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The Whitewater Unified School District invites all middle school families to the next Middle School Matters engagement session, which will take place Monday, November 18, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Part of an ongoing family engagement initiative, the event will provide parents and caregivers with valuable information, tools, and resources to help navigate the middle school years. Topics in the upcoming session include tutorials on Infinite Campus and the Rooms App, information on middle school grading, and how families can expect to receive school and district communications.
“We are building this program to include the entire school—not just those new to us,” said Chris Fountain, WMS Principal. “Through these sessions, we equip families with knowledge and support while building strong partnerships between home and school to foster positive student experiences and maximize their learning and potential. We are committed to making these sessions interactive to ensure our parents and caregivers have opportunities for questions and discussion.”
Families are encouraged to bring their own mobile devices to access the digital resources reviewed during the session. District staff will be on hand to provide answers to questions and discuss various topics relevant to the middle school experience.
Families with questions on the Middle School Matters program are asked to contact Stacey
Joseph, Music Teacher at sJoseph@wwusd.org.
According to an article on channel3000.com on November 13, “Chris Davis Jr. committed Arkansas State University Wednesday. Davis Jr scored more than 1000 high school career points last season at Sun Prairie West.”
“….He’s continuing the dreams of his father, Chris Davis Sr. He remains the only University of Wisconsin-Whitewater athlete to have a “player of the year” title. He also helped the Warhawks win two national titles and coached varsity basketball for Sun Prairie West High School.”
“….Davis Jr. plans to win a state championship at Sun Prairie East High School this season.”
Kacie Carollo from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Integrated Science-Business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk women’s basketball team for the 2024-25 season.
The Warhawks are coming off a run to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals (Elite Eight) in 2023-24. UW-Whitewater was ranked fourth in the D3hoops.com Preseason Poll entering the 2024-25 season.
Head coach Keri Carollo enters her 23rd season at the helm of the program in 2024-25. She has led the Warhawks to eight WIAC championships and 15 trips to the NCAA Tournament, including four Final Four bids (2008, 2013, 2014, 2022) and two appearances in the national championship game (2013, 2022).
UW-Whitewater is led by four-time All-American and Preseason All-America selection Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater). The senior guard, a two-time First Team All-WIAC pick, ranked among the top 10 in the league in multiple categories last season including scoring (14.7/game), rebounding (8.1/game), three-point field goal percentage (.338), three-pointers per game (1.8), free throw percentage (.789), assists (4.5/game) and steals (2.0/game).
Carollo is one of four starters returning for UWW this season. Senior forward Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) ranked among the top 20 in the conference in scoring (9.7/game), rebounding (4.6/game), field goal percentage (.428) and blocks (1.4/game) last season. Senior guard Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) and sophomore guard Bri McCurdy (St. Croix Falls, Wis./St. Croix Falls) were among the top 15 three-point shooters in the WIAC in 2023-24. The duo ranked among the top 16 in three-pointers per game and three-point field goal percentage. Trautsch added a top 10 average in blocks (0.5/game) and was among the top 20 in rebounding (4.5/game) and steals (1.1/game).
Mallory Oloffson (Normal, Ill./Normal Community) is also back for the Warhawks. The senior forward appeared in all 30 games for UWW last season. Junior forward Renee Rittmeyer (Winnebago, Ill./Winnebago) played in 29 games a year ago while sophomore forward Mia Gillis (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) and sophomore guard Sylvia Fox (Edgerton, Wis./Edgerton) each saw the floor in more than 20 contests.
UW-Whitewater started the 2024-25 season with consecutive victories against nationally ranked DePauw (Ind.) and Lakeland on Nov. 8-9. The team continues action as it visits Carroll on Nov. 16. Visit uwwsports.com to view the complete game schedule.
The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its production of “Sylvia” by A.R Gurney. Directed by Robyn Accetta, this production will run in Hicklin Studio Theatre on select days from Nov. 15-23. Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person at Ticket Services, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. The Hicklin Studio Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for age 65+ and $13 for under age 18.
Step into Greg and Kate’s world as they are balancing their new lives in the vibrant city of Manhattan after twenty-two years in the suburbs. Discover how Sylvia, a lab and poodle mixture, becomes an escape from the stress of work for one and an opponent for affection for the other. A.R Gurney paints a humorous picture as Sylvia turns the lives of Greg and Kate upside down. The hilarious play depicts the relationship of a man and his best friend and the importance of his marriage through complications and revelations. Don’t miss the significant lessons that a street-smart dog like Sylvia will teach the couple. This play contains language that might not be suitable for a younger audience.
The play originally premiered off-Broadway in 1995 and on Broadway in 2015 and has included notable cast members such as Sarah Jessica Parker as Sylvia and Matthew Broderick as Greg. When asked about the upcoming production, director Accetta stated, “When I first read Sylvia, I was instantly charmed by its quirkiness – kind of like those unexpected plot twists in your favorite 90s sitcoms. Our team set out to capture the humor and heart that makes this story special.”
Performance times for “Sylvia” are as follows:
- Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
- Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
- Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
You don’t want to miss this hilarious performance of “Sylvia” in Hicklin Studio Theatre Nov. 15-23. Act now to take advantage of the half price matinee on Saturday, November 16! Get your tickets today in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. Parking during this event is available at no additional charge in University parking lots 1 & 2.
The Hicklin Studio Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Ticket Services hours are Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. when classes are in session.
Event Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 5 pm-7 pm
Event Location: WAA Gallery, 402 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI
Fee: $35 (includes all materials)
The Whitewater Arts Alliance is excited to announce the return of Rhonda Kolander for a second acrylic painting workshop titled “Ocean Sunset.” Join us on Friday, November 15, from 5 pm-7 pm for an evening of creativity and relaxation.
This workshop is perfect for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned painters. Rhonda will guide participants through the process of creating a beautiful ocean sunset painting, sharing tips and techniques to enhance your acrylic painting skills.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today! Registration is available at the Cultural Arts Center or online at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/shop/workshop-registration-rhonda-kolander-acrylics-ocean-sunset
Whether you’re looking to unwind, learn something new, or connect with fellow art enthusiasts, this workshop promises to be a fun experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to create your own masterpiece under Rhonda’s expert guidance!
For more information, please visit whitewaterarts.org or contact:
Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email:wwartsalliance@gmail.com
By Diane Jaroch
Director, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
If you haven’t heard, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library has completed Phase One of the building project and is open to the public. The building opened to the public on October 31st. We no longer charge fines, so if you still have items that need to be returned that may be overdue, you will not be charged once they are checked in at the library. We also have an outdoor book return for your convenience. Come visit us and see the changes that were made while we were closed. The library has now entered Phase Two of the building project, with the addition being built. Our hours are the same as they have been in the past: Monday -Thursday 9:00 am-8:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Our phone number is 262-473-0530. To stay updated on library news be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter and check our website and social media platforms on a regular basis.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 7 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team swept UW-Stout 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-20) in the first round of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament presented by Culver’s Tuesday night. The win marks the 40th consecutive for UWW over the Blue Devils and secures a spot in the WIAC Tournament semifinal.
The Warhawks will head to UW-Stevens Point on Thursday for the semifinal. The other match has UW-Oshkosh hosting UW-Platteville. Both matches are slated for a 7 PM start with the winners advancing to the title match on Saturday.
UW-Whitewater set the tone from the service line with 13 aces in the contest Tuesday. Offensively, the Warhawks hit .240 with double digit kills in each set. Meanwhile, the defense held UWS to single digits in the kill column and an attack percentage of just .079.
UWW was dominant in the first set scoring eight straight early to jump out to a 9-2 lead. From there, the Warhawks cruised to an early 1-0 lead in the match bolstered by a .333 team attack percentage. UW-Stout hit .000 with six kills and six errors in the first set.
The big Warhawk run didn’t come until later in set two. With just a three-point lead, 18-15, UWW scored six consecutive to push set point, 24-15. Chloe Werner put the finishing touches on the set with a kill.
The third set was a combination of the first two — UWW used a five-point run early to take a 9-3 lead. A six-point run later in the set gave the Warhawks a 20-10 lead. After pushing to match point, 24-15, the Blue Devils refused to fold scoring the next five when Ava Rebarchik hammered an attack off the block for the final kill of the evening.
The UWW middle hitters combined for a stellar performance — Hannah Proctor hit .571 with five kills in seven attempts while Abbie Dix hammered down nine kills in 15 attempts for an attack percentage of .533. The pair combined for just two attack errors on the night.
Outside hitters Alayna Jansky and Jenna Weinfurt matched Dix’s nine kills to share team-high honors.
Defensively, Jansky registered a match-high 13 digs while libero Jaedynn Evans added 10. At the net, Dix posted four blocks while Weinfurt and Abbie Krzus each tallied three.
Jansky and Emma Bludgen bolstered the Warhawks from the service line with four aces each. Ally Longden added three on the night. Krzus dished out 35 assists adding three blocks in the contest.
The WHS Class of ’74 held their 50th reunion on September 14, 2024 at The Fuzzy Pig in Whitewater. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Top Row (standing): Bill Koenitzer, Jane (Messerschmidt) Koenitzer, Ben Killips, June (Knuteson) Parks, Allan Parks, Wayne Thorne, Lori Nelson, Bill Wagie, Mark Mead, Mary (Perich) Perry, Jim Newhouse, Deb Hoffman, Don Lasch, Shari (Talbert) Ingersoll, Bruce Borden, Patti (Robbins) Priske, Mark Bailey, Jelaine (Henry) Goehl, Luke Rehrauer, Roger Walton
Third Row: (sitting) Carol Taylor, Kathy (Smith) Cianciolo, Mary Morphew, Julie (Piat) Enerson, Virginia (Ruenger) Thorne, Jane (Wagner) West, Danni (Caldwell) Potratz, Colleen (Behrens) Splittgerber, Lori (Notbusch) Vicker, Kori Oberle
Second Row: John Duerst, Steve Taylor, Jeff Walters, Sue (Krause) Lein, Roger Kincaid, Rick Lein, Ron Hull, Reid Jolin, Trent Agnew, Kevin Boynton, Doug Behrens, Bob Keith
Bottom Row (sitting): Kori Oberle, Lei (Brenton) Lund, Julie (Brandt) Dooley, Meg Underwood, Crystal (Stevenson) Singer, Jerry West, Bill Knilans, Mark Traxler, Todd Cummings
Photo by Tom Ganser – tganser33@gmail.com
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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