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Today is Friday, October 9, 2026
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Hundreds of trick or treaters came out for Ghoul’s Night Out on October 30. It was a beautiful night to visit businesses and organizations. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This weekend begins the gun-deer season, a popular hunting season in Wisconsin. Hunters in the mid-20th century may have stopped by at the Whitewater Sports and Tackle store for last minute needs. Before the sports store, this building, on 2nd Street, was the long-time location of Pete Johnson’s meat market. Johnson retired in 1964 and this photo was probably taken in the 1970s. The building is also of interest because it was built around 1915-1920 from rusticated concrete blocks, an unusual material for a downtown building.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5709 P, Whitewater Historical Society)
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff on Anniversary of 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy |
| Gov. Tony Evers on Nov. 19 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., Nov. 21, 2025, in recognition of the fourth anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and to honor the six individuals who were senselessly and tragically killed in the attack: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8. “Four years ago, six of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones were senselessly killed in the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, forever changing the lives of folks and families in the community and across our state, and each year since, we’ve come together to honor them, their loved ones who carry on their memory, and all those who were affected by this horrific and tragic act of violence,” said Gov. Evers. “The memory of those we lost that tragic day lives on through the strength, resilience, generosity, and compassion we have seen exemplified by the entire Waukesha community over the past several years. We will never forget Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, and Jackson, and today, the state stands with the Waukesha community in remembering, honoring, and mourning.” |
Holiday Helpers connects community donations, sponsors, and resources directly to families in need to ensure every child experiences joy, dignity, and care during the holidays. The deadline for families to register their children, ages 0-17, is Sunday, November 23. The form is accessible through the QR code above or on the United Way website.
“Our community always steps up in big ways — and this is one of the most meaningful examples of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Elizabeth Bols, United Way’s CEO. “Holiday Helpers ensures children don’t feel forgotten during the holidays, and for many families, this relief makes an enormous difference.”
More information, registration details, and ways to get involved will be shared at: www.uwjnwc.com
Holiday Helpers conecta las donaciones comunitarias, patrocinadores y recursos directamente con familias necesitadas para garantizar que cada niño experimente alegría, dignidad y cuidado durante las fiestas. La fecha límite para que las familias registren a sus hijos, de 0 a 17 años, es el domingo 23 de noviembre. El formulario está disponible a través del código QR arriba o en el sitio web de United Way.
“Nuestra comunidad siempre responde de manera extraordinaria, y este es uno de los ejemplos más significativos de vecinos ayudando a vecinos”, dijo Elizabeth Bols, CEO de United Way. “Holiday Helpers garantiza que los niños no se sientan olvidados durante las fiestas, y para muchas familias, este alivio marca una diferencia enorme.”
Más información, detalles de registro y formas de involucrarse se compartirán en: www.uwjnwc.com
Final boarding call on the ocean liner S. S. American for the WHS Players production of the truly classic American musical “Anything Goes” Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School.
Tickets available an hour before performance at the box office (adults $12, students $5).
For fun, about 30 minutes before the curtain opens Tom Ganser’s photos from three previous WHS Players musicals will be shown: “Beauty & the Beast,” “Mean Girls,” and “White Christmas.”
Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” debuted on Broadway in 1934, featuring a mix of romance, comedy, and memorable songs, and can in many ways be classified as the most remarkable musical to ever surface in the canon of American theatre.
No better way to get into the holiday spirit than by joining the cast, crew, and live pit band of the WHS Players in a memorable performance of “Anything Goes.”
The City of Whitewater is excited to invite the entire community to join us for Christmas at Cravath, a month-long celebration of lights, holiday cheer, and family-friendly fun!
From December 5th, 2025 through January 5th, 2026, Cravath Lakefront Park and downtown Whitewater will come alive with festive events for all ages. The season kicks off on Friday, December 5th with the Holiday Market and our dazzling Parade of Lights, followed by the official lighting of the park’s holiday display.
Throughout the month, families can enjoy:
Cookies with Santa
Parents’ Night Out & Kids Pajama Party
Paws and Claus Pet Pictures with Santa
Breakfast-for-Dinner with Santa
Family Painting Projects
Meet the Magic: Real Reindeer for Christmas
Chili Cook-Off
…and so much more!
Whether you’re shopping local, snapping photos with Santa, or simply taking in the sparkling lights, there’s something magical for everyone.
We invite all residents and visitors to celebrate the season with us and make unforgettable memories at Christmas at Cravath.
Join us for a holiday season full of joy, lights, and community spirit!
For full details, visit www.wwparks.org or follow the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation on social media. Some programs require a registration fee, others are FREE. Please sign up for the free programs as well to help be sure we do not run out of items.
La Ciudad de Whitewater se complace en invitar a toda la comunidad a unirse a nosotros en la Navidad en Cravath, ¡una celebración de un mes llena de luces, alegría navideña y diversión para toda la familia! Desde el 5 de diciembre de 2025 hasta el 5 de enero de 2026, el Parque Cravath Lakefront y el centro de Whitewater se llenarán de eventos festivos para todas las edades. La temporada comienza el viernes 5 de diciembre con el Mercado Navideño y nuestro deslumbrante Desfile de Luces, seguido por la iluminación oficial de la exhibición navideña del parque. A lo largo del mes, las familias podrán disfrutar de: Galletas con Santa Noche de Padres y Fiesta de Pijamas para Niños Fotos de Mascotas con Papá Noel Desayuno para Cena con Santa Proyectos de Pintura Familiar Conoce la Magia: Renos Reales para Navidad Concurso de Chili … ¡y mucho más! Ya sea que estés comprando localmente, tomando fotos con Santa o simplemente disfrutando de las luces brillantes, hay algo mágico para todos.
Invitamos a todos los residentes y visitantes a celebrar la temporada con nosotros y a crear recuerdos inolvidables en la Navidad en Cravath.
¡Únase a nosotros para una temporada navideña llena de alegría, luces y espíritu comunitario!
Para obtener todos los detalles, visite www.wwparks.org o siga a City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation en las redes sociales. Algunos programas requieren una tarifa de inscripción, otros son GRATIS. Por favor, regístrese también en los programas gratuitos para ayudar a asegurarnos de no quedarnos sin artículos.
Jefferson County is providing a brief update regarding ongoing response efforts to minimize the impact of the avian influenza [“bird flu”] outbreak:
- Actions to manage the outbreak are moving forward consistently, with response operations ongoing.
- Additional monitoring and response activities are planned to ensure that the outbreak is fully addressed in a timely manner and that remediation efforts continue effectively and safely.
- County officials are working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and federal partners to ensure all actions align with state and federal guidance.
- The Jefferson County Health Department continues to monitor the health and safety of personnel and partners involved in the response. It is actively addressing community questions and concerns related to environmental health, water quality, and potential impacts.
- Jefferson County remains fully committed to protecting public health and local agricultural operations through coordinated response, monitoring, and transparent communication.
- Residents and poultry owners should remain vigilant, follow biosecurity protocols, and report any suspected cases. Additional information and guidance can be found at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx. The Jefferson County Health Department Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyHealth/.
Jefferson County sincerely thanks residents, producers, and response partners for their continued cooperation and support as we work together to protect community health, agriculture, and the environment.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Office of the Administrator of Jefferson County.
The UW-W football team will compete in the NCAA Division III Championship for the 20th time in program history. The bracket that was announced on November 16 may be viewed here.
The Warhawks will host DePauw University in the second round. Kickoff is slated for noon on November 29 at Perkins Stadium. Further information regarding this contest will be posted to The Banner when available.
The 2026 Stagg Bowl will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on January 4, 2026. This will be the second consecutive year that the Stagg Bowl is being played in January; previously it has always been in early to mid-December. Also, for the second year in a row, the game will be played on a Sunday night, and on ESPN’s primary network. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. This event marks the return of the championship to Canton, where it was last played in 2021. Next year’s event will return to the original site of Salem, Virginia, with the following year returning to Canton.
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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