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Today is Sunday, October 11, 2026
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Greetings from UW-Whitewater Department of Theatre/Dance!
The last theatre production of the 2024/25 season is right around the corner, and we are pleased to offer volunteer opportunities! UW-Whitewater’s Department of Theatre/Dance is holding a production of NO EXIT in the Hicklin Studio Theatre on April 25, 26, 27 and May 1, 2, 3. We have volunteer spots open for ushers at the event. Ushers play a crucial role in creating a positive experience for our guests. This opportunity is open to all.
Ushering is a great way to support UW-Whitewater students and the future of theatre and dance. Plus, you can see the show for free!
Duties of an usher include: greeting guests and guiding them to their seats, scanning tickets, and helping monitor in-house distractions.
Ushers are expected to arrive one hour prior to the event in professional attire. View the link for more details or to sign up now.
Where to report: Ushers will come to the Hicklin Studio Theatre (down the ramp next to the Crossman Gallery) and report to the Audience Services Director (House Manager) once they arrive.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Turner, Director of Events and Marketing, at turnerj@uww.edu.
We hope to see you there!
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Remembrance of His Holiness Pope Francis |
| Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #257 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Mon., April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The president of the United States has directed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in honor of Pope Francis until sunset on the day of his interment. “Pope Francis was not only an inspirational spiritual leader, but a champion for the environment, peace, the pursuit of unity through common ground, treating people with dignity, reducing poverty and greed, and shared responsibility through community,” said Gov. Evers. “His passing is a loss for followers of the Catholic faith and many people around the world. Consistent with the president’s order, Wisconsin will join in lowering the flags in honor of Pope Francis’ legacy and memory.” |
Some months ago, the Whitewater Cinemas had reduced their hours to just weekends; however, now the theater is open every day except for Monday, with extra hours during the day. There’s a Tuesday special with $5 admission for all showings.
The Whitewater Banner provides a “helpful link” on our website to the cinemas’ website: helpful links/entertainment & fun/whitewatercinemas
Thursday, April 24, 5-7 p.m.
St. John’s Masonic Lodge, 226 W. Main St, Whitewater
$15 Adults, $5 Children <12 yrs
Dine in or Carry-out
Roast Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Applesauce, Dessert
Fort HealthCare is very honored to accept two Top Workplaces awards: the 2025 Top Workplaces award by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and, for the fifth year in a row, the 2025 Top Workplaces USA award by USA Today.
“Fort HealthCare is an exemplary place to work. To receive numerous Top Workplaces awards the past several years is a testament to the culture we have instilled and nurtured,” Michael Anderson, MD, President and CEO of Fort HealthCare, remarked. “We are extremely proud of our Fort HealthCare employees. They are responsible for contributing to and sustaining the
supportive workplace environment we have.”
Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have positive work cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Award winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee-engagement survey issued by Energage. The confidential survey measures the unique employee experience and reveals the strengths of Fort HealthCare’s culture, including how engaged, valued, respected, and supported employees feel.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together. TM
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark
available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.
A previous article in The Whitewater Banner indicated that Lettsew K9 Foundation is dissolving after five years of fundraising for Jefferson County K9s and the surrounding area. Lettsew K9 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. LETTSEWK9
FOUNDATION stands for Law Enforcement Training Teams of Southeastern Wisconsin.
LETTSEWK9 shared the following story and photos from their Facebook page.
“Yesterday was a very bittersweet day…..
“The mission of Lettsew is to support canines in law enforcement and educate the communities they serve and protect.”
Our local K9s are trained to assist in
—explosive detection
—narcotic detection
—suspect apprehension
—searching for suspects and missing persons
—crowd control and building searches.
These small K-9 units have always been “FOR the community, BY the community, which means they are not taxpayer funded.
Through Lettsew’s hard work and dedication we were able to present each K9 and handler with a check in the amount of $5,550, totaling $55,500!!!!! This achievement is something that we, as a very small nonprofit, are extremely proud of. It has been an honor to provide funds to these units for various expenses, including individual and group trainings, vet bills, emergency services, dental bills, training drugs, dog food, protective vests, leashes, reward toys, treats, etc.
We are truly blessed to have these dedicated teams in our communities. Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe.”
Officer Lawrence and K9 Smitty from Fort Atkinson with Melanie Lynn Crandall
Program Helps People with Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes
More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County and Aurora Health Care. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes, including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate medication use, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.
Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held on Tuesdays, from April 29 to June 3, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI. The workshop has a suggested contribution of $10.
For questions or to register for the program, contact Edie Africano, Health Promotion Coordinator, at 262-741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the ADRC of Walworth County.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The four Common Councilmembers who were elected in the spring election were installed at the April 15 council meeting that was held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. City Clerk Heather Boehm administered the Oath of Office. Patrick Singer, beginning his eighth full term, was elected as president of the body.
There was a brief period in early 2024 when the majority of the council was female: Brienne Brown, Jill Gerber, Carol McCormick and Lisa Dawsey Smith were serving. It would seem that might have been the first time in city history when that occurred. (If anyone knows otherwise, please advise the Banner.) Today, however, all seven members are male. No females chose to run for an open seat in the April election.
Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Michael Smith was installed by City Clerk Heather Boehm for his first term as Aldermanic District 1 Councilmember.
Steven Sahyun was installed for his first term on the Common Council representing Aldermanic District 3.
Neil Hicks was installed for his second term representing the 5th Aldermanic District.
Patrick Singer, who most recently served as the Aldermanic District 1 Councilmember, assumed his at-large role.
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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