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Whitewater High School Alumni Association Annual Meeting
Date: Saturday, October 19 @ 12:00 pm
Location: Jessica’s Restaurant, 140 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190
The primary purpose of the Alumni Association is to raise funds for the distribution of scholarships to Whitewater High School graduating seniors.
All Whitewater High School Alumni and guests are welcome to attend.
Jessica’s standard menu will be available for purchase by attendees.
RSVP Sonja Jacobson by October 15 at 920-253-8831 (please leave a detailed message)
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Sonja Jacobson.
Wisconsin Makers will host its second annual aluminum pour on Saturday, Oct. 12. The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. It will be similar to the past cast
iron pours, except organizers will be pouring aluminum, which has very different properties. It melts at a lower temperature, is lighter, is silver in color and does not rust.
Spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — led by Teresa “Tree” Lind, a former University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lecturer of art and design — melt aluminum in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand scratch molds with the liquid metal. The team will start melting aluminum at 9 a.m. By noon, it will have reached 1,200 degrees and be ready to pour into the sand scratch molds participants have carved. After being cooled and cleaned, the castings will be ready to take home by mid-afternoon. The cost is $25 per scratch mold. Participation is on a first- come, first-served basis.
Grilled brats, chips, water and soda will be available for purchase during the pour.
Make your casting
Members of the public wishing to make their own casting may buy a scratch mold square to personalize with their design that day, starting at 9 a.m. They must be completed by 11:30 a.m. Those who would like to get a head start on their design may attend a scratch mold workshop at the makerspace Friday, Oct. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. Volunteers
will be on hand to provide tools and advice. In addition, persons who would rather to do their artwork at home may buy scratch molds beforehand at Binning and Dickens Insurance, 319 W. Center St., Whitewater, during weekday business hours. They also may be purchased by contacting Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer at wisconsinmakersinc@gmail.com or (630) 430-9498 and setting a meet-up time.
“We are very excited to be hosting our second fall aluminum pour,” said Jewer. “We have held spring cast-iron
pours for many years and last year added the aluminum pour. This is a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art and have a lot of fun doing it.”
Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop) offering an affordable, collaborative and
educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators by unlocking their skills through continual experimentation and training. Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts,
quilting/fabric arts, matting/framing and more.
For more information on the iron pour or scratch mold workshop, or to learn about the makerspace or memberships,
visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers. A brief video showing the capabilities and resources
available at the makerspace may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqa9N8p1Fqw.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2024 Snowmobile Safety Education Course on November 5, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and November 9, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety Education Course to legally operate a snowmobile in areas open to the public within Wisconsin. Students should be at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.
Snowmobile Safety Education Course
Session 1: November 5, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: November 9, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/snowmobile-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information.
The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, which has previously confirmed to The Whitewater Banner that Rock County residency is not required in order to register in their classes.
Many of the offseason events that Ferradermis, the Whitewater High School Robotics Team, participates in have a community service aspect to them, and this upcoming weekend’s competition at Muskego High School is no different. On Saturday, October 12, Ferradermis members will be competing in TWIST (Together Women in STEM Thrive) hosted by Team 6421 the WarriorBots with 28 teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. As part of the event, teams are encouraged to bring new, unopened LEGO sets to be donated to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee.
Teams with the most donations will win the opportunity to dress one of their mentors in a blow-up unicorn costume for a human player match, and Ferradermis’ Head Coach Mark Zimmermann has graciously agreed to take part in this match if the team can collect enough donations.
The team is reaching out to the Whitewater community in hopes that community members will help us reach our goal. New, unopened LEGO sets can be dropped off this week during the school day at Whitewater High School or given to any team member. Amazon orders could be sent directly to Laura Masbruch at Whitewater High School, 534 S Elizabeth St, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The Greater Whitewater Committee is Set to Host Dr. James Hartwick and Dr. Eric Compas from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater as Guest Speakers at the October Meeting.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host James Hartwick and Eric Compas at the upcoming October meeting. Eric Compas recently presented to the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Future of the University of Wisconsin System. We have invited both James Hartwick and Eric Compas to discuss the GPR funding inequities within the UW System because they are both a part of the Faculty External Affairs and Outreach Committee.
Eric Compas is a professor specializing in human-environment interactions in the Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science Department at UW-Whitewater. He is also the Director of UW-Whitewater’s GIS Center, which provides on-campus internships for students with off-campus clients. His teaching focuses on environmental policy and geographic information systems – mapping with computers – and emerging technologies like drone mapping and extremely accurate GPS equipment. He is also working with the State of Wisconsin to understand and map the potential impacts of climate change on Wisconsin communities and explain how communities might plan for and adapt to these changes.
James Hartwick is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, specializing in teacher education. James is the secondary social studies program coordinator. He also writes about teacher education and the spiritual lives of teachers. He is a former Faculty Senate Chair and is deeply committed to the health of the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. He is married and has lived in Whitewater for the past 15 years. In recognition of his efforts to support democracy, James won the League of Women’s Voters-Whitewater Area, Making Democracy Work Award.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 10th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to hear more about GPR funding inequities with the UW System. If interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, October 9th.
“I attended the Study Committee meeting where Eric Compas presented his GPR PowerPoint,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “The inequities in the funding of the formula are so severe that it demands continued attention, which is why I asked Eric Compas and James Hartwick to attend the next GWC meeting as we continue to advocate for a change in the funding formula.”
The Warhawks won the WIAC for the eighth consecutive season following a three-day tournament at Reedsburg Country Club. (Alisha Markley)
Reedsburg, Wis. — The Warhawk women’s golf team claimed the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title for the eighth consecutive season Sunday. UW-Whitewater shot a 958, tied for the seventh-best 54-hole score in program history, in the three-day tournament held at Reedsburg Country Club.
On a windy day on the links, UWW shot a 333 to seal the title by nine strokes. Four Warhawks finished among the top ten to lead the way. Kallie Lux bolstered the Warhawks Sunday with a phenomenal third round. Lux was even through the front nine and shot a 77 for the second straight day. She jumped three spots to finish as the individual runner-up. Her total of 236 is tied for the eighth-best 54-hole score in program history.
Haley Myers finished three-strokes back from Lux to secure a tie for third with a 54-hole total of 239. Ellie Johnson ended with a 242 to tie for fifth and Payton Schmidt came in with a 244 to tie for ninth. Abbie Reiser rounded out the Warhawks’ scoring five with a 254 to finish tied for 26th.
Jessica Velent led the UWW golfers competing as individuals at the tournament. She tied for 17th with a 250. Emily Akers carded a 252 followed by Kellie Shanahan’s 254, a 260 from Norah Berken, Megan Honn’s total of 261, a 279 from Breezy Roman and Natalie Kammer’s 286.
For the tournament, UW-Whitewater was the best on par 4s with an average of 4.55 strokes and on par 5s with a 5.43 stroke average. The Warhawks tallied the most birdies with 16 over the course of the 54-hole championship. Myers shared tournament-high honors with five birdies over three days.
With the title, UW-Whitewater earns an automatic bid to compete in the NCAA Division III Championship to be held May 13-16, 2025 at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas.
Senior Ellie Johnson was named the Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete of the Year at the championship. A release regarding this honor will be published Monday.
UW-Stout finished second behind the individual champion Julia Imai. UW-La Crosse finished third followed in order by UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls and UW-Stevens Point.
Equal Opportunities Condition – The meeting scheduled for Monday has been canceled due to lack of a quorum.
Tech Park Innovation Center Advisory Board – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Innovation Center, Innovation Drive
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/576696725
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 576-696-725
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion Regarding an Amendment to Slater Development.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86834216141
Or One tap mobile :
+13052241968,,86834216141# US
+13092053325,,86834216141# US
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 868 3421 6141
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding changing winter parking restrictions to start
December 1, instead of November 1, Discussion; Possible Action regarding Public Participation at Public Works Committee meetings; Discussion and Possible Action regarding request to paint traffic signal control boxes; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Bird Scooters; Discussion and Possible Action regarding pedestrians not crossing W. Main Street at designated crosswalks near the University; Discussion and Possible Action regarding traffic concerns near Walmart and ALDI.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81993928164?pwd=wEFxkzfakvpdvC9e87dbvhcC3W3Bgy.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 819 9392 8164
Passcode: 791620
City of Whitewater Community Involvement and Cable TV Commission – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smartphone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/265349749
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 265-349-749
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Applicant: Tammy Aprahamian
Property Location: 187 W Main St
Applicable Code: 19.30.030(g) A ground floor residence is prohibited.
Variance Requested: To allow a first-floor apartment in a B2 Central Business District.
Reason for Request: To allow for continue remodeling of the Bowers House.
Whitewater Municipal Building Council Chambers,
312 West Whitewater St.
In-Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89750564686?pwd=usYaEI0y1vVo2TD5rEx0CnaD7J4NCy.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 897 5056 4686
Passcode: 522546
Both the Boys’ and Girls’ Whippet Cross Country Teams wrapped up their regular season schedule on Friday night, October 4, competing under the lights at the Nightfall Classic. This event is held in Lake Mills on the golf course. The terrain was rolling, which keeps a runner honest, but is also fun to run fast on. This is a truly unique event where the entire race course is illuminated by large light towers and light strings that show the way around the course. Our team competed in the D1/D2 race which had around 350 runners in it in total. However, the results separate the runners by division. Despite being homecoming week and the team being very involved in organizing events, participating in powderpuff, lip sync, and the afternoon games that were featured on Friday, the team rose to the occasion and crushed their races in a very thunderous way. The conditions were right, our training had been going well, and the team was primed to let it rip, and boy did they ever!
The girls’ race went off first at 8:25 PM and was led by Athena Soto who ran the second-best time of her career, running 21:26. This allowed her to finish in 19th place and earn a medal. The next four girls had the tightest spread of the season between Carley Boudreau, Mady Hefty, Virginia Nelson, and Nola Coburn. Eleven seconds separated them and only six places. Carley ran her lifetime best of 22:05 and placed 35th, Mady looked the best she has all season and finished 36th in 22:09, Virginia was 37th in 22:14 and Nola was 40th in 22:16. Virginia ran her lifetime best, and Nola ran her season best time. This wave of red was fun to see come across the finish so close together. Sami Van Daele ran her lifetime best of 23:34 and placed 62nd. Rounding out the top seven for varsity was Ema Aranda who also ran a lifetime best of 23:41 in 65th. The team placed 6th with 167 points out of 12 Division 2 teams in the field.
Leading the JV team was Delaney Hammack who cut over a minute off her previous personal best and placed 87th with a time of 24:10. Lucy Troxel shaved 11 seconds off her previous best time to place 91st. Payton Brautigam cut over a minute off her current season’s best time to run 27:49 and place 131st. Mya Graves-Koran battled through her cold to stop the clock at 28:20 and place 133rd.
On the boys’ side, Jack Hefty continued to put on a clinic and ran another lifetime best of 15:43, once again in convincing fashion. By winning this race, it was his third invitational win of the season. Xavier Zei ran with authority and was close to his lifetime best with a time of 17:09 and placed 11th, with a medal. Miles Nicklesburg has stayed steady as the team’s third runner and ran 17:45, strong enough for a medal as well as he finished 19th overall. The next three boys ran so well as a pack and fed off that energy. Onyx Thompson was a leader in this effort as he crushed his race and ran a new lifetime best by 33 seconds and placed 27th in 18:07. Andrew O’Toole battled with him to the finish in 18:08 and 28th overall, also a lifetime best. Luc Pomazak was just two places behind in 30th and ran 18:16. Quinton O’Toole dipped under 20:00 for the first time in his career and ran 19:52. Quinton placed 63rd. Isaiah Mendez rounded out the top 7 and also ran a lifetime best of 20:34 in 77th. The varsity team placed 2nd overall with 86 points and brought home a trophy!
Marcus Roselle led the JV team as he ran his third straight lifetime best of 20:46 in 82nd. Angel Kilar ran out of his mind shaving nearly two minutes off his season best time and ran a lifetime best of 23:23 to place 110th. Alex Clarksen also uncorked an incredible effort and ran a new lifetime best of 23:50, good enough for 116th. Sam Nickelsburg cut several minutes off his season best time to finish just behind Alex in 23:54 and placed 117th.
As you can see, it was a great day for the team and a nice confidence booster as we look to get a good solid training block in before we lace up our spikes for the Rock Valley Conference Meet which will be held at UW-Whitewater on Thursday, October 17th.
Full Results: https://my.raceresult.com/309457/results
Article and Photo Courtesy of Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
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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