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WHS Forensics Team wins Rock Valley Conference Tournament

April 8, 2024

Whitewater High School Forensics competed at the RVC Tournament on Saturday, led by outstanding performances from seniors Emerson Ellenwood (1st place in Expository Speaking), Emilia Houwers (2nd place in Expository Speaking), Emmanuella Mbifi (1st place in Extemporaneous Speaking), Lauren Rollette (1st place in Solo Serious Acting), and junior Carley Boudreau (1st place in Informative Speaking). 

An Edgerton student, Carley Boudreau, Emmanuella Mbifi, Lauren Rollette, and Emerson Ellenwood

Ellenwood, Houwers, Rollette, Boudreau, and senior Marina Linos will finish out the season at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) State Tournament at DeForest High School on Saturday, April 20th.

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

This Week’s City & School District Meetings (Updated with School Board event)

April 8, 2024

Updated 4/10/24 @ 12:55 a.m.
WUSD attending session at Lakeview School – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Members of the Whitewater School Board will be attending the WUSD Unplugged session in the Lakeview Elementary Library on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 beginning at 4:00 p.m. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.

Whitewater Unified School District Election Canvass – Monday @ 4:30 p.m. – The returns of the April 2, 2024, Whitewater Unified School District School Board election will be canvassed by the Board of Canvassers at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Central Office Board Room, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. The canvass is open to the public.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Conceptual Plan Review of a possible multi-family development to be located on vacant
land Tax Parcel # WPB 00044 for Chris Slater, Site Plan Review and possible approval of Addition and Renovations for the Irvin L. Young Library located at 431 W Center Street, Public heaing: Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Dog Daycare Facility located on a vacant lot on Bluff Road Tax Parcel Id # /A 353600002 for Daniel and Janiel Kistle d/b/a The Royal Hounds of Whitewater.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/319861005
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 319-861-005
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Ayres Old Stone Mill Dam Proposal for
Engineering Services for Downstream Wall Repairs
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
*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/89662050865?pwd=uwLCIlZ5c53NyXXBIJRs8lXAYHkVdA.8sftvlLksvAMswlC
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 896 6205 0865
Passcode: 857322

WMS Players – “Far Fetched Fairytales”  April 11-13

April 7, 2024


Photos and article courtesy of Tom Ganser.

No better way to tackle early spring fever than by taking in a performance of the Whitewater Middle School Players performance of “Far Fetched Fairytales” in the James M. Stewart (WHS) Auditorium on April 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m.

General admission tickets are $5 for adult and $3 for students. (April 11 is “Pay what you can night.”) All show tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

“Far Fetched Fairytales” is a collection of stories including Jack and the Beanstalk and the Emperor’s New Clothes and non-traditional stories like The Care and Feeding of a Dragon, The Stage Troll, and Happily Ever After. Add a wandering band of merry men, wacky royals, a pot of spaghetti, a dragon, magic beans, and inventive incantations and … you have an evening of fun and laughter.

Adding to the fun, the Whitewater Middle School PTO will be hosting a Fairytale Ball Tea Party on Saturday, April 13, at 12:30-1:30. Join the cast, on stage, for a very special sit-down tea party including sweets and treats as our guests meet and greet some of the characters. Fun photo ops and activities. The cost is $5 per person. Call 262-472-8178 for details. Reservations are required by April 8th.

Under the direction of Jim McCulloch and Alyssa Orlowski, the cast includes Rafaela Los, Lucy Baldwin, Karlee Luna. Emma Schultz-Majkrzak, Amelia Lefaive, Melody Smith, Ash Miethke, Jaylynn Rappold, Sophia Noonan, Peyton Comfort, Lia Ramirez, Sophia Walenton, Virginia Nelson, Serina Soto, Vivian Harris, Grace Smith, Emma Maas, Ruth Lopez, Charlotte Trautman, Tyrelle Griswold, Adelyn Runnoe, Elijah Gonsior, Ameera Lin, Julian Rennells, Raena Hicks, Joseph Werhane, Kendra Serrano, Storm DePorter, Ian Agen, and D’Veah Dennis.

Led by Kerry Ramsden and Kat Duhham, the stage crew members include Maya Davis, Laken DePorter, Jacob McLaughlin, Sam Raupp, Kolten Reu, Cora Schimming, Talon Wildermuth-Breitzman, and Arlo Zotti.

Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

April 7, 2024

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The library is hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, April 8 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. The library’s supply of viewing glasses has apparently been exhausted, unless some were set aside for this event. You may call the library at 262-473-0530 to confirm. Casey’s had some glasses; it’s not known where else they might be available in town. The partial eclipse begins at 12:51 p.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m. The eclipse maximum happens at 2:06 p.m. Stop by anytime between 1:00-3:00 p.m.

The viewing party will be held outside of the library at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration. The event will be canceled in the event of cloudy weather (if the eclipse is not visible). For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.

Local Student Named to Dean’s List at Puget Sound

April 7, 2024

Fletcher Crone named to Dean’s List at Puget Sound for fall 2023

TACOMA, WA (04/05/2024)– Fletcher Crone of Whitewater, made the fall 2023 Dean’s List at the University of Puget Sound for achieving at least a 3.7 grade-point average, completing all of their enrolled courses without withdrawals, and having no incomplete grades.

About University of Puget Sound

A nationally ranked residential liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, University of Puget Sound enrolls 1,800 undergraduate students from across the country and around the world, as well as 300 graduate students in education, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health. A low student-faculty ratio provides Puget Sound students with personal attention from faculty members who have a strong commitment to teaching and offer 1,200 courses each year in more than 50 areas of study. Puget Sound graduates include Rhodes and Luce scholars, notables in the arts and culture, scholars and scientists, entrepreneurs and elected officials, and leaders in business and finance locally and throughout the world. A top producer of Fulbright scholars, Puget Sound is the only nationally ranked independent liberal arts college in Western Washington, and one of just five independent colleges in the Northwest granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.

ADRC of Walworth County Offers AARP Driver Safety Class

April 7, 2024

The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center is pleased to announce that the AARP Driver Safety Class will be offered on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn. This class is a great refresher on driving techniques and rules of the road and also provides a proven method for seniors to evaluate their driving and make necessary changes to remain safe. In addition, most insurance companies offer a discount of up to three years for completion of the course. The course costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. 

For questions or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.

About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and help provide options available to meet the needs of your situation.

WHS Booster Club Auction & Raffle

April 6, 2024


Whitewater High School Booster Club auction event on April 27th at McGrath’s in Fort Atkinson.  Tickets are $30 apiece and include food, a drink, a live auction, silent auction/baskets, money raffle and most importantly a great time! Please consider purchasing one or two, the proceeds go to supporting the Whitewater High School Athletics Booster Club. You do not need to be present for the cash raffle. Get ahold of any Booster Club member for tickets! Also sold at the door. Thank you.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the WHS Booster Club.

Seniors in the Park Presents: Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny

April 6, 2024

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”

Adventure/Action) Rated PG-13

2 hours, 34 minutes (2023).

In this fifth installment, Indy (Harrison Ford) now a college professor approaching retirement,  is forced to re-enter the fray in the battle between good and evil: a dial that can change time and reverse the outcome of World War 2! Also starring Antonio Banderas, Karen Allen, and John Rhys-Davies. 

Tuesday, April 9, 1 p.m.

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

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