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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday on Christmas Day with the Whitewater Historical Society.
The Whitewater Historical Society would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas with this early 1900’s post card from our holiday post card collection. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday!
The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2025 fall semester.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michelle Abarca
Whitewater, WI 53190: Salaar Akbar
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore
Whitewater, WI 53190: Grace Baker
Whitewater, WI 53190: Thomas Barton
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jace Bezzo
Whitewater, WI 53190: Landen Bley
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Boose
Whitewater, WI 53190: Briana Brandt
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alyssa Brazouski
Whitewater, WI 53190: Liam Brown
Whitewater, WI 53190: Canyon Caputo
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas Castro-Huempfner
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joseph Ciesla
Whitewater, WI 53190: Christopher Cortes
Whitewater, WI 53190: Makenna D’Amico
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cypress Dempsey
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos
Whitewater, WI 53190: Justice Durham
Whitewater, WI 53190: Charlie Eckert
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashton Ford
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrea Gentry
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashton Gillespie
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sirena Gomez
Whitewater, WI 53190: Matthew Gumenyuk
Whitewater, WI 53190: Blake Haggerty
Whitewater, WI 53190: Stephanie Hensel
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Hintz
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brooklyn Hoey
Whitewater, WI 53190: Omarian Hughes
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cameron Huntley
Whitewater, WI 53190: Bryce Joel
Whitewater, WI 53190: Misynn Jones
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Jordan
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ayo Kaeding
Whitewater, WI 53190: Devin Kelly
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kassie Knueppel
Whitewater, WI 53190: Taylor Koehler
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cali Kopecky
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrea Kuhl
Whitewater, WI 53190: Anna Lamendola
Whitewater, WI 53190: Allison Lavin
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brianna Lawson
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hunter Lochner
Whitewater, WI 53190: Payton Lowe
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cayden Maag
Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Macy
Whitewater, WI 53190: Megan Manthey
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isai Mata
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jordan Meinen
Whitewater, WI 53190: Daniela Melero
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jordan Miller
Whitewater, WI 53190: Morgan Miller
Whitewater, WI 53190: Adrian Mora
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sam Morton
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kylee Mueller
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Nanni
Whitewater, WI 53190: Rori Nikole
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emily O’Donnell
Whitewater, WI 53190: Brittany Ogden
Whitewater, WI 53190: Joey Ophime
Whitewater, WI 53190: Layla Owens
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jonah Panning
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emilie Parranto
Whitewater, WI 53190: Johan Perez
Whitewater, WI 53190: Charlotte Pham
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tj Piper
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hugo Portales
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mel Prince
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kyle Puchalski
Whitewater, WI 53190: Zoheb Rakhangi
Whitewater, WI 53190: Colin Reynolds
Whitewater, WI 53190: Renee Rittmeyer
Whitewater, WI 53190: Yovanni Rojas-Reyes
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Rupke
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Satterfield
Whitewater, WI 53190: Whitney Scherr
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sabrina Schmidt
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Schneider
Whitewater, WI 53190: Marcus Seaver
Whitewater, WI 53190: Holly Shannon
Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Sharlow
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jazmin Soto
Whitewater, WI 53190: Andrew Swartz
Whitewater, WI 53190: C.J. Tomomitsu
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tristin Trevino
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dejaney Valles
Whitewater, WI 53190: Dakota Veium
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tania Verduzco
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Wade
Whitewater, WI 53190: Molly Wade
Whitewater, WI 53190: Miranda Ward
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Westerman
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayleigh Williams
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaitee Witke
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nick Yellick
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cameron Zehr
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kelsy Zingsheim
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“We are incredibly proud of the students who earned a place on the Dean’s List,” said Robin Fox, UW-Whitewater’s interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This distinction reflects exceptional academic achievement and the dedication our students bring to their studies every day. Their success strengthens our university, and we celebrate all they have accomplished.”
The university’s Registrar’s Office reports 4,107 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the fall semester. More than 12,000 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by UW-Whitewater. It is evident that many of these students who were recognized on the Dean’s List are not long-term Whitewater residents. Students are listed by the community that they have indicated as being their residence.
Alexander Clarksen participated in the 151st Christmas Festival at Carthage College in the magnificent A. F. Siebert Chapel in Kenosha, Wis. Clarksen, from Whitewater, is a member of Carthage Choir and Lincoln Singers.
The Carthage Christmas Festival is one of the largest and most beloved events on campus, bringing together over 3,500 people throughout the festival weekend. The Christmas Festival artistic staff includes Professors Margaret Burk as Artistic Director and Matthew Hougland as Production Director.
Wind Orchestra conducted by James Ripley
Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by E. Edward Kawakami
Vox Ignis, Carthage Choir, and Lincoln Chamber Singers conducted by Margaret Burk
Voces Aquae and Carthage Treble Choir conducted by Polly Amborn
Accompanists: Melissa Cardamone and Gregory Berg
About Carthage
Carthage College is breaking records with its largest enrollment ever. Founded in 1847, Carthage blends the best liberal arts traditions with innovative programs that shape careers, hands-on learning that fuels discovery, and faculty mentorship that drives student success – all on a stunning Lake Michigan campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Grow with us: www.carthage.edu
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Carthage College.
John’s Disposal will be closed on:
Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Collection will be delayed by one day.
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Collection will be delayed by one day.
Residents may contact John’s Disposal directly by calling (262) 473-4700 or by emailing
office@johnsdisposal.com. You may also view their website at https://www.johnsdisposal.com.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
Current Whitewater Common Councilmember for Aldermanic District 4 and Council President Pro-Tem Brian Schanen formally submitted papers to run for re-election in the upcoming April 7th election, and has released the following statement.
During my first term I have focused on listening first and foremost. I have had many conversations across the community about issues large and small, good and bad. Open communication, and pragmatic decision making, is at the center of my approach as a council member, and it will continue. Serving the community is an honor, and one of the best parts is the listening and learning that the position requires.
I have focused on economic development of all types including progress in the industrial park, including identifying challenges to industrial development, creation of the house rehabilitation program, and supporting owner occupied housing. I also support recent, budget-aware initiatives from the Parks and Recreation Department that have expanded programming for residents of all ages—outdoors, indoors, and at the Whitewater Aquatic Center.
As a council, we have prioritized ensuring that our city’s emergency and safety services have the resources they need, while being fiscally responsible. Council worked to cover the addition of a detective and an additional firefighter by restructuring budgets, and not including those two positions in the referendum.
Over the past two years, I have worked to increase transparency throughout city operations. Examples include reducing the use of closed sessions and presenting a new template for improving how the city communicates the financial details and reasoning behind Tax Increment conversations. This effort ensures that both the council and residents have clear, complete information when making critical decisions.
Strong partnerships between the city, school district and university are vital to Whitewater’s success. This past summer, I worked with fellow council members, the school board, the Whitewater Police Department, and the Superintendent on the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. Since implementing the agreement in late July, communication between the district and city government has improved significantly, leading to greater transparency, better feedback, and stronger collaboration.
If re-elected, I will first and foremost continue listening, learning, and reviewing topics from all angles. I will continue to work to build strong partnerships, and enforce ethical, transparent governance. Additionally, I will be working to find ways to balance budgets without putting additional strain on our residents. With many residents on fixed incomes, in low income situations and other challenges, it is past due we take a hard look at spending. I have already begun these conversations, and they are already producing productive conversations and ideas.
In the months ahead, I look forward to knocking on doors, and talking to residents. Continuing to listen for ideas, concerns, and celebrations for moving our city forward.
Brian was elected to council in 2023, and has served on numerous boards including Planning & Architectural Review, Finance, Alcohol Licensing, and the Community Development Authority. Brian and his wife Heather live on the west side of Whitewater. They are involved in a number of community organizations including the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis and the Whitewater GroCo. They are avid supporters of local businesses.
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s Beta Gamma chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Fall Conference hosted by Kent State University, earning top finishes across every major competition category. Months of preparation, teamwork, and leadership paid off as UW-Whitewater students showcased exceptional professionalism and competitive excellence.
Interview Competition
The Interview Competition is designed to help students strengthen real-world interviewing skills by practicing with live judges, receiving feedback, and engaging directly with potential employers. Out of 60 total competitors, and with only 12 advancing to the on-site finals, UW-Whitewater PSE demonstrated remarkable depth and preparation:
● 2nd Place: Jonah Panning
● Finalists: Lillian Fager and Noah Verhasselt
Speakers Competition
The Speakers Competition highlights the top public speaking talent within Pi Sigma Epsilon. It recognizes students who excel in self-presentation and verbal communication by delivering prepared speeches in a competitive setting. Among 40 entries, only four finalists were selected:
● Winner: Bailey Quinn
● Finalists: Lillian Fager and Noah Verhasselt
(Three of the four finalists represented UW-Whitewater.)
Pro-Am Sell-A-Thon
This competition was founded in 1992 to help students build lifelong professional communication and selling skills while connecting them with top employers. The competition is held at both PSE Fall Conferences and the National Convention, featuring a 12-minute video-based role-play that simulates real business scenarios. With 125 competitors in this year’s event, the competition named 12 finalists and 12 honorable mentions. UW-Whitewater, with 24 competitors, delivered one of the strongest performances of the entire conference:
● 1st Place: Bailey Quinn
● 3rd Place: Noah Verhasselt
● Finalists: Kyle Bowman, Alyssa Eggert, Alexander Ferguson, and Devin Shircel
(Half of all finalists were from UW-Whitewater—more than any other chapter.)
● Honorable Mentions: Lillian Fager, Abby Keeny, Victoria Slama, and Jared Tews
(UW-Whitewater also earned more Honorable Mentions than any other chapter.)
Marketing Challenge
Congratulations to Ava Hennig and Jack Payant, whose cross-chapter team took 1st place among 10 total teams in the conference-wide Marketing Challenge.
A Round of Applause
Chapter faculty advisor Rob Boostrom, Professor of Marketing at UW-Whitewater, expressed deep pride in the chapter’s accomplishments and the commitment demonstrated by every student competitor. “I’m extremely excited about what all of these students have accomplished,” Dr. Boostrom shared. “To the parents and relatives,
please know that your student is doing exceptional work.” Boostrom also extended thanks to Dennis Kopf and Karen Whalen for their support throughout the event, and to student Emily Wiitanen for ensuring the chapter captured and celebrated each achievement.
About UW-Whitewater PSE
UW-Whitewater’s Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) chapter is a co-ed professional fraternity dedicated to marketing, sales, and management. Guided by the motto “Runs like a business, feels like a family,” PSE provides members with high-impact professional development, experiential learning opportunities, and an active community focused on building lifelong relationships.
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 www.uww.edu/cobe or email
Editor’s note:
This press release was provided by Gracie Weston, Communications Specialist, UW-Whitewater College of Business & Economics.
All are welcome for our Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, December 24 at 4, 7 and 10 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater
UW-Whitewater Veterans Day event took place on November 11, 2025. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.
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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