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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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Embark on a musical journey “From Venice to Sicily by way of Abruzzo” with baritone Brian Leeper and pianist Diana Shapiro. Sunday, February 9 – 3 p.m. – Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street. Free parking is available in Lots 1 & 2. Tickets are available here. Adults are $10, age 65+ are $6, and under age 18 are $6. Tickets at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge. The Music Mosaics concert series, launched in 2002, unites diverse performances to benefit the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund. Faculty, alumni, and the community inspire through their generosity, supporting students’ musical and academic excellence. Join us for a mosaic of music with students’ success as the ultimate goal. |
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater.
Be Kind Whitewater Committee is currently planning monthly events for the year. A grassroots community-based group, Be Kind Whitewater is a non-partisan group that promotes kindness and civility for the betterment of our community and region.
Join us for a Love and Kindness karaoke party, which will be held at Snug Harbor from 8 until 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Snug Harbor is located at W7785 Wisconsin Parkway, Delavan. This event promises to be filled with great music and entertainment.
The evening is hosted by Snug Harbor, Be Kind Whitewater, and the Whitewater High School Key Club. Come early and enjoy a meal at Snug Harbor with the whole family.
To Keep up with Be Kind events watch the Whitewater Banner and our Facebook page at BeKindWhitewater or visit our newly minted website at https://bekindwhitewater.weebly.com
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This month we are showing you some business-related photos from the mid-20th century. We start with this winter view of the Whitewater Co-op that was located where Casey’s gas station on East Milwaukee Street is located today. The co-op was an important business, especially for farmers. The business offered discounts to members and had a large gas station at their location.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5468P, Whitewater Historical Society)
A bonus: Last week’s #FlashbackFriday that wasn’t posted yet
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
We are sure you are as tired of seeing these old winter views as you are of winter by now, but here is another historical look at lots of snow. This is an important picture in looking at the history of downtown. It is the north side of the west block of Main Street (west of First St.) and none of these buildings are extant. Because we know this view is from around 1880, it gives us good information on what this part of downtown looked like before all the newer buildings were constructed. In the foreground is an old hotel that was replaced around 1890 by a two-story brick commercial building that was, in turn, replaced by the one-story building that sits there today, the old Schultz Brothers dime store or what is today Main Street Shops.
(0370ST, Whitewater Historical Society)
On Saturday, February 1st, 18 students competed in the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference in Middleton. Several students earned top placements and qualified for the state competition in Green Bay. Atreya Wilson placed 2nd in Entrepreneurship, Maddi Morton, Maggie Mass, and Zoe Zei placed 2nd in Digital Video Production, and Ameera Lin placed 3rd in Intro to Public Speaking.
Article and Photos Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School FBLA Advisor
bwest@wwusd.org
Dir. of Faith Formation Job opening –
Provide leadership in the design and implementation of programs for adults, young adults, youth and children to build a solid formation for adult spirituality, Christian living and ministry. Spanish language skills preferred but not required. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org
Business Manager job opening –
The Business Manager is responsible for providing financial and administrative oversight and counsel to make for an efficient and fiscally responsible parish. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org
Calling All Musicians!
The Congregational UCC will be having our last worship service on Sunday, April 27th – and we would like to have a celebration of being here since 1840. For the celebration on April 27th the UCC in Whitewater, Wisconsin, would like to invite you, your friends, or family to take part in a music extravaganza!
All players of any instrument will be welcome to play an arrangement of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The celebration will include (but not require) the opportunity to play solos, have fun, eat food, and celebrate with the members of the congregation at their last service. Being a member of a church is not a requirement. Please make sure you are available from 9 am until 12 noon on Sunday, April 27th.
Please expect to rehearse 45 minutes before the start of the service. Small compensation will be provided for travel and time.
If you are interested, please contact the Office Manager – Renea Zuehlke at renea.wwucc@sbcglobal.net or by phone 262-473-4101. Please respond by March 31st at 4 p.m. with your name, best way to contact you, the city you are traveling from, and instrument you will be playing. In April, more details will be provided along with music, finalized worship and rehearsal times, and any additional instruction.
Thank you!
Students in the Whitewater Unified School District have achieved significant
growth in literacy over the past year, according to Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment scores.
Literacy proficiency in the district’s elementary schools has grown from 31.5% at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, to 53.4% in January 2025. The achievement has come about due to the WUSD educators, specialists, coaches, paraprofessionals, and administrators implementing research-based literacy instruction that is transforming student outcomes.
“This collective achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “We are proud to see our efforts making a measurable impact, and we remain dedicated to fostering a future in which every student becomes a confident, capable reader.”
WUSD staff have embraced ongoing professional development in structured literacy and the Science of Reading, leading to the creation of impactful, data-driven instruction. The district’s adoption of Into Reading by HMH, a universal literacy curriculum, has provided a solid foundation for daily instruction, emphasizing the five essential components of structured literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
Additionally, the implementation of Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) and Sound Partners has strengthened intervention strategies, ensuring students receive targeted support tailored to their needs.
WUSD’s literacy success has drawn attention from other districts across Wisconsin. During the first semester, WUSD welcomed educators from Adams-Friendship, East Troy, Janesville, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Ripon, and Watertown to observe and learn from its Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 literacy instructional practices.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
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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