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Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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The Whitewater Unified School District has introduced its 2026-31 Strategic Plan, outlining the priorities that will guide the district over the next five years.
The plan includes five priorities: Connected Community, Culture of Belonging, Social & Emotional Wellness, Future Ready Learners, and Sustainable Operations.
Students, families, staff, district leaders, and community members provided input throughout the planning process. The Strategic Planning Committee used that feedback to develop the framework for the plan.
“This plan gives us a clear direction for the next five years and keeps our focus on what matters most for our students,” Superintendent Samuel Karns said. “It reflects what we heard from our staff, families, students, and community and gives us a way to track our progress along the way. We look forward to implementing this robust plan in partnership with our entire community, and continuing our efforts to provide students with an exceptional learning experience throughout our schools.”
The plan is centered on WUSD’s commitment to be “an inclusive community where ALL foster their dreams, explore their interests, and build their futures every day, in a UNIFIED way.”
WUSD will track progress through measures that include staff and family engagement surveys, business and community partnerships, student participation and belonging data, attendance rates, local and state academic benchmark assessments, college and career readiness indicators, employee retention rates, and budget projections.
As the district begins implementing the plan, schools will develop goals aligned with district priorities, including scorecards and 100-day plans. WUSD will also develop its Portrait of a Whippet Graduate and regularly review its progress.
Additional information about the 2026-31 Strategic Plan is available at www.wwusd.org.
Editor’s note; This press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
On Wednesday, September 16, Seniors in the Park will be showing a film requested by their Sign Language Class. All Seniors in the Park members and Whitewater citizens are also welcome to attend.
This 2021 Academy Award Best Motion Picture is about children of deaf adults (or CODA) and stars Marlee Matlin, Ruby Rossi, and Troy Kotsur (Best Supporting Actor). Kotsur was the first deaf person to win an Oscar. This film will begin at 10 AM and is Rated PG-13 and is 1 hour, 51 minutes in length.
Then, at 1 pm, Seniors in the Park will be showing its final film of the annual Summer festival of art, foreign, and classic films with an early Humphrey Bogart film that is rarely shown on television, showing the range of this iconic actor. Bogart plays a gangster on the lam (again), but one with a heart of gold, hiding out in a boarding house populated by some rather odd ducks: a cabaret singer and her boyfriend, his mother, and some old biddies who like to mother Bogart. It’s wry, funny, and a musical, and even has a happy ending!
“ It’s the kind of film they just don’t make anymore.” Rated G, 1 hour, 37 minutes (1940).
Starring Humphrey, Bogart, Anne Sheridan, and yes, even Zazu Pitts. Enjoy!
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Tucker to Associate Director of Member Experience. Jennifer has played a key role in strengthening the member and team member experience across the organization through her leadership in training, onboarding, compliance, and team development.
Throughout her 20 years at FCCU, Jennifer has been instrumental in enhancing training programs, improving onboarding processes, supporting compliance initiatives, and developing resources that help team members confidently serve members and support one another. Her passion for learning, coaching, and continuous improvement has made a lasting impact across the credit union.
In her new role, Jennifer will focus on coaching and developing FCCU’s frontline team, empowering them to support their teams in delivering an exceptional and consistent member experience across every touchpoint.
“Jennifer has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to both our team members and members,” said Sue Johnson, President and CEO of FCCU. “Her ability to develop people, strengthen processes, and champion a member-first culture makes her the ideal person to help lead our member experience efforts into the future.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to work more closely with our frontline and teams across FCCU. Our team members are the heartbeat of our member experience, and that experience should reflect the care, concern, and dedication they show every day. I’m excited to spend time with our teams, learn where we can grow, and help create opportunities that allow both our team members and members to thrive. Together, we can continue building meaningful relationships and delivering service that exceeds expectations.”
Jennifer’s promotion reflects FCCU’s ongoing commitment to invest in its people and deliver exceptional service to members wherever and however they choose to engage with the credit union.
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 $456 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.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Fort Community Credit Union.
Get ready, Whitewater!
Whitewater Fire & EMS is firing up the griddles for its Open House & Pancake Breakfast! This event is FREE!
Sunday, September 13
7:00–11:00 AM
312 W. Whitewater St.
Come hungry, check out the fire station, and enjoy a great morning with Whitewater Fire & EMS!
UW-Whitewater defeated St. Xavier 49-14 on Saturday. The Warhawks scored 28 unanswered points across four scoring drives from late in the second quarter into the fourth.
A third-down fumble set up the Warhawks’ first score, with Noah Moris (Union Grove, Wis./Union Grove) forcing the ball loose and Carson Clausen (Freedom, Wis./Freedom) recovering at the St. Xavier 27 before Justin Klinkner (Two Rivers, Wis./Two Rivers) ran for a 27-yard touchdown on the next play. Hunter Liszka’s (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) PAT made it 7-0, and the Warhawks’ defense added a sack by EJ Gritzner (Lake Geneva, Wis./Badger) and Jayden Fowler (Morton Grove, Ill./Niles Township West) while holding St. Xavier to minus-12 rushing yards in the first quarter. The Warhawks finished the quarter ahead 7-0 with possession at the St. Xavier 28.
In the second quarter, the Warhawks created separation with two rushing touchdowns, first on Tommy Novotny’s (Milwaukee, Wis./Marquette) 61-yard run at 11:53 and later on Justin Klinkner’s (Two Rivers, Wis./Two Rivers) 3-yard keeper with 40 seconds left. After St. Xavier cut the score to 14-7, the Warhawks kept it there when the defense held St. Xavier to a missed 40-yard field goal, then Klinkner led a 76-yard scoring drive. Karsten Libby (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) added an interception in the closing seconds, and the Warhawks finished the quarter ahead 21-7.
The Warhawks scored on their first and last possessions of the third quarter, starting with Tyler Vasey’s (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge) 2-yard touchdown run and ending with Klinkner’s 36-yard touchdown pass to Vasey as time expired. The defense held St. Xavier scoreless in the quarter and came away with two interceptions, including Ashton Maney’s (Three Lakes, Wis./Three Lakes) pick with seven seconds left that preceded the final touchdown. Liszka made both extra points, and the Warhawks finished the quarter ahead 35-7.
In the fourth quarter, the Warhawks turned two takeaways into touchdowns, first when Drew Kortz (Freedom, Wis./Freedom) intercepted Dominic D’Ambrosio and Klinkner hit Luke Roeder (Collierville, Tenn./Collierville) for a 65-yard touchdown on the next snap to make it 42-7 after Liszka’s kick. After St. Xavier answered with a 9-yard touchdown pass, Andrew Dawson (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest) forced a fumble that Jayden Daniel (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) recovered at the SXU24, and Cole Warren (Roscoe, Ill./Hononegah) found Kade Sainz (Goshen, Ind./North Ridge) for an 8-yard touchdown two plays later. Grant Urban’s (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) extra point supplied the final score in a 49-14 Warhawks win.
Klinkner completed 13 of 24 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns and added 24 rushing yards with two rushing scores. Novotny rushed 15 times for 120 yards and a touchdown and added a 14-yard reception. Vasey caught three passes for 66 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 19 yards and a score. Libby recorded seven tackles and added an interception with an 18-yard return.
Editor’s note: The box score and other stats may be found here.
The historic Stone Stable in Whitewater, built circa 1845–1847, was designated a local landmark by the Whitewater Landmarks Commission at its September meeting.
The stable was successfully reconstructed in 2007. It is officially owned by the City of Whitewater and maintained and interpreted by the Whitewater Historical Society. The Landmarks Commission received Common Council approval to designate the property as a local landmark, helping ensure its preservation for years to come.
Whitewater Historical Society President Carol Cartwright prepared the statement of significance for the nomination, outlining the structure’s history. Drawing on several sources and historic documents, Cartwright noted that the stable was originally located near Fourth Street between Main and Center Streets, behind the “Baptist Church.” That church is now First English Lutheran Church, which eventually owned the stone stable. Before then, the stable had several owners.
Cartwright also noted that the stable’s most recent use was as a horse barn. Earlier uses may have included a wagon shop or cooperage for making barrels. Her detailed history of the structure is available on the Whitewater Historical Society’s website.
Preserving the structure is important to the city’s early industrial history and to recognizing the architectural significance of its distinctive stone construction.
Written by Jeff Angileri | Photo by Craig Schreiner
Enrollment at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has surpassed 12,000 students for a second straight year.
According to projections released Friday by the Universities of Wisconsin, 12,270 students are enrolled at UW-Whitewater for the fall 2026 semester, compared to the final fall 2025 enrollment of 12,267.
At the Whitewater campus, 11,370 students are enrolled, compared to 11,424 last year. At the Rock County campus, 900 students are enrolled, compared to 843.
Over the past four years, the university as a whole has seen an overall increase of more than 1,000 students. Enrollment in the fall of 2022 was 11,087.
“UW-Whitewater’s commitment to student success, high-quality degrees, hands-on learning experiences and affordability continue to resonate with students,” said Corey King, chancellor. “As we look ahead, our institution is making strategic investments to enhance the student experience even further. A near-$90 million project is now underway to renovate our flagship education building, Winther Hall, and neighboring Heide Hall. Additional investments include classroom and technology enhancements, undergraduate research, well-being and safety.”
Academic programs continue to evolve to help Wisconsin and the greater region thrive.
“Last week, we welcomed our first cohort of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence,” said Pieter deHart, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “In addition to our established reputation for excellence in business, teacher education, and music, among many others, we are building academic distinction as a university committed to advancing rural healthcare. Our growing program array — including medical sciences, nursing, and pre-professional health tracks — is helping fulfill critical workforce needs.”
“Dual enrollment is a priority for UW-Whitewater,” said Jackie Briggs, vice chancellor for enrollment, retention, and marketing. “More high school students are joining the Warhawk family early to get a jump start on their college education, earn transferable credits, and save money in the process.”
The figures released by the Universities of Wisconsin represent projected enrollment based on data from the first day of classes. The university’s official census will take place on the 10th day of instruction (Sept. 16).
The Whippet Varsity Volleyball Team opened conference play with a 3-0 sweep of the visiting Monroe Cheesemakers on Thursday, September 10. The Whippets came out strong from the start and never looked back in sets one and two winning 25-19 and 25-21.
Coach Dowden commented, “It was fun to see the players put it all together. They were aggressive and played as a team all night. It was great to see and feel the energy both on the court and from our fans all match. Leading into tonight we discussed three keys to this match: communication, serve receive and transitioning fast at the net. In addition, we talked about limiting our mistakes and moving on to the next play. Short of set three when our serve receive struggled a bit, the team really pulled together and accomplished our goals, and we couldn’t be more proud of their effort. This was a great team win.”
Probably the most exciting to see was the team’s grit in set three of the match. Coming out slow, the Whippets dug themselves a hole in the set finding themselves down 0-6 before etching their way back into the set. Closing out the set, the Whippets were down 16-18 and fought back to make it 20-20. Monroe called a time out and the battle continued back and forth with the Whippets dominating the final points behind the serves of Emi Islas, blocks of Emery Kachel, and the swings of Jasmine Kilar; the Whippets won 25-22.
Stat leaders on the night include Sophomore Jasmine Kilar leading the way with 8 kills, 10 digs, and 2 service aces. Junior Mary Mason notched 6 aces on the night. Junior Emery Kachel added 6 kills and 2 blocks. Finally, Seniors Maddie Morton and Rowan Seaver added 1 block and 15 assists on the night.
The Whippets will travel away to Dodgeland for a tournament this Saturday.
Article and Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
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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