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By Broderick Frye
Asst. Sports Information Director
River Falls, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team finished the Radisson Holiday Classic, surpassing the century mark in a 105-71 win over Northland on December 30.
Northland scored the first basket of the game, but it took them seven minutes to find the next as the Warhawk defense started out the game, forcing seven turnovers. On the offensive end, the Warhawks scored 18 straight points, jumping out to a 20-4 lead at the 13-minute mark.
The Lumberjacks started relying on the three ball to close the gap but had no luck as the Warhawks kept finding ways to score. UW-Whitewater was up 32-16 with eight minutes left in the half.
At the break, the Warhawks led 53-32 over Northland. A large portion of the Warhawk points came off turnovers, forcing 13 Northland turnovers and converting them into 22 points.
The second half was similar, with the Warhawks expanding their lead to 30 points midway through the half (77-47). The Warhawks didn’t stop there, hitting the century mark with 50 seconds left in the contest.
UW-Whitewater closed the game from there, defeating the Lumberjacks 105-71.
Four Warhawks hit double digits in the contest. Jameer Barker (Racine, Wis./St. Catherine’s) led the team with 15 points. Barker also dished out five assists and pulled down four rebounds.
Miles Barnstable (Sheboygan, Wis./Howards Grove), Carter Capstran (Franklin, Wis./Franklin), and Delvin Barnstable (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Lutheran) all had 12 points. Capstran led the team with six rebounds. James Kelley (Milwaukee, WI/St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy) helped his teammates out in scoring, dishing out five assists.
Northland was led by Jordan Brennan, scoring 25 points. The Warhawks won the battle on the glass, collecting 42 rebounds to Northland’s 22.
UW-Whitewater will return home for their next game, kicking off WIAC play against UW-Oshkosh. The Titans were picked to finish second in the conference at the beginning of the season. The tip-off is at 7 p.m. on January 3rd, 2024.
Dear Common Council, Staff, and Community Members of Whitewater,
As we close an extraordinary year, I am filled with pride and gratitude in what we have achieved together. This year marks a significant departure from the past, not just in terms of productivity, positivity, and accomplishments, but in our renewed energy and purpose. It’s commonly said that our organization has accomplished more this year than in the previous decade. I firmly believe this is a testament to our collective dedication and (re)commitment to integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
A New Era in Public Safety
The City’s commitment to public safety has been a cornerstone of this transformation. The
implementation of the $1.1 million referendum, approved by an overwhelming 65% of voters, has been a game-changer for Whitewater and the surrounding communities. Transitioning our Fire and EMS service from volunteer [paid on call] and part-time to a full-time department was no small feat. Yet, in less than a year, we have not only achieved this, but have also secured paramedic certification for the Whitewater Fire Department. The impact? Our turnout times have been slashed by more than half, to an impressive average of less than two minutes. This monumental achievement could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our firefighters and EMTs, under the exceptional leadership of Fire Chief Kelly Freeman and his assistant Chief(s) Jason Dean, Ryan Dion, and Joe Uselding.
Moreover, under Chief Dan Meyer’s guidance, we are taking proactive steps to ensure our policing services meet the evolving needs of our community. Technological investments have already taken place and are making an impact, including license plate cameras at critical intersections throughout the community and the investment in drone technology. Further, we are partnering with an independent agency for a thorough review of our police staffing and operations in 2024, signifying our dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to our mission.
Revitalizing Economic Development
In the realm of economic development, we’ve seen equally impressive strides. Our collaboration with Dollar General and ALDI, along with our ongoing partnership with the Whitewater Grocery Co-op to help them realize their dreams, has been pivotal in addressing the urgent need for accessible grocery options. The excitement builds as ALDI prepares to break ground in the coming months, and our commitment to eliminating the challenges of being a USDA-designated food desert is unwavering.
Our downtown area is experiencing a resurgence with ongoing rehabilitation projects, and the CDA and Plan and Architectural Review Commission (PARC) recently approved a $7.5 million industrial development, spanning 100,000 square feet, slated for next year. These initiatives promise not only economic growth but also job creation and increased activity. Finally, several housing projects are on the horizon, with two single-family projects already in the pipeline for approval. Our focus will continue to be facilitating the creation of family-style housing options across the City as well as supporting those developments with the services and amenities they require.
Driving these developments is our new Economic Development Director, Calli Berg. Her expertise and initiative have already steered the Community Development Authority (CDA) toward new projects. Under her guidance, two properties in the downtown area are under contract for redevelopment, with more exciting projects on the horizon. These efforts are reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit and bolstering small business support in Whitewater.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the CDA and their staff assistant, Bonnie Miller. The CDA’s dedication and hard work over the past year, especially during a period without a full-time director, has been instrumental in maintaining our momentum and positioning us for the year ahead.
Strengthening Our Team: Recruitment and Retention
Our strategic plan this year placed a high priority on revolutionizing our approach to recruitment and retention. Recognizing the importance of attracting and nurturing dedicated local government professionals, we’ve embraced new strategies to support their careers in an environment that’s increasingly challenging, politically perilous, and financially constrained.
Under the guidance of our Human Resources Manager Sara Marquardt, we’ve implemented several innovative measures, such as conducting ‘stay interviews’ to better understand and address the needs of our employees and launching our Future Leaders Program for staff members demonstrating exceptional talent and passion.
Additionally, we’ve introduced a range of employee-centric initiatives, such as reduced fitness center memberships, increased opportunities for interdepartmental mingling, and significant adjustments to wage ranges accompanied by employee bonuses. These efforts underscore our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging workplace.
Enhancing Our Natural Resources: Lakes Improvement Initiative
This year, we’ve also turned our attention towards enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of our lakes. Following the dredging project undertaken before my tenure, we faced challenges with unsightly vegetative growth, particularly cattails. Our response to this has been proactive and impactful.
We embarked on a multi-year dredging project specifically targeting cattail removal from public spaces. The visual improvements have been significant, and our initial assessments, supported by research from similar projects, suggest a strong likelihood of substantially reducing cattail growth in these areas.
Furthering our commitment to our lakes, the City Council approved the formation of the Lakes Advisory Committee (LAC). This committee is tasked with a critical review of the current lakes’ management plan and the circumstances that led us to this point. They will also explore and recommend future lake management strategies, which may include the initiation of a Lakes Management District.
The commitment of City staff and our governing body, along with increased citizen and community participation, underscore our dedication to rectifying the unanticipated outcomes of the dredging project. We are firmly committed to devoting our time, resources, and collective efforts to ensure the rejuvenation and sustainable management of our lakes.
Acknowledging Partnerships and Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this year’s achievements, the support and collaboration of numerous partners have been instrumental. I am especially appreciative of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) for their ongoing support of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. I also extend my thanks to Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of WUSD, for her leadership in enhancing educational outcomes and her commitment to diversity and inclusion through efforts such as providing access to English classes for non-students and supporting the Latinx job fair.
My gratitude also goes to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and its new Chancellor, Dr. Corey King. His guidance in reimagining the Innovation Center and his team’s work on the Intergenerational Technology Services (IGeTS) at the Community Engagement Center (CEC) have been invaluable on our journey of transformation.
The spirit of inclusivity, diversity, and service championed by organizations like the Whitewater Community Foundation, Discover Whitewater, and the Friends of the Aquatic Center, among others, truly sets our community apart. Looking forward, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what the future holds. The past year has set a high bar, but I am confident that the next year will bring even more for the community and our stakeholders.
In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the hard work and dedication of each one of the City staff, elected officials, committee members, volunteers, contributors, and stakeholders in the City of Whitewater. Your collective efforts have been the driving force behind this transformative year in Whitewater. As we look to the future with optimism and determination, I am excited and honored to continue this journey with you, shaping a welcoming, safe, and dynamic community.
Tribute to Council President James “Jim” Allen
As we reflect on the year’s accomplishments, it’s with a heavy heart that we also remember Council President James “Jim” Allen, who sadly passed away on December 23, 2023. Jim’s dedication to Whitewater was evident in his long-standing service to the community and in every initiative he championed. From his role on the CDA and the establishment of the Lakes Advisory Committee, to his commitment to ensuring the future of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, his contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.
Under his leadership as Council President, Jim was instrumental in developing key public safety initiatives, notably the transition to a full-time Fire and EMS service in 2023 and the reinforcement of law enforcement resources for next year.
In honoring Jim’s legacy, we acknowledge the void his passing leaves in our council and our community. His dedication to public service and his impactful work will continue to inspire us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. Jim’s memory and contributions will forever be a part of Whitewater’s story. Please be on the lookout for our future efforts to honor Jim’s legacy.
Warmest Regards,
John S. Weidl, City Manager
St. Thomas More beat Whitewater 52-27 in girls’ basketball action at Whitewater High School on Thursday, December 28. St. Thomas More jumped out to an early double-digit lead and led 27-9 at halftime.
Danielle DePorter was the leading Whippet scorer with 9 points, making all 4 of her free-throw attempts.
Whitewater hosts Deerfield on January 5, Big Foot on January 9, and Edgerton on January 12 to start the new year.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Continuing our holiday “bird” theme, we wish everyone “A Happy New Year” via another penny postcard, this one from 1908. The greetings were sent to Miss Edith Wheeler of Whitewater from a “cousin” in Milton almost 116 years ago!
Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2024 and join the Whitewater Historical Society as we feature more historic images next week.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Whitewater is an Ice Age Trail Community.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail Ends Year with 698 Officially Completed Miles
Prolific Trailbuilding Year with Record Number of Volunteer Hours
Cross Plains, Wis. – After a robust Trailbuilding season, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail now boasts 698 officially complete miles. That’s nearly 15 miles more than last year at the same time.
The Ice Age Trail, which follows the terminal moraine of the last glaciation, is 1,200 miles long. It’s currently comprised of completed, blazed miles and connecting routes. Typically rural roads or highways, connecting routes link completed, blazed segments of Trail.
“So much was accomplished in seven months of Trailbuilding,” says Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “And it’s all because of our large number of volunteers and their dedicated service.”
In fiscal year 2023, 1,990 Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers contributed a record 100,666 hours to Trail-related activities.
“It was a pretty spectacular Trailbuilding year,” says Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. He attributes the record number of volunteer hours to “a great group of new volunteers who find value giving back to the Ice Age Trail after hiking it.”
Large-Scale Trailbuilding Projects Drew Volunteers from Across the Region
In 2023, the Ice Age Trail Alliance hosted eight, large-scale, multi-day Trailbuilding projects in Taylor, Marquette, Waupaca, Dane, Rock, and Door counties. Volunteers from across the Midwest participated; crafting Trail tread, building bridges, boardwalks, rock walls, and steps.
Highlights of these projects included: 5.3 miles of new Trail on the Rib Lake segment in Taylor County, and 3.5 miles of new Trail on the Cross Plains segment in Dane County.
Chapter-Led Initiatives Also Added Trail Miles
Nineteen volunteer chapters make up the Ice Age Trail Alliance. These chapters which are located along the Trail, are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep their area. This year, multiple chapters led initiatives to open up new Trail.
“Our chapter members took ownership, getting more Trail on the ground in their counties,” says Chad DuChateau, Director of Trail Operations for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “New miles take a long time to come to fruition, and volunteers helped all along the way: from establishing contact with landowners and being involved with compliance to building Trail.
Thanks to chapter volunteers, official Trail is now blazed through Evansville (1.7 miles) and Gibbs Lake County Park (1.3 miles) in Rock County. The Ice Age Trail Community of Cornell in Chippewa County also has 1.5 miles of official Trail.
In addition, chapter volunteers constructed Trail through the Alliance-owned Ice Override Preserve in Langlade County. And, extended Trail on the Waterville, Scuppernong, and Chaffee Creek Segments.
“This successful season, with its many new miles, gets us closer to a continuous completed Ice Age National Scenic Trail,” says Kloberdanz.
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About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes that were carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state.
Approximately 60% of Wisconsin residents live within 20 miles of the Ice Age Trail.
About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a nonprofit, member and volunteer-based organization which conserves, creates, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. For more information visit iceagetrail.org.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on December 28 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff beginning Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023, until the date of interment for former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. Gov. Evers yesterday released the following statement regarding U.S. Sen. Kohl’s passing. “A Milwaukeean and Wisconsinite through and through, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl dedicated his life to serving our kids, our communities, our state, and our country. “Sen. Kohl was, without a doubt, nobody’s senator but ours. Kathy and I are devastated by the news of his passing.” “Sen. Kohl was deeply committed to community, kindness, and service to others. Wisconsin’s seniors, students, teachers, and schools, and farmers and rural areas, among so many others, are better off because of his life and legacy, the impacts of which will last for generations. “Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin, friends and colleagues of Sen. Kohl, and the many people whose lives he impacted—both near and far—in offering our sincerest condolences to the Kohl family and the Herb Kohl Foundation in mourning the loss of this Wisconsin giant.” Services for former U.S. Sen. Kohl are set to occur at a future date in January. Executive Order #219 will be in effect beginning on Dec. 28, 2023, until interment. Executive Order #219 is available here. |
The Whippet Wrestlers traveled to East Troy to participate in their first conference dual meet of the season and came away with a very nice 51-23 victory to start off the conference season. Whippets picking up wins in the dual included Ema Aranda, Jarvis Porcaro, Connor Friend, Traysen Thomason, Odair Porras, Sebastian Cuellar, Jesus Barajas, Payton Lyon, and Junior Soto. The entire team wrestled well in the dual which was a great start to the evening.
After the win against East Troy, the team closed out the evening with a non-conference dual meet against New Berlin. This was a very tough dual meet with the Whippets down 12-36 with five weight classes to compete. Connor Friend got the ball rolling with a pin at 138, and the team did not slow down going into the last match of the evening at 165 pounds. The Whippets were down 33-36 needing a major decision or better to seal the victory. Sebastian Cuellar came out against a very tough opponent that was back and forth with two very athletic students. Sebastian had a big move to start the 2nd period going up 7-1. He then was able to secure a pin, thus erupting the Whippet bench and bringing home the 39-36 victory.
The wins on the evening improved the Whippets to 5-1 on the season heading into the winter break. The team is next in action on Friday and Saturday, December 29 and 30, hosting the Mid-States Wrestling Tournament at the UWW campus. This event will include 41 teams from Wisconsin and Illinois.
Article and Photo Courtesy of John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Gamma Chapter.
The members of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Gamma Chapter gathered on December 7, 2023
for our annual holiday gathering. For the past years our entertainment has been the members
of the cast of the Whitewater High School plays and their Director Jim McCulloch. The chapter was able to write a $1000 grant to our Foundation to provide financial help in updating the sound system in the auditorium at the High School. When the grant was approved, the members were additionally challenged to donate to the cause over the current year. Our treasurer, Dee Simon, was able to present a check to Jim McCulloch and a student, Alex Clarksen, in the amount of $2000 toward further work on the sound system. (See Photo)
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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