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Today is Friday, October 9, 2026
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By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Three school board seats are up for election. The incumbents are Stephanie Hicks, Lisa Huempfner, and Christy Linse. Christy Linse has filed a noncandidacy statement. Lisa Huempfner told this writer that she will be running again. The Gazette recently published that both she and Stephanie Hicks have filed for re-election.
The Whitewater Banner is unable to provide the names of any other candidates for the School Board. For a number of previous years both the district and city personnel immediately provided updates on filings whenever requested by The Banner during the filing period. Last year the district declined to provide this information until their press release after the filing deadline passed, even in spite of an open records request that was filed by us. This year the district stated in a December 3 press release that “Per WASB [Wisconsin Association of School Boards], the names of any person running for School Board will not be released to the public until January 7, 2026. The names should stay confidential until that point.” An attorney and a journalist, both of whom are knowledgeable professionals, have told The Banner that refusal to respond on a timely basis to the open records request was a violation of the state open records law.
Again this year City Clerk Heather Boehm routinely provided The Banner the names of the persons who had filed for Common Council. This article names the candidates as of January 2. It is our view that it is in the public interest to know the status of candidate filings, as this may be a factor as to whether an interested person wishes to consider candidacy. If there are insufficient candidates to fill the expiring seats, a write-in candidate could win a position with a minimal number of votes; otherwise, the governing body would be able to make an appointment.
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.
*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.
The district office will reopen from the holiday break on Monday, January 5. Regular hours at the district office are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The office will remain open on Tuesday, January 6 until 5:00 pm. The candidacy paperwork may be completed in a matter of minutes.
Are you struggling through the holidays as a caregiver?
Understand the grief, loss and mourning associated with caring for someone with dementia.
Join us for Moving Forward:
Grief and Ambiguous Loss Associated with Dementia Caregiving
The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock and Marquette Counties are offering the 16- week grief and bereavement educational support group on Friday afternoons from 1-3 pm beginning January 16 and running through May 1, 2026. This is a virtual group. There is no cost to attend. Registration and screening are required.
Who is this group for? The group is for anyone who is or has cared for someone with dementia. Caring for someone with dementia presents a constant series of losses and not just those related to death. Each session will cover a grief, loss and mourning topic followed by about 60 minutes of conventional support group discussion.
For more information or to register, please contact
Rock County Dementia Care Specialist, Karen Tennyson at 608/921-7165 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us
Marquette County Dementia Care Specialist, Janet Wiegel at 608/297-3148 or
jwiegel@co.marquette.wi.us
Editor’s note: The Rock County Aging & Disability Resource Center has previously told The Banner that residents of counties other than Rock are welcome to participate in their programming when space permits.
A New Year Intention-Setting Workshop in Whitewater
Live Life Spiritual Direction Announces “One Word. Infinite Possibility”
Live Life LLC, led by local mind-body-spirit coach Denise Maple, is pleased to announce a reflective and creative workshop designed to help community members begin 2026 with clarity, intention, and purpose. The “One Word. Infinite Possibility.” workshop will be held in early January at The Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.
This inspirational experience invites participants to discover their personal Word of the Year—a single guiding theme that serves as both a touchstone and a compass for the year ahead. Through guided reflection, discussion, and manifestation-focused exercises, attendees will explore what energy or essence they want to cultivate in 2026.
Along with the intention-setting work, the workshop includes a hands-on creative component where participants will design and decorate a personal keepsake featuring their chosen word. This take-home piece serves as a daily reminder of their intention and a source of inspiration throughout the year.
“Choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful way to stay aligned with your values, goals, and inner truth,” said Maple. “This workshop creates space to slow down, listen inward, and begin the new year grounded and fully connected to what matters most.”
The event is open to adults of all backgrounds—no experience with coaching, creative work, or intention-setting practices is required. All materials will be provided.
Event Details:
What: One Word. Infinite Possibility.
Where: The Book Teller, Whitewater, WI
When: Tuesday, January 6th at 6:00 p.m.
Registration: Learn more and sign up at https://livelifespiritual.com/events/word-of-the-year/
About Live Life Spiritual Direction
Live Life Spiritual Direction, a branch of Live Life LLC, is where soul-centered wisdom meets practical, grounded guidance. Led by Denise Maple a mind-body-spirit coach who serves as a spiritual life coach, bioenergetic testing practitioner, Reiki Master, and holistic business coach— this work is rooted in the belief that you deserve to live authentically, vibrantly, and in alignment with who you truly are. Denise welcomes clients at her cozy office on Main Street in Whitewater, Wisconsin, as well as virtually.
Denise founded Live Life Spiritual Direction to help people move beyond merely surviving and step into a life where they can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her approach blends deep spiritual training with over 30 years of business leadership and teaching experience.
As a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Illinois, honored as a Teacher Rated as Excellent by Students and a Dean’s Impact Award recipient, Denise brings a rare blend of heart, intuition, and grounded expertise. She serves as a compassionate guide to help you unearth and live the Song of Your Soul—so you can expand into your fullest potential with clarity, joy, and confidence.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area co-sponsored a public Fair Maps Community Hearing Tour event at the Community Engagement Center on November 11. Activists across the state are educating the public and looking for input on an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) for drawing Wisconsin legislative voting districts in the future. Bill language for an IRC has been drafted, and multiple nonpartisan organizations are working together to gather public feedback.
Wisconsin has fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation ahead of the 2030 Census, Wisconsinites risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters—and ignore the will of the people. That’s why the Fair Maps Coalition has written a draft proposal and is looking for public input.
The community hearing included a presentation on fair maps in Wisconsin and a breakdown of the draft Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) proposal. Attendees then engaged in a lively exchange of questions and answers with the presenters.
Comprehensive information regarding the IRC proposal may be found on the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition website. Photos of the meeting, courtesy of Tom Ganser, are shown below. Whitewater Community TV provided a recording of the meeting, which may be viewed here.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area.
Saint Peter, Minn. – The No. 10 UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team mounted a phenomenal fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Gustavus Adolphus 47-44 on the road Tuesday evening. With the win, the Warhawks will head into 2026 with a 10-1 record.
Gustavus Adolphus held a lead through most of the contest widening the margin to as much as 10. By the end of the third, UWW trailed by eight.
Renee Rittmeyer (Winnebago, Ill./Winnebago) sparked the Warhawks early in the fourth with an old fashioned three-point play to narrow the gap to five, 38-33. Caden Krohn (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha West) broke a scoring lull with a pair of free throws just under the seven-minute mark to pull UWW to within three.
The Gusties knocked down a three but Bri McCurdy (St. Croix Falls, Wis./St. Croix Falls) had the quick response nailing a triple to make it a three-point game once again. Rittmeyer drew another foul and hit one of two at the line before Brooke Stenklyft (Cambridge, Wis./Cambridge) hit a jumper in the paint to tie the game 41-41 with just over four minutes remaining.
The rest of the Warhawk points came from the charity stripe. Krohn drained a pair to give UWW the lead. Rittmeyer added another to push the lead to 44-41. McCurdy and Camryn Nies (Platteville, Wis./Platteville) also hit one each to extend the gap to five, 46-41, with 39 seconds left.
Gustavus Adolphus hauled in a defensive rebound and called timeout to advance the ball. They capitalized with a three-pointer to cut the margin to two with 29 seconds on the clock. The Gusties got the steal shortly after the inbound and called timeout. Their shot from deep caromed off the rim and into the hands of Rittmeyer. Coach Carollo signaled for timeout and advanced the ball into UWW’s offensive end. McCurdy was fouled and went to the line, hitting the second to push the advantage to three.
GAC was able to get two shots off in the final 10 seconds. Mia Gillis (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) blocked the first and the second was no good at the buzzer for the win.
UW-Whitewater shot 43% from the floor in the fourth while holding Gustavus Adolphus to just 13% from the field. The free throw line was UWW’s biggest advantage in the contest as the Warhawks hit 15-24. The Gusties had just eight attempts from the charity stripe making three of their chances.
McCurdy led UWW with 11 points while Stenklyft added 10. Rittmeyer paced the Warhawks on the glass with six rebounds.
Editor’s note: This report was posted to the UW-W Athletics site.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday on New Year’s Day from the Whitewater Historical Society.
The Whitewater Historical Society would like to extend “A hearty wish for the New Year” with this post card from 1908. It is from our collection of holiday post cards from the early 20th century.
Have a Happy New Year and join us for special celebrations in this 250th year of the Declaration of Independence.
Wishing you good health and happiness in the new year!
The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage and above by Waseem Ahmad from Pixabay.
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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