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The Landmark Commission has produced an episode covering Wisconsin’s Landmark Territorial Burr Oak tree. This episode is especially topical since the City of Whitewater is now wondering what is next for this old, historic, dying tree. Located on the corner of Main and Franklin Streets, this tree was a “Witness Tree,” when Whitewater was first surveyed in the 1800’s. Because of the tree’s impending plight, this episode was produced before releasing Part II of The Whitewater Depot. That episode will be released around the first week of October.
The website link for the Territorial Oak episode is: https://youtu.be/ZKoYMODllCA
For the Landmark Trek Series: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitewaterLandmarks
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater FFA.
The Whitewater FFA Alumni and supporters are hosting our annual cookout on Friday, September 22, from 5-7 p.m. Customers can dine in or go through the convenient drive-through. The cookout will be located at the Whitewater High School greenhouse across from the football field. We will be serving pork loin sandwitches and hotdog plates- which include chips, cookies, and a drink.
Come for a good time with friends and family. Enjoy the amazing atmosphere and support the Whitewater FFA. Bring your friends. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED!
In the 55th edition of the Angel Invitational on Saturday, September 16, the Whippets didn’t disappoint as they came to compete hard and leave it all out on the course. It was the second race of the week for them and the only time this season when the team will do this race combination.
On the girls’ side, the varsity team finished 15th out of 33 teams. Mady Hefty cut over a minute off of her time at this race last year and placed 28th with a time of 21:22. The trio of Nola Coburn, Carley Boudreau, and Athena Soto packed it up well throughout the race with Carley emerging as the team’s second runner on this day to place 81st with a time 22:52, Nola in 82nd with a time of 22:54, and Athena ran a gutsy race as she rolled her ankle in the warm up and brought herself to the finish line in 86th with a time of 23:00. Silvia Harris emerged as the team’s fifth runner today by placing 146th with a time of 25:30, followed closely behind by at the line by Isabella Aranda who placed 147th with a time of 25:32. Lauren Buehler rounded out the top 7 varsity athletes by placing 152nd with a time of 26:16.
The JV girls placed 13th out of 33 teams. Freshman Ema Aranda competed in her 2nd race of the year and paced the team by crossing the line as the first Whippet in 50th with a time of 25:09. Sami Van Daele placed 77th with a time of 26:04. Lucy Troxel placed 95th in 26:59. Payton Brautigam ran faster today than she did on Tuesday on a much more difficult course at Parkside to place 117th with a time of 28:06. Hailey Keltesch ran her personal best time of 30:07 to take 163rd. Danielle DePorter placed 159th in 30:28. Mya Graves-Koran finished 163rd in 30:55.
In the boys’ race, Jack Hefty raised some eyebrows by finishing 3rd overall in a very tough meet. His time of 16:35 is very strong on this course and at this point in the season. Nate Holden and Xavier Zei raced tightly together for much of the race before Nate was able to pull a bit ahead to place 32nd in a time of 17:49. Xavier ran a lifetime best to place 35th in 17:57 on this tough course that features a lot of hills. Miles Nickelsburg crossed the line in 61st in 18:32. Onyx Thompson, Quincy Boudreau, and Andrew O’Toole ran three-wide for much of the race before Onyx unleashed a strong surge near the end of the race to cross the line 121st with a time of 19:43. Quincy came next in 125th in 19:45 and Andrew in 146th with a time of 20:09. The varsity team placed 8th, which is the strongest finish the program has seen in years at this meet.
The JV boys saw the return of Chad Hein who led the team with a 61st place finish with a time of 21:25. Wyatt Esch wasn’t too far behind in 68th with a time of 21:33. Sterling Truesdale kicked the snot out of his time from Tuesday by stopping the clock in 22:38 in 98th place. Parker Genskow was 107th in 22:37. Marcus Roselle gutted out of a tough day to place 113th in 22:50. Gavin LaFlash and Quinton O’Toole finished together placing 126th and 127th with times of 23:10 and 23:12. Isaiah Mendez placed 137th in 23:21. Sam Nickelsburg and Dante Baker duked it out and finished only .7 away from each other in 182nd and 183rd with a time of 25:07. Luc Pomazak stormed home in 25:24, good for 190th. Alex Clarksen took 204th in 26:19. Angel Kilar competed in his first race of the year with a nice sub-30 effort to place 237th with a time of 29:17. The JV team finished 13th out of 33 schools.
Whitewater was recognized at the awards ceremony for having attended this invite for 45 years in a row.
Next up for the Whippets will be the Midwest Invitational in Janesville on Saturday, September 23rd. The first race is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.
Full results: https://wisconsinrunner.com/results/2023/2023angelinvite/
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Please join the fun at the Walworth County Fairgrounds Activity Center on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to Explore 4-H! A variety of hands-on fun activities and the opportunity to meet with members and volunteers will help kids and their families learn about the 4-H programs available. Youth from kindergarten through grade 13 can participate. Whatever you love to do, you can find it in 4-H!
The 1951 Class of Whitewater High School announces that we will hold our 72nd class reunion at the Real MacCoys, N1431 County Road N, Cold Spring, on Saturday, September 23 from 11-1. We hope to see you there. No reservations are necessary, but in case of questions please contact Mary Peiffer at 262-473-2139.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, ranked fourth in the latest D3football.com poll, capped their non-conference slate with a perfect 3-0 record after defeating Mary Hardin-Baylor 17-14 on the road Saturday. The Warhawks had to overcome a lengthy, three-hour delay for the kickoff due to weather.
The Warhawks never trailed in the contest and sealed the win on Thomas Wojnowski’s late interception – his second game-sealing pick this season.
UWW set the tone on their first drive of the game. Christian Crump returned the opening kick 17 yards and the Warhawks proceeded to march 73 yards in nine plays for the first score of the contest. Big plays in the drive included a 17-yard Jason Ceniti to Tommy Coates connection, a 20-yard Ceniti to Nolan Hawk completion and a 16-yard scamper from Tamir Thomas. Thomas hit paydirt to cap the drive punching it in from two yards out for the touchdown. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire made it 7-0 Warhawks with the kick.
That score held until early in the second when the Cru capped an 11-play, 58-yard drive with a quarterback sneak up the middle to knot the game 7-7.
UW-Whitewater responded in the ensuing drive. Tyler Vasey’s 41-yard kick return gave the Warhawks a short field to work with starting the drive near midfield. Alijah Maher-Parr was tapped for the majority of carries in the drive, rushing off the left side of the line for 12-yards and a first down on the second play. A few plays later, Ceniti found Steven Hein for 15-yards down the middle to the UMHB 27 for another new set of downs. Drake Martin hauled in a 10-yard catch to put UWW on the 17 and five plays later Thomas would cross the goal line again for his second touchdown of the day. The kick made it 14-7 UW-Whitewater and the teams would take that score into halftime.
On the other side of the break, UMHB tied the game at 14 capping a drive with a 33-yard touchdown strike.
Once again, UWW had the answer, this time using Isotalo-McGuire’s boot to add to their total as he hit from 46 yards out to give UWW a 17-14 lead.
The rest of the half saw two UMHB drives ended on fumbles recovered by the Warhawks, a punt and finally Wojnowski’s interception with less than 30 seconds remaining.
Ceniti was 11-18 for 98 yards in the game. His favorite target was Coates with three catches in the game. UWW stayed true to their tradition of “Pounding the Rock” registering the majority of yardage on the ground. Thomas posted 11 yards with the pair of touchdowns while Maher Parr added 44 yards rushing.
Defensively, Joey Antonietti led the Warhawks with 13 tackles including two for a loss. Matt Burba registered eight including two for a loss and a sack that pushed the Cru back 13 yards. Roy Panthier forced one of the fumbles and registered the recovery.
The Warhawks will enjoy a well-deserved week off before returning to the gridiron for Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The first league game is slated for September 30 at UW-Oshkosh.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Library Community Room 431 West Center,
Whitewater, Wi, 53190 *In Person and Virtual
Monday, September 18, 2023 – 6:30 PM
Library Meeting
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
Passcode: 137945
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
- Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
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AGENDA
- Monday, September 18, 2023 6:30 p.m.
Our Mission: We will have the space and the stuff to do the things that you want
Our Values: Safe & welcoming; Trust; Diversity; Fun; Lifelong learning and creativity;
Making connections; Service excellence
CALL TO ORDER
Library Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda September 18, 2023 Page 2
ROLL CALL
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the Consent Agenda will be approved together unless any committee member requests that an
item be removed for individual consideration. - Approval of Minutes of August 21, 2023
- Acknowledgment of Receipt of Financial Reports
- Approval of Payment of Invoices
- Acknowledgment of Receipt of Statistical Report
- Acknowledgment of Receipt of Treasurer’s Report
HEARING OF CITIZEN COMMENTS
No formal Committee action will be taken during this meeting although issues raised may become a part
of a future agenda. Participants are allotted a three minute speaking period. Specific items listed on the
agenda may not be discussed at this time; however, citizens are invited to speak to those specific issues
at the time the Committee discusses that particular item.
To make a comment during this period, or during any agenda item: On a computer or handheld device,
locate the controls on your computer to raise your hand. You may need to move your mouse to see
these controls. On a traditional telephone, dial *6 to unmute your phone and dial *9 to raise your
hand.
OLD BUSINESS - 1. Review and Approval of the Second Draft revision of the Circulation Policy
NEW BUSINESS - 1. Discussion of Possible Change to Library Board Meeting Start Time
CONSIDERATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / REPORTS - The report includes: facility maintenance, budget updates, if any; staff updates, if any;
collection maintenance updates; public and community relations activities; library board
relations, if any; meetings/webinars/trainings attended; strategic plan activities updates,
if any. - The report includes upcoming programs, programs already presented, attendance at said
programs, and what meetings/trainings/webinars were attended. - The report includes upcoming programs, programs already presented, attendance at said
programs, and what meetings/trainings/webinars were attended. - The report includes upcoming programs, programs already presented, attendance at said
programs, and what meetings/trainings/webinars were attended.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - EnterTextHere
Library Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda September 18, 2023 Page 3 - October 16, 2023, ?:??
ADJOURNMENT
Anyone requiring special arrangements is asked to call the Library Director (262-473-0530) at least 72
hours prior to the meeting.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth County.
Fort Atkinson, WI – September 13, 2023 –The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth County is kicking off the 2023 campaign with a shoe donation valued at over $20,000. The shoe donation consists of 200 pairs of Nike Air shoes ranging in sizes from 5 toddlers up to size 7 youth. These shoes will be donated to local schools and organizations throughout the community. The goal of this program is to help break down barriers to learning, United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Ellis-Bols stated, “If a child is cold, hungry, or tired, they won’t be able to learn in the classroom, no matter how engaging the teacher is. So, if we can fulfill some of those basic needs, they will be ready to learn when they come to school.”
This year’s campaign theme is “United in Building a STRONGER Community TOGETHER”. The organization we know today as the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties was organized on August 9, 1943, as the War and Community Chest of Fort Atkinson. In 1963, it became known as the United Fund of Fort Atkinson and became the “United Way” in the early 1970’s. In 1992, The United Way expanded into the surrounding communities of Jefferson and Whitewater. Ten years later, The United Way of Watertown merged to create the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties. Today, the service area of our local United Way is comprised of the communities of Fort Atkinson, Johnson Creek, Helenville, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, Waterloo, Watertown, and Whitewater where over 90,000 individuals reside. Furthermore, our United Way works with an average of thirty partner agencies which provide various health and human services to over 75,000 individuals in our community.
| “We’re excited to be hosting several new events and outreach opportunities throughout our county,” states Ellis-Bols, “We are hoping to participate in signature events in each locale to spread awareness of the United Way’s mission and our continued dedication to serving the community.” One such event will be the new BINGO nights offered at The Real MacCoys in Whitewater on the 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month, starting September 19th, 6-8pm. There will be a number of great prizes and cash jackpots available for bingo winners, including Stanley tumblers, coolers, portable wine glasses, gift certificates and much more. Ellis-Bols added “We know it has been a difficult year for many small businesses, so we are incredibly grateful that The Real MacCoys is generously offering this opportunity to our organization and donating some prizes beyond that. We feel fortunate to be involved and hope to have a great crowd join us on Tuesdays!” More information can be found via the Facebook invite for “Bingo at The Real MacCoys” and anyone with any questions can contact Ellis (920.563.8880) or The Real MacCoys (920.568.8988) directly. |
The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties’ mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities. We do that by providing support to community programs, projects and local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need. This network of helping services can be described as a “safety net” for those in our midst in need. Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end of life care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in our community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.
For more information about our local United Way, you may visit the website at www.uwjnwc.com or “like” the Facebook page at “United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.” For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, please visit www.volunteermain.com.
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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