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Eleven Whitewater Unified School District students have been selected for
publication in this year’s edition of “Southern Lakes Anthology.”
The annual competition showcases original art and writing from 3rd-8th grade students across more than 30 school districts in southeastern Wisconsin. The theme for this year’s anthology was “The Power Of,” with students encouraged to explore the concept through creating poetry, prose, expository writing, illustrated writing, art, and cartoons.
WUSD Advanced Learning Specialist, Caroline Nelson, described introducing the competition saying, “I love seeing students’ enthusiasm as I reveal the annual SLA theme in classes each fall. They immediately begin brainstorming ideas and making connections to their lives. This year, students were able to apply the theme “The Power Of” to concepts such as self-worth, friendship, historical achievements of women, and chemistry. I look forward to celebrating our published authors and artists
at the reception taking place this Spring.”
Over 90 WUSD students submitted their work for review, and after an initial round of district judging, 24 pieces advanced to the regional level. On January 29, WUSD educators Sara Brautigam, Caroline Nelson, and Kathy Retzke joined over 100 fellow judges to review more than 900 submissions and select the top entries for publication.
“We are thrilled to congratulate our incredible students whose work was chosen for publication in the 2024 Southern Lakes Anthology,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “These students demonstrated creativity, dedication, and perseverance in crafting their pieces, often seeking feedback from peers and teachers to refine their work.”
Below is the list of published authors from WUSD:
3rd Grade:
● Josie Chaphalkar, Lincoln – “The Beauty of Nature” (Illustrated Writing)
● Evelyn Brockwell, Lakeview – “The Galaxy’s Strength” (Art)
● Charlie Pieper, Washington – “Molecules of Might” (Art)
● Sofia Cerillo, Washington – “I am Sofia”
5th Grade:
● Neema Kejo, Washington – “I Wish I…” (Poetry)
● Jamie Hoffman, Lakeview – “The Forest Life” (Art)
6th Grade:
● Eevee/Ink Bradley, WMS – “Remembering/Memories” (Art)
● Mary Horner, WMS – “Empty Town” (Art)
7th Grade:
● Paige Callahan, WMS – “Unity” (Illustrated Poetry)
● Cassandra Gibbs, WMS – “Keeping Balance” (Art)
● Karlee Luna, WMS – “Who Am I” (Cartoon)
These students will be honored at a recognition reception at UW-Whitewater in May, celebrating their achievements alongside other published young authors and artists from the region.
In addition to the published selections, the following students had their work submitted for regional judging and earned honorable mention:
● 3rd Grade: Abigail Baack, Sean Callahan, Kinsley Egnoski, Declan Timm
● 4th Grade: Daniella Rios
● 5th Grade: Lawren Fleming, Lyonel Hernandez, Elsie Wieland, Aubtree Wojtunski
● 6th Grade: Eleanor Wilt
● 7th Grade: Lucy Baldwin, Gabbriella Gibbs, Rafaela Los
● 8th Grade: Bella Germundson
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of the Whitewater Area will participate in two fundraisers in the upcoming two weeks. Funds raised will support the LWV’s educational outreach efforts, and the events will provide an opportunity for the LWV to reach a wider audience.
The first fundraiser is a BINGO Night, hosted by the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties at The Real MacCoy’s, N1431 County Road N, Whitewater on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 6:00 pm. Ten percent from the sales of the BINGO cards and fifty percent of the cash raffle will go to the LWV.
The second fundraiser is Share Night, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Culver’s, 1414 W Main Street, Whitewater. LWV members will deliver food orders to cars and tables, and assist with keeping the restaurant area clean. Culver’s will donate 10% of the sales made during that time to the organization. LWV will also staff a booth at the event to share information about voter registration and the April 1, 2025 election.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
City of Whitewater Board of Canvass – Monday @ 8:30 a.m.
The board will certify the election results from February 18. Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action related to the Territorial Oak and Discussion and possible action regarding landscaping guidelines.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/605491661
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 605-491-661
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
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Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – CLOSED SESSION
Agenda: …..to discuss employee contract and preliminary non-renewal notice.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81769707177?pwd=rdSFzAfIvJ5VmTaqYcNWagEtZq3Tsv.1
– Passcode: 915610
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 817 6970 7177
– Passcode: 915610
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Consideration of Petition to Alter School District Boundaries – Milton School District, Transfer – EMLSS Coordinator to ADMINISTRATION – Associate Principal at the Middle School effective July 1, 2025, and Update on high school turf fields.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82261459987?pwd=aVZrWW12WHJIUmk3Zm9qTmkyb01jQT09
– Passcode: 141789
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 822 6145 9987
– Passcode: 141789
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Executive session, followed by open session: Discussion and possible action on Pre 3 Offer to purchase vacant land located at/A444200001, Discussion and possible action LOI with the City of Whitewater and Walworth County Habitat for Humanity. ,Discussion and possible action of a development agreement with Arch Development.
Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Community Room, 2nd Floor, 312 W Whitewater St
In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88398099018?pwd=M1TbmIBJngLzV841c3jUfEAmgca3mU.1
Meeting ID: 883 9809 9018
Passcode: 950683
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,88398099018#,,,,950683# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,88398099018#,,,,950683# US
Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 883 9809 9018
Passcode: 950683
On Saturday, February 22, the Boys’ Wrestling Team was represented by five individuals competing to advance to the WIAA State Individual State Wrestling Tournament in the Sectional Tournament hosted by Waupun. When the day ended, the boys were 12-4 with four of them punching their ticket to the Kohl Center this coming Thursday night.
Jarvis Porcaro started things off for the Whippets, winning the sectional championship, being the 3rd one to do so since 2007. Jarvis dominated his competition, wrestling extremely well all day. He started the day with a technical fall 19-2. He followed that up with a first period pin in :57. For the finals, Jarvis wrestled very well getting a takedown, which would have ended the match with a technical fall, but due to taking down two students back he was able to secure the pin.
Jasen Porras was our second student to reach the finals with a very strong day of wrestling. He started the day off with a strong victory over a young man that proved to be a tough opponent on top, but Jasen secured a second period pin. In the semifinals, Jasen weathered a little bit of a storm early but was able to just wrestle very smart and was able to secure a 8-2 decision. In the championship match, he ran into the number one student in the state and fell against a young man that proved he is worthy of the ranking. Jasen had to wrestle back to hold onto his 2nd place finish. This can be a tough task coming off a loss and the opponent coming off a win. Jasen controlled him early and secured a first period pin, thus holding onto 2nd place!
Connor Friend followed, bringing home the 2nd championship of the day. He started off with a very nice win against a student who was physically quite strong. Connor ended up getting a 3rd period pin. In the semifinals, Connor was taken down earlier which was maybe a little bit of a wakeup call as he ended up controlling the rest of the match and secured a 20-4 technical fall win. In the championship, Connor had a young man who had some nice height and length, but Connor was patient and took control early on his feet. Connor was able to secure the championship with a 9-1 major decision.
Traysen Thomason was next up for the Whippets. Traysen started the day strong with a 18-3 technical fall win. In the semi-finals, Traysen had a very good match, and with a little bit of a scramble that didn’t quite go his way he ended up dropping the match 7-4. This put him into the wrestle backs where he would need to piece together two wins to advance. His first match was against a familiar opponent from the last couple of weeks, and Traysen continued a strong game plan pinning his opponent in 1:05. This put Traysen one win from a state berth against a tall young man from Lake Country Lutheran. Traysen did very well, wrestling a smart match, and was able to secure his state berth with a 19-9 major decision.
Richi Kalra was our 5th competitor on the day. In both of his matches, he wrestled very well. In the first match he came out and got the opening takedown and then was in on a second, but the opponent made a throw as a counter, pinning Richi. In the wrestle back match, Richi had a familiar foe from Delavan. Richi wrestled extremely well on his feet, holding good position. Unfortunately, Richi saw his season end with the loss. Both of the opponents Richi lost to qualified, with the student from the first match winning the tournament and the student from the second match taking 3rd, so Richi went down and competed well against the best!
The four boys will all be competing on Thursday night, February 27, at 6:00 pm at the Kohl Center in Madison.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Did you know that as of 2024, Wisconsin has had a tornado touch down in every month of the year? And severe weather can cost communities thousands of dollars in damage. Join expert storm chasers for a series of presentations to understand the weather forecast process and how to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season in order to protect yourself and your property.
All presentations are free. Join us on any or all dates. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a custodial guardian.
Four Different Sessions in 2025
- Session One – Why is my phone’s weather app always wrong? | Tuesday, February 25 at 6 pm
- Session Two – Watches and Warnings: aren’t they all the same? | Tuesday, March 4 at 6 pm
- Session Three – Why didn’t they issue warnings? | Tuesday, March 11 at 6 pm
- Session Four – I lost a tree in my yard, it was a tornado, right? | Tuesday, March 18 at 6 pm
Questions? Contact Kari Borne at 262-472-1003 or bornek@uww.edu
On Friday night, February 21, Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling had three ladies competing in the Sectional hosted at Whitewater High School for their opportunity to place in the top 2 and advance to the WIAA State Wrestling Individual Wrestling Championships at the Kohl Center. To note, girls’ wrestling is all one division so it can be the smallest schools in the state vs. the largest schools in the state.
Leading the way for the girls was Marianna Kubicz who wrestled her way into the championship match by starting off with a bye and then getting a strong first period pin after two great takedowns against her Janesville Craig foe. Marianna has been working hard on some technique on her feet and it showed in the semifinal match. In the championship, Marianna came out strong but ended up getting pinned. She did not have a wrestle back so she was able to hold onto her runner up finish and her ticket to Madison.
Payton Taylor was next up. Payton started the night off strong with a very nice first period pin against her Janesville Craig foe. She came out and got the early takedown and then showed her improvement over the course of the season, securing the pin. In the semi-finals, Payton dropped the match against a girl who really wrestles well. Payton was not out of the running for state just yet, but she would need to win her next match and then get some help and hope to get a wrestle back. She wrestled an outstanding match for 3rd as she just kept holding good position and wore her opponent down. Both girls were really tired, but Payton was able to dig deeper and secure the bronze medal with an 11-7 victory. Payton then got the help that she needed and the girl who had defeated her did win the championship, so Payton got a true second wrestle back to try to get to state. In this match she came out and got the opening takedown and was very close to turning the girl with just a slight movement of her body position but unfortunately went the wrong way and got pinned. This was Payton’s first year of wrestling, so with another year of experience that positioning will improve.
Closing out our girls competing was A’Lani Ross who had a difficult first round draw. Her opponent had taken 3rd at state as a freshman and was a state champion last year. This was unfortunate, as with the girls and division 1 boys if you lose your first round, you are eliminated. The Milton girl proved that she is one of the best in the state getting the first period takedown. A’Lani had a strong senior season and has nothing to be ashamed of; it was just unfortunate with the “luck of the draw.”
Marianna will be competing in Madison at the Kohl Center. Wrestling will begin at 2:00 pm on Thursday afternoon, February 27.
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The Whippet Swim Team finished out the season on some incredible swims at the State Meet on Friday, February 21st. Cruz Aranda started us off with a strong performance in the 200 Freestyle, finishing 14th with a time of 1:51.18. Cruz was then up in the 100 Freestyle where he swam a best time of 50.10! Myles Morse rocked his 500 Freestyle going right on his best time with a time 5:21.15. It was fun to watch his season and his high school swim career close out at the state meet!
The relays really put on a show! In the 200 Freestyle Relay (Jack Hefty, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Cruz Aranda), those boys were chasing a school record and they got that school record and absolutely crushed it. The previous school record was set in 2019 with a time of 1:33.24. Each of them went out and went season best splits and broke the record by nearly 3 seconds. The school record now sits at 1:30.89! Jack Hefty led the way with a lifetime best 23.24; that time puts him 5th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List. Langdon Coburn got under 23 seconds with a time of 22.97, Mateo Bazeley put up the fastest split with 22.19, and Cruz Aranda rounded us out with a time of 22.49.
Cruz Aranda, Jack Hefty, Langdon Coburn, and Mateo Bazeley closed out the night with an 8th place finish in the 400 Freestyle Relay, dropping 7.28 seconds from last week’s sectional time with a 3:22.77. Cruz Aranda led the way with a time of 50.68, Jack Hefty posted a 50.71, Langdon Coburn went a 51.19, and Mateo brought it home with a 50.19. The boys won their heat and moved up 7 spots from their original 15th seed coming into the meet.
Congratulations to the Whippet Swim Team on a phenomenal season!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Editor’s note: This announcement was shared by FFA alumni member Patty Harmon.
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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