Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Saturday, October 10, 2026
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Please join the Whitewater Public Library for the following October programs:
Halloween Bingo
Thursday, October 30th at 3:00 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building
Ages 5-11
Goblins and ghouls, you are invited to try your luck at Halloween Bingo! Will you win tricks or treats? No one knows! Bingo is geared towards children 6-10 years old, but older and younger siblings are always welcome! No registration is required, but bingo cards are first come, first served. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 478-2588 with any questions.
Teen Cemeterrariums
Friday, October 31st at 1:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Building
Ages 12-18
Make your very own cemetery in a terrarium. A cemeterrarium! Jars, trappings, and headstones provided by the library. Ghosts must be acquired on your own. This program is open to teens ages 12-18. Please register via our event calendar: https://whitewaterpl.librarycalendar.com/events/month
Limit 15 participants. Please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 478-2588 with any questions.
Please note that the library is still closed for construction and both programs will take place at Cravath Lakefront Building, 341 South Fremont Street.
From the Social Security website:
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.
Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1 percent. The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025.
Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some recipients receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”
Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100.
Social Security begins notifying recipients about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Those who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. You can set up text or email alerts when a new message–such as your COLA notice–is available in your my Social Security account.
You will need to have a personal my Social Security account by November 19 to see your COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2026 benefit amount will be available via my Social Security’s Message Center starting in late November. Those who do not have an online my Social Security account will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.
Help Support the Starin Park Splash Pad & Park Enhancement Project! 
The City of Whitewater is applying for a Wisconsin Department of Administration Non-State Grant to help fund a new splash pad and park enhancements at Starin Park — creating a free, safe, and inclusive space for children and families of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Earlier this year, the City conducted a community-wide parks and recreation survey, and the Starin Park Splash Pad was identified as the most requested project by residents. Your feedback helped shape this plan, and now we need your help again to make it a reality!
We’re asking for letters of support from community members, local organizations, and businesses to demonstrate the strong community backing for this project.
How to help:
Please email your letter of support to kboehm@whitewater-wi.gov by Tuesday, October 28, 2025. In your letter, share why this project matters to you, how it will benefit families and visitors, and why you believe investing in Starin Park is important for Whitewater’s future.
Together, we can make Starin Park a place for everyone to play, cool off, and connect! 
#WhitewaterWI#StarinPark#CommunitySupport#SplashPad#ParksAndRecreation#GrantProject
Editor’s note: This announcement appeared on the Whitewater Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
“Sinners”
Tuesday, October 28, 1 pm
(Folk Horror/Period Drama/Supernatural/Thriller)
Rated R (language/violence/frightening & intense)
2 hours, 17 minutes (2025).
Our annual Halloween horror film has received multitudinous accolades and awards season buzz. It has a high Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97 (critics) / 96 (audience). And Oscar buzz.
It’s a good, old fashion rip-roaring monster movie. Please be advised to bring your own crucifix, garlic, silver bullets, and a wooden stake. Just sayin’…
Mark will have Halloween treats!
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
All are welcome for Trunk or Treat at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the First United Methodist Church.
The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department indicates that the person who died following a motor vehicle crash on October 20, 2025 was Terri L. Apgar, age 56 of Whitewater. The incident took place in the 1100 block of East County Highway N in the town of Lima and was reported to authorities at approximately 7:57 a.m.
Per the press release, Mrs. Apgar was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary results of the forensic examination confirmed that she died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. It is indicated that the incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department.
A previous article concerning the crash appeared here.
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Willow Brook Golf Course, N9035 Hwy 89, Whitewater, WI 53190
Whitewater Community Foundation is excited to invite the community to a special social event on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Willow Brook Golf Course. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved!
The evening will feature a short presentation at 6:00 PM, featuring our team, highlights of our recent projects and exciting updates on what’s ahead for our community.
Join us for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and community spirit. Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to our organization, this is a wonderful chance to engage with our mission and discover ways to participate in our initiatives.
Light refreshments will be served. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family!
For more information, please contact: info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
Our Website: https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitewatercommunityfoundation
Editor’s note: This invitation was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Update: The Old Main fire took place on February 7, 1970, not 1971.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s UWW Homecoming week, so here is a nice view of Old Main, probably from the 1960s. It is also a lovely fall photo. Before the 1970 Old Main fire, the UWW had one of the prettiest campus entrances in the state system.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5092PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
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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