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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, October 9, 2026
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Whitewater Unified School District has a 2-hour delay. Per our policy, the morning Early Childhood and 4K classes are cancelled. The full-day 4K and afternoon 4K classes will continue to be held. We apologize for the late notice, but for our students’ safety, there was one last-minute drive around the area, and it has gotten worse within the hour. Some of the townships have encouraged the bus company to hold off due to the roads.
Whitewater High School Schedule:
Abundant Life Christian School beat Whitewater 55-24 in non-conference girls’ basketball action on Monday, December 8. The game was close for the first 10 minutes before ALCS broke it open before halftime. In the second half, Whitewater went on a spurt but struggled to score against the ALCS defense. Emery Kachel led Whitewater with 15 while ALCS had two in double digits.
The Whippets play at Delavan-Darien Tuesday, December 9 before returning home to play East Troy on Friday evening. Both games start at 7:15 pm.
Other Recent Action from Last Week
The Whippets are struggling on the offensive end to start the season. Last week we lost to Lake Mills (61-36) and Marshall (58-23). The team is very young and is working to grow in each game with many players playing both JV and Varsity.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is honored to announce that Whitewater resident Tom Ganser has been selected to receive the League’s 2025 Making Democracy Work award for documenting democracy in action as a photographer. Through photography, Tom tells a diverse, multigenerational story of civic pride and action. Tom provides his services to the community at no charge, documenting crucial community events such as town hall meetings, local elections, Unity Walks, and League of Women Voters-sponsored events. The League’s Making Democracy Work Award recognizes citizens who strive to make their community a safer and fairer place in which to live.
A public reception celebrating Tom’s commitment to diversity and civic action will be held Sunday, December 14, 2 PM – 4 PM, at the Prairie Village Community Center, located at Prairie Village on Burr Oak Trail just south of County U in Whitewater. Refreshments will be served.
Please join us on December 14th in honoring Tom. Tom taught English for 10 years at Custer High School in Milwaukee and served for 20 years as Associate Director and Director of the Office of Field Experiences in the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater and as Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He directed the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program and served on the Whitewater Unified School District for four years. Tom serves on the Finance Committee for First United Methodist Church. He has contributed to the Whitewater Register, the Whitewater Banner, the Daily Jefferson County Union, and Fort Atkinson Online.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, December 10th is Whitewater High School’s annual Winter Gala concert and fundraiser. We would love to see a big crowd out to support our talented musicians. There will be a raffle basket auction to help raise funds for the music booster club. Support of the community in the raffle is greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to attend in person but want to join us virtually, here is the link (please scroll down.)
Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 10. Unsold baskets will be available for onsite purchase, while supplies last, at First Citizens State Bank’s downtown lobby beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, December 17.
Over the weekend, Whitewater High School’s Model UN team participated in the Model UN Conference at Arrowhead High School. Students spent the day debating global issues and collaborating with delegates from other schools. Their strong preparation, professionalism, and teamwork were evident in every committee.
We are incredibly proud of our Model UN students for their dedication and outstanding performance. Congratulations to all members on a successful event!
Article and Photos Submitted by Liberty Cunningham and Greg Stewart
WHS Model UN Advisors
cunli01@wwusd.org
The Whippets had a strong showing at the Tom Lieder Invitational on Saturday, finishing 3rd out of 11 teams! The boys continue to build momentum early in the season with several top-16 finishes, big time drops, and two relay wins!
Top 16 Finishers:
• 200 Medley Relay – 7th (2:13.28)
Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Xavier Ortiz
• 200 Free:
1st – Cruz Aranda (1:55.46)
• 50 Free:
1st – Mateo Bazeley (23.73)
12th – Wyatt Esch (26.86)
• 100 Fly:
3rd – Langdon Coburn (59.59)
7th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:10.49)
• 100 Free:
1st – Cruz Aranda (51.32)
2nd – Mateo Bazeley (54.07)
• 100 IM:
2nd – Langdon Coburn (1:03.38)
8th – Caleb Kluck (1:15.06)
11th – Xavier Ortiz (1:24.85)
• 200 Free Relay – 1st (1:35.72)
Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn
• 100 Back:
11th – Wyatt Esch (1:15.22)
14th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:22.65)
• 100 Breast:
12th – David Enns (1:27.32)
15th – Caleb Kluck (1:31.16)
• 400 Free Relay – 1st (3:37.45)
Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Mateo Bazeley
Other Highlights:
• 200 Freestyle group of Angel Kilar, Cooper Housel, ChaCha Binagi, and Hunter Runnoe — all with time drops!
• Angel Kilar with two PRs, including a 5-second drop in his 100 Free!
The Whippets will be back in action on Tuesday, December 9th, at home vs. Burlington Co-op. Swimming starts at 5:30 pm — come pack the pool!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Updated 12/9/25 @ 9:15 p.m. with the link to the video.
A Whitewater program will be featured on Monday, December 8 on the WDJT Channel 58 News at 10 p.m. One of the regular diners from the community had reached out to the Milwaukee station to suggest that the University/Community Lunch that is offered at First United Methodist Church would be an interesting feature for Natalie Shepherd’s “Everyday Heroes.” Shepherd, the evening anchor, recently visited the lunch to see it for herself.
Lunch Coordinator Terrie Parenteau indicates that about 250 meals a week are currently being provided. Four to six volunteers assist Parenteau with preparing and serving the meals, not to mention additional church members who contribute food from home. The program is in its 25th year, having pivoted to take-out meals five days a week during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 20,000 meals were provided during that time.
Students and community members are welcome at the free lunch, which is served throughout the school year on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The last lunch for the semester will be served on December 9, with the first lunch in 2026 being served on January 27.
Written by Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
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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