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Today is Sunday, October 11, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s officially the summer season in Wisconsin and this week we have an image of an early roadside campground for people traveling in automobiles in the summer. This is Ward’s Tourist Camp, located just outside Whitewater on Highway 12 on the way to Fort Atkinson. These camps sprang up largely in the 1920s and this camp was first advertised in June of 1923. It advertised picnic grounds with water, tables, and stoves and operated during the late spring to late fall. The image features someone who has pitched a tent for, perhaps, an overnight or longer stay. Eventually these types of tourist camps gave way to roadside cabins, then motels. The last mention of this camp in the newspaper was in 1931.
Join us again next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#4328PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Starting Monday, June 9, 2025, Walworth Avenue will be closed to traffic from US Hwy 12 to Janesville Street. Local access will be maintained for residents of Walworth Avenue.
Motorists heading to Whitewater High School or the Aquatic & Fitness Center should use Elizabeth Street from the north to cross Walworth Avenue. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of August.
As was previously mentioned on The Banner, “Normally road construction in the city is its own responsibility. The Walworth Avenue project, however, was selected to be included in the funding provided to the state under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Consequently, the state will be responsible for 80% of the cost, leaving the city with only 20%.
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A partir del lunes 9 de junio de 2025, Walworth Avenue estará cerrada al tráfico desde US 12 hasta Janesville Street.
Los automovilistas que se dirijan a Whitewater High School o al Centro Acuático y de Fitness deben usar Elizabeth Street desde el norte para cruzar Walworth Avenue. Se espera que la construcción esté terminada a finales de agosto.
Per a Facebook post, “Whitewater Softball is Sectional final bound!!!!!! Whippets with a 6-5 win at Pewaukee! We now play in the sectional final at our house!!!! Game time 5pm vs Whitnall tomorrow [Thursday, 6/5]!”
More than 1,200 athletes from across the state will compete in Cornhole, Powerlifting, Soccer, Tennis, and Track & Field at the 2025 Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) Summer Games, held at UW-Whitewater June 5-7. Several health-focused activities will complement Friday and Saturday competition, providing free oral, vision, podiatry, hearing, and fitness screenings.
The public is welcome to watch the competition and cheer on the participants.
UW-Whitewater Athletics Facilities (907 Schwager Dr.)
WHEN: Thursday, June 5
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Parade of Athletes & Opening Ceremony – Perkins Stadium
Friday, June 6
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cornhole & Soccer competition – Kachel Fieldhouse
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Track & Field competition – Foster Track
Saturday, June 7
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Powerlifting, Tennis, & Soccer competition – Kachel Fieldhouse
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Track & Field competition concludes – Foster Track
Summer Games is one of four Special Olympics Wisconsin State-level Games held throughout the year and one of nearly 200 sporting events held annually.
SOWI Summer Games returns to Whitewater for the third consecutive year. It is made possible by support from Jersey Mike’s; Knights of Columbus; Dunkin’; Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation; Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin; Kriete Truck Centers; WisPact Foundation; Ho Chunk Gaming; Spartan Nash Foundation; and OUR TEAM partners Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Admirals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks.
About Special Olympics Wisconsin
Special Olympics Wisconsin has empowered people with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years, providing year-round sports training and competition, health and wellness programs, school-based inclusion initiatives, and leadership development. Learn more about how together we can create a more inclusive Wisconsin at SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
Updated 6/5/25 @ 5:45 p.m. – The university is providing a livestream of the celebration at Prucha Field.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will welcome home the 2025 NCAA Division III National Champion Warhawk Baseball Team at a Champions Reception tonight (6/5) at 7 pm at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. The reception is followed by a parade at 8 p.m.
Below is the schedule of events for tonight’s Champions Reception.
Schedule of Events
7:00: Gates open for Fans/Families
7:10: Player and Coach Introductions (Athletic Director Ryan Callahan)
7:20: Congratulations from Dr. Corey King
7:23: Statement from Coach Vodenlich
7:30-7:50: Photos on Field and Media Interviews
7:50: Players Leave on Float for Parade
Parking is available for this event in Lot 22. *Due to construction and Special Olympics Wisconsin occurring on campus, it is suggested you access Lot 22/Miller Stadium off of Schwager Drive from Tratt Street*
Here’s the route for the parade that begins at 8 p.m.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a “Red PM2.5” (“Unhealthy:) Air Quality Advisory which is in effect for the Whitewater area, and a large portion of the state, until noon on Thursday. The concern is largely related to the wild fires in Canada. PM2.5 stands for fine particulate matter, a type of air pollution that can cause serious health problems.
The advisory indicates that “improving air quality is expected to move into Wisconsin from the northwest on Wednesday. However, smoke will continue to impact surface air quality across southern and eastern Wisconsin. Unhealthy AQI [Air Quality Index] is most likely in eastern areas near the Green Bay and Lake Michigan water bodies. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI is more likely for western portions of the advisory area.
Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside. Go inside if you have symptoms. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Everyone else: Keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Go inside if you have symptoms.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Matthias Fischer from Pixabay.
The community is invited to join the Summer Reading Program with the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, which runs June 9 through August 1. The library is under construction, but still has many free events planned around Whitewater throughout the summer! The fun kicks off with Science Heroes on Monday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m., an interactive program for all ages about real-life science heroes and experiments to help you discover your science power! This event will take place at the Frawley Family Amphitheater at Cravath Lakefront Park. Bring your own blanket and/or chair, if desired.
Other events during the first week include:
- Teen Book Cover Design contest
- William Snakespeare: help create a snake out of painted rocks
- Storytime at Starin Park on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:30 a.m. (will continue weekly)
- Fun Fridays on the library’s lawn: a new activity each week for kids at 3:00 p.m.
- Reading Under the Lights on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Perkins Stadium
For complete information and the full lineup of all events during the Summer Reading Program, visit whitewaterlibrary.org or connect with the library on Facebook and Instagram.
No summer reading program would be complete without the reading! Children, teens, and adults may participate in a challenge to read at least thirty days. Complete the challenge to win a prize and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Children may also complete an activity challenge to receive an additional prize. Reading logs may be picked up at the library in a box near the book drop, at any library event, or downloaded from the library’s website.
Special thanks to First English Lutheran Church for sponsoring the adult summer reading program grand prize of a Kindle Fire! The library would also like to thank Bridges Library System, Tanis Construction, the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Springs Water Park, Little Amerricka, Dairy Queen, and Old World Wisconsin for their sponsorship.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The library building is closed June 1-22 due to construction. Curbside services begin on June 23. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 or library@whitewater-wi.gov with questions or visit whitewaterlibrary.org.
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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