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Today is Friday, October 9, 2026
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First Citizens State Bank announces the retirement of Kat Mawhinney
It is with both excitement and a touch of sadness that we announce the upcoming retirement of Kat Mawhinney.
Kat has dedicated her entire banking career to First Citizens State Bank and the Whitewater and surrounding communities. She has made a lasting impact over 37 years starting as a Teller and working her way to Vice President | Loan Officer and Marketing. With her incredible skills and vast banking knowledge, she has helped countless customers realize their goals and dreams. Additionally, she has been at the heart of the company organizing birthday lunches, retirement parties, holiday activities, happy hours, summer outings, and more. She has also devoted her time to community organizations including The Whitewater Community Foundation, Rock County 4H, and The UWW TipOff Club, just to name a few.
To help us celebrate Kat as she moves on to her next adventures, we invite customers to stop by this week, Wednesday 1/21 through Friday 1/23, to enjoy coffee, share stories and wish her well going forward.
We will miss Kat very much and we thank her for all of her years of dedicated service. Cheers to 37 amazing years!
All city offices will be closed on January 20th, but citizens who need police assistance may use the afterhours call button in the Municipal Building Whitewater Street vestibule or may call the non-emergency phone number at 262-473-0555 option 4. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,[1] and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.
King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Text in second and third paragraphs is from Wikipedia. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by EasyGiftWizard from Pixabay.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office issued the following advisory and forecast as of Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Dangerously Cold Wind Chills: Tonight Through Monday Morning
- Winds to 40 MPH tonight will also bring wind chills in the negative 20s.
- A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 AM CST to 12 PM CST Monday.
- Areas in southwestern Wisconsin may see wind chills drop as low as negative 30 degrees for a brief period overnight, but coverage is expected to be isolated.
- Although conditions improve into Monday afternoon as winds diminish to gusts of 25 mph, expect wind chills to remain in the negative teens throughout Monday afternoon and overnight through Tuesday morning.
On Saturday, January 17, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling Team boarded the bus and traveled to Janesville Craig High School to participate in their first annual girls’ wrestling invite. The Whippet girls performed very well with many great performances throughout the day. When the dust had settled the ladies found themselves on top of the podium as a team, outdistancing Verona by 22 points to bring home the team gold.
Leading the way for the ladies was Kora Davis (120) who had a great gut wrenching match in her semi-final coming out with the 8-6 victory to reach the championship. In the championship round Kora had a tough match against her opponent but came up short. This was Kora’s highest placement for her this being her first season of wrestling.
Madi Kubicz (185) also had a great semi-final match against her opponent, getting the 1-0 victory. In the championship, much of the match was wrestled in the neutral position with Madi providing much of the action, but Madi was unable to completely finish and ended up falling and bringing home the silver.
Also reaching the podium and bringing home the bronze were Isabelle Cantu (100) and Storm De Porter (126). Isabelle lost a tough semi-final ending up on the short end of a scramble. The girl she lost to went on to win the gold in a similar match, coming out on top in a scramble. Other than the one defeat, Isabelle had a really good day, securing three pins during the day.
Storm had a very nice day showing lots of aggression on her feet and wrestling tough on top. She had a very strong opponent in the semi-finals from Monroe, coming up short for the finals. She battled back strong, coming up with two more wins, both by very strong pins.
Other placements on the day included Ema Aranda (107), Katie Rojas-Reyes (132), Atreya Wilson (138), Burma Vubumu (145), Aubrey Fuoco (145), Saray Villegas (152), Payton Taylor (165) and Silvia Harris (120). Silvia had a very good day coming away with three pins and finishing in 5th place. In her 5th place match Silvia was down 9-3 in the 3rd period and was able to come away with the pin.
The girls are in action on Wednesday night, January 21, when they host Madison Memorial and Big Foot. This will be Senior Night and Parents’ night starting at 6:00.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
This year is America 250—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Whitewater Historical Society is starting the year with a program about the Revolutionary War era and the early history of our country. Noted presenter and interpreter Jessica Michna will be bringing Abigail Adams to life in a program on Sunday, February 1 at 1:00 p.m. in the Cravath Lakefront Community Building.
The program is entitled “Abigail Adams – ‘A Lifeline of Letters’” and looks back to the days of Abigail and John Adams’ early marriage. Referring to the many letters written between them, Abigail recalls the days of revolution and uncertainty. She reminisces about friendships forged in France and England as a diplomat’s wife, the divisive election of 1800, and her management of the family farm. She also brings to life the early days of Washington, D. C. as seen from the windows of an unfinished White House.
Michna’s interpretations of historical women are not to be missed as she has gotten “rave” reviews for her presentations. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call Carol Cartwright at 920-723-8858.
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding 1850 Tavern on Main (Former Brass Rail), 130 W
Main St., Alcohol License application approval and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Viola’s Beer Here, 617 E Milwaukee St., Alcohol License application approval.
Whitewater Municipal Building Cravath Lakefront
Room, 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.,
*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 link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/216901167816?p=JpNzRjpRvpWfgw4oAj
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,
118698468# United States,
Phone conference ID: 118 698 468#
City of Whitewater Common Council = Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation by Jodi Sweeney from the Sweeney Group on the Capital Campaign Study
for the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center, Report on rental housing list, ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION, to be followed by open session re: Discussion regarding potential housing proposal; First reading of Ordinance 2026-O-01 an ordinance regarding amendment of the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map-Community Development; First reading of Ordinance 2026-O-02 and ordinance amending the zoning map the zoning classification in regards to certain properties in the City of Whitewater Tax Parcel # /A444200001(Vacant Lot located at the end of E Main Street); Discussion and Possible Action regarding Pre/3 development TIF request presentation by Ehlers.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St
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 link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23020224725003?p=SpdSxWr7BqBKdwb0el
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,981563858# United States,
Phone conference ID: 981 563 858#
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on application for open gym use of the Old Armory
Building for indoor soccer; Discussion and possible action on approval of Strategic Plan
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str,
*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 link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2441813127624?p=N7iRDtUN3ZfYNoFG1b
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 244 181 312 762 4
Passcode: Yn3Yo7sF
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,914576498# United States
Phone conference ID: 914 576 498#
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center St.
*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 link below to join the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85020202048?pwd=TZwRReCHECXKnN8AMIhBEg3KVds8uO.1
Meeting ID: 850 2020 2048
Passcode: zKGiB41B
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) Clinton beat Whitewater 69-40 in RVC Girls’ Basketball action Friday night, January 16. After the game was tied 8-8, Clinton went on a 14-3 and then never looked back. Whitewater plays again on Thursday at Brodhead.
Information Provided by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns indicated that a lockdown that occurred at Lincoln Elementary School on Friday, January 16 was caused by an alarm malfunction. According to a press release police responded to the alert and a hard lockdown was implemented. The lockdown was lifted when it was found that there was no threat to students or staff.
The release indicated that “We understand that seeing a police presence at a school can be concerning. While this was a false alarm, the response demonstrated that our safety systems and partnerships with local law enforcement are working as intended, as we prioritize the well-being of our students and staff.” It continued, “We understand that seeing a police presence at a school can be concerning. While this was a false alarm, the response demonstrated that our safety systems and partnerships with local law enforcement are working as intended, as we prioritize the well-being of our students and staff.”
School counselors were available to support any students who needed time to talk though the experience.
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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