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Writer Tim Mumm will be sharing some of his new work at the next Wright House Concert on January 23, 2026. Tim will be reading from his play, “Cat’s Cradle.” Joel Mankowski and Jenny Buechner will be presenting with Tim to provide some of the history behind the play, and to talk about Deaf culture and the process of translating the play into American Sign Language. This reading will be given in both spoken English and American Sign Language, with interpreters present to provide support.
The performance begins at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Register on Eventbrite: https://timmumm.eventbrite.com
By Lynn Binnie
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
The filing deadline to run for a seat on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board is Tuesday, January 6 at 5 p.m. As of the close of business before the holiday break on December 19 there were only two candidates for the three open positions on the board, incumbents Stephanie Hicks and Lisa Huempfner. Incumbent Christy Linse has indicated that she is not running for reelection.
The Whitewater Banner reported on January 2 that the district had declined to release the names of those who had filed for candidacy. This statement was based on the district’s failure to respond on a timely basis to The Banner’s open records request last year together with their announcement this year that they would not release candidate names until the filing deadline. However, Superintendent Samuel Karns reached out to The Banner on January 5 with the indication that the district is actually willing to release candidate names before the deadline. Karns provided the above information regarding the current status of candidate filings.
Interested in Running for the WUSD School Board?
All School District candidates must complete and submit the required forms to the filing officer no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Candidacy paperwork, Ballot Access Checklist & Campaign Finance Overview – Local Candidate Committees is available at the Central Office, 419 S. Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. The Whitewater Unified School District does not require nomination papers for School Board candidates.
The district office is open on Monday, January 5 until 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 6 until 5:00 p.m. The candidacy paperwork may be completed in a matter of minutes.
*If you have questions or need assistance with candidacy paperwork, please contact Christine Dodge, School Board Secretary, at 262-472-8713 or cdodge@wwusd.org.
Lakeside Fire-Rescue and Rock County Sheriff’s Office units were alerted by the Rock County 9-1-1 Center at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 3rd, of a 9-1-1 call reporting a home on fire on Road Five in the Mallwood Estates Subdivision in the Town of Milton (Rock County). The caller was the occupant who reported flames on the outside of the home spreading rapidly. Lakeside Fire-Rescue units from Stations 2 (Edgerton) and 3 (Milton) were dispatched.
Based on the information being received by 9-1-1, Lakeside upgraded the incident to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) “Working Still,” which added additional fire and support units from Janesville, Whitewater and Fort Atkinson Fire Departments. Lake Mills Fire Department was also requested to provide an engine to stand by in case of another incident in the Lakeside region, and the City of Edgerton and Town of Milton Police Departments assisted the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
There were four people home at the time of the fire, all who were able to exit without injury. First arriving fire crews reported the fire had already penetrated into the interior of the home and they had fire showing throughout the living level and through the roof.
Based on the rapid spread of the fire, the windy conditions, the proximity of other homes in the area, and the subdivision not having fire hydrants, Lakeside further upgraded the response to a MABAS “Box Alarm” response which added additional firefighting crews and water tenders from Stoughton, Delavan, LaGrange, Darien, Town of Delavan, Elkhorn, Jefferson, Evansville and Town of Turtle.
The fire was under control at 00:53 a.m., approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes from the original call. It took an estimated 60,000 gallons of water to fight the fire, all of which was brought in by the water tenders.
The home is a total loss, and the family is being assisted by neighbors who have provided them a place to stay temporarily. Lakeside Fire also worked with their medical partners from MercyHealth to help family members who lost critical medications in the fire.
Lakeside Fire-Rescue is being assisted by agents from the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall’s Office in the investigation. The fire is believed to have started on a patio area outside the home. The exact cause is still under investigation.
Fire personnel are remaining on scene with a smaller fire crew providing fire watch until the property owner’s insurance carrier can arrive to view the scene.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Lakeside Fire-Rescue.
The Whitewater Music Boosters is holding its next bi-monthly meeting on Monday, January 5th 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 music events:
Jan. 9-10 WCDA Honors Choir HS All day UW Eau Claire
Jan. 16 Pepapalooza 6:00 pm HS Basketball
Jan. 26 RVC Honors Band All Day East Troy HS
Jan. 27 Lincoln Band 2:15 pm Lincoln Elem.
Jan. 28 Washington Band 2:15 pm Washington Elem.
Jan. 29 Lakeview Band 2:15 pm Lakeview Elem.
Feb. 7 WSMA Auditions All Day Rufus King HS
Feb. TBA RVC Honors Choir All Day TBD
Feb. 7 Bandorama (5th-12th) 3:00 pm WHS Gym
Feb. 26 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Feb. 27 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Feb 28 HS Spring Play 7:00 pm HS
Mar. 1 HS Spring Play 2:00 pm HS
Mar. 2 Middle School Orchestra Clinic 3:30 pm MS Band Room
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
The fall UW-Whitewater Undergraduate Research Program Day was held on November 20. Displayed were posters of research projects under the mentoring guidance of a faculty member. It’s important to note that students participating are from all four colleges. There is another Undergraduate Research Day in the spring. The exhibit is always open to the public at no charge.
Text and photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
FCCU Donates $909.09 to the Community Space in Whitewater through Employee Charitable Contributions
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce a donation of $909.09 to The Community Space in support of its mission to provide essential resources, food, and support that improves the wellbeing for Whitewater area residents. The donation was generated through FCCU’s new employee charitable giving program, which allows team members to voluntarily contribute a portion of their paychecks to local nonprofit organizations. In its inaugural year, the program supported 11 local organizations selected for their meaningful and lasting impact on the communities FCCU serves.
The Community Space in Whitewater was selected as one of the program’s first-year beneficiaries. As a volunteer-
driven nonprofit, Community Space plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families by offering free access to food, clothing, household essentials, and a welcoming space rooted in compassion and community care. Through its emphasis on reducing stigma, building relationships, and ensuring that all residents have what they need to thrive, The Community Space has become an essential pillar in the Whitewater community.
“We are thrilled to be selected as a beneficiary of this program,” said Cindy Wendt, general manager of the
Community Space. “We are donation-driven in addition to being volunteer-driven, and funds like this allow us to
leverage our strong relationship with Feeding America of Wisconsin and others to provide more critical resources to the community. We appreciate that FCCU sees the value of strengthening the community and deeply value their
partnership.”
FCCU’s employee giving program reflects the credit union’s cooperative values and its ongoing commitment to
empowering team members to make a direct and positive difference in their communities. By combining employee
contributions with FCCU’s support, the program amplifies the impact of local nonprofits working to meet critical
community needs.
About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $380 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.
Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter presents: Phoenix from the Ashes – Wildlife Returns
Dr. Bridie Fanning
Naturalist and conservationist Dr. Fanning will take you on her journey of discovery from the realization that her property was a desolate ecological landscape to the multi-year journey of healing the eco-system and sharing key learnings along the way. Bridie will share how the North Shore of Bass Bay Lake had been a wildlife paradise for the Potawatomi Native Americans, destroyed by over hunting and development. It is now restored to provide a wildlife sanctuary for not only threatened species but also species of special concern, such as great egrets, nighthawks, rusty patch bumble bees, large and little brown bats, ospreys, purple martins, bluebirds, great horned owls, beavers, monarch butterflies and many more. Learn what was involved to reimagine the property to prairie, savanna, marsh, wetland, woodland, and sedge meadow. Bridie will show how the property was managed for the different stages of ecological succession along the multi-year journey.
WHEN: Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, Eagle
S91W39091 Highway 59, One mile west of Eagle.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No admission fee.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter.
Editor’s note: The Common Council meeting that would normally take place on January 6 has been canceled.
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval for new awnings and railing for the White Memorial
Building locate at 402 W Main Street
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/23998788998877?p=FMdV0pOw2HtClqWbH0
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,442399774#
Phone conference ID: 442 399 774#
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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