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In warm and sunny conditions, the Whitewater Whippets competed with everything they had and came away with the best team finishes in recent memory at the massive Janesville Midwest Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, September 23. This event boasts over 50 teams from Wisconsin and surrounding states and showcases numerous teams and athletes that will be competing at their respective state meets in about five weeks.
The boys’ varsity team kicked things off first with a bang as the team secured a solid 25th-place finish overall led by Jack Hefty. Jack crossed the line in 16th out of 325 finishers with a new lifetime best of 16:11 for 5000 meters. His place afforded him a medal at this prestigious event. Also running particularly well on this day for varsity was Nate Holden who placed 49th with a new lifetime best of 16:52. Xavier Zei also ran a new lifetime best with a time of 17:51, strong enough for 141st overall.
The JV athletes all competed in the “white race” and were led by Isaiah Mendez who had a massive time drop and ran his new lifetime best of 21:36. Isaiah placed 43rd in this strong field. Also having a particularly strong day was Alex Clarksen who was not far off his lifetime best he set earlier this season and ran 25:35. Angel Kilar was even closer to his lifetime best by a mere 3 seconds and placed 365th. Collectively as a JV squad, the team placed 15th out of 33 complete teams.
The girls’ varsity was led by Mady Hefty who led the team to a 29th-place finish overall. She placed 83rd with a time of 20:44. Athena Soto placed 117th in 21:33. Carley Boudreau was just a few seconds off her lifetime best and ran 22:15, placing 164th. Ema Aranda debuted on varsity for the first time and was the team’s 5th runner with a new lifetime best of 24:27, strong enough for 231st place.
The JV athletes were led by Lucy Troxel who ran a new lifetime best of 25:55 and did so in tremendous fashion by placing 24th, which earned her a medal. Not far behind was Sami Van Daele who also just squeaked inside the medals by placing 29th in 26:11. The JV team placed 20th overall.
Next up for the team will be a race in Platteville on Saturday, September 30th. The first race is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hefty
“It Ain’t Over”
Tuesday, September 26, 1 p.m.
(Sports/Documentary)
Rated PG. 1 hour, 39 minutes. (2022)
An intimate portrait, and emotional and uplifting documentary, that takes us beyond the caricature and “Yogi-isms,” and into the heart and personality of one of baseball’s most beloved legends, on and off the field: Yogi Berra.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Monday, September 25, 2023
Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
– Passcode: 231234
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 810 0241 0083
– Passcode: 231234
Closed Session
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– Passcode: 214996
- Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
- Webinar ID: 862 6040 3948
– Passcode: 214996
PUBLIC NOTICE: The meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those Board members and individuals
unable to attend in-person. If you require special accommodations to fully participate, please notify the
School Board Secretary by phone (262) 472-8702 or in writing at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time.
The time estimates noted for agenda items are for informational purposes only and may not be
reflective of actual discussion during the meeting.
- CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL (6:30 PM)
- ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
A. Adjourn into closed session, pursuant to the provisions of 19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats., considering employment, promotion,
compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or
exercises responsibility; specifically, to review the Superintendent evaluation. (Action Item) - OPEN SESSION (7:00 PM)
A. Reconvene into open session, pursuant to §19.85(2), Wis. Stats., for possible action on any matter discussed in closed
session. (Action Item) - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Action Item)
- ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS – 5 MINUTES
A. Wisconsin School Board Week Proclamation – October 1-7, 2023 - STUDENT REPORTS – 5 MINUTES
A. Whitewater Student Council Report – Andrea Alcala and Emilia Houwers, Whitewater High School - PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Citizens may speak regarding items not on the agenda under Public Comments, but no School
Board action will be taken. Issues raised may become a part of a future agenda. AGENDA ITEMS: Citizens may speak
regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. Participants are allotted a three minute
speaking period. - SPECIAL REPORTS AND/OR ACTION
A. Annual Multilingual Services Programming Update – Melania Argueta Borchert, Multilingual Services Coordinator – 15
MINUTES
B. Phone Purchase – John Houwers, Director of Technology (Action Item) – 15 MINUTES - PERSONNEL REPORT (Action Items) – 5 MINUTES
A. Resignation – CERTIFIED – Science Teacher, High School
B. Transfer – SUPPORT TO CERTIFIED – Science Teacher, High School - SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS – None
- BUSINESS OFFICE REPORTS – 10 MINUTES
A. Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment - CONSENT AGENDA (Action Item) – 5 MINUTES
A. Minutes Approval of Regular Meeting – August 28, 2023
B. Minutes Approval of Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Negotiations Joint Meeting with the City of Whitewater Common
Council – September 11, 2023
C. 2nd Reading of Policies: 251, Job Descriptions; 445, Student Interviews with Outside Agency Personnel; NEW – 445-Rule,
Student Interview with Outside Agency Personnel Procedures; 521.1, Board-Staff Communications; 751.1-Rule (2), Unusual
Hazards Transportation Plan; 870, Public Complaints; 870-Rule, Public Complaint Procedures
D. Voucher Approval – August 2023 - UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None
- NEW BUSINESS (Action Items) – 10 MINUTES
A. Donation of $1,000 from Schenck Process LLC for Ferradermis
B. Donation of $1,500 from Walmart for Ferradermis
C. Donation of $2,000 from the UW-Whitewater Community Optimist Club for the Family Emergency Fund
D. Donation of $2,500 from MicroPrecision for Ferradermis - BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
A. Board Engagement Opportunities - ADJOURN
The Whippet Volleyball Team honored our seniors at the home match against East Troy on Thursday, September 21. Meg Roselle, Emmanuella Mbifi, Marina Linos, and Aidyn Amundson were honored for their 4 years of volleyball dedication to the program. Giulia Ristagno is also a senior foreign exchange student from Italy.
Each one of the seniors were honored by a speech from their fellow teammates and a personal message from their coach. We wanted to honor them by sharing how much they will be missed:
Aidyn,
Your drive to be the best teammate you can be, even when faced with adversity and injury is inspiring. You lead by example, a true attribute of leadership. You have supported your team to achieve all they can, and given perspective about not taking this great opportunity of playing volleyball for granted. You will be so missed, but we know you are off to do BIG things!
Manny,
You are such a student of the game! You soak in every ounce of information and put it into practice. You give 100%, and lead by your work ethic. You are kind, encouraging, and the best example of a positive teammate. You will be missed!
Marina,
You want more for your team to do well than anything else- the true definition of selfless leader! To watch you encourage your teammates, and push yourself to be better for them, is such an inspiring example for our program. You have stepped up, and led with poise. You should be so proud of all you have accomplished, you will be so missed!
Meg,
Your energy, honesty, and leadership will be so missed! You know what our team needs to be focused, get better, and be there for one another. You set this example every day in team meetings and at practice. You strive to make yourself and those around you better both on and off the court! You will be so missed!
Giulia.
Your smile lights up a room! Our time together has been short, but we are so glad you chose to play volleyball! It still makes me smile when I think of your first time going in the game- Coach looked at you and said you would be going in and you smiled, and then shook your head NO! But, you overcame your fear and went in the game and passed perfectly! Never doubt your abilities!
While we couldn’t pull out a win on Senior Night, that doesn’t diminish how proud we are of each of these seniors. We wish them the best of luck in all they do!
Article and Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed at home against Platteville/Lancaster and Badger on Tuesday, September 19. Our athletes showed up to compete as many obtained personal best times for the season. We also want to note that a majority of the team took on new and challenging events.
Like her fellow teammates, Makayla Bazeley shows up to compete. In the 200 Freestyle, Makayla placed 1st by over 8 seconds with a time of 2:02.52. And in the 100 Butterfly, she placed 1st with a time of 1:00.17.
Lucy Davis went 3 of 4 best times in her events. In the 100 Backstroke, Lucy dropped 15 seconds off her time from last year. She continues to get stronger in the 200 IM despite it being one of her least favorite events.
Emerson Dunham beat out the Platteville/Lancaster swimmer in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:24.56. She had an impressive split in the 400 Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:05.24.
Georgia Esch competed in the 100 Butterfly for the first time in her swim career. Not only is this a difficult race, but Georgia completed it with an impressive time of 1:47.35.
Sanibel Fox-Simes earned herself a best time in the 100 Freestyle. She continues to gets faster and faster every week in the 100 Freestyle. We are looking forward to what next week has in store for her!
Charlotte Hajewski sang her heart out in the National Anthem and it was beautiful! She competed in the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. Charlotte earned herself a best time in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:24.08.
Maggie Maas went a best time in the 50 (30.01) and 500 (6:41.05) Freestyle. Maggie is very close to earning herself a spot on the Under 30 Club for the 50 Freestyle. We are excited to see her make the list this season!
Marijose Verduzco continues to take on new and challenging events. She completed in the 500 Freestyle where she earned herself an impressive time of 8:56.04. Marijose had a best time in the 50 Freestyle as well.
Atreya Wilson competed in the 100 Freestyle where she dropped 11 seconds. She is now the proud owner of a new time of 1:19.08. She continues to swim a strong 100 Breaststroke.
Zoe Zei willingly took on the 500 Freestyle for the second time this season. Within a week, Zoe dropped 15 seconds in this event. This is impressive to say the least!
The Swim Team is back in Whippet territory on Tuesday, September 26 against Jefferson/Cambridge. We hope to see you all there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is honored to host “The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” by Iva Sidash, which features photos of buildings now scarred by full-scale war in Ukraine. In each image lies memories of the past, bringing awareness of the families, friends, and stories of what these now destroyed walls once held. Sidash’s work has been part of group exhibits in Kyiv, Paris, Berlin, and elsewhere, but this will be her first solo exhibit.
The exhibit opens on Sept. 25 and will be on display until Oct. 20. There will be an artist reception on Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., which includes an artist talk with Sidash, an audience Q&A, and an open house with refreshments.
“The Wall: Witness to the War in Ukraine” is a collection of photographs taken in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. These photographs depict burned homes and fragments of walls. This exhibit invites the audience to reflect on these scorched remnants and what they once represented. Sidash’s photographs are symbolic of what has been done to the people who lived within the walls. Sidash says, “Now all Ukrainians are like those walls, burned by war, covered with scars, and forever changed.”
Sidash is a Ukrainian documentary photographer based in Lviv who has been covering the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine since its beginning in 2022. Before the invasion, Sidash was a finalist in the International Fujifilm Moment Street Photo Awards, and her work has been exhibited in France, Germany, and Spain. Sidash uses her own visual language to connect viewers with the trauma of war in Ukraine. Sidash says, “I found this language in a series of artistic photographs. I believe it is necessary to talk about the war in all possible languages.”
Sidash will participate in a UW-Whitewater History Department public event on Monday, Sept. 25, with visiting photography scholar Abigail Lewis of the University of Notre Dame at 7 p.m. in Summers Auditorium in the University Center. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Lewis will introduce Sidash at the exhibit reception at Roberta’s Art Gallery.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. During the academic year, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries and follow our Instagram at uww_rag.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
Chad Lewis will visit the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. to tell the Bizarre History of Wisconsin. Filled with strange deaths, ghosts and spirits, sea serpents, peculiar people, medical anomalies, oddities, psychic phenomena, and UFOs, this presentation will certainly change the way you view the good ol’ days of Wisconsin. Adults and teens are welcome to attend this free event.
Chad Lewis is a paranormal researcher and author for Unexplained Research. Chad holds a Master’s of Science degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Chad had trekked across the world in search of the paranormal. From tracking vampires in Transylvania and chasing the Chupacabras in Puerto Rico, to searching for the elusive monster in Loch Ness, and pursuing ghosts in Ireland’s castles, Chad brings over 18 years of research experience to his presentations.
The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782.
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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