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Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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City of Janesville Appoints Rebecca Houseman, ICMA-CM, MPA to Serve as City Manager
The City of Janesville is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Houseman, ICMA-CM, MPA, as City Manager. Houseman will begin her service with the City on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Houseman brings more than 20 years of local government experience, with expertise in municipal administration, financial management, economic and community development, human resources, strategic planning, and public engagement. She currently serves as City Manager for the City of Fort Atkinson, a position she has held since 2021.
As Fort Atkinson City Manager, Houseman has led major community and organizational initiatives, including the Ridge View Estates housing development, a new classification and compensation system, construction of a Public Works and Parks Operations Facility, and a successful public safety referendum that funded additional police officers and a transition to a full-time fire department. She also negotiated long-term Fire and EMS service agreements with surrounding municipalities and strengthened the City’s financial position through long-term planning and fiscal management.
A Janesville native, Houseman began her local government career as an undergraduate administrative intern with the City of Janesville. She later served the City of Beloit as Community Planner and City Clerk and the Village of Darien as Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer before becoming City Manager of Fort Atkinson.
“It is truly an honor to return to Janesville and serve the community where my career in local government began,” said Houseman. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the City Council, employees, residents, businesses, and community partners. I look forward to building relationships and working together to continue moving Janesville forward.”
Houseman holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Urban Management from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She is an International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) and Wisconsin Certified Public Manager. She also serves as Second Vice President of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
“We are excited to welcome Rebecca to the City of Janesville,” said City Council President Larry Squire. “Rebecca brings an impressive combination of experience, leadership, and a genuine connection to Janesville. The City Council looks forward to working with her as we build on Janesville’s positive momentum and opportunities for the future.”
The city conducted a comprehensive recruitment process that included input from residents, businesses, community stakeholders, employees, and elected officials. Communication and transparency, visible and engaged leadership, strategic vision and fiscal stewardship, economic development, relationship building, integrity, accountability, and trust emerged as key priorities for Janesville’s next city manager.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Janesville.
Meet the 2026/2027 Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble!
This year’s Southern Ensemble brings together 19 talented students representing 13 area high schools.
Congratulations, Ava!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This week we have a mid-20th century view of Russell and Elvin Ridge milking cows. How many of you remember this type of milking parlor on family farms of the time? A number of items related to Helen Ridge were donated to the society a few years ago.
Do you have mid-20th century photos you could donate or loan? We would really like to see them. Go to whitewaterwihistoricalsociety@gmail.com to let us know.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5913P, Whitewater Historical Society)
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office expects that a long duration rainfall event will continue from Friday afternoon through Sunday. A flood watch is effective for all of southern Wisconsin from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Whitewater area is projected to receive 2-4″ of precipitation, with the heaviest rainfall occurring Friday night into the first half of Saturday. There is, however, uncertainty about the path that the front will take. As shown in the third image below, it’s possible that the heaviest rain will be north of our area.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Franz Bachinger from Pixabay.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has increased their projection of rainfall from the ongoing event to 2.5-5.5 inches. Online reports indicate that the area has already received approximately 1.75″. The Weather Service has extended the flood watch to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The service indicates that the long duration rainfall will continue today through early Sunday morning.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Bruno from Pixabay.
Ferradermis Robotics Demo
Saturday, September 19th 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Join our local robotics club for a robot demonstration and hands-on STEM activities!
Whitewater Public Library
431 West Center Street
SNHU Announces Summer 2026 President’s List
MANCHESTER, NH — Kaatje Gunnink of Whitewater has been named to Southern New Hampshire University‘s (SNHU) Summer 2026 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 94-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.
We invite residents to participate in a public discussion regarding the future of emergency medical services (EMS) in Jefferson County at meetings on September 17 in Jefferson and September 24 in Watertown. The meetings are identical in information and format, which features a moderated presentation and a Q&A session for attendees to ask questions and share their opinions.
The meetings will examine factors affecting Jefferson County’s emergency medical services, including rising costs, fewer volunteers for fire and EMS teams, increased training commitments for emergency responders, rising call volumes, and the challenges involved in delivering rapid call responses throughout a rural county. Attendees will also receive an update on research and recommendations from the EMS Working Group, a multidisciplinary team of local stakeholders that has studied EMS issues since early 2025.
Meeting details:
- Thursday, September 17
Jefferson County Courthouse
311 S. Center Ave., Jefferson
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - Thursday, September 24
Watertown Fire Department
621 Bernard St., Watertown
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
For more about Jefferson County: jeffersoncountywi.gov
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Jefferson County.
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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