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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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The Whitewater Culver’s, along with nearly seventy others across Wisconsin, is raising money to support victims of the recent shooting at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) in Madison. A teacher and student were killed Dec. 16 when another student opened fire during a study period at the school. The shooter then turned the gun on themselves, police say. Six others were injured.
“Make Your Meal Matter” Day will take place Monday, Jan. 6, to support the ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund. Each participating restaurant is establishing the portion of its sales that will be donated.
Other area participating restaurants include Delavan, Elkhorn, Fort Atkinson, and Lake Geneva.
“So many organizations and businesses stepping up to help our school, our students, our staff, and our families. We are grateful,” the school wrote on its Facebook page.
According to the Wisconsin State Journal, the funds will be donated to United Way of Dane County’s fund to support Abundant Life Christian School families. “Abundant Life’s principal has said the priorities will be first, to help the families who lost loved ones; then, to support the medical expenses of those injured; and finally, to use the remaining funds to provide for the mental health needs of the school community,” per the article.
Register here.
[For those who may be unfamiliar with the process, click on “Middle School Info” and then click on “3rd to 8th grade district sports signup.” If you have not created an account, you will need to do so before proceeding. After completing the registration you will soon receive schedules and other pertinent information.]
The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees on Tuesday, January 7, and Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Please place your tree on the terrace by 6:00 a.m. on these dates. Residents who wish to have a tree picked up after the above scheduled dates must call the Department of Public Works at 473-0560 before 12:00 noon on Monday, the day before Tuesday’s collection.
Trees that have been flocked or contain wire will not be collected by the city. Please place these trees, on your terrace, for collection by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month, your bulk pick up day.
The Greater Whitewater Committee is Set to Host Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for the City of Whitewater, Kevin Boehm, as a Guest Speaker at the January Meeting providing an update on the status of the Aquatic Center.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for the City of Whitewater, Kevin Boehm, at the upcoming January meeting. Kevin will be providing an update on the status of the Aquatic Center.
Kevin Boehm serves as the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin. A Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), and Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Kevin has a distinguished career dedicated to enhancing public spaces and enriching communities.
With prior leadership roles as the Director of Parks for Waushara County, the City of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and the City of Enid, Oklahoma, Kevin has championed facility improvements, including ADA compliance projects and park enhancements. He is also known for creating engaging community events, such as the annual Christmas at Cravath light display at Cravath Lakefront Park, which has become a cherished tradition in Whitewater. Kevin’s passion for accessible, vibrant, and sustainable recreational spaces continues to drive his commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
“I saw Kevin’s presentation at the City Council meeting, and I thought it was very interesting,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “I am looking forward to Kevin’s presentation to learn more about the plans for the Aquatic Center.”
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is Thursday, January 9th at 7 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center: 1260 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting. If interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, January 8th.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policymakers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. Most call the honor “dean’s list”, but some grant the “Dean’s Honor List” and “Dean’s High Honor List.”
NAME, COLLEGE, AWARD
Whitewater, WI
Crystal Chan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
Arno Crowley, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Lizbeth Gallegos, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Emmanuel Mbifi, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Leah Newmann, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Kaden Tourdot, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
Jonathan Zheng, School of Pharmacy, Honor Roll
| Gov. Evers Order Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Wisconsin State Sen. Cullen |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #251 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Jan. 4, 2025, in honor of former Wisconsin State Sen. Tim Cullen, who passed away on Mon., Dec. 23, 2024, at the age of 80. “Former Sen. Cullen was a dedicated public servant who devoted much of his life to good governance and improving the state that raised him,” said Gov. Evers in a statement last week. “Sen. Cullen always fought for working families, gave back to and supported kids in the Janesville area, and advocated fiercely for nonpartisan redistricting and access to the ballot box during both his time in the Wisconsin State Senate and beyond it. He spent much of his life working to end partisan gerrymandering and fighting for Wisconsin to have fair maps at long last. There is no doubt our state is better off because of Sen. Cullen and his service. Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those who knew him.” Born in Janesville, former Sen. Cullen graduated from Janesville High School in 1962 and went on to continue his education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Former Sen. Cullen then served in the United States Army Reserve and briefly taught high school before being elected to serve on the Janesville City Council in 1970. Former Sen. Cullen later served four years as district director for U.S. Rep. Les Aspin (D-Wisconsin) before being elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1974, where he served the 15th Senate District until 1987, with five of those years serving as majority leader. In 1987, former Gov. Tommy Thompson appointed former Sen. Cullen to serve as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, and in 1988, he transitioned to the private sector, where he championed a career as vice president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin for two decades. After retiring from his position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin in 2007, he was elected to the School District of Janesville Board of Education, and in 2010, he ran for and was elected to his former Senate seat, serving until his retirement in 2015. After his time in the Legislature, former Sen. Cullen advocated for causes he believed in, such as ending partisan gerrymandering, fighting for equal opportunities for kids, and more. Former Sen. Cullen also served on the board of Common Cause of Wisconsin for over two decades, serving as chair from 2018 until he stepped down in 2022. Services for former State Sen. Cullen will be held on Sat., Jan. 4, 2025, in Janesville. Executive Order #251 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Jan. 4, 2025, and is available here. The flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will concurrently be flown at half-staff pursuant to Executive Order #249 and should remain so until sunset on Tues., Jan. 28, 2025. |
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #252 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., Jan. 6, 2025, in honor of former Wisconsin State Sen. George Petak, who passed away on Tues., Dec. 24, 2024, at the age of 75.
“Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin in mourning the loss of Sen. Petak today,” said Gov. Evers in a statement last week. “Sen. Petak was a man of faith, courage, and principle. He truly had a servant’s heart, always leading with empathy and integrity to give back and do more for others. Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin in mourning the loss of Sen. Petak and offer our sincerest sympathies to his wife, kids, loved ones, and the many whose lives he touched.”
Former Sen. Petak was born in Warren, Ohio, in 1949 and received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Kent State University in 1972. Former Sen. Petak was elected to the Racine Unified School District Board of Education in 1983 and served in various positions, including as treasurer, vice president, and president until 1990, when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate and represented the 21st Senate District. In 1994, former Sen. Petak won his reelection to the Senate and served until 1996. Sen. Petak famously cast the deciding vote to provide funding to build Miller Park—the home of the Milwaukee Brewers—now known as American Family Field. Following his time in the Senate, former Sen. Petak was appointed as deputy executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) by former Gov. Tommy Thompson and served there until 1998. From 2013 to 2016, former Sen. Petak served as an administrator at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institution’s Division of Corporate and Consumer Services. Then, in 2016, former Sen. Petak returned to WHEDA and served as a senior business and community engagement officer until his retirement in 2020. In addition to his life of public service, former Sen. Petak also served as a volunteer, government consultant, and lobbyist.
Services for former State Sen. Petak will be held on Mon, Jan. 6, 2025, in Colorado.
Martin Alejandro Gomez, 32, of Whitewater, has been charged with felony intimidation of a victim, domestic abuse assessments; substantial battery, domestic abuse assessments; and disorderly conduct, domestic abuse assessments. CCAP not confirmed yet.
Another resident, Stephanie Anguiano, 606 E. North Street (05/10/1991), will have charges referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office of:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon/Party To A Crime – 941.29(1m)/939.05
- Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place/Party To A Crime – 961.42(1)/939.05
- RYNES, DANIEL, 75, of 8042 N. Lima Center Road, Whitewater, 2 counts physical abuse of child, Dec. 13, 8042 N. Lima Center Road, Town of Lima.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It is officially winter and whether we have snow and winter weather or not, the historical society will give you several weeks of winter views. This year, we are concentrating on downtown Whitewater.
Our first view was taken from the top of a building on the south side of Center Street. Rooftop views were popular in the late nineteenth century when this was probably taken. The view in the foreground of the back of building on Main Street has changed a bit and two notable buildings in the upper portion of the photo are gone. To the mid-right of the photo is the Old Stone Mill and a bit further up the photo to the left is the old Brewery.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3732PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
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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