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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Universities of Wisconsin.
What started as a hobby became a lifestyle for University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student Charlie Shilhavy.
“I wake up and I think about music, I go to sleep thinking about music,” said Shilhavy, who plays bass. “It’s something that brings me joy and gives me purpose – to be able to create, perform and learn. It’s hard to put it into words what it does for me. I feel like I’m on the right path following music.”
UW-Whitewater and its surrounding communities are reaping the benefits of his passion, and he will be recognized for his work by a national organization.
Shilhavy, a music major from Racine, was named the 2024 recipient of the Student Exemplary Service Award from the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) as part of the organization’s Student Chapter Awards. He will be honored at the ASTA National Conference on March 20-23 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Shilhavy is the fourth Warhawk to win the award in the last 11 years, joining Jasmyn Kosier (2020), Alexa Zakutansky (2018) and Deanne Carloni (2013).
He put in his name for the award with the encouragement of Benjamin Whitcomb, UW-Whitewater professor of music and faculty advisor to the ASTA chapter.
“I applied for it not really thinking much of it, but it was really cool to win it,” Shilhavy said. “It was nice to see recognition from the national chapter, so it means a lot to me. It makes me feel like I’m actually making a difference.”
Shilhavy has served as president of UW-Whitewater’s ASTA chapter for the last three semesters. He leads efforts by the group to promote string education and string performance on campus and in the community. The group performs for residents at nearby Fairhaven Senior Services and works with local elementary, middle and high schools to advocate for string education.
As part of Music in our Schools Month in March, Shilhavy will lead UW-Whitewater’s music ensembles out into the community to perform for students in their schools. ASTA also organizes string educational sessions and boot camps for UW-Whitewater music education majors who don’t play a string instrument, but will someday teach it.
Shilhavy also works at UW-Whitewater’s Strings Summer Camp, sharing his music acumen and wisdom with middle and high school students, and is a student staff member for the department of music.
Shilhavy plays bass for UW-Whitewater’s Chamber Orchestra and bassoon for the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra, the university’s flagship orchestra. He has been a recipient of multiple scholarships during his time as a Warhawk, including the College of Arts and Communication Scholarship and the college’s Outstanding Junior Award scholarship.
Life at UW-Whitewater didn’t start easily for Shilhavy – he came to UW-Whitewater during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was in the high school graduating class of 2020, so there wasn’t a lot going on campus when I got here, but I got introduced to the ASTA chapter,” Shilhavy said. “At the time, there’s not much we could do, but we were still creating videos of us playing and sending them to Fairhaven and around schools. It felt really good for me to do stuff like that.”
He found his niche in the department of music and ASTA, building relationships with fellow students and the faculty, a reason he pointed to for choosing from among a handful of options to attend UW-Whitewater coming out of Racine Horlick High School.
“We’re a big department, but we’re also a small department in the sense that everyone knows everyone,” Shilhavy said. “The faculty really make a point to build that relationship with their students. They’re always pushing us to be better and to explore, learn and create. It’s a really welcoming environment and it’s conducive to learning.”
Shilhavy will hold his next student recital for bass on April 20 from 1-1:30 p.m. at the Greenhill Center of the Arts. The event is free to attend and does not require a ticket for entry.
After completing his coursework this spring, Shilhavy will student teach during the fall 2024 semester and finally cross the stage to receive his degree in December — an opportunity he didn’t get as a high school student during the height of the pandemic.
He hopes to use his triple certification — which includes instrumental, choral, and general music — to land a K-through-12 teaching job and eventually earn a master’s degree.
“I want to end up in a place that needs me — a place that could use my personality, my knowledge,” Shilhavy said. “I want to make a difference for some kids and be that reason they come to school, like my band director was for me.”
A brief video by Kyle Winter with an interview and performance by Shilhavy may be viewed here.
The Student Exemplary Service Award recognizes and rewards college string students who distinguished themselves as active members and supporters of ASTA while in college. Criteria includes ASTA membership, participation in string-related activities on campus, and service and outreach for both the university and ASTA.
Other past winners of the award include students from high-profile institutions including Florida State University, the University of Colorado, Texas Tech University and others.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Whitewater High School (WHS) Consumer Home and Auto students have accomplished remarkable feats and built valuable skills during a lengthy, hands-on project.
The comprehensive wall project equipped students with theoretical understanding and allowed them to apply their learning in a practical setting. The students began with the fundamentals of construction, learning how to build and frame a 4′ by 4′ wall using 2x4s, with studs precisely spaced at 16 inches on center.
Students next cut and hung drywall on the frame and were introduced to the art of mudding both flat and corner seams. Then, they delved into electrical work and, after installing a one-way light switch, finished their project with paint, using proper technique.
“I am so proud of the hard work the students put into this extensive project. We spent extra time honing techniques in the hands-on steps that they will likely use in their own homes in the future,” said Mr. Justin Buntrock, WHS Automotive instructor. “My favorite part is watching the excitement in the students when they flip the light switch they installed themselves. This project always brings a sense of accomplishment and confidence for the students.”
The success of this semester-long endeavor underscores the effectiveness of experiential learning in preparing students for practical challenges they may encounter in the future. The Consumer Home and Auto program at WHS continues to provide students with a dynamic and engaging education that goes beyond the classroom, preparing them for success in both their personal and professional lives.
The Whitewater Boys’ and Girls’ Wrestling Teams wrapped up their season in the place all wrestlers in Wisconsin want to end up as a high school student, and that is the floor of the Kohl Center participating in the WIAA individual Wrestling Tournament. This is a spectacular event that is a wonderful event to be a part of. The team had some very tough draws as of the 7 participating wrestlers, 5 of them competed against a state champion, state runner up, two 3rd place finishers, and a 5th place finisher (who was a two-time runner up in years past) in their first round matches. The Whippets came up short in these matches, but based on the credentials of their opponents they have nothing to be ashamed of and can look in the mirror and be proud of themselves.
As the season comes to a close the coaching staff is very pleased to have been a part of a team that won the Rock Valley Conference Valley Division, won their regional, and had the opportunity to both host and participate in the Team Sectional Tournament. The team broke a school record for most team pins in a season as well as finished in top four for takedowns in a season. We should not look at our last competition but rather the culmination of the great things that happened for each of our students over the last four months. Congratulations to our 7 state qualifiers and to the entire team as well.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the ADRC of Walworth County. The Banner apologizes for the late posting of this announcement. Please call to ensure that space is still available.
Real Health Talk: ADRC of Walworth County Hosts Mind Over Matter Workshop
For women, aging well sometimes means confronting some inconvenient (and often embarrassing) truths: Half of all women age 50 or older will experience incontinence at some point in their lives. The Mind over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder program, offered by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), is a small group, community-based program proven to improve bladder symptoms for 71% of participants, and bowel symptoms for over 55%.
In three, two-hour sessions held every other week for one month, Mind over Matter gives participants strategies for reducing incontinence. This interactive workshop engages women to work together to set and meet personalized goals and is led by a trained female facilitator. The workshop is designed specifically for women age 50 or older, who live independently, have experienced bladder/bowel issues, or are interested in preventing them. Participants can expect to leave with an understanding of how muscles work and exercises that can reduce incontinence. Participants will build confidence through goal setting and know when to seek the expertise of a health professional.
Mind over Matter will be held on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., February 27 to March 26, at the East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center, 2040 Beulah Avenue, East Troy. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10.
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 providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Rehearsal photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Whitewater High School (WHS) Players will be presenting Thornton Wilder’s (who was born in Madison, Wisconsin) American classic, “Our Town,” Feb. 29 – Mar. 2 at 7 p.m. and Mar. 3 at 2 p.m. in the newly named James M. Stewart Auditorium located at 534 S. Elizabeth Street.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling the box office at 262-472-8178.
In the true spirit of “Our Town,” the WHS Players has partnered with the Whitewater Historical Society to present “Streets of Whitewater.” A detailed collection of historic photographs, rarely-seen artifacts, and stories of the early days of Whitewater will be on display before each performance.
The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) invites the community to the dedication of the high school’s auditorium to honor WUSD school board member James (Jim) M. Stewart on Saturday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m., before the performance.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding Arboretum signage, Discussion and update regarding tree tags, Discussion and possible approval of Territorial Tree Playground ideas, and Presentation and Discussion from Jaime Wiegel regarding the Whitewater Effigy Mounds.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89935976147?pwd=TlVCYlEzOGlJMEp0RjV4WmpHemJYUT09
Meeting ID: 899 3597 6147
Passcode: 214149
Dial by your location
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 899 3597 6147
Passcode: 214149
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: 221.1, Recruitment and Appointment of Administrators and Coordinators; 222.1, Administrator Contracts
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Closed session – 7:00 p.m. – Open Session
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
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6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online – CLOSED SESSION to consider the findings and conclusions of a personnel investigation concerning a specific previous support staff member and to discuss the conduct of a specific certified staff member.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83745425111?pwd=ZjU1Q0JWWUlJekRnbTg0U0g5bW1FQT09
– Passcode: 454314
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 837 4542 5111
– Passcode: 454314
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Open Session
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes 2024-2025 Calendar Approval.
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89008053362?pwd=WS9TTjFVNWUrNjVwejB4dHNHbnBtUT09
– Passcode: 452162
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 890 0805 3362
– Passcode: 452162
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – 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:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from The Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Inc.
The Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and expanding the legacy of Lorine Niedecker, a preeminent 20th century Wisconsin poet. Our organization offers access to research archives and educational materials, and publishes The Solitary Plover, a semiannual newsletter, and What Region, a monograph series. More information about this organization can be found at https://lorineniedecker.org/
The Friends of Lorine Niedecker will host a reading by the poets published in the Winter 2024 Solitary Plover on Thursday, February 29 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
We invite you to join us for this virtual reading conducted on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86490079677?pwd=qca05GzRcVegmGK6YarutYSa4VhkeU.1
Meeting ID: 864 9007 9677
Passcode: 520557
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The agenda for the Whitewater Unified School District Legislative Breakfast was as follows:
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
- A. Introduce Wisconsin State Legislators and Whitewater School Board Members – Larry Kachel, School Board President
2. DISTRICT UPDATE
- A. Welcome – Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent
3. SCHOOL DISTRICT PRIORITIES & PROPOSED LEGISLATION
- A. Mental Health Supports & Special Education Funding – Dr. Lanora Heim, Director of Pupil Services
- B. 2023 Senate Bill 973 – Dr. Lanora Heim, Director of Pupil Services
- C. Multilingual Services Funding – Melania Argueta Borchert, Multilingual Services Coordinator
- D. State Funding for Post-Secondary Options for Students – Brent Mansky, High School Principal
- E. ACT 20 Timeframe/Implementation – Terilyn Robles, Director of Teaching and Learning
4. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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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