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Schedule of Events
Theme Summary: The Chancellor’s Committee on Inclusive Excellence is pleased to center this Spring 2023 Diversity Forum on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. The forum will feature panel discussions, a photographic exhibit, an opening keynote by Lydia X.Z. Brown, and more.
Keynote Speaker: Lydia X.Z. Brown
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Event Time: 3:30PM to 4:30PM
Virtual Event Details:
Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar,
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=mfd398af950def0784c9741e150d0b2c3
Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Forum2023
Physical Listening Location Available: University Center 259
Description: The 2023 Spring Diversity Forum will center on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. Join us by welcoming the keynote speaker Lydia X.Z. Brown, an advocate, organizer, educator, attorney, strategist, and writer, whose work focuses on addressing state and interpersonal violence targeting disabled people living at the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, faith, language, and nation.
About Lydia X.Z. Brown, click here.
Closed captioning services will be provided.
Film: Code of the Freaks
Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Location: University Center 76, Summer’s Auditorium
Event Time: 3:30PM to 5:30PM
Description: Code of the Freaks is a documentary that examines the representation of disabled people in Hollywood movies. A discussion will be moderated after the viewing with two special guests from the University of Illinois Chicago, film writers Alyson Patsavas and Carrie Sandahl.
Documentary Trailer
American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for the film.
Conversation with Author Dr. Sami Schalk
Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 11:00AM to 12:15PM
Description: Dr. Schalk is an Associate Professor of Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Her interdisciplinary research focuses broadly on disability, race, and gender in contemporary American literature and culture, and she is the author of the books, Bodyminds Reimagined and Black Disability Politics. Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Schalk on her recent book, that explores how issues of disability have been and continue to be central to Black activism from the 1970s to the present.
About Sami Schalk, click HERE
American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present.
Diversity & Inclusivity Award Reception
Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 12:30PM to 1:15PM
Description: The Diversity and Inclusivity Awards are awarded to UW-Whitewater faculty, staff and students who have made outstanding contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on our campus. Each award has been named after distinguished faculty and staff at UW-Whitewater, each of whom spent their careers promoting and supporting equity, inclusion and diversity on our campus, including Dr. Fannie Hicklin, Dr. Roger Pulliam and Mr. John Truesdale. The fourth award is designated for UW-Whitewater students and student organizations who have made exceptional efforts to support inclusivity and diversity at UW-Whitewater. Join us as we honor and celebrate inclusive excellence in action!
Virtual Option Details:
Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar,
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=m977346fb3756ae205a446d778cca0515
Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Spring2023P
American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for individuals who attend virtually.
Disability History Exhibit
Dates: Tuesday, February 15 to March 5, 2023
Location: Lenox Library, UW-Whitewater at Rock County
Description: This disability history exhibit enlists photographic storytelling and archival images from advertising and the press to narrate, across 23 vivid panels, the centuries of struggles and victories fought and won by disabled persons in the United States, and the intersection of these struggles with religion, society, medical care, capitalism, scientific advancement, and their part in the broader human condition. Courtesty of the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education for the State of Alaska.
More information on the pieces, click HERE
Content Warning and Language Disclaimer: This exhibit includes disturbing information and images regarding the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities. Please take care while reviewing. Additionally, text and images from this exhibit come from primary sources that may be racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise offensive. The language is retained in this exhibit to document the ways in which disability has been viewed in these social and historical contexts.
If in need of accommodation(s), please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA requirements. Please contact edi@uww.edu.
3rd time’s a charm!
It was truly a team effort! The Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team (#10) defeated Clinton (#7) 57-54 in the first round of regionals on Tuesday, February 21. Losing two close games to the Cougars in the regular season, we knew we needed to play two solid halves.
We came out on fire with two steals by Cali Grosinske resulting in a 3-point shot by Danielle DePorter in our first possession. Grosinske stole the ball and hit a shot putting us up 5-0. Clinton inched ahead 5-6, but that was the last time they would lead as Kopecky hit her first of five 3-pointers of the game, putting us up 8-6. That set the tone for us offensively. Zoe Kohl, Kindyl Kilar, and Danielle DePorter joined Kopecky in connecting on shots from the arc.
Hitting those shots from outside was important for us a to counter Clinton’s zone defense. Mayte Navejas penetrated the gaps to score and create open looks on the perimeter. Senior, Cali Kopecky connected on four of her five 3s in the first half of the game.
Going into halftime we led 34-26.
The ball wouldn’t drop for us the first 5 minutes of the second half as Clinton started to close the gap 38-34. Solid defense in the lane by Kilar, Amundson, and Gillette, as well as hitting our free throws at the end of the game helped us maintain our lead. Danielle DePorter (5-5) and Kindyl Kilar (2-2) were 100% from the free throw line. Gillette hit the final bucket with 15 seconds left to secure the win.
Cali Kopecky led the Whippets with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Danielle DePorter added 11 points, and Katie Gillette scored 8. Cali Grosinske added 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Mayte Navejas also scored 7 with 5 assists and 2 steals. Kilar scored 5 and rebounded 5.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
On Tuesday, February 20th we celebrated our Whitewater Boys’ Swim Team season accomplishments. We have been so impressed with the team this year! Every single swimmer on this team has been valuable, dedicated, and grown into a better swimmer in their own way. They all have seen possibilities of where they can go and look forward to seeing their growth both in the pool and out.
All Conference Awards:
2nd Team – Tyler Arnett
2nd Team – Jack Hefty
Honorable Mention – Cruz Aranda
Team Awards:
MVP – Jack Hefty
Most Dedicated – Tyler Arnett
Most Improved – Xavier Zei
Congratulations on an amazing season!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball team finished our regular season and honored our seniors on Friday night, February 17 when we played Clinton at home.
For game highlights, visit https://www.hudl.com/video/2/14916/63f0af0215f6020e00e861ab
The Whippets got a spark offensively early on in the game with a steal and 3-point shot by junior Danielle DePorter within the first minute of the game. Clinton answered back, hitting two/ 3-pointers in back to back possessions. Clinton packed the lane on defense making it challenging for us to get inside looks. At half we were down 27-38.
At the start of the second half, Cali Kopecky got our offense started, hitting a 3-point shot, but we got stuck at 30 while Clinton scored 11, putting us down by 19. We were able to close the gap a bit when we hit 4 consecutive 3-point shots. Our defense tightened up and forced some turnovers with our full court press and got within 3 with around 5 minutes left in the game. Clinton scored 11 of their 13 points in those last minutes on free throws to solidify the win 57-67.
Mayte Navejas led the Whippets with 16 points, followed by Danielle DePorter with 12 points, and Cali Kopecky with 10.
We play our first regional game on Tuesday, February 21 against Clinton at Clinton. Game time is 7pm.
Article and Senior Posters Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The spring primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 21 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Whitewater has only one polling place for this election, the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street. The ballot for city residents may be viewed here. Wards 1-10 are in Walworth County; Wards 11-13 are in Jefferson County. However, aside from formatting, the ballots are identical.
State Supreme Court – Vote for One
Candidates in Ballot Order
– Janet C. Protasiewicz
– Daniel Kelly
– Everett D. Mitchell
– Jennifer R. Dorow
Updated: A nonpartisan voters guide to the Supreme Court race may be viewed here. Una guia no partidista a la elección de la Corte Suprema se puede ver aquí.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Member – Vote for up to three; the six candidates with the highest votes will advance to the general election on April 4, with three candidates being elected.
Candidates in Ballot Order
- Christy Linse
- Joseph A. Kromholz
- Michael Bergman
- John D. Truesdale
- Daniel Dern
- Chuck Mills
- Nathan Vander Pas (Editor’s note: Vander Pas withdrew from active candidacy)
- Stephanie Hicks
- Will Dammeir
- Brian Schanen
- Thayer A. Coburn
- Lisa Huempfner
All eleven active candidates responded to a Banner questionnaire. Their responses may be viewed here.
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area held a school board forum on January 28. Ten of the eleven candidates participated in this two hour event. The video may be viewed here.
Specific types of photo identification are required in order to vote. This website shows the acceptable forms of ID.
Citizens may register to vote at the polls. Proof of residence is required. This website shows the acceptable forms. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:
- will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
- has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election.
The Whitewater Wrestling Team traveled to Evansville on Saturday, February 18, to participate in the Sectional Wrestling tournament with the top three advancing to the individual state tournament. This is a competitive day with lots of emotions for students, coaches, and families. Whitewater competed hard in every match, and when the dust settled we will have two competing on Thursday at the Kohl Center.
Lauren Buehler became Whitewater’s first qualifier in the new format by securing two pins on her way to the championship. She started the day with a very fast pin and in the finals was down 4-5 going into the 3rd period, went up 10-5, and then was able to secure the pin. The excitement on her face was priceless.
Aaron Porras started out the day with a convincing 15-point victory and then followed that up with a very tough win against a strong young man from Belleville. This brought him into the championship. This was an outstanding match but unfortunately ended up in a scramble and got put to his back in a tied match. He then had to hold onto his second-place finish and did so defeating a young man who had defeated him at the Mid-States tournament.
Just missing out on a trip to state was Connor Friend who placed fourth, losing his 3rd place match 6-5.
Great job Lauren and Aaron!
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The gymnastics team competed at the conference meet on Friday night in Waterford. All the girls crushed it. Our JV team had their best meet of the season with 9 out 15 season or lifetime best scores and their highest team score!
Every single one of our JV Beam gymnasts had a lifetime best score and a season best team score of 21.1. Brooke Bazeley, Grace Coleman, and Alexa Wildenberg all scored 5.40, while Stephanie Walters scored 4.9, and Gabby Pena Perroni scored 3.6. Brooke and Alexa had no fall beam routines. Mady Hefty and Halee Peters from the varsity side also had no fall beam routines.
Although we had no season best scores on Vault – all the girls were so close to their season best scores that they earned a season best team score of 31.375.
The Floor was another strong rotation for our JV team. Stephanie Walters earned a 6.8, followed by Brooke Bazeley with a 6.4 and Payton Brautigam with a 6.10 – lifetime best scores for all three. JV scored their highest team score on floor with a 22.8. Varsity girls also had their highest team score of the season with a 30.35. Alexa Wildenberg earned herself a season best score of 6.2. The rest of the Varsity team scored very close to their bests.
The girls will be competing at sectionals at Mount Horeb High School on Thursday, February 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
In collaboration with the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), the Vinery Stained Glass Studio will be hosting a social night at their building—218 Elkhorn Road, Whitewater, WI 53190–on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. This is a $40 class on fused glass with the theme of barn squares. All materials are provided onsite. This is a precursor course to bring awareness to the WAA’s Public Art Project. Members of the alliance can get a 10% discount, they need only give their name to the Vinery to obtain it. The class is open to everyone of all ages. Additionally, this is a new collaboration that should appear bi-monthly.
No sign up required; show up at the Vinery the day of!
To learn more about the class, visit either the WAA’s page, https://www.whitewaterarts.org/vinery-glass-waa-night, or the Vinery’s Facebook page, https://facebook.com/events/s/fused-glass-barn-quilt/2205916136261185/.
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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