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Nearly 100 Attended Solar Hearing; Friday is deadline for written comments

July 10, 2025

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

As was previously stated in the Whitewater Banner, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission [PSC] held a public hearing at the Community Engagement Center on July 9 regarding Whitewater Solar’s proposed project. The 6 p.m. hearing was somewhat better attended than the 2 p.m. hearing, with a total of approximately 100 people. It appeared that nearly all of the audience was composed of rural residents. A large portion could be considered to be senior adults; one of the commenters said that he was afraid that many of them would have to be looking at this project for the rest of their lives.

The hearing was conducted by PSC Administrative Law Judge Michael Newmark, who indicated that a person couldn’t be a party (an “intervenor”) and make a public comment. The hearing for those individuals, of which there were an unusually high 45, was the previous week, and Newmark stated that two-day hearing lasted 21 hours. Though a Spanish language translator was present on July 9, that service was not needed. The applicant is Whitewater Solar LLC, and Ranger Power owns that entity.

Newmark mentioned that the PSC has three commissioners who are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. The commissioners will review all of the comments that are made in the public hearings as well as all of the written comments that were submitted beginning May 14 and through Friday, July 11. The commissioners may only use the record for the decision. They can approve the application, approve it with conditions, or deny it. One of the public commenters claimed that if this application is denied, it would be the first such occurrence. Anyone wishing to make a comment, for or against the project, has until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 11 to do so. The link is provided here.

Each of the public hearings lasted approximately an hour. Twenty-seven individuals testified. Some came with well-crafted, rather lengthy statements, whereas a few indicated that they hadn’t planned to testify until the last minute. There was not a single commenter who spoke in favor of the project. A number of the individuals stated that they support the implementation of solar power generally, but no one had anything positive to say about the Whitewater Solar project.

Many of the comments touched on concerns that were mentioned in the previous Banner article. Here we will provide just a sampling of the concerns that were raised. Apologies to those individuals whose names are misspelled. We will be glad to make a correction if you write to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com.

Whitewater Fire Department Assistant Chief Ryan Dion indicated that should there be battery storage included in the project, his department does not have provisions to fight hazardous chemical fires. There are other agencies in the area who would provide mutual aid, but it would take a while for them to arrive.

Jerry Callwelter expressed concern regarding stray voltage, indicating that with the water table being only 3-4′ underground in many cases, the water can conduct electricity. He stated that in the late 70’s he accidentally hit a wire in his building, and every time his neighbors took a drink of water, they got a shock. There have been three hailstorms recently. What happens if such a storm hits all the solar panels? What happens to the soil?

Jeff Simes asked what happens if the money runs out. [Afterwards someone stated that under the recent “big, beautiful bill,” subsidies will be discontinued for any project that is not started by 2026.] Who’s going to pay if the construction damages the rural roads?

Holly Neault loves to hike and bike on the trail system. Thousands of people travel here related to races on the Ice Age Trails. The second oldest ultra marathon in the country is held here, but Holly feels it will not continue if the project is built. The area is also a hub of road biking activity – one of the best in the country. “We see deer, fox, pileated woodpeckers two feet tall, egrets, river otters, bald eagles, bobcats, badgers, bears, and mountain lions. What will happen to them when all this area is fenced in? It will be a hazard to cars. We’ll need an animal lane instead of a bike lane.”

Newmark asked Cheryl Wagner if her husband is an intervenor. She confirmed that he is, but stated she’s been married 43 years but “not today.” She wished to make her own statement. She spoke of the terrible stress that she and her husband have been under from a head-on collision three years ago. Her stress level is now through the roof. “No one from the project visited me,” she said, a comment that others made. She also anticipated that her pets would be severely affected by the construction noise, and that neighbors’ horses would be spooked.

Michael P. Pope stated that the money offered for solar is high, yet many of the people who’ve signed on never farmed the land; for example, they married into ownership and the spouse died. Now it’s all about the money.

Andy Ascher was concerned about the potential impacts of chemicals to the drinking water. 980 acres of solar panels will also result in increased heat, he said.

Dawn Rocha stated that she received the postcard announcing the project not one week before the first meeting. Bluff Road residents have been in turmoil since last August. “We’ve been in the dark for years. Why were we not made aware when leases started being offered in 2021 or earlier? Why do we have to obtain permits, but a utility can take their proposal to the state level without going to the town or county?”

Pam Collins lives in the Darien area, where a huge “solar farm” was recently constructed. It is not producing enough electricity and now they’re putting in a natural gas plant.

Molly Hinderer is expecting her first child and is overcome with anxiety and fear. At the minimum, she felt they should require an environmental impact statement or at least provide an extension for public comment. There were significant changes to the project proposal in June and people haven’t had a chance to review it.

Joe Vultaggio lives on SR 89 and will be completely surrounded by the project. “Is the power going to Milwaukee, not even benefitting our area?”

Lorie Hoyt spoke of national security concerns. “The panels are made in China; is there a possibility that they could shut the system down? At the intervenors’ hearing, five community members, who are heroes, were up against five lawyers.”

John Stuckowski is concerned about real estate values. “Ranger Power commissioned a study, but just because properties didn’t sell, it said there was no effect on property values.”

Rebecca Fredricks said there’s a time and a place for solar, but not here. The applicants have been negligent, or even dishonest at worst. The Southeast Planning Commission’s priority is maintaining farmland. She’s an RN and has seen plenty of suffering. She’s seen people here suffering due to what’s going to happen to their lifestyle. They’re not sure they can have confidence in the PSC. There’s a way to minimize the harm by moving to the alternative locations. [After the meeting this reader was told by Yvette Loiselle that one of the alternate locations would impact only two homes rather than 25.]

Peter Gilregal helped to install the solar farm in Jefferson. “It was the worst working conditions of my life,” he stated.

Editor’s note: The Whitewater Banner does not have a position on this project; however, we encourage all area residents who have comments for/against the project, to submit their comments on the PSC website by Friday evening. One of the comments that was made in the meeting was that many of the online comments have been made by people who live in Milwaukee and other areas of the state.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: 19th Century Horse-drawn Fire Equipment

July 10, 2025

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

On July 4 the Whitewater Fire Department had a ceremonial “push-in” for a new fire truck, a tradition that dates to the 19th century when horse-drawn equipment needed to be literally pushed into the fire house. Here is a photo of Whitewater’s 19th century horse-drawn hose cart that needed a real “push-in.” The photo is from the 1920s when the Whitewater Fire Department was posing with its mechanized trucks alongside this old equipment.

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

(#3814P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Celebration of Reconstructed Tennis Courts at Washington Elem. – 7/12

July 10, 2025

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Join us today, July 12 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at Washington Elementary (506 E Main St, Whitewater) for a celebration three years in the making — the grand opening of the newly reconstructed tennis courts, envisioned by Reese Brantmeier!

This isn’t just a ribbon cutting — it’s a community block party with games, music, food trucks, and fun for all ages. Reese’s dream was to build a welcoming, healthy space for neighbors to connect, and we’re thrilled to bring it to life together. 💛

🗓️ Rain or shine — we’ve got a plan either way!

🎀 Ribbon cutting at 1:00 PM

🎶 Live entertainment, interactive booths & more

🍔 Food trucks on-site

🚻 School restrooms available

📍In case of rain, everything moves inside the school gym.

👥 Volunteers: Please arrive by 12:00 PM.

📞 Questions? Contact Becky Brantmeier at (414) 520-8914.

Let’s celebrate community, connection, and the power of a shared vision. We can’t wait to see you there!

Editor’s note: This announcement is from the city Facebook page. Previous articles about this event and about Reese’s accomplishments in the tennis world may be found here and here.

UPDATE: Warning expired; Severe Thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m.

July 10, 2025

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon/evening for our general area. They indicate that “There is the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms along and south of I-94 to the WI/IL border this afternoon and evening with damaging winds the main concern. Can’t rule out a tornado or two.”

Second Annual Unity Walk – “Rain or Shine” / Segunda Marcha Anual por la Unidad – “Llueva o brille”

July 9, 2025

Bill Chandler reports “There is an increased chance of rain/thunderstorms on Saturday morning during the Unity Walk.  The Unity Walk will occur rain or shine.  If it is raining, we just stay indoors at the Armory for the speeches and music. The Unity Walk will be positively unifying.”

Everyone from young to old and from all backgrounds is invited to join the second annual Unity Walk on Saturday, July 12. This nonpartisan event features four community leaders speaking about the importance of unity for our society.  Live music will welcome everyone to the Armory at 10 am and lead walkers to the steps of Arts Alliance Building for speeches.  Non-walkers are welcome to join at either end of the walk. But, in particular, they could bring lawn chairs and sit at the Arts Alliance Building to be comfortable as the walkers go to that center. 


Bill Chandler informa “Hay una mayor posibilidad de lluvia/tormentas eléctricas el sábado por la mañana durante la Caminata de la Unidad. La Caminata de la Unidad se llevará a cabo llueva o truene. Si está lloviendo, simplemente nos quedaremos dentro en el Arsenal para los discursos y la música. La Caminata de la Unidad será positivamente unificadora.”

Se invita a todos, desde los jóvenes hasta los mayores y de todos los orígenes, a unirse a la segunda Caminata de la Unidad anual el sábado 12 de julio. Este evento no partidista contará con la participación de cuatro líderes comunitarios que hablarán sobre la importancia de la unidad en nuestra sociedad. La música en vivo dará la bienvenida a todos al Arsenal a las 10 am y guiará a los caminantes hacia los escalones del Edificio de la Alianza de Artes para los discursos. Los que no caminen son bienvenidos a unirse en cualquiera de los extremos de la caminata. Pero, en particular, podrían traer sillas de jardín y sentarse en el Edificio de la Alianza de Artes para estar cómodos mientras los caminantes se dirigen a ese centro.

Local Students Graduate from UW-Whitewater

July 9, 2025

The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 17, 2025.

Editor’s note: It is evident that a relatively small number of these graduates have been long-term residents of the Whitewater area. UW-Whitewater produces this list based on the home address that each student has provided.

Whitewater, WI 53190: Shawn Ager graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore graduated with the following degree: Associate of Arts and Science – AAS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Austin Baker graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Bergeson graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Middle Education – BSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Nick Blomgren graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Capstran graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Hope Carlson graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Integrated Science – Business – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Natalie Castellion graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Madeline Church graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BA

Whitewater, WI 53190: James Donkle graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Entrepreneurship and Innovation – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Ekins graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Logan Faust graduated with the following degree: Information Technology – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Broderick Frye graduated with the following degree: Data Analytics – MS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Galvin graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – MS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Christine Geiger graduated with the following degree: Elementary Middle Education – BSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Greenheck graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Groetzinger graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Rebecca Groves graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW

Whitewater, WI 53190: Abby Guthrie graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Keaton Hillman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Gavin Huml graduated with the following degree: Entrepreneurship and Innovation – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Jaworski graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Aidan Johnson graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Talba Kabore graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – MS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Sam Kiernan graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Justin Krause graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Riley Lang graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Savannah Maczuzak graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Jasmin Mata Amparo graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Cole McIlroy graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Miles McIntosh graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Mannie Mungon graduated with the following degree: Associate of Arts and Science – AAS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Peyton Nichols graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Nitka graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Mike O’Malley graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Maci Parrish graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Pergande graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabelle Quintero graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Rouse graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Sacchitello graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Emmanuel Sama graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Environmental Science – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Gunner Schlender graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Physical Education – BSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Colin Schultz graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Sims graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Ross Skeen graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Skowronek graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Orin Smith graduated with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Reana Smith graduated with the following degree: Art – BA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Smith graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Studies – BSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Kierstyn Torres graduated with the following degree: Music – BA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Alexander Vail graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Jackson Veeder graduated with the following degree: Cybersecurity – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Communication – BA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Weber graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Abigail Weeden graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Nyjeria West graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE

Whitewater, WI 53190: Kelly Whipple graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Amber Wiest graduated with the following degree: Counseling – MS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Chase Zimmerman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA

Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Zuege graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Performance – BS

Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas te Plate graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Accounting – BBA

Approximately 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.

The graduating class included seven international students, 111 military veterans and 204 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 171 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.

A total of 222 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, were promoted in their current job, earned acceptance to graduate school or started their own business before commencement.

Stacey S. (Cruse) Barrins, WHS ’97, Named to “Top Women Wealth Advisors” List

July 9, 2025

Editor’s note: We appreciate that Randy Cruse forwarded this article regarding the special recognition received by his daughter Stacey S. (Cruse) Barrins, WHS ’97.


Stacey S. Barrins Named to Forbes Magazine’s “Top Women Wealth Advisors” List

Morgan Stanley announced today that Stacey S. Barrins, a Managing Director, Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Chicago Merc Wealth Management office, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s list of Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2025, listed on forbes.com.

Forbes’ “Top Women Wealth Advisors” is a select group of individuals who have a minimum of seven years of industry experience. The ranking, developed by Forbes’ partner SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews.

“I am pleased that Stacey is representing Morgan Stanley,” commented Blake Mackenzie, Market Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Chicago Merc office. “To be named to this list recognizes Stacey’s experience, professionalism and dedication to the needs of her valued clients.”

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. With offices in more than 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please
visit www.morganstanley.com.

2025 Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State Source: Forbes.com
(Awarded February 2025). This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the
research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period 9/30/23-9/30/24. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith
Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC for placement on its rankings.

This ranking is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively,
a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client impact, industry experience, review of best practices and
compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for
their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not
be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their
own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see
www.SHOOKresearch.com. © 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC# 4204594

Cravath After Dark Free Movie – Moana 2

July 9, 2025

Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. The movie takes place three years after the original film and focuses on Moana looking for people beyond her island. Moana will team up with Maui and new characters.

Get ready for an unforgettable summer of FREE movies under the stars at Cravath Lakefront Park! 🌙✨ Join us for family-friendly fun, concessions, food trucks, and blockbuster hits on the big screen.

📍 Location: Cravath Lakefront Park

🕰️ Time: Saturdays at Dusk – 9 p.m.

💸 Admission: FREE!

🎥 Movie Lineup:

⭐ July 12 – Moana 2

⭐ August 16 – Mufasa

⭐ September 6 – Wicked

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie buddies — we’ll bring the magic. ✨🍔🎟️

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