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On Saturday, March 8th, students from Whitewater High School participated in the Wisconsin School Music Association [WSMA] District Solo/Ensemble Festival at Jefferson High School. Students performed in both instrumental and vocal events throughout the day. Congratulations to all WHS students who performed! Special congratulations to the WHS students who received at 1* rating in one or more events which qualifies them for the WSMA State Solo/Ensemble Festival which will be held on April 26 on the UW-Whitewater campus. We wish you all the best!
Dante Baker – Marimba Solo
Isabella Cohen, Jay Downs, Taiya Kolb, and Xavier Ortiz – Saxophone Quartet
Ben Crone – Marimba Solo
Esteban Diaz-Gallegos – Alto Saxophone Solo
Lucy Troxel – Clarinet Solo
Sami Van Daele – Marimba Solo
Willow Vogelzang – Flute Solo
A’lani Ross – Musical Theater & Alto Solo
Charlotte Hajewski – Musical Theater & Soprano Solo
Samuel Nickelsburg – Musical Theater & Tenor Solo
Ava Van Daele – Musical Theater & Alto Solo
Alexander Clarksen – Musical Theater & Tenor Solo
Willow Vogelzang – Musical Theater & Soprano Solo
Ian Agen – Musical Theater & Tenor Solo
Chacha Binagi – Baritone Solo
Ameera Lin – Alto Solo
Payton Bunger – Baritone Solo
Alex Clarksen & Alex Sullivan – Tenor/Soprano Duet
Vivian Harris – Alto Solo
Ava Van Daele & A’lani Ross – Soprano/Alto Duet
Alex Sullivan – Soprano Solo
Ava Van Daele – Alto Solo
Chord of the Rings members Ian Agen, Chacha Binagi, Alex Clarksen, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, David Enns, Samuel Nickelsburg, Josh Nygren (Cruz Aranda)- Contemporary A Cappella
Music Masters Ensemble members Chacha Binagi, Payton Bunger, Ayden Clark, Alex Clarksen, Isabella Cohen, David Enns, Charlotte Hajewski, Samuel Nickelsburg Harry Ritchie, A’lani Ross, Alex Sullivan, Ava Van Daele, Willow Vogelzang (Hayleigh Pond) – Madrigal Ensemble
Music Masters Ensemble members Chacha Binagi, Payton Bunger, Ayden Clark, Alex Clarksen, Isabella Cohen, David Enns, Charlotte Hajewski, Samuel Nickelsburg Harry Ritchie, A’lani Ross, Alex Sullivan, Ava Van Daele, Willow Vogelzang (Hayleigh Pond) – Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Article and Photos Submitted by Sam Averill
Whitewater High School Band Director
saverill@wwusd.org
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office anticipates the following as of their Thursday afternoon update:
- A strong low pressure system will move through the Midwest Friday-Saturday, bringing gusty non-thunderstorm winds & chances for severe thunderstorms
- Peak potential for showers, thunderstorms, and possible severe weather is between 8 PM Friday – 12 AM Saturday. Greatest potential is over far south-central and southwestern Wisconsin, with lower confidence further northeast
- Primary hazard in any Friday evening severe storms is damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH. While far secondary to the damaging wind threat, a brief, isolated tornado can’t be entirely ruled out
- The strongest non-thunderstorm wind gusts are expected Saturday afternoon, when Wind Advisories are possible over parts of the area
As shown on the map below, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will soon be closing US Highway 12 from County P to WIS 20/WIS 67 for road construction. The County P intersection is at the easternmost stoplight on our bypass. Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained. Brad Bowe, the project manager with JT Engineering, told The Banner that, “The current plan would be to close US 12 on Friday, March 28th to local traffic only. This would allow for some equipment to mobilize in and start work on the culverts under US 12 on Monday the 31st.”
Last summer a long segment of US Highway 12 approaching Elkhorn was closed for road construction for a number of months, causing many drivers to use a detour that included County Hwy H out of LaGrange. That will not be an option this time. Drivers heading to Elkhorn will likely find that the new detour won’t add too much time to their trip.
Whitewater’s Coolest Annual Event Returns in 2025
Special Olympics Wisconsin debuts 2025 Polar Plunge campaign February through March
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) supporters from across southern Wisconsin will be Leapin’ for a Reason in Whitewater Saturday, March 15, for the 2025 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin and US Venture.
The Whitewater Polar Plunge® kicks off at the Whitewater Aquatic Center (580 S. Elizabeth St., Whitewater) with an Opening Ceremony at noon followed by nonstop plunging into the Aquatic Center’s pool. The day will include live music, photo moments with Chilly Bear, an open swimming event, cardboard boat races, and plenty of fun memories while raising funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes. Unique to Whitewater, the zero-entry pool also provides an inclusive opportunity for people with accessibility concerns to still participate.
This year’s Polar Plunge® features two great ways to get involved:
- Polar Plunger: The traditional way to plunge—jump into icy waters and bask in your generous glory! Those opting out of an in-person event can make their own adventure via Alternative Plunge.
- Polar Pledger: Less daring individuals can still get involved without getting wet.
Plungers who raise the minimum $100 will receive the official Polar Plunge® long-sleeve shirt with unique design for 2025. Those raising more can earn additional incentives.
Whitewater is one of eight Polar Plunge® locations spanning seven Saturdays across the state. Other events this winter include Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse, Milwaukee, and Chippewa Falls.
More information, including registration and an updated schedule of events, can be found at PlungeWI.org. Pre-registrations are highly encouraged, but on-site day-of registration will also be available.
The Polar Plunge® is Special Olympics Wisconsin’s largest annual grassroots fundraiser—all funds raised for this unique winter tradition go directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin, helping thousands of statewide SOWI athletes train and compete at the state, national, and international level. The event also supports year-round health and wellness programs, leadership development, and Unified Champion School initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).
The Whitewater Polar Plunge® is sponsored by US Venture, Generac, Fort Community Credit Union, Hexpol, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
For more information about the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
Congratulations to the WHS Forensics Team for advancing to the state competition for public speaking. All 8 team members qualified in their individual categories at the District 11 competition in Evansville, Monday night.
Members include Makayla Bazeley and Carley Boudreau for expository speaking, Grace Coleman in solo monologue, humorous, Lucy Davis and Skyler Hogan in poetry, Maya Davis for oratory, Emily Schmidt in special occasion presentation, and Atreya Wilson for impromptu speech. The state tournament will take place in Madison on April 12. Congratulations to all!
Article and Top Photo Courtesy of Jim McCulloch
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
jMcCulloch@wwusd.org
Additional Photo Courtesy of Tom Ganser
The WHS Math Team traveled to Delavan-Darien High School on March 11th to compete in the Rock Valley Conference Math Meet. The Whippets landed in 5th place overall, with sophomore Cyrus Hudec winning 10th place in the individual JV standings and senior Andrew O’Toole winning 1st place among all Varsity competitors.
Congratulations to all of our great Mathletes on a job well done!
Article and Photos Submitted by Eric Kendall
Whitewater High School Math Team Advisor
mkendall@wwusd.org
Congratulations to the Whitewater High School Battle of the Books team, “The Final Brain Cell,” comprised of Vivian Harris, Virginia Nelson, and Letty Trautman, who finished 3rd in the state of Wisconsin!
In a local playoff for who would represent the school in the state competition, the “Book Bashers” team of Emilie Bruns, Nina Heim, and Caitlin Alford fell to “The Final Brain Cell” by one point.
46 schools competed at the state level this year. Each team had to read 20 books and be prepared to answer questions on them to achieve this awesome level!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Kathy Retzke
Whitewater Unified School District Library Media Specialist
kretzke@wwusd.org
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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