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Editor’s Note: The following interview was done by Dr. Lauren Smith on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.
A Whitewater resident for 29 years, Hassimi Traore was born in Burkina Faso in the town of Dedougou and graduated high school from Bobo Diolasso, a privilege reserved for only the top 5% of students from his home town. Because he was at the very top of his class, Hassimi was chosen to receive support offered by a generous Canadian family. When he graduated from high school, he received a government scholarship to attend Burkina Faso’s Math and Science Institute, where he earned a baccalaureate and then master’s degree in math and chemistry.
While earning his degrees, Hassimi also worked for the Peace Corps, where he made lasting friendships with African and American colleagues. These colleagues encouraged Hassimi to apply for graduate programs in the United States, and he was accepted to every program to which he applied. Because one African friend, a Peace Corps colleague, was attending graduate school in Iowa City, Iowa, Hassimi chose to attend the state university there. He used the money he’d earned working for the Peace Corps to buy his plane ticket. It was a long journey for a young man with limited resources. He arrived in New York City with only a couple of hundred dollars in his pocket. Part of that was spent on a gouging taxi cab ride, and most of the rest went to a bus ticket to Iowa City.
The challenges of life in Iowa City were multiple. It was cold, and his winter coat didn’t cover his forearms, so he cut off the tops of a pair of socks to keep his arms warm. His English was “really rough,” too, so he found two old televisions on the side of the road to help him learn. One had picture but no sound and the other had sound but no picture. He stacked the two televisions on top of each other. In Africa, he hadn’t experienced racism, either, and it was difficult for him when he realized that others couldn’t recognize his skills in math and science because of his race or when he was harassed by racists.
Mostly, he says, people in Iowa “were wonderful” to him, and despite challenges, Hassimi graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1995. He got a job teaching Chemistry at UW-Whitewater after that, where he has been teaching for 29 years. During this time, he has helped many students who face their own challenges. He has helped African students who have had difficulty transitioning to Wisconsin as well as students who struggle with difficult academic subjects. He has also family back home who need help with tuition or medical care, and he frequently provides financial assistance to them.
He has raised the money to buy and send home four different ambulances with the help of many community members. He said he felt “I am home” after all of the contributions from so many who care.
“People talk about ‘illegal’ or ‘legal’ immigrants but I don’t use those terms. To blame everything on immigrants is not fair. Immigrants contribute so much to the economy and culture in our cities, states and country,” said Hassimi.
Hassimi recently earned his Master’s Degree in Peace Building from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and his goal after retiring is to help nonprofits foster peace. Even in retirement, he will continue to care for his homes, both in Whitewater and abroad.
The Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative would like to publicly thank Randy Cruse for his advocacy work in Washington (recently reported on whitewaterbanner.com) on behalf of persons with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Thank you, Randy, for your efforts to improve health care, financial support and community understanding for persons with dementia.
Persons with cognitive decline report being misunderstood by friends, family and providers because of myths and misconceptions about their disease. Often patients themselves misunderstand, especially when the only advice they get from their doctors is to get their affairs in order and come back in six months for a checkup.
But there is good news: the health care community is getting educated. There is even a trend to recruit patients to serve on boards and committees to help bring their perspective for proper treatment and planning.
Stigma is the use of negative labels to identify a person with a disability or illness. It prevents patients and caregivers from taking the positive steps that can be helpful. Like any disease, cognitive decline benefits from good habits of nutrition, sleep, exercise and health care. Make sure hearing or vision loss is properly treated. Seek out and share accurate information. Maintain relationships with friends and family. Have fun with music, games and laughter. Developing these good habits early on can slow and ease this progressive disease.
An individual living with this disease has the most powerful voice to help raise awareness, end stigma, and advocate for more support and research. We can learn a lot from them. For more ideas visit https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/overcoming-stigma
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.
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Two Whitewater High School Choir students have won the prestigious Wisconsin School Music Association [WSMA] Exemplary Performance Recognition at two WSMA State Solo/Ensemble Festivals. Alex Clarksen earned the award for his Music Theater Solo event on April 27th at UW-Whitewater when he sang “She Cries” from Songs from the New World. A’lani Ross earned the award for her Alto Solo event on May 4th at Carroll University when she sang “Pastorale” by Georges Bizet. Students performing at State Solo/Ensemble Festival can be nominated for this award by the adjudicators throughout the day. At the end of the day, the adjudicator can choose up to two events from each festival site to be awarded this honor. Seven other events from Whitewater High School were also nominated for this award. They are: Alex Clarksen-Tenor Solo, Charlotte Hajewski-Music Theater Solo, Brooke Mason -Alto Solo, Samuel Nickelsburg-Tenor Solo, Ava Van Daele-Alto Solo and Music Theater Solo, and Music Masters Ensemble-Mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Music Masters Ensemble members are Payton Bunger, Meridyth Cashion, Ayden Clark, Alex Clarksen, David Enns, Marina Linos, Brooke Mason, Samuel Nickelsburg, Lauren Rollette, A’lani Ross, and Alex Sullivan.
Congratulations to A’lani and Alex and all students who were nominated to the WSMA Exemplary Performance Recognition!!
Tuesday, May 14th from 4:00-7:00 pm here at the Whitewater Culver’s, 10% of sales will be donated to Hearthstone for their Garden Project. Please help us share this flyer with as many as you can, and we hope that you will be able to stop by for some food and see some of the management staff running orders.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Lincoln Elementary School was full of families and fun when Whitewater hosted its third, free International Children’s Day for all children on April 27. Organizers estimate that more than 350 people attended.
All families were welcome at the Lincoln School and grounds. Events included face-painting, arts and crafts, Culver’s custard, balloon art, chalk art and more. A variety of international food offerings were available for sale, and students performed music.
“It was wonderful to see the smiles on all of the children’s faces and to celebrate our diverse student population,” said Miguel Aranda, chair of the International Children’s Day committee.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
An Oil Lamp Service will be held at the historic Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 19th at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at the East Richmond Cemetery, N7372 County Rd P, south of Whitewater, WI. Refreshments will be served prior to the service. Rev. Minyoung Han, minister at Bethel and Richmond United Methodist Churches, will officiate. Others participating are Rev. Larry Froemming, organist; Caitlyn Karbash, violinist; and Lisa Bauer, flutist. This will be the first oil lamp service at the church in more than 125 years. In March 2023, the recently restored church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There is limited parking and seating. For more information email gkestol@yahoo.com.
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Georgia Kestol.
Whitewater Unified School District Employee Handbook Committee – Monday @ 3:45 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.)
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of the landscape plan for the Irvin L Young Library.
*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:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82908100883?pwd=WWdyUjc0VFRqd096V1MwMit2cWVCUT09
Meeting ID: 829 0810 0883
Passcode: 123382
Dial 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 829 0810 0883
Passcode: 123382
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Discussion about where the Plan Commission would like to see Dog Daycare & Boarding
Facilities be placed with a conditional use in our zoning districts, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for sale of alcohol by the drink located at 210 W Whitewater St. for Daniel Rodriguez d/b/a as Lloyd’s formerly known as The Black Sheep, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Dog Daycare Facility located on vacant land on Bluff Road Tax Parcel # /A323600002 for Daniel and Jhienelle Kistle d/b/a The Royal Hounds of Whitewater, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommunication Facility and Free Standing Tower to be located at 312 Elkhorn Road.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
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/385524925
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 385-524-925
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater Unified School Board – Special Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: to discuss and consider individual 2024-2025 salary contract adjustments and to discuss and consider the post-employment benefit for a specific support staff employee and discuss specific employees whose employment was previously interrupted by a District resignation.
CLOSED SESSION via Zoom Online
– Passcode: 168369
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 844 3687 1056
- – Passcode: 168369
OPEN SESSION Zoom Online
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner): Discuss any items from closed session, plus Health Insurance Renewal Approval and Ratification of the Whitewater Education Association (WEA) 2024-25 Collective Bargaining Agreement
– Passcode: 818870
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 854 0554 3594
- – Passcode: 818870
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes update on downtown flowers and Discussion and possible action regarding Facility Rental and Reservation Policy updates.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82237035777?pwd=dUNLRUhRR3QvMXpHUmU5RFVreUhMUT09
Meeting ID: 822 3703 577
Passcode: 874133
Dial 1 312 626 6799
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 pm.
Agenda is not posted as of 5/11/24.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Oshkosh, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team topped UW-Oshkosh 2-1 to claim the 2024 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title and secure the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament. The tournament title is the program’s eleventh overall and first since 2018.
UWW will find out where they are headed for next week for regional action in Monday’s selection show on ncaa.com at 10 a.m.
UW-Whitewater’s lucky numbers were one and two this week. The Warhawks won all four games of the WIAC Tournament by a score of 2-1. Coming in as the number four seed, two of UWW’s wins were against the number one seed, UW-Oshkosh, and a third came against number two seeded UW-Stevens Point. Warhawk pitcher Brooke Hock, who wears number 12, picked up a save in the first three of UWW’s games in the tournament and registered the win in the championship game Saturday. The theme would continue on the offensive end in the title game.
In the bottom of the second, Grace Wickman – sporting jersey number one – led off the frame with an absolute smash to left center. The second Wickman connected on the pitch, there was no doubt the ball was leaving the park. The Warhawks sprinted out of the dugout to meet Wickman at home celebrating the 1-0 lead.
With all of the momentum in Whitewater’s corner, Maggie Ward continued the frame reaching via catcher’s interference with one out. Kiera Jarrett singled up the middle and JJ Jakosalem took one for the team to load the bases with one out. The Titans opted to get the out at home on a fielder’s choice for out number two, but the bases remained loaded. Kaitlyn Weidemann – who wears number two – drew a walk to score Jarrett and give UWW a 2-0 lead.
UW-Oshkosh cut the lead in half in the top of the third using three hits to plate a single run in the frame.
After a fantastic start by Rhiann Dick, the senior passed the ball to Hock for the final four frames. Hock entered with one on base and zero outs but retired three consecutive Titans. After a leadoff walk in the fifth, Hock got the next three on a pair of groundouts and a fly out that Bella Eggert hauled in in center field.
UW-Whitewater thwarted another UWO opportunity in the sixth after the leadoff batter reached on a walk. With a full count on the next batter, the Titan runner at first bolted early on the pitch. Hock threw it by the UWO hitter for the strikeout as the first base umpire signaled indicating the runner left early and was out for a different version of a double play. Eggert tracked down a fly ball in center for the final out of the top of the sixth.
The top of the seventh went 1-2-3. Eggert captured the first out on a fly ball. Wickman fielded a grounder and threw a dart to Taylor Koehler at first for the second out. Ward secured the title by catching a deep fly ball in left field as the Warhawks streamed out of the dugout in celebration.
Each pitching staff allowed three hits in the game, all by different batters. Dick scattered three hits across three innings of work while striking out two. Hock no-hit the Titans the rest of the way fanning two to improve to 6-1 on the season.
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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