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The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 59th Hall of Fame Class.
Former student-athletes Amy Gahl-Sweeney ’09, Suzanne Gersich Huss ’09, Tiffany Morton ’09, Beth Proeber ’06, Jace Rindahl ’10, Jeff Schebler ’10, Cassie Uttech Schroeder ’05, Ricky Spicer, Bob Stone and Bob Wickman will be inducted. Longtime UW-Whitewater Head Men’s Basketball Coach Pat Miller will be inducted under the category of staff/coach, and Warhawk supporter Ray Jacobsen will be inducted for his distinguished service to the institution.
All 12 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-River Falls on Saturday, November 2, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., will be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet, which begins following the contest at 4:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room.
More information on the Hall of Fame Banquet, including registration, will be posted in August.
Inductee information is provided below.
For a complete schedule of the festival’s music and other events, click here.
Festival Closing Live Musical Performance – Saturday, July 6, 8:00 p.m. to after fireworks
“PH!L” – The Music of Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins & Genesis!
PERFORMING 3 GENERATIONS OF HITS!
Songs like, ABACAB, Turn It On Again & Misunderstanding! To Sledgehammer, Solsbury Hill, Follow You Follow Me, In The Air Tonight! To deep cuts like, Red Rain, Shock The Monkey, Games Without Frontiers & In Your Eyes, and many, many more from these three Grammy award-winning artists! – Double Drums, and all… With A BIG BAND SOUND!!! And a show people talk about for months after…!
Featuring WAMI award winner and Grammy member himself, Scott E. Berendt.
Scott has been a singer/songwriter & drummer for the last 2 decades, of the legendary Wisconsin rock band, Bad Boy & his all-star adult/contemporary/world beat band, The Us Project!
THE SHOW PERFORMERS INCLUDE:
Brian Wirt on drums
Mitch Cooper on keys
Brian Memmel on Guitars
Scott Esser on Bass
(*PROMO VIDIO’S*)
SHORT LIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF “PH!L” @ https://youtu.be/BNaOIKVbTUc?si=dQzxf4KpNxDAVNax
LONG LIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF “PH!L” @ https://youtu.be/mdsswhANkl4?si=_zi8HJNBNKTwFiFp
The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) announces a record-breaking start to its Summer School Program, with nearly 800 students participating.
This is the highest number of participants in the program’s history, highlighting the strong support and student interest in summer learning. WUSD’s Summer School Program offers a wide selection of academic and recreational classes, catering to diverse interests and needs. Courses include “Getting Ready for Kindergarten,” “Ice Cream Making,” and “Elementary Engineering,” as well as physical education classes and high school credit recovery opportunities.
“The students’ energy and enthusiasm have been incredible,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “We want to sincerely thank our community for their support in making the start of summer school a resounding success. Additionally, a shout-out to our amazing summer school staff and principals; we could not do this without you!”
In addition to the various class offerings, WUSD has integrated a reading initiative into the summer curriculum. This initiative aims to support students’ reading goals and outcomes, ensuring continued literacy development throughout the summer break.
WUSD is proud to be at the forefront of Act 20 compliance, particularly in its summer programming. The district is committed to providing top-notch educational opportunities for students by staying ahead of future requirements.
The “Ongoing Literacy Learning” initiative, designed for students below grade-level standards, ensures targeted elementary and secondary-level literacy courses. This initiative is crucial to WUSD’s commitment to fostering academic success for all students.
To learn more about the WUSD Summer School Program, please visit www.wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
The Purple Angel program has grown from one small town in the UK to a global effort to help communities become more dementia-friendly. In January 2012, Norman McNamara, a resident of Torbay, Devon, UK who had been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 50, was out shopping and had an unhappy experience with an impatient shopkeeper. He realized this person lacked information and decided to change the way people see dementia and treat their neighbors who have been stricken with the disease.
Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives around the world such as Whitewater’s, have adopted the Purple Angel as one of their primary means of educating the public. Training is available to organizations such as stores, restaurants, offices, libraries, churches and services of all kinds. Employees and management receive a free 30-minute training session and then receive a Purple Angel logo to display at their entrance. In Whitewater, thirteen locations have earned the Purple Angel logo including churches, banks, offices, the public library and the Police Dept.
What does Purple Angel training cover? You will get an overview of changes in the brain which cause certain behaviors, recognizable as signs of dementia. You will get tips for how and why to communicate with patience, kindness and a friendly manner. You will learn how to make your space more dementia-friendly and where to find resources in your community and on-line to learn more.
Every new Purple Angel logo means a few more people have changed their thinking and have helped people with dementia find it easier to navigate their world and remain engaged in community life.
For more information: https://purpleangel-global.com/
https://dementiafriendsusa.org/become-a-dementia-friend
*****
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New members are always welcome! Contact jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Fire Chief’s report – staffing update, adjourn to closed session, to reconvene: Interview of FTE EMT/Firefighter Candidate(s)
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 the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/759747365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 759-747-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Special Meeting – City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Agenda: Closed session, to reconvene: Consideration and possible action with regard to Development Agreement for Phase 4B –
Park Crest Subdivision.
*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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/178177397
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 178-177-397
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Notice from the Whitewater Unified School District Board regarding board member attendance at various events during the school year
Jul 01, 2024 – Members of the Whitewater Unified School District Board May Attend Social Events or District Sponsored Events and Activities Throughout the 2024-2025 School Year
Subject Public notice is hereby given that some members of the Whitewater Unified School District Board may on occasion attend social events or district-sponsored events and activities in support of staff and students of the school district. No formal meeting of the Board will take place and no official action will be taken by the Board. A quorum of the Board may be present.
Notice regarding Fourth of July Festival
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is attending the 4th of July Festival.
The event information follows:
When: Wednesday, July 3, 2024 thru Saturday, July 6, 2024
Where: Cravath Lakefront Park, Starin Park Upper Shelter, Municipal Parking Lot.
A quorum of the Common Council and/or Boards and Committees may be present. This notice is given to
inform the public that no formal action will be taken. This event is open to the public.
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation is super excited to partner with Reese Brantmeier to offer a youth summer tennis program to the community. The tennis program starts on July 6th and will run each Saturday until August 3rd at the Whitewater High School tennis courts. There are three different age groups that will have drills and activities tailored to their needs. Age groups include 3-8 year old’s, 9-12 year old’s, and 13-18 year old’s. [Cost is $50 for residents, $62.50 for non-residents.]
Reese Brantmeier is a graduate of Whitewater High School and is continuing to pursue her passion for tennis by playing division 1 college level tennis for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Reese has had many accomplishments in her career, and is also aiming to grow interest in tennis in her hometown community. She has started the Reese Brantmeier Project to help restore two community tennis courts in the city of Whitewater. For more information you can visit her website https://www.reesebrantmeierproject.com
For additional information or to register please visit the Whitewater Parks and Recreation website at https://secure.rec1.com/WI/whitewater-wi/catalog [Click on “youth sports.”]
About Whitewater Parks and Recreation:
Whitewater Parks and Recreation is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for individuals of
all ages and abilities in the Whitewater community. Through innovative programming and collaborative
partnerships, we strive to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being.
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (June 28, 2024) – The following local resident was among 676 students receiving degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls following fall commencement in Dec. 2023. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 603 undergraduates, while 73 students received graduate degrees.
Area students are listed below by name, hometown, degree, major and honors (if any).
At graduation, four types of merit awards are recognized:
Senior Merit – Graduating seniors who have maintained a 3.500 grade point for their last 60 credits at UWRF.
Cum Laude – Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.700 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.
Magna Cum Laude – Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.800 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.
Summa Cum Laude – Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.900 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond.
Whitewater, WI
Owen Kramer, Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Cum Laude
Chocolate bars, cones, and gummies containing psychoactive compounds may cause serious illness
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and federal partners at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating reports of severe illnesses associated with Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies. These products contain a proprietary blend of mushrooms and are available for purchase online and at retailers nationwide.
“Products containing psychoactive compounds such as cannabinoids or mushroom extracts are increasing in availability,” said DHS Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health Sheryl Bedno. “The Diamond Shruumz-brand products may contain harmful and undisclosed ingredients that can cause serious illness when eaten, and we ask Wisconsinites who have purchased these products not to consume them.”
On June 12, 2024, the CDC released a Health Advisory reporting severe illnesses associated with Diamond Shruumz-brand products. As of June 25, 2024, a total of 39 illnesses have been reported in 20 different states. To date, Wisconsin has no reported cases. Of the 39 people who became ill after eating these products, more than half were hospitalized. People who became ill from Diamond Shruumz-brand edibles reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, abnormal heart rates, high or low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.
Retailers should not sell or distribute any of these products and should hold them until further direction is given by the FDA.
People who became ill after eating these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care. Wisconsinites can also call the Wisconsin Poison Center at 800-222-1222 to report symptoms. Anyone who has purchased these items should throw them away.
Health care providers who suspect someone is ill as a result of these edibles can consult with a toxicologist at the Wisconsin Poison Center and are asked to report illnesses to the Wisconsin Poison Center or directly to the FDA by completing an online MedWatch Voluntary Reporting form.
The investigation into these illnesses is still ongoing by the FDA. DHS and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will continue to monitor the situation and will give updates when available. Learn more and get updates on the FDA website.
Editor’s note: The above press release was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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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