Steve Watson writes, “Lighting strike over Whitewater, 8-16-25, 2055 hours.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing this incredible photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Riding with Angels announces their 4th Annual Open House and Fundraiser!
On August 23rd, 2025 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. the community is invited to experience all that Riding with Angels has to offer and see the farm in action. Riding with Angels’ mission is twofold. First, Riding with Angels rescues horses in dire situations, nursing them back to health and providing a safe environment for them to thrive again. Second, Riding with Angels uses these rescued horses to provide a youth horsemanship program to youth facing adversity or challenges. The youth horsemanship program focuses primarily on youth 7 to 18 who might not otherwise get a chance to experience the healing wonder of working with horses.
The event will have rescue horse spotlights along with horse demonstrations including dressage, liberty, obstacles and jumping. We’ll have games, roping demonstrations, live music and a silent auction. Children of all ages will enjoy “painting a horse,” kids’ crafts, pony rides and a petting zoo. We’ll also have food and drinks. Event attendees will also be able to talk with some of the young people who have participated in our youth horsemanship program to hear about their experiences.
“It’s been nearly 25 years since we began our journey in Palmyra and we’re thrilled to be celebrating with our community this summer” says Marianne Schulz, Riding with Angels’ Director. It’s with your support that we can continue helping these amazing creatures and provide a youth horsemanship program. In doing so, we provide a place for horses and youth to foster hope and healing.
Gerald “Red” J Markham, age 93, passed away near his LaGrange farm peacefully on August 14, 2025. Red was born on March 6th, 1932, on a farm in Eagle WI, the son of Millard & Mary-Ann Markham. He married his high school sweetheart, Eloice Loughead on October 24th, 1953, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. Eloice passed in July of 2012 at the age of 81, after 59 years of marriage.
Gerald grew up on a farm near Little Prairie, WI near Adams school where he attended grade school. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1950, where sports were a big part of his life. After high school he started his own farming operation on the Benson farm in 1951 with help from younger brothers, sisters and older sister Rosie as the housekeeper. By 1957, Gerald and Eloice moved to a larger farm near Whitewater, also a dairy operation with hogs & chickens. In 1966 he was chosen by the Whitewater Jaycees as the “Outstanding Young Farmer in the Area.” This award led to the making of four seasonal films of ‘Farm Family’ by Encyclopedia Britannica to educate city children about life on the farm; one can still view these today on YouTube. The Markham farm would eventually grow to 325 acres of primarily cash crops. Gerald and Eloice spent two decades of winters in their home in Apache Junction, Arizona and truly enjoyed the ‘warm’ active community lifestyle. Red had deep friendships with his Kettle Moraine Drive neighbors; Fred & Cindy, Knuckle & Becky, Grenzow’s, Ronny & Mary, Beth & Richard, & Nancy. An avid football fan he enjoyed watching Badger games, Packer games, and any other football games on TV. Dad was a very devoted family man with his brothers, sisters, and children. He truly enjoyed the Markham family reunions with relatives from four of his sibling generations. From his big armchair he was always on the phone with family and friends at all times of the day. His adventurous spirit and generosity with his grandchildren will be missed tremendously.
Gerald & Eloice were loving & caring parents and raised five children: Kurt (Grace) of Beijing China, Pam (Frank) Torchia of Antioch Il., Dale (Kristin) of Milton Wi., Steve (Judy) of Stillwater MN., Tricia (Pat) Rude of Stillwater MN.; and his thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters & brothers; Joanne Flahive, Kathleen (Dick) Brinkhaus, Duane (Liz), Roger (Carol), Jake (Rosie), David (Mary-Ellen), Philip (Barb). Predeceased by his sisters & brothers; Rose-Marie, Elizabeth, Robert, Donald, Gordon, Kenneth. We would like to thank the staff at SSM Health, Milton Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for the care they showed Red.
A visitation will take place on Saturday. August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main Street in Whitewater WI. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 AM, also at St Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery following mass with a luncheon for gathering to take place afterwards.
Nitardy Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.
Whitewater High School Class of 1975 – Class Reunion Aug. 2, 2025 – Photo by Tom Ganser
Front row L to R: Bruce Masterson, Bob Ludeman, Kathy (Zenz) Stanton, Sally (Marshall) Lange, Cathy (Rainbow) Winter, Dave Zimmerman, Jodie Schirmer, Kathi Caldwell, Anna (DeWind) Walls, Kathy (Walters) Davis, Jane (Johnson) Route, Cheryl (Casey) Schaefer, Dawn Behling, Pam (Reid) Colletti, Rita (Walton) Welter, Bob Johnston
2nd row L to R: Cathy Tuminaro, (she is tilted to the right), Nancy (Hale) Strand, Joan (Zimmerman) Dedolph, David Disrud, Jeff Reinke, John Bill, Kathy (Bruch)-Nenn, James Selel (AFS student from Kenya), Mike Fay, Ed Hale, Sherry Rasmussen, Judy (Leastman) Bruley, Tracy (Funk) Gilmer, Tracy Williams, Ellen (Frawley) Hartley, Mike Colletti
3rd row L to R: Allen Brokmeier, Dave McGraw, Ken Boyd, Larry Kachel, Jim Jacobson, Scott Nehring, Jim Bergman, Jim Hansen, Dick (Rick) Keiser, Ray Triebold, Dean Jolliffe, Tim Scherer, Chris Riedel, Eddie Nugen, Rick Blankenship, Perry Giese, Jim Goehl, Mark Zelle, Bob Frays, Tom Route, Brand Carter, Chuck Nass, David Roe, Bill Gage, Jeff Sweno (Class of 1976), Scott Poehler Mike Davison missing from photo
Enlarged view of the first photo
Photos, courtesy of Tom Ganser, are from the Whitewater High School Class of 1975 50th Reunion on Aug. 2, 2025, at 841 Brewhouse and Aug 3, 2025, at Rick’s.
The 58 alumni attending included classmates from Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington State. Also attending from Kenya was Jame Selel who was an AFS exchange student at WHS during his senior year.
Tribute to military service
Gone but not forgotten
For information about obtaining prints of photos contact Tom Ganser at tganser33@gmail.com.
Editor’s note: Updated on 8/18/25 @ 11:34 a.m. with Parks & Recreation Board agenda Updated on 8/19/25 @ 9:20 p.m. to add phone number to Parks & Recreation Board agenda
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion about the logo and rebranding of the library; Review and approval of the Claims Returned Policy Cravath Lakefront Conference Room 312 W Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual 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: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85016145635?pwd=e1H1ClISFBLN0HZyFUYg3D3ll3aiy1.1 Meeting ID: 850 1614 5635 Passcode: KPCNXH4d Or join by phone: Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Update on Housing and Strategy, Discussion and Possible Action regarding a possible Referendum question to form a Lakes District, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Accurate Assessor Contract; Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation from Landmarks Commission regarding the Starin Park Water Tower. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual 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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84476739931?pwd=bZ8YcXgck4NbbRbzSfjGLjd4rdtpE6.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Webinar ID: 844 7673 9931 Passcode: 960572
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes Continuation of Parks and Open Space Plan work. Incorporating survey results, site visits, and staff recommendations into individual site recommendations. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85658600831?pwd=xLohaphTP6cHjSQ4EUWEGkOQajHVIY.1 Meeting ID: 856 5860 0831 Passcode: 456345 One tap mobile +13052241968,,85658600831#,,,,456345# US +13092053325,,85658600831#,,,,456345# US Meeting ID: 856 5860 0831 Passcode: 456345
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting – Thursday @ 4:30 pm. Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on date for community kid fishing derby; Discussion of current and proposed lake capital improvement projects and related lake initiatives. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85216799622?pwd=ZVGPVYevJX3d6HqaJEKbb8mnz5vB0m.1 Meeting ID: 852 1679 9622 Passcode: 017234 Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US +1 646 931 3860 US
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes introduction of new Economic Development Director Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87614381831?pwd=3YHbybadMj5xL4caulDdpmUzfQXlUu.1 Passcode:647974
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take control of their life.
A popular workshop in Rock County can help! Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides information, group activities, simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three, 2-hour sessions over the course of a month. Dedication to the series of three classes is required. This is a workshop for females, taught by a female.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County invites women to join them for a “Mind Over Matter” series at Cargill United Methodist Church located at 2000 Wesley Avenue, Janesville. The series will take place on three Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am on September 2, 16 & 30, 2025. Suggested donation is $10 to cover the cost of materials. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a spot! The registration deadline is August 22nd.
To learn more, or to register for the series, contact Health Promotion Coordinator, Lisa Messer, of the ADRC of Rock County by calling: 608-757-5309 or email: Lisa.messer@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The Rock County ADRC has previously indicated to The Whitewater Banner that they welcome non-Rock County residents, space permitting.
Whitewater Public Library is committed to fiscal responsibility and ensuring sustainable services for all patrons. In response to the growing demand for digital materials both at our library and throughout the library system, we have conducted a comprehensive review of digital borrowing trends and performed a budget analysis.
We are focusing our funding on the continued development of our robust digital collections within the Libby app, which includes access to digital books, audiobooks, and magazines. We will be discontinuing the hoopla service on October 12, 2025. [The entire Bridges Library System, of which the library is a member, is phasing out hoopla by January, 2026.]
It was determined that hoopla’s pay-per-checkout model has become unsustainable, consuming a disproportionate share of resources while serving a limited percentage of patrons. By focusing on the Libby app, we aim to continue delivering high-quality digital content effectively to a wider audience without compromising the sustainability of our library’s resources.
We appreciate your understanding and want to assure you that our commitment to providing excellent digital services remains a priority. We encourage patrons to explore ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through the Libby app. Additionally, patrons are invited to explore other digital resources available with your CAFÉ library card.
For any questions or assistance in accessing our digital resources, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Editor’s note: This announcement is from the library’s Facebook page.
The iconic actor’s journey to stardom from vaudeville to Hollywood as seen through unprecedented, rare personal footage from his estate, including his own personal narration and that of his wife, Lauren Bacall, son Stephen, and other notable actors and actresses.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Updated 8/15/25 @ 11:45 a.m. to add another stand.
For many years, the Marsh family farm of Palmyra was one of the most popular sources of sweet corn for Whitewater residents. Their pickup truck with the bed full of the delicious treat was a frequent sight on the east side of First Citizens State Bank. Local resident Jayne Haskey told The Banner that Phil Marsh no longer plants corn, and consequently his wife Carmen and their grandchildren have retired from corn sales. Per Haskey, the grandchildren “paid their way through college working the corn truck. They have now all graduated.”
Fortunately, there are a number of nearby locations where residents can sample this year’s corn. A few of those options are shown below.
Update 8/16/25 @ 10:50 p.m. – Sara Pontel wrote to clarify “we are the farm [Sarafina Farm] at W9440 Stader that grew the Pontel sweetcorn. My husband, Kevin and I own the business.”
Banner reader Kathy Church Channing reported that there’s another area stand [shown above] operated by Rodney Pontel at W9440 Stader Road. Stader Road is off Highway 89, south of US Hwy 12, and the farm is to the west. There’s a sign at the intersection promoting their “super sweet sweet corn.” Pontel’s stand wins the prize for the most artistic display of ears of corn.
Billy Mills’s stand [shown above] next to Mills Automotive, 707 E. Milwaukee Street, appears to be the only one where the corn and other produce is refrigerated. The corn is from Holt Farms in the Delevan area. As seems to be the case with all the area farmstands, it’s self service 24/7, but it may be the only one that has lighting. Parking is easily accessible off Milwaukee St. Venmo accepted.
Matt Meiners of MY Farm has a stand [shown above] at 13205 E County Road N [beyond Walworth Ave.] a short distance past Highway 12 on the right side of the road. There’s a sign for Hidden Falls Ranch. Though, of course, it’s a busy road, there’s a good pull-off parking area. Recently corn was priced at $7/dozen or three ears for $2, and there was a selection of other produce. Matt is also a vendor at the City Market on Tuesdays.
Kolton Reu only sells corn at his stand [shown above], but he uniquely welcomes purchasers to leave the husks in a bin for his cows. His stand is located at the corner of County U and County N, basically across the street from the airport. It’s easy to pull off County U into parking by the stand.
Other stands [sorry, no pictures] : Hwy 59, right side of the road, just before the industrial park
W8141 Clover Valley Rd. – reportedly they also had really good green beans.
Cedar Bend Century Family Farm, N7922 US Hwy 12 & County Hwy 67, Elkhorn – It appears that this is an attended stand, and it may not be open 24/7.
Markets:
City Market – Tuesday 4-7 p.m. at the parking lot of the Cravath Lakefront Park Matt Meiners of MY Farm has a booth with a variety of produce including corn. Mike Murphy of Milton’s booth has corn and other produce plus eggs.
Farmers Market – Saturday 8 a.m. – noon, 301 W. Whitewater St., in the parking lot next to the Train Depot Mike Murphy is there with corn, eggs, etc. This is a rather small market compared with the City Market, but there are other vendors with produce, meat, etc.
Editor’s note: Apologies if we’ve inadvertently left any other area stands off the list. We will be glad to add others; please submit to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. The image on the homepage is from the Murphy Farm Facebook page.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is a summer picnic at the lake. Henry Scholl took this photo on a glass plate around 1900 and the location was probably Lake Koshkonong. Notice how dressed up the people are, a suit for the man and long-sleeved blouses and skirts for the ladies. And hats! In 1900, even a picnic at the lake called for formal clothing.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
