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Habitat for Humanity Walworth County partners with the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin, First Citizens State Bank, and local organizations to build four new affordable homes, scheduled for occupancy in Summer 2026
The City of Whitewater, Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, First Citizens State Bank, and numerous corporations and volunteer groups are coming together in a major public–private partnership to construct four new affordable homes just outside downtown Whitewater. This initiative will transform a long-vacant property into safe, stable homes for local workforce families.
The project includes two twin homes (duplexes), built concurrently at 216 E. Main Street, using modern, efficient construction methods, including panelized exterior wall systems and full basements.
John Dawson, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, believes the future of affordable housing depends on strong partnerships between municipalities, financial institutions, corporations and nonprofit organizations committed to providing sustainable workforce housing.
“The future of affordable housing will be greatly impacted by cities and nonprofits working together toward a common goal: providing workforce housing that is safe, attainable, and sustainable,” said Mason Becker, Economic Development Director for the City of Whitewater. “This partnership represents exactly the kind of collaboration our community needs.”
“We are proud to support a project that reflects Whitewater’s commitment to long-term community vitality,” said John Weidl, City Manager for the City of Whitewater. “For years, our residents and local employers have identified attainable housing as a top priority. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity and First Citizens State Bank, we are turning that priority into real, tangible progress. These homes will strengthen our workforce, support families, and contribute to the stability that allows communities like ours to thrive.”
“First Citizens State Bank is honored to be a cornerstone of progress in the Whitewater area for more than 160 years, and we are excited to join the City and Habitat for Humanity in bringing workforce housing to our growing community,” said Jim Caldwell, CEO & Director of First Citizens State Bank.
Mark Garner, Board President of Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, added, “Through the TIP programs for new homeowners and through partnerships like this one in Whitewater, we are helping families build stability, equity, and long-term financial resilience. These new homes will change lives for generations.”
This project represents the shared commitment of Whitewater officials, Habitat for Humanity Walworth County, First Citizens State Bank, and the many corporations and volunteer teams working together to expand affordable homeownership opportunities in the region.
About Habitat for Humanity Walworth County
Habitat for Humanity Walworth County builds and renovates affordable homes in partnership with families in need of sustainable housing. Through volunteer labor, community partnerships, and donor support, Habitat helps families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.
On December 5, Jefferson County hosted a Legislative Breakfast at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Local, county, state, and federal elected officials joined county staff to discuss issues affecting the county and its residents.
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and U.S. Representative Scott Fitzgerald opened the session with remarks on federal legislation and their top priorities in Washington, D.C. Sen. Johnson’s presentation centered on government spending, the national debt, and opportunities for reforming the Affordable Care Act. Congressman Fitzgerald spoke about labor and housing issues that make headlines nationally but are especially important to Jefferson County: H1-B visas, undocumented workers in the agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors, and ideas for adding housing stock of the right size and cost to meet consumer demand.
Jefferson County Administrator Michael Luckey provided an overview of County accomplishments in 2025, priorities for 2026, and updates on local issues that impact residents. Key investments include a new Financial Empowerment Center available to all residents and workers, funding for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, and $1.1 million in the 2026 Jefferson County budget to support the Live Local Development Fund, a program that promotes local housing development. Luckey also voiced support for a bill to provide certainty in utility aid payments for liquefied natural gas storage, which he and other county leaders traveled to Madison to testify in favor of.
State legislators Brienne Brown (43rd Assembly District), Cindi Duchow (97th Assembly District), Joan Fitzgerald (46th Assembly District), John Jagler (13th Senate District), William Penterman (38th Assembly District), and Melissa Ratcliff (16th Senate District) presented updates on their work in Madison on behalf of their constituents. Rep. Brown spoke on agriculture bills and veterans’ issues. Rep. Duchow talked about school consolidation and her work on the Gail’s Law bill, which seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for breast cancer screenings. Rep. Fitzgerald focused on farmland-preservation efforts and a bill to advance property tax transparency. In his remarks, Sen. Jagler discussed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reform and ideas for adding affordable housing for seniors and others who lack a variety of options. Rep. Penterman shared his work to create a per diem for homeless veterans and concerns about foreign adversaries owning local agricultural land. Sen. Ratcliff expressed her support of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and provided details on a tax incremental district (TID) bill to encourage workforce housing development.
Officials from Jefferson County’s cities, villages, and towns addressed attendees to relay updates, achievements, and issues of primary interest to their residents. The Village of Johnson Creek shared updates on housing developments and two commercial additions: the new U.S. headquarters of Abet Laminati and an orthopedic center. The City of Fort Atkinson announced the successful closure of two TIDs. Among city and village representatives, discussions centered on development and infrastructure work, industry and workforce updates including additions to the City of Jefferson’s Food and Beverage (FAB) Innovation Campus, and efforts to add diverse housing stock. Town officials shared concerns about affordability of emergency medical services and discussed solar energy development considerations in rural areas.
This was the third Legislative Breakfast hosted by Jefferson County since 2024. The next Legislative Breakfast is tentatively scheduled for December 2026 at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Jefferson County.
Mariana Aranda, a student from Whitewater, whose major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is Finance, is one of 23 Warhawks who completed ConnectED, a professional development training program, as part of their student employment at the university’s student union.
ConnectED, a self-paced training program, encourages students to explore career pathways, strengthen their resumes, and connect with resources across campus while preparing for success after graduation. Students in the program were required to complete a suicide prevention course, two educational events, and five professional development opportunities.
UW-Whitewater’s University Center, the central hub of the Whitewater campus, offers a wide variety of activities and services designed to enhance the college experience. The UC sponsored more than 130 events during the 2024-25 academic year. Visit uww.edu/uc to learn more.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is one from 1998, taken by intrepid society photographer George Scharfenberg, who chronicled the comings and goings of downtown businesses in the 1990s and 2000s. It is the festive Christmas window of Ginny’s Ladies Apparel store that opened in late 1998 and lasted a few years in the downtown. The society hopes you are doing some of your Christmas shopping in downtown Whitewater!
Join us in the next two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s Greetings.
(George Scharfenberg Collection, Whitewater Historical Society)
Walworth County Supervisor District 4 Al Stanek filed non-candidacy papers with the Walworth County Clerk’s Office indicating it is his intention not to run for the Supervisor office in the upcoming April 7, 2026 Spring Election.
Those interested in running for County offices may contact the Walworth County Clerk’s Office. The deadline for filing the Campaign Registration Statement, Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination papers is 5:00 p.m., January 6, 2026
Editor’s note: County Supervisor is a paid position. District 4 represents the western part of the City of Whitewater. A map and further information is available on The Banner here.
So far this year, WHS has had five Auto II students pass their Manual Transmission ASE test. Also, 14 Auto I students have passed their ASE Brakes test this semester.
Autos Teacher Justin Buntrock stated, “This is an incredible feat for our young Whippets. I am very proud of each and every one of them. These are very rigorous tests with content covering diagnostics, theory, repair, and replacement.”
Since 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent non-profit organization, has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.
Article and Photos Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Autos Teacher
jbuntrock@wwusd.org
On the early morning hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, Whitewater Police received a report of a male suspect who was actively entering vehicles near the intersection of W. Main St and Second St. Jose De Jesus Pena Flores, 38, of [210 S. Franklin St.], Whitewater, was identified as the responsible individual, and was arrested. Pena Flores was subsequently linked to a number of additional thefts.
At this point in the investigation, the following criminal charges are being referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office: Burglary (Wis. Stat. 943.10(1)(a)), Theft from Motor Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.20(1)(a)), Entry into Locked Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.11), Misappropriate ID info (943.201(2)(a)), Credit Card Theft (Wis. Stat. 943.41(3)(a)), Resisting or Obstructing an Officer (Wis. Stat. 946.41(1)), and Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01).
In the course of the investigation, officers have collected a large amount of property suspected to have been stolen within the last two months. If you were a victim of a theft during that approximate timeframe, please contact Detective Lieutenant Anthony Heilberger (aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov) or Officer Tim Swartz (tswartz@whitewater-wi.gov) at the Whitewater Police Department (262-473-0555) to provide a description of your stolen property. Please be prepared to provide any serial numbers and detailed descriptions of your property.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department. Per Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Pena Flores has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money, a felony, as well as the following misdemeanor charges: Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property greater or equal to $2500, and Theft – Moveable Property greater or equal to $2500.
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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