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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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According to a press release from Chief Kelly Freeman of the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department, a person was found deceased in a house where a fire had taken place on Ventura Lane on the city’s west side on November 21. The department responded in just over four minutes from the time of dispatch to a report of smoke, finding an odor of smoke about the property and heavily soot stained windows.
Per the release, “Whitewater Engine 121 made entry into the single-family home and reported smoke conditions inside. An area of the home containing general household goods and materials was found burned and charred, but had almost completely self-extinguished prior to the arrival of firefighters. Engine 121 initiated a rapid primary search and located one person deceased in the home. Walworth County Fire Investigation was called to assist with a fire origin and cause investigation, which is ongoing. Whitewater Police Department is handling the death investigation in conjunction with the Walworth Country Medical Examiner. This investigation is also ongoing. Whitewater Fire/EMS will not be releasing any further details due to the ongoing investigation, and notification of next of kin.”
Whitewater Fire and EMS extended gratitude to the Walworth County Fire Investigation Team and Whitewater Police Department for their assistance.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 6 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team swept Ohio Wesleyan 28-26, 25-14, 25-15 to open NCAA Regional action Thursday night in Whitewater. The Warhawk win sets up a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup in the next round as UWW will take on UW-Eau Claire at 7 PM Friday in Russell Arena.
Regional Webpage (Click there for the bracket and other information. Single game tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior adults and students, $5 for children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free. All day tickets are also available.) The game may be viewed on uwwtv.org or, presumably, on Spectrum cable.
The Warhawks found a way to take the early lead in the match despite a shaky start in set one. The teams traded small runs throughout the set with UWW grabbing the first set point, 24-23. The Battling Bishops responded with the next two points to force another set point. Alayna Jansky hammered down a kill to tie the game, but OWU responded once more for a third set point. Jansky pounded down back-to-back kills and Hannah Proctor put the finishing touches on the set to make it three straight Warhawk kills and hand UWW the 1-0 lead in the match.
The final two sets were all UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks jumped out to an 8-3 advantage in set two. OWU whittled away at the margin, but another big run extended the lead to seven, 17-10. A six-point sway late in the set gave UWW set point, and a Battling Bishop miscue handed the Warhawks a 2-0 lead in the match.
A few small runs added up to a big lead in set three. The Warhawks quickly built a 19-10 advantage and cruised to the finish line. Chloe Werner hammered down a kill and then teamed up with Abbie Dix on a block for the final two points of the match.
Dix paced the Warhawks offensive with 13 kills hitting .458 in the match. Werner was the most efficient with 11 kills in 19 attempts while committing just one attack error on the evening – a hitting percentage of .526. Jansky joined her teammates in double digits with 10 kills.
Defensively at the net, UW-Whitewater showcased why they are the best blocking team in the nation. Proctor and Dix posted seven blocks each while Jenna Weinfurt and Werner had four a piece and Aubrie Krzus added three.
Krzus tallied 33 assists in the match while Jaedynn Evans led UWW with 10 digs.
The Warhawks are competing in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the 35th time in program history and 18th under head coach Stacy Boudreau. UW-Whitewater is now 72-5 in matches played in Russell Arena in the last five seasons.
UWW swept UW-Eau Claire during the conference slate this season. The Warhawks won 25-17, 25-22 and 25-11 in that match that was held October 4 in Russell Arena. Since 1995, UWW is 34-13 against the Blugolds.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAGEANTS is proud to announce Sage Spear of Whitewater has been crowned as United States of America’s Miss Wisconsin 2025 and will represent the great state of Wisconsin at the 2025 national competition.
Sage, a Whitewater native, has made significant strides in both volunteerism and scoliosis awareness. She received the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for completing over 250 hours of community service within the past year. She actively works to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by scoliosis—a condition she personally faces after being diagnosed at age 11. Sage’s passion for advocacy inspired her to create Every Stem Has a Story, a platform dedicated to funding scoliosis research and spreading awareness. Through her initiative, she illustrated and self-published a coloring book and designed a sweatshirt to promote her cause.
In addition to her advocacy work, Sage serves as an AmeriCorps member with the United Way of Jefferson & N. Walworth Counties. In this role, she recently organized a free community baby shower, providing over 8,000 essential items to families in need. Alongside her service work, Sage is the office manager at her family’s local business, Aropa Designs. In her free time, she enjoys watching football, spending time outdoors, and listening to true crime podcasts. Her family is proud to support her as she competes against inspiring women from across the nation, striving to bring home the title of United States of America’s Miss 2026!
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAGEANTS is the fastest growing pageant system in the nation and was named in the TOP 10 BEST National Pageants of 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022 by the Pageant Planet! The pageant is designed to encourage women to strive to achieve their hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations, while making them feel confident and beautiful inside and out! Our motto is to EMPOWER women, INSPIRE others, & UPLIFT everyone! We focus on women empowerment, promoting positive self-image and advocating a platform of community service, which allows our contestants to rise by lifting others. Additionally, we award thousands of dollars in prizes and provide countless opportunities to achieve success including an opportunity to be considered for a modeling contract with MMG!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Two weeks ago, we featured a horse-powered sorghum press. This week we are showing a horse-powered saw with men doing a late fall/winter chore, sawing wood for wood stoves. This view from the Scholl collection of glass plate negatives from the turn of the 20th century, shows piles of wood ready for cutting and a draft horse providing the power for the saw. With winter near, we are very lucky that most of us only have to turn on a switch to get heat today!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society
(3766GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Mequon, Wis. — The No. 3 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team was impressive on both ends of the floor in an 80-37 win at Concordia Wisconsin [CUW] Wednesday night.
The Warhawks held the Falcons scoreless for nearly eight minutes after CUW scored the opening bucket, allowing Wis.-Whitewater to lead 19-7 at the end of the first quarter. They capitalized on Concordia’s 10 turnovers while committing only two themselves. UWW was efficient from the free-throw line, making 7 of 8 attempts, and outscored the Falcons 8-3 on points from turnovers. Kacie Carollo contributed significantly for UWW, scoring a team-high with two 3-pointers and a total of 10 points in the quarter.
In the second quarter, UWW extended their lead over CUW with a 21-6 run. UWW held CUW scoreless for over seven minutes to start the period. The Warhawks dominated in the paint, scoring 12 points while also capitalizing on the Falcons’ turnovers with 5 points. The visiting team shot an efficient 9-for-17 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, while CUW struggled offensively, making only 2 of 12 shots and committing 7 turnovers. UWW’s defense was active, recording 5 steals and limiting CUW’s second-chance opportunities.
The second half was more of the same with UW-Whitewater holding the advantage on both sides of the ball, extending the lead down the stretch.
The Warhawk offense was stellar Wednesday as UWW shot 54-percent from the floor (30-56) and 73-percent from three-point range (8-11). Their efficiency from deep is tied for the fourth-best three-point percentage in a single game in program history.
Carollo led the way with 21 points hitting 7-10 from the floor, 4-5 from deep and 3-3 from the charity stripe. She added nine boards and eight assists in the contest. Mia Gillis knocked down 6 of her 8 shots for 13 points. Defensively, Logan Lowry registered four blocks in the game while Bri McCurdy added three steals.
UW-Whitewater returns to the court Tuesday as they host Illinois Wesleyan at 6 PM in Kachel.
Updated 11/21/24 @ 8:10 p.m. to provide availability of television broadcast.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host a NCAA Division III Volleyball Regional beginning Thursday, November 21.
Where: Russell Arena, Williams Center, Whitewater, WI
When: Thursday, November 21-Saturday, November 23
Regional Webpage (Click there for the bracket and other information. Single game tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior adults and students, $5 for children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free. All day tickets are also available.)
The Warhawks, ranked 6th nationally, are making their 35th NCAA appearance in program history and 18th under Head Coach Stacy Boudreau. Coach Boudreau was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Region 8 Coach of the Year earlier today.
UW-Whitewater will open play in the regional against Ohio Wesleyan Thursday. The match is slated for a 7 pm start. The game may be viewed on uwwtv.org or, presumably, on Spectrum cable.
The Whitewater, Wis. Regional features two other Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams – UW-Eau Claire and UW-Platteville, as well as Washington University in St. Louis, Edgewood College, Saint Benedict and Northwestern-St. Paul.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff on Anniversary of 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Thurs., Nov. 21, 2024, in recognition of the 3rd anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and to honor the six individuals who were senselessly and tragically killed in the attack: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8. “The Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy three years ago shook the Waukesha community and folks across our state and country. On this anniversary, we honor Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, Jackson, their loved ones, the dozens of people who were injured that day, and the many whose lives were forever changed by this senseless act of violence. Kathy and I keep them in our hearts today and every day,” said Gov. Evers. “Today, we also remember and recognize the strength and the spirit of the Waukesha community, their resilience, and their generosity and compassion in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy. Waukesha and Wisconsin remain ‘Waukesha Strong.’” |
Per the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, the Whitewater area is likely to get 1-2″ of heavy, wet, slushy snow between 6 a.m. to noon on Thursday morning.
- A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for east central and southeast Wisconsin from 6 AM to Noon CST Thursday.
- A burst of moderate to heavy, wet, slushy snow and west northwest wind gusts of 35 to 45 MPH are expected for the Thursday morning commute, mixing with and changing to rain by midday into early afternoon.
- Wet, slushy snow accumulations of 2-4 inches are forecast including on roadways with eastern Wisconsin having the greatest travel impacts.
- Although windy conditions will be occurring, the snow will be wet, which will greatly limit the blowing, but still contribute to lower visibility with sideways falling snow.
- Temperatures will warm to near 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the afternoon and evening commute, with much better road conditions anticipated at that time.
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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