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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Iron pour at Wisconsin Makers April 12
Wisconsin Makers will host its eighth annual iron pour on Saturday, April 12.
The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater.
Spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — Teresa “Tree” Lind, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lecturer of art and design — and her students and alumni melt cast iron in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand scratch molds with the liquid metal.
Those wishing to make their own casting may buy a scratch mold square to personalize with their design that day, starting at 9 a.m. Each scratch mold must be completed no later than 11:15 a.m.
By noon, the outdoor forge should have reached 2,700 degrees and be ready for the pour. Lind and her team will fill buckets with molten iron and pour it into the sand scratch molds. They will present the completed castings to participants by mid-afternoon.
The per-person cost is $25. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. All ages are welcome, but youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.
During the iron pour, grilled brats, chips, water and soda will be available for purchase.
Scratch mold workshop set
Persons wishing to get a head start on their squares may attend a scratch mold workshop at the makerspace Friday, April 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. Pizza will be available for $1 per slice.
“Your unique design will be preserved in cast iron for ages to come,” said Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer, adding that past years’ iron pours each have drawn more than 100 attendees. “This is a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.”
To get a feel for what an iron pour entails, please view a short YouTube video of the 2017 event: https://youtu.be/Q5HgV94OPe4.
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 and more.
For more information on the iron pour or scratch mold workshop, or to learn about the makerspace or memberships, visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call Jewer at (630) 430-9498.
Updated: 4/8/25 @ 3:30 p.m. to add gallery hours (Thursday through Sunday, 12-4 p.m.)
The Whitewater Arts Alliance and the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) are excited to announce the 2025 Art Exhibition, Let Kindness Be My Muse. This annual event, showcasing artwork by students from all five WUSD schools, is a proud part of the Be Kind Whitewater, a grassroots, community-based, non-partisan group that promotes kindness, connection, civility, and creative expression for the betterment of our community and region.
The exhibition runs from April 3 to April 27, 2025, Thursday through Sunday from 12-4 p.m., at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main St., Whitewater. The Arts Alliance will celebrate with a closing reception on Saturday, April 26, from 12 pm-3 pm with refreshments, music, and an awards presentation to recognize the students’ efforts.
Kim Adams, Whitewater Arts Alliance Gallery Director, shared, “This exhibition brings our community together and highlights student talent. It has become the most attended annual event at the WAA, with nearly 150 community members and students at last year’s event.”
Come check out the students’ work and join us for a fun day of community and art. It’s a great way to celebrate kindness and creativity as part of the Be Kind Whitewater initiative.
WAA thanks the sponsor of this event: Leif E. Knudsen, CPA, S.C.
2nd Annual WMS Mattress Fundraiser for Washington DC & New York trips in 2025 and 2026
Whitewater High School’s FBLA students recently traveled to Green Bay for the State Leadership Conference and brought home some impressive achievements!
Our students made the most of their trip, combining competition with valuable learning experiences. They enjoyed tours of the iconic Lambeau Field, explored a few local Green Bay businesses, and visited the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
But the real excitement was in the competition! We are thrilled to announce the following outstanding results:
- Ameera Lin impressed the judges with her poise and communication skills, earning a top 12 placement in Introduction to Public Speaking.
- The creative trio of Zoe Zei, Maggie Maas, and Maddie Morton showcased their storytelling and technical talents, securing 7th place in Digital Video Production.
- Lilian Navejas-Ortiz demonstrated her strong foundation in business, achieving 7th place in Human Resource Management.
- And a special congratulations to Atreya Wilson, who earned 1st place in Entrepreneurship! Atreya’s innovation and dedication have earned her the honor of representing Whitewater Unified School District at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California this summer!
We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work, professionalism, and spirit of excellence. Way to go, Whippets!
Article and Photos Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School FBLA Advisor
bwest@wwusd.org
According to a press release from the City of Whitewater Fire/EMS Department [WFD], at approximately 6:26 a.m. on 04/06/2025, they were alerted to a barn fire at 8731 N. Lima Center Road, Town of Lima, Rock County. The property is approximately 6.5 miles southwest of the fire station in an area that does not have hydrants.
The legacy dairy barn, which was being used for livestock shelter and hay storage, was completely engulfed in flames upon the first firefighters’ arrival. Due to the amount of hay in the building, approximately 100,000 gallons of water was needed to fully extinguish the fire. WFD indicates that the barn and its contents are a total loss. Some of the cattle, sheep and goats in the barn at the time of the fire were able to escape, but due to the collapse of the building it is unknown how many livestock were lost.
Investigation is ongoing, but the fire was not deemed to be suspicious. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
WFD thanked the following departments for their assistance: Whitewater Fire/EMS would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance: Lauderdale-LaGrange, Darien, City of Delavan, Town of Delavan, Palmyra, Troy Center, Rome, Sullivan, Johnson Creek, Lakeside, Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Elkhorn, East Troy, Janesville, and Lake Mills.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Christine Hayes is a WUL Hometown Hero nominated by Fairhaven’s Brian Robinson “For bringing joy and music to Fairhaven with the Drumming Program, and for raising funds to purchase drums so that Fairhaven can start to hold community drumming sessions in the future, thus enriching the lives of residents and the community.”
Brian said, “Christine brings incredible energy and passion to her volunteer work at Fairhaven, and has recently started bringing in university students to engage with and enrich our residents’ lives. The future is bright to expand this to everyone in our community and we couldn’t thank Christine enough for all she does for us here at Fairhaven.”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state.
Everyone who participates in this drive will be eligible to receive a $15 e-gift card that’s good at Walmart and many other retail stores. You must have a valid email address and enter SHOWERS in the appointment notes. Donors will also be offered 4 free Mt. Olympus passes while supplies last.
Reserve your spot at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997.
B. Pechous shared this old photo from the Mattie Perry Jelinek collection, with the following description.
Sharecroppers’ daughters: Whitewater, WI, circa 1926
Evelyn (1908 – 1982) and Elinor Perry (1911-2007)
The photo was taken in the Whitewater area. Their parents were Charles and Anastasia Perry, who sharecropped on several farms in the Whitewater area for around fifty years. Evelyn and Elinor attended the Stone School on Fremont Road in Cold Spring township. Their parents farmed the Fred Ludemann Place (N1655 Findlay Road) from 1920 to 1926. Evelyn married LeRoy Boltz in 1928. She had three children and lived on Bluff Road for the rest of her life. Elinor married James Larson in 1932. They had three children and lived on Peterson Road (for a while) on the old Peterson farm. They are both buried in Hillside Cemetery.
Our thanks to B. Pechous for sharing this fashionable nearly 100-year-old photo.
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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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