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Nate Black Signs to Play with UWO

April 22, 2024

WHS celebrated Nate Black’s Signing Day on Friday, April 12th. Nate will be going to UW-Oshkosh to further his education and to play football.

Nate Black and Family

Nate Black was a great player for the Whippets, serving as a WR/DB and a Team Captain throughout his entire senior season. He led us on offense and defense with his relentless effort each and every snap of the game. He accounted for a touchdown in four separate ways this last season (Passing, Receiving, Rushing, Defensive INT TD).

We will miss his competitiveness and fire on the football team. We are all proud of him and his hard work and cannot wait to see him succeed at the next level! 

Article and Photo Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org

WHS Forensics Team First-Rate at State

April 22, 2024

Advancing to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association State Festival is an achievement, and earning awards beyond that represents rigorous standards. All five Whitewater High School Forensics state qualifiers ended the season in fine fashion, earning medals for their outstanding performances at Saturday’s State Festival:

Emerson Ellenwood, Lauren Rollette, Emilia Houwers, Carley Boudreau, and Marina Linos

Carley Boudreau (11) and Marina Linos (12) earned Gold Medals (Critic’s Choice Award)

Senior Emerson Ellenwood earned a Silver Medal (State Finalist Award)

Seniors Emilia Houwers and Lauren Rollette earned Bronze Medals (Finalist Award)

Article and Photo Submitted by Elizabeth Miller
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
emiller@wwusd.org

Soccer Downs Big Foot 1-0

April 22, 2024

Whitewater hosted Big Foot in a conference game Thursday night, April 18.

Ema Aranda

It was a very exciting game, with Whitewater winning 1-0. Whitewater’s goal was scored by freshman Ema Aranda.

Marina Linos had a huge game in goal for the Whippets, making 6 saves. 

Article submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photos courtesy of Bob Mischka

Public Invited to Housing Roundtable

April 21, 2024

The Community Development Authority of the City of Whitewater is excited to announce the upcoming Housing Roundtable, slated to take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024. This pivotal event aims to foster collaboration among City officials, staff, housing experts, developers, real estate brokers, bankers, members of the building trades, and municipal officials from neighboring communities. Together, these stakeholders will explore strategies to enhance the affordability of market rate housing for our vital workforce.

The Housing Roundtable offers an open forum for dialogue and brainstorming, uniting public and private sectors to address the pressing issue of housing affordability. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event seeks to identify innovative solutions that can positively impact our community.

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Light refreshments available from 8:30 a.m.)
Whitewater University Innovation Center 1221 Innovation Drive (Located in Whitewater’s Business/Tech Park)

All members of the public are encouraged to attend and contribute their insights to this critical conversation about housing affordability in Whitewater and beyond.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

April 21, 2024

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 5:30 – CLOSED SESSION
(Prior to closed session will be Election of School Board Officers: President, Vice President, Clerk, and Treasurer (Action Items) B. Election of School Board Secretary (Action Item) C. Establish Date and Time of Annual Budget Hearing (Action Item) D. 2024-25 School Board Assignments and Committee Appointments)

Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street
———————————————–
5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
Agenda: discuss and consider a certified staff individual 2024-2025 contract FTE revision, and discuss and consider School Board confidentiality due to employee issues.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88371283442?pwd=VXRwQ29LdWs2U1RFK3pKbzFmbU5TUT09
– Passcode: 037916
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 883 7128 3442
– Passcode: 037916
———————————————–
Closed Session
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes 2024-25 Staffing and Programming Recommendations.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86989782320?pwd=empnSHpLQjYvajJkY1hqTW5wK3BEdz09
– Passcode: 736330
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 869 8978 2320
– Passcode: 736330

City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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/88210822123?pwd=GaqyBaG9lLahAxtVylS1hl3sYdCcTA._sO5Rd_cPk-9k9kM Passcode: 412904
Or Telephone:
Dial
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 882 1082 2123
Passcode: 412904

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Housing Roundtable – Thursday @ 9:00 a.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the Community Development Authority of the City of Whitewater is hosting a Housing Roundtable on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The intent of the event is to create a forum that brings City officials and staff together with experts on housing, developers, real estate brokers, bankers, members of the building trades, and municipal officials
from surrounding communities to collaborate with public/private stakeholders to make market rate housing more affordable for our workforce. The event is open to the public.
WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Light refreshments will be available prior to the event beginning at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Whitewater University Innovation Center
1221 Innovation Drive (Located in Whitewater’s Business/Tech Park)
A quorum of the Common Council, the Community Development Authority and/or the Plan & Architectural Review Commission may be present. This notice is given to inform the public that no formal action will be taken.

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry CommissionFriday @ 10:30 a.m.
The agenda has not been posted as of 4/21/24.


Final League Book Club Discussion on Poverty (Updated)

April 21, 2024

Update 4/22 @ 8:35 a.m.: Correction made to Deb Gamble’s phone number.

League Book Club Discussion on Poverty April 25

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the last of its three Book Club discussions on Thursday evening, April 25, 6 PM-8 PM, in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center
St, Whitewater. The conclusion of Poverty, by America, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Matthew Desmond will be discussed.

Desmond draws upon history, research and original reporting to argue that poverty in America persists because the rest of us benefit from it. Please join us to investigate new ways of imagining solutions to a morally urgent problem and engage in how to usher in an age of shared prosperity.

The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate!
Please contact Deb Gamble (262-853-1946 or shebagam@gmail.com) for questions or further information.

Warhawks Give Day – April 23: Soar Together, Give Back Strong!

April 21, 2024

Whitewater Community,

Get ready to rally together for a day of generosity and impact! We are excited to announce that Warhawks Give Day will take place on Tuesday, April 23. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and make a difference in the lives of UW-Whitewater students, faculty, and campus community.

Warhawks Give Day is more than just a day of giving; it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to excellence and our collective power to make a meaningful difference. By participating and making a gift, no matter the size, you contribute to the success and vitality of UW-Whitewater.

We encourage you to spread the word and rally your colleagues, friends, and family to join in this day of philanthropy. Together, we can make a tremendous impact and ensure that our Warhawk Family continues to thrive.

Let’s embrace the spirit of Warhawk Bold as we soar together and give back strong! Mark your calendars for April 23rd and be a part of something truly special.

Make your gift to the UW-Whitewater Foundation on Tuesday, April 23: https://donate.uww.edu/WarhawksGive

Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series: Ending the Genocide: Towards a Shared Future for Palestinians & Jews – Sunday

April 19, 2024

The First United Methodist Church of Whitewater is excited to welcome Janan Najeeb and Dr. Rachel Buff to our Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series.

The public is invited to the Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series to hear Janan Najeeb and Dr. Rachel Buff on Sunday, April 21 at the First United Methodist Church sanctuary, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater, WI 53190. From 1:00 – 2:30 adults and youth alike are invited to their presentation, “Ending the Genocide: Towards a Shared Future for Palestinians and Jews,” as they examine the current and historical struggles for hope, healing and justice in Israel and Palestine. Following a question-and-answer opportunity a reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Janan Najeeb is a Palestinian American Muslim and founded the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition in 1994. A well-known tireless justice activist, Najeeb is a noted go-to resource for media, academic institutions, and interfaith organizations. Dr. Buff is Chair of the History Department at UW-Milwaukee and a founding member of Milwaukee Jewish Voice for Peace.

Najeeb is the convener of the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine (which includes more than 60 organizations), of which Dr. Buff is co-chair of its Executive Committee. Together, they will bring us timely insights to educate and enlighten us on the work of diverse communities toward a permanent ceasefire and resolution to years of hostility and occupation.

The First United Methodist Church’s Draw the Circle Wide series works to bring engaging programs focusing on social justice issues of interest to the Whitewater community.

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

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

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

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

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

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

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

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

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

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

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

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

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

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

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

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

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

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

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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