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The Whitewater Boys’ Basketball Team had a rough ending to the 2025 part of the schedule, dropping two games last weekend.
On Friday night, December 19th, East Troy rolled into town with a 5-1 record. The Trojans started fast and never looked back, as they made the night difficult for the Whippets in an 87-44 win.
Matthew Carollo led the home team with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Casey Lyon chipped in 15 points, but Whitewater struggled offensively, only shooting 17 out of 69 from the field.
In a short turnaround, Whitewater played Heritage Christian, Saturday morning, December 20th, in the Win Parkinson Invitational, at Milwaukee Bradley Tech. The Whippets again started slowly, falling behind 34-17 at halftime. Whitewater was able to chip away and battled back to climb within seven points about halfway through the second period. But Heritage Christian rebuilt the lead and defeated the Whippets 80-57.
Whitewater was again led by Matthew Carollo with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Evan Amundson scored a season high 16 points, and Casey Lyon finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Whitewater is now 2-1 in the conference and 4-4 overall. Casey Lyon leads the team with a 27.5 points per game scoring average. Matthew Carollo is averaging 16 points per game and 9 rebounds per game.
The Whippets will next play on Saturday, January 3rd, at 12:30 pm in a non-conference home game against Johnson Creek. The next conference game will be Friday, January 9th, at Monroe.
Article Submitted by Dwayne Lange
Updated 12/29/25 @ 8:55 a.m. to update the annual membership fee for Seniors in the Park.
“Eleanor the Great”
Tuesday, December 30, 1 pm
(Drama)
Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 38 minutes (2025).
96 year old actress June Squibb is Eleanor, a lonely senior looking for meaning and fulfillment. She finds it at a Jewish Community Center, but her fibbing about experiences during the Holocaust creates problems. Directed by Scarlett Johansson.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Tyler Schneider, a longtime Whitewater resident and senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has announced his candidacy for Walworth County Supervisor, District 4. Schneider, 21, has lived in the Whitewater area for more than a decade and recently moved into the city full-time. He is currently completing his degree in political science at UW-Whitewater, where he has earned Dean’s List honors multiple times and qualified for Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. He has also interned at the Wisconsin State Capitol with Rep. Brienne Brown and serves as a Chancellor’s Warhawk Ambassador.
Schneider said his decision to run was driven by the growing housing shortage and affordability crisis affecting Walworth County. “While these problems are national in scope, the solutions start locally,” Schneider said. “County government plays a direct role in land use, development, and long-term planning; those decisions shape whether young people and working families can afford to stay here.”
Schneider acknowledged that his age may give some voters pause, but argued it is one of his strengths. “Younger residents are among the most affected by housing costs, development decisions, and long-term fiscal policy,” he said. “If those voices aren’t at the table, they’re easy to overlook.” Schneider also emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the County Board as a strength. He said growing up in a household with differing political views challenged him to listen carefully, evaluate opposing arguments, and focus on practical solutions rather than ideology.
If elected, Schneider said his priorities would include opposing the construction of any proposed AI data center in Walworth County, advancing policies to expand housing supply, and improving affordability while maintaining the county’s responsible budget surplus.
The election for Walworth County Supervisor District 4 will take place on April 7, 2026.
The City of Whitewater – Christmas Tree Collection Notice
The Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees on:
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Please place your tree on the terrace by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled dates.
Missed the scheduled pickup?
Call the Department of Public Works at (262) 473-0560 before 12:00 noon on the Monday prior to
the next Tuesday collection to request pickup.
Important Disposal Guidelines: - Trees that are flocked or contain wire will not be collected by the city. These trees should be placed on your terrace for bulk pickup by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month (your regular bulk pickup day).
Questions?
Contact the Department of Public Works at (262) 473-0560.
For other requests visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
FCCU Donates $909.09 to the Friends of the Whitewater Public Library Through Employee Charitable
Contributions
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce a donation of $909.09 to the Friends of the Whitewater Public Library, supporting its mission to enhance library services, foster community engagement, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for area residents.
The donation was raised 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 impact on the wellbeing of the communities FCCU serves.
The Friends of the Whitewater Public Library was chosen as one of the program’s first-year beneficiaries. The work of the Friends strengthens the Whitewater Community by expanding access to educational materials, promoting literacy, and creating a welcoming community space for learning, connection, and creativity. Through its support of programs such as youth reading initiatives, adult education opportunities, and cultural events, the organization ensures the library remains a vibrant cornerstone of the community.
“The library relies on strong community partners like the Fort Community Credit Union to help us further our mission of creating innovative and welcoming spaces to everyone in our community,” said Sarah French, Assistant Director of the Whitewater Public Library. “This donation will help the library provide essential services, materials, and programs for people of all ages, and it is much appreciated.”
FCCU’s employee giving program reflects the credit union’s cooperative values and its commitment to empowering team members to make a direct impact in their own communities. By combining employee contributions with FCCU’s support, the program amplifies the reach of local nonprofits that are addressing important 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.
Cravath Lakefront Christmas Park, from the scenic overlook on Wisconsin Street.
Out to get some fish through the ice on Trippe lake. Not me, some other hearty souls.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing more beautiful photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
We are filled with gratitude for everyone who supported our incredibly successful Annual Fall Dinner that was held at Staller Estate Winery on November 7, 2025! Thanks to your generosity, we wrapped up the event raising $46,145, which will directly support families here in Whitewater.
We continue to be humbled and proud of the generosity shown to our organization and the investments made in our mission.
THANK YOU to our sponsors, attendees, silent auction winners, donors, and in-kind supporters. We are so very grateful for this community — and for all of you!
We also want to share some photos taken by Tom Ganser that captured this beautiful evening!
Editor’s note: When this article was originally posted on December 23 all of the material except for the photos pertained to the 2024 dinner. Our apologies for this error.
Joy to the world! Wishing you a peaceful and pleasant day.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the above image by Gerd Altmann 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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