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Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Pride.
Whitewater’s third annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family friendly celebration takes place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.
The Pride Rally will include activities for children, adults, and even the family pets, all in support of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors with a focus on high school and college students. The events include music, performances, more than 30 vendors, and several food trucks. Speakers include City Manager John Weidl, UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King, WUSD Associate Principal Nathan O’Shaughnessy, and Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Family Equality Kim Simes, who will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement locally and nationally.
“For the third year, Whitewater Pride is creating a jubilant safe space for our community to truly celebrate their unique selves,” Camden Harlan, an English teacher and co-advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance at Whitewater High School, said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our city, local businesses, schools, and community members. With their advocacy and agency, we will continue to provide events throughout the year where the LGBTQ+ community and Allies can come together and know just how loved and appreciated they are.”
Whitewater Pride T-shirts will be on sale at the event for $15. These black and white T-shirts bear the Whitewater Pride logo, designed by UW-Whitewater student, Maddy Albanese. Colored markers will be available to individualize the shirts on site.
Volunteers from Creative and Resourceful Educator (CARE), a UW-Whitewater student group, will lead children’s activities. LGBTQ+ friendly children’s books will be on display from the Irvin L. Young Public Library. Adults and children can enjoy reading, games, and face painting in the children’s corner. Deanna Rolfsmeyer, the Children’s Librarian, will be available to help with book suggestions and to read books.
Your pets are also invited to attend and participate in the second annual Pride Pet Costume contest. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event. For the safety of your pets and others, please make sure all pets are leashed and comfortable with crowds.
This year, Whitewater Pride is proud to announce official sponsors of the event who have contributed financially to help support Whitewater Pride’s events including the Pride Rally. This year’s sponsors are: The Coburn family, Generac – Pride Berg, Fort Community Credit Union, Whitewater Unites Lives, BaristaCats Café, Whitewater Cinemas, Whitewater Grocery Co, and Fort Healthcare.
“These community partners are not only providing financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they are also standing proud with our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. This statement of support reinforces the values of our communities that all are welcomed, valued, and embraced,” Kim Simes said.
Others wishing to support Whitewater Pride can visit whitewaterpride.org to become a Sponsor or Donor.
Event partners are Whitewater High School Gay-Straight Alliance, the Pride Center at UW-Whitewater, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, the City of Whitewater, and Whitewater League of Women Voters.
For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department.
Whitewater, WI – October 13, 2023 – On Friday, September 15, 2023 at 4:29 p.m., officers of the Whitewater Police Department responded to the Whitewater McDonald’s located at 1069 W. Main Street, after a group of juveniles reported an unknown female had yelled at them and brandished a concealed firearm. At one point, the suspect set the firearm down on a table with the barrel pointed in the direction of the juveniles. Officers were able to verify the events reported after reviewing surveillance footage. Officers determined that the female, as well as a male accompanying her, had handled the firearm. Ultimately, officers identified the suspects as Kya Hines, 19, and Trevor Barnes, 21, both of Elkhorn. Barnes was determined to have a prior felony conviction and was therefore disqualified from lawfully possessing a firearm.
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Whitewater Search Warrant Response Team (SRT) executed two separate search warrants, with support from Whitewater EMS and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Hines and Barnes were taken into custody during the first search warrant, and Barnes’ residence was searched during the second search warrant. At the time of the arrest, Hines and Barnes were in possession of a large amount of ammunition and five firearms, four of which were determined to have been stolen.
The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Hines for the following crimes: Disorderly Conduct – Use of a Dangerous Weapon (Wis. Stat. 947.01), Intentionally Point Firearm at Person (Wis Stat. 941.20(1)(c)), Straw Purchasing of Firearm (Wis. Stat. 941.2905(1)), and Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Wis. Stat. 941.23(2)). The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Barnes with the following crime: Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Wis Stat. 941.29(1m)(a)) (6 counts).
Further investigation into Hines and Barnes uncovered additional criminal activity that had occurred outside the City of Whitewater, including a burglary to a Walworth County residence as well as vandalism to, and theft from, multiple DNR cash deposit boxes. All information regarding those crimes was forwarded to agencies with proper jurisdiction.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.
La Policía de Whitewater realiza arrestos en caso que involucra una arma de fuego mostrada.
Whitewater, WI – 13 de octubre de 2023 – El viernes 15 de septiembre de 2023 a las 4:29 pm, los oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater respondieron al McDonald ‘s de Whitewater ubicado en 1069 W. Main Street, después de que un grupo de jóvenes informara que una mujer desconocida les había gritado y sacado un arma de fuego oculta. En un momento dado, la sospechosa colocó el arma en una mesa apuntando el cañón en dirección a los jóvenes. Los oficiales pudieron verificar los eventos reportados después de revisar las imágenes de vigilancia. Los oficiales determinaron que la mujer, así como un hombre que la acompañaba, habían manipulado el arma de fuego. Finalmente, los oficiales identificaron a los sospechosos como Kya Hines, de 19 años, y Trevor Barnes, de 21 años, ambos de Elkhorn. Se determinó que Barnes tenía una condena previa por delito grave y por lo tanto estaba descalificado para poseer legalmente un arma de fuego.
El jueves 21 de septiembre de 2023, el Equipo de Respuesta a Órdenes de Registro de Whitewater (SRT) ejecutó dos órdenes de registro separadas, con el apoyo del Servicio de Emergencias Médicas de Whitewater y la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Walworth. Hines y Barnes fueron arrestados durante la primera orden de registro, y la residencia de Barnes fue registrada durante la segunda orden de registro. En el momento del arresto, Hines y Barnes estaban en posesión de una gran cantidad de municiones y cinco armas de fuego, cuatro de las cuales se determinó que habían sido robadas.
La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Walworth ha acusado formalmente a Hines por los siguientes delitos: Conducta Desordenada – Uso de un Arma Peligrosa (Wis. Stat. 947.01), Intención de Apuntar con un Arma de Fuego a Persona (Wis Stat. 941.20( 1) (c)), Compra Ficticia de Armas de Fuego (Wis. Stat.
941.2905(1)), y Porte de Arma Oculta (Wis. Stat. 941.23(2)). La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Walworth también ha acusado formalmente a Barnes por el siguiente delito: Posesión de Arma de Fuego por un Delincuente (Wis Stat. 941.29(1m)(a)) (6 cargos).
Investigaciones adicionales sobre Hines y Barnes descubrieron actividades delictivas adicionales que habían ocurrido fuera de la Ciudad de Whitewater, incluido un robo a una residencia en el Condado de Walworth, así como vandalismo y robo de múltiples cajas de depósito de efectivo de DNR. Toda la información sobre esos
delitos fue remitida a las agencias con jurisdicción adecuada.
Se señala que este caso no ha sido concluido. A menos que se pronuncie un juicio de condena, se presume que los acusados son inocentes de todos los cargos.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI).
The short answer is no. Despite extensive research a cure has not been found; however, some progress has been made. A class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors have been found to help some patients. Another drug called Lecanemab, can prevent amyloid clumps from forming in the brain and is appropriate for early stage Alzheimer’s patients and mild cognitive impairment. Research continues.
Drugs have significant side effects. In addition patients who take several medications should always be aware of drug interaction. Your pharmacist is a good source of information and can help sort out side effects from drug interactions.
Aricept is the best known of the cholinesterase inhibitors. It is taken as a daily pill and is approved to treat all stages of the disease. Other versions are approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, sleep problems, depression, hallucinations or agitation. The side effects sound frightening but many patients have no problems and few have serious problems.
Lecanemab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023. A phase 3 clinical trial found that the medicine slowed cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. The medicine prevents amyloid plaques in the brain from clumping. The phase 3 trial was the largest so far to study whether clearing clumps of amyloid plaques from the brain can slow the disease.
Lecanemab is given as an IV infusion every two weeks. Side effects can include fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in heart rate and shortness of breath. Rarely, people taking Lecanemab may have swelling in the brain or may get small bleeds in the brain. The FDA recommends getting a brain MRI before starting treatment and also recommends being monitored with brain MRIs during treatment for symptoms of brain swelling or bleeding. The cost of this drug, infusion and the need for frequent MRI’s may price it out of reach of many patients.
There is quite a bit of interest in CBD oil for treating symptoms of dementia. CBD is one of many chemicals found in marijuana and does not produce a high. Currently there is one CBD product that is approved by the FDA, but for epilepsy, not dementia. Epidiolex is a prescription cannabidiol (CBD) oil and is considered an effective anti-seizure medication. Further research is needed to determine CBD’s other benefits and safety. Studies are underway for its application for treating Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, diabetes, anxiety and dementia.
For more information on medications for dementia, click here
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-alzheimers-disease-treated
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors In The Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New members are always welcome! Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The department has indicated that it is not necessary to be a Rock County resident in order to participate.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer a Snowmobile Safety Education Course on November 11, 2023, at the Edgerton Conservation Club located in Racetrack Park, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety Education Course in order to legally operate a snowmobile in places open to the public within the State of Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly following completion of the class.
Snowmobile Safety Education Course – Class #1 Is November 11 – $10
Mandatory Registration: October 24, at 6:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class: November 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Online enrollment is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/snowmobile-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the online enrollment form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with information on the mandatory in-person registration meeting. A class fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the in-person registration meeting. The student and a parent or legal guardian if the student is underage must attend the mandatory registration meeting in order for the student to take the course. Students will receive course materials at the in-person registration meeting. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us
Whitewater High School hosted the Rock Valley Conference Cross Country Meet at UW-Whitewater on Thursday, October 12th, and absolutely shined on what was a cloudy rainy afternoon.
The varsity boys got things going first with Jack Hefty claiming his first individual conference championship in cross country. Jack battled with the top runner from Monroe for much of the race before pulling away with 1000 meters to go and was simply all gas at that point. He was the only runner to break 17 on this challenging course to stop the clock at 16:58. Nate Holden took advantage of the top Monroe runner faltering late in the race and passed him with 850 meters to go. Nate never looked back to claim third overall with a time of 17:36. These two earned first team all-conference honors for finishing in the top 8. With two runners in the stable, the team was riding high. Miles Nickelsburg ran lights out and took 9th overall with his best race of the season yet. He stopped the clock in 17:53. Not to be outdone, Xavier Zei took 2nd team all-conference honors as well by placing 15th with a time of 18:25. Onyx Thompson accelerated through the field late taking 44th and completed the team total of 72 points. Quincy Boudreau and Andrew O’Toole ran gutsy races to wrap up the Whippet finishers and placed 51st and 54th overall. These two ran 20:26 and 20:39. The team gave Monroe everything they had and caused them to be nervous. The cheers that the Monroe fan base let out at the awards ceremony indicated as such. Monroe took the title with 65 points, just 7 ahead of Whitewater. The team improved on its third-place finish from a year ago.
The varsity girls competed next with a slightly different look as the usual top runner, Mady Hefty, was unable to race today. This decision was made as a cautionary measure due to an injury with hopes of having her on the starting line at sectionals next Saturday. Nola Coburn assumed the number one position for the team as the top Whippet finisher. Nola ran a strong, smart race and sliced her way through the field and finished just outside first team all-conference, placing 9th overall. This was a very strong race for her! Nola’s time was 21:54. Athena Soto earned an honorable mention all-conference honor and placed 17th in 22:20. Carley Boudreau earned honorable mention all RVC honors by placing 23rd in her first year of cross country. Her time was 22:49. Ema Aranda and Sami Van Daele were the next two Whippets to cross the line in 44th and 45th with times of 25:43 and 25:50. The next two girls to get to the line were Bella Aranda and Silvia Harris in 48th and 49th with times of 26:11 and 26:23. The team raced with courage and toughness and came away with a fifth place finish out of 11 teams with a point total of 122.
The JV boys were led by Isaac Straight who had a great day and stopped the clock at 20:36, good enough for 7th overall. Wyatt Esch wasn’t far behind and placed 9th in 21:06. Isaiah Mendez really poured it on late in the race and placed 12th with a time of 21:12, good enough for a 25 second season best time improvement. Marcus Roselle ran a great race for 29th in 22:12. Quinton O’Toole and Parker Genskow were together much of the race but saw Quinton ahead at the end with a 37th place finish over Parker’s 41st position. Gavin LaFlash finished in 47th. Sam Nickelsburg placed 55th. Luc Pomazak and Angel Kilar ran significant personal bests today with Luc shaving 25 seconds off his season best and Angel cutting four and a half minutes off his previous season’s best on this day. Wow! Alex Clarksen placed 61st and cut 5 seconds off his season best time, Dante Baker was 63rd, and Sterling Truesdale finished 67th. Like the varsity boys, the JV squad placed 2nd overall with a point total of 82 points.
The JV girls were paced by Lucy Troxel who placed 23rd with a time of 27:04. Payton Brautigam easily ran the best race of her season and cut nearly a minute off her previous best and placed 25th in 27:17. Haley Keltesch ran a lifetime best and placed 32nd in 29:37. Danielle DePorter ran her second best time of the season in her final race in a Whippet uniform to place 36th in 31:31. Taiya Kolb completed the JV scoring as the team’s fifth runner in 37th with a new season best of 32:42. The girls team placed third overall with 85 points.
Full Results: https://my.raceresult.com/265906/
The team will now shift their focus to the WIAA Division 2 Sectional meet hosted at UW-Parkside on Saturday, October 21st. The varsity boys will race first at 12:25 and the girls will follow at 1:10. The top 2 teams and the top 5 individuals not on those two teams will earn a trip to the WIAA State Meet the following weekend.
Go, Whippets!
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Volleyball team lost to Johnson Creek in 4 sets (25-16, 23-25, 16-25, 16-25) on Thursday, October 12.
Whitewater came out strong in the first set and took charge from behind the service line, accumulating 24 aces on the night, with Ella Spear picking up 11 of those aces, and winning the first set. Ella really has been working hard on her serving game, and tonight she came out on fire. Eleven aces on the night is an outstanding stat. She also has been dialing in to making sure she is leading in her defensive play!
Unfortunately, we couldn’t hold the momentum from the first set and lost the next three.
Statistical leaders on the night included Calli Grosinske with a double-double with 13 kills, 3 aces, 13 digs, and 2 blocks, Ella Spear with a double-double with 11 aces and 11 digs, Emmanuella Mbifi with 4 kills and 2 blocks, Zoe Kohl with 11 digs, and Marina Linos with 13 assists and 4 aces.
Zoe Kohl has really been working hard to refine her defense. She is asking great questions, and working hard each day in practice. It has been great to see her dig stat improve with double digits tonight!
Whitewater will travel to Stoughton for their first regional match up at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 17.
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is partnering with the UW-Whitewater student organization, Latinos Unidos, for a family craft night to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Dia de los Muertos. The public is invited to this free event on Wednesday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Several craft activities will be offered and snacks will be provided.
Accompañenos a crear artes y oficos con los estudiantes de la Organizacion de UWW, Latinos Unidos! Estamos celebrando el mes de La Hispana Cultura y el Dia de Los Muertos. Habra antojitos.Todas las edades beinvenidas.
The event will be held in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration.
Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.
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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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