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The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the first of three Book Club discussions on Thursday evening, February 22, 6PM-8PM, in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater. The first three chapters of Poverty, by America, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Matthew Desmond, will be discussed.
Desmond draws upon history, research and original reporting to argue that poverty in America persists because the rest of us benefit from it. Please join us to investigate new ways of imagining solutions to a morally urgent problem and engage in how to usher in an age of shared prosperity.
Books have been reserved at Irvin L Young Memorial Library for the group’s use during the study. Please ask at the front desk for a copy. Additional discussions will be held on March 21 and April 18 at the same time and location.
The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate! Please contact Deb Gamble (262-583-1946 or shebagam@gmail.com) for questions or further information.
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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!
The following information was received from Sam Bartlett, Whitewater High School Head Football Coach:
Below is a link to our Football Team Donation page. If you are willing and able, you can use it to donate towards our Football Team! It would be greatly appreciated as the funds will go directly towards the athletes we currently have in the program. Thank you for all your help! If you could share this link as well, that will help a ton! If you do not know an athlete on the team, you can select a random athlete as they are competing to see who raises the most!
Jefferson beat Whitewater 46-41 in a Rock Valley Conference girls’ basketball game on Thursday, February 15. The two teams will play again in round 2 of the WIAA tournament next Friday night at Whitewater.
Jefferson jumped out to a 9-0 lead and a 14-4 lead before Whitewater closed the half on a 9-1 run to cut the lead to two. The game went back and forth in the second half, but Jefferson was able to pull it out in the end.
Whitewater will host Jefferson on Friday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. in round 2 of the WIAA tournament. The winner will play Saturday night against an opponent to be determined.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
Whitewater (3-18) was defeated by Fort Atkinson on Thursday evening, February 15, in boys’ basketball. The score was 50-68.
Fort Atkinson scored 43 points in the first half and took a 23-point lead into halftime.
Whitewater was led in scoring by Casey Lyon with 18 points.
Article Submitted by Mike McCabe
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
mccmi01@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the City of Elkhorn Police Department on February 16.
Thomas Allen Routt, Jr., 57-years old, Elkhorn, has been arrested in connection with the early morning shooting on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Sports Page Barr in downtown Elkhorn, which claimed the lives of Emerson and Gina Weingart.
Initial investigation focused on eyewitness evidence, including an eyewitness that was inside the bar at the time of the shooting. That eyewitness said a male, now believed by law enforcement to be Routt, came into the bar and began playing the gaming machines. After approximately 30 minutes, the eyewitness said it was just the eyewitness, Emerson, Gina, and Routt in the bar. The eyewitness said Routt brandished a handgun and pointed it at Gina, the bartender, and ordered them not to move. The eyewitness said they instinctively got up off their barstool and Routt pointed the gun at the eyewitness and ordered the eyewitness not to move. The eyewitness said they sat back down and said Routt subsequently fired the gun at Gina and the eyewitness immediately fled out the door, calling 9-1-1 after distancing themself from the scene.
Routt was taken into custody without incident by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 3:40 AM on a Department of Corrections hold as Routt was on parole for arson.
Routt subsequently admitted to shooting both Emerson and Gina Weingart and following the eyewitness out the back door and shooting at the eyewitness as they fled. Routt indicated that his motive was robbery and said after chasing and shooting at the eyewitness, he returned to the bar and took $120 – $140 from the open cash drawer and fled in his vehicle to his residence in Elkhorn. Routt said the next morning he discarded the weapon and ammunition in a trash receptacle at the Handi-Mart in Lake Como. Officers subsequently retrieved a 9mm handgun and ammunition from the trash at the Handi-Mart.
Routt has been charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon, one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, and felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation is on-going, however there is no indication that anyone other than Routt was directly involved in the crime.
The Elkhorn Police Department was assisted by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office, Delavan Police Department, Town of Delavan Police Department, Lake Geneva Police Department, Town of Geneva Police Department, Kenosha Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Wauwatosa Police Department, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
A critical meeting was held today [February 15] at 3:00 p.m. in Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, where Whitewater’s City Manager John Weidl, Police Chief Dan Meyer, and Council President Neil Hicks met with Governor Tony Evers and his team. The focus was on pressing issues facing Whitewater, particularly the challenges of immigration and the impact of reduced state revenue and university funding on local law enforcement. A PowerPoint presentation provided by city officials, highlighting recent policing statistics, showed an increase in unlicensed driving and other issues, against a backdrop of decreased capacity for proactive policing.
Police Chief Dan Meyer shared insights into the increased migration to Whitewater, notably from Nicaragua and Venezuela, starting in early 2022. He detailed incidents that highlighted the migrants’ struggles, including a family found living in a small shed during winter, a teenager forced into labor, and young children left alone during a fire. These examples underscored the need for increased community support and resources.
Chief Meyer emphasized, “It’s crucial that we approach these issues without casting blame or vilifying any group. Our goal is to identify and address the root causes, focusing on problem-solving and public safety rather than politics. We’re committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure Whitewater is safe and inclusive.”
The discussion also covered the reasons migrants are drawn to Whitewater, particularly the availability of housing due to changes at the university brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to a significant increase in the migrant population, highlighting the need for coordinated community responses.
On the topic of law enforcement funding, city officials pointed out the financial challenges faced over the past year. Despite an increase in shared revenue for Whitewater and other municipalities, this was offset by cuts in the Municipal Services Payment (MSP) program and the end of reimbursements from the University for dispatch services. These changes have resulted in a funding shortfall of over $400,000 for the 2024 fiscal year, effectively negating the benefits of the increased shared revenue.
In addition, City Manager John Weidl expressed gratitude towards the Whitewater elected officials for their steadfast commitment to enhancing law enforcement capabilities within the city. “Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to install license plate cameras at every entrance point to Whitewater, we employ drone technology, and have proactively funded a comprehensive staffing study. We’re also prepared to pursue a referendum if necessary. Our elected officials have truly risen to the challenge, demonstrating their dedication by allocating the necessary funds to address our concerns. This level of commitment is crucial for driving meaningful change in our community,” stated Weidl.
Governor Evers expressed his commitment to collaborating with Whitewater officials to address the city’s concerns. The meeting concluded with an agreement to explore and implement strategies to support not only the migrant population but also to strengthen the city’s overall public safety and community infrastructure.
Council President Neil Hicks added, “Our communication with legislators at all levels about Whitewater’s immigration issues has led to meaningful discussions. We’re grateful for the constructive dialogue with Governor Evers and others, focusing on collaborative solutions for our community.”
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
The third installment of our series “Gone but not Forgotten,” is the old 1927 High School building, later the Franklin Junior High School. Built as Whitewater’s first “modern” school building, old “city high” served teenagers until around 1960, when a new high school building was constructed along Elizabeth Street. The building then served another 30 years as a junior high school.
When the building was vacated in the mid-1990s for the new Middle School after the current high school was completed, the first proposal was to put senior apartments in the old school, but that proposal failed. A subsequent owner demolished the building in 1999, and the property has been vacant since that time.
Join us next week for the last of the “Gone but not Forgotten” series of images.
(5015PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
The 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs rankings were announced February 7, 2024. One Wisconsin college is the top-ranked, single-business college in all business school categories. That school is the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics. UW-Whitewater is Wisconsin’s Best Online Business Graduate Program, Best Online Business Undergraduate Program, Best Business Program for Veterans, and Wisconsin’s highest ranked, single school for Best Online MBA.
The College of Business and Economics is also nationally ranked in all five categories.
- No. 31 Veterans- MBA Programs
- No. 38 Online Undergraduate Business
- No. 37 Online Graduate Business
- No. 55 Online MBA
These rankings are more impressive knowing that this year’s edition of the U.S. News report evaluates more than 1,750 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. U.S. News assessed schools based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.
Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Paul Ambrose, commented, “our repeat performance as the best online business school in Wisconsin is just one of the reasons why we are also the state’s largest business college and why the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools.” Ambrose continued, “Our student-first, online business program has been created to fit into people’s busy lives. It allows students to work, connect with their friends and families, and still pursue higher education.”
For more information on the rankings, readers are encouraged to visit U.S. News & World Report.
About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
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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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