Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

Today is Sunday, October 11, 2026

News & Events

WHITEWATER WEATHER

To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar.  Then, click on Submit Event.

Helpful Links

Search our Archives

To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.

“DanceScapes ’25” Will Feature UW-W Students, Faculty & Alumni

March 29, 2025
Dancers perform “Brown and Yellow Basket” by guest artist Paté Patrice Nassalang on March 15, 2024 as part of DanceScapes ’24. (UW-Whitewater photo/Sophie Lescamela)

The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces the next show of this year’s Theatre/Dance season, “DanceScapes ‘25” with Artistic Director Barbara Grubel. This production will run in the Barnett Theatre from April 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. and April 5-6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. 

DanceScapes is an annual dance concert that serves as a vibrant platform where students, faculty, and guest artists can explore, experiment and redefine the boundaries of dance. The 2025 guest artist and alumni, Joseph Ravens, known for his avant-garde performance art, brings his extensive experience and vision to create a piece with students that is truly unique and unexpected.

Barbara Grubel, Professor of Dance and Artistic Director of “DanceScapes ‘25” says, “We take immense pride in our students, alumni, faculty and guest artist Joseph Ravens, who bring their work to life on stage before you. Our audience is an integral part of this creative exchange and we encourage you to share in this experience with us.”

Ravens received a BFA in theater from UW-Whitewater and studied audiovisuals at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam before earning a Master of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Numerous grants and awards have allowed Ravens to build an international reputation as an artist, curator, and academic throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Ravens is founder and director of Defibrillator Gallery and faculty in the Performance Department at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

“DanceScapes ‘25”will run in the Barnett Theatre from April 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. and April 5-6 at 2 p.m. Tickets ($18 for adults, $16 for those age 65+ and $13 for those under age 18) are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in advance online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. Tickets for the Saturday matinee are half-price. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. The Barnett Theatre is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. 

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings (Updated)

March 29, 2025

Water Tower Committee meeting info updated 4/2/25 @ 3:50 p.m.

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: Accept superintendent’s resignation and consider search firms to assist with the search for a new superintendent.

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on lakes education session presentations & May 6th city
council presentation; Discussion and possible action on Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe
Lakes
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: [Access information is currently unclear; will be added when clarified.]

Starin Park Water Tower Committee – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Update: Two different agendas are posted on the city website; one as a PDF and the other as a HTML. Contrary to what is posted on one, there is no public hearing, and contrary to what is posted on the other, there is no executive session. Further, one has virtual access information for a Zoom and the other has a GoTo meeting.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/826803957
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 826-803-957
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on Territorial Oak Signage Placement; Discussion and possible plan for Landmarks Commission regarding America 250 in Whitewater.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/489305565
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 489-305-565
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding plans for the Art Innovation Celebration.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join rthe meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/572673901
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 572-673-901
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Guest Speaker Kristen Fish-Peterson; Deb Reinbold, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium, responses to questions had on housing presentation; Derek D’uaria from Walworth County Economic Development Association responses to questions during the housing presentation; Ordinance 2025-O-11 An Ordinance creating section 2.62.060 Public Comment during Common Council and Committee Meetings; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Memorandum of Understanding with Bird Rides, Inc. (Bird Scooters); iscussion and Possible Action regarding changes to Lot C (corner of Whitewater St and Center St) including reducing parking stalls and adding sitting area
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81963161629?pwd=BxlWzMTjRbrfEg34obU9BMwKYAlAIz.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 819 6316 1629
Passcode: 878627

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee Public Education Sessions – Saturday @ 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Municipal Building- 1st Floor, 312 W Whitewater St,


Notable Change and Invitation to be “social” with Studio84 Inc

March 29, 2025

Notable Change and Invitation to be “social” with Studio84 Inc.

Studio 84 is entering a new chapter! As Deborah embarks on her well-deserved retirement, we are making some adjustments to our staff and their roles. While there are a few changes behind the scenes, Studio 84 remains the same creative and inclusive space you know and love.

As part of this transition, we have migrated to a new Facebook page to reflect our evolving team. We’d love for you to like, follow, and share our new page so we can continue keeping you updated on our amazing artists, studio happenings, and upcoming events.

Follow us here: Studio 84’s New Facebook Page

Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to share what’s next for Studio 84!

Submitted by: Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Logo image use permitted by Studio 84 Inc 03/13/2025

24:7 DAD: Offering a Helping Hand to Dads!

March 29, 2025

Hello!

The Tree House Child and Family Center is excited to announce a new program in collaboration with Walworth County Health and Human Services that offers fathers unique opportunities to enhance their parenting knowledge and skills.  This program is aimed at fostering self-awareness, compassion, and a sense of responsibility among fathers.

Additionally, each session will provide free onsite childcare, a light dinner, and gas cards. The group will begin on Tuesday, June 17th from 5:00-6:30 pm at the Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, 203 S Wells St., Lake Geneva. Advanced registration is required.

WHS Students Joined “Most Valuable Educator” Laura Masbruch at Lambeau Field

March 29, 2025

As was previously announced on The Banner, Laura Masbruch was surprised in an October 23 assembly at Whitewater High School to learn that TDS Telecom had selected her as WI Most Valuable Educator. As part of Laura’s prize package, she and a group of students made their way to Lambeau Field on February 20 to tour the stadium and meet with Packers alum Jarrett Bush.

Anna Jensen, Jarrett Bush, and Laura Masbruch (L-R)

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Former Ambassador to the UN, to Speak at UW–Madison on April 1

March 28, 2025
Linda Thomas-Greenfield

Join the UW–Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Union in Madison for a public presentation from Linda Thomas-Greenfield on The Art of Negotiation.

In a moderated conversation with La Follette School Director Susan Webb Yackee, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will share policy insights and evidence-based solutions from her 40-plus years in the Foreign Service. As a skilled negotiator who has worked at the highest levels of government, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will discuss strategies for constructive and respectful interactions with those with differing opinions. Event attendees will be invited to submit a question for Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield prior to the event.

“The La Follette School is committed to promoting thoughtful, informed policy conversations at both the domestic and international levels,” says Yackee. “We are thrilled to host Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, who has extensive experience in international policy and in modeling respect and compromise in policymaking.”

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield has had a storied career in the United States government, serving in many distinguished positions under both Republican and Democratic administrations including U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and most recently as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

This event is open to the public and available in person at Memorial Union in Madison. Registration is required.

The presentation is part of the La Follette School’s Policymaker in Residence speaker series. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s visit is made possible by the Kohl Initiative, the Paul Offner Lecture Series, Wisconsin Public Radio, the UW–Madison Law School, and the UW–Madison International Division.

About the La Follette School of Public Affairs 
The Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a leading academic institution with a 40-year history of improving the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy and the practice of governance. The school was built on the foundation of the UW–Madison Center for the Study of Public Policy and Administration, which was established in 1967 under the Department of Political Science. In 1983, the Wisconsin Legislature formally separated the center from the Department of Political Science. The school officially opened in 1984, now named after Robert M. La Follette, the former Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator who is regarded as one of the most celebrated figures in the state’s history. Today, the La Follette School offers domestic and international master’s degrees in public affairs as well as certificates for undergraduate students. La Follette School faculty, alumni, students, and staff extend the practice of the Wisconsin Idea across the state and around the world through research and outreach that inspires evidence-based policymaking, impacts society’s pressing problems, and advances the public good.

April Music Events at UW-W

March 28, 2025
Nick Zoulek
Department of Music Presents a Dynamic Lineup of April Performances
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Arts and Communication proudly presents its April concert series, showcasing a dynamic array of performances by faculty, students and guest artists. Unless otherwise noted, all music events take place in Light Recital Hall at the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Tickets are available in advance at tickets.uww.edu, in person, or by calling 262-472-2222. A $2 surcharge applies to tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. Free parking is available in lot 1.

April Concert Highlights:
April 1, 7:30 p.m. – Music Mosaics: Humorous Music
Enjoy a night of laughter and vibrant melodies as faculty musicians perform works by composers who had a sense of humor. This is no April Fool’s joke—expect an entertaining and unique musical experience. Adults, $10; Age 65+ or Under 18, $6.

April 6, 7:30 p.m. – UW-Whitewater Clarinet Ensemble
Witness the world premieres of two dynamic compositions by UW-Whitewater faculty member Christian Ellenwood: “Frazzled Dazzle Dance Suite” and “Sweet Rhythm Suite.” Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 8, 7:30 p.m. – Jazz Ensemble II Spring Concert
Experience the energy and innovation of UW-Whitewater’s talented student musicians in an evening of jazz ensemble and solo performances.Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 10, 7:30 p.m. – Jazz Combos Concert
Enjoy an intimate night of jazz, featuring small ensemble performances that highlight the creativity and improvisational skills of UW-Whitewater students. Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 13, 3 p.m. – Harmonia, Hawk Kor, and Concert Choirs
A powerful collaboration of vocal ensembles presenting a diverse repertoire of choral music. Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 15, 7:30 p.m. – Percussion Ensemble
A thrilling performance featuring marimba quartets and large percussion ensembles. Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 17, 7:30 p.m. – Jazz Ensemble I Spring Concert
Celebrate the season with a high-energy performance from UW-Whitewater’s premier jazz ensemble. Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 24, 7:30 p.m. – Sonict: Nick Zoulek
Modern saxophonist and UW-Whitewater alumnus Nick Zoulek takes the stage, offering an immersive musical experience combining performance, multimedia art, and improvisation. This concert also includes a special CD release event. Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 27, 7:30 p.m. – Chancellor’s Quartet and Baroque Ensemble
An evening of chamber music and small string orchestra masterpieces. Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

April 28, 7:30 p.m. – University/Community Band (The Young Performing Arts Center)
The final concert of the month features a collaborative performance celebrating the talents of university and community musicians. Adults, $7; Age 65+ or Under age 18, $4

Additional Information
Beyond these ticketed events, the Department of Music hosts numerous free performances, including student recitals and ensemble showcases. For a full schedule, visit uww.edu/coac/events. 

Box Office Information
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at 262-472-2222, or in person. The Ticket Services office, located in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts, is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. during the academic year.

The Bassett House Spring Concert Series is Back!

March 28, 2025
Rock River Woodwind Quintet

The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC) is thrilled to announce the launch of its second annual Bassett House Spring Concert Series, which promises to be even more delightful than its inaugural season last year.

The first concert of this season’s series will be a highly anticipated performance by the Rock River Woodwind Quintet on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The second concert will feature the talented students of Leanne Kelso’s String Studio on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The third concert will be a recital by cellists Benjamin Whitcomb and Evan Lopez on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

All concerts will be held at 1:00 PM at the Bassett House, 708 W. Main Street, Whitewater.

Ticket prices are $30 per concert or $75 for the series. Make checks out to the WFWC and mail them to Linda Robinson at 957 W. Highland Street/Whitewater, WI 53190. Alternatively, you may pay via Paypal to the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs. In either case, please make sure we have your name and address, and please indicate the number of tickets you want and for which concerts. Space is limited, so buy your tickets soon.

All proceeds will go to the Bassett House Preservation Fund, which the WFWC will use to ensure the preservation of the Bassett House, one of Whitewater’s oldest historic homes. The Bassett House is located at 708 W. Main Street in Whitewater.

For more information, visit our website at bassetthousewww.org or contact Linda Robinson at linrob73@gmail.com

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

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

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

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

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

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

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

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

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

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

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

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

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

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

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

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

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

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

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

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