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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team traveled to Jefferson for a conference game Friday night. Teamwork, solid defense, and confidence were all contributors to the win for the Whippets.
It was a battle all the way though the game. We were able to pull away, knocking down clutch free throws at the end. With just over a minute remaining, Cali Kopecky missed a free throw but got her own rebound and knocked down a 2-pointer to put us up by 6. Ashlyn Enke answered back with a 3 pointer, putting the score 36-33. Clutch free throws were scored by Kilar (2), Grosinske (1), and Amundson (1) to solidify the win.
Cali Kopecky led the Whippets with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Cali Grosinske finished with 11 points and 7 steals. Kindyl Kilar added 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Final score: 43-36
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
All photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser, in no particular order. The Parade of Lights on December 2 was powered by Generac.
“Christmas Oranges”
Tuesday, December 13, 1 p.m.
(Drama/Family) rated PG; 1 hour, 41 minutes (2012)
Share a slice of Christmas sweetened with family and friendship in a poignant story based on a classic holiday tale. Starring Edward Herrmann and Nancy Stafford.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, as proud families and friends gather for the 2022 December commencement ceremony.
Approximately 630 students will cross the stage to receive their degrees. The ceremony, about two hours long and presided over by Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth, will be held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
This year’s commencement speaker is Jen Rulon. Since earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in psychology in 1993, she has embarked on a series of accomplishments that include working as a marine animal trainer and behaviorist at SeaWorld, becoming a 15-time Ironman Triathlete, and sharing, through her brand JenRulon.com, inspiring messages to people from all walks of life on the TEDx Stage and through publications like Triathlete Magazine, Runners World and The New York Times.
The student speaker is Jacquelyn Schimke, who is earning her Master of Science in Education in special education–professional development, with autism specialist, transition specialist and applied behavioral analysis certifications. In May 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis on special education and cross-categorical licenses in intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities.
The ceremony will recognize 63 undergraduates from the College of Arts and Communication, 164 from the College of Business and Economics, 164 from the College of Education and Professional Studies and 130 from the College of Letters and Sciences and five degrees that are not college-specific, for a total of 525 undergraduate degrees. The School of Graduate Studies will award 104 degrees, including 98 master’s degrees and 6 doctorates.
The graduating class includes 5 international students, 41 military veterans and 134 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 79 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees.
Commencement will be broadcast live online by UWWTV, the university television station. Access to the livestream will be posted at uww.edu/commencement.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Christine Hayes.
WHITEWATER ELEMENTARY 5th GRADE CHOIRS TO PRESENT WINTER CONCERT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Over 100 fifth grade music students from Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools will combine to perform their Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. The Concert is at the Whitewater High School Auditorium and is open to the public, free of charge.
Selections include “De Colores,” “Moonlight Sleigh Ride,” Welch folk song “When in Dreamland,” “Gaudeamus Hodie,” the beautiful “The Snow Begins to Fall,” and Leroy Anderson’s holiday favorite, “Sleigh Ride.” The concert will begin with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Conductors are Christine Hayes, Justin Kamp, and Val Troxel. Accompanist for the choir is Mrs. Barb Taylor.
According to a report in the Lake Geneva Regional News, “Jeyson A Rizo Meija, 25, of 123 S Cottage St. Whitewater, has been charged with identity theft-financial gain. On Sept. 16, a Whitewater police officer conducted a traffic stop of a black Chevrolet Cruze that nearly struck another vehicle in the City of Whitewater. The driver identified himself as Lenis Adonis Rizo Meija.” At the time of the traffic stop, the registration was expired and “Lenis” claimed that the vehicle belonged to his brother, but when the officer checked the registration, it was registered to the alias “Jeyson Rizo.” The officer searched the vehicle and found a wallet that had a Nicaragua voter identification card with the name “Jeyson Abimael Rizo Mejia,” the defendant. The officer also located a fake Wisconsin ID card and a fake social security card, both of which contained the initials “OIR” on them. Meija later admitted that the cards were stolen and he knew it was a crime to be in possession of them. He said he obtained the cards around one year ago to be able to work. Contact was made with “OIR” and he wanted to press charges.”
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The Christmas season is in full swing now, so enjoy this c.1900 photograph of a grocery store in Whitewater’s downtown decked out with Christmas goods for sale. Note the huge candy canes and Christmas trees and wreaths for sale! I wonder if the candy canes were really candy or some type of decoration.
Frank Hall was a partner in a grocery store in the late 19th century and in January of 1899, he started his own store on Center Street. He was in business alone until around 1910. This photo was taken during that time by Henry Scholl, from whom the historical society has over 400 glass plate negatives.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3709P Whitewater Historical Society)
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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