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Updated 5/23/25 @ 10:23 p.m. to recognize photos by Tom Ganser. Apologies for the omission.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Editor’s note: The school board’s announcement regarding their choice of finalists may be found below the “Meet & Greet” article.
Thirty-one community members and parents attended the “Meet & Greet” for the three finalists for superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District at the high school auditorium on Thursday evening. Most in the audience stayed for the entire two-and-a-half-hour session. Bios for the candidates were provided in this previous Banner article. The candidates appeared in the order shown above. Each was allotted a forty-five minute period to introduce themselves and answer questions.
Some of the participants had done their homework, bringing prepared questions or even referencing matters that they had found in doing media research. Fiorenza, at the conclusion of her question/answer period, brought up something she thought might be an elephant in the room: why she resigned from her recent employment without landing another job. She stated that she left that district on very good terms but recently having achieved empty nest status, she was ready to take on a superintendency and knew that if she took the plunge she would land such a position.
All of the candidates had a number of positive comments to make about what they had seen and heard in their tours of the buildings earlier in the day. They remarked on the recently passed capital referendum, the increasing focus on tech ed as well as the plan to hire a Career and Technical Education Coordinator, and the 18 pathways that are being developed at the high school. They were also impressed with the ability of students to earn credits through Gateway Technical and UW-Whitewater.
This writer cannot reference who asked many of the questions, but Kelly Davis consistently stated that she has three children in the district and asked each candidate if they would live in the district. While insisting that they would be visible in the community regardless of their residency, neither of the men made a commitment. Fiorenza stated without reservation that she would be living here.
Other comments/questions referenced such subjects as:
– Concerns from students/parents that so much focus is placed on serving students with special needs that others don’t feel that they get the focus that they deserve.
– Would the candidates be open to teachers or parents bringing concerns to them?
– What would they do to stem the tide of open enrollments out of the district?
– Their role with the school board.
– How to reduce bullying, for example on social media.
– Improving teacher retention
– What learnings do they take from the COVID-19 experience? How do they feel about e-learning?
Parents and other community members who attended were given the opportunity to respond to an online survey regarding what they felt each candidate would have to offer to the district together with any questions they were left with about them. As Fiorenza left the auditorium, the representative of the search firm asked for a show of hands for each candidate to indicate if audience members felt that they were a good fit for the position. It seemed clear that Karns received the most affirmation. The representative opined that the other two candidates received a rather similar number of votes. He also expressed appreciation for the good turnout, which he said was about twice as large as the average such audience, though university towns usually do turn out better. He seemed satisfied that he could tell the board that all the candidates received more than a token number of votes. Geoff Hale, however, asked how many people didn’t vote for any of the candidates, so a new raise of hands was requested. Four hands were observed.
WUSD Board Issues Statement on Superintendent Finalists
The Whitewater Unified School District issued the following statement on May 23:
“The Board of Education has narrowed the search for the district’s next superintendent to two finalists: Kurt Schneider and Samuel Karns.
The board met Thursday evening to continue deliberations, and while no final decision was made, the board is confident in the two remaining candidates. Each candidate brings a strong background in educational leadership, and the board is carefully considering who will best serve the needs of our students and school community.
The board appreciates the engagement and input from staff, parents, and community members throughout the process.
Pending further discussion, a final decision may be made at the upcoming board meeting on Tuesday, May 27. The board remains committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process.”
–
Updated 5/23/25 @ 6:55 p.m. to add information regarding ticket prices, parking, etc.
By Broderick Frye
Assistant Sports Information Director
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team opened up the NCAA Super Regionals with a 14-1 win over UW-Oshkosh on Prucha Field. The Warhawk bats got going early, and the momentum kept carrying through as Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) and Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) both had five RBIs on the day. The Titans had no answer to a complete game win from Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) on the mound.
Head Coach John Vodenlich reached a career milestone with his 800th win (768th at UW-Whitewater). Vodenlich is the second Warhawk coach to reach the 800 win mark in as many days, with Warhawk Softball head coach Brenda Volk reaching the milestone in their own Super Regional win yesterday. Read More…
UW-Oshkosh scored their only run of the day on a wild pitch in the first inning. The Titans rallied two singles with two outs before scoring on the WP.
UW-Whitewater answered back with their own two-out rally, this time with Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) driving in a run.
The Wahawks expanded their lead with an RBI-single from Holland, followed by a three-run homer from Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran). Cootway’s 18th homer of the season leads the Warhawks and ranks second on the Warhawk Single Season Record list.
The Titans grabbed two singles again in the top of the third, but both were stranded after two consecutive strike-outs from Hansen. The first and third were the only two multi-hit innings for UWO against Hansen.
In the bottom of the 4th, the Warhawks expanded on their lead with a walk and three singles. Holland, Cootway, and Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) all drove in a run during the fourth, with Frank hitting a sacrifice fly to put the Warhawks up 8-1 after four complete.
The batting didn’t slow down from there, with Sam Paden (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) hitting a lead-off double to start another 3-run inning in the 5th. Paden’s double and Cootway’s homer from the 2nd were the only extra-base hits of the Warhawks’ 19 total hits. Holland and Cootway both drove in more runs during the frame to put the lead at double-digits, 11-1.
Holland, Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South), and Thies completed the third consecutive three-run inning for the Warhawks in the sixth.
With the 13-run lead, the Warhawks defense closed out the game with 9 straight outs. Oshkosh only recorded one hit in the final three frames, but the runner was put out on a double play.
Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) threw his third complete game of the season, but first 9.0-inning one. Hansen allowed only five hits, with one earned run, while fanning seven Titan batters.
The Warhawks and Titans will return to Prucha Field Saturday, May 24 at 11 am for the second game of the best of three Super Regional. If a third game is necessary, the start time will be 45-minutes after game two.
_______________________________________________________________________________
This Whitewater Banner article provides the story of how UW-W baseball won the right to compete in the Super Regional, which will be held on their home field.
2025 NCAA Division III Baseball Super Regional
Hosted by UW-Whitewater | May 23-24, 2025
Prucha Field at Jim Miller Stadium
910 W. Schwager Dr.
*NO PETS allowed at Prucha Field per NCAA Policy*
Tickets – Cash only
$10 – Adults
$8 – Seniors / Students
Parking
Lots 22 (nearest Prucha Field) and 24 (next to Perkins Stadium)
NO PARKING IN LOT 11 (by the Williams Center)
More information regarding the teams’ records, rosters and stats may be found here.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Rep. James F. Rooney |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #261 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., May 23, 2025, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. James F. Rooney, who passed away on Sat., May 3, 2025, at the age of 89. “Former Rep. Rooney led an extraordinary life of selflessness, serving his community and our state with humility, perseverance, and compassion over his decades of dedicated public service,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to Rep. Rooney’s friends, family, loved ones, and the Racine community as they honor his memory and mourn his passing.” Born in Racine, former Rep. Rooney served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. In 1972, former Rep. Rooney was elected to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature, where he represented the 61st Assembly District and the 20th Assembly District for more than a decade. During his time in the Assembly, former Rep. Rooney served on various committees, including the committees on elections, financial institutions, government operations, rules, and more, and he was elected as majority caucus chair in 1983. During the legislative session in 1977, former Rep. Rooney aided in the creation of the Wisconsin Waterways Commission and served as chair of the commission for over three decades. In addition to his life of public service, former Rep. Rooney was also deeply committed to the Racine community, serving as a member of the Racine Yacht Club and the Racine Heritage Museum Board, Racine County highway commissioner and director of public works, chairman of both the Racine County Board of Harbor Commissioners and Racine County Board of Supervisors. Services for former Rep. Rooney will be held on Fri., May 23, 2025, in Racine. |
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is a walkway through Hillside Cemetery, c. 1900. Historically, Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was known prior to World War I, was a popular day for walking through local cemeteries and laying flowers on loved ones’ graves, particularly the graves of people who died in wars. Today, we still remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(555PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
UW-Whitewater at Rock County recognizes students at award ceremony
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County recognized more than 60 students at a recent award ceremony to celebrate the 2024-25 academic year.
The following students from your coverage area earned at least one award:
Whitewater, WI: Michelle Abarca, who is enrolled in the Arts and Science degree program and earned the following award(s): First Year Lecture – Promising Students.
Whitewater, WI: Lilith Ashmore, who is enrolled in the Liberal Arts degree program and earned the following award(s): Excellence in Critical Thinking & Engagement in Communication Studies.
Students were recognized by URock faculty and staff members for their work in the classroom and within the campus community.
UW-Whitewater at Rock County held its 2025 spring commencement ceremony for graduates of the College of Integrated Studies on May 20 in the gymnasium of the Wells Cultural Center.
The commencement speaker was Jane Blain Gilbertson, owner and executive chair of Blain’s Farm & Fleet. The company was founded in 1955 and currently employs 5,500 associates in stores throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan. A Janesville native, Blain Gilbertson received her Bachelor of Science in Retailing from Miami University. She currently serves as vice chair of the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, Janesville Performing Arts Center, and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.
The student speaker was Gloria Lara, a Delavan resident and mother of three who is earning her Associate of Arts and Sciences. Her academic goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work followed by a dual master’s degree in social work and public health. She eventually hopes to develop a nonprofit community-based program to support first-generation daughters of immigrants.
During the ceremony, the Outstanding Alumni Award will be presented to Aimee Thurner, who attended URock in 1998. She is the president and CEO of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, where she has worked for more than 20 years, and serves on the board of directors for Visit Beloit and the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards will also be announced at the Rock County campus ceremony.
Learn more about UW-Whitewater at Rock County by visiting uww.edu/rock.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
Updated 5/23/25 @ 5:11 p.m. to correct the day of the first game to Thursday and the second game to Friday.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Winona, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team opened the NCAA Division III Winona Super Regional with a 5-3 win over host Saint Mary’s on Thursday. The win marked the 800th on Head Coach Brenda Volk’s career at UWW.
The Warhawks set the tone early. Bella Eggert hit a rocket down the left field line, beating the third baseman for a leadoff single. Kiarra Kostroski laid down a sacrifice bunt to push Eggert to third and Emma Giese followed with a single to center to put runners on the corners. Grace Wickman blasted a deep ball straight back up the middle that even the center fielder turned to watch sail over the fence.
The Cardinals, a small ball style team, plated two in the bottom of the first courtesy of three base knocks.
That score held until the fourth when UWW got the offense going with two outs. Claire Kohnle sparked the bats with a hard single through the left side. JJ Jakosalem followed with a soft liner that fell just inside the foul line in shallow left field. Kaitlyn Weidemann’s single to right field had Kohnle cruising around the bases. Volk sent her and Kohnle slid to the backside of home. The catcher put the tag on, but the umpire was signaling for obstruction. Kohnle’s run counted on the call to give UWW a 4-2 advantage.
The top of the seventh saw more two-out offense from the Warhawk bats. Eggert singled to center. The speedster was flying around the bases to score on Kostroski’s double that went off the left fielder’s glove near the wall. The run gave UW-Whitewater a three-run cushion heading into the bottom of the seventh.
After a leadoff single down the left field line, Weidemann nearly robbed a second base hit. A blooper just over the infield toward the right field line had the second baseman laying out but it was just out of her reach. Brooke Hock took over for Josie Hammen in the circle and got out of the inning with three consecutive groundouts.
Eggert paced the offense with a 2-3 day at the plate while Wickman tallied three RBI on the bomb.
Hammen got the start and the win tossing six innings to improve to 18-2 on the season. Hock shutout the Cardinals in the final inning for her eighth save of the season.
The Warhawks return to the diamond in Winona tomorrow for game two of the three-game series at 1 PM on Friday. A third game will start at 3:30 Friday if necessary.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater is excited to announce the selected artists for the 2025 Traffic Box Art Project. This initiative aims to transform ordinary traffic control boxes into vibrant public artworks, celebrating creativity and enhancing the streetscape
of our community.
After careful review of numerous inspiring submissions, the following artists have been selected to bring their artistic vision to the city’s traffic boxes:
- Stephanie Krellwitz
- Linda Saumer
- Studio 84 Inc
- Jessica Fuchs
- Judith Perez
- Emma Siskoff (Dolan)
- Kelly Marie Hasknecht
- Kiba Freeman
In addition, the City of Whitewater has designated the following artists as alternates in
the event that additional opportunities become available: - Hollyn Peterson
- HG Little
- James Richter
- Brittany McKenzie
The Traffic Box Art Project is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to public art and community engagement. Artwork installation is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. The artist applications that were submitted, including examples of their work, may be viewed on this Public Arts Committee agenda.
Moving sale 5/22-24
1672 Mound View Place in Whitewater
Household items, Hide-a-Bed, Lawn chairs, Lawnmower, Drop leaf table and 4 chairs, Dressers, chairs, Holiday decorations and so much more
… You don’t want to miss out on this one. Weather not an issue. Most items will be inside.
Thursday from 12 until 5
Friday 8 until 5
Saturday will be 8 until 12
all remaining items will be half price!
Moving sale
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to offer a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. If desired you can also include a few photos; we prefer the jpg format if possible.
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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