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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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Sam Nickelsburg at the Town Hall [Photo credit Drake White-Bergey]
Photo credit Drake White-Bergey
By Emerson Wolfgang Ellenwood
Whitewater High School rising senior Sam Nickelsburg had an eventful week at the 82nd Session of Badger Boys State at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Nickelsburg was one of over 650 of Wisconsin’s rising seniors selected for the week-long leadership camp. En route to his eventual victory, Nickelsburg delivered multiple speeches, one in front of over 675 students, to secure the coveted position of Lieutenant Governor. The second highest position in the government simulation, Nickelsburg won the final election with over 300 votes.
Fellow Whitewater High School students Quinton O’Toole and Chacha Binagi were also selected for the program and had very successful showings.
Nickelsburg with Gov. Tony Evers and two fellow citizens [Emerson Wolfgang Ellenwood photo]
Selection for Boys State is inherently competitive, making Nickelsburg s notable success among Wisconsin’s best and brightest even more impressive. It marks a continuation in Nickelsburg s record of success at WHS as a three-sport athlete, National Honor Society Member, and talented vocalist. His latest success will be celebrated widely, an achievement that will continue to pay dividends, as it did Thursday when Nickelsburg was able to meet Governor Tony Evers.
“This single week alone, I feel, has changed my life for the better, and it might have encouraged me to join the political side of life,” Nickelsburg stated, adding that “I feel that this is one of the best weeks ever in my life, and I wish more people could participate and join in the program of Badger Boys State.”
Per the camp’s website, Badger Boys State is “A program to change a lifetime, Badger Boys State educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. During the program, high school students between their junior and senior years learn how our government system works by creating their own city, county, and state level governments. Hundreds of participants leave feeling inspired by the lifelong lessons and relationships developed at Badger Boys State each year.” The non-profit is generously sponsored by the American Legion. More information about the program can be found at https://badgerboysstate.org/.
Editor’s note: Emerson Wolfgang Ellenwood is a 2024 graduate of Whitewater High School and 2nd year Counselor at Badger Boys State.
Updated on 6/14/25 @ 8:00 a.m. to correct spelling of Sam’s surname.
According to an article which was posted on gazettextra.com on June 12, “Shumway Appliance in Milton has abruptly closed its doors after 98 years in business. Owner Mike Blabaum told the Gazette on Thursday that he couldn’t share the reason. He also couldn’t say what will happen to people’s appliances that they have ordered and already paid for but not yet received. “I don’t know what the exit strategy is, my attorney is working on that,” he said. “I have nothing more to say.”
Editor’s note: Many Whitewater area residents have probably made purchases from Shumway, as it has been one of our closest appliance stores. Although the business’s web address returns a “page not found” response, the “about us” section of the website still states “We started out as a small TV and appliance store in Milton, Wisconsin in 1927. Much has changed since our beginning, products and technology not the least of which, but the original Shumway mission is still the same – to fill the homes in our community with quality products they can count on while providing top-notch service that makes you feel part of our family.
We are your homegrown appliance store dealing exclusively in Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana products. Our team know our products and can help you find the perfect appliance for your kitchen or laundry room. Our prices are competitive with any other store around and we are committed to delivering a product and experience that you are happy with and we are proud of.
When you buy from Shumway, you can be confident that we’ll be there for you over the life of your new appliance. From purchase, financing, delivery, installation and service after the sale, you can count on us for everything.
We hope to see you in our store soon!”
The photo on the homepage is from Shumway’s website.
“All We Imagine as Light”
Wednesday, June 18, 1 pm
(Psychological Drama/Romance); Not Rated.
1 hour, 58 minutes (2024).
The light, the lives and the textures of contemporary, working class, Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The New York Times says “a soulful study of the transformative power of friendship and sisterhood, in all its complexities and richness.” Grand prize winner, Cannes Film Festival, 2024. Shown with English subtitles.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
| Exhibition: June 5-29, 2025 Free Collage Card Making Workshops: Friday, June 20, 1-3 pm and Thursday, June 26, 1-3 pm.To sign up for the free workshops, please email wwartsalliance@gmail.com or add your name to the list in the CAC gallery. |
| The Whitewater Arts Alliance is proud to present Collage x Five: Up Close and Personal, a new exhibition showcasing the creative storytelling of five women artists: Ann Engelman, Dawn Hunter, Sally Koehler, Allison Russo, and Della Wells. The show will be on display from June 5 to June 29, 2025, at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, located at 402 W. Main Street in Whitewater. Led by acclaimed artist and teacher Della Wells-whose work is featured in the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the American Folk Art Museum — the group explores personal stories and shared experiences through the art of collage. Wells explains, “I am a storyteller and an artist. I like to think of myself as an ‘arts provocateur.’ In my work, women guard their own fears and truths. They are not going to let anyone twist them into stereotypes.” Ann Engelman creates vivid art through stitched Memory Cloths and collage, inspired by global storytelling traditions such as South Africa’s Amazwi Abesifazane project. Engelman believes, “Storytelling provides context of life experiences. My artistic expressions help me reflect.” Her work captures the emotional landscape of memory, tradition, and resilience. Dawn Hunter, a founding member and first president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, brings decades of leadership and creativity to the exhibition. Hunter has earned multiple Wisconsin Regional Arts Program awards and recently published her children’s book, The Lavender Lady, in 2025. She shares, “Creative people don’t have a mess — they have ideas lying around everywhere.” Her collage work, like her writing, invites viewers into colorful, imaginative worlds. Sally Koehler, a Fort Atkinson-based artist with a degree from the University of Wisconsin, combines her background in arts education with her fine art practice. She has participated in national arts training through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and has continued to expand her collaborative work. Koehler says, “I use texture, color, and patterns to express my vision and gratitude for the rhythms and dance of life,” a spirit that radiates through her collage pieces. Allison Russo, a former Art Director at Scholastic Inc. and a current Board Member of the Public Art Fund in New York City, draws inspiration from the fleeting beauty of everyday moments. Her collages explore themes of motherhood, time, and transformation. Russo reflects, “Fleeting, precious moments shape my understanding of the world. Learning together with these women has been a gift.” Throughout the month of June, visitors are invited to participate in a series of special events designed to engage with the artists and the art. Two free collage card-making workshops will be offered on Friday, June 20, and Thursday, June 26, from 1 pm-3 pm, inviting participants to create their own art inspired by the exhibition. Gallery Exhibit Hours Thursdays: 12 pm – 4 pm Fridays: 12 pm – 4 pm Saturdays: 12 pm – 4 pm Sundays:12 pm – 4 pm [The gallery will be closed on June 15, Father’s Day.] Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running. Admission to the exhibition and all events is free, and everyone is welcome. Collage x Five: Up Close and Personal offers a vivid and heartfelt glimpse into women’s lived experiences, translated into layered and imaginative works of art. The exhibition promises to be an inspiring celebration of memory, creativity, and community. |
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. To celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, we are including an image of a father of a different sort. This is Joseph Bower, the “father” of Whitewater’s current downtown appearance. Bower was a builder who worked in Whitewater during the mid-to-late 19th century and can be credited with building at least 13 existing brick buildings in downtown Whitewater today, including the five-storefront block on the south side of the middle of Center Street, and several double-storefront blocks in the west block of Main Street in downtown Whitewater. The Whitewater Historical Society wishes all fathers a great day on Sunday!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#3218P, Whitewater Historical Society)
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #266 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., June 13, 2025, in honor of former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard, who passed away on Mon., Jan 27, 2025, at the age of 87. “Former Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Berard led a proud life of service, dedicating over four decades of his life to the Wisconsin National Guard, protecting the values and freedoms that we hold dear, and achieving many accolades along the way thanks to his steadfast commitment to serving our state and nation,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I are sending our deepest condolences to Maj. Gen. Berard’s family, friends, and colleagues as they honor his life of dedicated and decorated service.” Born in Hayward, Maj. Gen. Berard led an accomplished career in the Wisconsin National Guard for over four decades, including serving as adjutant general from 1996 to 1997. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and later attending the Naval Post Graduate School, Maj. Gen. Berard earned several accolades and awards throughout his honorable service, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Silver de Fleury Medal, and three Meritorious Service Medals. In addition to his service in the Guard, Maj. Gen. Berard worked at Telemark and Historyland for 26 years, managed the Lumberjack World Championships for two decades, and in 1978, he received the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Paul Bacon Award for his contributions to ski race organizing. Services for former Maj. Gen. Jerome “Jerry” Berard will take place on Fri., June 13, 2025, in Hayward and at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. |
The Whitewater 4th of July Festival Committee is thrilled to announce that fireworks will light up the sky on both Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. over Cravath Lake as part of this year’s celebration.
This spectacular tradition is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and partners. A special thank you goes to Coburn Company for sponsoring this year’s fireworks and to commend their remarkable milestone — 100 years in business. We proudly applaud their century of excellence and impact in the Whitewater area.
We also extend our sincere thanks to DLK Enterprises and the City of Whitewater for their continued sponsorship and ongoing support of the festival. Thanks to their dedication, the festival continues to shine as a highlight of Whitewater’s summer.
As we prepare for this exciting holiday weekend, we’re inviting members of the community to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic happens. Volunteers are needed to assist with launching the fireworks barge and other logistics surrounding the festival. We’re especially looking for a local boat owner willing to help tow the barge into Cravath Lake, as well as helping hands ready to be part of the action.
“This festival is a true community effort,” said a representative of the Whitewater 4th of July Committee. “Whether you’re sponsoring, volunteering, or attending, you’re part of something special.”
To sign up as a volunteer please email us at whitewater4th@gmail.com or to learn more about the schedule of events, please visit www.whitewater4th.com.
Editor’s note: The following schedule is from the above website.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Session: 5-9 PM, $25 each wrist band
Family Day Sponsored by Generac 4-7 PM
Karaoke at Frawley Ampitheater: 4-6 PM
Miss Whitewater Pageant at Frawley Ampitheater: 6:30 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 4-11 PM
Friday, July 4
Whippet City Mile: 9:45 AM along parade route
4th of July Parade: 10 AM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 10 AM to 11 PM
Christman Family Amusements: 12-4 PM Wrist band Session
Live Music at Frawley Amphitheater:
After the Parade – enjoy one of the bands in the parade on stage!
2 PM Jeff Winard Polka Party
5 PM Rural Route 3
8 PM Stetsin and Lace
Fireworks: 10 PM
Saturday, July 5
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Session: $25
40th Annual Car Show 2-6 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: Noon to 11 PM
Live Music at the Frawley Ampitheater:
2 PM Sawyer Road
5 PM Gebel Girls
8 PM Brightside
Fireworks 10 PM
Sunday, July 6
Carnival Only – Last chance for rides and a wrist band session!
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Special: 12 to 4 PM, $25 each
Former University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football kicker Jeff Schebler and longtime Head Coach Forrest Perkins are candidates for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame according to an announcement from the National Football Foundation [NFF].
To become a member of the NFF [with a $60 donation] and cast your vote for Schebler and Perkins today – click here. Votes must be cast by July 1, 2025.
The 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot includes 79 players and 9 coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from divisional ranks. The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th annual awards dinner on December 8, 2026 in Las Vegas.
To be eligible, a player must have received first team All-America recognition by an NCAA-recognized selector and played in his final season at least 10 full seasons ago but no more than 50 years ago. A player’s post-football record as a citizen and academic honors accumulated are also weighted in the selection process.
Coaches must have coached a minimum of 10 years and 100 games as a head coach, won at least 60 percent of their games and be retired from coaching for at least three years.
Schebler was a four-year All-American and four-year First Team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference kicker for the Warhawks from 2006-09. He helped lead UW-Whitewater to four appearances in the Stagg Bowl, including national championships in 2007 and 2009, when he was selected as a First Team All-American by D3football.com. The team also earned WIAC titles during all four years of Schebler’s career.
Schebler earned the Fred Mitchell Award as the nation’s best non-FBS kicker in 2009 after converting 14-of-18 on field goals and 83-of-85 on PATs. He also averaged 60.3 yards per kickoff as UW-W finished with a perfect 15-0 mark on its way to the national title.
For his career, Schebler is the program’s all-time leader in PATs attempted (256), PATs made (245) and field goals made (75). He tied the school record for longest field goal with a pair of 52-yarders in 2007. Schebler still holds the Division III career records for points scored by a kicker (470), highest percentage of field goals made (78.9) and field goals made (75).
Perkins coached the Warhawks for 29 seasons from 1956-84. He is currently the school’s all-time leader in victories after leading UW-Whitewater to a 190-88-8 record, good for a .678 winning percentage.
Perkins led the Warhawks to 11 conference championships and was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1966 after leading UW-Whitewater to a 10-1 record and the program’s first-ever postseason appearance. After a 41-18 triumph over Central (Iowa) in the national semifinals, the Warhawks reached the title game, where they fell against Waynesburg (Pa.).
At the time of his retirement, Perkins was the league’s all-time leader in wins and had the second-most wins of active coaches at the Division III level. He is currently No. 2 in the conference in victories and among the top 50 on the NCAA Division III all-time wins list.
College Football Hall of Fame votes are cast by more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers. Their votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Court, which includes a diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media, for final class selection.
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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