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Today is Saturday, May 3, 2025
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Updated 4/18 @ 4:50 p.m. to indicate that the fair will be held in the WHS gymnasium area.
On May 10th from 10 am-2 pm at the gymnasium area of Whitewater High School, the Whitewater Unified School District’s Robotics booster club will be hosting the 2nd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Faire to celebrate and support robotics programs across our community.
Organizations from all over the city and state will be there hosting interactive art, science, and technology activities for kids and adults. As just a few examples, at the WOOSH Rocketry booth you can design, build, and launch your own compressed air-powered model rocket. At the US Air Force booth, you can learn about drones in combat and try your hand at flying in a flight simulator. At the UW-Whitewater’s Media Arts and Game Development booth you can beta test video games and experience virtual reality. With dozens of exciting exhibitors, you can freeze dry candy, make your own jewelry, carve a walking stick, drive a robot, frost cookies, 3D print a fidget, make your own ice cream, pet a real axolotl, and so much more! The fair is a fun filled, all ages family event- with face painting, a bounce house, a giant obstacle course, and free books and puzzles to take home. Kids and adults from age 2 to 102 will all have a great time! The event is free with a donation for the Lakeland Animal Shelter (shelter staff will be at the faire with adoptable puppies and kittens to cuddle).
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An exciting addition to this year’s event is the LEGO build competition for children in K-12 grade sponsored by Lake Home Info, LLC. Children can build their own LEGO creations, exhibit their work at the faire, and receive amazing LEGO kit prizes for their designs. To learn more please visit: https://forms.gle/jpMyfqvJYZ89geg4A.
Robotics is a wonderful opportunity for children in our district, but it is a very costly sport.
The booster club works to offset costs for all the teams and to ensure that every interested student can participate regardless of family income level. We are proud to share that in 2025 the booster club will be funding a scholarship for a graduating high school senior.
We look forward to seeing you at the fair. We are thrilled to have the following exhibitors joining us this year!
Lakeland Animal Shelter
Whitewater Axolotls
Whitewater Pride
Wisconsin Makers
WOOSH Rocketry
Whitewater Police Department
Studio 84
RC Flying Club
Radio Club
Pet Supplies Plus
Makers Mashup
MAGD
Lima Center 4H
Lakeland Treats
Lego League and Iron Dragons Robotics
Ice Age Trail
Ghostbusters
Gateway Technical College
Fort HealthCare
First Citizens State Bank
Ferradermis
Community Space
Be Kind Whitewater
Whitewater Historical Society
Air National Guard
Applied Material Solutions
Generac
Whitewater High School – Class of 1965
Celebrating their 60th Class Reunion
The Whitewater High School Class of 1965 is celebrating its 60th reunion the weekend of July 11-13, 2025, in Whitewater. Classmates should have received information via email or US Mail.
Activities include a casual social gathering the afternoon of July 11 at the home of one of the classmates. A round of golf is planned for Saturday morning, July 12, at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater. There will also be a casual buffet at Willow Brook Club House Saturday afternoon, July 12.
Informational letters, including a questionnaire, were mailed out in March. However, if classmates have misplaced their information, haven’t received their letter, or should their plans have changed and are able to attend, they are asked to contact one of the committee members for information or to make RSVPs: Chris Thompson Pitterle cmpitterle@gmail.com (815) 988-4615, Judi Pizzichini (262) 473-4090, Jeff Winn (920} 723-0629 or Jim Holden (262) 215-7312.
The WHS Class of 1965 had 152 students, plus one foreign exchange student, Prasith Sithivong, from Laos. The class also had one classmate, Emily Saunders, who was an AFS exchange student to Japan for one year and left for Japan March 1964.
The class instituted a scholarship, with contributions from the Class of 1965 members, which is granted to graduating WHS students, with the first distribution made in 1999. The scholarship is not applied for but is granted to a graduating senior who is continuing their education to a four-year or one/two-year technical school. The recipient of the scholarship need not be at the top of the class academically, but must demonstrate the qualities of good citizenship, school spirit and work ethic. The Faculty Scholarship Committee (WHS) selects the graduating senior for this scholarship. If anyone, either a 1965 classmate or anyone else, would like to make a contribution to this scholarship, please contact Jeff Winn, (920) 723-0629.
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Chris (Thompson) Pitterle.
Steve Meisner, a Whitewater resident until his passing in 2023, per his obituary “was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band.” A master on the accordion, Meisner was particularly known for his polka band.
An article on the Shepherd Express dated April 11 provides a review of a new Steve Meisner and the Legacy Band album titled “Legacy.” Below are some excerpts; the complete article may be viewed from the link above.
‘Legacy’ by Steve Meisner and the Legacy Band: Legacy
Over a dozen years before his 2023 death at 62, Whitewater polka bandleader Steve Meisner had the ambition to record an album that represented the breadth of his musical taste and what he enjoyed playing in concert. Though he wasn’t able to see that task through to its completion, some friends and admirers have.
Legacy is comprised the rudiments of the career-defining statement he was able to track before his passing. Those bits of his voice, accordion and whistling (!) are fleshed out by the Legacy Band, featuring Southeast Wisconsin old time music mainstays, including multi-instrumentalists Don Hunjadi and Tom Brusky, to make a 16-track collection.
Legacy makes it seem almost as if the middle Meisner in the family’s musical lineage never left…..
Legacy plays as a worthwhile tribute to one of Wisconsin’s most storied and amiable ambassadors of a music inextricably associated with the state. And like all good polka, it brings a happy atmosphere, even to the loss of a much-missed musical figure.”
From Meisner’s website:
Steve’s Brand New CD, Legacy, Is Here!
February 10, 2025
We’ve been talking and teasing for many months about a new CD release coming from Steve Meisner and the members of the Legacy Band. If you have been waiting, the wait is now over. Legacy, the brand new CD from Steve and the guys, was officially released at the Illinois Polkafest in Schaumburg, Illinois. This is a truly unique recording featuring sixteen polkas, waltzes, and a variety of selections spanning multiple genres. You’ll hear Steve singing and playing along with the members of his band. You’ll hear the Steve Meisner Legacy Band playing brand new songs and many Meisner arrangements. And you’ll also hear Steve Meisner singing along with the Legacy Band. You can see the list of songs along with hearing several song samples and then order the brand new CD right now from the Merchandise Page. No longer have a CD player in your car or at home? Legacy is also available on a USB drive inside the jacket instead of the CD. Get either format or order both! Take a look right now and be among the first fans to get this brand new recording.
Easter at The Chapel
445 N. Warner Rd. in Whitewater
Good Friday, April 18th at 7 PM
Easter Sunday, April 20th @ 10 AM
For more information visit chapel.org/easter
Walworth County ADRC Presents Dementia Spotlight: Frontotemporal Dementia and Family Support
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County is excited to announce the return of Dementia Spotlight, a special educational event focusing on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The event will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Health and Human Services Building, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn.
This year’s event will feature a presentation by the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration; an introduction to Lorenzo’s House, a non-profit organization that empowers those affected by younger-onset dementia; and a personal talk from Nicole Petrie, a former caregiver to her mother, who was diagnosed with FTD.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Dementia Spotlight again,” said Jake Sawyers, Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC. “Frontotemporal Dementia, or FTD, is the most common form of dementia for individuals under 60. Unfortunately, when many people think of dementia, they typically associate it with Alzheimer’s disease and older adults. This event will help bring much-needed awareness of FTD and the unique challenges that it presents.”
To register for this free event, please call 262-741-3273 or email Jake Sawyers at jsawyers@co.walworth.wi.us.
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. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will be closed on Thursday, April 17 for construction and Friday, April 18 for Spring Holiday. We will be open on Saturday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.
The Library Expansion and Renovation Project is currently in Phase 2, which is the phase in which the new addition is being constructed. The project is on schedule and the new space looks fantastic! Phase 3 will begin in the middle of June. At that time, the current building will undergo renovations. The entire project will be completed in November 2025. We can’t wait for our new building to be revealed to the community!
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring Community Action Grants. Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community.
Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. Interested organizations can fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gY51mjXwlRW3vKYr75UWyqL5By6Wgdb4/view Please download and complete the form in Acrobat.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2025.
Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community. The Foundation has given grants to The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater Rescue Squad and many more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/ and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.
We wish to thank our Whitewater Community! On Saturday, April 12th, several volunteers showed up at Treyton Kilar Field of Dreams to clean and prepare for the baseball/softball season ahead!
The Kilar family and the City of Whitewater wish to thank our volunteers, including several youth baseball teams, families, and coaches, for coming out to lend a hand!
Special “thank you” to Toppers Pizza in Whitewater for feeding the volunteers with pizzas and Topper sticks!
Thank you all for caring for our youth and community!
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley
Obituaries
Bruce E. LaBansky, 75, Whitewater died on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI. Bruce was born on November 28, 1949 in Sauk County, WI to Clarence and Velma (Nelson) LaBansky. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School and received his bachelor’s degree from UW Stevens Point. Faith, family and friends were very important to him. Bruce moved to Whitewater in 1980 where he raised his 3 sons Nelsen, Nathanial, and Nicholas. Bruce was an avid golfer, an outdoorsman with an impressive knowledge of all things nature, a sports fan (particularly the Bucks, Brewers and Packers). Family … Read more
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Dr. Holly J. Humphrey November 28, 1956 – April 17, 2025 Holly J. Humphrey, MD, MACP, led the Pritzker School of Medicine through a period of transformative growth that saw the school rise to a place among the nation’s elite institutions of medical education, emerge as a powerhouse of scholarship and discovery, and become a pioneer in efforts to diversify the field of medicine. One of the nation’s most prominent and innovative leaders in medical education, her voice and influence made an immeasurable impact on the field and countless mentees throughout her career. Dr. Humphrey, who served for 15 years as Pritzker’s … Read more
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John Rivers, 61, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home after a short battle with cancer, with his wife by his side. Born on March 10, 1964, in Milwaukee, WI, to Bernie and MaryAnne (Sommers) Rivers Jr., John lived a life defined by perseverance and purpose. A 1982 graduate of East Troy High School, John spent more than 30 years as a dedicated truck driver. One of his proudest accomplishments came later in life when, at the age of 50, he returned to school and earned his bachelor’s degree while continuing to work full … Read more
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John J Liss, 54, of Whitewater passed away Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, at home surrounded by his family and special pets at his feet. John graduated from Whitewater High School. John married his best friend of 18 years on August 17, 2024. He worked factory jobs and decided to go back to school for HVAC in 2009. In 2010 John became disabled due to his health. John is survived by his wife Lacey Liss, daughter Mackenzie Liss, son Gabe (Hunter) Black, stepson William (Erika) Beaudin, bonus daughter Cassie, mother Judy Liss, brothers Joseph 3rd, Jesse, and Jason Liss, sister-in-law Cora … Read more
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Robert Andrae Mischka October 31, 1934 – April 13, 2025 Robert of Whitewater died at home April 13, 2025. He was born in Milwaukee on October 31, 1934 to Zaner and Helen (Burrill) Mischka. He attended Burlington High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1956 with a BBA degree in accounting. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Mary Margaret Wanasek of Burlington in 1954. Together they had 7 sons, two of which died as infants. After college they moved to Pittsburgh, Pa. where Robert spent 7 years working as an accountant for the U S … Read more
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Amy L Hookstead age 40 of Genoa City, WI died April 20, 2025. She was born in Burlington, WI on September 6, 1984, the daughter of Raymond Ghislain and Tina Kjellander. On May 24, 2015, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Slades Corners, WI she was united in marriage to Michael Hookstead. She worked for Randall Township as the Treasurer. Amy’s motto in life was family first and her life revolved around her kids and family and she would do anything to make them happy. She was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. In her younger years she … Read more
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Waverly Ann Miles passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at the age of 90. She was born in Whitewater, WI on June 17, 1934, to Kenneth and Edna (Krahn) Sutherland and graduated in 1951 from Whitewater College High School. She married Raymond Miles on June 18, 1955, in Whitewater, WI. Waverly worked for the First Citizens State Bank from the time she was in High School until her retirement. She enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers, reading and most of all spending time with her family. She is survived by sons Eddie of Madison, WI and Todd (Barbara) Miles … Read more
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Thomas L. Marsh, 78, of Genesee Depot, WI passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Tom was born on July 5, 1946 in Waukesha the son of Lucian and Helen (Kramer) Marsh. He grew up in the Palmyra area and graduated from Palmyra High School with the class of 1964. After high school, Tom continued his schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. On October 12, 1968, Tom was united in marriage to Nancy Parsons at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra and the two would go on to enjoy over 56 years of marriage … Read more
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Robert Andrae Mischka October 31, 1934 – April 13, 2025 Whitewater WI – Robert of Whitewater died at home April 13, 2025. He was born in Milwaukee on October 31, 1934 to Zaner and Helen (Burrill) Mischka. He attended Burlington High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1956 with a BBA degree in accounting. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Mary Margaret Wanasek of Burlington in 1954. Together they had 7 sons, two of which died as infants. After college they moved to Pittsburgh, Pa. where Robert spent 7 years working as an accountant for the … Read more
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Roger Arthur Luebke, 74, of Whitewater, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his home. Roger was born on October 30, 1950, in Fort Atkinson to Bud and Helen (Erickson) Luebke. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1969, and worked at Schopens, Moore’s Seafood, and Husco. He enjoyed working in the shop, racing, drinking Miller High Life with his friends, and crossword puzzles. Roger is survived by his two children, Shelli Barrett and Buddy (Brandi) Luebke; sisters, Sandy (Bill) Lentz, Kathy (Paul) McCann, and Patty Luebke; and his grandchildren, Levi, Aaron, Justin, Megan, Brandon, Cody, and Lindsey. He … Read more
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