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A September 29, 2024 article in the Royal Purple includes the following news regarding the installation of lights onthe UW-Whitewater softball field. The complete article may be found here.
“The sun set over Van Steenderen Softball Complex while a cotton candy September sky graced the background. Excitement filled the brisk Thursday evening air while players wrapped up their final warm-ups before taking the field – this time under a new circumstance.
The Warhawks played under the lights for the first time at home.
UW-Whitewater softball unveiled their new lighting system in the team’s Sept. 26 purple and black scrimmage. The lighting system allows Warhawk softball to host night games, eliminating previous issues where games were called due to player safety.
“It opens up so many more opportunities for our program,” head coach Brenda Volk said. “Our goal is always to provide the best experience possible for our student-athletes and I think this is just one more thing that can do just that.”
The lighting system provides an added flexibility when softball hosts WIAC or NCAA tournament games, as previous games needed proper scheduling times to avoid calling games short.
“We have had a handful of games over the years that have been called due to darkness,” Volk said. “It’s just a relief to know that won’t ever have to happen again.”
The following area students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in August.
UW-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions that comprise the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL has nearly 10,500 full- and part-time students enrolled in 101 undergraduate, 28 graduate and two doctoral academic programs.
UW-La Crosse, a top-ranked regional university, has long been recognized as a school of choice for students and families across the Midwest. See more at www.uwlax.edu.
The student earning a degree in August:
Whitewater, WI
Sashi Popke, BS, Management Major
Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by the City of Whitewater.
Would you like to know what’s happening with our lakes?
Here is why you should attend:
Expert Insights: Hear from leading experts in environmental science, lake management, and sustainable practices. Gain valuable knowledge on the latest trends and solutions.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and organizations dedicated to preserving and enhancing our lakes and waterways.
Innovative Solutions: Explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies designed to address challenges facing our lakes and their ecosystems.
WHS Class of 1959 – 65th Class Reunion – Sept. 21, 2024 – at The Real MacCoys – photos by Tom Ganser (tganser33@gmail.com)
Top Row – Don Kiernan, Karen (Hapke) Schneider, Mary (Taft) Althaus, Patti (Charles) Brabazon, Fred Lowton
Third Row – Carmen (Peyer) Marsh, Bill Fuerstenburg, Mary Beth (Pior) Pidcock, Nancy (Defries) Sebranek, Rosella (Schultz) Reichardt
Second Row – Bonnie (Uglow) Stanley, Donna (Bigelow) Lewis, Eileen (Snyder) Brown, Sylvia (Fadness) Gleiter, Necia (Meyer) Schinke
Bottom Row – Kathy (Graham) Sturzl, Carol (Phelps) Cobb, Eileen (Schoppe) Dempsey, Marie (Frodl) Glass, Ed Hamilton
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
The teachers, childcare workers and volunteers for the ESL Program are WUL Hometown Heroes, and were nominated by Jim Winship, “For educating hundreds of English-language learners, which benefits their families and the Whitewater community.”
Jim said, “The success of the Whitewater Community ESL Program, which has educated hundreds of English-language learners and benefited their families and the Whitewater community has been made possible through the efforts of the Program’s teachers, childcare workers, and volunteers. For this reason, I am nominating these individuals as Whitewater Unites Lives Hometown Heroes.”
Jorge Islas-Martinez, the co-founder of the Program, when told that the Program staff and volunteers were receiving this award, said: “This award reflects the heart and soul of the Whitewater Community ESL Program, where trust, respect, unity, collaboration, and passion ignite the journey of learning and growth.”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Mark your calendars! Join us on Thursday, October 3rd, from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Whitewater Innovation Center, located at 1221 Innovation Drive in the Whitewater Business/Tech Park.
Wisconsin Brain Injury Awareness is excited to host Thomas Hapka, a UW-Whitewater graduate, author, and traumatic brain injury survivor. Hapka will discuss his book, Life Beyond Brain Injury: A Survivor’s Guide, and share details of his inspiring journey, as well as integrative and natural methods for recovery.
This event also celebrates Disabled Authors Day, an awareness day established by disability advocates to honor individuals with disabilities who have triumphed over adversity to create impactful works of literature.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired! The event is free and open to the public. Join us!
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The Whippet Cross Country Teams traveled to Janesville to compete in the 86th annual Midwest Invitational hosted by Janesville Craig at Blackhawk Golf Course on Saturday, September 28. In this exceptional invite, 51 teams toed the starting line for some very large race fields and elite-level competition. This meet has roughly 3,000 athletes compete in 7 races (including MS) and is the oldest inter-state meet in the country. On the girls’ side, there were thirteen teams ranked across all divisions and from out-of-state competition. On the boys’ side, this meet included fourteen ranked teams from the state. This competition tends to bring out the best in everyone, and Whitewater didn’t disappoint. Several athletes were able to walk away with lifetime bests, season bests, or running one of the fastest times of the year. This was all despite some pretty warm weather conditions and running in races with over 500 runners which doesn’t allow for much movement within the race itself.
On the varsity girls’ side, Athena Soto led the team with Carley Boudreau not far behind. Despite having an issue with her shoe, Mady Hefty toughed out her race and was the team’s 3rd runner. Other runners who had a particularly strong day were Ema Aranda who was able to run her lifetime best today and Sami Van Daele not far off her personal best. Lucy Troxel rounded out the varsity squad with her lifetime best as well. It was a good showing by the girls’ team which placed 35th out of 51 teams. In the White race, Delaney Hammack was able to carve out her lifetime best with a strong start and riding the wave to a time of 25:39.
Girls’ Varsity Race – 35th with 970 points
- Athena Soto 167th 22:13
- Carley Boudreau 180th 22:23
- Mady Hefty 192nd 22:42
- Nola Coburn 224th 23;20
- Ema Aranda 245th 24:02
- Sami Van Daele 254th 24:30
- Lucy Troxel 266th 24:55
Girls’ White Race – No team score
- Delaney Hammack 51st 25:39
- Silvia Harris 162nd 28:04
- Payton Brautigam 283rd 31:28
On the boys’ side, Jack Hefty led the team with a top 10 finish. This super impressive finish also led to a new lifetime best of 15:46. Miles Nickelsburg is putting things together at the right time and was able to dip under 18 minutes for the first time this season. Andrew O’Toole raced to a new lifetime best along with Onyx Thompson and Isaac Straight. Overall, it was a really good day for the varsity boys’ team. In the Blue race, Marcus Roselle ran his second straight lifetime best of the three from our team that entered this race. Finally, leading the Whippets in the White race was Isaiah Mendez who has been battling an ankle injury and was the team’s top finisher despite some very warm temperatures for their race.
Boys’ Varsity Race – 32nd with 843 points
- Jack Hefty 10th 15:46
- Miles Nicklesburg 176th 17:49
- Luc Pomazak 209th 18:17
- Andrew O’Toole 210th 18:19
- Onyx Thompson 245th 18:44
- Isaac Straight 289th 19:23
Boys’ Blue Race – No Team Score
- Quinton O’Toole 348th 20:50
- Wyatt Esch 367th 21:12
- Marcus Roselle 377th 21:37
Boys’ White Race – No team score
- Isaiah Mendez 135th 22:10
- Angel Kilar 400th 27:17
- Sam Nickelsburg 402nd 27:28
- Alex Clarksen 425 29:31
Next up for the team will be the October 4 Nightfall Classic which will be held in Lake Mills at the Lake Mills Golf Club. This race will be entirely contested under the lights in an atmosphere unlike any other meet we attend. The D1/D2 Girls race is set to go off at 8:25 and the Boys D1/D2 race is slated to begin at 9:00. For meet info visit: https://www.adesports.com/lake-mills-nightfall-608
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photo credits Angel Van Daele and Chad Carstens
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Approval of Proposed Scope of Services for
Phase Two of the Comprehensive Lakes Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes
with Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, Second reading of Ordinance 2024-O-14 an ordinance revising the Junk Ordinance-Municipal Code Enforcement
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.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86815762064?pwd=UgA9OJtGu72RjnQrIlYiAsAaQcY21a.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 868 1576 2064
Passcode: 066564
Notice given that a quorum of Common Council and/or board members may be present for the following:
Together for Healthy Lakes Summit – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m. (No formal action will be taken.)
841 Brewhouse, 841 E Milwaukee St.
Notice given that a quorum of Common Council and/or board members may be present for the following:
Home Buyer’s Educational Event Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. (No formal action will be taken.)
Community Engagement Center, 1260 W Main St.
Notice given that a quorum of Common Council and/or board members may be present for the following:
Run for Trey – Sunday @ 10:00 a.m. (No formal action will be taken.)
Treyton’s Field of Dreams
504 W Starin Rd
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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