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The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to present “El Color de Mi Amor” (The Color of My Love), an exhibition of acrylic paintings by local artists Enrique Esquipula and Rhonda Kolander. The exhibition will be held from September 5 to September 29, 2024 at the WAA Gallery, 402 W Main St, Whitewater, WI. Gallery exhibit hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12-4 p.m. (The gallery is closed outside of gallery exhibit hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.)
The Opening Reception is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 2 pm-4 pm. Attendees will have the chance to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments while exploring the vibrant artwork on display.
In addition to the exhibition, Rhonda Kolander will be leading an Acrylic Painting Workshop on Thursday, September 26, from 5 pm-7 pm at the Cultural Arts Gallery located at 402 West Main, Whitewater. The workshop is open to all skill levels, with a fee of $35 that includes all materials.
About the Artists:
Enrique Esquipula
Enrique Esquipula has lived in Whitewater for the past 15 years and began painting 8 years ago. Encouraged by his wife, Rhonda, Enrique discovered a passion for art that he had left behind as a child. He has since honed his skills, learning various techniques in oils, acrylics, and watercolor. Enrique’s work has earned recognition, including the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s “Poster of the Year” award in 2010-2011 for his painting “Trees.” To date, he has sold 72 paintings.
Rhonda Kolander
Rhonda Kolander moved to Whitewater in 1996 and has nurtured her love for art since middle school. With formal training in portrait drawing, airbrushing, and oil painting, Rhonda also holds an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Communications and a Digital Photography Certificate from Gateway Technical College. Her creative talents extend to mandalas, kaleidoscope art, and other crafts. Rhonda has exhibited her work in various local galleries and currently coordinates The TeaLuxGallery. She is passionate about sharing her love for art with others and hopes to offer drawing and painting classes in the future.
As partners in life and art, Enrique and Rhonda often exhibit their work together, sharing their mutual love for creativity.
The exhibition is free and open to all.
Registration may be submitted here.
Be sure to join the FFA Alumni on Friday, September 6, 2024 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm for their annual cookout at Whitewater High School prior to the football game against McFarland.
They will be providing both drive-through and dine-in options outside the greenhouse across from the football stadium.
The cost is $10 for a pork loin or hot dog plate which is served with chips, a cookie, and a beverage.
Everyone is welcome!
Parents and guardians of Whitewater High School students are invited to join us for an Open House on Wednesday, September 11, from 4:00 – 7:30!
Check out the Open House Website to learn about what options will be available for parents. Do you just want to meet your student’s teachers? Are you interested in getting help with the paperwork for early college credit? Do you want to learn more about what’s new at WHS this year? You can do these things and more at our open house! We hope to see you there!
Please reach out to Principal Brent Mansky at bmansky@wwusd.org with any questions.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride.
The Whitewater Police Department has identified the suspect in the fatal shooting of UW-Whitewater student Kara Welsh, age 21, as Chad T. Richards, age 23, of Loves Park, Illinois. According to the press release, “The department forwarded the following charges to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office: First-Degree Intentional Homicide (Wis. Stat. 940.01(a)), Endangering Safety by the Use of a Dangerous Weapon (Wis. Stat. 941.20(1)(c)), and Disorderly Conduct while Armed (Wis. Stat. 947.01). It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.” Richards is scheduled to appear in the Walworth County Courthouse this afternoon.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater online directory includes the name of a Chad Richards as a senior communications major in the College of Arts and Communication. The athletics site includes Chad Richards of Loves Park on the 2021-22 wrestling roster.
Update 9/3/24 @ 11:45 a.m. – Per WISN Channel 12’s app, “Friends tell 12 News they were dating, and the man was helping her move into her apartment.”
Update 9/3/24 @ 8:30 p.m. – According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel [MJS] and various other media, Judge Estee Scholtz left Richards’ bond at $1,000,000, “citing the violent nature of the offense and the flight risk. She also ordered Richards to not set foot on campus, but permitted him to stay in contact with the school only electronically and by phone. Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Weidenfeld pushed for Richards to not have any contact with the university.” Richards’ initial appearance is scheduled for Friday.
MJS further stated, “During the brief hearing, Kaeli Welsh described her older sister as “the light of my life,” whom she tried to pattern herself after. “She was the strongest person I know, both physically and mentally,” Welsh said through tears. “She had so much more to give the world than gymnastics…It was an honor and a privilege to grow up around her.”
Earlier Banner stories on this incident may be found here and here.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Jorge Islas Martinez could have been saving lives as a doctor in Mexico, but instead, he brought his extraordinary talents to the United States, where he saves lives both figuratively and literally.
In Whitewater, Jorge has transformed the lives of more than 2,500 people by teaching them English, empowering them to fully engage and thrive in our community. His heroic actions extend beyond the classroom; he once performed the Heimlich maneuver to save a woman choking in Illinois.
Jorge’s remarkable service has been recognized with numerous awards. He received the Citizen’s Award from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, which praised him for going “beyond the call of duty” to save a life. On behalf of the citizens of McHenry County, the Sheriff’s Office commended him for a “JOB WELL DONE.”
In Whitewater, Jorge earned the WUL Hometown Hero Award for his unwavering dedication to the Latino community. “Jorge Islas is a real hero in our community. He has served the Latino community over most of his lifetime in this area and offers English classes not for profit, but out of a deep need to help the Latino community.” For this selfless work and his broader contributions, he was recognized in the past as an Outstanding Community Member by the University Student Organization, Latinos Unidos.
In 2005, he was honored with the “50 Who Matter” award by the Janesville Gazette. Recently, he also received an accolade from Voces de La Frontera for his commitment to promoting education and civil rights.
Jorge is a beacon of hope in Whitewater, known for his tireless efforts to support immigrants who call this city home. Born in Mexico City, Jorge’s journey led him to Whitewater, where he has lived for 31 years. His dedication was further acknowledged when he was nominated in two categories at the Community Stars Gala: Community Champion and Difference Maker.
Jorge’s path to success was not without challenges. He crossed the U.S. border as an immigrant, facing numerous hardships from farming to landscaping. One of his first jobs was weeding an onion patch without any prior experience, and he humorously recalls pulling up the wrong plants. Despite initial struggles with unfamiliar equipment and being taken advantage of, Jorge’s experiences taught him the crucial importance of learning English to communicate effectively and advocate for himself.
“As an immigrant, I have learned to confront different challenges firsthand,” Jorge says. “I understand what it feels like to be here without legal status or knowing the language.”
Now a proud U.S. citizen, Jorge’s story serves as a testament to perseverance and success. He has worked as an interpreter for the Public Health Department of Walworth County, excelled at Arrow Financial Services in Whitewater, served as a court interpreter for McHenry County, and currently works for the Public Defender’s Office of Rock and Walworth counties.
Jorge firmly believes, “Every single human has a right to succeed, regardless of their legal status or language proficiency.” His passion for teaching English stems from a lifelong love for the language. As a child, he asked his father to take him to the airport not to see planes, but to hear people speaking different languages.
In addition to teaching ESL classes in Whitewater, Jorge serves as the Bilingual Liaison for the Whitewater Unified School District. Outside of work, he is dedicated to supporting families in need through the Immigrant Support Coalition, which he recently founded. The coalition meets monthly to ensure newcomers feel welcomed and to foster trust, respect, and effective communication.
Jorge reflects, “People immigrate to the U.S. for work, to earn money, and to support their families. My goal is to assist immigrants on their journey and help them achieve their dreams.”
Grateful for the opportunity to live in Whitewater, Jorge expresses, “I am blessed to know people who welcome me with open hearts and doors, allowing me to continue helping others.”
Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) 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.
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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