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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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(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.
(Studio 84 news release – Nov. 5) — Governor Tony Evers announced that $15 million in COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grants has been awarded to 385 cultural organizations across Wisconsin. Studio 84, a nonprofit art studio in Whitewater that specializes in the creative development of people with disabilities is one of these award winners.
“Just like small businesses, cultural organizations have taken a major financial hit,” said DOA Secretary Joel Brennan. “We’re all in this together. We hope that these funds will make it possible for us to be able to enjoy the museums, theaters, and music from these organizations once it is safe to do so again.”
Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), the COVID-19 Cultural Organizations Grant program provides grants to nonprofit organizations whose primary missions are to produce, present, or exhibit cultural disciplines such as music, dance, theater, literature, and the visual arts, or items of environmental or scientific interest. Grant awards can be used to cover pandemic-related impacts such as lost revenue, increased workers’ compensation costs, cleaning and sanitization, and purchases of services or equipment to facilitate telework by employees.
Director of Studio 84, Deborah Blackwell, said, “We are very grateful for this award. We lost almost four months of revenue, and continue to do so even though we are open again with students. In order to keep safe distancing and with reduced staff/volunteer availability we are only able to be open at a 20-30% capacity with artists. Donations became nearly nonexistent and have been slow to come back also. While this grant will assist in a small way to keep us open, we are still in need of donations to keep us moving forward until we can be fully functioning again.” Blackwell states that the artists really missed their programming and are so glad to be back.
You can visit Studio 84 at www.studio84inc.org to donate online or mail in donations to Studio 84, 121 W. Center St. Whitewater, WI 53190
More information regarding the COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grant Program is available HERE. A full list of grant winners is available HERE. Banner note: Per this list, Studio 84 was awarded $8906.41, and Whitewater Arts Alliance, $3855.95.
“The Way Back” (Drama/Sports) – Tuesday, November 10, 1 p.m. only; Rated R (Language)1 hour, 48 minutes (2020) Ben Affleck portrays an alcoholic, former Catholic high school basketball star who returns to his alma mater to coach its losing team. In one of Affleck’s best performances ever, this true-to-life sports drama manages to buck expectations, avoid formulaic sports hokum, and deliver a gripping and realistic narrative on addiction, failure, and recovery. You will be humbled and cheering from the stands. A powerful film with an exceptional cast.
There is a capacity limit, and COVID-19 precautions, including facial mask, are required. Please register in advance online, by email (dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov), or phone (473-0535).
(UW-W Press Release -11/04/2020)– Brion Nash from Whitewater, WI, who is studying journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was recognized at the 2020 Best of the Midwest Media Fest.
The event, held virtually Oct. 8, honors broadcasting and video production excellence from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and North Dakota. UW-Whitewater students have participated in this conference for the past five years and have won many awards. This year, the group received five first-place awards, two second-place awards and for the fifth consecutive year, a best in show honor.
Nash won first place for “Warhawk Football vs. Monmouth.”
“(Virtual event host) Wisconsin Community Media really enjoys seeing our students participate in this organization and its annual ceremony, which includes many professional community channel operators all over the Midwest,” said Jim Mead, Director of UWW-TV, the university’s campus television station. “The icing on the cake is the opportunity for these amazing students to be recognized for the hard work they do every day here on campus, putting their skills to use.”
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) at Whitewater High School made a video sharing some Halloween safety tips for the elementary schools. As Jake Martin, Co-President of the group, shared the video, he stated, “I think it’s important for many families to see and learn some things.” Our thanks to SADD for sharing this fun piece.
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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