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Whitewater FFA Officer Adventure 2023

September 21, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater FFA Reporter Katie Gillette.

On July 24th, the Whitewater FFA officer team kicked off their annual officer trip excursion.

Our trip started out with a scenic drive from Whitewater to Monroe, WI. Our first stop was Alp and Dell Cheese Factory. Our amazing tour guide gave us much knowledge about the history and process of how cheese is made. Alp and Dell can make up to 38,000 pounds of cheese in just one day! We all enjoyed the opportunity to eat 23-year-old cheese.

Our journey continued to Yellowstone Lake State Park. Along the way, we saw many different areas of agriculture, endless acres of crops, and many species of wildlife. After settling in our team hit the water. We all enjoyed skiing, tubing, and swimming. We also saw many species of fish.

On July 25th, our team made a short trek to Belmont, where we enjoyed a scenic lookout. Throughout our trip, we enjoyed the vast Amish and Mennonite communities, along with the different groups and departments of agriculture. Our next adventure took place at Crystal Lake Caves in Dubuque, IA. We were given the amazing opportunity to go down over 45 feet and explore the caves. We learned the history and artifacts behind the caves that first originated in 1868. The atmosphere was incredible. Oohs and Ahhs could be heard throughout the cave.


Following our cave adventure we headed to the heart of Dubuque. We arrived at Eagle Point Park to enjoy some sightseeing of the majestic Mississippi River. We continued later that evening with more water fun and team bonding.

On July 26th, our trip concluded with our FFA team working together on our yearly planning and discussions which will be the foundation for the upcoming year.

Whitewater Historical Society Meeting Oct. 1 Features New Web Site

September 21, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Historical Society.

The public is invited at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023, when the Whitewater Historical Society holds its fall program. The Special Guest will be Kristina Koslosky of Kreative Solutions, Inc. She will be discussing her work with the new Whitewater Historical Society website. Working with the historical society, she was responsible for the creative redesign and the technical process to make the website more user friendly to both historical society personnel and the general public. Along with Carol Cartwright, who will talk about the content of the website, Ms. Koslosky will talk about how she updated this important communication tool for the society.

The program will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Cravath Lakefront Building, Whitewater Street, in Whitewater. The building is located at in Cravath Lakefront Park right behind Me and My Pets (147 W. Whitewater Street, just go under the arch).

The Monday Night Free Spaghetti Meal is Sit Down and Dine In!

September 21, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Patty Harmon.

Dine In and enjoy the Monday Night Campus & Community Free Spaghetti Meal! Whether you dine in or take out, beginning September 18, from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., we will be serving fresh spaghetti pasta, choice of Marinara or Alfredo sauces, 2 Italian meatballs, with Parmesan cheese, Italian spices and a slice of garlic bread. All are welcome to partake in the meal at the Congregational UCC Church, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater WI. The meal is coordinated by the Congregational UCC and First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater.

“If we serve only one person, we take comfort knowing that that one person did not walk away hungry.”

El 18 de septiembre, la espera ha terminado… ¡La Cena de Espagueti Gratis de los lunes por la noche es para sentarse y cenar en el lugar! ¡Ven a cenar y disfruta de la Cena de Espagueti Gratis para el Campus y la Comunidad de los lunes por la noche! Ya sea que comas en el lugar o para llevar, a partir del 18 de septiembre, de 5:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m., estaremos sirviendo espagueti fresco, con la opción de salsas Marinara o Alfredo, 2 albóndigas italianas, con queso parmesano, especias italianas y una rebanada de pan de ajo. Todos son bienvenidos a participar en la comida en la Iglesia Congregacional UCC, en la calle 133 S. Franklin, Whitewater, WI. La comida está coordinada por la Iglesia Congregacional UCC y la Primera Iglesia Luterana de Inglés, Whitewater. “Si solo servimos a una persona, nos reconforta saber que esa persona no se fue con hambre.”

LOVE. FAMILY. FREEDOM. Presentation at the Library Oct. 2

September 20, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

Community members are invited to attend the “Love. Family. Freedom.” presentation by Kim Simes at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, October 2 at 5:30 p.m. This presentation will provide an overview on LGBTQ+ families and the current environment in which we’re living. Simes is the Chief of Staff, People and Culture for Family Equality, a national non-profit organization that exists to create a world where everyone can experience the unconditional love, safety and belonging of family. As a leader in the LGBTQ+ movement, Simes credits her success to putting relationships and connections with and among people first, while working to make inclusive, positive changes for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Simes has degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Communications (undergraduate) and Counseling (masters).

The presentation is cosponsored by Whitewater Pride and the League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area. Ellen Penwell, President of the League, states that the organization is “proud to partner with the Irvin L Young Memorial Library in support of programming that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, which align with the League’s policy and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and practice.”

Kim Simes

There is no cost or registration to attend. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.

Celebrate your Kids and Grandkids with a Library Fund Donation and Wall Tile Purchase

September 20, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Doug Anderson.

Dean and Arthur’s names will be on the library’s wall thanks to donations from their parents.

Dean:  I see our names are on the tiles!  

Arthur: Mom and Dad gave to the library fund in our names to remind us about how important the library has been to our growth and development.  In 25 years we will be prepared to support the library ourselves. 

You too, can pay it forward for your kids or grandkids by putting their names on the wall to remind them each time they enter how important the library is to you and them.  $250 for two lines on a tile up to 40 characters. Use the QR code or visit http://bit.ly/3DwnndS to make a gift online. Write a check to Whitewater Community Foundation, PO Box 428, Whitewater, WI 53190.   Enter Library Fund in memo line.

Discover Whitewater Series Celebrates 11th Year Success

September 20, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Jeff Knight.

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC)’s 11th annual Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Teams, and 5k was a smashing success, raising money for local charities. 

This year’s DWS brought in 475 participants, 200+ volunteers, and nearly 70 sponsors. The DWS team was thrilled to welcome 39 runners from nine different states other than Wisconsin. The weather was cooler and rainy this morning for runners with a temperature of 60 degrees. 

UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey King arrived bright and early this morning to give the welcoming remarks and wish all of the participants a great race. 

Women’s Half Marathon Winners: Jenny Zwagerman, Megan Wagner, Kortney Pippenger

Jenny Zwagerman

Men’s Half Marathon Winners: David Fassbender, Braeden Michael, Carl Greene 

David Fassbender

Half Marathon Teams Winner: Jenny Zwagerman, Tyler Zwagerman, Alex Moehn, Christina Moehn

Women’s 5k Winners: Alyse Peters, Heidi Mane, Kate Omernik 

Alyse Peters

Men’s 5k Winners: Mark Elworthy, Quinn Mckenzie, Lucas Springstroh 

Mark Elworthy

To see all race results, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/26133

As runners ventured through the course, they got to experience some of Whitewater’s finest features. The DWS team was proud to welcome new and returning participants alike. Thanks to all of the hard work of volunteers and sponsors, this 11th Annual DWS proved to achieve its mission of bringing people together in support of a good cause. 

All proceeds will be distributed to the DWS’ four charity partners: Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Bethel House of Whitewater, and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. Runners and volunteers joined together after the race to celebrate the day’s accomplishments, enjoying a free beverage from bronze sponsor 841 Brewhouse. 

“The 11th Annual DWS was an amazing community event,” said Race Director, Dawson Miller, “It was great to see runners and volunteers showcase their hard work.”

The DWS team would like to thank all who came out in support of the race. The entire community has been a part of such an amazing event that has greatly helped charities across Whitewater. 

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and university  to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

Obituary: Maria Gloria Benitez, 67

September 19, 2023

Maria Gloria Benitez, 67, Fort Atkinson, passed away surrounded by her family at the Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek, WI.

Maria was born in Hildgo, Texas on October 11, 1955, to Fidencio and Maria Ester (Casarez) Beltran.  She graduated from San Jsidro High School.  On April 19, 1997, Maria married Angelio Benitez in Minnesota.  Maria worked, teaching ESL at Purdy Elementary in Fort Atkinson and at Jefferson High School.  She enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Angelio, Fort Atkinson; children Pam (Juan Aguilar) Garza, and Jose Garza, both of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren Ivan and Diego Gonzalez, Vincente and Mia Aguilar.  She was preceded in death by her parents and son Isaac Beltran.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater.  The day and time will be announced.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

Brice Bunting’s Art on Display at TeaLux Cafe until September 30

September 19, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by TeaLux Cafe Gallery.

  • Address: 129 W Center St, Whitewater, WI 53190
  • Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00AM – 11:00PM
  • Phone: (262) 458-2243

Obituaries

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: Janet Irene Heckert, 87

Janet Irene Heckert, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 in Delavan, Wisconsin. Born on November 1, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Gladys and Henry Jansen. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Heckert and her brothers Sonny and Paul and sister Darlene. Janet was a graduate of Elkhorn High School in 1955. On October 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Heckert, at Elkhorn Baptist Church in their hometown of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Janet worked for many years as a seamstress, but her true passion was as a … 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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