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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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The Southeast Wisconsin Pitch Perfect competition will bring the region’s brightest entrepreneurial talent center stage on November 12, 2025, at the newly opened Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC). This premier pitch event represents a collaborative effort by the economic development organizations of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties to identify, elevate, and invest in promising startups fueling the future of Wisconsin’s innovation economy.
Applications are open now through September 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM, for earlystage companies ready to showcase their groundbreaking ideas. Selected finalists will be notified by October 1, followed by a multi-day workshop series October 1317 to refine business models, sharpen pitches, and connect with experienced mentors and investors. Finalists will return to KIC for a Pitch Practice Session on November 12, 2025, from 1–3 PM, just hours before taking the stage. Participants must be a resident or work within Kenosha, Racine, or Walworth County; be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
The event is designed to be more than a competition—it’s a launchpad.
QUOTES FROM PARTNERS:
Kelly Armstrong, Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN), said:
“Pitch Perfect is about spotlighting the next wave of visionary founders who are building the future right here in our backyard. The Kenosha Innovation Center is the ideal launchpad for bold ideas—and we’re thrilled to host this regional platform that turns vision into velocity.”
Laura Million, Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC):
“We’re not just cheering on entrepreneurs—we’re supporting and connecting them with resources, guidance, and real capital. Pitch Perfect is a powerful signal that Southeast Wisconsin is all-in on innovation.”
Derek D’Auria, Executive Director of the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA), added:
“Startups need more than a stage—they need a community that sees their potential and helps them scale. That’s what Pitch Perfect is creating. We’re excited to lift up the gamechanging talent across our three counties.”
Startups across all sectors are encouraged to apply—especially those building solutions in advanced manufacturing, biohealth, clean energy, and technology.
The Pitch Perfect competition is part of a broader regional strategy to grow a connected and collaborative innovation ecosystem throughout Southeast Wisconsin.
For full details and to apply, visit: https://www.kin-kenosha.org/entrepreneurship
This event is brought to you by Chase, Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), Racine County Economic Development (RCEDC), Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc., Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, Tech-Prize, Gener8tor, UW Parkside, Gateway Technical College, and Carthage College.
Derek D’Auria
Executive Director
Walworth County Economic Development Alliance
262-564-3211– Office
derek@walworthbusiness.com | www.walworthbusiness.com
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean’s List and University Honor Roll in spring 2025.
Martin Gonzalez, Honor Roll
Joshua Kirley, Honor Roll
The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean’s List is 3.75 out of a possible 4.0.
To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. (P/F courses do not count toward a 12-credit minimum.) There can be no individual grades below a “C” and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run.
The First English Lutheran Church is holding a spiritual concert on Sunday, June 29th, at 11:00am featuring Dr. ValLimar Jansen.
Dr. ValLimar Jansen’s bio information can be found at https://www.vallimar.com/meetvallimar
Tammy Hedrick
Office Manager
First English Lutheran Church
262-473-5076
secretaryfelcww@gmail.com
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
Maddie Arnett, Doctorate, Occupational Therapy
Tyler Arnett, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
To make the Dean’s List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the spring 2024 semester and have no disqualifying grades. The GPA threshold varies by college — for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean’s List.
The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administration, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum.
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws over 7,600 undergraduate and 3,600 graduate and professional students from nearly all states and more than 60 countries. In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu.
Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting – Monday, June 23, 2025 – 4:30pm
Discussion and possible action on Updated Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes, discussion and possible action on scheduling programs, work days, and lake improvement initiatives, and discussion and possible action for Cravath Lake Fountain.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, Wiscconsin
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86940116492?pwd=zz7g6mdfqf32Fa90B1YAeX1gMad7Kk.1
Meeting ID: 869 4011 6492
Passcode: 824804
Dial by your location • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Urban Forestry Commission – Monday, June 23, 2025 – 5:30pm
Discussion and possible action on the arboretum, discussion and possible action on recommendations for Bradford Pear trees in the city, discussion and possible action on a natural playground at Starin Park, updates on Bird City, and discussion of the 2026 tree sale.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor
312 West Whitewater Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89294642376?pwd=XeBiC3nlJKhABMF6uTOSLfG4nxd0p9.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 892 946 42376
Passcode: 201529
Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting, Monday, June 23, 2025, 7:00 pm
Farewell to Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty and welcome to Samuel Karns, Whitewater Unified School District’s new Superintendent, Middle School scorecard review, donations of musical instruments for the district and $88,110.56 to the Reese Brantmeier Project, resignations of Middle School 8th Grade Science Teacher, Washington Math Interventionist, and High
School Special Education Teacher/Title I Reading & Reading Interventionist, and employment of Science Teacher for Whitewater High School.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81655466786?
pwd=NE5HbE94cERDaEFpMTdtVWNWZ3hoUT09
Passcode: 866490
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 816 5546 6786
Attention all Whitewater youth baseball players interested in trying out for the Whitewater Club teams. Join us on July 21st-23rd for our tryouts.
This club is created to help expose youth baseball players to next level competition. The number of teams will be determined by number of players that tryout and ages. In order to have an opportunity to earn a roster spot on one of these teams you must tryout. If you are unable to make these dates but would like to tryout please contact coach Hookstead. Only 14 players are allowed per team maximum. If your son makes one of the teams there is a $350 charge. With this you will receive a jersey, pants, hat and training that would start in January. No experience is needed.
Please complete the form if you are interested in a try out.
Monday July 21st: 2nd-4th Grade*/ 5pm-7pm
Tuesday July 22nd: 5th-8th Grade*/ 5pm-7pm
Wednesday July 23rd: make up date & 2nd evaluation** for all ages/ 5pm-7pm
*Grade levels are those students will be entering for the 2025/26 school year.
**There is a possibility for a player to be asked to come back on July 23rd for a 2nd evaluation.
Location: Whitewater High School Baseball & Softball Field
Please contact Coach Michael Hookstead with any questions:
mhookstead@wwusd.org
(262)893-3580
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater.
Due to the Heat Advisory, Be Kind Whitewater and Whitewater Unites Lives have made the decision to postpone today’s picnic. We hope to reschedule soon. We are disappointed but believe it is the right decision for our community members.
If you have donations for the Community Space, they are open until noon today. They are also open from 8:30 until 11 a.m. Tuesday, and 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Obituaries
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
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
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