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(Whitewater High School news release) – Whitewater High School National Honor Society Announces New Members
Whitewater High School established the Minneiska Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) in 1956 to inspire enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote worthy leadership, and encourage the development of character in high school students. NHS has become a prestigious organization ranking high among college admission officers, scholarship committees, high school faculty & administrators, students, parents and residents of our community. For many, selection as a member of the National Honor Society is the pinnacle of achievement in school. This honor, recognized throughout the nation, is both the public recognition of outstanding accomplishments and the private commitment to continued excellence on the part of each new member.
Twelve juniors and seniors will become members of the National Honor Society at Whitewater High School this year during a virtual Induction Ceremony presented in late December. These students have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship and service to their school and community and have worked extremely hard to achieve at the highest level in school.
Congratulations to the new members of the Whitewater High School National Honor Society!
Alayna Alvarado
Olive Coburn
Arno Crowley
Carter Friend
Brock Grosinske
Cooper Hammond
Nikita Hartzheim
Savannah Hill
Avery Hintz
Denver Isbell
Audrey Mayer
Sophia Walton
Senior members inducted in December 2019
Reilly Aschenbrener
Grace Black
Lydia Bols
Jenna Caldwell- Secretary
Kacie Carollo – Treasurer
David Cushman
Carson Ellenwood – President
Elizabeth Katzman
Kiyla Kopecky
Leiha Kuhnke
Cora Linos
Hannah O’Brien
Jazmine Peterson
Catherine Skindingsrude – Vice President
Ella Smith
Amanda Tovar
Diego Tovar
Carter Waelchli
Abigail Weeden
Abigail Wildenberg
Trenton Zahn
Molly Zimmerman
For more information about the Whitewater High School National Honor Society, please see the following website https://www.whs.wwusd.org/page/2541
On Nov. 18, the WI Department of Health Services added Walworth County to the “Critically High” COVID-19 Activity Level that was just introduced last week. Every county in the state except Green is now shown at that extraordinarily high level, reflecting a very dangerous risk of transmission. Even Green County is at the “Very High” level.
Walworth County has issued the following guidance for the holidays.
(Movie buff Mark Dorn news release)
“Give Me Liberty”(Comedy/Drama) -Tuesday, November 24, 1 p.m. only
Rated PG – 1 hour, 50 minutes (2019)
An Independent film to be thankful for! Vic, a young Russian American, drives a handicapped van in Milwaukee, where he shares an apartment with his grandfather. Already running late on a day when street protests break out, Vic reluctantly agrees to ferry his grandfather and a dozen elderly Russians to a funeral, but they’re upset when he stops first in a Black Milwaukee neighborhood to pick up Tracy, a Black woman with ALS. On the verge of being fired, Vic’s hectic day goes from bad to worse. Filmed entirely in Milwaukee, this film was the winner of the prestigious 2020 John Cassavetes Award/Independent Spirit Award, presented to a creative team of a film budgeted at less than $500,000.
You will need to wear a mask and sanitize hands. Bring your own beverage and snacks, no sharing. Please call, email, or sign up online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk We no longer are allowing walk-ins so you must register if you will be attending. This allows us to implement physical distancing. Thanks so much!
(UW-W Press Release – Nov. 16)
More than 3,400 COVID-19 tests conducted at UW-Whitewater last week
Free, rapid testing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater continues apace as 3,414 COVID-19 tests were conducted last week.
A total of 2,377 of those tests occurred at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in the Williams Center, where testing began Nov. 9 and is offered 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone 5 years or older can get a test.
“People are responding to our call for a culture of responsibility to flatten the curve,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson. “Getting tested is a critical action step people can take to stop community spread by identifying those who are contagious but not showing symptoms. At UW-Whitewater, we have a friendly, safe and convenient testing site where folks can get their results in 15 minutes.”
Separate from the surge testing effort, University Health and Counseling Services — the primary tester of UW-Whitewater students — conducted 1,037 tests since Monday, including 633 on Wednesday alone.
“To help bolster our student testing numbers, local business DLK Enterprises provided financial incentives for our Warhawks who volunteered to get tested. I’m grateful for the Kachel family’s continued support of our university as we work to protect the health of our campus and greater community,” Watson said.
“In addition, our employees at UW-Whitewater continue to go above and beyond to ensure a robust testing environment here. This is a true collaborative effort to navigate the pandemic and protect one another. And, it’s our proud role as a public university to carry out the Wisconsin Idea to use our knowledge and expertise in the service of this great state, and to solve critical issues facing our society.”
For more information on getting tested for COVID-19 at UW-Whitewater, visit: https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-return/testing
Free parking is available in lots 7 and 9 on Warhawk Drive.
Student testing is made possible due to a partnership with UW System and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Faculty, staff and community testing is possible due to a University of Wisconsin System “surge testing” initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(Walworth County Health & Human Services press release – Nov. 13)
Walworth County Foster Parents Recognized by Governor
On November 13, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., Walworth County Department of Health and Human
Services foster parents, Dakota and Zack Hedrick, will be recognized as recipients of the
2020 Governor’s Foster Care Award. This award honors outstanding members of
Wisconsin’s foster care community. The Hedricks were nominated by Walworth County
staff due to the extraordinary care, support, and stability they provide to the children they
serve.
“The Hedricks are an example of the powerful impact that caring adults can have on
vulnerable children,” said Deborah McDaniel, Youth Justice Social Worker. “Walworth
County is very fortunate to have foster parents dedicated to providing children with a safe
place to heal.”
Walworth County is actively recruiting foster parents. For more information, please
contact the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services Foster Care
Coordinator Susan Earnest at 262-741-3200 or visit
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/366/Become-a-Foster-Parent.
(Whitewater Arts Alliance press release – November 9) The annual Whitewater Arts Alliance Members Show (and sale) will be exhibited at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center and online at whitewaterarts.org from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, December 13. Except for Thanksgiving week (11/27 – 11/29), the gallery will be open Friday through Sunday each week from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Twenty-two artists are exhibiting their work in the virtual gallery, and sixteen artists are displayed in the Cultural Arts Center. Viewing the exhibit is free of charge and open to everyone interested in the visual arts. Hop online to vote for the Viewer’s Choice Award. See www.whitewaterarts.org for more information.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance will release an artist spotlight video to YouTube in late November or early December in collaboration with McDarison Productions in lieu of a reception. This is to keep our community healthy and safe in the face of the spread of COVID-19.
Anyone can become a member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance by completing a membership form and choosing a contribution level. Check out whitewaterarts.org and click on “get involved” and “membership” for more details.
The Cultural Arts Center is located on 402 West Main Street in the historic White building near the Birge Fountain. Parking is behind the building. An elevator is available for access from the parking lot entrance.
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.
UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. announces the Dr. Elmer G. Redford ’59 Lab
The Dr. Elmer G. Redford ’59 Lab has been established in the Mary Poppe Chrisman Success Center on the campus of UW−Whitewater. “Thanks to a generous contribution from a UW−Whitewater alumnus, we are pleased to name this lab in honor of noted alumnus, instructor and staff member, Dr. Elmer Redford,” noted Greg Rutzen, President, UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. and Vice Chancellor
for University Advancement.
The room will recognize the foundational work of Dr. Elmer Redford, UW-Whitewater Emeritus Physics Faculty Member and Developmental Studies and Learning Skills Center Director. Dr. Redford faithfully served for twenty-seven years as a member of the Department of Physics and is highly regarded for mentoring numerous students. He was instrumental in leading the development and growth of the Tutorial Services precursor, then known as the Developmental Studies / Learning Skills Center. His vision laid the foundation for a tutoring program focused on student needs and leveraging the talents of peer mentors, faculty and counselors. Dr. Redford also was a long-term stakeholder and supporter of the R. W. Prucha Scholarship Fund. Additionally, he participated in the shared governance of the University as a member of the faculty senate.
The Mary Poppe Chrisman Student Success Center is the home to the UW-Whitewater Campus Tutorial Services. The flexibility and resourcefulness of staff and student tutors have demonstrated the ability for tutorial services to still be delivered remotely in adherence with pandemic related safety protocals on the UW-Whitewater campus. The technology in the Mary Poppe Chrisman Success Center
has proven to be an impactful resource for students who are now not only struggling with classwork, but also unable to meet physically with staff and tutors for assistance. Luckily, the Campus Tutorial Services had been proactive early to implement digital options for the delivery of tutorial services. For the summer, fall and spring 2019-2020 semesters, 188 student workers (summer/fall) and 149 student workers (spring) assisted their fellow students at the center. Tutors delivered 66,245 hours of services
during the academic year.
An event to dedicate the Dr. Elmer G. Redford `59 Lab will be held at a future date.
UW−Whitewater students and Dean Goza introduce the newly named Dr. Elmer G. Redford ’59 Lab in this video.
The compost site will close for the season at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. The site will remain open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. until the posted closing date of November 18, 2020.
Additional Opportunity for Leaf and Yard Waste Collection
For those who miss the November 20 bagged leaf pickup deadline, there will be two, six-yard dumpsters at the Department of Public Works (150 E. Starin Rd.) on November 23 through November 25 and November 30 through December 4. This will be an additional opportunity to dispose of leaf and yard waste only, NO BRUSH. City of Whitewater residents only will have access between 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We ask that you please empty your bags (Bio bags do not have to be emptied)/containers into the dumpsters and take them with you when you leave.
If you have any questions please call the Department of Public Works at 473-0560.
Obituaries
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
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
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