Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, October 9, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team hosted Elkhorn and The Prairie School on Tuesday, January 6th for an exciting triple dual. While the Whippets outswam The Prairie School 111–43, they came up short against a strong Elkhorn squad 109–61. Overall, the boys had some really good swims, and it was great to be back racing!
Highlights from the night include:
• 200 Medley Relay – Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Cruz Aranda, and Mateo Bazeley finished 2nd with a time of 1:50.19. Caleb had a strong 50 Breast split, clocking 34.44.
• 200 Freestyle – Langdon Coburn finished 2nd with a time of 2:04.78. Carson Miller and Ian Agen both tried the 200 Free for the first time and went under 3:30.
• 200 IM – Cruz Aranda won the event with a time of 2:07.94, moving him into 5th place on the Whippet Top 10 List. Eloy Rodriguez swam the event for the first time and did a great job.
• 50 Freestyle – Mateo Bazeley continued to swim fast, hitting right on his best time. Chacha Binagi dropped a huge 4 seconds, going 34.67, and Cooper Housel posted a new best time of 34.50.
• 100 Butterfly – David Enns and Mateo Bazeley both swam the event for the first time in their careers. Mateo finished 7th with a time of 1:07.30, and David followed with a solid 1:24.34.
• 100 Freestyle – Cruz Aranda took 2nd with a time of 52.12. Wyatt Esch dropped 5 seconds to go 1:02.18. Hunter Runnoe dropped an impressive 8 seconds, hitting 1:12.06, and Ian Agen had a massive 16-second drop, posting a best time of 1:24.88.
• 200 Freestyle Relay – Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, and Cruz Aranda won the event with a time of 1:39.23.
• 100 Backstroke – Chacha Binagi and Hunter Runnoe both had huge time drops. Chacha dropped nearly 15 seconds, finishing in 1:40.47, and Hunter dropped 14 seconds, posting a new best time of 1:34.80.
• 100 Breaststroke – David Enns continued his strong improvement with a best time of 1:23.43. Carson Miller dropped 10 seconds, touching in 1:52.58.
• 400 Freestyle Relay – Wyatt Esch led off with a strong split, bettering his 100 Free time again with a 1:01.23.
Up next: The Whippets head to Stoughton on Saturday, January 10th to compete in the Stoughton College Invitational. Swimming starts at 10:30 AM — hope to see you there!
Article Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits for January 2026
In 2025, more than half of the homes tested for radon in Walworth County had levels exceeding the safety threshold set by the EPA
This January, in recognition of National Radon Awareness Month, Walworth County Health and Human Services will offer radon test kits to residents for just $5 with the donation of a non-perishable food item. The $5 price includes shipping and laboratory analysis. Normally priced at $15, the kits are supplied by the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center. Donated food will be distributed through The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity. This offer is limited to one test kit per person.
Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment, as testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.
The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, located at 1910 County Road. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Cash and check payments only.
For more information on the promotion, or to learn more about radon testing, please contact the Walworth County Health and Human Services at (262) 741-3200, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, on Facebook @WalCoDHHS, or online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.
Residents with elevated radon results should contact Walworth County Health and Human Services or the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center at (262) 605-6731 for mitigation options.
Editor’s note: The tests that were distributed a few years ago had to be received by the testing lab within a limited number of days. It may be worthwhile to pay for expedited shipping.
Heather Boehm, city clerk, indicates that Teresa Golembiewski requested on January 7 to have her name removed from the April ballot for Common Council At-large. Boehm has confirmed that this request will be honored, and consequently there are two candidates: Orin Smith and Aubrey Thompson. As a result, there is no need for a primary in February.
The Whitewater Banner provided a list of Common Council and School Board candidates which may be found here.
Update 1/7/26 @ 10 p.m. to reflect Teresa Golembiewski’s decision to withdraw from the Common Council At-large race.
Update 1/8/26 @ 12:45 p.m. to indicate that there is no competition for the two Walworth County Supervisor positions.
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
City of Whitewater Common Council
Three City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Per City Clerk Heather Boehm, the following is the final status of the nomination filings, as of the January 6 deadline. A primary will be held on February 17 to determine the two candidates who will move forward to the election of the at-large seat.
District 2 (Currently represented by Orin Smith, who is not running for reelection for this position)
Gavin Kelleher, 451 Warhawk Drive
Sean Liebherr, 771 W. Lauderdale Drive
District 4
Chuck Mills, 336 S. Whiton Street
Brian Schanen [Incumbent], 441 S. Buckingham Blvd.
At-large (Currently represented by Greg Majkrzak, who is not running for reelection)Teresa Golembiewski, 1180 Bloomingfield Drive Candidate withdrew on 1/7/26
Orin Smith, 329 N. Tratt St.
Aubrey Thompson, 318 W. North St.
Whitewater Unified School District
The candidates for WUSD School Board who had filed by the January 6 deadline, per School Board Secretary Christine Dodge:
Stephanie Hicks [Incumbent], 1254 Tower Hill Pass
Lisa Huempfner [Incumbent], 976 W. Charles St.
Terri Jones, 148 N. Hyer Lane, Apt. 8
Christy Linse [Incumbent who had filed a noncandidacy statement but changed her mind and is now running.] W5106 Meske Rd., Fort Atkinson
Walworth County Supervisor, District 4
District 4 represents the western portion of the city; a map may be found here.
Incumbent Al Stanek is not running for reelection.
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Tyler Schneider, 160 S. Whiton St, is the only candidate.
Walworth County Supervisor, District 3
Per Walworth County Clerk Susie Pike, Incumbent Brian Holt is the only candidate.
_______________________________________________________________________________
FALL ELECTION
U.S. House of Representatives
The general election for this position is not until November 3. It is very likely that a primary will be held on August 11, as the following candidates have already been announced:
Bryan Steil (Incumbent) (Republican Party)
Miguel Aranda (Democratic Party)
Mitchell Berman (Democratic Party)
Randy Bryce (Democratic Party)
Enrique Casiano (Democratic Party)
Gage Stills (Democratic Party)
Connor Walleck (Republican Party)
Adam Follmer (Independent)
State offices – November election
Walworth County Sheriff – November election
Incumbent sheriff Dave Gerber has filed a noncandidacy statement.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to announce a public initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5 as a part of the League of Women Voters Women Defend Democracy campaign. Unite and Rise 8.5 seeks to inspire 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up to support democratic processes, free and fair elections, and the Rule of Law in our country. If just 3.5% of eligible voters participate in peaceful protests, we will create a meaningful difference to protect the Constitution and democracy.
Please join us to learn how you can make a change. Eileen Newcomer, Deputy Director of LWVWI, will speak on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Jean Eichman, richardeichman@sbcglobal.net.
_____________________________________
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
The Whitewater Public Library has a full calendar of free events for all ages in January! Events for all ages include the Winter Reading Challenge which begins January 20 and runs through March 12. Participants can pick up a bookmark at the library’s front desk and then fill in a circle for every 20 minutes you read or listen to a book. Then come back to the library and turn in your bookmark to receive a goody bag. Each completed bookmark is also an entry into the grand prize drawing! There will be one grand prize drawing for kids and one grand prize drawing for teens/adults.
Additional all ages events include:
Coloring Club: Mondays 1/5, 1/12, & 1/26 at 3:30 p.m.
Family Game Night: Tuesday, 1/13 at 3:30 p.m.
Weird Science – Slime: Wed. 1/14 at 4:00 p.m. (registration required)
Free Play Friday: 1/30 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Events just for kids include:
Storytime: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Build it! Club: Tuesday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, January 8 at 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Events for teens include:
Teen Gaming: Thursdays starting on 1/8 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/12 at 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Teen DIY: Wednesday, 1/21 at 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Teen Movie: Wednesday, 1/28 at 4:00 p.m.
Events for adults and teens include:
Chess Club: Thursday, 1/8 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Magic the Gathering 101: Friday, 1/16 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Vinyl Club: Tuesday, 1/27 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Makerspace 101: 3D Printing: Thursday, 1/15 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Making Games with bitsy: Thursday, 1/29 at 5:30-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Programs just for adults include:
Movie & Mocktail: The Princess Bride Monday, 1/5 @ 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Tea Time: Wednesday, 1/7 @ 11:00 a.m.
Tarot 101: Year-Ahead Spread: Thursday, 1/22 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, 1/26 @ 4:00-7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Details about all events can be found on the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org/events. Some events require registration, which can also be done on the library’s website or by contacting the library. All library programs are always free and open to the public.
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.
Noah Verhasselt, and Pavan Chennamaneni pose for a group photo on competition day.
A team of students from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (UWW) delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up, one of the premier collegiate sales competitions in the country—bringing home top individual and team honors.
competition.
Bailey Quinn (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) earned 1st Place Overall – Best Salesperson, competing against 87 competitors from 28 universities across the nation. Fellow Warhawk Paige Moeller (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) placed 4th overall, while Noah Verhasselt (Class of 2026, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis) contributed significantly to the team’s 2nd Place Team Finish. The competition, hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, included teams from LSU, Baylor, Arizona State, Florida State, and the University of Texas at Dallas, among others.
“This was an amazing experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the UW-Whitewater Sales Institute,” said Quinn. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from my team and coaches.”
The team, led by Moeller (team captain), Quinn, and Verhasselt, was supported by student coach Taylor Wojcinski (Class of 2027, Marketing BBA with a professional sales emphasis), whose mentorship and professionalism were key to the group’s success. Faculty coaching was led by Dr. James (Jimmy) Peltier, a long-standing leader of UW-Whitewater’s sales program, who returned from retirement this year to serve as Sales Team Coordinator. Professor Pavan Chennamaneni, Director of the Institute for Sales Excellence at UWW, and Taylor Wojcinski also played important roles in preparing the team.
The team began practicing for the competition during the first week of the fall semester. They practiced every Monday and Wednesday morning with Dr. Peltier and also met on their own about four times a week. As the competition drew closer, the team increased its commitment—practicing daily during the final two weeks to refine their presentations and sales strategies.
“I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jimmy Peltier,” said Chennamaneni. “His coaching talent, deep experience, and instinct for developing students were instrumental to our team’s success. He has an exceptional ability to bring out the best in every student—building confidence, sharpening their skills, and preparing them to perform at the highest level.”
Chennamaneni also credited the support of Dean Paul Ambrose, whose dedication to experiential learning has helped sustain UW-Whitewater’s standing as a top-tier sales education program.
“Our students continue to demonstrate that UW-Whitewater is a national leader in sales education,” Chennamaneni added. “Their preparation, professionalism, and grit are second to none.”
Rob Boostrom, Associate Professor of Marketing and Faculty Advisor for the UW-Whitewater Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) – Beta Gamma chapter, also reflected on the significance of the achievement.
“This is the first time that one of our PSE members has won the Great Northwoods Sales Competition,” said Boostrom. “PSE is proud of the team, honored to have Bailey and Noah as members of the team, and excited to see how Bailey’s performance may inspire other PSE members to make big contributions to the Whitewater Sales Team through the Institute for Sales Excellence.”
About UWW Institute for Sales Excellence
The Institute for Sales Excellence, housed within the College of Business and Economics, continues to build UW-Whitewater’s reputation for developing top sales talent through rigorous training, mentorship, and competitive experiences.
The Institute for Sales Excellence supports both the American Marketing Association (AMA) and Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) sales teams in attending regional and national competitions sponsored by their organizations. Previous competitions have been held in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Chicago, Eau Claire, Michigan, Milwaukee, and other locations.
About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
On December 30, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling Team woke up early and caught the bus at 5:45 AM to travel to Lakeland University in Plymouth, WI. They participated in the Sheboygan South Girls Holiday Invite, which featured 27 teams. This event was an excellent test of both ability and mental toughness for our girls, and they performed very well in both areas.
Our 13 wrestlers managed their emotions effectively and supported each other throughout the day. As a team, the girls placed fifth out of 27 teams. Leading the way was Marianna Kubicz, who won all four of her matches by pin. Marianna demonstrated remarkable mental toughness in the championship match, remaining calm under pressure and successfully pinning her opponent, who had only two losses on the season.
Other notable performances came from Isabelle Cantu and Ema Aranda, who both finished in third place. Isabelle won four matches, losing only one in the semifinals, and clinched her third-place match with a score of 8-3. Ema also won three matches, but she fell in her semifinal match to a girl with only two losses on the season. Ema secured her third-place finish by winning her final match due to a medical forfeit.
All the girls showed great improvement throughout the day. The team will be on the move again this upcoming weekend for the Muskego Invite.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Juan Gomez
Whitewater High School Girls’ Wrestling Coach
jgomez@wwusd.org
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
