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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Contact:
For more information, Contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wwartsalliance
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm
Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.
“Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!”
On March 1, the grandson of Rick and Jeanine Fassl earned the Eagle Scout award at a ceremony in Monona, WI, attended by family and friends. Pictured here, during the event, are his grandfather, Rick Fassl and his father, Josh Fassl, (’96 WHS grad and Eagle Scout). The other photo shows Jackson holding a plaque given to him by his Troop 146 Scouts. Jackson will graduate Monona Grove High School in June.
In 2015, the Jefferson County Parks Department, with the support of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, completed the restoration of the Mason Log Home at Dorothy Carnes Park East. Hidden for more than a century inside the walls of an original 1850 farmstead, the log home was carefully uncovered, documented, and rebuilt over a two-year period by park staff and volunteers.
During the restoration, it was discovered that many of the original logs had been cut or removed during earlier modifications to the structure. To remain true to the home’s historic character, replacement logs from the correct time period were sourced from regional building demolitions and hand-cut to fit the structure. Approximately 30 percent of the home’s original logs were replaced as part of the restoration. The completed project quickly became a focal point of the Carnes Park farmstead area, offering visitors a rare and meaningful glimpse into early settlement-era construction.
When restoration work first began in early 2013, crews noted something unexpected. Once the original siding was removed, the exposed logs were surprisingly bright, showing very little fading or weathering from sun and rain. This indicated that the logs had not been left uncovered for long. Like many pioneer families, the Mason family likely added siding soon after construction to protect the home and improve insulation during harsh Wisconsin winters.
According to local historian Julia Ince, while log construction was common in early Wisconsin settlements, it was uncommon—and socially undesirable—for homes to remain unsided. As local sawmills became established, adding wood siding was considered a sign of progress and practicality. Leaving logs exposed would have been viewed as primitive rather than authentic to the time period.
Over the past decade, the exposed logs have been treated multiple times with wood preservatives and protective coatings. Despite these efforts, time and the elements have taken a toll. Unlike some regional log structures built with tight-fitting cedar logs and traditional Scandinavian joinery, the Mason Log Home was constructed using a more rudimentary technique. Square notches, wide gaps filled with chinking, and the use of softer wood species—including ash, red oak, and basswood—have made the structure more vulnerable to moisture intrusion and deterioration.
After extensive evaluation and consultation, Jefferson County Parks staff made the decision to return siding to the exterior of the log home. This approach aligns with both historic construction practices of the late 1800s and modern preservation standards aimed at protecting original materials. Importantly, the interior of the cabin will remain unchanged, continuing to showcase the hand-hewn logs, construction methods, and joinery that define the structure’s historical significance.
On Tuesday, February 17, a crew from Reidl and Son began installing horizontal cedar siding on the exterior of the Mason Log Home. This work is intended to slow further deterioration, protect the remaining original logs, and ensure the structure can continue serving as an educational and interpretive resource for generations to come.
While some visitors may prefer the rustic look of exposed logs, this project reflects a commitment to long-term preservation and historical accuracy. By reintroducing siding—just as the Mason family likely did more than 150 years ago—Jefferson County Parks is taking a thoughtful and responsible step to safeguard one of its most valued historic structures.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Parks Department.
Looking for a way to connect with nature, grow your own food, and be part of something local?
We’re inviting families, friends, and individuals to join our community garden for the upcoming season!
All experience levels welcome
Grow your own fresh, healthy food
Connect with your community
Support sustainable living
Let’s fill every plot this season!
Learn more & sign up:
On February 13, 2026, City of Whitewater Police investigated a complaint involving a juvenile victim reporting they had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by an adult male over the course of six years. These incidents were reported to have occurred multiple times in the City of Whitewater when the juvenile victim was between 5 – 11 years of age. The case was transferred to the Whitewater Detective Bureau to investigate. Whitewater detectives ultimately established probable cause to make an arrest of the adult male. On February 19, 2026, Whitewater detectives took the male suspect into custody in the City of Jefferson. The male suspect, Vincent M. Dean (33 years of age) of Jefferson, WI was taken into custody at his residence without incident with the assistance of the Jefferson Police Department.
Vincent Dean was confined in the Jefferson County Jail and has been formally charged by the Jefferson County District
Attorney’s Office with the following crimes:
1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child – Intercourse with Person under 12 (5 counts).
Repeated Sexual Assault of Same Child (At least 3 violations of 1st Degree Sexual Assault)
Child Enticement – Sexual Contact
Expose Child to Harmful Material
Exposing Genitals/Pubic Area/Intimate Parts to a Child (2 counts)
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the City of Jefferson Police Department for their assistance in
taking Vincent Dean into custody.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is
presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department on March 4, 2026. It appears that Dean is still in custody with cash bond having been set at $250,000.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
La policía de Whitewater detiene a un sospechoso en una investigación por agresión sexual a
menores
El 13 de febrero de 2026, la policía de la ciudad de Whitewater investigó una denuncia presentada por una víctima menor de edad que afirmaba haber sido agredida sexualmente en repetidas ocasiones por un hombre adulto durante seis años. Se informó que estos incidentes ocurrieron en múltiples ocasiones en la ciudad de Whitewater cuando la víctima menor de edad tenía entre 5 y 11 años. El caso fue transferido a la Oficina de Detectives de Whitewater para su investigación. Los detectives de Whitewater finalmente establecieron causa probable para arrestar al hombre adulto. El 19 de febrero de 2026, los detectives de Whitewater detuvieron al sospechoso en la ciudad de Jefferson. El sospechoso, Vincent M. Dean (33 años), de Jefferson, Wisconsin, fue detenido en su domicilio sin incidentes con la ayuda del Departamento de la Policía de Jefferson.
Vincent Dean fue recluido en la cárcel del condado de Jefferson y ha sido acusado formalmente por la Fiscalía del
Condado de Jefferson de los siguientes delitos:
- Agresión sexual en primer grado a un menor: relaciones sexuales con una persona menor de 12 años (5 cargos).
Agresión sexual repetida al mismo menor (al menos 3 delitos de agresión sexual en primer grado)
Seducción de menores: contacto sexual
Exponer a un menor a material perjudicial - Exponer los genitales, la zona púbica o las partes íntimas a un menor (2 cargos)
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer al Departamento de la Policía de la ciudad de Jefferson
por su ayuda en la detención de Vincent Dean.
Cabe señalar que este caso aún no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia condenatoria, se presume que el
detenido/acusado es inocente de todos los cargos. - Nota del editor: El comunicado de prensa anterior fue recibido del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater el 4 de marzo de 2026. Parece que Dean todavía está bajo custodia, habiéndose fijado una fianza en efectivo de $250,000.
Please scroll down for the video.
We are getting ready to drum into March with our Fairhaven Drum Circle led by Christine Hayes. Whitewater area community members are welcome.
The next drumming dates are Friday, March 6 @ 1:15 p.m. and Thursday, March 19 at 1:15 p.m.
Fairhaven Senior Services, Olm Fellowship Hall, 435 W. Starin Road
We hope you can attend one but we all know you would have a better month if you attended both!
Steve Watson writes, “Well, spring is on the way. I’ve heard robins and sandhill cranes and have seen redwing blackbirds.
This morning, 2-21-26, the first migratory ducks, common mergansers.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson.
— 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!
Town of Whitewater
Walworth County Wisconsin
2026 Road Work
The Town of Whitewater is now accepting proposals for chip sealing projects in 2026. There will be 8 roads involved in this project. If interested in participating in the project, please contact CARL AHRENS, Public Works Superintendent at
920-723-0458 or public.works@townofwhitewaterwi.gov. Carl will provide the complete bid package.
Sealed bids, clearly marked “ROAD BID,” must be delivered to the Town Clerk no later than Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at 12:00 pm (noon). All bids received by the deadline will be opened at a special open meeting to be held at 8:00 AM, March 24, 2026. You
may also use the secure drop box at the Town Hall to submit your proposal.
Mailing Address:
Town of Whitewater
W8590 Willis Ray Road
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: 262-473-4639
Project completion date is 8/21/2026
Editor’s note:
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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