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Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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Whitewater High School received a $190,000 United States Tennis Association grant to support the reconstruction of eight tennis courts at the school.
The grant will help the Whitewater Unified School District improve its tennis facilities and provide updated courts for high school students and the tennis program.
“We are grateful to the USTA for this generous investment in Whitewater High School and our students,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “These improvements will provide our student-athletes with a high-quality place to practice and compete, while improving a facility that will serve our school community for years to come.”
The USTA’s Tennis Venue Services grant program supports improvements to existing tennis venues and the construction of new facilities to increase opportunities to play tennis in communities across the country. The USTA expanded the program in 2025 in response to growing demand for tennis courts nationwide.
Since 2005, the program has awarded more than $34 million in Tennis Venue Services grants. In 2025 alone, the USTA awarded more than $16 million to nearly 300 projects affecting more than 2,500 courts. “We are committed to supporting the enhancement and construction of tennis facilities in communities across the country,” said Theodore Loehrke, managing director of section partnerships for the USTA. “Investing in the development of tennis facilities nationwide helps support the USTA’s mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere.”
In addition to grant funding, recipients receive project management assistance from the USTA Tennis Venue Services team. The team guides tennis court and facility design, construction document review, and other technical aspects of the project.
Additional information about the reconstruction timeline and plans for the courts will be shared as the project moves forward.
PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:
Mr. Samuel Karns, Superintendent
262-472-8700
skarns@wwusd.org
On August 19, the City of Whitewater celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Whitewater Fire Department’s new training facility at 1220 Innovation Drive, marking the completion of a major investment in firefighter and emergency-response training for Whitewater and the surrounding region.
The new facility gives Whitewater Fire Department personnel a dedicated location to conduct hands-on training locally and on the department’s own schedule. The three-level training structure and surrounding paved training area are designed to support realistic fire and emergency-response exercises and provide opportunities for training involving neighboring departments.
City Manager of Whitewater, John Weidl said, “Fire and EMS personnel are trained to think in seconds and minutes. That is the job. Building the place where they learn to do it took months and years, and the value of it will be measured in decades.”
The facility also represents an investment in the long-term strength of the Whitewater Fire Department and its workforce.
“Recruitment and retention in the fire service is one of the hardest problems facing small cities in Wisconsin. A department that can train its own people, on its own ground, on its own schedule, is a department people want to join and stay with,” said City Manager of Whitewater, John Weidl.
The project was made possible through funding from the Chief C.G. Hickey Fund, administered by the Whitewater Community Foundation. The Chief C.G. Hickey Memorial Fund provided funding to benefit the Whitewater Fire Department and supported the construction of the new training facility. Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Dion led the project from concept through completion, coordinating with numerous partners and stakeholders to bring the new training facility to fruition.
“This facility exists because of a gift from the Chief C.G. Hickey Fund and the stewardship of the Whitewater Community Foundation. That is what community investment looks like when it is done right. Every resident of this city and surrounding region is safer for it,” said Weidl.
The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services that support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.
Contact: Becky Magestro
Phone: (262) 473-0101
Email: bmagestro@whitewater-wi.gov
Photos from the City of Whitewater Facebook Group
Although the original registration deadline has passed, limited space is still available.
Virtual Caregiver Class
Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
Tuesdays September 8 – November 3, 2026 10am-Noon
The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock & Marquette Counties are offering the 9-week Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia virtual class as developed at the University of Texas Health Science Center by Sharon Lewis and the WellMed Charitable Foundation beginning Tuesday, September 8th.
Who is SBP for? Anyone caring for someone with a form of dementia will benefit from the program. What is SBP? The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia is a proven curriculum developed by Sharon L. Lewis, RN, PhD, FAAN in conjunction with the University of Texas Health Science Center and the WellMed Charitable Foundation which teaches stress management, relaxation tools, coping strategies and problem-solving skills with a support group component. Participates view the program as a source of strength and support for their caregiving role.
“Caregivers of someone with dementia experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Dealing with those issues in a healthy way is vital to a caregiver’s well-being. Consequently, to care for the person with dementia, the caregiver must first learn how to care for themselves.”, said Karen Tennyson dementia care specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Rock County.
Reserve your spot today for the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia by contacting Karen Tennyson 608/921-7165 or Janet Wiegel 608/297-3148.
Karen Tennyson, Dementia Care Specialist, ADRC of Rock County
608.921.7165 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
The last in our series of postcards that might have been sent from Whitewater is this image called, “Rural Scene, Near Whitewater, Wis.” While most of our collection of postcards feature real scenes from Whitewater, there are some that might be just generic scenes of rural landscapes. This image of dairy cows could work for anywhere in Wisconsin so it could be generic. Anyway, what is also interesting in this photo are the colorized cows. This might be the postcard company using generic colors, but it also reflects the period of the early 20th century when farmers often had many breeds of milk cows in their herds, not just the Holsteins that dominated dairy herds after World War II.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society
(2160PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has released its spring semester Dean’s list, honoring 1,497 students.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average. Area students are listed below by name and major.
Haley Keltesch, Sophomore, Art Education
Emma Olson, Senior, Horticulture
Gwen Truesdale, Senior, Engineering
In addition, the following local residents were among the nearly 679 students receiving degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls during spring commencement in May 2026. 589 students received bachelor’s degrees, 80 received master’s degrees, six received doctorate degrees and four received associate’s degrees.
Gwen Truesdale, BS, Engineering, Summa Cum Laude
Summa Cum Laude – Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.900 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.
In a recent interview for the Daily Jefferson County Union, first-year Whippet Football Head Coach Michael Maas shared his message to his team – be the change.
“We have the athletes and they committed this year,” said Maas, a 2001 WHS grad and business teacher at the school. “These guys have worked their butts off in the weight room and are intelligent. Now it’s up to them deciding they want to be the change. Old habits are hard to break, but we believe this crew has what it takes to do so.”
The Whippets open their non-conference season at Dodgeland on Friday, August 21.
Read the full article at https://local.newsbreak.com/daily-jefferson-county-union-1593724/4839402400427-football-preview-new-coach-maas-aiming-to-guide-whippets-turnaround
Whitewater High School welcomes 10 new members to the teaching staff for the 2026-2027 school year, replacing staff who have retired or left to pursue other opportunities. Each of them took the time to do a short video introduction at a recent back-to-school meeting. You might even recognize a few familiar Whippet faces in the mix!
Please welcome the following new Whippets:
- Katherine Denhof, Agriculture
- Todd McDonald, Math
- Michael Maas, Business
- Sami Neff, Agriculture
- Justin Potuck, Science
- Carter Friend, Social Studies Intern
- Dan Lindsey, Special Education Student Teacher
- Joel Tortomasi, Social Studies
- Hailey Gulbransen, Special Education
- Taylor Cedar, School Psychologist
Join us Tuesday, August 25th from 6:00–7:00 PM for a free performance by the Piper Road Spring Band at Cravath Lakefront Park!
Bring your chairs, dinner, cooler, and friends for a great evening of live music by the lake.
And don’t forget to stop by the City Market from 4:00–7:00 PM before or during the concert!
Michelle Dujardin, CPRP | Assistant Parks, Recreation, Community Events Director
(262) 473-0121 | (262) 903-9532 | mdujardin@whitewater-wi.gov
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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