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Members of Whitewater High School Ferradermis FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition Team #6574 will be heading to Houston, Texas for the April 17-20 FIRST Championship, a culminating, international event for the youth robotics competition season and a celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year’s championship will include slightly over 600 teams, including 9 teams from Wisconsin. Last year’s Championship included teams from 50 countries. The full list of qualifying teams can be found at https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2024/CMPTX.
The teams will play on 8 fields in Houston, each named after a famous scientist; Ferradermis will play on the Hopper Field, named for computer science pioneer Grace Hopper. The 75 teams assigned to Hopper hail from 28 states and 7 other countries including Australia, China, the Netherlands, Canada, Israel, Turkey, and Mexico. Once qualification and playoff matches are complete on each field, the winning alliance from each field will come together on the Einstein field for a new set of playoffs to determine the world champion.
Ferradermis’ current membership includes 28 students and about 20 adult mentors. Twenty-one students and 9 adults will be making the trip to Houston.
The Ferradermis ticket to the FIRST Championship was punched at Northern Lights Regional Competition in Duluth when it was the Impact Award Winner from among 55 teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. The Impact Team will present again in Houston for the chance to become a member of the FIRST Hall of Fame.
This season, the robots have been put to the test in a music-themed challenge that requires retrieving round, orange “notes” from the floor, depositing them in an “amplifier” or launching them into a “speaker” while running on a prepared program or under the control of a student “driver.” The Ferradermis robot is named “Chief Lee the Tangerine,” inspired by the prominence of orange in his components.
The qualification matches for the competition will be livestreamed on Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19, from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm at https://www.twitch.tv/firstinspires_hopper. Playoff matches will take place beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday, April 20. You can also follow the team’s journey to Texas on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ferradermis/.
Ferradermis would like to thank the nearly 75 sponsors who stepped forward in the last 6 weeks to help the team fund their trip to the FIRST Championships. Every donation, whether it was $15 or $15,000, helped the team make this journey possible. Thank you, Whitewater!
Go Team, go!
Article and Photos by Tom Ganser, Supplemented by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
APPLETON, Wis. — Four Lawrence University volleyball players were chosen for the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team.
Taylor Hughes (Wausau, Wis./West), Cora Linos (Janesville, Wis./Whitewater), Hilirie McLaughlin (Mosinee, Wis./SPASH) and Bailey Nez (Pinehill, N.M./Pine Hill) were all selected for the team.
McLaughlin, a junior outside hitter, was chosen for the second consecutive season. McLaughlin has a 3.65 grade point average and is majoring in physics with a pre-medicine track. Nez has a 3.97 grade point average and is a sophomore outside hitter. She is an environmental science major.
A junior setter, Linos has a 3.91 grade point average and is a government major. A junior defensive specialist, Hughes has a 3.84 grade point average and is a creative writing major.
To be eligible for the team, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore and have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average. The student-athlete must also meet the playing time requirements.
PLAYERS MENTIONED
#4 Hilirie McLaughlin
OH/MB 6′ 0″ Junior
#2 Taylor Hughes
DS/L 5′ 3″ Junior
#8 Bailey Nez
OH/RS 5′ 7″ Sophomore
#17 Cora Linos
S/RS 6′ 2″ Junior
Whitewater Track and Field is not only proud of its long history but also of the incredible meets that have been hosted on the campus of Whitewater High School. Numerous WIAA tournament events were also hosted which provided track and field fans with some amazing memories. Those memories are now on display in the form of facility records alongside the impressive WHS school records.
Through the generous financial support of the Whippet Booster Club, the school and facility record board has come to life for all who visit in the years to come. A special thank you to district employee Josh Enerson who built the frame and put the final touches on mounting it this week.
Come check it out at the two home meets remaining on the team’s schedule. On April 22nd WHS will host Monroe and East Troy. On May 10th, the team will host the Rock Valley Conference Meet. Go, Whippets!
Article and Photo Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Updated 4/14 @ 3:20 p.m.: CDA meeting details added.
Updated 4/16 @ 2:40 p.m.: Webinar ID added to CDA Zoom signin.
Updated 4/17 @ 12:20 p.m.: Parks & Recreation Board details added.
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building Project update: approve building schematics and color finishes and guest presenter Eric Robinson
Library Community Room 431 West Center
*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 meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84130965938?pwd=SmhrM2FmRVJQa0hxbmNBUnBiMjlqdz09
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 841 3096 5938
Passcode: SzGnVr9h
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes election of Council President, Update on MOU with UWW regarding elections, Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Resignation of Municipal Judge Patrick Taylor, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Changing City Class, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Ayres Old Stone Mill Dam Proposal for Engineering Services for Downstream Wall Repairs
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/82620567128?pwd=yNQKWe39zrX_cTmWXImujvrzu0_a-Q.I4HX6aLGTu3eUVWS
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 826 2056 7128
Passcode: 065668
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 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 note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85428039940?pwd=SWRsRDJrenludFhhUlRuTDRVbkZjdz09
Meeting ID: 854 2803 9940
Passcode: 355760
Dial by your location
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 854 2803 9940
Passcode: 355760
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding Memorandum of Understanding – Whitewater Innovation Center (Joe Kromholz), including discussion regarding FERC’s Assessment of the Innovation Center (Russ Kashian), Discussion and possible action regarding transfer of funds from Action Fund Account to Facade Loan Fund Account, Discussion and possible action with regard to Request for Proposal for legal counsel to represent the interests of the CDA, Discussion and possible action regarding selection of a judge for the WindUp competition.
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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j89062950482?pwd=3iDD6qyXEEJC0AusurYHpg8SeDBX4A.-6UJSDDvtIShk9CA
Webinar ID: 890 6295 0482
Passcode: 328531
Phone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 890 6295 0482
Passcode: 328531
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our second and final 2024 Boater Safety Education Course on April 30, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and May 11, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County
Fairgrounds – Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Students will need to attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a Boater Safety Education Course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn
12 shortly after the class.
Session 1: April 30, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Session 2: May 11, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/boater-education
Class size is limited to 30 students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
Update 4/15 @ 9:15 a.m.: In a press release on this date the Whitewater Fire/EMS Department included the following statement: “Whitewater Fire and EMS would like to extend a thank you to the numerous bystanders and witnesses that offered assistance and first aid during the initial moments of this mass casualty event.”
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Department.
On 4/13/2024 at approximately 1204 hours Rock County Deputies, Jefferson County Deputies, Whitewater Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol along with several fire/EMS agencies responded to a three-vehicle crash at HWY 12 and E County Line Rd in Lima Township, Rock County. [City residents may know this intersection as HWY 12 and Business HWY 12/Main St.] Through investigation this is believed to be what occurred:
A passenger van was eastbound on E County Line Rd approaching HWY 12. The driver of the passenger van did not adhere to the stop sign entering the intersection. There was a passenger SUV, with the right of way, southbound on HWY 12. The front of the SUV collided with the driver side of the van in the intersection. As they collided a truck pulling a fifth wheel trailer hauling hay was northbound on HWY 12. The driver side of the trailer collided with the front of the van. During the crash two adult females and one adult male were ejected from the van. Those three subjects were later declared deceased on scene.
The female adult driver of the van sustained non-life-threatening injuries as did the adult male driver of the SUV. The driver of the truck was uninjured. There were four additional passengers from the van that were transported to nearby hospitals. One of them, an adult female, was transported via Med Flight with life threatening injuries. The other three, two adult males and an adult female, have severe but non-life-threatening injuries.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office will be the primary investigating agency for the crash. At this time no criminal charges have been filed as a result of the crash and the investigation is ongoing. The names of the deceased will be later released by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area invites the public to attend an illuminating program by Michael Wagner, UW-Madison Professor of Journalism & Mass Communication, on The Impact of Misinformation, Disinformation, & Conspiracy Theories on Voting, to be held on Thursday evening, April 18th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 West Center Street in Whitewater.
This is a special election year program in which Professor Wagner will discuss the influence of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories on voting and their relationship to political intimidation and violence. Michael spoke about this topic in November 2022, on the PBS Program, Here & Now, hosted by Frederica Freyberg. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and completed his Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University. Professor Wagner centers his research, teaching, and service on the question, “How well does democracy work?”
_______________________________
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
This is a FREE educational training open to the community, that Fairhaven is hosting on Friday, April 19th from 12:00-2:00. UW-W Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students and Clinicians will be covering the following topics:
ORAL CARE
HEARING AID CARE
COMMUNICATION
SAFE SWALLOW
Session and topics will be particularly helpful for those who provide care to loved ones, specifically for older adults.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Fairhaven Senior 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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