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As part of the Welcome Week for UW-Whitewater students this Fall, speaker Zach Mercurio will be visiting campus on August 24. He will be giving a presentation on Creating a Culture where Everyone Matters. This presentation is open to all staff and students on campus, as well as the community. There will be free parking in lots 1 & 2 from 9:30-12:30 for this event.
Information Submitted by Stephanie Hartmann
HR Manager – Benefits, Wellness, FMLA
Human Resources & Diversity – Administrative Affairs Division
University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
hartmans@uww.edu
The City of Whitewater has officially contributed a title sponsorship of the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, and W3 Fit Kid Shuffle. Through their help, the DWS is able to host a major running event, give back to local nonprofits, and showcase Whitewater’s picturesque landscape.
The DWS 10th anniversary race is scheduled for Sunday September 18th, 2022. The DWS is truly a team effort that succeeds because of the collaboration of so many community entities including organizations, schools, businesses, and the city itself.
“The City of Whitewater’s title sponsorship truly helps us to reach our goals as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the race,” said GWC Chairman, Larry Kachel. “With the city’s support, the DWS is able to bring all the largest entities in the Whitewater community together to host this welcoming event.”
Thanks to the city and its contribution to the race, the DWS is able to provide highly coordinated public safety and parking. For the past decade, the City of Whitewater has offered volunteer, police, and financial support that exceeds generosity.
“What we love about this event is that it brings the Whitewater community together all while showcasing our beautiful city,” said Whitewater Common Council member, Lisa Dawsey-Smith. “We are beyond thrilled to partner with the DWS.”
Through this partnership, members of the Whitewater community are given the opportunity to get active, all while celebrating and connecting with one another! To register for the DWS, learn more about race weekend, and connect with sponsors, visit https://RunWhitewater.com/.
About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university, and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit runwhitewater.com. For general race inquiries, email info@runwhitewater.com.
For more information about the DWS, contact Jeffery Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662.
Article Submitted by Elena Rolley
Director of Operations, Knight Public Affairs, LLC.
Many people wish to arrange their affairs to live well in their later years, and ensure that their end-of-life plans follow their wishes. Still, it is something that many people find challenging. Planning AHEAD is a new online class from UW-Madison Division of Extension, created to address most aspects of end-of-life planning.
In 1 – 1.5 hour online classes, Extension Educators guide participants through examining health care wishes, financial responsibilities, legal requirements and documentation, distribution of personal property, end-of-life decisions, dealing with grief, and the emotional ramifications of all of the above. The program is designed both for those who want to prepare for their own passing, to make things easier for family members, and for those who have, or are in the process of, losing a loved one and are dealing with the transition. This course features an online planning workbook to help organize the tasks and documents associated with end-of-life decisions.
By working through these sessions, participants find that the financial, healthcare, and other decisions don’t feel so overwhelming. Southern WI residents are invited to join Planning AHEAD, a free online course facilitated by UW-Madison, Division of Extension Educators from Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Kenosha, Racine, Richland and Walworth Counties. Registration is now available here, http://go.wisc.edu/SoAHEAD.
Classes are Tuesdays 9-10:30 am September 13-October 25, 2022. Join the classes from home, as they are held online via zoom, and will include time to check in on how to use this technology during the first class. Questions can be sent to amanda.kostman@wisc.edu or please call the Walworth County Extension office at 262-741-4961 for more information about Planning AHEAD. Check out the program website at https://aging.extension.wisc.edu/programs/planning-ahead/.
Article Submitted by Amanda Kostman
Human Development and Relationships Extension Educator
http://walworth.uwex.edu/
Anyone in Whitewater interested in seeing the August blooms of a Prairie Garden is welcome to take a self-tour of our backyard at 505 East Clay Street on the East side of town, on the North shore of Tripp Lake and next to Clay Street Nature Park.
Please park on the Street. The mosquitoes are not bad this year! Native Americans in Southeastern Wisconsin probably woke up each morning looking at these same perennials.
Article and Photo Submitted by Richard Ehrenberg
richehr@hotmail.com
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Welcome to Medicare workshops on Thursday, August 18, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. This popular educational session will provide information about Medicare for individuals turning 65 years of age, those over 65 and planning to retire, or individuals with disabilities that have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months or have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).
“It is vitally important that individuals eligible to receive Medicare are aware of the different parts of Medicare, including Part A and Part B, as well as the prescription drug coverage,” says Elder Benefit Specialist Julie Juranek. “Being knowledgeable about premiums and penalties for not having creditable prescription drug coverage will help people make sound choices when exploring available plans.”
The Welcome to Medicare workshops will be held at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.
Article Submitted by Julie Juranek
Health and Human Services, Elder Benefit Specialist
jjuranek@co.walworth.wi.us
The Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team will be “Skiing for Sight” to benefit the Whitewater Lions Club on August 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Scenic Ridge Campground located on Whitewater Lake.
There will be 50/50 raffles, gift basket raffles, t-shirt sales and more! All money raised at this event will be donated to Lions Club of Whitewater. So bring your family and friends out for a free night of entertainment, and support a great cause. Hope to see you there!
Article and Images Submitted by Theresa Kluczynski
Events Coordinator, Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team
events@southernwakesunited.com
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is hosting an exhibition in October in the Cultural Arts Center (CAC), 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Co-chaired by Taylor McDarison, artist and manager of Arttaysia, LLC, and Nicole Holder, artist and manager of Harta Art, LLC, the exhibition is to run from October 7 to October 30. The show is open to lovers of the macabre, folklore, mythology, and the gothic. This might include but is not limited to: community members, WAA members, students, etc. The show will be both in-gallery and will be made virtual on October 29, and will be viewable until November 27.
Eligibility for the show includes artists who enjoy Halloween or fantasy related themes. Mediums can be 2D or 3D but must be original work to sell. Source materials must be original and not derived from any published images or copyright work/commercial patterns. However, artists can submit non-original works such as Jack Skellington as long as they are “not for sale.” Artists can submit up to four pieces and must send all items (forms and images) to Taylor McDarison via email (arttaysia.llc@gmail.com).
AWARDS: Best in Show ($150.00) and Viewer’s Choice ($50.00).
KEY DATES:
- September 18 – Submission Deadline for Applications by 11:59pm
- September 25 – Work drop off to the CAC, 3pm to 5pm
- October 28 – Exhibition Closing Reception from 6pm to 9pm
- October 29 to November 27 – Virtual show on website
- October 30 – exhibition closes after 5pm and artwork to be picked up at CAC
Full information, eligibility, rules, and registration can be found here: https://www.whitewaterarts.org/hallows-gala-2022
For questions, registrants are asked to contact Ashley McDarison (wwartsalliance@gmail.com).
Big thanks to our sponsor, First Citizens State Bank!
The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.
Article Submitted by Ashe McDarison
Manager, Whitewater Arts Alliance
wwartsalliance@gmail.com
With fall just around the corner, school supply lists are starting to appear in stores among the rows of bright colored folders, notebooks, pens and pencils. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend $864 on back-to-school purchases. For those with children in elementary to high school, shoppers are putting the largest portion of their budgets toward electronics, new clothes and accessories.
“Back to school spending is almost on par with the holiday expenses.“ says Amanda Kostman, Human Development and Relationships Educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension Walworth County. “Many households set aside money year round to help cover their holiday expenses, but back-to-school time always seems to sneak up on us – and adds up quickly.”
More than one-third, or 37%, of parents with school-age children said they are unable to afford back-to-school shopping due to inflation, and nearly half said they would take on debt shopping for their kids, according to a study by Credit Karma. As inflation continues to rise, one-third of consumers (38%) said they are cutting back in other spending areas to cover the cost of items for the upcoming school year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Families expect to spend more per person on both K-12 and college items this year because of higher prices. Before you head out to the stores or get online, a little time spent planning can help to stretch the budget. Here are some helpful tips to help you have all that you need as kids head back to school.
As a rule, stick to only buying what you need right now. Students may have to start the school year with notebooks, binders, paper, pens and pencils, but put off purchasing other items, such as a new backpack or lunchbox until they go on sale. If you do not need a new laptop or headphones right away, are you able to wait until Labor Day or even Black Friday when the discounts on electronics will be greater?
Begin by doing an inventory of school supplies and clothes from last year and of all the items that you already have on hand. Make a list of “must have” items and “nice to have” items. Does your child really need a new backpack, or a new lunchbox? Do the jeans from last year still fit? Also, remember fees paid directly to the school, such as book rentals, band instrument rental or athletic fees, and list these fixed costs in the “must have” category. Paying for lunch can also be surprisingly costly. Free and reduced-price school lunch programs through your school district can ease the pressure on the budget for eligible families.
Next, figure out which items your child needs at the start of school and which items can wait a month or two. Maybe one or two pairs of new pants will make do for the start of school, especially if your child is going through a growth spurt. Waiting to buy some items until later fall and pre-season sales allows time for the child to grow and a chance to spread out spending.
Use your child’s school supply list, your school fees must-have list, and your list of needed clothes to come up with a total budget amount for each child in school.
Finally, compare your budgeted amount with your monthly expenses. Are there places where you can cut back on other bills to find back-to-school funds? What resources does your community have to help stretch your dollar? School districts frequently have information on school supply donations and clothing exchanges sponsored by local service providers.
Remember to include your student in this process. One of the best things you can do is involve your children in the budgeting and shopping. Including children in the decision-making process will help them learn to make decisions based on math skills, judgment, and personal taste. If your child really wants the more expensive folders, then they will need to reuse their lunch box or backpack from last year. Buying items at cheaper prices will teach them that they might have enough money left in their budget for brand-name sneakers. This is what money management is all about. Setting limits on spending does not mean a lack of choices, but it does make kids have to think strategically.
Going back to school is an exciting time for everyone. With a bit of planning, your 2022 school shopping can fit into your household budget without going into debt and being stressed in the process. Now isn’t this the best way to start a new school year?
Article Submitted by Amanda Kostman
Human Development and Relationships Extension Educator
http://walworth.uwex.edu/
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
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