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The Whitewater Boys’ Wrestling teams have seen their 2025-2026 season come to a close sooner than they would have liked as they participated in the Division 2 Sectional Tournament at Wilmot Union.
The boys battled through lots of adversity going into the tournament going through some illnesses. The coaching staff was very pleased with the effort throughout the day as all those present performed to the best of their abilities on the given day.
Gabe Crane (132) led the way with a 3rd place finish. The immediate result was disappointing for Gabe as he had high aspirations of qualifying for the state tournament but came up one place short. The positive of the day was the fact that Gabe was definitely not 100% and after an early loss he could have used it as an excuse and just cashed in the season. He battled hard and was able to fight through his matches finishing 3-1 on the day with 3 pins. Gabe finished the season with 28 pins, one shy of tying the school record for pins in a season.
Coming in 4th place included George Christon (106) and Brady Friend (138). Each of these young men had tough losses in the quarterfinals but came back through on the backside with a couple of much needed wins to get into the 3rd place match. Both of them wrestled hard in the final match but came up on the losing end.
Austin Retzlaff (215) had some nice wins on the day, including two against a very tough opponent in the last match for him. Austin finished the day in 5th place winning the last match by a technical fall.
Trevor Piper (190) continued to show his improvement that he has shown the last few weeks of the season. He was able to avenge an earlier season loss in the wrestle back match which really had him excited as it justified his hard work in the room was paying off. At the end of the day Trevor finished in sixth place.
Closing out the placements for Whitewater was Deavion Olson (HWT). Deavion wrestled very well in his last high school tournament having two very close matches against opponents who had defeated him earlier in the season. Olson was able to finish out his high school career with a win by pinning his opponent in the 7th place match.
Although the last couple of outings for the Whippets were not what was hoped for the team, they had a great season considering their youth. They won the Whitewater and Clinton Invites and finished as Co-Champions of the Rock Valley Conference “Valley” Division in duals.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
The LWV Whitewater Area is proud to announce that it will sponsor two candidate forums in March in advance of the April 7th Spring Election.
Whitewater Common Council Candidate Forum
Saturday, March 7, 1:30PM – 3:00PM
Whitewater City Hall Council Chambers, 312 W Whitewater Street
There are three open seats on the Council with two candidates running for each seat. The candidates are: Aldermanic District 2 (Wards 9 & 10) Gavin Kelleher and Sean Liebherr; Aldermanic District 4 (Wards 6, 7 & 8) Brian Schanen (incumbent) and Chuck Mills; and, Member at Large Aubrey Thompson and Orin Smith. All candidates have agreed to attend the forum.
WUSD School Board Candidate Forum
Saturday, March 14, 1:00PM – 2:30PM
Whitewater City Hall Council Chambers, 312 W Whitewater Street
There are three open seats on the School Board and four candidates. The candidates are: Stephanie Hicks (incumbent), Lisa Huempfner (incumbent), Christy Linse (incumbent), and Terri Jones. All candidates have agreed to attend the forum.
The League sponsors candidate forums for the benefit of YOU, the voter. At the forum, you will be asked to write your questions on cards distributed by the League. Questions are reviewed by question checkers, who sort them by topic and check for redundancy. We do not accept questions targeted to specific candidates. Questions prepared by the League board will be used only if there are not enough questions provided by residents in attendance at the forum.
Both forums will be moderated by League member Karl Brown, Associate Professor of History at UW-Whitewater.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*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.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2347588688575?p=zch7gsowSGLOzNCwSV
City of Whitewater Police & Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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 below link to join the meeting
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22182703466609?p=72YXfCFHNXiMmjlwbO
You can also dial in using your phone:
Phone Number: 1-929-229-5663 Phone Conference ID: 359 534 838#
Whitewater Unified School District School Board =- Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes A. Resolution Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Not to Exceed $15,575,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes; B. WUSD 2024-25 Audit Report; .C. Referendum Update; D. UWW Childrens Center and Whitewater Unified Partnership; .E. Strategic Planning Update
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82146377184?pwd=AEdIoBt14wLTmdFeoJWyayWVdLL5Xf.1
– Passcode: 836551
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 821 4637 7184
– Passcode: 836551
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Review and discussion of status of the Innovation Center and the Early Childhood
Education and Childcare Center (ECEC) project; Review and possible action on Development Agreement with Whitewater Alpha Real Estate, LLC; and Discussion on moving garbage and recycling services to a special charge.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2767274998917?p=JZsyPGk11aeZdpBrcG
Meeting ID: 276 727 499 891 7
Passcode: rv3TB3nK
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663, 890210123# United States
Phone conference ID: 890 210 123#
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 4:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23024647953882?p=0xWG70oJJ3JEQ1YW1K
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23024647953882?p=0xWG70oJJ3JEQ1YW1K
Meeting ID: 230 246 479 538 82
Passcode: pa7ka3GW
Need help? | System reference
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,717102861# United States
Phone conference ID: 717 102 861#
The Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling teams have seen their 2025-2026 season come to a close sooner than they would have liked.
The girls defended their Rock Valley Conference title in Edgerton outdistancing runner-up Jefferson. The Whippets put six girls into the finals with two claiming RVC Titles and had three more bring home a bronze medal.
Ema Aranda (107) and Emma Maas (114) led the way for the Whippets bringing home the Gold medal, both securing pins in their championship matches. This was the first RVC title for both ladies.
Reaching the finals with two wins leading up to the final match and securing runner-up were Isabelle Cantu (100), Kora Davis (126), Storm De Porter (132), and Madi Kubicz (185). Each of these ladies wrestled their hearts out in the final match but came up short. Likely the most exciting match of the evening for the tournament (also being the last match of the evening) was Kubicz who dropped a tough 5-4 match in overtime.
Coming in third place and having great performances throughout the tournament closing out the evening with a victory and making it onto the podium were Berma Vubumu (145), Aubrey Fuoco (152), and Payton Taylor (165). These girls had tough losses at some point of the tournament but were able to come back through and reach the podium.
Congratulations on a great performance for the entire Whippet Girls Program in defending their RVC title. They should be proud of the great accomplishment.
The girls’ team put together a very nice ending to their season, finishing in 2nd place at their regional tournament only falling to Milton by 24 points who had five champions on their way to their regional title. In order to advance to the Girls’ Sectional Tournament the girls needed to finish in the top two at their respective weight classes. Isabelle Cantu (100), Ema Aranda (107), and Payton Taylor (165) each finished in second place to advance to the Kettle Moraine Sectional. Just missing out on qualifying and finishing in 3rd place included Emma Maas (114), Silvia Harris (126), Storm De Porter (132), and Marianna Kubicz (185). Each of these ladies were 3-1 on the evening however are unable to advance in the tournament series, but that does not mean they did not have a great tournament!
On Friday night, February 20, the 3 qualifiers traveled to Kettle Moraine to participate in the sectional tournament with the top two girls advancing to the State Tournament in Madison. Cantu (100) and Aranda (107) had a couple of tough draws for their opening round, each losing their match. Based on the setup of the sectional tournament if you lose in the first round then you are eliminated. Payton Taylor (165) had a very nice tournament, getting two pins to start off the tournament and seeing her advance to the championship against a familiar foe from Delavan-Darien. Payton lost in the championship and because she had not wrestled the girl who took 3rd she had to have a wrestle back to hold her spot. It is tough to come off a loss in the championship and Payton wrestled hard but unfortunately lost the match thus taking 3rd place and just missing out on the state tournament qualification.
All of the girls should be proud of their accomplishments over the course of the season. They defended their Rock Valley Conference Championship and were runner ups in the regional tournament against a very good Milton team. Each of the girls showed a lot of heart all season long, some battling through injuries yet still competing the best that they could.
Best of luck to our exiting seniors; Isabelle Cantu (100), Silvia Harris (126), and Atreya Wilson (138). All three of these ladies have been an integral part of the development of the Girls Wrestling Program at Whitewater High School.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Jayne Lubke playing the organ that will be dedicated on April 19
The Milwaukee Brewers’ former organist will keynote the dedication of First Congregational United Church of Christ’s newly installed organ. Dean Rosko of Allen Organ Co. will highlight the organ’s features during the Fort Atkinson church’s 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 19.
Serving as organist for worship will be Jayne Lubke. The Nurture ministry team will host a luncheon following the service.
The public is invited to the organ dedication. Among the attendees will be the Rev. Rachel Bauman, associate minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. First Congregational UCC received the organ from the Whitewater Congregational United Church of Christ when it closed permanently last April.
The Renaissance Quantum organ manufactured by the Allen Organ Co. was dedicated to the memory of the late Robert Jennings. A music professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 26 years and choir director at the Whitewater church for 17 years, Jennings passed away in 2013.
The founder of Allen Organs of Wisconsin LLC in 2020, Rosko served as organist for the Brewers baseball team from 2003 until right before the 2024 season, when the live organ was removed from American Family Field. He also has been the organist for Milwaukee Admirals hockey games at UW-Milwaukee’s Panther Arena since 2015.
In addition, Rosko is director of music and organist at the Church of the Gesu next to Marquette University in Milwaukee, vice president of the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society and a past board member of the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
The costs for procuring, moving and installing the Allen organ at the Fort Atkinson church totaled $40,032.37. Persons wishing to contribute toward that effort may write a check to First Congregational UCC with a notation of “Organ Fund” in the memo line.
Located at 31 W. Milwaukee Ave. in Fort Atkinson, First Congregational UCC is an inclusive congregation that welcomes persons of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities and economic circumstances.
For further information about the church or organ dedication, call (920) 563-4802 or email
officefortucc@gmail.com.
The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next bi-monthly meeting on Monday, March 2nd from 5:30-6:30 PM. Don’t forget – we are only meeting via Google Meet ( https://meet.google.com/fko-afzc-hxa ) for the remainder of the school year.
Agenda, Past Minutes and Other Documents:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TuBl93A6i-eHoumy9RN1HDvYWYLHdbeN?usp=sharing
Constitution:https://docs.google.com/document/d/176FiAPf8aBMIY6qAUMseCVGTBSoBRencaSgcpmIwuek/edit?usp=sharing
Ways to get involved:
Way #1:
We know that our meeting times don’t work for everyone, but anyone can volunteer!
Whitewater music events frequently need your assistance. Look for opportunities from Whitewater Music Boosters and from teachers in the future. Volunteering is a great way to support students in their music experience.
Upcoming arts events:
Feb. 26 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS
Feb. 27 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS
Feb 28 HS Spring Play 7:00pm HS
Mar. 1 HS Spring Play 2:00pm HS
Mar. 2 Middle School Orchestra Clinic 3:30pm MS Band Room
Mar. 3 Chamber Music Festival 4-8pm HS
Mar. 4 Elem. String Recital 3:40pm LINCS Cafeteria
Mar. 14 District S&E (HS ONLY) ALL DAY East Troy HS
Mar. 17 Lakeview Fine Arts Night 5-7 pm Lakeview Elem.
Mar. 20 Washington Spring Program (4/5) 1:30pm Washington Elem.
April 9 MS Play Daytime HS Auditorium
April 10 MS Play 7pm HS Auditorium
April TBD HS Jazz & Music Master Tour 2:00-3:30 Middle School
April 11 MS Play 7pm HS Auditorium
April 12 MS Play 2pm HS Auditorium
April 15 Chamber Music Recital 7:00 pm HS Auditorium
April 25 State Solo & Ensemble Festival All Day UW-Whitewater
April 23 Lincoln Fine Arts Night 5:00pm Lincoln Elem. Gym
April 28 MS Show Choir/Jazz Band Concert 7:00pm WMS Cafeteria
April 30 Spring Orchestra Festival 6:30pm HS Auditorium
May 1 MS Jazz/Show Choir tour All Day District Elem.
May 5 6 & 7th Grade Band Concert 7:00pm HS Auditorium
Way #2:
Over the recent years, our funds have steadily decreased, so we could use people to donate and/or fundraise! In addition to supporting student activities through volunteering, Music Boosters supports the growth of students through sponsoring music related activities and providing monetary support for instruments, uniforms, and other needed items that aren’t budgeted for. Donors are recognized on social media and through the programs at district music events, but can also donate anonymously if it’s preferred.
Donate/Share Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkxHs1iNBujuaWKY7SqiDjH4QjZQ5dg2/view?usp=drive_link—
Whitewater Music Boosters
Supporting the Whitewater Unified School District
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by WWUSD Music Boosters.
The Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA) has named Jefferson County Parks Director Kevin Wiesmann its 2025 Park Section Outstanding Professional of the Year. Wiesmann received his award during a reception at the WPRA Annual Conference & Trade Show on February 5 in Wisconsin Dells.
The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award recognizes parks professionals with seven or more years of experience who excel in their mission to promote the benefits of parks and whose actions hold true to the WPRA mission statement: “So everyone can play.”
“Kevin leads a talented, dedicated Parks Department staff that ensures residents and visiting guests enjoy all that our parks have to offer throughout Wisconsin’s four seasons,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “Our parks aid in preserving the rural heritage of Jefferson County, which is central to our way of life and a point of community pride.”
Wiesmann oversees an extensive collection of outdoor recreational amenities, including 22 County Parks, more than 1,300 acres of parkland, facilities, and flood-mitigation properties, popular trails for bicyclists, hikers, snowmobilers, and cross-country ski enthusiasts, and an acclaimed Dog Park. His team has developed key relationships with volunteer teams and “Friends of” groups, resulting in more than 400 hours of volunteer work and investments of more than $300,000 in the Jefferson County Parks Endowment Fund, per the 2025 Parks Department Annual Report.
In 2026, Wiesmann is leading an update of his team’s Parks & Outdoor Recreation Plan (PORP), which will inform parks development in Jefferson County for the next five years. “We are excited to interact with our Parks fans to hear what they value most about our County Parks and get feedback for making these special places even better for all visitors,” said Luckey. “With Kevin’s guidance, I’m certain our plan update will provide thoughtful stewardship and great ideas for future park spaces.”
For more about Jefferson County Parks: https://parks.jeffersoncountywi.gov/
The following students are members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s production of “The Prom.” The production, directed by Robyn Accetta and produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide of New York, New York, will run Feb. 20-28 at Barnett Theatre in UW-Whitewater’s Greenhill Center of the Arts
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Mauritz, who is studying Art, is a member of the Cast, serving in the role of Ensemble/Understudy Kaylee.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alex Martin, who is studying Music, is a member of the Pit Orchestra, serving in the role of alto saxophone.
Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person at the Greenhill Center of the Arts, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. Barnett Theatre is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. For additional information about the UW-Whitewater Department of Theatre/Dance visit uww.edu/theatre.
About “The Prom”
“The Prom,” directed by Robyn Accetta, is a vibrant, feel-good musical that brings together an impactful story of queer love, Broadway glitz and small-town grit in a story bursting with humor, heart, and humanity. Full of show-stopping songs and powerful moments, this production celebrates redemption, transformation, and the joy of being seen. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the love, or the glitter – there’s a place for you at “The Prom.” Produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide of New York, New York.
Editor’s note: Additional information regarding performances of “The Prom” may be found in this Banner article.
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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