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Unified Strength, Shared Progress: Celebrating Success WUSD
WHITEWATER, WI – At the heart of every successful school district is a team that believes in its mission and supports one another. Over the 22-23 school year, the teachers, staff, and administrators of the Whitewater Unified School District demonstrated their incredible commitment, and we are proud to take a moment to share all we accomplished together.
Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, we collectively committed to working in Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s). PLC’s are an ongoing process in which we work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students we serve. This work improved our outcomes! According to a recent survey initiated by the WUSD School Board, hosted by a third party, a staggering 99 percent of our staff agree or strongly agree their work holds purpose and 93 percent feel in control over the manner in which they perform their duties. This speaks volumes about the sense of empowerment and purpose that is pervasive across our schools.
Utilizing PLC’s, our elementary staff worked very hard last year to implement a new math curriculum, Bridges. During professional development days, our teachers met, worked on their practice and adjusted the way we taught math. The students have demonstrated exceptional improvement following these changes. The Forward, Wisconsin’s measure of academic progress, tests grades 3-5 in Math at the elementary level. We moved from a combined average of a 36 to a 45.4 in Grade 3 on the Forward, from a 34.7 to a 35.9 in Grade 4 and from a 30.5 to an astounding 50.8 in Grade 5, outperforming the state. While this is cause for celebration, we will not settle in; this year, we are taking on reading at the elementary level.
At the high school level, our educators have pivoted their focus towards tangible student achievement. We have seen a significant increase in students earning college credit through collaboration with Gateway Technical College and UW-Whitewater. This allows our students to earn college credit while still in high school, an exciting opportunity for them to get a jump start on higher education. Additionally high school student enrollment in Youth Apprenticeship opportunities is increasing which allows for students to explore future careers. Meanwhile, the introduction of additional career, technical education and agricultural courses has broadened our students’ horizons, equipping them with valuable life skills and career exploration opportunities. Lastly, we have adopted a new program to assist with academic skill development for the 23-24 school year, aiming to provide our students with the tools they need to put their best foot forward on the important college entrance exam. Last year, 49 WUSD students at WHS went to state in their respective sports and clubs. They represent the “best of the best” in Wisconsin.
All means all. All of these outcomes are while servicing the highest population of students with needs connected to language, needs connected to disability and need connected to poverty in the region. Our dedication is to ensure that WUSD is the best it can be, and we will never stop striving towards that goal. We are emboldened by our progress and are committed to building on our success, driving ever forward in pursuit of educational excellence. Every step we take is a step towards a brighter future for our children, our community, and our district. Every student, Every Day, in a Unified Way.
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty is superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
A 2019 graduate from Delavan-Darien High School, Jinchao “Patrick” Wei, 22, is accused of receiving thousands of dollars from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for providing sensitive military information to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). According to the Pentagon, Wei, a Navy sailor, sold the Chinese secrets about war exercises, naval operations, and other critical technical information. Wei, who was born in China, was in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship when first approached by the officer. Now a citizen, Wei is being held without bond. If convicted he could face as much as life in prison.
In court in San Diego on August 3, prosecuting attorney John Parmley said Wei’s only U.S. relative is his mother, who lives in Wisconsin. Parmley alleged that she knew what he was doing and told him to continue, adding that when he was done with the U.S. Navy he could go work for China, ABC News reports.
According to the Times of San Diego, “Wei pled not guilty on August 3 to espionage-related charges. U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said…that per the indictment, Wei was approached by a Chinese intelligence officer while his application to become a U.S. citizen was pending.
“Wei admitted to his handler that he knew this activity would be viewed as spying and could affect his pending citizenship application,” Grossman said. “Whether it was greed or for some other reason, Wei allegedly chose to turn his back on his newly adopted country and enter a conspiracy with his Chinese handler.”
According to Voice of America, quoting ABC News, Wei was denied bail on August 8 at his pretrial detention hearing as the judge ruled him a flight risk and a danger to the community. He is next due in court on August 21.
The following is posted to the Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice website. (The second servicemember is from California.)
In two separate cases in the Southern and Central Districts of California, two U.S. Navy servicemembers were arrested for transmitting sensitive military information to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“These individuals stand accused of violating the commitments they made to protect the United States and betraying the public trust, to the benefit of the PRC government,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to use every tool in our arsenal to counter threats from China and to deter those who aid them in breaking our laws and threatening our national security.”
“These arrests are a reminder of the relentless, aggressive efforts of the People’s Republic of China to undermine our democracy and threaten those who defend it,” said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “The PRC compromised enlisted personnel to secure sensitive military information that could seriously jeopardize U.S. national security. The FBI and our partners remain vigilant in our determination to combat espionage, and encourage past and present government officials to report any suspicious interactions with suspected foreign intelligence officers.”
United States v. Jinchao Wei, Southern District of California
A U.S. Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, aka Patrick Wei, was arrested yesterday on espionage charges as he arrived for work at Naval Base San Diego, the homeport of the Pacific Fleet. He was indicted for conspiracy to send national defense information to an intelligence officer working for the People’s Republic of China.
The indictment, unsealed this morning, alleges that Wei, was an active-duty sailor on the amphibious assault ship the U.S.S. Essex stationed at Naval Base San Diego. In his role as a machinist’s mate, Wei held a U.S. security clearance and had access to sensitive national defense information about the ship’s weapons, propulsion and desalination systems. Amphibious assault ships like the Essex resemble small aircraft carriers and allow the U.S. military to project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious readiness and expeditionary strike capabilities.
According to the indictment, in February 2022, Wei began communicating with an intelligence officer from the PRC who requested that Wei provide information about the U.S.S. Essex and other Navy ships. Specifically, the Chinese intelligence officer tasked Wei with passing him photos, videos and documents concerning U.S. Navy ships and their systems. The two agreed to hide their communications by deleting records of their conversations and using encrypted methods of communication.
At the request of the intelligence officer, between March 2022 and the present, Wei sent photographs and videos of the Essex, disclosed the locations of various Navy ships and described defensive weapons of the Essex. In exchange for this information, the intelligence officer paid Wei thousands of dollars over the course of the conspiracy.
The indictment further alleges that in June 2022, Wei sent the intelligence officer approximately 30 technical and mechanical manuals. These manuals contained export control warnings and detailed the operations of multiple systems aboard the Essex and similar ships, including power, steering, aircraft and deck elevators, as well as damage and casualty controls. The intelligence officer confirmed with Wei that at least 10 of those manuals were useful to him. For passage of those materials, the indictment alleges that Wei was paid $5,000.
In June 2022, the intelligence officer requested that Wei provide information about the number and training of U.S. Marines during an upcoming international maritime warfare exercise. In response to this request, Wei sent multiple photographs of military equipment to the intelligence officer.
In August 2022, Wei sent an additional 26 technical and mechanical manuals related to the power structure and operation of the Essex and similar ships. The manuals contained warnings that this was technical data subject to export controls and that it was deemed “critical technology” by the U.S. Navy.
The indictment further alleges that in October 2022, Wei sent a technical manual to the intelligence officer describing the layout and location of certain departments, including berthing quarters and weapons systems. Specifically, Wei sent a weapons control systems manual for the Essex and similar ships. This manual contained export-controlled data that could not be exported without a license from the U.S. government. The indictment alleges that Wei knowingly violated the International Traffic in Arms Regulations by transmitting this manual to the Chinese intelligence officer without obtaining a required license.
The intelligence officer continued to request information in 2023, including information about the overhaul and upgrades to the Essex. Specifically, he requested blueprints, especially those related to modifications to the flight deck. Wei provided information related to the repairs the Essex was undergoing, as well as other mechanical problems with similar vessels.
During the alleged conspiracy, the intelligence officer instructed Wei to gather U.S. military information that was not public and admonished him not to discuss their relationship and to destroy any evidence regarding the nature of their relationship and their activities.
“We have entrusted members of our military with tremendous responsibility and great faith,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California. “Our nation’s safety and security are in their hands. When a soldier or sailor chooses cash over country, and hands over national defense information in an ultimate act of betrayal, the United States will aggressively investigate and prosecute.”
The FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigated the case.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
An update to the Art of Exploration reception: On August 5, 2023, over 60 visitors attended the reception to both meet Dawn Hunter, artist, and purchase her work. Hunter gave a brief speech around 1:45 p.m. talking about her artistic process and background. She is a retired elementary educator which led to her delving into acrylic, collage, and assemblage-working manipulation of a variety of materials since 2002. During this reception, Hunter sold over 15 of her pieces.
The show will continue to viewable in-person and online until August 27. The Cultural Arts Center (CAC) – located at 402 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI – is open Thursdays through Sundays, 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 4:00 p.m. The show is free to attend.
Hunter will be giving a free workshop for the public to attend on August 17 from 12:00 (noon) to 3:00 p.m. at the CAC. At this workshop, attendees will be making art greeting cards that they can give to their friends and family. All supplies will be provided, and no registration required.
To learn more about Dawn Hunter, the workshop, and the exhibition itself, go to the WAA website: https://www.whitewaterarts.org/dawn-hunter-exhibition-2023.
Who’s ready to welcome back one of our favorite Concert In The Park Events THIS Thursday…???
We are very excited to welcome back the Palmyra-Eagle Community Band this Thursday at 7 p.m. The band will be bringing 50 members for a fantastic evening of wonderful music. This is a Thursday you won’t want to miss!
Thank you to our sponsor, Whitewater @TDS
Limited Spots Available
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Education Series
Offered by Rock & Jefferson Counties
Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver?
The Aging and Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Jefferson Counties are pleased to offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers, an educational series designed to provide family caregivers of someone with dementia the tools needed to take care of themselves. The class will run for 6 weeks beginning on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 5:30-7 p.m. This series will be offered virtually.
The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, improve communication, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming help caregivers to choose tools and put them into action.
Registration is required. Class space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Tonya Runyard at the ADRC of Jefferson county 920/675-4035 or tonyar@jeffersoncountywi.gov or Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is owned and managed by Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
Editor’s note: The Banner has been told that Walworth County residents may be accommodated if space is available. Readers not living in Jefferson or Rock County should call a number shown above to inquire about this possibility.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Kim McDarison as guest speaker at its upcoming monthly meeting in August. Kim McDarison, who recently created a new online news source for the Whitewater community: WhitewaterWise.com, also is the publisher of Fort Atkinson Online, which continues to cover Whitewater’s neighbor, Fort Atkinson.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 10th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St. Kim will be discussing the future plans for WhitewaterWise and its features. An RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jeffery Knight at: jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, August 9th.
WhitewaterWise.com is an online news site covering the city of Whitewater and stories of broader local interest in Walworth, Jefferson, and Rock counties. WhitewaterWise.com is an online property of Fort Atkinson Online LLC, which also publishes FortAtkinsonOnline.com.
“We are very excited about WhitewaterWise’s new venture”, said GWC President Jeffery Knight, “and we can’t wait to hear Kim’s vision on the future of this news outlet.”
About Kim McDarison: Raised in New England and a 1986 graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Kim McDarison wanted to be a journalist from the time she was nine. While in college, she earned a bachelor’s of business administration (BBS) degree, with a concentration in MIS (management information systems), and a minor in journalism. After working in journalism in the Connecticut and St. Louis, Mo., areas, McDarison arrived in Walworth County where she raised her two daughters full-time until they started school, returning to journalism in the early 2000s as the editor of the Whitewater Register. She has since worked as a freelance and staff reporter for such news agencies as the independently published Edgerton Reporter, CSI News (Walworth County Sunday), Southern Lakes Newspapers, Hometown Newspaper Group, with its network of papers surrounding the Madison area, and Adams Publishing Group. Her stories have appeared across the Walworth, Jefferson and Rock county region, in such papers as the Janesville Gazette, Daily Jefferson County Union, Watertown Daily Times, Milton Courier, Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent, DeForest Times-Tribune, and Lake Mills Leader, among others affiliated with each of the broad ranging consortium publishing networks. In February of 2021, McDarison became an independent publisher, launching FortAtkinsonOnline.com. The publication has branched out recently to include the newly launched WhitewaterWise.com.
About the GWC: The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
WALWORTH COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY FOR SALE
Walworth County Treasurer Valerie Etzel announces the sale of county-owned properties. Sealed bids are invited and will be accepted by the Walworth County Treasurer’s Office, 100 W. Walworth, Room 103, PO Box 1001, Elkhorn, WI 53121, until 10:00 a.m., August 30, 2023.
Please visit the Walworth County website at www.co.walworth.wi.us and under the Treasurer’s Department page click on “Treasurer In Rem Tax Foreclosures” for instructions, a complete property listing, and official bid form. Properties are located in the city of Elkhorn; towns of Bloomfield, Delavan, Geneva, LaGrange, Spring Prairie, Sugar Creek, Troy, and Whitewater; villages of Bloomfield, Darien, Genoa City, and Williams Bay; cities of Delavan, Elkhorn, and Lake Geneva. Specific questions may be directed to the Walworth County Treasurer’s Office (262)741-4251; email treasurer@co.walworth.wi.us.
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia slowly destroy a person’s memory and diminish communication skills. This is deeply frustrating for caregivers. Here are some tips that may help.
Avoid “elderspeak.” Persons with dementia may not be able to formulate their thoughts but they are very aware when they are being spoken to like a child. Speaking loudly in a high pitched simple baby-talk tone is recognized as not being the way normal adults speak to each other and can seem condescending. Speak in a normal adult voice but do modify your content. For example, avoid open-ended questions like “What would you like for dinner?” Instead ask “Would you like pork chops or a cheese omelet?”
Be aware of your body language. The reality of brain change is that while cognitive process declines, emotional intelligence is still working. Persons with dementia can read your moods and manners quite well. Be sure your attitude and body language express love, concern, good humor, caring and friendliness. Even if you don’t always feel that way.
Change your approach as the disease progresses. Don’t make assumptions about the person’s ability to communicate based on a diagnosis. Keep talking to your loved one, practice your friendly loving demeanor and adjust your expectations as time goes by. The Alzheimer’s Assn. offers an excellent list of communication strategies broken down by the stages of decline. Click here for more information. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications
The National Institute on Aging has resources on communication and other issues in dementia. Click here https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving-changes-communication-skills
= = =
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
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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