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Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by First United Methodist Church.
The Whitewater High School Alumni Association invites all WHS Alumni to attend its Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 3rd at 12:00 p.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant in Whitewater. This yearly gathering is a chance for alumni to reconnect, share updates, and learn about ongoing projects and opportunities to support WHS Alumni scholarships. The group also welcomes anyone interested in helping with future Alumni fundraisers or serving on the Scholarship Committee. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Facebook Messenger to help plan seating and lunch arrangements. For more information, visit the WHS Alumni Association’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GVCGYjVzk/
Editor’s note: The above announcement was submitted by Sarah Hoots.
In a late-week adjustment due to Saturday’s storms, the St. Cat’s Invite was moved up a day and raced on Friday. With just two days of recovery following Tuesday’s strong race day, the Whippets wrapped up a very good week of racing on the prestigious course at UW–Parkside.
With good temperatures and a mild breeze, the girls took to the course first on Friday evening and continued to show strong improvement and consistency.
Virginia Nelson once again led the way, finishing 37th out of 250 runners. Her time was 22:19. Her consistency from race to race will continue to pay dividends as the season progresses. Melody Smith had a particularly strong day in her return to the lineup, running 23:00 and finishing 62nd. She was just seconds off her lifetime best on a challenging Parkside course.
Ema Aranda followed with a 23:43, good for 81st. Peyton Comfort continued her impressive consistency, running her second race of the week within 10 seconds of her Tuesday performance. She finished 153rd in 26:28. Madelyn Taylor recorded a season-best time of 27:00 to place 165th, while Liz Ramirez continued her improvement by cutting 25 seconds off her lifetime best, finishing in 31:34 and placing 220th.
As a team, the girls finished 15th out of 32 teams.
The boys turned in a similarly strong effort, with much of the team finishing just off their times from Tuesday despite racing on a more difficult course. Several runners also managed to set personal bests.
Tyler Carollo continues to lead the Whippets with one consistent and reliable performance after another. He finished 66th out of 328 runners with a time of 18:48.
Marcus Roe and Marcus Roselle continued to push each other throughout the race as Whitewater’s second and third runners. Roe finished 157th in 20:18, while Roselle was right behind him in 168th at 20:28.
Wyatt Esch turned in another solid race, running 21:27 for 215th. Angel Kilar was one of the day’s standout performers and came through as Whitewater’s fifth and final varsity scorer. Angel ran a lifetime best of 21:41, continuing to close the gap on Wyatt and giving the team another runner capable of contributing to the varsity lineup as the season progresses.
Preston Miller finished 259th in 22:36. Jameson Rothwell and Carson Miller battled stride for stride all the way to the finish, with Jameson edging Carson by just one-tenth of a second. Rothwell ran 22:56.1, while Miller finished in 22:56.2. That razor-thin finish earned Jameson the final varsity spot for next week’s race in Janesville.
Hunter Runnoe continues to put together strong races in his first season with the team, setting another lifetime best by six seconds and finishing 289th in 23:38. Horatio Nelson placed 309th in 24:26, while Ian Agen finished 340th in 28:06.
The varsity boys finished 25th out of 36 teams competing.
After two races in one week, the Whippets now get some time to recover, train, and prepare for their next opportunity: the Janesville Midwest Invitational on Saturday, September 26.
Full results: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/276803/info
Article and Photos Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
The Greater Whitewater Committee would like to invite you to the 14th Annual Discover Whitewater Series: Half Marathon, 5K Teams, Fit Kid Shuffle, and 5K Teams on Sunday, September 20th on Schwager Drive, Whitewater (near Perkins Stadium).
We will have Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, Samuel Karns, give a pre-race speech at 7:45 a.m. near the start line. He will be joined by Chancellor Corey A. King and City Manager John Weidl. The Half Marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. and is a USA Track & Fields championship race. The 5K begins directly following, at 8:15 a.m. and has a new “teams” category that promotes students, local orgs, and businesses to run together and compete for unique prizes.
The DWS is a community-centered event aimed to support Whitewater by giving back to local charities and highlighting its greatest features. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, Whitewater LEADS, The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation-Athletics, and the Whitewater High School’s Future Business Leaders of America.
Date: September 20th
Time: Speakers at 7:45 a.m., race begins at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Schwager Drive, Whitewater (outside of Perkins Stadium)
Parking available in lots 11 and 9.
Thank you, we hope to see you there!
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office is projecting that there will be more rain in our area overnight. It appears, however, that the total rainfall for the event is unlikely to reach the 5.5″ maximum that could have been expected. The flood watch has been extended to 7 a.m. on Sunday. The most likely period for any flash flooding appears to be this evening between 7-11 pm as the main push of storms comes through.
Updated 9/18/26 @ 9:00 p.m. to add a statement from the Office of the Governor.
Kikkoman Grand Opening Celebration Open House
September 19 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Kikkoman – Jefferson 800 Kikkoman Way, Jefferson, WI, United States
Join us in celebrating the opening of Kikkoman’s new plant in Jefferson, WI! This free event includes refreshments and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Activities include:
- Guided tours
- Omikuji (fortune slip) drawing
- Japanese name writing
- Games A live drawing exhibition by manga artist Mami Burmesch (aka Suke-maru)
Editor’s note: The above announcement is from the Japan American Society of Wisconsin website.
In June 2024 Kikkoman broke ground in Jefferson on a $560 million plant which produces soy sauce and related seasonings such as teriyaki sauce. The plant is the company’s third, with one in Walworth and the other in California. It is planned to be a high-tech, energy efficient factory and was projected to create over 80 jobs.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Office of the Governor.
| Gov. Evers, WEDC Join Kikkoman to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Production Facility in Jefferson |
| WEDC will provide up to $15.5 million in performance-based tax incentives to support Kikkoman’s $800 million total investment in Wisconsin, creating more than 80 high-paying jobs and bolstering economic opportunities in Southeastern Wisconsin |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today joined Kikkoman Chairman and honorary CEO Yuzaburo Mogi, representatives from the Kikkoman Corporation, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO John W. Miller, as well as local leaders and stakeholders, in celebrating the grand opening of Kikkoman Foods Inc.’s (KFI) newest production facility in Jefferson. The Jefferson facility represents an investment of approximately $560 million over 10 years. With the addition of this new manufacturing plant and in conjunction with the company’s Walworth facilities, KFI is investing a total of more than $800 million to bring more than 80 high-paying jobs in Southeastern Wisconsin. “For more than 50 years, Kikkoman has shown Japanese business leaders that Wisconsin is a place where international companies can succeed, build trusted partnerships, and become valued members of their communities,” said Gov. Evers. “Kikkoman is one of our finest examples of what such a partnership can accomplish, and we look forward to growing together for many more decades to come.” “For over 350 years, we have earned the trust and loyalty of consumers through our sauces and seasonings, fueling our growth in North America,” said Chairman Mogi. “Our partnership with Wisconsin has long been central to our success, and Jefferson is the natural next chapter. This facility gives us proximity to key agricultural suppliers, access to high-quality water our brewing process demands, and a workforce rooted in the same values that have guided Kikkoman for generations. As global culinary influences continue to shape what people want on their tables, this facility also strengthens our ability to meet that evolving demand by bringing the depth and authenticity of international flavors to more people, faster.” “Kikkoman—like Wisconsin—is identified with excellence around the world,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO John W. Miller. “Their decision to continue growing here reaffirms our state’s reputation not only as a global leader in the field of food and beverage production, but a center of innovation and state-of-the-art manufacturing. WEDC is honored to partner with them as we embark on this new course together.” Kikkoman has played a vital role in Wisconsin’s economy for more than half a century. In 1973, with the opening of KFI in Walworth, the plant made history as one of the first production facilities built in the United States by a Japanese company, which has since become the Kikkoman Group’s highest-producing soy sauce facility in the world. In 1998, Kikkoman opened a second production facility in Folsom, California. As demand for Kikkoman® Soy Sauce and other sauces and seasonings continues to grow in North America, the company spent the last several years conducting a nationwide search to identify the ideal location for a third manufacturing facility. Choosing from among 64 Midwestern locations, Kikkoman ultimately selected a 100-acre site in Jefferson as the location for its newest facility. The Jefferson plant is KFI’s third U.S. production facility and expands Kikkoman’s ability to meet growing demand across retail, foodservice, and food manufacturing channels throughout North America. . The plant is expected to begin shipping products later this fall. In support of the project, WEDC has committed up to $15.5 million in performance-based Enterprise Zone tax credits to fuel job creation and capital investment benchmarks. The amount of credits the company receives is contingent on the amount of capital invested and the number of jobs created. KFI is also working with regional workforce development and technical education partners to support hiring and training for advanced food manufacturing careers. Along with its manufacturing plants in Walworth, Wisconsin, and Folsom, California, the new Jefferson facility will produce a range of Kikkoman products, including soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and non-soy sauce-related seasonings for retail, foodservice, and food manufacturing customers. The 240,000-square-foot building is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a highly flexible manufacturing layout capable of handling multiple products, viscosities, and packaging formats, including glass, BPA-free plastic, industrial, and bulk sizing. The facility also incorporates advanced digital manufacturing tools that enable paperless operations, real-time data visualization, and enhanced traceability. These measures support KFI’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50 percent, reduce water consumption per unit by more than 30 percent, and achieve a 100 percent recycling rate by 2030 as part of the company’s long-term environmental strategy. KFI’s investment in Jefferson builds on the company’s longstanding commitment to community impact and responsible corporate citizenship. KFI has contributed more than $17 million in charitable donations to educational platforms, civic organizations, community charities, disaster relief efforts, and environmental protection organizations in Jefferson and beyond, including $250,000 to Jefferson County for native prairie restoration in honor of the grand opening. The Kikkoman facility in Jefferson will anchor the city’s Food and Beverage Innovation Campus, a 165-acre industrial park for food and beverage manufacturers. Gov. Evers thanked city and county officials and the Thrive Economic Development organization for their collaboration with Kikkoman and WEDC in making the new facility a reality. In Wisconsin, investments from Japanese companies have been an advantage for the state and local economies, leading to the establishment of manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and corporate offices. There are over 80 Japanese companies throughout Wisconsin, and this robust collaboration has created over 10,200 jobs, invigorating the state’s economy and elevating Wisconsin’s position in the global market. Since 2003, Japan has invested over $4.2 billion in Wisconsin, making it the second-largest investor in the state after Canada. |
Expert help in one place with starting a business, growing a business, financials, marketing & artificial intelligence (A.I.)
The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) at the Universities of Wisconsin, along with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Gateway Technical College and the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance will host a Small Business Clinic – free to all participants – on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn, WI.
This FREE event will take place from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM and is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ for entrepreneurs. Come for the day or for a specific session. Participants can schedule 30-minute individual sessions with consultants to discuss starting a business, financials, marketing, or legal matters, and/or participate in lecture-style sessions in a group setting.
The event will feature lecture style and 1:1 sessions covering topics such as financials, marketing, legal matters, and A.I. as well as taxes, business planning, funding sources and general business consulting. Resources from local entities and entrepreneurial support at resource tables will be available all day as well as a lunch panel of local experts and businesses who will discuss their experiences.
“We’re excited to bring this level of hands-on business support directly to Walworth County,” said Jason Schleip, Director of the SBDC Whitewater. “Whether someone is exploring an idea, tackling their financials, or ready to grow, our consultants meet entrepreneurs exactly where they are — and this clinic makes that expertise easy to access in one place, in one day.”
“Your entrepreneurial journey doesn’t have to be a solo adventure,” said Dan Brosman, OBE Strategic Projects Associate Director and event organizer. “Our clinic provides the roadmap, resources, and community support you need to succeed.”
“Walworth County entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to figure it all out on their own,” said Nora Roughen-Schmidt, event organizer and Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center and State Small Business Credit Initiative. “This clinic brings free, one-on-one expert guidance right into their community, so they can leave with real answers and a clear next step for their business.”
“What a great opportunity across Walworth County and neighboring counties for businesses of all sizes, but particularly the smaller ones. It gives attendees the opportunity to meet and listen to experts on critical subjects that can help them advance their respective organizations. It also provides an opportunity for one-on-one advice, networking, and a connection to potential mentors. We are grateful to all the partners and also our chambers of commerce for making this a reality.” Derek D’Auria, Executive Director, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance
In addition to 30-minute consulting appointments, participants may attend breakout sessions focused on business planning, financial records and strategy, digital marketing, small business law, business taxes and practical uses of AI. A local entrepreneur discussion panel and resource tables will provide additional opportunities to learn, ask questions and make connections throughout the day.
One-on-one consulting is free and confidential. Attendees can register online and customize their schedule by selecting the sessions and appointments that are most relevant to their business needs. Advance registration is encouraged.
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided. Attendees will also have opportunities to meet local, regional and statewide organizations that support entrepreneurship, connect with fellow business owners and learn about programs and resources available to small businesses.
Nora Roughen-Schmidt (ROWAN-Schmidt), Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center and State Small Business Credit Initiative, serves as one of the event organizers. She will be available for free and confidential small business consulting that day. Contact her via email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu to schedule your time with her.
WHAT: FREE Small Business Clinic
WHERE: Gateway Technical College – Elkhorn Campus: 400 County Road H, Elkhorn, WI 53121
WHEN: Monday, September 21, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the clinic online: bit.ly/sbc-walworth
or email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu call/text: 608-262-2994.
The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) provides specialized resources and helps clients craft personalized plans to grow their businesses. For more information about OBE visit us as https://business.wisconsin.edu
OBE is part of the world-class Universities of Wisconsin.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by UW-Whitewater.
Obituaries
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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