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Whitewater Wind Up – Business Pitch Competition Applications Available

February 28, 2024


The City of Whitewater is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Whitewater WindUp, a business pitch competition aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth within our vibrant community.

Whitewater WindUp offers aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to win their very own downtown storefront, along with a year’s rent and renovations. We encourage all individuals with innovative business ideas to participate and make their mark on downtown Whitewater. Even if you’re not looking to start a business, you can still contribute by voting for the winner and helping shape the future of our local business landscape.

The Whitewater WindUp applications are open now and close on April 20th at 11:59 p.m. Throughout the competition, participants will have access to workshops focused on finance, marketing, ideation, and pitch submission, providing valuable guidance and support for developing their business ideas. Submissions will be evaluated, and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite business pitch on April 22nd.

“As a community, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the positive impact it can have on our local economy,” said Taylor Zeinert, interim Economic Development Director for the City of Whitewater. “We are excited to see the creative and innovative ideas that will be brought forth through the Whitewater WindUp competition. This is a unique opportunity for individuals to turn their dreams into reality and contribute to the growth of our community.”

To apply for the Whitewater WindUp competition and for more information, please visit our website
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/FormCenter/Community-Development-Authority-14/Whitewater-WindUpApplication-121 The deadline for applications is April 20th at 11:59 p.m. Stay updated on the latest news and updates by following our social media channels.

The City of Whitewater is committed to fostering a strong and thriving business community. We value the input and support of our residents and look forward to the positive impact that the Whitewater WindUp will have on our downtown area. For any inquiries, please contact Bonnie Miller, administrative assistant for economic development, at 262-473-0149.

Girl Scout Cookie Season Begins Saturday

February 28, 2024

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Sarah Hoots.

It’s almost Girl Scout cookie season for Whitewater Girl Scout Troop 7639!

This year we will be selling from Saturday March 2nd until Sunday April 7th. Follow our new Facebook page “Whitewater Troop 7639” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556108976225&mibextid=ZbWKwL
for the most up to date cookie booth details, as well as our direct sale link.

Cookies are still $5/box and we have 9 varieties available: Thin Mints, Caramel Delights, Peanut Butter Patties, Adventurefuls, Lemonades, Toast-yays, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Trefoils (fka Shortbreads), and Gluten Free Caramel Chocolate Chip ($6). Sorry, there will be no Raspberry Rallies this year.

Our opening day is packed with opportunities to support us in and around Whitewater and we have 19 Girl Scouts selling this year.

Look for us Saturday March 2nd:
8 am-11 am & 3 pm- 6 pm Whitewater Walmart
10 am-4 pm Downtown Whitewater (150 W Main St)
11 am-2 pm Texas Roadhouse, Janesville
12:30 pm-5:30 pm at Whitewater Cinemas (inside the lobby)

We will also be at The Sweetspot Cafe, Monday Evenings from 4-7 pm, and at Whitewater Cinemas nearly every weekend.

Our Troop would like to extend a huge thank you to Elena & Jake Gildemeister as well as all the other local businesses that give us the opportunity to share their retail space.

If your local business would like to host a booth, or schedule a one time visit from one of our “cookie wagons” please reach out soon to gstroop7639@gmail.com

Our proceeds this year will be going towards a troop trip to The Kalahari Resort, camping at Camp Brandenburg, a community garden project in collaboration with The Community Space, helping to make some improvements to our local dog park, as well as many other outings and learning opportunities.

Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts!

Jr Whippets Football 7-on-7 Registration ends March 4th

February 28, 2024

Jr Whippets Football registration for the Spring 7-on-7 Passing League ends March 4th, 2024. Register here: https://sportswwusd.sportngin.com/register/form/965297832 or go to the School District Website/Athletics/Middle School Registration and look for the 7-on-7 tab to register. Registration is free and there is no cost to participate.

UW-W to Host NCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Regional

February 28, 2024

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host the first and second rounds of the 2024 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament for the fourth consecutive season. 

Location: Kachel Gymnasium, Williams Center

Dates: Friday-Saturday, March 1-2, 2024

Regional WebpageIncludes team information, links to live streams and live stats, and additional information

Schedule:

Game 1: Friday, March 1 – 5:15 pm – Millikin vs. Willamette

Game 2: Friday, March 1 – 7:45 pm – UWW vs. Minnesota Morris

Game 3: Saturday, March 2 – 7:30 pm – Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2

Parking: Parking is free of charge. Fans should park in Lots 11 (Williams Center) or 24 (Perkins Stadium)

Tickets: This event is cash only! $15 for adults, $10 for students. There is an ATM available near the entrance for convenience. (Doors open 60 minutes prior to tipoff)

Boys’ Basketball Season Ends with Loss to Jefferson

February 28, 2024

Whitewater High School (4-21) lost 77-45 to Jefferson in the opening round of the regional tournament on Tuesday, February 27. Jefferson will play at Milton on Friday.

Reece Condon (File Photo)

The Whippets were led by Reece Condon. His 13 points and 10 rebounds kept the dawgs in the fight for most of the first half. Jaylyn Ewing added 10 points and Wyatt Nixon finished with 9.

Coach McCabe stated, “I’m really proud of this group of guys and wish I had more time with these 10 seniors. I’m proud of them.”

Article Submitted by Mike McCabe
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
mccmi01@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Kacie Carollo Named All-conference for UW-W Women’s Basketball

February 28, 2024

Kacie Carollo, a native of Whitewater, studying Integrated Science and Business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was one of three members of the Warhawk women’s basketball team who garnered All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference accolades for the 2023-24 season.

Senior forward Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) has been selected as the WIAC Player of the Year for the third consecutive season to headline a contingent of three Warhawks named All-WIAC this season. Junior guard Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) added First Team and All-Defensive Team honors while junior forward Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) received honorable mention recognition.

Grundahl is the first women’s basketball player in conference history to be named the league’s top player three times. The feat has been accomplished just one other time in WIAC basketball history with Mike Ratliff (UWEC) earning the honor on the men’s side from 1969-72. This season, Grundahl has paced the Warhawks breaking numerous records along the way. She became the UWW all-time leading scorer in the second game of the season. On February 14, she became the all-time leading scorer in the WIAC, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1995. Her 39 points against UW-La Crosse broke the UW-Whitewater single game scoring record and is the most by a player in the league this season. Grundahl leads the WIAC in scoring this season averaging 20.2 points per game while adding 2.1 steals per outing, ranked second in the league. She adds top 12 marks in total points (525), rebounds per game (6.2), field goal percentage (.520), free throw percentage (.781) and assists per game (1.9).

Carollo is now a three-time All-WIAC honoree and two-time All-Defensive Team selection with the pair of honors in 2024. She ranks second in the WIAC in rebounding, averaging 8.1 per game. Carollo adds 4.1 assists and 1.9 steals per outing ranked third and fourth in the league respectively. Also, one of the conference’s top scorers, Carollo’s 14.4 points per game is a top-10 mark in the league. The junior hauled in the second-most rebounds by a player in the league this season with 16 at UW-Oshkosh and tops the list for steals in a single game with six against UW-Stout.

Hildebrandt received honorable mention recognition in her first season as a Warhawk. The junior is one of the league’s top three-point shooters, hitting over 35-percent of her shots from long range. Her 1.4 blocks per game is ranked third in the WIAC this season. Hildebrandt adds top 20 marks in points per game (9.2), rebounds per game (4.7) and field goal percentage (.417).

Grundahl was also named the WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete of the Year this season. She is the fourth Warhawk to earn the honor and second under Head Coach Keri Carollo.

UW-Whitewater will host a NCAA regional for the fourth consecutive season this weekend. UWW (22-4) will open their 22nd appearance in the postseason against Minnesota Morris Friday at 7:45 p.m. in Kachel Gym.

Local Student Graduates at UW-Eau Claire

February 28, 2024

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire awarded 648 degrees from both campuses in December 2023.

The local student who received a degree and their field of study is:

Congratulations, class of 2023!

Whitewater, WI

 Kitana Volbright, Bachelor of Arts, Arts and Sciences

Young Auditorium Presents “On Your Feet:” The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan

February 26, 2024

ON YOUR FEET!

THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN

HER VOICE. HIS VISION. THEIR STORY.

ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an international sensation: Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Now their story is an all-new exhilarating original musical winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike, with the Chicago Tribune declaring “IT’S A HIT!” and The New York Times cheering, “The very air in the room seems to vibrate in this undeniably crowd-pleasing musical!” ON YOUR FEET! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the Dark.” Prepare to be on your feet from start to finish!

Friday, March 1 – 7:30 p.m. – Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater.

Tickets range from $58-110. Select your seating and purchase ticket at this link. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 per ticket surcharge.

“Infectiously fun with genuine heart! If you aren’t humming a Gloria Estefan hit when you leave the theater, it might be time to check your pulse.” – Associated Press   

“An exuberantly fun, razzle-dazzle production!” – Variety   

“Exhilarating dancing, invigorating music, and a truly inspirational story!” – Huffington Post

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