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Greetings everyone from The Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Beginning March 1st, 2023, The Whitewater Community Food Pantry will close at 11:30 a.m. rather than 12:00 noon. Therefore, the new hours for Wednesday and Thursday will be 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The pantry is located at 146 North Street, Whitewater, WI, Second Floor of the Old Armory.
With the end of the year 2022 The Whitewater Community Food Pantry served 262 families. In the average week we provided food for about 72 adults and 41 children. Your generous donations and support from everyone, including the churches, schools, companies, organizations, clubs, our farmers and gardeners and the various food drives have made it possible for the pantry to take care and provide for these families.
The food pantry has 22 volunteers who have put in over 3070 hours of their time to serve and help the patrons.
With the new year well underway, as of the end of January, we have 90 families registered which amounts to 228 individuals.
Anyone in need of food is welcome to register with The Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
Should you need help you will need to provide us with:
1. Identification of yourself and all occupants of your household. For children: birth certificate, passport, school report card or library card.
2. Proof of your name and address (utility bill, rental agreement etc.) to show you live within the Whitewater Unified School District.
3. These documents must be provided as soon as possible but no later than the third visit.
4. You must show ID each time you pick up food.
Beginning March 1, the food pantry will be open every week Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thank you all for your thoughtfulness to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
The varsity gymnastics team had their last invite of the season in Platteville, Saturday, February 11, 2023. The season may be winding down, but the girls are getting stronger!
The girls started strong on the Floor where Halee Peters did a front layout for the first time. She led the team with an 8.0725, followed by Makayla Bazeley with a 7.725, and Mady Hefty with a 7.45. Rounding out our Floor competitors were Nola Coburn with a 6.9 and Alexa Wildenberg scoring 5.75. The team scored 30.1475 on Floor.
The next rotation brought the girls to the Vault where they were all very close to their season best scores. Mady Hefty led the team with an 8.0, followed close by Halee Peters with a 7.9. Makayla Bazeley scored a 7.5, while Nola Coburn came in with a 7.3 and Brenda Aguilar scored a 6.95. The Vault team scored a 30.7.
Uneven Bars was another amazing rotation for the girls where all of them scored very close to their season bests or exceeded. Makayla Bazeley led this round scoring her lifetime best of 7.70 when she included uprises into her routine. She has been working extremely hard to be able to add them into a meet; we were all so excited to see her do them so confidently. Halee Peters was just behind her with a 7.625, while Mady Hefty scored 5.875 and Nola Coburn scored 4.325. The team scored 25.525 on Bars.
The last rotation was on the Balance Beam where the team scored 27.2. Halee Peters led the way again with her no fall Beam routine and earned a 7.775 while Mady Hefty scored a season best of 7.0 and also had a no fall routine. Makayla Bazeley came in at 6.325, Nola Coburn scored a 6.1 and Brenda Aguilar scored 5.85.
All Around scores came in with Halee Peters at 31.3725, Makayla Bazeley at 29.25, Mady Hefty at 28.325 and Nola Coburn at 24.625.
Come watch more twists, flips, leaps, and turns on Friday, February 17th, when the girls compete at the conference meet at Waterford High School. Sectionals will take place on Thursday, February 23rd.
Article and Photos Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Whippets traveled to Evansville Monday night for a girls basketball game. We played a very strong 1st half. Our defense was tough both inside and out. The key was our communication, which helped us protect the hoop and close out on the shooters on the perimeter. Offensively, we attacked the rim and shot confidently from outside. We went into half up 25-23.
In the second half, Evansville adjusted their defense giving them an opportunity to go on a scoring run by getting steals and connecting on fast breaks. That created a 24-point scoring deficit quickly. We fought back tirelessly, putting pressure on them defensively and working our offense by getting the ball inside. We closed the gap but came up short 51-57.
Calli Grosinske led the Whippets with 14 points, 5 assists, and 7 steals. Mayte Navejas added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 steals. Cali Kopecky scored 9 points and had 6 rebounds. Danielle DePorter also added 9 points and 4 rebounds.
The Whippets take on Clinton at home for Senior Night on Thursday, February 16.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Three current and one former Whitewater High School student were recently honored by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) with the Aspirations in Computing award. Senior Jazmin Cederberg and former student Arsonic Webster-Barczak were named Wisconsin Winners, while Senior Dayna Carlson and Freshman Ace Hudec earned Wisconsin Honorable Mentions. All four have studied computer science extensively at WHS and are members of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team.
The students will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on May 7 that will feature college booths, many young IT professionals with whom students can network, and a keynote speaker. Students will receive a medal and a prize bag filled with goodies from local businesses and organizations that value each student’s accomplishments and applications.
NCWIT is a non-profit community of more than 1,400 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women in the world of computing. NCWIT helps organizations recruit, retain, and advance those who identify as women or non-binary from K-12 and higher education through industry and entrepreneurial careers by providing community, evidence, and action. They do this by providing opportunities to awardees for networking, career development, and community-building.
Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The Whippet Boys Swim Team traveled to Sauk Prairie to compete in the WIAA Division 2 Sectional on Saturday, February 11th. They placed 8th overall as a team, and had many best times on the day!
Top 16 finishes:
200 Medley Relay: 2:01.19 (9th) – Tyler Arnett, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Andrew O’Toole
200 Freestyle: 1:59.90 (7th) – Tyler Arnett *Lifetime best time, puts him 6th overall on the Whippet Top 10 List!
200 Freestyle: 2:18.77 (13th) – Miles Nickelsburg
200 Freestyle: 2:21.22 (14th) – Myles Morse *This was an 18 second drop for Myles!
200 IM: 2:25.46 (10th) – Jack Hefty
500 Freestyle: 5:28.20 (7th) – Tyler Arnett *Best Time
500 Freestyle: 6:30.45 (10th) – Andrew O’Toole
200 Freestyle Relay: 1:59.87 (10th) – Myles Morse, David Enns, Xavier Zei, Miles Nickelsburg
100 Backstroke: 1:11.58 (12th) – Miles Nickelsburg *Best Time
100 Backstroke: 1:23.66 (13th) – Onyx Thompson *Best Time
400 Freestyle Relay: 3:54.77 (7th) – Cruz Aranda, Andrew O’Toole, Jack Hefty, Tyler Arnett
Additional Best Times:
-50 Freestyle crew all went best times: David Enns (30.02), Andrew O’Toole (27.67), Cruz Aranda (25.54)
-100 Freestylers: David Enns (1:09.26) dropped over 3 seconds, Onyx Thompson (1:14.72), Cruz Aranda (57.68).
-100 Breaststroke: Xavier Zei (1:26.98)
-Jack Hefty had a sensational split in the 400 Freestyle Relay going a 55.00!
Congratulations to the boys swim team on an amazing season. We can’t wait to see what they can accomplish next year!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
On Saturday, February 11, the Whitewater Wrestling Team competed in the Regional Wrestling Tournament held in Jefferson. The tournament consisted of 13 teams, each attempting to achieve top two status to advance to the team sectional with the top four individuals to qualify for individual sectionals. After a grueling day of competition, the Whitewater team defended their title from a year ago, clinching the team title, outdistancing Martin Luther who took second place. As a team, Whitewater will travel to Evansville to compete in the team sectional against Belmont/Platteville, a team that came out of a very strong region.
Individually, Whitewater wrestled very well throughout the day. Traysen Thomason and Aaron Porras led the way for the Whippets, each of them winning their first individual Regional championships at 138 and 160 pounds. Traysen wrestled very well throughout the day winning a very exciting semi-final match 9-8 and then a championship match 8-4. Aaron Porras started his day with two pins and then a very tough match in the championship winning 6-5.
Coming in second for Whitewater were CJ Tomomitsu, Connor Friend, and Odair Porras. CJ and Connor each lost in the championship match against very tough competitors, putting up a good match but coming up short. Odair lost in the semi-finals, won his third-place match, and then had the opportunity to wrestle for true second. He wrestled very well in the 2nd place match to move up the podium.
Taking third place and also qualifying for sectionals were Jasen Porras, Victor Hernandez, and Payton Lyon. Jasen and Victor won their third-place match. Victor did not get a wrestle back as he had already wrestled the 2nd place person, and Jasen lost in the wrestle back so he held onto 3rd place. Payton had a very tough loss in the championship. He nearly pinned his opponent in the championship but ended up losing. It was tough to come back from the loss, and he ended in third place, yet still qualified for the sectional.
The individual qualifiers will compete on Saturday, also in Evansville.
Article and Photos Courtesy of John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Action Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Members of Ferradermis and representatives of the Lincoln FIRST Lego League Team hosted an open house on Saturday, February 11, at the high school. The team wishes to thank our community members, sponsors, and Senator Steve Nass for stopping by to check out the high school team’s progress on their 2023 robot and to learn about the robotics programs throughout the district.
Robotics Administrative subteam members gave tours which included hearing from members of the Competition Logistics, CAD, Programming, Electrical, and Mechanical subteams and a chance to hear about the team’s first ever Digital Animation submission.
Ferradermis will take the field with their newest robot at Sussex Hamilton High School on Sunday, February 19, for a scrimmage with teams from throughout southeast Wisconsin before heading to Duluth for the Northern Lights Regional on March 1.
Thank you to NBC’s Chicago Fire, the Wildermuth-Breitzman family, and the LaHaie family for donating prize baskets to the team. Congratulations to our basket winners Jeff and Peggy Lee, Linda Robinson, Tori Breisath, Susan Bellman, Amanda Genung, Mason Pautsch, and Nathan O’Shaughnessy!
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Whippets Girls’ Basketball Team played a conference game against Brodhead Friday night, February 10. We knew Brodhead’s ability to score inside and around the perimeter was going to make it a tough game defensively.
In the first half, we played aggressive defense inside which gave Brodhead more looks from the 3-point range. This gave them the scoring edge 14-30 going into the half. We adjusted our defense and worked our outside game in the second half, hitting seven of our eight 3-pointers the second half, matching them in points with 26 apiece. But, that deficit from the first half gave them the win, 40-56.
Danielle DePorter led the Whippets with 17 points, followed by Mayte Navejas with 8 points. Calli Grosinske added 7 points and 6 steals.
The girls travel to Evansville Monday night, February 13.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of 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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