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Old World Wisconsin to Visit the Library

February 10, 2024

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.

Old World Wisconsin is going on the road to bring their hands-on history experience to you! Community members of all ages are invited to a presentation by Old World Wisconsin at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30 p.m. Step into the past and engage with real immigrant collections and objects in this facilitator-led program.

For all ages. There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.

This Week’s City Meetings

February 10, 2024

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m. – Virtual only
Agenda includes Update on Walworth County Transitional Housing, iscussion and Possible actions regarding activities to promote a welcoming and educational environment for new immigrants, and Discussion and Possible regarding Proactive approaches to address potential NeoNazi activities in the city or on campus.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smartphone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
EOC Meeting
Feb 12, 2024, 5:00 – 6:30 PM (America/Chicago)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/275909109
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States:
+1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code:
275-909-109
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda is hearing of appeal of denial of beverage operators licenses.
Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront
Room 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87640525572?pwd=naG3hZcM5hdIOBd1ZNbavs18Z_70jQ.jYlf3r370xSFkR-l
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 876 4052 5572
Passcode: 151151

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed arcade and
lounge and sale of alcohol by the drink located at 141 W Whitewater Avenue #B, Parcel #
/TR00008 for DLK Enterprise, Inc d/b/a Hawk’s Arcade & Lounge.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/622071581
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 622-071-581
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding awarding Contract 1-2024, Ann Street and Fremont Street Reconstruction, Discussion and Possible Action regarding awarding Contract 2-2024, Forest Avenue Reconstruction, Discussion and Possible Action regarding awarding Contract 3-2024, North Fremont Street Reconstruction.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater Street
*In Person

Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes several closed session items, followed by return to open session.
In-person & virtual Community Development Authority Board of Directors Meeting (In-Person & Virtual) Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87688580790?pwd=uSsREcRQQG1Hcv8PCZkzdspb94Rf1w.HStrGsutcrrv8Szp

Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799

Webinar ID: 876 8858 0790

Passcode: 082260

Local Students Recognized on UW-Milwaukee Dean’s List

February 10, 2024

The following individuals from your area have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Fall 2023 semester. UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Whitewater

 Skylar Staebler, School of the Arts-Undergrad
 Emma Van Daele, Rehab Sci & Tech Undergraduate

Girls’ Wrestling Team Makes History

February 9, 2024

On Thursday night, February 8, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling team made history when they traveled to Beloit Turner High School to participate in two dual meets against Muskego and Turner. Over the course of the season the girls have been doing an outstanding job competing but never in a situation where it was set up as an official dual meet.

Whitewater started off against Muskego in a fun dual meet. Coming up with wins for the Whippets were Ema Aranda, Silvia Harris, Isabelle Cantu, Lauren Buehler, A’Lani Ross, and Myia Cobbs. At the conclusion of the last match the teams were deadlocked so the rule book was broken out to find the tiebreaker criteria. The coaches and official had to go down to criteria letter i, most first points scored in a match, in which the Whippets lost by two points.

In the second dual of the night, the Whippets competed against Beloit Turner. Again, this dual was quite the meet. Coming up with wins for the Whippets were Ema Aranda, Lauren Buehler, A’Lani Ross, Atreya Wilson, and Marianna Kubicz. With Atreya getting her pin, it put the Whippets yet again tied, as the dual meet ended once again having us pull out the rule book. This time the Whitewater girls came out on top in the criteria by filling out more of the weight classes for the victory. Future trivia question: What was the date that the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling Team won their first official dual meet? The answer will be February 8, 2024!

Teammates celebrate after a victory

Outstanding job by all the girls for hard fought matches. It was very exciting to watch the girls compete in this capacity.

Next up for the girls’ team is when they travel to Campbellsport on February 17 to compete in the Girls’ WIAA Sectional Tournament, vying for a trip to the state wrestling tournament.

Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Team Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hefty

WHS Student Awarded Prestigious National Honor Society Scholarship

February 9, 2024

Emerson Ellenwood, a senior at Whitewater High School, has been awarded a Prestigious National Honor Society Scholarship.  

Since 1946, more than $25 million in scholarships have been awarded to outstanding NHS senior members to support college access and student success.  The scholarship program is supported by the parent organization of NHS, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

In the 100+ years since NHS was founded in 1921, members have been making a difference in their schools and communities.  The NHS Scholarship is NASSP’s way of recognizing the most exceptional of these student leaders.  Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of NHS: Leadership, Character, Scholarship & Service.

Emerson is the President of the National Honor Society & French National Honor Society at Whitewater High School and is the Captain of the Varsity Soccer, Basketball & Tennis Teams.  He has been on the high honor roll throughout his high school career and won many academic awards for his achievement in school.  Emerson earned the distinction of AP Scholar with Honor, became a University of Chicago Voltage Scholar, was a Badger Boys State Primary Delegate in 2023, Wisconsin Second Alternate at Boys Nation, and earned the Whitewater High School Rising Whippet Award in 2022. He also won an award for the Best Position Paper for SOCHUM at MADMUN XII – an organization through Model United Nations (UN) whose top priority is to enforce social, cultural and humanitarian freedoms internationally. Emerson has helped many younger students work through challenges as a Peer Mentor and encouraged many students to take advantage of opportunities as a member of the Lead Dog Program. He also inspired many students as a Basketball Coach for the Whitewater Parks & Recreation Program.  

Whitewater High School NHS Advisor, Pamela Sonmor-Wintz proudly remarked, “Emerson has been an amazing National Honor Society President this year and is so deserving of this honor and recognition!  He is an outstanding student, leader and exceptional human being.  His character is always at the highest level and he makes decisions that have a positive impact on his peers. Emerson has empathy for others and a sense of humility that helps him recognize and acknowledge the strengths of others.  He is an inspiration to everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. Congratulations Emerson for receiving this most honorable and prestigious award!” 

Emerson is the son of Christian Ellenwood and Elisabeth Deussen.

Seniors in the Park Presents The Holdovers

February 9, 2024

It’s movie awards season and Seniors in the Park will be presenting many nominated and winning films over the coming months!

“The Holdovers”

Tuesday, February 13, 1 p.m. 

(Drama/Comedy) Rated R (language)

2 hours, 13 minutes (2023).

A cranky history teacher (Paul Giammati) at an obscure Eastern prep school is forced to stay on campus over the Holidays with the few students and staff  (DaVine Joy Randolph) that have no place to go. Golden Globes were awarded for Best Actor; Supporting Actress. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

JV Gymnasts Compete in Elkhorn

February 9, 2024

The Whitewater Whippet Gymnastics Team went to Elkhorn Thursday night, February 8. The JV team took 2nd with a score of 65.2750.  It is the JV’s highest score this year.

Vaulting for the first time, Maddie Morton scored a 7.050.  Maggie, Amaya, and Gabriella scored their highest on vault.

JV Balance beam was once again a no fall beam routine from the four girls that competed.

JV had 5 girls compete on the floor, with all the girls scoring the personal best for the year so far.

Gabriella Pena Perroni

Whitewater Whippets Gymnastics has two more meets left in the season. They will be in Waterford on Tuesday, February 13th and then head to Elkhorn for Conference on the 16th.

Article Submitted by Shawnda Peters
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
speters@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Girls Defeat Clinton 57-38

February 9, 2024

Whitewater beat Clinton 57-38 Thursday night, February 8, in a Rock Valley Conference girls’ basketball crossover game.

Whitewater slowly built a double-digit lead towards the end of the first half and kept that lead the rest of the night.

Calli Grosinske

Grosinske led Whitewater with 22, Navejas contributed 13, DePorter added 8, and Kohl scored 7, balancing out the scoring. 

Whitewater is at Oconomowoc on Friday, February 9. They finish the regular season on Monday, February 12 (vs. East Troy) and Thursday, February 15 (vs. Jefferson) at home.

Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka

Obituaries

Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement.  As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy.  Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more

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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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