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Today is Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.
Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
Source: Wikipedia
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Whitewater headed to West Allis to compete in the 52nd annual Bulldog Invite hosted by West Allis Central on Friday, September 1st at McCarty Park. Under sunny skies with temperatures around 80 degrees and a mild breeze, the Whippets performed very well rubbing elbows with schools much larger than ours. Nearly all the athletes ran faster than they did a week ago at Alumni!
In the girls’ varsity race, the team was once again led by Mady Hefty who started a little back in the field but sliced her way to a 25th place finish with a season best time of 21:51 and finished with a medal. Athena Soto, Carley Boudreau, and Nola Coburn packed up nicely gaining confidence together, and rolled through the course to finish in 45th, 47th, and 48th places, respectively. Their times were 22:42, and a tie at 22:57 for both Carley and Nola in a battle to the finish line. Lauren Buehler and Silvia Harris ran solid races to finish in 82nd and 83rd. They stopped the clock at 25:38 and 25:42. Isabella rounded out the 7 varsity runners by placing 98th in 27:28. Overall the team finished 10th out of 14 complete teams. The JV team was led by Sami Van Daele to place 50th in 26:39. The JV team placed 8th overall out of 14 complete teams.
The boys’ race featured Jack Hefty sharing the lead with another runner for much of the race before both boys were overtaken by the eventual winner. Jack blitzed to the finish to outkick his opponent and place 2nd overall with a time of 16:54. Nate Holden placed 10th in 17:36. Xavier Zei came across as the team’s third runner to take 21st in a time of 18:28. Miles Nickelsburg rounded out the medalist for the team by placing 29th in 18:46. Quincy Boudreau came across the line in 68th with a time of 20:11 for a big improvement from last week. The final varsity runner was Onyx Thompson in 87th with a time of 20:50. The varsity team placed 3rd overall with 17th complete teams. In the JV race, Andrew O’Toole led the team with a top 10 finish to take 9th with a time of 20:02. Wyatt Esch secured a medal by placing in the top 30 with a new personal best of 20:52 and placed 24th. The JV team finished in 7th with 18 complete teams in this event.
The team will take a week off from racing next week to get some good practices in before lacing up their spikes again to compete in the Marshall Invite on Tuesday, September 12th.
Full results can be found here: http://milesplit.live/meets/563696
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hefty
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is starting a new program, Baby Play Date, for children ages 0 to 24 months and their caregivers. Read books, sing songs and rhymes, and participate in playtime perfect for baby’s development! Babies will build social and literacy skills, vocabulary, and more. The group will meet every other Thursday at 9:30 a.m. starting on September 7. There is no cost or registration and older siblings are welcome to attend.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of the library’s events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30
Municipal building, 312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes first reading of ordinance concerning short-term rentals, convenient cash businesses, right of entry for inspection, building & maintenance code and dwelling standards; second reading of revision to portions of the zoning code dealing with code enforcement, building standards and penalties.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84471937728?pwd=YlFVWFRCdnZEcnplSlRDZ0xHUmRWZz09
Or dial
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 844 7193 7728 Passcode: 529326
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront Room
Agenda
Please click on this link to join the webinar.
No. 11 Warhawk Football Picks Up Thrilling Win at No. 19 John Carroll
Editor’s note: This was Jace Rindahl’s first game as UW-W’s head coach.
By Angela Kelm
UW-W Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 11 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team opened the 2023 campaign with a thrilling 27-23 comeback win over No. 19 John Carroll in University Heights, Ohio Saturday afternoon.
The Warhawks started the opening drive from their own 25 after a touchback and moved the ball to the John Carroll 38 over the next eight plays. That’s where the drive stalled and UWW turned the ball over on downs.
The Blue Streaks capitalized marching down the field and capping a seven-play drive with a 32-yard passing touchdown to take the early lead. After a missed extra point, JCU led 6-0 at the 9:15 mark. That score held well into the second quarter.
Parker Breunig jumped a passing lane for the interception midway through the second to give the ball back to Alec Ogden and the Warhawk offense. He found Tommy Coates for seven yards on the first play before UWW went to the ground game. The tandem of AlijahMaher-Parr and Tamir Thomas from the backfield drove the Warhawks down to the JCU 11. A 42-yard scamper by Maher-Parr bolstered the drive and helped set up a 28-yard field goal from Jeff Isotalo-McGuire to make it 6-3.
John Carroll responded, using a 50-yard run to open the next drive to set up a touchdown to take a 13-3 lead into the intermission. On the other side of the break, the offenses were on display.
The Warhawks pulled closer with their first drive of the second half. Ogden spread the ball around hitting Drake Martin twice for 13 yards, then Coates for 12, then Nick Wind for 12 before dropping a perfect pass into the hands of Steven Hein for the 37-yard score. Isotalo-McGuire hit the extra point to pull UWW within three, 13-10.
The Blue Streaks pushed the lead back to six, 16-10 with a field goal in the ensuing drive, but the Warhawk offense was clicking and took their first lead in the game in their next possession.
The big play of the drive was a 46-yard rush on 3rd-and-1 from Ogden as he crossed the goal line for the touchdown. Isotalo-McGuire’s extra point gave UWW the lead 17-16 with 6:19 on the clock in the third.
The fourth quarter saw the offenses continue to surge as Isotalo-McGuire hit another field goal, this one from 24 yards out just two plays into the final period to make it 20-16 UWW.
John Carroll put together an extended 10-play scoring drive in their next possession. A short four-yard pass was the one that hit paydirt for the Blue Streaks as JCU reclaimed the lead 23-20 with 8:47 remaining.
The John Carroll defense stiffened and forced a punt after just 1:47 ticked off the clock. The Warhawk defense responded in kind forcing a three-and-out to give the ball back to the offense. The JCU punt went out of bounds at the UWW 15 as the Warhawk offense took over with 4:45 left.
UW-Whitewater put together one of their best drives of the day in their next possession. Ogden found Hein for nine yards to open the drive before Thomas went off the right side of the line for six more and a first down. Coates hauled in an 18-yard catch from Ogden to take the Warhawks near midfield. On 3rd-and-10, the Ogden-Coates connection was clutch again to keep the drive going with a 14-yard strike.
Thomas took the next two carries up the middle for 15 yards. After no gain on the next play, Ogden hit Hein for 11-yards and another first down at the JCU12. Maher-Parr picked up one more yard before Ogden went back to the air.
The first-year Warhawk took the snap out of the shotgun, surveyed and picked Wind as his target drifting deep into the left side of the endzone. The high-arced pass narrowly made it over the outstretched arms of the Blue Streak defensive back as he leapt in an attempt to tip the ball away. Wind had to make an acrobatic catch as he nearly laid out to get his right hand on the ball, tipping it up as he gained footing before hauling in the catch with both hands just inside the pylon at the back of the endzone. The 11-yard strike and extra point gave UWW the 27-23 lead with just 39 seconds remaining.
John Carroll tried to manage the clock after gaining a first down, but Thomas Wojnowski sealed the game for UW-Whitewater with an interception at the JCU 46 with just five ticks of the clock left.
Staying true to the rich tradition of Warhawk football – UWW pounded the rock with 232 rushing yards compared to 175 for JCU. UWW gained 276 through the air for a total of 508 yards of offense.
Maher-Parr was the leading rusher for the Warhawks with 94 yards on 13 attempts. Thomas gained 80 on 15 carries in the game. Ogden was 23-41 for 230 yards and two passing touchdowns without tossing an interception. On the ground, he added 55 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Coates was Ogden’s favorite target with 9 receptions for 77 yards. Hein hauled in six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Hawk Heffner led the Warhawks with eight total tackles. Lucas Sadler, Trey Castella and Roy Panthier all got into the backfield to record tackles for loss while Wojnowski and Breunig led the secondary with a pair of interceptions.
The 2023 Whippet Girls’ Swim season has officially started. The Whippets competed at Conference Relays at Badger on Thursday, August 31. And let us be the first to tell you…these girls sure made a splash!
Georgia Esch, Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Zoe Zei competed in the 200 Medley where they swam some impressive splits. We are looking forward to them swimming even faster times this season!
We had some new Whippet swimmers compete in their first ever high school swim meet. We were excited to cheer on Adalynn Frye, Payton Peacock, Zoe Zei, and Marijose Verduzco. It was awesome to see them take everything they’ve learned in practice and apply it in a meet!
The Whippets took on the 1000 Freestyle Crescendo with a lineup of Maggie Maas, Charlotte Hajewski, Emerson Dunham, and Makayla Bazeley. They took home some new hardware of a 3rd place finish! The same group placed 2nd in the 100 Backstroke Relay with a time of 4:53.66. Maggie Maas had an impressive split of 1:15.89, and that was with no goggles. Makayla Bazeley’s lead off split was quick enough to put her second all-time on the Whippet Top 10 list!
Two Whippet Relays faced off against one another in the 400 Freestyle Relay. We saw noticeable time improvements from our practice meet to now. Some noticeable splits would include Payton Peacock (23 second drop), Sanibel Fox-Simes (7 second drop), Zoe Zei (21 second drop), Adalynn Frye (22 second drop), and Atreya Wilson (9 second drop).
We are so excited to see what the rest of the season holds for each of our Whippet Swimmers!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Due to the Labor Day holiday, John’s Disposal will not be picking up garbage/recycling in the city until Friday this week.
The Whitewater Volleyball team gritted out a 5-set win against visiting Wilmot (31-33, 25-22, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11). “It was nice to battle out a first home match win. I was pleased we did not quit. Although we had some lapses where we saw too many unforced errors, we recovered and for a young team, that is what I am looking for.”
In scouting Wilmot, we knew what we wanted to do and where to capitalize. “We spent some time in film so we could see what we wanted to do. And, while I think we could have selected some shots better, I felt we did a nice job with our game plan.” Serving continues to be an area we must improve upon; however, we saw more aces tonight with 17 as a team.
Our middles, Emmanuella Mbifi (3 kills, 2 block assists, 1 ace) and Meg Roselle (2 kills, 1 block), are beginning to run a faster offense and are understanding how to work with the setters to connect. “Both Meg and Manny came through with some key plays at the net and blocks. I was excited to see this begin to come together for them.”
Calli Grosinske continues to be a leader for us in her court awareness and shot selection. She posted her first double-double tonight racking up 20 kills, and 14 digs. She also served tougher for us tonight picking up two aces. “Calli is a player we look to lead us. She is beginning to find comfort in this role and leading her team in tough moments.” Marina Linos set a solid match and is picking up her defense. She had 23 assists, 6 digs, and 4 aces. Marina is a selfless player always looking to support her team.
Savannah O’Neil is a serving specialist for us and continues to score points for us with her consistency. Ava Alvarado, defensive specialist, played consistently for us in the backcourt. “Ava is a smart player who is beginning to trust her training and instincts. She is solid in both serve receive and defense.”
Falyn Krahn (9 kills and 5 service aces), Zoe Kohl (2 kills, 2 aces, 14 digs), and Sydney Schilt, put up some nice offense and defense for us. “We count on Zoe and Falyn a ton. Defensively, they are coming through in key moments. Both had some nice digs, aces, and serve receptions. I am always impressed with Zoe’s willingness to go wherever the team needs her! Falyn is playing so consistently for us. She is so fast on defense and makes some aggressive plays. She is smart in the front court, and is beginning to refine her shot selection. Sydney is playing some front row for us, and puts up a solid block and is fast on defense. Sydney is also a solid serve receiver and helps us to run a faster offense.
Ella Spear leads us as the libero and had 3 aces and 19 digs. Ella works so hard in her role and continues to lead her team through her aggressive defense.
I was so proud of our team tonight. We battled through some ups and downs and were able to grit out a win. The Whippets will be back in action next Thursday (9/7) against Delavan-Darien at home for Parents’ Night. JV1 and JV2 will start at 5:00 PM and Varsity at 6:30 PM. Hope to see you there!
Article and Team Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
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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