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Today is Monday, June 22, 2026
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory for PM2.5 which will remain in effect until noon Thursday, June 29th. This advisory affects all of southern and south central Wisconsin. Smoke originating from Canadian wildfires will spread from north-to-south on Monday, June 26, impacting PM2.5 concentrations at the surface. We expect this situation to remain highly dynamic over the coming days and will adjust messaging as needed. For Monday, June 26th, we expect the heaviest smoke impacts across the eastern half of the state, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to be within the UNHEALTHY category but could reach the VERY UNHEALTHY category. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and consider avoiding all physical outdoor activities; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion and consider avoiding prolonged or heavy exertion. At this time, we anticipate the eastern half of the state to see the heaviest surface smoke through the episode, with noon Tuesday through noon Wednesday currently appearing to be the timing of heaviest impact. The AQI will likely range from the UNHEALTHY to VERY UNHEALTHY categories, but we cannot rule out the possibility of the AQI reaching the HAZARDOUS category. For more information on current air quality, please see: https://airquality.wi.gov
Griffin James, who graduated from Whitewater High School in 1999, has taken his music to new limits. When he studied piano with Esther Haight and Chris Johansen, or played euphonium with Christine Hayes and Don Deal–all reported to Griffin’s parents–Richard and Marcia James–that he had a gift. So he went on to meet his future father-in-law (his UW-Madison low-brass professor) and later get his master’s degree at Illinois State University. After directing bands in Bakersfield, California, and for Milwaukee’s Whitnall High School, Griffin and his wife Katie (also a music major) have found their home in Baraboo.
This weekend is Baraboo’s Big Top Parade. Tonight Griffin will be playing in the Circus Band on the Courthouse Square. Tomorrow night, he will put on his Lederhosen and lead his Polka Band–Big Griffy Jim’s Polka Dots–at the Al. Ringling Brewery. On Saturday, he will lead his high school band down main street with two elephants serving as the grand marshals.
Also, when Griffin was in high school, he auditioned for the Wisconsin Music Ambassadors–a group of select band students who traveled to Europe and gave concerts in several countries. Only July 6, Griffin and wife Katie–the choir director for the Wisconsin Dells Middle and High Schools–will join several other band leaders and conduct a mini camp at UW-Whitewater. They will be preparing The Wisconsin Music All Stars–80 select orchestra students–for performances in three of the six European countries that they will travel to July 9-28.
Griffin, who is president of Baraboo’s Theatre Guild, has also learned that he has been selected as the incoming Community Band Director. This is an appointment through UW-Sauk County. Griffin also recently joined the Madison Brass Band where he plays alto horn alongside his former high school band director–Don Deal.
The music continues as Griffin and Katie’s two sons play piano, saxophone, percussion, or euphonium–their parents’ main instrument. Canon and Reed will be accompanied by their Grandma–Marcia James, formerly of Whitewater–as they watch the Wisconsin All-Stars perform in Europe.
Editor’s note: Our thanks to Marcia James for submitting this article.
About half of the members of Ferradermis, including two brand new members who have joined this summer, were able to travel to Dousman on Saturday, June 24, for the Laser Lights Off-Season Event sponsored by FRC Team #2077 Laser Robotics from Kettle Moraine High School.
The team had a very successful day and was the first pick in alliance selections when we were asked to join the #1 ranked team, FRC Team #930 the Mukwonago Bears from Mukwonago High School for the playoffs. Mukwonago and Ferradermis later added the host team from Laser as the third member of their alliance. The alliance made a great run through the playoffs before being knocked out by the eventual champion, the second-seeded alliance led by FRC Team #6421 the Warriorbots from Muskego High School, in the semi-finals. Ferradermis officially finished as part of the 3rd place alliance.
In addition to competing, Ferradermis also operated the concession stand for the event as a team fundraiser.
Watch for the team (weather permitting) in the Whitewater Fourth of July Parade and at the Whitewater City Market on July 11 if you’d like to learn more. The team will next be in competition in Rockford, Illinois on Saturday, July 22 before wrapping up the summer off-season at Mukwonago on July 28 and 29.
The team, which is open to any Whitewater High School student, will continue to accept new members this summer and throughout the fall. If interested in joining, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes tree planting update and status of tree ID tags for arboretum.
Community Room – 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/353101269
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 353-101-269
United States: 1 (872) 240-3311
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater University Technology Park Board – Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m.
Agenda includes Our future – strategic thinking and planning discussion.
Join by computer, tablet or smart phone: https://uww.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/uww/meeting/download/77c71cfa052e4ae6b43ed5b6ba74742f?siteurl=uww&MTID=m09fbf1f803c7286c148c878ae0bdc8ae
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 353-101-269
United States: 1 (872) 240-3311
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes WAFC Action Plan and lakes vegetation project
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Room- 2nd Floor 312 W. Whitewater St.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89618969560?pwd=Smg4Z2RTa2ZQRTlRbXNkUlg3VG5xZz09 Meeting ID: 896 1896 9560
Passcode: 867705
Or dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 896 1896 9560
Passcode: 867705
Whitewater Unified School District – Monday @ 5:15 p.m. (Closed session), 7:00 p.m. (Open session)
Closed session Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner): to discuss the conduct of a previous support staff employee, to discuss potential land/building allocation, and discuss and consider private transportation contract and discuss and prepare for the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center negotiations.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:15 p.m.
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5:15 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81122007610?pwd=YUNFWDhyelpjV05mUkJSM1hlNG85Zz09
– Passcode: 436281
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 811 2200 7610
– Passcode: 436281
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online OPEN SESSION
Agenda: (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82572974894?pwd=ZUpvR2cvWVd5eE5GRG96eWM0MFp3Zz09
– Passcode: 388902
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 825 7297 4894
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.
In observance of Independence Day, the City of Whitewater will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th. Therefore, no brush will be collected the week of July 3rd.
As a reminder – residents are asked to call the Department of Public Works at 473-0560 to make an appointment for brush pickup. Appointments must be made by 5 a.m. on the Tuesday collection so route scheduling can be completed. All brush located at the curbside will be chipped. The first 10 minutes of chipping will be free of charge if an appointment has been received by the DPW. Any chipping after the first ten minutes will be charged to the property owner at a rate of $30 per ten-minute increments. Brush must be a minimum of ¾” and a maximum of 6” in diameter. Vines, rakings, roots and root balls will not be accepted. Property owners can dispose of these items at the compost site.
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx. The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community.
The following students from the area have been named to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Dean’s List for the spring 2023 semester.
The award is presented to students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or above.
UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, has 49 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate programs, including one doctoral degree. UW-Stout, established in 1891, prides itself on the success of its students in the workplace, with an employment rate above 98% for recent graduates.
The university was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2001.
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.
Whitewater , WI
Broderick Frye, BS Professional Communication and Emerging Media
Cassandra Hoxie, BS Computer and Electrical Engineering
Please join the Landmarks Commission at the Birge Fountain today, June 25, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Celebrate the fountain being the heart of our community all these many years. This is a free public event and all are welcome. Parking on side streets. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and listen to “the water that brings life and music.”
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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