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Today is Saturday, October 10, 2026
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The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) will close the 2025 Fran Achen Photography Exhibition with a special live performance by Pieces of Eight, a semiprofessional woodwind octet from southern Wisconsin.
The concert will take place on Sunday, July 27 at 2 p.m. at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street. The octet includes pairs of oboes, clarinets, horns, and bassoons, and will perform works by Mozart, Hidas, Kalinnikov, and a new piece by Wisconsin composer Brian Packham.
Admission is free. A suggested donation of $10 will support WAA’s ongoing arts programming.
“This performance is a great way to wrap up the exhibition,” said Jeff McDonald, chair of the photographic exhibition. “It’s a unique opportunity to bring two art forms together—photography and music—in one shared space.”
The 2025 Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition features over 200 photographs in total. About 100 pieces are displayed on the gallery walls as part of the Print Division, and another 100 or so are projected digitally in the new Digital Division.
It’s a remarkable expansion from previous years, showcasing work from 57 photographic artists across six states—Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Florida. Guests are invited to explore the gallery and enjoy light refreshments prior to the performance.
For more information, Contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
“20 Years Of Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!”
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s 151st spring commencement celebrated the achievements of 1,250 students in two ceremonies May 17 inside Kolf Sports Center. Recognized for earning doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s or associate degrees, the new graduates joined the ranks of more than 100,000 UWO alumni.
Whitewater, WI
Martin Gonzalez, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Allison Martens, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
Jazmine Peterson, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Jazmine Peterson, Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Lois Mast writes “This beautiful bird loves to hang out in Whitewater Creek and can be seen from the wooden walkway leading to the Trippe Lake pavilion.
Our thanks to Lois Mast for sharing this beautiful photo.
— 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. Thanks for thinking about this!
Everyone is invited to the 39th Annual Lutherdale Fest Quilt Auction on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This outdoor event runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. or until all the quilts are sold. The live quilt auction, conducted by professional auctioneer Gary Finley, starts at 10 a.m.
The auction features more than 300 donated quilts of all sizes, from baby to king size, plus wall hangings and table runners. The quilts are handmade by hundreds of quilters from Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida.
View the quilts online at www.lutherdale.org/quilt-auction. There will also be many quilts featured in this year’s online auction that will allow bidders to join the fun without being at camp. This can all be found on Lutherdale’s website.
Friday’s Quilt Preview will be held on Friday, August 8th from 4 pm – 7 pm with silent bids accepted on both quilts and Silent Auction items. Our Wisconsin Fish Fry will be available for inside & outside dining or carryout. Meal tickets are $18/adults and $10/youth 10 & under. Proxy silent bidding for quilts ends Friday, August 8 at 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, our Chef is serving a delicious lunch menu. There will also be an ala carte menu of bakery items, snacks, and beverages from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All food will be served near the auction area.
Free admission. Free parking. For more information, call Lutherdale at 262-742-2352 or visit website at www.lutherdale.org
Lutherdale Bible Camp is a not-for-profit organization, accredited by the American Camp Association, serves all denominations, non-profits, school groups, and more.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
It’s also time for produce stands. This image is from 1994 of a produce stand located along East Main Street. The man is not identified, but I am sure some of you may know who this is. The historical society hopes everyone enjoys the fresh produce of the season.
(George Scharfenberg collection)
“Black Bag”
Tuesday, July 29, 1 p.m.
(Spy thriller/Mystery/Romance)
Rated R (language). 1 hour, 33 minutes (2025).
The tale of a British spy (Michael Fassbender) who must ferret out a traitor in their midst amongst five potential suspects… one of which is his wife (Cate Blanchett). Also stars Pierce Brosnan. An erudite, clever, well-acted cat-and-mouse cloak-and-dagger spy mystery!
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/
Governor Tony Evers, whose second term will end in January, 2027, announced on July 24, 2025 that he will not be running for another term. Governors in the state are elected to four-year terms and they have no term limits. Evers will turn 74 in November.
The governor’s video message is available here. A transcript of the video message is provided below.
Hey, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here.
You know, I was a scrawny kid with glasses who grew up scraping mold off of cheese. I never dreamed I’d end up governor of Wisconsin. But here I am.
For the last six years, you’ve welcomed me into your churches, businesses, classrooms, farms, hospitals, and communities. I cherish every moment—every tour, visit, high five, question, and selfie. It’s the honor of my life to be able to give back to the state that raised me.
I promised you when I ran for this office that I’d always work to do the right thing, that I’d always give it to you straight, and that I’d always try to be a governor for all of Wisconsin. And I work every day to keep those promises. That’ll never change.
I began my run for governor as a proud Plymouth Progressive, and that’s still who I am today. I’m a science teacher at heart who ended up running for office and winning five straight statewide elections.
So, would I win if I ran a sixth time? Of course. No question about that. But whether I’d win or not has never been part of my calculus about running again.
Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa.
I’ve spent 50 years in public service. I’m damn proud I devoted my entire career—and most of my life—to working for you. And from Plymouth to Baraboo, Tomah to Oshkosh, Verona to Madison, and everywhere in between, Kathy and my family supported me all the way.
Marrying Kathy is the greatest accomplishment of my life because it gave me a lifetime with her, three amazing kids, and nine incredible grandkids. For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service. They’re my world. And I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together.
It’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing that I will not be running for a third term.
I’m so humbled to be your governor. This is the best job I’ve ever had. And folks, we are not done yet.
There is, as always, much work to do. And, Wisconsin, I’ll be working just as hard as I have for the last six years to keep doing the right thing and deliver for you.
So, let’s get back to work. Forward, for you and for Wisconsin, always.
Thank you.
Due to the ongoing heat, the Whitewater Arts Alliance [WAA] has decided to move the Savory Sounds mariachi band concert inside the Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, July 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. WAA wishes for everyone to enjoy the concert without concern about being negatively affected by the heat.
July 24 – Mariachi Nuevo Mexico
:: Mariachi : A high-energy mariachi band from the Chicago area. There will be a special children’s workshop, offering fun, hands-on activities inspired by the day’s music.
:: Sponsored by The Coburn Company
:: Food Vendor: Taqueria la Estrella 2
Savory Sounds 2025 Concert Series
- Concert Times: All concerts are held on Thursdays from 11:30 am – 12:45 pm.
- Location: Inside the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
- Food & Refreshments: Food and other refreshments will be available from the food vendor or bring your own lunch.
- Parking: CAC lot and city street parking is available with additional parking available at First English Lutheran Church.
Savory Sounds Sponsors:
- Anonymous Donor
- Coburn Company
- Culver’s of Whitewater
- D.L.K. Enterprises
- Fairhaven Senior Services
- Harbor Homes
- TDS
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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