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Today is Sunday, October 11, 2026
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By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The above emergency alert was received on cell phones in the Whitewater area at approximately 7:10 a.m. on Friday, April 18. Some car owners without a garage wondered where they could hurriedly drive to seek shelter for their vehicle. Three residents hung out in the self-service car wash on the west side; others likely decided that the canopy over the gas pumps at a convenience store was a good idea. It appears that much of the city didn’t get any hail, but Prairie Village on the north side did, per the report and photos below courtesy of Tom Ganser. The worst of the storm apparently veered north of the city.
Tom Ganser writes, “About five minutes of hail about 7:30 a.m. Friday, April 18. Largest pieces about the size of a quarter. Melted away quickly. Welcome to spring ?????”
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Like this early 20th century post card expresses, we wish you all a “Happy Easter.”
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(postcard collection, Whitewater Historical Society)
Southern Lakes Memory Project, a new nonprofit organization, is excited to announce its official
launch. The organization is committed to supporting individuals living with dementia and their
caregivers by providing social respite, education, and training in the Southern Lakes area.
In response to the increasing need for better dementia care, Southern Lakes Memory Project has
developed its flagship program, Memory Matters. This initiative offers social respite programming,
allowing caregivers to take a break while their loved ones participate in cognitively stimulating
activities led by professional staff and volunteers. Additionally, the organization is focused on filling
the gap in dementia education by offering specialized training for caregivers, residential facilities, and
home care agencies. These educational programs will empower caregivers and healthcare providers
to deliver high-quality care to those affected by dementia.
“Our goal is to support families and caregivers who face the daily challenges of dementia care,” said
Jake Sawyers, Founder and President of the Board of Directors for Southern Lakes Memory Project.
“By providing social respite programs and quality education, we can create a community that offers
both support and hope to those living with dementia and those who care for them.”
Southern Lakes Memory Project plans to collaborate with local healthcare providers, organizations,
and community leaders to expand its reach and ensure that individuals and families have access to
the services they need. The organization is also inviting volunteers to join its efforts and help make a
difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
To learn more about the Southern Lakes Memory Project, get involved, or donate, please visit
slmemoryproject.com or contact southernlakesmemoryproject@gmail.com.
About Southern Lakes Memory Project
Southern Lakes Memory Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support to individuals
living with dementia and their caregivers. Our goal is to help individuals with dementia and their
caregivers feel supported, engaged and valued. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the
lives of those affected by dementia.
Whitewater High School – Class of 1965
Celebrating their 60th Class Reunion
The Whitewater High School Class of 1965 is celebrating its 60th reunion the weekend of July 11-13, 2025, in Whitewater. Classmates should have received information via email or US Mail.
Activities include a casual social gathering the afternoon of July 11 at the home of one of the classmates. A round of golf is planned for Saturday morning, July 12, at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater. There will also be a casual buffet at Willow Brook Club House Saturday afternoon, July 12.
Informational letters, including a questionnaire, were mailed out in March. However, if classmates have misplaced their information, haven’t received their letter, or should their plans have changed and are able to attend, they are asked to contact one of the committee members for information or to make RSVPs: Chris Thompson Pitterle cmpitterle@gmail.com (815) 988-4615, Judi Pizzichini (262) 473-4090, Jeff Winn (920} 723-0629 or Jim Holden (262) 215-7312.
The WHS Class of 1965 had 152 students, plus one foreign exchange student, Prasith Sithivong, from Laos. The class also had one classmate, Emily Saunders, who was an AFS exchange student to Japan for one year and left for Japan March 1964.
The class instituted a scholarship, with contributions from the Class of 1965 members, which is granted to graduating WHS students, with the first distribution made in 1999. The scholarship is not applied for but is granted to a graduating senior who is continuing their education to a four-year or one/two-year technical school. The recipient of the scholarship need not be at the top of the class academically, but must demonstrate the qualities of good citizenship, school spirit and work ethic. The Faculty Scholarship Committee (WHS) selects the graduating senior for this scholarship. If anyone, either a 1965 classmate or anyone else, would like to make a contribution to this scholarship, please contact Jeff Winn, (920) 723-0629.
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Chris (Thompson) Pitterle.
Steve Meisner, a Whitewater resident until his passing in 2023, per his obituary “was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band.” A master on the accordion, Meisner was particularly known for his polka band.
An article on the Shepherd Express dated April 11 provides a review of a new Steve Meisner and the Legacy Band album titled “Legacy.” Below are some excerpts; the complete article may be viewed from the link above.
‘Legacy’ by Steve Meisner and the Legacy Band: Legacy
Over a dozen years before his 2023 death at 62, Whitewater polka bandleader Steve Meisner had the ambition to record an album that represented the breadth of his musical taste and what he enjoyed playing in concert. Though he wasn’t able to see that task through to its completion, some friends and admirers have.
Legacy is comprised the rudiments of the career-defining statement he was able to track before his passing. Those bits of his voice, accordion and whistling (!) are fleshed out by the Legacy Band, featuring Southeast Wisconsin old time music mainstays, including multi-instrumentalists Don Hunjadi and Tom Brusky, to make a 16-track collection.
Legacy makes it seem almost as if the middle Meisner in the family’s musical lineage never left…..
Legacy plays as a worthwhile tribute to one of Wisconsin’s most storied and amiable ambassadors of a music inextricably associated with the state. And like all good polka, it brings a happy atmosphere, even to the loss of a much-missed musical figure.”
From Meisner’s website:
Steve’s Brand New CD, Legacy, Is Here!
February 10, 2025
We’ve been talking and teasing for many months about a new CD release coming from Steve Meisner and the members of the Legacy Band. If you have been waiting, the wait is now over. Legacy, the brand new CD from Steve and the guys, was officially released at the Illinois Polkafest in Schaumburg, Illinois. This is a truly unique recording featuring sixteen polkas, waltzes, and a variety of selections spanning multiple genres. You’ll hear Steve singing and playing along with the members of his band. You’ll hear the Steve Meisner Legacy Band playing brand new songs and many Meisner arrangements. And you’ll also hear Steve Meisner singing along with the Legacy Band. You can see the list of songs along with hearing several song samples and then order the brand new CD right now from the Merchandise Page. No longer have a CD player in your car or at home? Legacy is also available on a USB drive inside the jacket instead of the CD. Get either format or order both! Take a look right now and be among the first fans to get this brand new recording.
Easter at The Chapel
445 N. Warner Rd. in Whitewater
Good Friday, April 18th at 7 PM
Easter Sunday, April 20th @ 10 AM
For more information visit chapel.org/easter
Walworth County ADRC Presents Dementia Spotlight: Frontotemporal Dementia and Family Support
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County is excited to announce the return of Dementia Spotlight, a special educational event focusing on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The event will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Health and Human Services Building, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn.
This year’s event will feature a presentation by the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration; an introduction to Lorenzo’s House, a non-profit organization that empowers those affected by younger-onset dementia; and a personal talk from Nicole Petrie, a former caregiver to her mother, who was diagnosed with FTD.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Dementia Spotlight again,” said Jake Sawyers, Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC. “Frontotemporal Dementia, or FTD, is the most common form of dementia for individuals under 60. Unfortunately, when many people think of dementia, they typically associate it with Alzheimer’s disease and older adults. This event will help bring much-needed awareness of FTD and the unique challenges that it presents.”
To register for this free event, please call 262-741-3273 or email Jake Sawyers at jsawyers@co.walworth.wi.us.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: 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 personal situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will be closed on Thursday, April 17 for construction and Friday, April 18 for Spring Holiday. We will be open on Saturday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.
The Library Expansion and Renovation Project is currently in Phase 2, which is the phase in which the new addition is being constructed. The project is on schedule and the new space looks fantastic! Phase 3 will begin in the middle of June. At that time, the current building will undergo renovations. The entire project will be completed in November 2025. We can’t wait for our new building to be revealed to the community!
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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