brahms’ passionate Double Concerto in A-minor, conducted by Christopher Ramaekers.

An excerpt from Franz Schubert’s “Tragic Symphony” will be heard under the baton of student conductor John Swillinger. Beethoven’s elegant and energetic Symphony No. 2 concludes the program, conducted again by maestro Ramaekers.

Friday, October 20, 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium. Purchase of online tickets is recommended, as there is a surcharge for tickets purchased at the door. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for age 65+, and $4 for under age 18.

Wienermobile Will Be at Edgerton Hospital’s Trunk or Treat Event

October 19, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Edgerton Hospital.

FREE, PUBLIC EVENT — Edgerton Hospital employees are set for their annual Trunk or Treat event, and this year, they will have a special guest.  The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile will be onsite, to add some additional fun, excitement and perhaps encouragement for hot dog inspired costumes.

Trunk or Treat will be held, Saturday, October 21st, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the main Edgerton Hospital parking lot.  The address is 11101 N. Sherman Road.

Area children are invited to come dressed in their Halloween costumes and collect candy from the trunks of vehicles in the parking lot. There will also be prizes, Wiener Whistles, and more for children and families to enjoy!

For more information, visit www.edgertonhospital.com

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Engebretsen-Dorr House

October 19, 2023

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Continuing the theme of historic houses in Whitewater, this week we present an image of one of the best Queen Anne style houses in the area, the Engebretsen-Dorr House, built in 1895 and lovingly maintained for several decades by Rev. Gerald and Nancy Wendt. The house was built for local merchant and mayor Ed Engebretsen. His daughter, Ruth Engebretsen Dorr and her husband, John, lived in the house for many years in the mid-20th century. Ruth Dorr was an important local historian whose notes and writings are still used today at the historical society museum.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(1966P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Wisconsin Makers Offers Course on Autodesk’s Fusion 360

October 19, 2023

Wisconsin Makers in Whitewater is offering a course on Autodesk’s Fusion 360, a software program for 3-D modeling.

The two-hour class will take place on four consecutive Thursdays, starting on Oct. 26, at the makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. Hours are 7 to 9 p.m.

Instructing the class will be Nick Stratton, owner of Hotends.com in Whitewater. The company makes innovative J-Head hotends, the portion of the 3-D printer that extrudes the filament. 

Hotends.com customers range from end-users running their own 3-D printers at home to companies like Lockheed Martin and Made In Space, which has the 3-D printer on the International Space Station.

The class is limited to 10 students. Cost is $40, with payment on the first night. To register, contact Al Jewer at (630) 430-9498 or lafcat@lafcat.com.

Fusion 360 is an integrated Cloud computer-aided design (CAD) software that also provides computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE) and printed circuit board (PCB) solutions. It is user-friendly and provides internet training materials for beginners.

Each class participant will need to bring either a Windows or Mac laptop, onto which Fusion 360 will be installed. Free licenses for members and participants will be available.

At the first class Oct. 26, Stratton will assist participants in downloading and installing Fusion 360 and obtaining their licenses. There also will be an introduction to Fusion 360 and its capabilities.

Week 2 will focus on basic 3-D design concepts. Participants will begin designing a simple project with the intent to 3-D print it. This will include an introduction to downloading existing designs to be able to modify them.

In Week 3, students will continue designing their 3-D printable project with an introduction to more advanced techniques. They will be shown how to overcome various issues in 3-D printed models such as supports, overhangs, etc.

Week 4 will focus on finalizing designs for 3-D printing and creating output files to print on Wisconsin Makers’ Taz-6 and Formlabs 3-D printers.

It is anticipated that a future course will be offered to address issues and techniques for creating designs on Wisconsin Makers’ CNC router. 

Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop) offering an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators by unlocking their skills through continual experimentation and training. Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts, quilting/fabric arts, matting/framing and more.

For more information about the makerspace or memberships, visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call President Al Jewer at (630) 430-9498.

Obituaries

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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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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