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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Governor Evers Visits Lincoln Elementary to Celebrate the Success of Multilingual Learners and Literacy Programming for all
Lincoln Elementary School welcomed Governor Tony Evers on Thursday, February 15. The Governor’s time was limited, so he was only able to visit one of the three elementary schools collectively implementing new literacy programming and practices aligned with the Science of Reading (SOR) and supporting our multilingual students. However, “It was an honor to have Governor Evers visit Lincoln Elementary and witness firsthand the incredible impact the programming and practice aligned with the Science of Reading program is making in our elementary schools,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District. “Our staff have been instrumental in enhancing our student’s literacy skills and providing them with the foundation for lifelong learning. We appreciate the governor stopping by to share in this success.”
Since adopting the SOR program in the fall, all three elementary schools have seen notable advancements in student literacy outcomes. Recent data from the school’s Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment (DIBELS) reveal positive trends in students’ foundational skills, including fluency and comprehension.
The DIBELS assessments, administered to elementary students in September 2023 as part of the transition to the SOR-aligned instructional model, serve as a benchmark for measuring progress in literacy development. Students underwent reassessment in January 2024, four months after the program’s implementation, to monitor the impact of the new SOR-aligned approach.
Members of Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, have been working tirelessly since learning of the 2024 game requirements at the season kickoff event on January 6. On Sunday, February 18, they were able to put their invention on a full field for the first time at the Sussex Week 0 Scrimmage at Sussex Hamilton High School.
The team’s robot this year measures 26×26 inches and weighs approximately 120 pounds. The drive train is a swerve drive, which allows the robot to go in any direction facing any position at any time. The game piece (an orange foam ring) is picked up from the ground using a 4-bar linkage intake, which is then placed into the shooter. The shooter is on an elevator and arm which allows it to rise up and down and rotate, giving the robot almost full control of the shooting and scoring positions.
In addition to playing practice matches at Sussex, members of Ferradermis were able to attend morning workshops for Dean’s List candidates, Impact presentation preparation, and match scouting ideas. During matches, students not in the pit or on the drive team were in the stands testing the scouting system the team will be using at competition.
Members of Ferradermis will leave for their first Regional event in Duluth on February 28. Two weeks later, they will be competing in Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Regional, and over Spring Break they will be in Chicago for the Midwest Regional. Each regional hosts 50-60 teams, and the Chicago event will feature teams from 6 countries and 10 states. Four teams from each regional will qualify for Championships in Houston in mid-April.
Are you a supporter of the robotics program in the Whitewater Unified School District? If so, consider joining an organizational meeting for the new WUSD Robotics Booster Club on Tuesday, February 20, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 301 at the high school. Enter through Door #38 for the meeting. The Booster Club’s goals are to find ways to help support FIRST Lego League Challenge programs in 4th and 5th grade, the new FIRST Tech Challenge Team forming at the middle school in the fall, and the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team at the high school. For questions about the Booster Club, reach out to Sue Wildermuth at wilderms@uww.edu.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch and Andrew O’Toole
Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Rich Grosse and Laura Masbruch
Chancellor Corey King and Provost John Chenoweth invite you to join this year’s UWW Inclusivity Forum. Prominent area alum will share company perspectives in a panel on Thursday, February 22, in the James R. Connor University Center Ballroom. The first forum from 10-11:30 a.m. is open to all, and the second forum scheduled for 1-2 p. m., is a student-focused forum.
The forum will feature panelists from Wisconsin businesses and organizations with focus on inclusivity in Wisconsin’s workplaces. Panelists include:
Steven Brown ’90, ’98, Vice President of Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Talent Acquisition, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Willie Jude II, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation
Jermaine Murry, Chief Diversity Officer, Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Katie Wesner, DEI Program Manager, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Shary Tran ’99, Global Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Generac Power Systems
Questions about the forum or logistics can be directed Diane Bahmann in the Provost’s Office at bahmannd@uww.edu or 262-472-1672.
Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided.
The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Platteville, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team finished third while a pair of Warhawks claimed individual titles at the 2024 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Wrestling Championship hosted by UW-Platteville Saturday.
Dominik Mallinder defended his 2023 title at 133 pounds by defeating the same opponent he faced a year ago. Ethan Pogorzelski secured the 141-pound crown after battling his teammate in the final. The Warhawks advanced six wrestlers to title bouts Saturday.
Mallinder received a pair of byes to open his day in the semifinal against UW-Eau Claire’s Travis Moelter. He needed just over three minutes (3:18) to register the win by technical fall, 22-3, to punch his ticket to the final. In the championship, Mallinder topped UWEC’s Tyler Fleetwood by 9-3 decision to claim a second consecutive WIAC title at 133 pounds.
Pogorzelski and Justin Fortugno each won their first two matches of the day at 141 pounds to set up an all-Warhawk title bout. Fortugno opened his day with a fall over UW-Stevens Point’s Mohammed Abbosov in 2:46. He defeated Kaiden Schrandt (UW-La Crosse) by 4-1 decision to claim his spot in the final. Pogorzelski went through Bo Niewiadomski (UWEC – 7-4 decision) and Cooper Peterson (UWSP – 6-5 decision) to advance to the final. The pair of Warhawks battled it out taking the bout into extra time with Porgorzelski taking the crown in sudden victory 4-1.
Scott Busse made his way to the championship at 149 pounds. After receiving a first round bye, Busse defeated Riese Thornberry (UWSP) by 7-2 decision. He punched his ticket to the final after Zach Sato of UWEC was disqualified in the semifinal but was forced to forfeit the title bout to finish as the runner-up.
Jermaine Butler, UW-Whitewater’s representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team this season, went 2-1 on the day to finish as the WIAC runner-up at 157 pounds. Following a first round bye, Butler won by major decision over UWL’s Cooper Larson. He topped David Cushman in sudden victory in the semifinal to advance to the championship. In the title bout, Butler fell to undefeated Nolan Hertel of UW-La Crosse by 5-0 decision to claim second.
Ryan Riser added a third runner-up finish for UWW in the 2024 championship. Riser received a first round bye at 174 pounds before taking down Bryce Buchanan (UWSP) by major decision 11-0. In the semifinal, Riser defeated Eddie Simes (UWL) in sudden victory 4-1. Riser fell to UW-Eau Claire’s Jared Stricker by major decision in the title bout.
At 125 pounds, Jalen Dunson advanced to the semifinal before working his way back to a third-place finish. Dunson opened his day with a technical fall (6:47, 22-6) win over Thomas Giere of UWL. He dropped the semifinal bout to Luca Paladino of UWSP by 6-4 decision. Dunson secured his spot in the third-place match with a major decision victory of Platteville’s Chris Karbash, 21-7. He took bronze with a 6-3 decision over UWL’s Quintin Wolbert.
Aden Byal battled back to finish third after dropping his first match of the day at 157 pounds. Byal fell to Colton Sund of UWEC by 4-3 decision in the quarterfinal but worked his way back with a technical fall victory (4:04, 16-1) over Joey Ahern (UWSP) and a major decision (14-3) over UWP’s David Cushman. In the third-place bout, Byal won in sudden victory, 11-8, over UWL’s Cooper Larson.
John Fortugno (133 pounds), Jalin Conner (149 pounds) and Cadin Koeppel (285 pounds) were fourth in their respective weight classes. Warhawks finishing in fifth place included Caden Kirchner (165) and Gavin Kohel (184). Jordan Lewis added sixth-place points to the team total for his finish at 197 pounds.
UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse scored 161.5 to share the WIAC team title with the Warhawks totaling 121 points as a squad. UW-Stevens Point finished fourth (70.5) followed by UW-Platteville (29.5) and UW-Oshkosh (13).
…
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
River Falls, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater came back to defeat UW-River Falls 72-71 Saturday. Kacie Carollo hit a pair of free throws in the final two seconds to seal the win.
Box Score
The Warhawks battled back from a 25-19 deficit after the first quarter, cutting the margin in half by the break. UWW trailed by as much as nine partway through the third quarter but continued to fight. With the Falcons leading 57-48 with 4:32 left in the third, Aleah Grundahl knocked down a jumper to spark an 8-2 run capped by a Katie Hildebrandt triple to pull within three. Hildebrandt connected from deep again to narrow the gap to one, 64-63, by the end of the third.
The fourth quarter was low scoring with the teams trading the lead throughout. Carollo found Grundahl in transition for a fastbreak layup to claim the lead with the first bucket of the fourth, 65-64. After a three-pointer for UWRF, Grundahl dropped in a jumper to knot the game 67-67 before the offenses went cold.
The Falcons ended the nearly four-minute scoring hiatus with a layup to pull ahead 69-67 with 4:26 to go. Another three minutes ticked away before another score as UWRF hit another layup to extend the margin to four, 71-67, with 1:07 remaining.
Carollo picked the pocket of a Falcon player and hit Grundahl for a triple to pull UWW to within one, 71-70. UWRF called timeout immediately to advance the ball with 36 seconds left. The Falcons took their time, but as the shot clock ran down, the Warhawk defense surrounded the ball with Grundahl knocking the ball free and Lunden Alexander claiming possession.
UW-Whitewater took a timeout, but because a dribble had occurred, the Warhawks were unable to advance the ball. UWW had just 6.3 seconds to go the length of the floor with one timeout in bank. Bri McCurdy inbounded to Carollo who sprinted up the floor before being fouled with 2.7 seconds on the clock.
Before the sideline inbounds pass was made, UW-River Falls was whistled for another foul – their next foul would put the Warhawks at the line. McCurdy set to inbound in front of the UWW bench, but once again Carollo was fouled before the ball was inbounded. Carollo stepped to the line and drained both to give the Warhawks the 72-71 lead with 2.7 left.
The Falcons took a timeout to advance the ball to their front court. UWW head coach Keri Carollo saw the inbound set and called the Warhawks’ final timeout. UWRF found a guard on the inbound and was able to get a shot off before the buzzer, but it fell short sealing the UWW win.
Grundahl posted a game-high 23 points on 10-17 from the floor and 2-4 from beyond the arc. Carollo registered a double-double with 16 points bolstered by a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line while adding 14 boards and seven assists. Hildebrandt rounded out the double-digit scorers for UWW with 12 points on 4-8 from long range.
UW-Whitewater secured a first round bye in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament as the number two seed. The Warhawks will host the semifinals Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in Kachel Gym. UWW’s opponent will be the highest remaining seed after the first round games that include UW-River Falls (#6) at UW-Stout (#3) and UW-La Crosse (#5) at UW-Platteville (#4).
The winners of the semifinal games will advance to the WIAC Tournament Championship. The highest remaining seed will host the final Friday at 7 p.m. The WIAC Tournament Champion will receive the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament.
In the history of Jazz music, there is only one bandleader that has the distinction of having his orchestra still performing sold out concerts all over the world, with members personally chosen by him, for over 30 years after his passing. Pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie was and still is an American institution that personifies the grandeur and excellence of Jazz. The Count Basie Orchestra, today directed by Scotty Barnhart, has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, won 18 Grammy Awards, performed for kings, queens, and other world royalty, appeared in several movies, television shows, at every major jazz festival and major concert hall in the world.
Thursday, February 22, 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater
Tickets are $45 and may be ordered here. There is an additional $2 per ticket fee at the door.
Hawk Bowl Demolition for Aldi
The City of Whitewater is delighted to announce the commencement of a pivotal development project, following the recent demolition start at the site of the former Hawk Bowl and Hawk Bowl Apartments. This marks a significant advancement in the city’s growth, with the construction of a new ALDI grocery store already receiving site plan approval.
The ALDI store, set to be located at 1380 and 1398 West Main St. on the city’s west side, will occupy a 20,000- square-foot area. This project, managed by Pinnacle Engineering Group on behalf of ALDI, not only introduces a much-needed grocery option for residents but also signifies a broader development initiative. The project includes a pad ready for development adjacent to the new ALDI and adjacent to Culver’s, effectively transforming the ALDI development into a dual-project venture for the community.
City Manager, John Weidl, shared his excitement about the project’s progress: “The approval of the ALDI site plan is a major milestone for Whitewater. We are not only looking forward to the benefits the ALDI store will bring but are also thrilled about the additional development opportunities this project will unlock. We are particularly excited about the additional pad ready site for development between the new ALDI and Culver’s. This means our community can look forward to not just one, but two new projects that will drive economic growth and vitality in the city.” Council President Neil Hicks shares similar excitement, “Great collaboration has brought great results to the residents in and around the City of Whitewater. Whether it’s good jobs, good food
or a sense of community belonging, this is a great step forward for our city.” From CDA Chair* Patrick Singer: “The ALDI project is a clear signal of progress. It shows we’re not just planning for a better Whitewater; we’re actively building it, starting with essential services like this grocery store.”
With the project’s value estimated between $3.2 and $3.5 million, it is expected to generate substantial tax revenue for the city, ranging between $700,000 and $1.1 million over the next 15 years. Moreover, this development is particularly significant as it addresses Whitewater’s designation by the USDA as a food desert, promising enhanced access to fresh and affordable food.
The City of Whitewater extends our sincere thanks to everyone who played a pivotal role in making this transformative project possible. Our gratitude goes to the Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA) and the Whitewater Common Council for their unwavering support and dedication to the city’s growth. A special acknowledgment is due to DLK Enterprises for their continued commitment and partnership with the city, which has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Additionally, we pay tribute to the late Council President Jim Allen, whose tireless advocacy for a grocery store during his tenure on both the CDA and Common Council has been a driving force behind this achievement. His dedication to Whitewater’s welfare has laid the groundwork for this and many other community enhancements.
As Whitewater moves forward with these promising developments, city officials remain committed to ensuring that all aspects of the project align with the city’s strategic goals and community needs.
- Singer recently vacated his role as CDA Chair to accept an appointment to the common council through April 2025.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The photo on the homepage is by Lynn Binnie.
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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