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Today is Monday, June 8, 2026
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On Wednesday, March 4, we hosted our first annual Whippet Works: Connecting Community, Careers, and Classrooms event at Whitewater High School, and what an incredible night it was!
We welcomed local businesses, organizations, and industry partners to experience firsthand the many ways they can connect with and support students in the Whitewater Unified School District. Guests toured our CTE learning spaces, learned about our exciting CTE renovation and expansion plans, and participated in a Youth Apprenticeship informational session and panel discussion featuring local partners.
The energy, ideas, and conversations throughout the evening made one thing very clear: when schools, businesses, and the community come together, amazing things happen for our students.
Our goal is simple: to bridge the gap between community, business, and education so our students are better prepared for life beyond high school whether that path leads to college, technical training, apprenticeships, or directly into the workforce.
Together we make a difference.
Together we show students the incredible opportunities around them.
Together we make the Whitewater area a great place to live, work, and belong.
A huge thank you to the many businesses and organizations who joined us and are committed to building these opportunities for our students. Big things are happening in WUSD, and this is only the beginning. The future is bright for our students and our community!
Article Submitted by Mike Rick
Whitewater Unified School District Career and Technical Education Coordinator
ricmi01@wwusd.org
The following students are UW-Whitewater’s 2025-26 Greek chapter presidents.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Omarian Hughes, who is studying Cybersecurity and is president of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashton Gillespie, who is studying Management and is president of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cam Kerber, who is studying Marketing and is president of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Boose, who is studying Psychology and is president of National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Shon Benson, who is studying Accounting and is president of Omega Psi Phi.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Daven Cooper, who is studying English Literature & Language Arts Education and is president of Zeta Phi Beta & National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Ranging from two members to 70, the 24 Greek chapters at UW-Whitewater stem from a rich history and are affiliated with national, international, and local organizations. While the individual goals of each chapter are different, the overall mission of the presidents of the chapters is largely centered around service, engagement and commitment to their members and campus.
When a student joins Greek Life, they meet other young professionals looking to develop long-lasting relationships on campus. By joining a Greek organization, students can meet and network with individuals through conventions, conferences and other campus and national events. On average, members of fraternities and sororities have a higher GPA and are more likely to remain in school and graduate than average students.
Greek students provide thousands of community service hours annually. Their organizations raised more than $19,000 for local and national philanthropy efforts in the 2024-25 academic year.
UW-Whitewater’s Greek community offers a sense of accomplishment and ways to make the world a better place. For more information on the presidents of the Greek chapters or the Greek community at UW-Whitewater, contact greeks@uww.edu.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
Contact:
For more information, Contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm
Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.
“Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!”
On March 1, the grandson of Rick and Jeanine Fassl earned the Eagle Scout award at a ceremony in Monona, WI, attended by family and friends. Pictured here, during the event, are his grandfather, Rick Fassl and his father, Josh Fassl, (’96 WHS grad and Eagle Scout). The other photo shows Jackson holding a plaque given to him by his Troop 146 Scouts. Jackson will graduate Monona Grove High School in June.
In 2015, the Jefferson County Parks Department, with the support of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, completed the restoration of the Mason Log Home at Dorothy Carnes Park East. Hidden for more than a century inside the walls of an original 1850 farmstead, the log home was carefully uncovered, documented, and rebuilt over a two-year period by park staff and volunteers.
During the restoration, it was discovered that many of the original logs had been cut or removed during earlier modifications to the structure. To remain true to the home’s historic character, replacement logs from the correct time period were sourced from regional building demolitions and hand-cut to fit the structure. Approximately 30 percent of the home’s original logs were replaced as part of the restoration. The completed project quickly became a focal point of the Carnes Park farmstead area, offering visitors a rare and meaningful glimpse into early settlement-era construction.
When restoration work first began in early 2013, crews noted something unexpected. Once the original siding was removed, the exposed logs were surprisingly bright, showing very little fading or weathering from sun and rain. This indicated that the logs had not been left uncovered for long. Like many pioneer families, the Mason family likely added siding soon after construction to protect the home and improve insulation during harsh Wisconsin winters.
According to local historian Julia Ince, while log construction was common in early Wisconsin settlements, it was uncommon—and socially undesirable—for homes to remain unsided. As local sawmills became established, adding wood siding was considered a sign of progress and practicality. Leaving logs exposed would have been viewed as primitive rather than authentic to the time period.
Over the past decade, the exposed logs have been treated multiple times with wood preservatives and protective coatings. Despite these efforts, time and the elements have taken a toll. Unlike some regional log structures built with tight-fitting cedar logs and traditional Scandinavian joinery, the Mason Log Home was constructed using a more rudimentary technique. Square notches, wide gaps filled with chinking, and the use of softer wood species—including ash, red oak, and basswood—have made the structure more vulnerable to moisture intrusion and deterioration.
After extensive evaluation and consultation, Jefferson County Parks staff made the decision to return siding to the exterior of the log home. This approach aligns with both historic construction practices of the late 1800s and modern preservation standards aimed at protecting original materials. Importantly, the interior of the cabin will remain unchanged, continuing to showcase the hand-hewn logs, construction methods, and joinery that define the structure’s historical significance.
On Tuesday, February 17, a crew from Reidl and Son began installing horizontal cedar siding on the exterior of the Mason Log Home. This work is intended to slow further deterioration, protect the remaining original logs, and ensure the structure can continue serving as an educational and interpretive resource for generations to come.
While some visitors may prefer the rustic look of exposed logs, this project reflects a commitment to long-term preservation and historical accuracy. By reintroducing siding—just as the Mason family likely did more than 150 years ago—Jefferson County Parks is taking a thoughtful and responsible step to safeguard one of its most valued historic structures.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Parks Department.
Looking for a way to connect with nature, grow your own food, and be part of something local?
We’re inviting families, friends, and individuals to join our community garden for the upcoming season!
All experience levels welcome
Grow your own fresh, healthy food
Connect with your community
Support sustainable living
Let’s fill every plot this season!
Learn more & sign up:
On February 13, 2026, City of Whitewater Police investigated a complaint involving a juvenile victim reporting they had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by an adult male over the course of six years. These incidents were reported to have occurred multiple times in the City of Whitewater when the juvenile victim was between 5 – 11 years of age. The case was transferred to the Whitewater Detective Bureau to investigate. Whitewater detectives ultimately established probable cause to make an arrest of the adult male. On February 19, 2026, Whitewater detectives took the male suspect into custody in the City of Jefferson. The male suspect, Vincent M. Dean (33 years of age) of Jefferson, WI was taken into custody at his residence without incident with the assistance of the Jefferson Police Department.
Vincent Dean was confined in the Jefferson County Jail and has been formally charged by the Jefferson County District
Attorney’s Office with the following crimes:
1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child – Intercourse with Person under 12 (5 counts).
Repeated Sexual Assault of Same Child (At least 3 violations of 1st Degree Sexual Assault)
Child Enticement – Sexual Contact
Expose Child to Harmful Material
Exposing Genitals/Pubic Area/Intimate Parts to a Child (2 counts)
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the City of Jefferson Police Department for their assistance in
taking Vincent Dean into custody.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is
presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department on March 4, 2026. It appears that Dean is still in custody with cash bond having been set at $250,000.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
La policía de Whitewater detiene a un sospechoso en una investigación por agresión sexual a
menores
El 13 de febrero de 2026, la policía de la ciudad de Whitewater investigó una denuncia presentada por una víctima menor de edad que afirmaba haber sido agredida sexualmente en repetidas ocasiones por un hombre adulto durante seis años. Se informó que estos incidentes ocurrieron en múltiples ocasiones en la ciudad de Whitewater cuando la víctima menor de edad tenía entre 5 y 11 años. El caso fue transferido a la Oficina de Detectives de Whitewater para su investigación. Los detectives de Whitewater finalmente establecieron causa probable para arrestar al hombre adulto. El 19 de febrero de 2026, los detectives de Whitewater detuvieron al sospechoso en la ciudad de Jefferson. El sospechoso, Vincent M. Dean (33 años), de Jefferson, Wisconsin, fue detenido en su domicilio sin incidentes con la ayuda del Departamento de la Policía de Jefferson.
Vincent Dean fue recluido en la cárcel del condado de Jefferson y ha sido acusado formalmente por la Fiscalía del
Condado de Jefferson de los siguientes delitos:
- Agresión sexual en primer grado a un menor: relaciones sexuales con una persona menor de 12 años (5 cargos).
Agresión sexual repetida al mismo menor (al menos 3 delitos de agresión sexual en primer grado)
Seducción de menores: contacto sexual
Exponer a un menor a material perjudicial - Exponer los genitales, la zona púbica o las partes íntimas a un menor (2 cargos)
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer al Departamento de la Policía de la ciudad de Jefferson
por su ayuda en la detención de Vincent Dean.
Cabe señalar que este caso aún no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia condenatoria, se presume que el
detenido/acusado es inocente de todos los cargos. - Nota del editor: El comunicado de prensa anterior fue recibido del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater el 4 de marzo de 2026. Parece que Dean todavía está bajo custodia, habiéndose fijado una fianza en efectivo de $250,000.
Please scroll down for the video.
We are getting ready to drum into March with our Fairhaven Drum Circle led by Christine Hayes. Whitewater area community members are welcome.
The next drumming dates are Friday, March 6 @ 1:15 p.m. and Thursday, March 19 at 1:15 p.m.
Fairhaven Senior Services, Olm Fellowship Hall, 435 W. Starin Road
We hope you can attend one but we all know you would have a better month if you attended both!
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
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