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The Whitewater Unified School District is launching a strategic planning process to gather community input and set priorities that will guide the district over the next three to five years.
The process will begin with a brief community survey, open from January 9 through January 30, inviting input from students, families, staff, and community members. Feedback collected through the survey will help inform the district’s strategic direction and ensure future planning reflects the needs and priorities of the broader school community. The survey is available at https://dgsurveys.com/r/Whitewater2026.
Input from the survey will guide the work of a Strategic Planning Workgroup, which will meet several times throughout the process to help shape the district’s vision, core values, and strategic priorities. Additional opportunities for engagement will include focus groups and community engagement sessions designed to gather deeper insight and encourage broad participation.
“We are committed to hearing directly from our students, staff, families, and community as we plan for the future,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “This process will help us build on our district’s strengths, address areas for growth, and make sure our strategic priorities reflect the voices of those we serve.”
A guiding theme of the strategic planning is “All Means All,” a commitment to ensuring every student is seen, heard, and supported. The district aims to create an accessible process that reflects the full diversity of the school community and engages participants across all backgrounds and experiences.
Updates and additional information about the strategic planning process will be shared throughout the coming months. For more information, visit www.wwusd.org.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Andreas Breitling from Pixabay.
Marc DeVries
Marc DeVries Honored as a 2026 BizTimes Media Notable CFO
Jefferson County Finance Director Marc DeVries has been named to the 2026 BizTimes Media Notable CFO list. DeVries is one of nine chief financial officers from southeastern Wisconsin to receive the honor, which recognizes finance professionals who demonstrate excellence within the field, effect change within their organization or industry and give back through civic or community service.
“As Finance Director for our county, Marc oversees an annual budget with more than 6,000 accounts and provides excellent leadership for our committee,” said Dick Jones, Jefferson County Supervisor and Chair of the Jefferson County Finance Committee. “Marc ensures that our actions and decisions are in agreement with the county’s financial goals, and he keeps us apprised of future trends that may impact our work.”
DeVries, who has 31 years of financial experience, joined Jefferson County in 2017. In addition to preparing and managing a budget that impacts nearly 700 employees and 85,000 residents, he led a priority-based initiative to align county spending with community priorities and completed a risk-based reserve study to inform implementation of a proactive approach to potential financial risks.
“On behalf of all our employees and everyone who works with him, I am thrilled that Marc has received this award,” said County Administrator Michael Luckey. “He has consistently stewarded our finances to provide a high quality of life for our communities. Under Marc’s fiscal leadership, we are well-positioned to excel at delivering the services our residents need and deserve from their tax dollars.”
To read the full BizTimes profile of Marc DeVries: https://biztimes.com/notable-cfos-marc-devries/
For more about Jefferson County: jeffersoncountywi.gov
W-Eau Claire fall dean’s list announced
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of the Blugolds who have earned a place on the Dean’s List. Their commitment to excellence exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship at UW-Eau Claire. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment!
Eligibility Requirements
At the end of each semester, each of UW-Eau Claire’s four colleges recognize excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the Dean’s List. To be eligible, a student must: – be in good academic standing. – have a minimum semester GPA of 3.70. – have completed at least 12 credits during the semester, with no incompletes, no courses below the 100 level, no repeats, and no Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory registrations (except in degree credit-bearing courses that are offered only on the S/U grading system in which a grade of S has been earned).
The student from your area who was named to the Dean’s List is:
Whitewater, WI
Alex Meyer, College of Business
Big Foot beat Whitewater 53-41 in a RVC girls’ basketball crossover game on Tuesday, January 27. Big Foot jumped out to an early 14-2 lead before Whitewater went on a 12-6 run to cut the lead to six towards the end of the first half. Whitewater was able to pull within eight with a few minutes remaining but was not able to get it any closer. Emery Kachel led Whitewater with 23 points while Leah Paulsen led Big Foot with 29.
Whitewater plays at Turner on Friday, January 30.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Cover for Issue One of “Either/Or”
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will hold an official release party for “Either/Or,” a new national literary journal, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Roberta’s Gallery on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center.
Produced by faculty and undergraduate students in the university’s Department of Literature, Writing, and Film, the release marks a new chapter for the region’s arts scene by including internationally acclaimed novelists.
While many national journals are housed at the graduate level, “Either/Or” places the editorial, design, and production process in the hands of UW-Whitewater undergraduates. Under the vision and mentorship of UW-Whitewater faculty members Nicholas Gulig, a former Wisconsin Poet Laureate, and Barrett Swanson, an acclaimed essayist, the students involved in “Either/Or” compiled a powerhouse roster of contributors. Lauren Groff, National Book Award finalist, Sheila Heti, acclaimed novelist and Guggenheim Fellow, Claire Vaye Watkins, Story Prize winner, and Becca Rothfeld, non-fiction critic for The Washington Post, are among those featured.
The release party offers the local community a first look at a journal that bridges the gap between UW-Whitewater undergraduate students and the highest tiers of the contemporary literary world.
The release party is open and free to the public. Appetizers and light refreshments will be served. Registration is not required, but it is encouraged at this link. “Either/Or” is available for purchase at www.eitherormagazine.com.
The Department of Literature, Writing, and Film at UW-Whitewater offers a robust Creative Writing program alongside majors in Literature, English Education, Professional Writing and Publishing, and Film Studies.
On Monday, January 26, WHS students were selected and performed with the Rock Valley Conference Honors Band. These students were selected because of their hard work and dedication to music at WHS. They spent all day working with renowned conductor and educator Carrie Backman and performed a concert in the evening! Congratulations to these exceptional students!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sam Averill
Whitewater High School Band Director
saverill@wwusd.org
FREE FINANCIAL FREEDOM WORKSHOP
WHITEWATER, WI—Community members are invited to a free Financial Freedom workshop with Denise Maple of Live Life Spiritual Direction. The event will take place at the Whitewater Public Library in Meeting Room 1 on Tuesday, February 3 at 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Prosperity and wealth are possible for everyone. Often, our conditioning growing up or past experiences tell us the lie that abundance is not for us. Learn how to overcome these false beliefs to live a life of prosperity in your finances, relationships, and more.
Please join us for an enlightening and transformative gathering aimed at helping individuals harness the power of their mindset and actions to manifest abundance and prosperity in their financial lives. This workshop offers mind shifting exercises and practical strategies to enhance one’s relationship with money and create a positive money mindset.
During the workshop, participants engage in various activities and teachings that guide them toward a deeper understanding of their beliefs, attitudes, and habits around money.
Through guided meditations, visualization exercises, and introspective discussions, participants learn to identify and release any limiting beliefs or negative patterns that may be blocking their financial success. They discover how to cultivate a positive and empowered mindset, aligning their thoughts, emotions, and actions with the abundance they desire.
The workshop offers practical tools and strategies to help individuals set clear financial goals, create effective action plans, and cultivate healthy financial habits. It also fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can connect with like-minded individuals who are also on a journey of spiritual and financial growth.
This workshop is for adults. Registration is requested but not required. Please register in advance at whitewaterlibrary.org/events or by contacting the library.
You can learn more about the facilitator, Denise Maple, at livelifespiritual.com.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
WHS is proud to welcome back a true legend of our program—Track & Field Hall of Fame Coach Mark Maas. Coach Maas’s impact goes far beyond wins and records; his leadership, mentorship, and dedication have shaped generations of athletes. Please join us in giving a warm welcome! We’re excited to have you back where your legacy began.
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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