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Update 11/25 @ 6:45 p.m.: The men took the gold medal vs. Columbia, 81-45.
Editor’s note: The following press release was issued on Wednesday, November 22. The following is the status of the competition since that date:
Men’s: On Wednesday the team defeated Chile by a score of 88 to 14 in the quarterfinal. On Friday they defeated Argentina in the semifinal, 88 to 54. The team will compete versus Columbia at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the gold medal match.
Women’s: On Thursday in the semifinal the team defeated Brazil by a score of 60 to 30. In the gold medal match versus Canada on Friday, USA took home the gold by a score of 62 to 56.
By the way, the image on the homepage is from a competition in 2021.
By Chris Lindeke
University Marketing and Communications
Five members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater family continue competition on a world stage this week as they represent Team USA wheelchair basketball at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
AJ Fitzpatrick and Talen Jourdan, current members of the Warhawk men’s wheelchair basketball team, and Jake Williams, a former Warhawk and current head coach of the men’s team, are members of the men’s team.
The Team USA men are 3-0 after group stage games and will play in a quarterfinal against Chile today [November 22] at 2:30 p.m. Central Time.
Williams, who earned a BSE in physical education in 2015, was a member of the gold medal winning Team USA at the 2022 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) World Championships and claimed gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and 2016 Rio Paralympics. He was a member of the 2019 team that won gold at the Parapan Games in Lima, Peru.
Jourdan is a senior studying general business, while Fitzpatrick is a sophomore majoring in human performance. Like Williams, Jourdan was a member of the 2022 IWBF World Championships gold medal team. Fitzpatrick is competing internationally for the first time after earning a spot on the Intercollegiate Division All-Rookie Team as a freshman at UW-Whitewater in 2022-23.
Josie DeHart and Rebecca Murray, who attended UW-Whitewater and competed for the Warhawk women’s wheelchair basketball team, will play for the women’s team. The U.S. women are also 3-0 after group play and will play in a semifinal against Brazil on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Central Time.
DeHart, who is originally from Fruita, Colorado, attended the university from 2018 to 2022 and earned a BSE in physical education.
Murray graduated in 2014 with a BSE in special education and has enjoyed a successful career in wheelchair basketball, having previously won Parapan medals in 2007 and 2011. In 2021, the Germantown native earned an ESPY Award for Best Athlete with a Disability in Women’s Sports.
All five athletes were selected to their teams by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee following selection camps over the summer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
View the entire competition schedule here.
Fans can follow the games live by visiting the Parapan American Games webpage.
UW-Whitewater is recognized consistently for exceptional programming and outcomes for students with disabilities. The Warhawk men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams are club sports that compete nationally.
The Warhawk men’s team has won 13 national championships since 1982, while the women have claimed three national titles. Several of each program’s alums are Paralympic medalists.
Throughout her life as First Lady of Georgia and First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter exemplified hope, warmth, and a steadfast commitment to doing all she could to address many of our society’s greatest needs. She was a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for all; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities. Above all, the deep love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership, and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.
As a mark of respect for the memory of Rosalynn Carter, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that 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 from November 25, 2023, until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time 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 twenty-first day of November, 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.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Walworth County.
Walworth County Register of Deeds Michele Jacobs will serve as the new Clerk of Circuit Court, replacing Kristina Secord who announced her resignation on November 14. Jacobs will assume her new role on December 11. [She will be filling Secord’s unexpired term until January, 2027. Secord was just elected to a four year term in November, 2022.]
Per State Statute, the judges of a county appoint a new Clerk of Court if that person leaves the office prior to the
end of their term. Jacobs was appointed to the position on November 21 by Walworth County Judges
David Reddy, Phillip Koss, Kristine Drettwan, and Daniel Johnson.
“I look forward to assuming my new role as Clerk of Circuit Court and continuing to serve Walworth County,”
says Michele Jacobs. “I will greatly miss my wonderful team in the Register of Deeds office. But I know they
will continue to serve Walworth County residents with the utmost professionalism.”
Jacobs was elected as Register of Deeds in 2020. Prior to taking office, she worked in the Clerk of Court’s
office for 14 years and in the office of Walworth County Corporation Counsel.
During her tenure, Jacobs launched a new land notification service to help protect property owners from
property fraud. She also increased efficiencies within the office and prioritized the digital preservation of
historical records, scanning indexes to allow them to be available online in the future.
Per statute, Jacobs has until December 11 to submit her resignation to the Walworth County Sheriff. Upon
receipt, her resignation will be forwarded to the Governor for a decision regarding how to fill the impending
register of deeds vacancy.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will host the Wheaton College Thunder Saturday, November 25 in the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.
GAMEDAY INFO
Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the game. $14 for Adults, $10 Over 65 / Students and youth 5-18, Free kids under 5 (no ticket needed) Click here to buy tickets.
Parking is cashless $10/$15 – it is recommended fans purchase parking in advance. Click here to purchase parking.
IN THE POLLS
UWW: #5 D3football.com (Prev: 5) / #5 American Football Coaches Association (Prev: 6)
WC: #10 / #12
UWW’S PLAYOFF PATH
The Warhawks claimed one of four at-large bids into the 2023 NCAA Division III Playoffs – a 16th appearance in the postseason since 2005. With one of the toughest strengths of schedule in Division III, UWW will face a ranked (includes a team receiving votes) opponent for the eighth time this season on Saturday. UW-Whitewater, a six-time Stagg Bowl winner, is 59-12 in the playoffs in program history.
The Warhawks set the tone early in last week’s 42-14 win over Bethel. UWW needed just three plays in its first drive to get on the scoreboard as Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) hit Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) in stride for a 49-yard touchdown. Two drives later, Ogden found Nick Wind (Downers Grove, Ill./Montini Catholic) for a 32-yard scoring strike. Then, in the first play of the second quarter, Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) hauled in a pass from Ogden for a 19-yard touchdown and a 21-0 UW-Whitewater lead. The Royals were able to get on the board twice, each time the Warhawks had the response scoring three much TDs in the second half.
Ogden was efficient completing 11-of-15 for 218 yards and four passing touchdowns without throwing an interception. He spread the ball around hitting six different receivers. Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) was the leading rusher with 168 yards on 13 carries including a pair of rushing touchdowns. Hawk Heffner (Grafton, Wis./Grafton) led the defense with nine tackles.
HOW WHEATON GOT HERE
The Thunder also received an at-large bid into the playoffs. Wheaton defeated Mount St. Joseph in their first round matchup 41-34 in Wheaton. The Thunder put up 564 yards of total offense – 302 on the ground and 262 over the air.
Giovanni Weeks led the Thunder with four touchdowns in the game. He took 38 of Wheaton’s 58 handoffs running for 256 yards. Defensively, linebackers Caleb McClung, Johnny Eller and Lawson Haigler each registered six tackles.
ON THE AIR
Saturday’s game will air live online on the WIAC Network. The contest can be heard on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.
SERIES
This is the fifth meeting between the Warhawks and Thunder. UW-Whitewater holds a 4-0 record over Wheaton. The last matchup was also a second round playoff game as UWW won 31-17 on November 28, 2015 at McCully Stadium in Wheaton.
Exciting opportunity!
We are hiring a part-time Gallery Manager! If you’re passionate about the arts, organized, and have project management skills, apply by Dec 1.
Requirements:
2 years in admin/project coordination, arts/nonprofit experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Essential skills:
Passion for the arts, strong project management, teamwork, communication, and public speaking.
Preferred skills:
Event planning, exhibition design, familiarity with Wisconsin’s cultural landscape, and basic graphic design.
Responsibilities include:
Admin tasks, volunteer coordination, exhibition planning, event facilitation, and marketing.
Apply with a resume and cover letter to waa.franachen@gmail.com and to learn more visit: https://shorturl.at/astMQ
#WAA | #ArtsOpportunity | #ApplyToday
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Saturday, November 25th, beginning at 10 a.m. – come shop small at Cravath Lakefront Park!
This FREE event will feature more than 40 local, small businesses that you can support on Small Business Saturday. Enjoy food trucks, sweet treats, live music, pictures with Santa and holiday shopping.
Lovers of all things holidays! Enjoy a Small Business Saturday Shop Small Market at Cravath Lakefront Park to help jumpstart your holiday shopping with unique gifts from local vendors and businesses.
Listen to live music, warm up at Blitzen’s Bonfire, let the kiddos write a letter to Santa and do crafts in the Little Elves Workshop & Play Area, eat good food from food trucks, enjoy hot cocoa, mulled wine, or Second Salem beer in the Gumdrop Glögg Garden, and ring in the holiday season with photos with Santa! Get your name on the list for a carriage ride around downtown!
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Vendor Market, Live Music, Little Elves Workshop & Play Area, Food, beer, & wine
11 a.m. – 1p.m.: Meet & Greet and Photos with Santa!
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Carriage rides around downtown
This is a FREE, family-friendly event. Learn more: www.whitewaterchamber.com/shop-small-holiday-market/
Featured Vendors:
“Crafts By Rita”
2 Crafty Grandma’s
BaristaCats Cafe
Boy Scout 264
BTHREE.CO boutique
Clark Family Mushrooms
CrafteNook
Darling Lilly Designs
ElevateYourVibez
Ellie Joe Design Co
Finches Landing
Front Yard Homestead Soap
Good Times Clay Co
Grandma Connie’s/caricatures by bok
H & S Jewelry Co.
Heathers Tailoring and Custom Sewing
Just Add Wine Candle Co.
Kettle Moraine Honey
Kit’s Knits
Koi Vintage
Kristies Creative Kitchen
Lady V’s Fun Snow Cones and Snacks
LevelUpWellness.USANA.com
Lucky21woodworks
Lyn Louise Crafting
Lynette’s – Mary Kay
Magnificent Manis In Minutes (Color Street)
Midwest Nest Handmade
Nordskov Coffee
Old School Farmstead
Owl Be There
PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More )
Restoration Candle Company
Revamp Nutrition
Rockin Roxies Pupcakes & More
Sarah’s Sweet Treats
Scentsy
SJWHandmade
SpoookyNook
Stephani’s Spot
Studio 84
TDS Telecom
The Food Truck
Universal Windows Direct
Yazmine Ordaz
Whitewater Grocery Co.
Best Taste
Participating Businesses Citywide:
Steve-Os
The Book Teller
Dale’s Bootery
Associated Bank
Whitewater Cinemas
First Citizens State Bank
Fort Community Credit Union
Center Street Cafe
More details here: https://facebook.com/events/s/whitewaters-shop-small-holiday/962676494704197/?mibextid=Gg3lNB
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music.
Get into the holiday spirit with UW-Whitewater Department of Music’s Gala Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Young Auditorium. The air is filled with music and excitement as ensembles play throughout the building before the performance, during intermission, and immediately following the large concert. The Gala is an annual tradition that features nearly every student ensemble in the Department of Music. All profits from this event support Department of Music Scholarships. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance at tickets.uww.edu. You can also visit Ticket Services or call 262-472-2222 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ticket Services is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI.
Tickets for the general public are $30; $25 for individuals over 65 and $20 for under 18 years of age. Tickets purchased at the event will include an additional $2.00 surcharge. In addition to ticket sales, we welcome gifts through our Angel donation program. Gifts can be made online at uww.edu/coac/gala-benefit-concert. Alternatively, checks made out to the UW-Whitewater Foundation can be sent to Gala Holiday Concert, 950 W. Main Street, CA2031, Whitewater, WI 53190.
On the night of Dec. 2, small ensembles will begin performing at 6:45 p.m. throughout the Young Auditorium and in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts. The first half of the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include performances by the Brass Ensemble, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. During intermission, various smaller ensembles will perform throughout Young Auditorium. The second half of the concert will feature the Chamber Singers, Percussion Ensemble, Whitewater Symphony Orchestra, Harmonia and Concert Choir. In addition to the festive music, a limited number of commemorative ornaments will be available for purchase as supplies last.
Glenn Hayes, Interim Department Chair for the Department of Music, will be hosting the event. “Our Holiday Gala concert is a joyous event for the entire family! We present a wide array of styles and ensembles. Literally, there is something for everyone! Do not miss the chance for outstanding live music on December 2nd,” said Hayes.
Come get into the holiday spirit and support the UW-Whitewater music students at 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 2. The main concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Young Auditorium located at 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190. Tickets are available at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. All profits benefit the Department of Music student scholarship fund. For more information or to become a Gala Angel by donating to the Department of Music student scholarship fund, visit uww.edu/coac/gala-benefit-concert.
The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers rigorous programs in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts; internships, pre-professional opportunities in journalism, advertising, and applied communication, and innovative interdisciplinary studies. The mission of the College of Arts and Communication is to cultivate and inspire creativity, diversity, expression, inquiry and integrity through embodied education in the fine performing and communicative arts and professions. For more information visit uww.edu/coac.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Join internationally renowned author Erik Larson as he discusses his bestselling book “The Devil in the White City” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Young Auditorium on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. The event is free and open to the public, and a live-streaming option is available.
Larson will be focusing on the leadership needed to create the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair even as evil loomed in the underbelly of the city in the form of H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer. The book won an Edgar Award for best fact-crime writing, and was a finalist for a National Book Award.
The event is presented by the Tommy Thompson Center on Public Leadership and co-sponsored by UW-Whitewater and the Whitewater Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national History Honors Society
As part of his visit to UW-Whitewater, Larson will be the keynote speaker at the 39th annual Creative Writing Festival on campus on Thursday, Nov. 30. The festival allows more than 500 high school students the opportunity to connect with peers and writing professionals and attend workshops, keynote speeches and competitions in a college setting.
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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