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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

Today is Sunday, October 11, 2026

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WHITEWATER WEATHER

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Our Readers Share: Steve Watson – Black Terns

June 19, 2025

Taken the week of June 2, 2025

Last week Steve noticed a couple birds darting around on Cravath Lake over several days. They moved like swallows, but looked like the size of a woodduck. With the help of the Wisconsin Wildlife page, Steve found out they were Black Terns. 

Terns were common in Wisconsin,  but are declining in part due to habitat loss.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing these interesting photos and information.

— 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!

City Updating Open Space Plan, Asking for Citizen Input

June 19, 2025

The City of Whitewater is updating its Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, and we need your input!

This short survey is your chance to help guide the future of our parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational programs. Whether you use the parks daily or only occasionally, your feedback is vital. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll help our Parks and Recreation team identify priorities, shape future improvements, and ensure that our public spaces reflect the needs of everyone in our community.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and will directly inform how we plan for the next five years — and beyond.

Take the Survey Now ➜ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z5HWL8W

Thank you for being part of the process to keep Whitewater’s parks welcoming, safe, and enriching for all.

Kevin Boehm
Director of Parks and Recreation
City of Whitewater
(262)473-0122
kboehm@whitewater-wi.gov

Savory Sounds Concert Thursday

June 18, 2025

Whitewater Arts Alliance Presents

Savory Sounds Concert featuring Tony Rocker

Thursday, June 19, 2025
11:30am – 12:45pm
Flat Iron Park, Whitewater

Tony Rocker is an Elvis tribute artist known for authentic performances, original keys, and replica jumpsuits.

Sponsored by TDS
Food Vendor:  Annie’s Burger Town

  • Concert Times: All concerts are held on Thursdays from 11:30am – 12:45pm.
  • Location: Outside the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) / Flat Iron Park (next to the Birge Fountain), 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
  • Rain or Shine: Normally held outdoors on the lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts are moved inside the CAC and seating is provided.
  • Seating: If the concert is held outside, please consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket. A few picnic tables and benches around the Birge Fountain are also available.
  • 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.

This Week’s Yard Sale

June 18, 2025

Friday 6/20/25 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday 6/21/25 8 am to 4 pm  
W6915 Bluff Road, Whitewater


Huge rummage sale! Something for everyone.

  • Clothes for kids and adults, Winter coats,  and boots.
  • Toys from little tyke, Melissa and Doug, Barbie and more. 
  • John Deere kids 2 seater gator, petal tractors, bikes and more. 
  • Kitchen items, holiday, and crafts.
  • Yard tools, old cow tank, hunting and fishing items. 
  • Many Black bear cabin decorations.

Come on out we have it all!


Walworth County to Hold Clean Sweep Events June 20 and 21

June 18, 2025

Get ready to clean out your garage: Walworth County will host residential Clean Sweep recycling events on June 20 and 21, 2025, at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn. No registration is required. 

Schedule

  • Recycle household hazardous waste only on Friday, June 20, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. View a full list of acceptable items. 
  • Recycle household hazardous waste and electronics, TVs, appliances, and tires on Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to noon. 

Fees

Household hazardous waste is free. Electronics and computers can be recycled for free. The following items can be recycled for a fee (cash only):

  • All TVs: $10 each 
  • Monitors: $5 each 
  • Mini fridges, small AC units, and dehumidifiers: $5 each 
  • Refrigerators and freezers: $10 each; all other appliances are free 
  • Tires with 18-inch rims or smaller may be recycled: The cost is $10 each for tires without rims and $15 each for tires with rims. 

Learn more about our Clean Sweep events. 

WHS Students Named to Honor Rolls for Second Semester

June 18, 2025

Congratulations to students making the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll for second semester of the 2024-2025 school year at Whitewater High School. These designations are based on Semester 2 weighted grades. Students earning a 3.500 – 3.7499 are on Honor Roll, and students earning a 3.75 – 5.0 are on High Honor Roll.

Library Begins Curbside Pickup Services on June 23

June 18, 2025

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s Expansion and Renovation Project is currently in Phase Three. While the library building is closed to the public, curbside pickup services will be available starting Monday, June 23.

Library patrons may place holds on books, movies, and other materials and pick them up at the library. Print jobs may be sent to the library’s printing email at library-printing@whitewater-wi.gov. When holds or print jobs become available, patrons must call
or email the library in advance to schedule a time to pick up their items (times will be available in two-hour windows). Community members may also register for a library card via curbside or at any library event.

In addition, reference services and help with library accounts and databases will be available via phone or email. Reading logs and prizes for the Summer Reading Program will also be available via curbside.

Hours for Curbside Services
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m-1:00 p.m.

Completion of the library’s building project is projected for November 2025.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Complete details, updates, online services, and the library events calendar can be found at whitewaterlibrary.org. Call the library at 262-473-0530 or email library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions.

WHS Seniors Awarded Scholarships

June 17, 2025

On Wednesday, May 28, members of the Whitewater High School Class of 2025 gathered in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School for the annual scholarship presentation.

Thank you to Tom Ganser for the photo gallery.

Below is an alphabetical listing of all scholarships awarded that evening:

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

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

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

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

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

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

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

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

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

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

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

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

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

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

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

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

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

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

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

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