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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a flash flood warning that includes the Whitewater area until 10:30 p.m. on Friday. They advise that entering flooded streets is very risky due to heavy rainfall.
WISN12 reported that as of 8:40 p.m. on Friday, Whitewater had received 3.4″ of rain.
Enjoy family-centered activities on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the annual International Children’s Day celebration at Lincoln Elementary School, Whitewater.
This free fun family event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Information will be available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for cash sale.
Some of the fun activities include:
12:00 PM Baile folkorico
12:30 PM Washington Elementary dance group
1:00 PM Read aloud by Olivia Monson of the Whitewater Police Department
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 18 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world. We are so pleased that another child-focused organization, the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, is one of our sponsors for this volunteer-based event,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at this event. The food offers are cash only.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include the Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Comunicado de prensa
18 de abril: celebración del Día Internacional del Niño, un gran día en familia
WHITEWATER: disfrute de actividades familiares el sábado 18 de abril, de 11:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m., con la celebración anual del Día Internacional del Niño en la escuela primaria Lincoln, en Whitewater.
Este divertido evento familiar gratuito incluirá música en vivo, juegos, manualidades, pintura facial y otras actividades para niños de todas las edades, y se llevará a cabo de 11 a. m. a 2 p. m. Se proporcionará información sobre los servicios locales y regionales para familias. También se venderán en efectivo una variedad de platillos internacionales ofrecidos por organizaciones locales.
«Whitewater se enorgullece de ser una comunidad que apoya a todos los niños y sus familias. El 18 de abril es una oportunidad para celebrar el Día Internacional del Niño y a quienes cuidan, apoyan y animan a los niños aquí y en todo el mundo. Estamos muy contentos de que otra organización centrada en los niños, el Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, sea uno de los patrocinadores de este evento basado en el voluntariado», dijo Miguel Aranda, miembro del comité de planificación.
La Conferencia Mundial para el Bienestar de los Niños, celebrada en Ginebra (Suiza), proclamó el 1 de junio como Día Internacional del Niño en 1925. Suele celebrarse con discursos sobre los derechos y el bienestar de los niños, así como con otros eventos en los que participan o que están dedicados a los niños. Un evento similar, el Día Universal del Niño, se celebra el 20 de noviembre. Fue establecido por las Naciones Unidas en 1954 y tiene como objetivo promover el bienestar de los niños de todo el mundo. La primera celebración del Día Internacional del Niño en Whitewater se llevó a cabo en abril de 2022. Muchos países de todo el mundo celebran este día a finales de abril.
Los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto en este evento. Las ofertas de comida solo se pueden pagar en efectivo.
Entre los patrocinadores de la celebración del Día Internacional del Niño se encuentran el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives y el Club de Desayuno Kiwanis de Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater’s Water Utility will conduct its semi-annual water main and hydrant flushing program from Monday, April 20 through Friday, May 1, 2026.
This routine maintenance is essential to:
- Test fire hydrants to ensure proper flow and pressure
- Confirm hydrants and valves are working correctly
- Improve water quality by clearing sediment from the water mains
Important Notes for Residents:
- You may notice temporary discoloration in your water after flushing. If this occurs, run an outdoor spigot or a cold-water tap at the lowest level of your home for several minutes until the water clears. If needed, repeat the process after a short wait.
- To prevent staining, avoid washing white or light-colored laundry during flushing periods or until your water runs clear.
- For best results, consider waiting until flushing crews have moved out of your area before using water.
If additional system repairs are required, flushing may extend into the following week.
The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the City of Whitewater.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is along Whitewater Street, taken some time just before 1900. How do we know this? First, the small shed-like building was the old horse-drawn engine house for the fire department. According to old maps, it was demolished by 1904 after the City Hall was built in 1900 with large fire department quarters. Also, the building to the left, part of the old Winchester and Partridge wagon factory (closed c.1893) has a sign that reads, “George Kinney & Company Flour, Feed, and Salt.” George Kinney started his feed mill business in 1894, but it only lasted a few years. By 1898, the building housed agricultural implements. Historic information is often helpful in dating photographs.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(2942GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
Updated 4/17/26 @ 2:45 p.m. – A tornado watch is in effect for all of Southern Wisconsin until 8 p.m.
Updated 4/17/26 @ 1:30 p.m. – A flood watch is in effect for all of Southern Wisconsin from 1 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that our area has the potential for another severe storm on Friday afternoon. It’s expected to arrive around 5 p.m. with the primary risk being damaging winds.
Speaking of damaging winds, some city residents were without power for as much as twelve hours after the storm that hit the city at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday. A number of businesses were also without power for hours, reportedly resulting in massive losses of refrigerated food at Aldi, Kwik Trip (at least on Hwy 59) and Walmart.
The Weather Service has been busy this week following up on reports of possible tornadoes, and thus far has confirmed at least six touchdowns. The closest was an EF-1 in East Troy with windspeeds exceeding 100 m.p.h., resulting in destruction of a house.
On behalf of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors America 250 Committee, Al Stanek and Pat Blackmer presented the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) with America 250 proclamations and flags. Accepting these gifts were WUSD Superintendent Samuel Karns and School Board President Stephanie Hicks. The flags will be distributed to the high school, middle school, Lakeview, Lincoln, and Washington elementary schools across the district.
Superintendent Karns proposed that the five schools might coordinate a simultaneous celebration, raising and flying the newly gifted flags for the first time at 2:50 p.m. on a day that will be chosen in the near future.
The Walworth County Board has purchased 100 flags, which are being distributed to schools and municipal governments throughout the county. This initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The America 250 Committee is currently planning a celebratory event open to all, to be held on the Thursday during the Walworth County Fair week.
__________________________________________________
Above is a photo that was taken April 13 at UW-Whitewater when the proclamation and flag were presented to the Student Body Government on behalf of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors America 250 Committee.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Pat Blackmer. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
The Friends of the Whitewater Public Library will hold their annual membership meeting and election of board members on Friday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 at the Whitewater Public Library.
The Friends of the Whitewater Public Library is a 501(c)(3) organization of library lovers who work together to promote and expand the programs and services of the library. They actively support the mission of the library, are a valuable link between the library and community, and provide funding to enhance the quality library services offered to City of Whitewater residents and surrounding communities.
The Friends support the library in many ways: by spreading the word about library programs, resources, and services; volunteering at various events, programs and fundraisers; providing seed money for new library collections; supporting programs and projects; and purchasing special request items not allocated in the library’s general operating budget.
New members are welcome! Want to join? Membership is open to all and is $10 per year. Forms are available at the library or at whitewaterlibrary.org.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
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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