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Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to announce a public program on Exploring Disability, Bigotry and Trauma on Wednesday, September 16th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater.
James Bonilla, author of An Eye for An I, will discuss his memoir, the JEDI Book Club’s Spring 2026 book. This powerful narrative offers an intersectional analysis of disability, racism, and mental illness, inviting readers to empathize, be inspired, and consider their own potential for social change. Copies will be available for purchase.
A question and answer session will follow James Bonilla’s lecture on resilience in navigating blindness, racism, and mental illness.
You do not need to be a League member or JEDI Book Club participant to attend and refreshments will be served. For questions or further information please contact Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com.
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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!
Calling all music makers! Kids and families are invited to “Family Jams: Music, Movement, and Instrument Exploration” at the Whitewater Public Library on Saturday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m. in Meeting Room 1. Explore world instruments in the “Instrument Lab,” dance and move to expressive music, and make music together at “Family Jams,” a memorable music and movement experience for the whole family. All ages welcome! There is no cost or registration.
10:30-11:00: Instrument Lab: everyone can freely explore and “jam” with a variety of world instruments.
11:00-11:45: Music and Movement “Family Jams” — dance and create music together as a group.
The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Ed Grosskreutz says that there “has not been much activity on Trippe or Cravath lake this year at all,” but he managed to find a few photogenic wildlife.
Our thanks to Ed Grosskreutz for sharing these photos of his finds.
— 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 or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage. Thanks for thinking about this!
Ferradermis Administrative Team Captain Alex Nelson has been named to the FIRST Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for 2026-2027. Alex completed a lengthy application and interview process in order to secure one of approximately 20 spots on the statewide YAC.
As stated on the FIRST Wisconsin website, “The FIRST Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council (YAC) involves a select group of high school students working directly with the FIRST Wisconsin Board of Directors and staff. These student leaders ensure that the student perspective is integrated into the long-term mission, objectives, and goals of FIRST Wisconsin programs. They collaborate on initiatives to enhance the overall FIRST experience for all students in the state.”
This school year will be Alex’s third on Ferradermis, having served as Business Subteam Lead as a sophomore before stepping up to one of the tri-captain positions for the team as a junior. Alex was also a part of the Impact Presentation Team during the 2026 season.
Congratulations, Alex!
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
WMTV Channel 15 broadcast a report on September 7 regarding the Whitewater police department’s ongoing investigation into internet crimes against children. “The investigation began after the department received a tip on Dec. 29 through Wisconsin ICAC, the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force run by the Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation,” WMTV stated. According to the report, the Whitewater Police Department detective unit’s ongoing investigation into these crimes against children has identified “at least 4,000 victims, and suspects around the globe.”
Detective Lieutenant Anthony Heilberger, who leads the detective bureau, told WMTV that “the department’s central message to parents and children is to be cautious about who they are communicating with online. He said parents should monitor their children’s online activity, talk with them about what they are doing online, and keep computers and cell phones in shared or public spaces in the home.”
A Whitewater Banner post on March 7 indicated that Cody J. Pierson, 39, of 1254 W. Satinwood Lane, had been charged with Possession of Child Pornography and Child Sexual Exploitation. Police alleged that over 114,000 images and recordings of child pornography had been found on Pierson’s devices. Pierson is still confined in the Walworth County Jail, and he most recently appeared in court by video on September 3 for a status conference. Another such conference is scheduled for October 22. A trial date has not yet been established. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, Pierson is presumed innocent of all charges.
The Banner reached out to Police Chief Dan Meyer for further information regarding the larger investigation. Meyer indicated that the television station spoke with the department staff quite a while ago and they’ve continued working the case since. He stated that he would get an update from the staff before responding to our questions.
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.
Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
Source: Wikipedia
The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Whitney Townsend to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).
Since joining FCCU in January 2018, Whitney has played a significant role in advancing the credit union’s strategic initiatives, enhancing member experiences, and fostering innovation across the organization. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated strong leadership, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to helping FCCU adapt and thrive in an evolving financial services environment.
In her new role as Chief Strategy Officer, Whitney will lead the development and execution of FCCU’s long-term strategic vision, working closely with executive leadership and teams across the organization to identify growth opportunities, strengthen member value, and support organizational excellence. The position requires strong strategic thinking, collaboration across multiple disciplines, data-informed decision making, and the ability to drive meaningful organizational change.
“Whitney’s leadership, creativity, and dedication to our members and team have made a lasting impact on FCCU,” said Sue Johnson, President/CEO of Fort Community Credit Union. “Her ability to see the bigger picture, turn ideas into action, and lead through change makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role. We are excited to have her help guide FCCU’s future growth and strategic direction.”
Throughout her career at FCCU, Whitney has championed initiatives designed to improve member experiences, strengthen operational effectiveness, and position the credit union for long-term success. Her promotion reflects FCCU’s commitment to developing leaders from within and investing in the future of the organization.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve FCCU in this new capacity,” said Whitney Townsend. “FCCU has an incredible team, a strong commitment to our members, and a powerful mission. I look forward to working with our employees, leadership team, and Board of Directors as we continue building a strong future for our members and the communities we serve.”
Fort Community Credit Union congratulates Whitney on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to the continued leadership and vision she will bring to the organization.
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 $419 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.
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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