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Today is Friday, June 26, 2026
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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
A total of 50 students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater were hired before graduation.
The following University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students [who consider Whitewater to be their home] recently graduated and were hired before graduation:
Patrice Achu, who graduated with a DBA in business administration.
Brett Knowlton, who graduated with a BBA in finance.
Chloe Welak, who graduated with a BBA in supply chain management.
April Wright, who graduated with a A.A. in fine arts.
Conner Young, who graduated with a B.S. in legal studies.
The holidays can be tough for hospitalized patients and their loved ones – especially if they need blood. Please spare a moment this season to give the life-changing gift of blood and hope for these families. Donors will receive a $20 e-gift card* as thanks! This includes those who have already made an appointment.
OLD WHITEWATER ARMORY
Thursday, 12/21/23 (1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
146 W. NORTH ST.
WHITEWATER, WI 53190
*Donors will receive an email from Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin <noreply@tangocard.com> 4-7 business days after their donation with a link to redeem $20 at a vendor of their choice, including Amazon, Starbucks, Target, Walmart and 60 more. Donors must have a valid email address on file with us prior to their appointment, or update it at the time of their donation.
Please make an appointment at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997. If you are a new donor to Versiti, use the link and then click on “login” and follow the directions under “new donors.”
WHAT A COMEBACK! On Monday night, December 18, down 5 with under 2 minutes to go, the Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team was able to claw back and make a buzzer beater layup to force overtime! The Whippets owned the overtime and left Marshall with a 53-49 overtime win!
Video of Danielle DePorter’s layup that sent the game to overtime (no sound):
https://www.hudl.com/v/2MuRut
Comments Courtesy of Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was an American icon, the first woman on our Nation’s highest court. She spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice O’Connor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys. She gave her life to public service, even holding elected office, and never forgot those ties to the people whom the law is meant to serve. She sought to avoid ideology, and was devoted to the rule of law and to the bedrock American principle of an independent judiciary. Justice O’Connor never quit striving to make this Nation stronger, calling on us all to engage with our country and with one another, and her institute’s work to promote civics education and civil discourse has touched millions. She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart.
As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Sandra Day O’Connor, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of her interment [Tuesday, December 19], the flag of the United States shall be flown at half‑staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
.
On Saturday, December 16, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling team was up early and traveled to Mount Horeb High School to participate in the first annual Mount Horeb Girls’ Wrestling Invite.
Whitewater had a great showing with the most girls of any of the schools participating and all wrestling very well. Of the nine girls that were competing, seven came home with a top two finish.
Leading the way for the Whippets were Lauren Buehler and Giulia Ristagno, each winning their respective weight class. Buehler had two first period pins on her way to the championship, and Ristagno also had two pins on her way to her first championship in wrestling. Lauren was also recognized with the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award, voted on by the coaches at the tournament.
Coming in second place included Ema Aranda, Katie Rojas-Reyes, Atreya Wilson, Myia Cobb, and Marianna Kubicz. All five of these girls wrestled very well on the day, coming up just short of the championship.
The coaching staff is very happy with the progression the girls are making as many are new to the sport of wrestling. They are next in action when they travel to East Troy to compete against New Berlin.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
On Saturday, December 16, the Whitewater Wrestling team traveled to Mount Horeb to participate in the 16 team Mount Horeb Invitational. The team wrestled very well during the day and in the end found themselves in 2nd place behind Merrill, Wisconsin.
The coaches stressed the importance of being ready and starting the day strong as in a tournament with the bracket as it was if you have an early round hiccup it will be hard to be in a team race. The Whippets wrestled extremely well in the opening rounds and found five individuals in the championship match. Rylan Oldenburg, Jarvis Porcaro, Connor Friend, Sebastian Cuellar, and Payton Lyon all found themselves in the championship match. Unfortunately, they came up short and brought home the silver. All the finalists wrestled very well throughout the day. Highlights included Sebastian Cuellar defeating a state qualifier from Johnson Creek to reach the finals. Payton Lyon had a great semi-final match, pinning a young man whom he had lost to in last year’s semi-finals.
Also reaching the podium and taking 3rd place was Traysen Thomason. His sole loss on the day was in the semi-finals which was a good match with him ending up on the wrong end of a scramble situation.
Great job to the team with their Runner-Up finish. The team is next in action on Wednesday night when they travel to East Troy to open with an RVC Dual meet with East Troy and then will compete against New Berlin in a second dual on the evening. Wrestling begins at 5:00 with the first dual and approximately 6:30 for the second dual.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
Graduates of UW-Whitewater DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) Program Shine in Their Professional Pursuits
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater proudly announces the completion of its 2023 Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program by eleven outstanding individuals. These graduates – Patrice Achu, Tobin Anderson, Eric Barber, Betty Carew, Michelle Gabor, Kokou Gadedji, Chris Harper, Melissa Nelson, David Rollins, Rizvana Zameeruddin, and Emily Zoet – mark a significant milestone as they prepare for their commencement ceremony in December.
Reflecting on their transformative experiences, these graduates have shared invaluable insights into the program’s impact on their careers and scholarly contributions. Dr. Patrice Achu, this year’s commencement speaker, highlighted, “The program’s deep understanding of strategic leadership, research methodologies, and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world business challenges” as a standout feature that prepared them for leadership roles.
The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills resonated strongly with the alumni, enabling seamless application of theoretical knowledge to practical business contexts. Dr. Emily Zoet affirmed her commitment to ongoing professional development, stating, “I will continue in my role as Assistant Professor of Accountancy at Ferris State University, researching sustainability issues in accounting, including climate change risk.”
Dr. Eric Barber, another program alumnus, expressed intentions to continue building upon learned skills and contribute to research in the areas of management and organizational behavior. He further announced participation in the 2024 Academy of Human Resources Development (AHRD) conference, showcasing ongoing dedication to scholarly engagement.
Key highlights from the graduates included the invaluable networking opportunities, exposure to diverse perspectives, and collaborative experiences with classmates and professors. They praised the program’s unique approach, combining self-study with live group discussions and a collegial, supportive learning environment.
Dr. Melissa Nelson, securing a tenure-track position in Silicon Valley, emphasized her enthusiasm for continued research and publishing articles in esteemed journals, contributing to the evolving landscape of academia.
When asked what he enjoyed about the program, Dr. Tobin Anderson replied with “The mix of self- study and live discussions challenged my thinking, taking our learnings to an additional level,” highlighting the program’s unique approach that enriched the learning experience.
The UW-Whitewater DBA program continues to empower professionals, equipping them with the tools and expertise to excel in their careers and contribute significantly to their respective fields.
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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