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On November 8, all current Whitewater High School Computer Science Students participated in Bebra’s Online Computational Thinking Challenge. This annual challenge presents students with a series of 15 puzzles divided into three degrees of difficulty. The competition is designed to help students explore their talents and passion for informatics and computational thinking with engaging challenges.
For the purposes of scoring, freshman and sophomores were classified as “juniors” while juniors and seniors took part in the “senior” division. Freshmen Chacha Binagi and Andrew Wych tied for the high score in the Junior Division, while Senior Daniel (Peter) Portwine earned the high score in the Senior Division as well as the high score for the school.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
(Lieutenant), Dan Meyer (Chief), Kat Mahwinney (WCF Board Member), Roni Telfer (WCF
Board Member and Co-President), Therese Kennedy (WCF Board Member and
Co-President), Adam Vander Steeg (Admin. Captain), Bonnie Miller (WCF Program
Coordinator), Justin Brock (Detective), and David Gempler (Patrol Captain).
GRANT AWARDED TO WHITEWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Whitewater Community Foundation is proud to support the Whitewater Police Department with a $1,000 Community Action Grant which will be used to offset the costs associated with their efforts to improve outreach and communication through interpretation services while providing assistance to individuals unable to speak or understand the English language. Timely, accurate and reliable translation services are essential and vital to saving lives, now more than ever. Interpretation services have provided staff with the ability to assist members of our community during a wide range of calls for service from simple information requests, to assisting victims of significant crimes, and providing emergency medical assistance. The Whitewater Police Department is a full-service, community oriented and state accredited law enforcement agency consisting of 24 sworn officers and 13 civilian personnel, including a 24/7 Communications Center. Working together as a team under the leadership of Chief Dan Meyer, every effort is made to be innovative, professional and responsive to public safety concerns of our community. The Foundation extends their gratitude and appreciation to the Whitewater Police Department for their service to this community.
About WCF: The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “Enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures” through scholarships and community action grants. To donate and support the Foundation, simply send a check made out to Whitewater Community Foundation to P. O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI, 53190, or donate online at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org. For tax purposes, the Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Corporation.
Two concerts will be performed in UW-W’s Light Recital Hall this week. Saxophone Quartets & Ensembles will perform on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and a Jazz Holiday Concert will be on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222.
For the Saxophone Quartets & Ensembles, you can expect several saxophone quartets along with the UW-Whitewater Saxophone Ensemble, who will perform a wide variety of works and styles.
The final concert of the season, Jazz Ensembles and Combos Holiday Concert, features jazzy holiday tunes. This ensemble is directed by Dr. Michael Hackett with student performers.
Beyond the many ticketed events happening this month in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles and studios. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events.
All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, unless specified otherwise. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event.
Our Whippet Gymnastics team had a great 1st meet of the season where they placed 3rd overall at the Jefferson Invite on Friday, December 2.
They started on the bars where Makayla Bazeley earned 4th place and Halee Peters earned 2nd place – both taking home hardware!
Next up was beam where Myialynn Cobbs had a no fall beam routine. We also got to cheer on Brenda Aguilar for the first time in a while after taking a year off. We’re so happy to have her back with us.
The third rotation allowed the girls to show off their fun floor routines. Freshman Alexa Wildenberg was able to compete in her first ever gymnastics meet and performed well, while putting on an entertaining routine. Nola Coburn showed us her spunk in her floor routine where she scored close to her personal best.
Last up was vault where all the girls did awesome! Both Makayla Bazeley and Halee Peters had lifetime best scores with a 7.75 and 8.425, respectively. Halee earned herself another medal with a 2nd place finish.
In all-around, Halee Peters took 4th place, Makayla Bazeley took 6th, Nola Coburn took 13th, and Myialynn Cobbs took 14th.
We are so excited to watch the girls progress through the season. What a great start to what will be an amazing season!
Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Wisconsin Makers.
“The Princess Bride” will be featured as Wisconsin Makers debuts Movie Night. The public is invited to attend the free showing of the family-friendly film at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the community makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. Free popcorn will be served. Pizza, soda and water will be available for $1.
Before and after the film, attendees are welcome to tour the makerspace and see what it has to offer.
In addition, they will be able to peruse items in the makerspace’s rummage sale.
Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer said Movie Night is designed to open the makerspace to area residents as it emerges from a two-year hibernation during the coronavirus pandemic. He noted that volunteers have been busy reorganizing the space for educational and recreational use.
“We have installed a 15-foot-wide movie screen and 500-watt surround-sound in our common area, and will be showing films periodically throughout the winter months,” Jewer said. “We want to provide a fun, affordable evening out for people of all ages.” Future Movie Nights are planned this winter; some will offer a double feature, with a Disney film shown first, he said. “We chose ‘The Princess Bride’ for our kickoff Movie Night because it is a classic that is geared to both young and old,” Jewer said.
“The Princess Bride” is a 1987 American fantasy adventure comedy about a farmhand named Westley who, accompanied by companions befriended along the way, must rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from the odious Prince Humperdinck. The film presents the story as a book being read by a grandfather to his sick grandson. Adapted by William Goldman from his 1973 novel of the same name, it is directed and co-produced by Rob Reiner and stars Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, André the Gian, and Christopher Guest.
Located at the corner of Wisconsin and East Clay streets, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more. The building is handicapped accessible, and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities.
For more information about Movie Night or the makerspace, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes Fox Meadows Apartment Building management presentation regarding actions that have
been taken to address concerns relating to their property at 291 N. Fraternity Lane, and Recruitment Process for Economic Development Director
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person).
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86276586407?pwd=cUpLTTdvMEV2RVAwaDRYbG1GSERYd
z09
Passcode: 746391
Or Telephone:
1 305 224 1968
Webinar ID: 862 7658 6407
Passcode: 746391
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes PUBLIC HEARING TO DESIGNATE THE CONVERSE HOUSE (161 FREMONT STREET) AS A
LOCAL LANDMARK
AMENDED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2022 AT 10:00 AM TO ADD A VIRTUAL MEETING OPTION
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/223568885
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 223-568-885
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
Editor’s note: The school district meeting was added on 12/5/22 at 6:30 p.m. A virtual option for the Landmarks meeting was added on 12/6/22 at 10:30 a.m.
According to an article in the Daily Jefferson County Union, “A Fort Atkinson woman who killed her 72-year-old grandmother and set fire to the house containing her body received a life sentence Thursday, December 1, according to court documents.
Elizabeth Durkee, 37, will be eligible for extended supervision after an initial confinement of 22 years, minus the 537 days she has already spent in custody.
Durkee taped her grandmother’s mouth and nose closed with floral print duct tape in 2021 after discussions involving end of life, according to criminal complaints filed at the time. Durkee stayed in the room while her grandmother suffocated, then spent at least two days in the house with the decaying corpse, according to court documents filed at the time.
On the morning of June 11, 2021, Durkee set a fire she originally intended to take her life and the life of her 2-year-old daughter. Officials briefly issued an amber alert after Durkee left with the daughter, but revoked it hours later when Durkee was arrested and her daughter was handed over to family members.”
Residents of the Whitewater Unified School District are encouraged to consider seeking a position on the School Board. The final day for filing is Tuesday, January 3, 2023, by 5:00 p.m.
Any person who is a United States citizen and a qualified elector of the Whitewater Unified School District is legally qualified to become a member of the School Board. In addition, Board candidates should have a genuine interest in and devotion to public education, a willingness to give time and effort to the position, a capacity to understand people, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
The School Board is the District policy-making authority and is responsible to the public for the success of all education services offered by the District. This success is dependent on many individuals, but also upon each Board member’s understanding of the workings of the District-wide operations and each member’s ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process that governs the District.
Three positions will be on the spring ballot. The incumbents are Casey Judd, Thayer Coburn, and Steve Ryan. Incumbents have until Friday, December 23, by 5:00 p.m. to file their Notification of Noncandidacy. Under section 120.06(6)(b)3m of state statutes, the District Clerk will give the public prompt notice if any incumbent files their Notification of Noncandidacy on the School Board Election page of the District website. Editor’s note: Currently none of the incumbents have filed such a notification.
The Board will provide an orientation for Board candidates in order to help them become quickly acquainted with the election process and Board members’ duties and responsibilities. The Superintendent has developed, in consultation with the Board, a candidate orientation program to be presented by District staff and a Board member appointed by the Board President.
The candidate filing documents may be obtained and filed at the office of the School Board Secretary at the Whitewater Unified School District Central Office, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. School Board candidates do not circulate nomination papers, but the School Board Secretary, Jaclyn Tueting, will assist to complete necessary filing documents.
CENTRAL OFFICE HOURS
Through Thursday, December 22…………………………………………………………….M-Th, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m./ F, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 2………………………………………………….……………………………….Central Office Closed
(Friday, December 23 at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline for incumbents to file a Notification of Noncandidacy)
Tuesday, January 3…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….…….7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(5:00 p.m. is the deadline for filing candidacy paperwork)
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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