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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club is holding an Easter Lilies fundraiser again this year to raise funds to help children. Each lily plant is $20 and will be available for pick up on Friday, April 11 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 145 South Prairie in Whitewater. Deliveries can also be requested. Anyone interested in ordering the plants should contact Al Stanek at (608) 320-9781 or any Kiwanian. Orders are due by March 21.
Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Co-President Corey Davis said, “We hope everyone will spring into action to order these beautiful lilies and help out children at the same time. Spring is just around the corner, and these lilies will brighten your day as well as the days of the children Kiwanis helps.”
Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world. The club raised funds to make possible the installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park. Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.
If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Corey Davis at coreydavis77@yahoo.com
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Ferradermis is headed to Houston for the FIRST Championships!
Wednesday morning, as part of FIRST’s new qualification protocols for Champs, the Whitewater High School FIRST Robotics Competition Team Ferradermis received an invitation to compete in Houston based on their rankings in the regional pool! Ferradermis performed very well on and off the field at the Lake Superior Regional two weeks ago, winning the event and the Team Sustainability Award, and was ranked #78 in the world out of the 754 teams that had competed in the first two weeks of global regional events. Some of those 754 teams received automatic bids at their event or were pre-qualified from last year, but all teams were ranked based on points earned at their event(s). Points were based on a team’s ranking after qualification rounds, their position in the alliance selections, their alliance’s performance in the playoffs, and team awards won. As of Wednesday, Ferradermis was the 25th highest ranked team in the world in the pool without an automatic bid, and Wednesday morning, FIRST extended invitations to 26 teams from that pool.
108 FRC teams from around the world have now secured a spot at FIRST Championships. With four more weeks of competitions, that number will eventually grow to 600 (out of 3,715 teams competing globally this year), and Ferradermis can’t wait to be part of that excitement!
Ferradermis will compete in two additional regional events before the trip to Houston. The public is invited to attend the Phantom Lakes Regional at Mukwonago High School on March 28 or 29 or the Wisconsin Regional at State Fair Park in West Allis on April 5 or 6. Both events are free and open to the public, and they make great fun family entertainment!
Ferradermis will now go into fundraising mode for the Houston trip, with a need to raise an additional $30,000 to take 30+ people to Houston for 6 days. If you would like to show your financial support to the team, donations can be made online at https://www.ferradermis.org/, or checks made out to WHS can be mailed in care of Laura Masbruch to Whitewater High School, 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team will head to Pennsylvania for Sweet 16 action hosted by Scranton University this week. The Warhawks are set to face league-foe UW-Stout on Friday.
SECTIONAL INFORMATION
Dates: March 14-15, 2025
Host: Scranton University in Scranton, PA
Venue: John Long Center, 1030 Ridge Row, Scranton, PA
Watch Live on NCAA Champs Pass
Follow Live via Scranton’s Live Stats Page
Tickets: Cash only on day of game; No advance sales available (doors will open one hour before the first game)
SECTIONAL SCHEDULE
Friday – Sweet 16 Game One: UW-Whitewater (24-6) vs. UW-Stout (21-7), 4:30 PM CT
Friday – Sweet 16 Game Two: Johns Hopkins (24-4) vs. Scranton (28-1), 7 PM CT
Saturday – Elite 8: Winner of Game One vs. Winner of Game Two, 7 PM CT
HOW WE GOT HERE
The Warhawks won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title for the fourth time in program history to claim the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament. UW-Whitewater is amid their 23rd national tournament appearance in program history and ninth consecutive NCAA Tournament run. UWW hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament defeating Principia 75-53 in the opener. The Warhawks punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 with a thrilling 50-49 win over UW-La Crosse in round two.
HISTORY vs. SECTIONAL TEAMS
This is the fourth meeting between these two WIAC squads this season. The Blue Devils won the two regular season meetings, 80-67 and 76-65. The Warhawks took the WIAC semifinal matchup played on the road 69-63. UWW leads the all-time series against UW-Stout 32-19.
This is the second meeting between two WIAC institutions in the Sweet 16 in NCAA championship history. In 2014, the Warhawks defeated UW-Oshkosh 69-57 to advance to the Elite 8.
An Elite 8 game between the Warhawks and Johns Hopkins or Scranton would be the first meeting between the two teams.
SWEET 16 HISTORY
The Warhawks are in the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season and seventh under Head Coach Keri Carollo. The most recent Sweet 16 win for UWW was a 72-61 win over Hope College last season.
This is UW-Stout’s fourth Sweet 16 appearance (2024, 2006, 2005) in program history. The Blue Devils are 0-3 heading into Friday’s contest.
COACH CAROLLO IN THE POSTSEASON
Coach Carollo has led UW-Whitewater to the NCAA Tournament 16 times in her 23 seasons at the helm for the Warhawks. Under her leadership, UWW is 31-15 in the postseason with six Sweet 16 appearances, five trips to the Elite 8, four Final Fours, a pair of third-place finishes (2008, 2014) and two national runners-up (2013, 2022). Overall, Coach Carollo is 463-178 – a win percentage of 72.2 – in her tenure at UW-Whitewater. She holds the most wins among active coaches in the WIAC.
RECORDS, MILESTONES, HONORS
The Warhawks set a number of records, reached a few milestones and added multiple honors throughout the 2024-25 campaign so far. Senior guard Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater), the league’s Player of the Year this season and All-Defensive Team pick, broke the conference record for career three’s. She broke the UWW record for career rebounds (a record that had stood for 41 years) and three-pointers in a season. In her final game in Kachel Gym last week, Carollo set one more record in a fitting way — wearing jersey #13, she registered 13 points and 13 rebounds to break the program record for career double-doubles. Carollo, also named the WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete for Women’s Basketball, is just two points away from breaking the single season scoring record at UW-Whitewater.
Joining Carollo on the All-WIAC teams were seniors Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) (Honorable Mention) and Olivia Zuege (Green Bay, Wis./Preble) (All-Sportsmanship).
Senior Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) hit a major milestone this season, scoring her 1,000th point to become the 20th Warhawk in program history to reach the mark.
On Saturday, March 8th, students from Whitewater High School participated in the Wisconsin School Music Association [WSMA] District Solo/Ensemble Festival at Jefferson High School. Students performed in both instrumental and vocal events throughout the day. Congratulations to all WHS students who performed! Special congratulations to the WHS students who received at 1* rating in one or more events which qualifies them for the WSMA State Solo/Ensemble Festival which will be held on April 26 on the UW-Whitewater campus. We wish you all the best!
Dante Baker – Marimba Solo
Isabella Cohen, Jay Downs, Taiya Kolb, and Xavier Ortiz – Saxophone Quartet
Ben Crone – Marimba Solo
Esteban Diaz-Gallegos – Alto Saxophone Solo
Lucy Troxel – Clarinet Solo
Sami Van Daele – Marimba Solo
Willow Vogelzang – Flute Solo
A’lani Ross – Musical Theater & Alto Solo
Charlotte Hajewski – Musical Theater & Soprano Solo
Samuel Nickelsburg – Musical Theater & Tenor Solo
Ava Van Daele – Musical Theater & Alto Solo
Alexander Clarksen – Musical Theater & Tenor Solo
Willow Vogelzang – Musical Theater & Soprano Solo
Ian Agen – Musical Theater & Tenor Solo
Chacha Binagi – Baritone Solo
Ameera Lin – Alto Solo
Payton Bunger – Baritone Solo
Alex Clarksen & Alex Sullivan – Tenor/Soprano Duet
Vivian Harris – Alto Solo
Ava Van Daele & A’lani Ross – Soprano/Alto Duet
Alex Sullivan – Soprano Solo
Ava Van Daele – Alto Solo
Chord of the Rings members Ian Agen, Chacha Binagi, Alex Clarksen, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, David Enns, Samuel Nickelsburg, Josh Nygren (Cruz Aranda)- Contemporary A Cappella
Music Masters Ensemble members Chacha Binagi, Payton Bunger, Ayden Clark, Alex Clarksen, Isabella Cohen, David Enns, Charlotte Hajewski, Samuel Nickelsburg Harry Ritchie, A’lani Ross, Alex Sullivan, Ava Van Daele, Willow Vogelzang (Hayleigh Pond) – Madrigal Ensemble
Music Masters Ensemble members Chacha Binagi, Payton Bunger, Ayden Clark, Alex Clarksen, Isabella Cohen, David Enns, Charlotte Hajewski, Samuel Nickelsburg Harry Ritchie, A’lani Ross, Alex Sullivan, Ava Van Daele, Willow Vogelzang (Hayleigh Pond) – Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Article and Photos Submitted by Sam Averill
Whitewater High School Band Director
saverill@wwusd.org
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office anticipates the following as of their Thursday afternoon update:
- A strong low pressure system will move through the Midwest Friday-Saturday, bringing gusty non-thunderstorm winds & chances for severe thunderstorms
- Peak potential for showers, thunderstorms, and possible severe weather is between 8 PM Friday – 12 AM Saturday. Greatest potential is over far south-central and southwestern Wisconsin, with lower confidence further northeast
- Primary hazard in any Friday evening severe storms is damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH. While far secondary to the damaging wind threat, a brief, isolated tornado can’t be entirely ruled out
- The strongest non-thunderstorm wind gusts are expected Saturday afternoon, when Wind Advisories are possible over parts of the area
As shown on the map below, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will soon be closing US Highway 12 from County P to WIS 20/WIS 67 for road construction. The County P intersection is at the easternmost stoplight on our bypass. Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained. Brad Bowe, the project manager with JT Engineering, told The Banner that, “The current plan would be to close US 12 on Friday, March 28th to local traffic only. This would allow for some equipment to mobilize in and start work on the culverts under US 12 on Monday the 31st.”
Last summer a long segment of US Highway 12 approaching Elkhorn was closed for road construction for a number of months, causing many drivers to use a detour that included County Hwy H out of LaGrange. That will not be an option this time. Drivers heading to Elkhorn will likely find that the new detour won’t add too much time to their trip.
Whitewater’s Coolest Annual Event Returns in 2025
Special Olympics Wisconsin debuts 2025 Polar Plunge campaign February through March
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) supporters from across southern Wisconsin will be Leapin’ for a Reason in Whitewater Saturday, March 15, for the 2025 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin and US Venture.
The Whitewater Polar Plunge® kicks off at the Whitewater Aquatic Center (580 S. Elizabeth St., Whitewater) with an Opening Ceremony at noon followed by nonstop plunging into the Aquatic Center’s pool. The day will include live music, photo moments with Chilly Bear, an open swimming event, cardboard boat races, and plenty of fun memories while raising funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes. Unique to Whitewater, the zero-entry pool also provides an inclusive opportunity for people with accessibility concerns to still participate.
This year’s Polar Plunge® features two great ways to get involved:
- Polar Plunger: The traditional way to plunge—jump into icy waters and bask in your generous glory! Those opting out of an in-person event can make their own adventure via Alternative Plunge.
- Polar Pledger: Less daring individuals can still get involved without getting wet.
Plungers who raise the minimum $100 will receive the official Polar Plunge® long-sleeve shirt with unique design for 2025. Those raising more can earn additional incentives.
Whitewater is one of eight Polar Plunge® locations spanning seven Saturdays across the state. Other events this winter include Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse, Milwaukee, and Chippewa Falls.
More information, including registration and an updated schedule of events, can be found at PlungeWI.org. Pre-registrations are highly encouraged, but on-site day-of registration will also be available.
The Polar Plunge® is Special Olympics Wisconsin’s largest annual grassroots fundraiser—all funds raised for this unique winter tradition go directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin, helping thousands of statewide SOWI athletes train and compete at the state, national, and international level. The event also supports year-round health and wellness programs, leadership development, and Unified Champion School initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).
The Whitewater Polar Plunge® is sponsored by US Venture, Generac, Fort Community Credit Union, Hexpol, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
For more information about the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
Congratulations to the WHS Forensics Team for advancing to the state competition for public speaking. All 8 team members qualified in their individual categories at the District 11 competition in Evansville, Monday night.
Members include Makayla Bazeley and Carley Boudreau for expository speaking, Grace Coleman in solo monologue, humorous, Lucy Davis and Skyler Hogan in poetry, Maya Davis for oratory, Emily Schmidt in special occasion presentation, and Atreya Wilson for impromptu speech. The state tournament will take place in Madison on April 12. Congratulations to all!
Article and Top Photo Courtesy of Jim McCulloch
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
jMcCulloch@wwusd.org
Additional Photo Courtesy of Tom Ganser
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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